WABASH NATIONAL Corp - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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)

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 ¨

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

Yes x No o

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

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

Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at October 20, 2016 was 62,035,806.

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

INDEX

FORM 10-Q

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Statements.

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Statements.

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Statements.

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Statements.

WABASH NATIONAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

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 (the “SEC”). 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 the opinion of management, 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. Certain prior year amounts were reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not materially impact the consolidated financial statements. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, primarily determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market. The cost of manufactured inventory includes raw material, labor and overhead. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

Convertible Senior Notes

In April 2012, the Company issued Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $150 million in a public offering. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.375% per annum from the date of issuance, payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company ranking equally with its existing and future senior unsecured debt.

The Notes are convertible by their holders into cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or any combination thereof at the Company’s election, at an initial conversion rate of 85.4372 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $11.70 per share, only under the following circumstances: (A) before November 1, 2017 (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2012 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture for the Notes) per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; and (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as described in the indenture for the Notes; and (B) at any time on or after November 1, 2017 until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date. As of September 30, 2016, the Notes were not convertible based on the above criteria. If the Notes outstanding at September 30, 2016 were converted as of September 30, 2016, the if-converted value would exceed the principal amount by approximately $21 million.

It is the Company’s intent to settle conversions through a net share settlement, which involves repayment of cash for the principal portion and delivery of shares of common stock for the excess of the conversion value over the principal portion. The Company used the net proceeds of $145.1 million from the sale of the Notes to fund a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of Walker Group Holdings (“Walker”) in May 2012.

The Company accounts separately for the liability and equity components of the Notes in accordance with authoritative guidance for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion. The guidance required the carrying amount of the liability component to be estimated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion feature. The Company determined that senior, unsecured corporate bonds traded on the market represent a similar liability to the Notes without the conversion option. Based on market data available for publicly traded, senior, unsecured corporate bonds issued by companies in the same industry and with similar maturity, the Company estimated the implied interest rate of the Notes to be 7.0%, assuming no conversion option. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as Level 2 observable inputs (as defined below). The estimated implied interest rate was applied to the Notes, which resulted in a fair value of the liability component of $123.8 million upon issuance, calculated as the present value of implied future payments based on the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount. The $21.7 million difference between the cash proceeds before offering expenses of $145.5 million and the estimated fair value of the liability component was recorded in additional paid-in capital. The discount on the liability portion of the Notes is being amortized over the life of the Notes using the effective interest rate method.

In December 2015, the Company executed agreements with existing holders of the Notes to repurchase $54.2 million in principal amount of such Notes, of which $19.0 million was acquired in that month for $22.9 million, excluding accrued interest. The remaining $35.2 million in principal amount of the Notes was acquired in February 2016 for $42.1 million, excluding accrued interest. The Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.5 million from the February 2016 repurchase, which is included in Other, net on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company applies the treasury stock method in calculating the dilutive impact of the Notes. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, the Notes had a dilutive impact.

The following table summarizes information about the equity and liability components of the Notes (dollars in thousands).

Contractual coupon interest expense and accretion of discount and fees on the liability component for the Notes for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follow (in thousands):

Revolving Credit Agreement

In June 2015, the Company entered into a Joinder and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement (the “Amendment”) by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries designated as Loan Parties (as defined in the Amendment), Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as arranger and administrative agent (the “Agent”), and the other lenders party thereto. The Amendment amends, among other things, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), dated as of May 8, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party thereto (together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and the Agent and provides for, among other things, a five year, $175 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”).

The Amendment, among other things, (i) increases the total commitments under the Credit Facility from $150 million to $175 million, and (ii) extends the maturity date of the Credit Facility from May 2017 to June 2020, but provides for an accelerated maturity in the event the Company’s outstanding Notes are not converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full on or before the date that is 121 days prior to the maturity date thereof and the Company is not then maintaining, and continues to maintain until the Notes are converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full, (x) Liquidity of at least $125 million and (y) availability under the Credit Facility of at least $25 million. Liquidity, as defined in the Credit Agreement, reflects the difference between (i) the sum of (A) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (B) availability under the Credit Facility and (ii) the amount necessary to fully redeem the Notes.

In addition, the Amendment (i) provides that borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Borrowers’ election, at (x) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 150 basis points to 200 basis points (in lieu of the previous range from 175 basis points to 225 basis points), or (y) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 50 basis points to 100 basis points (in lieu of the previous range from 75 basis points to 125 basis points), in each case, based upon the monthly average excess availability under the Credit Facility, (ii) provides that the monthly unused line fee shall be equal to 25 basis points (which amount was previously 37.5 basis points) times the average unused availability under the Credit Facility, (iii) provides that if availability under the Credit Facility is less than 12.5% (which threshold was previously 15%) of the total commitment under the Credit Facility or if there exists an event of default, amounts in any of the Borrowers’ and the subsidiary guarantors’ deposit accounts (other than certain excluded accounts) will be transferred daily into a blocked account held by the Agent and applied to reduce the outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility, (iv) provides that the Company will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1.0 as of the end of any period of 12 fiscal months when excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than 10% (which threshold was previously 12.5%) of the total commitment under the Credit Facility and (v) amends certain negative covenants in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Revolver Guarantors”) and is secured by (i) first priority security interests (subject only to customary permitted liens and certain other permitted liens) in substantially all personal property of the Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors, consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, cash, deposit and securities accounts and any cash or other assets in such accounts and, to the extent evidencing or otherwise related to such property, all general intangibles, licenses, intercompany debt, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, chattel paper, instruments, supporting obligations, documents and payment intangibles (collectively, the “Revolver Priority Collateral”), and (ii) second-priority liens on and security interests in (subject only to the liens securing the Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined below), customary permitted liens and certain other permitted liens) (A) equity interests of each direct subsidiary held by the Borrower and each Revolver Guarantor (subject to customary limitations in the case of the equity of foreign subsidiaries), and (B) substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of the Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors including equipment, general intangibles, intercompany notes, insurance policies, investment property, intellectual property and material owned real property (in each case, except to the extent constituting Revolver Priority Collateral) (collectively, the “Term Priority Collateral”). The respective priorities of the security interests securing the Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Credit Agreement are governed by an Intercreditor Agreement between the Revolver Agent and the Term Agent (as defined below) (the “Intercreditor Agreement”).

Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if the covenants under the Credit Agreement are breached, the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and foreclose on collateral. Other customary events of default in the Credit Agreement include, without limitation, failure to pay obligations when due, initiation of insolvency proceedings, defaults on certain other indebtedness, and the incurrence of certain judgments that are not stayed, satisfied, bonded or discharged within 30 days.

As of September 30, 2016 the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement and was in compliance with all covenants. The Company’s liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity on the Credit Facility, amounted to $359.0 million as of September 30, 2016.

Term Loan Credit Agreement

In May 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement among the Company, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner (the “Term Agent”), and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), which initially provided, among other things, for a senior secured term loan facility of $300 million. Also in May 2012, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Term Guarantors”) entered into a general continuing guarantee of the Company’s obligations under the Term Loan Credit Agreement in favor of the Term Agent (the “Term Guarantee”).

In April 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment No. 1”), which became effective on May 9, 2013. As of the Amendment No. 1 date, there was $297.0 million of term loans outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Initial Loans”), of which the Company paid $20.0 million in connection with Amendment No. 1. Under Amendment No. 1, the lenders agreed to provide to the Company term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $277.0 million, which were exchanged for and used to refinance the Initial Loans (the “Tranche B-1 Loans”).

In March 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement (“Amendment No. 2”). As of the Amendment No. 2 date, there was $192.8 million of the Tranche B-1 Loans outstanding. Under Amendment No. 2, the lenders agreed to provide to the Company term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $192.8 million (the “Tranche B-2 Loans”), which were used to refinance the outstanding Tranche B-1 Loans. The Tranche B-2 Loans mature in March 2022, but provide for an accelerated maturity in the event the Company’s outstanding Notes are not converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full on or before the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date thereof and the Company is not then maintaining, and continues to maintain until the Notes are converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full, liquidity of at least $125 million. Liquidity, as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, reflects the difference between (i) the sum of (A) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (B) the amount available and permitted to be drawn under the Company’s existing Credit Agreement and (ii) the amount necessary to fully redeem the Notes. The Tranche B-2 Loans shall amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate amounts equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Tranche B-2 Loans, with the balance payable at maturity, and will bear interest at a rate, at the Company’s election, equal to (i) LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.25% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin of 2.25%.

Amendment No. 2 also amends the Term Loan Credit Agreement by (i) removing the maximum senior secured leverage ratio test, (ii) modifying the accordion feature, as described in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, to provide for a senior secured incremental term loan facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (A) $75 million (less the aggregate amount of (1) any increases in the maximum revolver amount under the Company’s existing Credit Agreement and (2) certain permitted indebtedness incurred for the purpose of prepaying or repurchasing the Notes) and (B) an amount such that the senior secured leverage ratio would not be greater than 3.0 to 1.0, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from any one or more lenders, whether or not currently party to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, to provide such increased amounts. The senior secured leverage ratio is defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement and reflects a ratio of consolidated net total secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA and (iii) amending certain negative covenants.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, is guaranteed by the Term Guarantors and is secured by (i) first-priority liens on and security interests in the Term Priority Collateral, and (ii) second-priority security interests in the Revolver Priority Collateral. In addition, the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, contains customary covenants limiting the Company’s ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, dissolve, pay off subordinated indebtedness, make investments and dispose of assets.

Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if the covenants under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, are breached, the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and foreclose on collateral. Other customary events of default in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, include, without limitation, failure to pay obligations when due, initiation of insolvency proceedings, defaults on certain other indebtedness, and the incurrence of certain judgments that are not stayed, satisfied, bonded or discharged within 60 days.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, under the Term Loan Credit Agreement the Company paid interest of $6.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively, and principal of $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $190.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, of which $1.9 million was classified as current on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred charges of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for amortization of fees and original issuance discount which is included in Interest Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company’s fair value measurements are based upon a three-level valuation hierarchy. 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:

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan which is offered to senior management and other key employees. The amount owed to participants is an unfunded and unsecured general obligation of the Company. Participants are offered various investment options with which to invest the amount owed to them, and the plan administrator maintains a record of the liability owed to participants by investment. To minimize the impact of the change in market value of this liability, the Company has elected to purchase a separate portfolio of investments through the plan administrator similar to those chosen by the participant.

The investments purchased by the Company (asset) include mutual funds, $1.8 million of which are classified as Level 1, and life-insurance contracts valued based on the performance of underlying mutual funds, $10.3 million of which are classified as Level 2.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.

The Company reviews for goodwill impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. The fair value of the reporting units is determined using the income approach. The income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of an asset, measuring the current value of the asset by calculating the present value of its future economic benefits such as cash earnings, cost savings, corporate tax structure and product offerings. Value indications are developed by discounting expected cash flows to their present value at a rate of return that incorporates the risk-free rate for the use of funds, the expected rate of inflation and risks associated with the reporting unit. These assets would generally be classified within Level 3, in the event that the Company were required to measure and record such assets at fair value within its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, including definite-lived intangible assets and property plant and equipment, when events or circumstances warrant such a review. Fair value is determined primarily using anticipated cash flows assumed by a market participant discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved and these assets would generally be classified within Level 3, in the event that the Company were required to measure and record such assets at fair value within its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are recorded at their fair value as of the date of acquisition.

The carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

Estimated Fair Value of Debt

The estimated fair value of long-term debt at September 30, 2016 consists primarily of the Notes and borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (see Note 3). The fair value of the Notes, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Credit Facility are based upon third party pricing sources, which generally do not represent daily market activity or represent data obtained from an exchange, and are classified as Level 2. The interest rates on the Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are adjusted regularly to reflect current market rates and thus carrying value approximates fair value for these borrowings. All other debt and capital lease obligations approximate their fair value as determined by discounted cash flows and are classified as Level 3.

The Company’s carrying and estimated fair value of debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

The Company recognizes all share-based payments based upon their fair value. The Company values stock option awards using a binomial option-pricing model, which incorporates various assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, dividend yield and risk-free interest rates. The expected volatility is based upon the Company’s historical experience. The expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate utilized for periods throughout the contractual life of the options are based upon U.S. Treasury security yields at the time of grant. The Company grants restricted stock units subject to service, performance and/or market conditions. The Company’s policy is to recognize expense for awards that have service conditions only subject to graded vesting using the straight-line attribution method. The fair value of service and performance based units is based on the market price of a share of underlying common stock at the date of grant. The fair value of the market based units is based on a lattice valuation model. The amount of compensation costs related to stock options, restricted stock units and performance units not yet recognized was $14.3 million at September 30, 2016 for which the expense will be recognized through 2019.

