The Company offers warranties of various lengths to its customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. The average length of the warranty period is one year from the date of purchase. The Company’s warranties require it to repair or replace defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. The Company records a liability for estimated costs that may be incurred under its warranties. The costs are estimated based on historical experience and any specific warranty issues that have been identified. Although historical warranty costs have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical amounts. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the balance as necessary. The accrued warranty balance is included in accrued expenses as shown in Note 5.

Changes in the Company’s product warranty liability for the three and nine months ended August 31,February 28, 2015 and February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 are as follows:

On May 1, 2013, the Company began to move all banking arrangements previously held through West Bank to U.S. Bank. The relationship with U.S. Bank now includes an $8,000,000 revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”) which was renewed in 2014, and is now scheduled to mature on May 1, 2015. The Line of Credit is renewable annually with advances funding the Company’s working capital needs and is secured by real property and fixed asset collateral.collateral.We expect to renew the line of credit prior to its maturity date. The interest rate is U.S. Bank’s prime interest rate, adjusted each time that the Federal prime rate changes, with a minimum rate of 3.50%. As of August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, the interest rate was the minimum of 3.50%. Monthly interest-only payments are required and the unpaid principal is due on the maturity date. As of August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, the Company had a principal balance of $4,839,383$3,473,367 outstanding against the Line of Credit.Credit, with $2,603,803 remaining available The Line of Credit states that the borrowing base will be an amount equal to the sum of 75% of accounts receivable (discounted for aged accounts and customer balances exceeding 20% of aggregate receivables), plus 50% of inventory (this component cannot exceed $6,000,000 and only includes finished goods and raw materials deemed to be in good condition and not obsolete), less any outstanding loan balance of the Line of Credit, and less undrawn amounts of outstanding letters of credit issued by U.S. Bank or any affiliate. The Company’s obligations under the Line of Credit are evidenced by a Revolving Credit Note effective May 1, 2013, a Revolving Credit Agreement dated May 1, 2013 and certain other ancillary documents.   

In addition to the Line of Credit, on May 1, 2013, the Company refinanced all outstanding West Bank term loans with U.S. Bank. The West Bank long-term debt, which had outstanding principal balances of $4,342,000at a fixed interest rate of 4.75% and $1,749,000 at a fixed interest rate of 4.50%, was paid off with four U.S. Bank loans totaling $6,319,000 at a fixed interest rate of 2.98% (the “2013 U.S. Bank Term Loans”). As detailed in the Company’s long-term debt summary below, monthly principal and interest payments in the aggregate amount of $93,850 are required, with final payments of principal and accrued interest on the four loans, in the aggregate amount of $1,372,000, due on May 1, 2018.

As a result of paying off the West Bank loans, the Company incurred $130,000 worth of prepayment penalties which were financed by the U.S. Bank loans. The penalties were booked to fixed costs on the income statement for the quarter ended May 31, 2013. Closing costs amounted to $9,000 and will be amortized over the life of the loans.

On May 29, 2014, the Company obtained $1,000,000 in long-term debt from U.S. Bank to partially pay down the line of credit draw from 2013 that it had used to finance thepurchase of the building and property of Ohio Metal Working Products Company in Canton, Ohio. The maturity date of this loan is May 25, 2017, with a final payment of principal and accrued interest in the amount of $890,000 due May 25, 2017. This loan is secured by a mortgage on the building and property acquired from Ohio Metal Working Products Company in Canton, Ohio pursuant to a Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents between the Company and U.S. Bank, dated May 29, 2014.

Except for the U.S. Bank UHC Loan (as defined below), each of the Company’s term loans from U.S. Bank is governed by a Term Note and a Term Loan Agreement. Each Term Loan Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement require the Company to provide monthly internally prepared financial reports, year-end audited financial statements, and a monthly aging of accounts receivable. The Company, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, must maintain a debt to tangible net worth ratio of not more than 1.5 to 1.0 and a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.15 to 1.00. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan Agreements and the Revolving Credit Agreement as measured on February 28, 2015. The next measurement date is May 31, 2015. The loans are secured by a first position security interest on the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to, inventories, machinery, equipment and real estate, in accordance with the Business Security Agreements entered into by the Company and its subsidiaries and the Pledge Agreements entered into by the subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company has mortgaged certain real property in favor of U.S. Bank as documented by mortgage agreements dated May 1, 2013 and May 29, 2014 (together, the “Mortgages”).