The Company is involved in a number of legal proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business activities, and is periodically subject to governmental examinations (including by regulatory and tax authorities), and information gathering requests (collectively, "governmental examinations"). As of September 30, 2016, the Company was named as a defendant or was otherwise involved in numerous legal proceedings and governmental examinations in various jurisdictions, both in the United States and internationally.

The Company has recorded liabilities for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings and governmental examinations. A liability is accrued when it is both (a) probable that a loss with respect to the legal proceeding has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and governmental examinations that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that has been previously accrued. These legal proceedings, as well as governmental examinations, involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff, many seek a not-yet-quantified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, it is not currently possible to estimate a range of possible loss beyond previously accrued liabilities relating to some matters including those described below. Such previously accrued liabilities may not represent the Company's maximum loss exposure. The legal proceedings and governmental examinations underlying the estimated range will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from the currently accrued liabilities.

Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding or governmental examination other than the matters below, which are addressed individually, that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or liquidity if determined in a manner adverse to the Company. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, the ultimate outcome of a particular matter could be material to the Company's operating results for a particular period depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of the Company's income for that period. Costs associated with the litigation and settlements of legal matters are reported within General and Administrative Expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements 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).

The case grows out of a joint venture agreement between BK and the Company related to marketing of RoadRailer trailers in Brazil and other areas of South America. When BK was placed into the Brazilian equivalent of bankruptcy late in 2000, the joint venture was dissolved. BK subsequently filed its lawsuit against the Company alleging that it was forced to terminate business with other companies because of the exclusivity and non-compete clauses purportedly found in the joint venture agreement. BK asserted damages, exclusive of any potentially court-imposed interest or inflation adjustments, of approximately R$20.8 million (Brazilian Reais). BK did not change the amount of damages it asserted following its filing of the case in 2001.

A bench (non-jury) trial was held on March 30, 2010 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. On November 22, 2011, the Fourth Civil Court of Curitiba partially granted BK’s claims, and ordered Wabash to pay BK lost profits, compensatory, economic and moral damages in excess of the amount of compensatory damages asserted by BK. The total ordered damages amount was approximately R$26.7 million (Brazilian Reais), which was approximately $8.2 million U.S. dollars using current exchange rates and exclusive of any potentially court-imposed interest, fees or inflation adjustments. On October 5, 2016, the Court of Appeals re-heard all facts and legal questions presented in the case, and ruled in favor of the Company on all claims at issue. In doing so, the Court of Appeals dismissed all claims against the Company and vacated the judgment and damages amounts previously ordered by the Fourth Civil Court of Curitiba. The ruling of the Court of Appeals may be appealed to a higher court by BK, but unless BK appeals the ruling and a higher court finds in favor of BK on any of its claims, the judgment of the Court of Appeals is final. Once the ruling is certified by the Court of Appeals, BK will have 15 days to file for further appeal, otherwise the judgment is final. As a result of the Court of Appeals ruling, the Company does not expect that this proceeding will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations; however, it will continue to monitor these legal proceedings in the event BK were to further appeal the ruling of the Court of Appeals.

Intellectual Property

In October 2006, the Company filed a patent infringement suit against Vanguard National Corporation (“Vanguard”) regarding the Company’s 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). The Company 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 case has currently been stayed by agreement of the parties while the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“Patent Office”) undertakes a reexamination of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,986,546. In June 2010, the Patent Office notified the Company that the reexamination is complete and the Patent Office has reissued U.S. Patent No. 6,986,546 without cancelling any claims of the patent. The parties have not yet petitioned the Court to lift the stay, and it is unknown at this time when the parties’ petition to lift the stay may be filed or granted.

The Company believes that its claims against Vanguard have merit and that the claims asserted by Vanguard are without merit. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position and intellectual property. The Company does not believe that the resolution of this lawsuit will 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.

Walker Acquisition

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Walker in May 2012, there is an outstanding claim of approximately $2.9 million for unpaid benefits that is currently in dispute and that, if required to be paid by the Company, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations

Environmental Disputes

In August 2014, the Company was noticed as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (“DHEC”) pertaining to the Philip Services Site located in Rock Hill, South Carolina pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and corresponding South Carolina statutes. PRPs include parties identified through manifest records as having contributed to deliveries of hazardous substances to the Philip Services Site between 1979 and 1999. The DHEC’s allegation that the Company was a PRP arises out of four manifest entries in 1989 under the name of a company unaffiliated with Wabash National (or any of its former or current subsidiaries) that purport to be delivering a de minimis amount of hazardous waste to the Philip Services Site “c/o Wabash National Corporation.” As such, the Philip Services Site PRP Group (“PRP Group”) notified Wabash in August 2014 that is was offering the Company the opportunity to resolve any liabilities associated with the Philip Services Site by entering into a Cash Out and Reopener Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the PRP Group, as well as a Consent Decree with the DHEC. The Company has accepted the offer from the PRP Group to enter into the Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree, while reserving its rights to contest its liability for any deliveries of hazardous materials to the Philips Services Site. The requested settlement payment is immaterial to the Company’s financial conditions or operations, and as a result, if the Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree are finalized, the payment to be made by the Company thereunder is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Bulk Tank International, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“Bulk”) entered into agreements in 2011 with the Mexican federal environmental agency, PROFEPA, and the applicable state environmental agency, PROPAEG, pursuant to PROFEPA’s and PROPAEG’s respective environmental audit programs to resolve noncompliance with federal and state environmental laws at Bulk’s Guanajuato facility. Bulk completed all required corrective actions and received a Certification of Clean Industry from PROPAEG, and is seeking the same certification from PROFEPA, which the Company expects it will receive in 2016, following the conclusion of a final audit process that commenced in December 2014. As a result, the Company does not expect that this matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2012, the Company was noticed as a PRP by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) pertaining to the Marine Shale Processors Site located in Amelia, Louisiana (“MSP Site”) pursuant to CERCLA and corresponding Louisiana statutes. PRPs include current and former owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances were allegedly disposed. The EPA’s allegation that the Company is a PRP arises out of one alleged shipment of waste to the MSP Site in 1992 from the Company’s branch facility in Dallas, Texas. As such, the MSP Site PRP Group notified the Company in January 2012 that, as a result of a March 18, 2009 Cooperative Agreement for Site Investigation and Remediation entered into between the MSP Site PRP Group and the LDEQ, the Company was being offered a “De Minimis Cash-Out Settlement” to contribute to the remediation costs, which would remain open until February 29, 2012. The Company chose not to enter into the settlement and has denied any liability. Following the Company’s presentation of evidence demonstrating that the Company acquired this branch facility five years after the alleged shipment as part of the assets the Company acquired out of the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation bankruptcy (Case No. 96-1563, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware), the MSP Site PRP Group presented the Company with a new, and lower, settlement offer for less than $0.1 million. The Company accepted the settlement offer and executed a settlement agreement on September 20, 2016, without admitting any liability for the allegations raised by the EPA. As a result, the Company considers this matter resolved in full.

In September 2003, the Company was noticed as a PRP by the EPA pertaining to the Motorola 52nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona Superfund Site (the “Superfund Site”) pursuant to CERCLA. The EPA’s allegation that the Company was a PRP arises out of the Company’s acquisition of a former branch facility located approximately five miles from the original Superfund Site. The Company acquired this facility in 1997, operated the facility until 2000, and sold the facility to a third party in 2002. In June 2010, the Company was contacted by the Roosevelt Irrigation District (“RID”) informing it that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) had approved a remediation plan in excess of $100 million for the RID portion of the Superfund Site, and demanded that the Company contribute to the cost of the plan or be named as a defendant in a CERCLA action to be filed in July 2010. The Company initiated settlement discussions with the RID and the ADEQ in July 2010 to provide a full release from the RID, and a covenant not-to-sue and contribution protection regarding the former branch property from the ADEQ, in exchange for payment from the Company. In May 2016, the Company, the ADEQ and the RID executed the originally proposed settlement agreements and, following a statutorily required 30-day public comment period, the settlement agreements were finalized and the Company paid $0.2 million, which had been accrued by the Company since 2010. As a result, the Company considers this matter resolved in full.

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. Following receipt of this notice, no action has ever been requested from the Company, and since 2006 the Company has not received any further communications regarding this matter from the state of North Carolina. The Company does not expect that this designation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Per share results have been calculated based on the average number of common shares outstanding. The calculation of basic and diluted net income per share is determined using net income applicable to common stockholders as the numerator and the number of shares included in the denominator as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Average diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 exclude options to purchase common shares totaling 426 and 759, respectively, and 556 and 636, respectively, because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. In addition, the calculation of diluted net income per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 includes the impact of the Company’s Notes as the average stock price of the Company’s common stock during these periods was above the initial conversion price of approximately $11.70 per share.

The Company recognized income tax expense of $53.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to $42.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2016 and 2015 were 35.8% and 37.4%, respectively. These effective tax rates differ from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state and local taxes and the benefit of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code domestic manufacturing deduction. The effective tax rate for the nine month period ending September 30, 2016 includes a tax benefit from the repurchase of the Notes (see Note 3) as well as research & development tax credits.

The following table presents major components of Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands):

The following table presents the changes in the product warranty accrual included in Other Accrued Liabilities (in thousands):

The Company offers a limited warranty for its products with a coverage period that ranges between one and five years, except that the coverage period for DuraPlate^® trailer panels is ten 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.

a. Segment Reporting

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its reporting segments and, as a result, the businesses previously operating within the former retail segment are now reported under either Commercial Trailer Products or Diversified Products in effort to strengthen the alignment between the Company’s manufacturing businesses and its retail sales and service operations, improve profitability and capitalize on growth opportunities. Additionally, the Company performed an analysis to determine the allocations of goodwill and test for impairment. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that the portion of goodwill allocated to the retail branch operations was impaired as the fair value of the reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value resulting in an impairment charge of $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2016 for the Commercial Trailer Products reporting segment.

As a result of the realignment of reporting segments, the Company now manages its business in two segments: Commercial Trailer Products and Diversified Products. The Commercial Trailer Products segment manufacturers standard and customized van and platform trailers, truck bodies and other transportation related equipment to customers who purchase directly from the Company, through independent dealers or Company owned branch locations through which the Company offers additional service and support. The Diversified Products segment, comprised of four strategic business units including, Tank Trailer, Aviation & Truck Equipment, Process Systems and Composites, focuses on the Company’s commitment to expand its customer base, diversify its product offerings and revenues and extend its market leadership by leveraging its proprietary DuraPlate^® panel technology, drawing on its core manufacturing expertise and making available products that are complementary to truck and tank trailers and transportation equipment. Financial performance for each of the Company’s reporting segments below has been restated to reflect the realignment.

The Company has not allocated certain corporate related administrative costs, interest and income taxes included in the corporate and eliminations segment to the Company’s other reportable segments. The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers at cost plus a specified mark-up. Reportable segment information is as follows (in thousands):

b. Product Information

The Company offers products primarily in four general categories: (1) new trailers, (2) used trailers, (3) components, parts and service and (4) equipment and other. The following table sets forth the major product categories and their percentage of consolidated net sales (dollars in thousands):

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Furthermore, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this update are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The effective date of these standards will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of the adoption on its financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet decided on a transition method.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements upon adoption.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.  This ASU, which applies to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, requires that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this guidance, but does not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to its consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This amendment changes how deferred taxes are recognized by eliminating the requirement of presenting deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet. Instead, the requirement will be to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. ASU 2015-17 can be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company has adopted ASU 2015-17 prospectively beginning with the first quarter of 2016 and deferred income taxes are now presented as non-current items.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases of greater than twelve months.  Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement.  This guidance will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition method is required.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update simplifies the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.  This guidance will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report of Wabash National Corporation (the “Company,” “Wabash” or “we”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan” or “anticipate” and other similar words. Our “forward-looking statements” include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in this Quarterly Report. Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations include the factors that are disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Each forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report reflects our management’s view only as of the date on which that forward-looking statement was made. We are not obligated to update forward-looking statements or publicly release the result of any revisions to them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Quarterly Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