If the Company or its subsidiaries (as guarantors pursuant to continuing guaranties) commits an event of default under the Term Loan Agreements, Business Security Agreements, Pledge Agreements, Mortgages, or Revolving Credit Agreement and fails or is unable to cure that default, the interest rate on each of the loans and Line of Credit could increase by 5.0% per annum and U.S. Bank can immediately terminate its obligation, if any, to make additional loans to the Company. In addition, U.S. Bank may collect any and all money due or to become due and shall have all other rights and remedies for default provided by the Uniform Commercial Code, as well as any other applicable law and the various loan agreements, including, without limitation, the right to repossess, render unusable and/or dispose of the collateral without judicial process. In addition, in an event of default, U.S. Bank may foreclose on mortgaged property pursuant to the terms of the Mortgages.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan Agreements and the Revolving Credit Agreement as measured on August 31, 2014, other than its covenant to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.15 to 1.00. The fixed charge coverage ratio is based on a rolling 12 month calculation and measures the Company’s ability to cover fixed expenses such as loan payments, tax payments, rental payments, and dividends. The net loss in the first quarter of 2014 from operations was the main reason for the non-compliance result as of August 31, 2014. US Bank has issued a waiver forgiving the non-compliance for the first, second, and third quarters and no event of default occurred. The next measurement date is November 30, 2014.

On May 10, 2012, the Company obtained $880,000 in long-term debt from U.S. Bank issued to acquire the building and property of Universal Harvester Co., Inc. located in Ames, Iowa (the “U.S. Bank UHC Loan”). The maturity date of this loan is May 10, 2017, with a final payment of principal and accrued interest in the amount of $283,500 due May 10, 2017. This loan is secured by a mortgage on the building and property acquired from Universal Harvester Co., Inc. in Ames, Iowa, pursuant to a Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents between the Company and U.S. Bank, dated May 10, 2012. On May 1, 2013, the U.S. Bank UHC Loan and the Mortgagethemortgage were amended to extend the mortgage to secure the 2013 U.S. Bank Term Loans in addition to the U.S. Bank UHC Loan.

If the Company or its subsidiaries (as guarantors) commits an event of default under the agreement governing the U.S. Bank UHC Loan and fails or is unable to cure during any applicable cure periods, the lender may cause the entire amount of the loan to be immediately due and payable, may foreclose on the property, or may increase the interest rate to 5.00% per annum, plus the interest rate otherwise payable under the U.S. Bank UHC Loan.

On May 1, 2010, the Company obtained a loan to finance the purchase of an additional facility located in West Union, Iowa to be used as a distribution center, warehouse facility, and manufacturing plant for certain products under the Art’s-Way brand. The funds for this loan were made available by the Iowa Finance Authority by the issuance of tax exempt bonds. This loan had an original principal amount of $1,300,000 and an interest rate of 3.5%. On February 1, 2013, the interest rate was decreased to 2.75%. The other terms of the loan remain unchanged.

This loan from the Iowa Finance Authority, which has been assigned to The First National Bank of West Union (n/k/a Bank 1^st), is governed by a Manufacturing Facility Revenue Note dated May 28, 2010 as amended February 1, 2013 and a Loan Agreement dated May 1, 2010 and a First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated February 1, 2013 (collectively, “the IFA Loan Agreement”), which requires the Company to provide quarterly internally prepared financial reports and year-end audited financial statements and to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.5 to 1.0, which is measured at November 30 of each year. Among other covenants, the IFA Loan Agreement also requires the Company to maintain proper insurance on, and maintain in good repair, the West Union Facility, and continue to conduct business and remain duly qualified to do business in the State of Iowa. The loan is secured by a mortgage on the Company’s West Union Facility, pursuant to a Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Financing Statement dated May 1, 2010 between the Company and The First National Bank of West Union (the “West Union Mortgage”).

If the Company commits an event of default under the IFA Loan Agreement and does not cure the event of default within the time specified by the IFA Loan Agreement, the lender may cause the entire amount of the loan to be immediately due and payable and take any other action that it is lawfully permitted to take or in equity to enforce the Company’s performance.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the IFA Loan Agreement as measured on November 30, 2013.2014. The next measurement date is November 30, 2014.2015.