For the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2016, we recorded net sales of $464.3 million and $1,383.4 million, respectively, compared to $531.4 million and $1,483.8 million, respectively, in the prior year periods. Net sales for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 decreased $67.1 million, or 12.6%, compared to the prior year period, due primarily to a decrease in new trailer shipments of approximately 1,050 units, or 6.4%, decreases in used trailer shipments of approximately 250 units, or 50%, as well as lower volumes of our composite products and non-trailer related equipment. In spite of lower volumes, gross profit margin increased 180 basis points to 18.0% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 16.2% in the prior year period driven by improved pricing, favorable material costs and continued manufacturing efficiencies. We continue to be encouraged by the strong demand within the dry and refrigerated trailer segment throughout the first nine months of 2016, and our expectation is that overall industry shipment and production levels will remain above replacement demand levels for the remainder of 2016 and 2017 as many key structural and market drivers continue to support healthy demand for new trailers. While we do expect to see some decrease in trailer volumes from the current levels, we believe the demand environment will remain healthy into 2017 as fleet age, regulatory compliance requirements and customer profitability all continue to support healthy trailer demand above replacement levels. Additionally, we expect to continue efforts to drive productivity improvements throughout the business and develop growth opportunities through new product introductions and market expansion opportunities in order to grow revenues and margins as well as capitalize on macro growth trends.

For the three month period ended September 30, 2016, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.7 million as compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to lower employee related costs, including employee incentive programs. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 5.1% in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to 4.6% in the prior year period.

During the second quarter of 2016, we realigned our reporting segments and, as a result, the businesses previously operating within the former retail segment are now reported under either Commercial Trailer Products or Diversified Products in effort to strengthen the alignment between the our manufacturing businesses and the retail sales and service operations, improve profitability and capitalize on growth opportunities. As a result of the realignment of reporting segments, we now manage our business in two segments: Commercial Trailer Products and Diversified Products. The Commercial Trailer Products segment manufactures standard and customized van and platform trailers, truck bodies and other transportation related equipment to customers who purchase directly from us, through independent dealers or Company owned branch locations in which we also provide service and support capabilities. The Diversified Products segment, comprised of four strategic business units including, Tank Trailer, Aviation & Truck Equipment, Process Systems and Composites, focuses on our commitment to expand our customer base and diversify our product offerings and revenues. The Diversified Products segment also seeks to extend our market leadership by leveraging the proprietary DuraPlate^® panel technology, drawing on our core manufacturing expertise and making available products that are complementary to truck and tank trailers and transportation equipment. The prior year financial performance for each of our reporting segments below has been restated to reflect the realignment.

Our management team continues to be focused on increasing overall shareholder value by optimizing our manufacturing operations to match the current demand environment, implementing cost savings initiatives and lean manufacturing techniques, strengthening our capital structure, developing innovative products that enable our customers to succeed, improving earnings and continuing diversification of the business into higher margin, less cyclical opportunities that leverage our intellectual and process capabilities.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net Sales

Net sales in the third quarter of 2016 decreased $67.1 million, or 12.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. By business segment, prior to the elimination of intercompany sales, sales and related units sold were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Commercial Trailer Products segment sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales were $380.5 million for the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of $25.9 million, or 6.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Trailers shipped during the third quarter of 2016 totaled 14,900 trailers compared to 15,500 trailers in the prior year period, a 3.9% decrease. The decrease in trailer shipments as well as an approximate 1.0% decrease in the average selling price of trailers due to product mix as compared to the prior year period primarily drove the decrease in sales. Used trailer sales decreased $5.5 million, or 65.4%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreased availability of used trailers as 250 fewer used trailers were shipped in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the prior year period. Parts and service sales decreased $2.0 million, or 12.6%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to fewer retail branch locations resulting from the transition of our Phoenix, Arizona branch to an independent dealer in July 2016.

Diversified Products segment sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales were $87.5 million for the third quarter of 2016, down $40.3 million, or 31.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. New trailer sales decreased $32.1 million, or 49.8%, from the prior year period as new trailer shipments during the third quarter of 2016 totaled 550 units, a decrease from the 1,000 trailers shipped during the prior year period, due primarily to lower demand for tank trailers within the chemical and energy end markets. Sales of our components, parts and service product offerings decreased $3.4 million, or 10.4%, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower volume of our composite products. Equipment sales decreased $4.6 million, or 15.3%, compared to the prior year period as a result of lower volume of engineered products and aviation and truck equipment.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $83.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of $2.5 million from the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 18.0% for the current quarter and 16.2% for the same period in 2015. Gross profit by segment was as follows (dollars in thousands):

Commercial Trailer Products segment gross profit was $64.7 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $55.4 million for the third quarter of 2015. Gross profit prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 17.0% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 13.6% in the 2015 period. The 340 basis point improvement in gross profit margin as compared to the prior year period was primarily driven by favorable material costs, including cost optimization through product design and sourcing, an improved pricing environment and operational efficiencies.

Diversified Products segment gross profit was $18.9 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $31.0 million in the same quarter of 2015. Gross profit prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 21.7% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 24.2% in the 2015 period. The decreases in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales compared to the prior year period was primarily due to the reduced leverage of fixed costs from the lower production volumes, most notably within the tank trailer business.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $17.2 million for the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 3.6%, from the prior year period, as decreases in employee related costs, including employee incentive programs, of $1.9 million were partially offset by increases in professional fees and information technology related costs of $1.3 million. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses were 3.7% for the current quarter as compared to 3.4% for the third quarter of 2015.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses were $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.7%, compared to the prior year period as decreases in employee related costs, including employee incentive programs, were offset by higher advertising and promotional expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 1.4% for the third quarter of 2016, up slightly from 1.2% for the third quarter of 2015.

Amortization of Intangibles

Amortization of intangibles was $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to $5.3 million in the prior year period. Amortization of intangibles for both periods were primarily the result of expenses recognized for intangible assets recorded from the acquisition of Walker Group Holdings (“Walker”) in May 2012 and certain assets of Beall Corporation (“Beall”) in February 2013.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $3.9 million compared to $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2015. Interest expense for both periods is primarily related to interest and non-cash accretion charges on our Notes (as defined below) and Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined below). The decrease from the prior year period is primarily due to the repurchase of Notes completed in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016.

Other, net for the third quarter of 2016 represented income of $0.8 million as compared to an expense of $0.2 million for the prior year period. The current year period primarily consists of a $0.7 million gain on the transition of our branch location in Phoenix, Arizona to an independent dealer facility.

Income Taxes

We recognized income tax expense of $18.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $19.5 million for the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2016 was 35.5%, which differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state and local taxes offset by the benefit of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code domestic manufacturing deduction, research and development tax credits and the benefit from the repurchase of our Notes.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net Sales

Net sales in the first nine months of 2016 decreased $100.4 million, or 6.8%, compared to the first nine months of 2015. By business segment, prior to the elimination of intercompany sales, sales and related units sold were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Commercial Trailer Products segment sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales were $1,126.8 million for the first nine months of 2016, a decrease of $21.5 million, or 1.9%, compared to the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in sales was due primarily to lower trailer shipments. Trailers shipped during the first nine months of 2016 totaled 44,250 trailers compared to 45,100 trailers in the prior year period, a 1.9% decrease. Used trailer sales decreased $11.9 million, or 53.8%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreased availability and selective management of product through fleet trade packages, as 600 fewer used trailers shipped in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the prior year period. Parts and service sales decreased $2.6 million, or 5.6%, compared to the prior year period.

Diversified Products segment sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales were $266.6 million for the first nine months of 2016, down $77.6 million, or 22.5%, compared to the same period of 2015. New trailer sales decreased $73.3 million, or 43.2%, from the prior year period as new trailer shipments during the first nine months of 2016 totaled 1,600 units, a decrease of 1,050 trailers, or 39.6%, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to a decrease in demand for tank trailers within the chemical and energy end markets. Sales of our components, parts and service product offerings decreased $5.0 million, or 5.3%, as compared to the prior year period due to lower volume. Equipment sales increased $1.5 million, or 1.9%, compared to the prior year period.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $254.0 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $38.4 million from the prior year period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 18.4% for the first nine months and 14.5% for the same period in 2015. Gross profit by segment was as follows (dollars in thousands):

Commercial Trailer Products segment gross profit was $194.1 million for the first nine months of 2016 compared to $136.7 million for the prior year period. Gross profit prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 17.2% in 2016 compared to 11.9% in the 2015 period. The 530 basis point increase in gross profit margin was primarily driven by improved pricing, favorable material costs, including cost optimization through product design and sourcing, and continued operational efficiencies as compared to the prior year period.

Diversified Products segment gross profit was $62.1 million for the first nine months of 2016 compared to $80.0 million in the same period of 2015. Gross profit prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, as a percentage of net sales, increased slightly to 23.3% in the 2016 period compared to 23.2% in the 2015 period. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales compared to the prior year period was the result of favorable material costs and continued operational efficiencies offset by lower volumes and the reduced leverage of fixed costs from lower production levels.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $55.1 million for the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $1.3 million, or 2.5%, from the prior year period as a result of a $2.1 million increase in outside service and professional fee expenditures, as well as a $0.8 million increase in various other operating expenses, primarily information technology related costs. These increases were offset by a $1.6 million decrease in employee related costs, including employee incentive programs. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses were 4.0% for the 2016 period as compared to 3.6% for the same period of 2015.

Selling Expenses

Selling expenses were $20.4 million in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of $0.2 million, or 1.0%, compared to the prior year period, as a $0.5 million increase in advertising and promotional efforts were partially offset by lower employee related costs, including employee incentive programs. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 1.5% for the 2016 period, up slightly from 1.4% for the prior year period.

Amortization of Intangibles

Amortization of intangibles was $15.0 million for the first nine months of 2016 compared to $15.9 million in the prior year period. Amortization of intangibles for both periods were primarily the result of expenses recognized for intangible assets recorded from the acquisition of Walker in May 2012 and certain assets of Beall in February 2013.

Impairment of Goodwill

We review goodwill for impairment, at the reporting unit level, annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. During the second quarter of 2016, with the realignment of our reporting segments, we performed an analysis to determine the allocations of goodwill and test for impairment. Based on this analysis, we determined that the portion of goodwill allocated to our retail branch operations was impaired as the fair value of the reporting unit did not exceed its carrying value resulting in an impairment charge for the Commercial Trailer Products reporting segment of $1.7 million.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2016 totaled $11.9 million compared to $14.8 million in the prior year period. Interest expense for both periods is primarily related to interest and non-cash accretion charges on our Notes and Term Loan Credit Agreement. The decrease from the prior year period is primarily due to Notes repurchases completed in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016.

Other, net for the first nine months of 2016 represented income of $0.2 million as compared to income of $2.5 million for the prior year period. The current year period primarily consists of a gain of $0.7 million related to the transition of our retail branch location in Phoenix, Arizona to an independent dealer facility offset by a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million related to the Notes repurchase in February 2016. The prior year period primarily consists of an $8.3 million gain on the sale of real estate in Fontana, California and Portland, Oregon within the Company-owned retail branch network, partially offset by $5.6 million of accelerated amortization and related fees in connection with the refinancing of our Term Loan Credit Agreement and amending our Credit Agreement.

Income Taxes

We recognized income tax expense of $53.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to $42.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the nine months of 2016 was 35.8%, which differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state and local taxes offset by the benefit of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code domestic manufacturing deduction and research and development credits as well as the benefit from the repurchase of our Notes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Structure

Our capital structure is comprised of a mix of debt and equity. As of September 30, 2016, our debt to equity ratio was approximately 0.6:1.0. Our long-term objective is to generate operating cash flows sufficient to support the growth within our businesses and increase shareholder value. This objective will be achieved through a balanced capital allocation strategy of maintaining strong liquidity, deleveraging our balance sheet, investing in the business, both organically and strategically, and returning capital to our shareholders. For the remainder of 2016 and 2017, we expect to continue our commitment to fund our working capital requirements and capital expenditures supporting both organic growth and productivity improvements while also returning capital to our shareholders and deleveraging our balance sheet through cash flows from operations as well as available borrowings under our existing Credit Agreement (as defined below).

Debt Agreements and Related Amendments

Convertible Senior Notes

In April 2012, we issued Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $150 million in a public offering. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 3.375% per annum from the date of issuance, payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured debt.

The Notes are convertible by their holders into cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof at our election, at an initial conversion rate of 85.4372 shares of our common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $11.70 per share, only under the following circumstances: (A) before November 1, 2017 (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2012 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture for the Notes) per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; and (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as described in the indenture for the Notes; and (B) at any time on or after November 1, 2017 until the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date. As of September 30, 2016, the Notes were not convertible based on the above criteria. If the Notes outstanding at September 30, 2016 were converted as of September 30, 2016, the if-converted value would exceed the principal amount by approximately $21 million.