A summary of the Company’s term debt is as follows:

Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” that clarifies how an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists; as a reduction to a deferred tax asset or as a liability. The amendments are meant to eliminate the diversity that exists in the financial statement presentation of the unrecognized tax benefits. The amendments in this ASU do not require new recurring disclosures and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. The effective date for the Company will beis our current fiscal year, beginningwhich began on December 1, 2014. The Company currently has no unrecognized tax benefits that are impacted by the amendment and the Company does not expectimplementation of this standard to havehas not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which supersedes the guidance in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. We are evaluating the new standard, but do not at this time expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern” which is authoritative guidance on management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures, codified in ASC 205-40, Going Concern. The guidance provides a definition of the term substantial doubt, requires an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, requires certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, requires an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and requires an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). ASU No. 2015-15 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt this guidance for the year-ended November 30, 2017, and it will apply to each interim and annual period thereafter. Its adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

On January 27, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized and approved the Art’s-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”).  The 2011 Plan was approved by the stockholders on April 28, 2011.  It replaced the Employee Stock Option Plan and the Directors’ Stock Option Plan (collectively, the “Prior Plans”), and no further stock options will be awarded under the Prior Plans.  Awards to directors and executive officers under the 2011 Plan will be governed by the forms of agreement approved by the Board of Directors.

The 2011 Plan permits the plan administrator to award nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance awards, and stock appreciation rights to employees (including officers), directors, and consultants.  The Board of Directors has approved a director compensation policy pursuant to which non-employee directors are automatically granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of common stock annually or initially upon their election to the Board, which are fully vested.

Stock options granted prior to January 27, 2011 are governed by the applicable Prior Plan and the forms of agreement adopted thereunder.

Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at the grant date and recognized over the relevant vesting period. We estimate the fair value of each stock-based award on the measurement date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model which incorporates assumptions as to stock price volatility, the expected life of the options, risk-free interest rate, and dividend yield. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors. The Company uses historical option exercise and termination data to estimate the expected term the options are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield is calculated using historical dividend amounts and the stock price at the option issuance date. We have incurred $14,504$13,145 of stock-based compensation expense during the ninethree months ended August 31, 2014.February 28, 2015.

On June 25, 2013, the Company acquired the fixed assets, raw material inventory, work-in-process inventory, and select finished good inventory of Agro Trend, a division of Rojac Industries, Inc. of Clifford, Ontario, Canada. A new entity was formed, Art's Way Manufacturing International, LTD (“International”), which is included in the agricultural products segment for financial reporting purposes. International leases the facility in Clifford, Ontario and is continuing manufacturing, marketing and sales from the Canadian location. The amount paid in U.S. dollars for the acquisition of assets totaled $311,000 ($88,000 in fixed assets and $223,000 in inventory). The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations from the acquisition date forward. The acquisition was made to continue the Company’s growth strategy and diversify its product offerings inside the agricultural industry.

The acquisition also includes a consignment arrangement regarding $600,000 of select finished good inventory. As part of the arrangement, International agreed to use reasonable efforts to sell the inventory including providing a sales and marketing plan with projections within 60 days of the closing date and meeting with the consignor quarterly to discuss progress. Once a month, International will pay the consignor an amount equal to the cost base of the inventory sold that month. As of August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, International had sold $364,000$410,000 of the consigned inventory.

The financial books of the operation are kept in the functional currency of Canadian dollars and the financial statements are converted to U.S. Dollars for consolidation. When consolidating the financial results of the Company into U.S. Dollars for reporting purposes, the Company uses the All-Current translation method. The All-Current method requires the balance sheet assets and liabilities be translated to U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate as of quarter end. Owner’s equity is translated at historical exchange rates and retained earnings are translated at an average exchange rate for the period. Additionally, revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the periods presented. The resulting cumulative translation adjustment is carried on the balance sheet and distributed among various balance sheet accounts. The Company monitors the amount of the adjustment and considers it to be immaterial.

On September 30, 2013, the Company acquired the assets of Ohio Metal Working Products Company in Canton, Ohio consisting of inventory, equipment, real property, and intangible assets. A new entity was formed, Ohio Metal Working Products/Art’s-Way, Inc. (“Metals”). A new segment called Tools was created for financial reporting purposes. Ohio Metal Working Products/Art’s-Way, Inc. is a domestic manufacturer and distributor of standard single point brazed carbide tipped tools as well as PCD (polycrystalline diamond) and CBN (cubic boron nitride) inserts and tools. The amount paid for the acquisition totaled approximately $3,172,000 ($1,142,000 in inventory, $1,200,000 in land and building, $868,000 in fixed assets, and a reduction for assumed vacation liability of $38,000). The acquisition was financed by accessing the line of credit available through U.S. Bank, and on May 29, 2014 we obtainedwegranted a mortgage for the property and buildings in the amount of $1,000,000 which was used to pay down on the line of credit. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date forward. The acquisition was made to continue the Company’s growth strategy and diversify its product offerings.