It is our intent to settle conversions through a net share settlement, which involves repayment of cash for the principal portion and delivery of shares of common stock for the excess of the conversion value over the principal portion. We used the net proceeds of $145.1 million from the sale of the Notes to fund a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of Walker in May 2012.

We account separately for the liability and equity components of the Notes in accordance with authoritative guidance for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion. The guidance required the carrying amount of the liability component to be estimated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion feature. We determined that senior, unsecured corporate bonds traded on the market represent a similar liability to the Notes without the conversion option. Based on market data available for publicly traded, senior, unsecured corporate bonds issued by companies in the same industry and with similar maturity, we estimated the implied interest rate of the Notes to be 7.0%, assuming no conversion option. Assumptions used in the estimate represent what market participants would use in pricing the liability component, including market interest rates, credit standing, and yield curves, all of which are defined as Level 2 observable inputs. The estimated implied interest rate was applied to the Notes, which resulted in a fair value of the liability component of $123.8 million upon issuance, calculated as the present value of implied future payments based on the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount. The $21.7 million difference between the cash proceeds before offering expenses of $145.5 million and the estimated fair value of the liability component was recorded in additional paid-in capital. The discount on the liability portion of the Notes is being amortized over the life of the Notes using the effective interest rate method.

In December 2015, we executed agreements with existing holders of the Notes to repurchase $54.2 million in principal amount of such Notes, of which $19.0 million was acquired in that month for $22.9 million, excluding accrued interest. The remaining $35.2 million in principal amount of the Notes was acquired in February 2016 for $42.1 million, excluding accrued interest. We recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.5 million from the February 2016 repurchase, which is included in Other, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revolving Credit Agreement

In June 2015, we entered into a Joinder and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement (the “Amendment”) by and among us, certain of our subsidiaries designated as Loan Parties (as defined in the Amendment), Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as arranger and administrative agent (the “Agent”), and the other lenders party thereto. The Amendment amends, among other things, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), dated as of May 8, 2012, among us, certain of our subsidiaries from time to time party thereto (together with us, the “Borrowers”), the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and the Agent and provides for, among other things, a five year, $175 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”).

The Amendment, among other things, (i) increases the total commitments under the Credit Facility from $150 million to $175 million, and (ii) extends the maturity date of the Credit Facility from May 2017 to June 2020, but provides for an accelerated maturity in the event our outstanding Notes are not converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full on or before the date that is 121 days prior to the maturity date thereof and we are not then maintaining, and continue to maintain until the Notes are converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full, (x) Liquidity of at least $125 million and (y) availability under the Credit Facility of at least $25 million. Liquidity, as defined in the Credit Agreement, reflects the difference between (i) the sum of (A) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (B) availability under the Credit Facility and (ii) the amount necessary to fully redeem the Notes.

In addition, the Amendment (i) provides that borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Borrowers’ election, at (x) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 150 basis points to 200 basis points (in lieu of the previous range from 175 basis points to 225 basis points), or (y) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 50 basis points to 100 basis points (in lieu of the previous range from 75 basis points to 125 basis points), in each case, based upon the monthly average excess availability under the Credit Facility, (ii) provides that the monthly unused line fee shall be equal to 25 basis points (which amount was previously 37.5 basis points) times the average unused availability under the Credit Facility, (iii) provides that if availability under the Credit Facility is less than 12.5% (which threshold was previously 15%) of the total commitment under the Credit Facility or if there exists an event of default, amounts in any of the Borrowers’ and the subsidiary guarantors’ deposit accounts (other than certain excluded accounts) will be transferred daily into a blocked account held by the Agent and applied to reduce the outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility, (iv) provides that we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1.0 as of the end of any period of 12 fiscal months when excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than 10% (which threshold was previously 12.5%) of the total commitment under the Credit Facility and (v) amends certain negative covenants in the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Revolver Guarantors”) and is secured by (i) first priority security interests (subject only to customary permitted liens and certain other permitted liens) in substantially all personal property of the Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors, consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, cash, deposit and securities accounts and any cash or other assets in such accounts and, to the extent evidencing or otherwise related to such property, all general intangibles, licenses, intercompany debt, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, chattel paper, instruments, supporting obligations, documents and payment intangibles (collectively, the “Revolver Priority Collateral”), and (ii) second-priority liens on and security interests in (subject only to the liens securing the Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined below) customary permitted liens and certain other permitted liens) (A) equity interests of each direct subsidiary held by the Borrower and each Revolver Guarantor (subject to customary limitations in the case of the equity of foreign subsidiaries), and (B) substantially all other tangible and intangible assets of the Borrowers and the Revolver Guarantors including equipment, general intangibles, intercompany notes, insurance policies, investment property, intellectual property and material owned real property (in each case, except to the extent constituting Revolver Priority Collateral) (collectively, the “Term Priority Collateral”). The respective priorities of the security interests securing the Credit Agreement and the Term Loan Credit Agreement are governed by an Intercreditor Agreement between the Revolver Agent and the Term Agent (as defined below) (the “Intercreditor Agreement”).

Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if the covenants under the Credit Agreement are breached, the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and foreclose on collateral. Other customary events of default in the Credit Agreement include, without limitation, failure to pay obligations when due, initiation of insolvency proceedings, defaults on certain other indebtedness, and the incurrence of certain judgments that are not stayed, satisfied, bonded or discharged within 30 days.

As of September 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement.

Term Loan Credit Agreement

In May 2012 we entered into a credit agreement among us, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner (the “Term Agent”), and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), which initially provided, among other things, for a senior secured term loan facility of $300 million. Also in May 2012, certain of our subsidiaries (the “Term Guarantors”) entered into a general continuing guarantee of our obligations under the Term Loan Credit Agreement in favor of the Term Agent (the “Term Guarantee”).

In April 2013, we entered into Amendment No.1 to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment No. 1”), which became effective on May 9, 2013. As of the Amendment No. 1 date, there was $297.0 million of term loans outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Initial Loans”), of which we paid $20.0 million in connection with Amendment No. 1. Under Amendment No. 1, the lenders agreed to provide us term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $277.0 million, which were exchanged for and used to refinance the Initial Loans (the “Tranche B-1 Loans”).

In March 2015, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement (“Amendment No. 2”). As of the Amendment No. 2 date, there was $192.8 million of the Tranche B-1 Loans outstanding. Under Amendment No. 2, the lenders agreed to provide to us term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $192.8 million (the “Tranche B-2 Loans”), which were used to refinance the outstanding Tranche B-1 Loans. The Tranche B-2 Loans mature in March 2022, but provide for an accelerated maturity in the event our outstanding Notes are not converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full on or before the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date thereof and we are not then maintaining, and continue to maintain until the Notes are converted, redeemed, repurchased or refinanced in full, liquidity of at least $125 million. Liquidity, as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, reflects the difference between (i) the sum of (A) unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and (B) the amount available and permitted to be drawn under our existing Credit Agreement and (ii) the amount necessary to fully redeem the Notes. The Tranche B-2 Loans shall amortize in equal quarterly installments in aggregate amounts equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Tranche B-2 Loans, with the balance payable at maturity, and will bear interest at a rate, at our election, equal to (i) LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.00%) plus a margin of 3.25% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin of 2.25%.

Amendment No. 2 also amends the Term Loan Credit Agreement by (i) removing the maximum senior secured leverage ratio test, (ii) modifying the accordion feature, as described in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, to provide for a senior secured incremental term loan facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (A) $75 million (less the aggregate amount of (1) any increases in the maximum revolver amount under the existing Credit Agreement and (2) certain permitted indebtedness incurred for the purpose of prepaying or repurchasing the Notes) and (B) an amount such that the senior secured leverage ratio would not be greater than 3.0 to 1.0, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from any one or more lenders, whether or not currently party to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, to provide such increased amounts. The senior secured leverage ratio is defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement and reflects a ratio of consolidated net total secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA and (iii) amending certain negative covenants.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, is guaranteed by the Term Guarantors and is secured by (i) first-priority liens on and security interests in the Term Priority Collateral, and (ii) second-priority security interests in the Revolver Priority Collateral. In addition, the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, contains customary covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, dissolve, pay off subordinated indebtedness, make investments and dispose of assets.

Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, if the covenants under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, are breached, the lenders may, subject to various customary cure rights, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and foreclose on collateral. Other customary events of default in the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as amended, include, without limitation, failure to pay obligations when due, initiation of insolvency proceedings, defaults on certain other indebtedness, and the incurrence of certain judgments that are not stayed, satisfied, bonded or discharged within 60 days.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, under the Term Loan Credit Agreement we paid interest of $6.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and principal of $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, we had $190.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, of which $1.9 million was classified as current on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we incurred charges of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for amortization of fees and original issuance discount which is included in Interest Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash Flow

Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of 2016 totaled $106.0 million, compared to $104.7 million during the same period in 2015. Cash provided by operations during the current year period was the result of net income adjusted for various non-cash activities of $135.7 million, including depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, non-cash interest expense, loss on debt extinguishment and impairment of goodwill, partially offset by a $29.6 million increase in working capital. Increases in working capital for the current year period can be attributed primarily to increased levels of finished goods, as well as an increase in purchasing activities resulting from higher inventory requirements necessary to meet customer demand partially offset by an increase in accounts payable activity. Changes in key working capital accounts for the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 are summarized below (in millions):

Accounts receivable increased by $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to an increase of $3.7 million in the prior year period. Days sales outstanding, a measure of working capital efficiency that measures the average amount of time a receivable is outstanding, was 31 days in the 2016 period and 24 days in the 2015 period. The increase in accounts receivable during the first nine months of 2016 was primarily due to the timing of shipments and customer collections during the quarter. Inventory increased by $29.6 million during the first nine months of 2016 as compared to an increase of $50.4 million in the 2015 period. The increase in inventory for the 2016 period was primarily due to higher finished goods inventory resulting from production levels exceeding shipments for the first nine months of 2016. Our inventory turns, a commonly used measure of working capital efficiency that measures how quickly on average inventory turns per year, was approximately 8 times in both the 2016 and 2015 periods. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $15.5 million in 2016 compared to an increase of $58.5 million for the same period in 2015. The increase during the first nine months of 2016 was primarily due to continued strong production levels and purchasing activities required to meet current demand. Days payable outstanding, a measure of working capital efficiency that measures the average amount of time a payable is outstanding, was 25 days in 2016 as compared to 27 days in the same period in 2015.

Investing activities used $12.8 million during the first nine months of 2016 compared to $4.7 million used during the same period in 2015. Investing activities for the first nine months of 2016 were comprised primarily of capital expenditures totaling $15.0 million partially offset by the $2.3 million of proceeds from the transition of our retail branch location in Phoenix, Arizona to an independent dealer facility in July 2016. Investing activities for the first nine months of 2015 include capital expenditures of $12.6 million as well as $5.4 million of restricted cash available to be used for asset reinvestments under our Term Loan Credit Agreement partially offset by proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment totaling $13.2 million, which comprised primarily of the sale of our former Retail branch real estate.

Financing activities used $82.4 million during the first nine months of 2016 as compared to $48.9 million used in the same period in 2015. Cash used in financing activities during the current year period primarily relates to the repurchase of Notes totaling $42.1 million and common stock repurchases through our share repurchase program of $40.7 million. Cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2015 relates to the repurchase of common stock through our share repurchase program totaling $41.4 million, principal payments under existing debt and capital lease obligations of $5.2 million, and debt issuance costs of $2.6 million incurred in relation to Amendment No. 2 to our Term Loan Credit Agreement and the amendment to our Credit Agreement.

As of September 30, 2016, our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity, amounted to $359.0 million, representing an increase of $11.1 million compared to December 31, 2015. Total debt and capital lease obligations amounted to $282.5 million as of September 30, 2016. In February 2016, we repurchased $35.2 million in principal of the Notes for $42.1 million. As we continue to see strong demand in the overall trailer industry, and based on our operating performance metrics, we believe our liquidity is adequate to fund operations, working capital needs and capital expenditures for the remainder of 2016 and 2017.

Capital Expenditures

Capital spending amounted to $15.0 million for the first nine months of 2016 and is anticipated to approximately $25 million for 2016. Capital spending for 2016 has been and is expected to continue to be primarily utilized to support growth, productivity improvements and environmental, health and safety initiatives within our facilities.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

As of September 30, 2016, we had approximately $6.7 million in operating lease commitments. We did not enter into any material off-balance sheet debt or operating lease transactions during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

A summary of payments of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, both on and off balance sheet, as of September 30, 2016 for the remaining three months of 2016 and the calendar years thereafter are as follows (in thousands):