The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. At August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, and November 30, 2013,2014, the carrying amount approximated fair value for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable to bank, and other current and long-term liabilities. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s installment term loans payable also approximate recorded value because the interest rates charged under the loan terms are not substantially different than current interest rates.

There are four reportable segments: agricultural products, pressurized vessels, modular buildings and tools. The agricultural products segment fabricates and sells farming products as well as related equipment and replacement parts for these products in the United States and worldwide. The pressurized vessels segment produces and services pressurized tanks. The modular buildings segment manufactures and installs modular buildings for animal containment and various laboratory uses. The tools segment manufactures steel cutting tools and inserts.

The accounting policies applied to determine the segment information are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Management evaluates the performance of each segment based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, exclusive of nonrecurring gains and losses.

Approximate financial information with respect to the reportable segments is as follows.

Three Months Ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015

Three Months Ended August 31, 2013February 28, 2014

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2014

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013

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

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I of this report and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-Kand the amendment thereto on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013.2014. Some of the statements in this report may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our current view on future events, future business, industry and other conditions, our future performance, and our plans and expectations for future operations and actions. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “future,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” “predict,” “hope,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Many of these forward-looking statements are located in this report under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” but they may appear in other sections as well. Forward-looking statements in this report generally relate to: (i) our expectations regarding our warranty costs and order backlog; (ii) our beliefs regarding the sufficiency of working capital and cash flows, and our continued ability to renew or obtain financing on reasonable terms when necessary; (iii) the impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements; (iv)and our expectations concerning our primary capital and cash flow needs; and (v) the cyclical nature of the agricultural market and our expectations regarding the strength of certain agricultural markets.needs.

You should read this report thoroughly with the understanding that our actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including events beyond our control and assumptions that prove to be inaccurate or unfounded. We cannot provide any assurance with respect to our future performance or results. Our actual results or actions could and likely will differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including but not limited to: (i) the impact of tightening credit markets on our ability to continue to obtain financing on reasonable terms; (ii) our ability to continue to meet debt obligations and comply with financial covenants; (iii) obstacles related to integration of acquired product lines and businesses; (iv) the effect of general economic conditions, including consumer and governmental spending, on the demand for our products and the cost of our supplies and materials; (v) fluctuations in seasonal demand and our production cycle; and (vi) other factors described from time to time in our reports to the SEC. We do not intend to update the forward-looking statements contained in this report other than as required by law. We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies involving the more significant judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements as of August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 have remained unchanged from November 30, 2013. These policies include revenue recognition, inventory valuation, and income taxes.2014. Disclosure of these critical accounting policies is incorporated by reference from Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013.2014.

Results of Operations

Net Sales and Cost of Sales

Our consolidated corporate sales for the three- and nine-month periodsthethree-month period ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 were $11,585,000 and $27,291,000, respectively,$7,289,000 compared to $9,350,000 and $27,016,000$6,237,000 during the same respective periodsperiod in 2013,2014, a $2,234,000$1,052,000, or 23.9%16.9%, increase for the quarter and a $275,000 or 1.0% increase year-to-date.quarter. The increase in revenue for the three monththethree-month period ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 was primarily due to increases in revenue at Manufacturing and the revenues generated fromin our new tools segment, which we formed following the Ohio Metals acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013. For the nine-month period ended August 31, 2014, Manufacturing, Vessels and Scientific each experienced a decline in revenue, which was offset by the addition of revenue generated from Metals.Agricultural Products segment. Consolidated gross profit margin for the three- and nine-month periods ending August 31, 2014thethree-month periodended February 28, 2015 was 23.3% and 23.3%28.2% compared to 18.5% and 24.7% during the same periods of 2013.21.5% in 2014.

Our thirdfirst quarter sales at Manufacturing were $9,362,000,$5,315,000, compared to $8,005,000$4,441,000 during the same period of 2013,2014, an increase of $1,357,000,$874,000, or 17.0%19.7%. This increase is primarily due to cold weather delaying production runsincreased sales of some specific products duringour grinder-mixer product lines, but is somewhat offset by reduced sales of our Universal Harvester reels. During the first quarter whichof 2014, cold weather caused inefficiencies in turn delayed some salesour production facility that typically would occur inrestrictedthe availability ofour products for shipment. The gross margin of our agricultural products segment for the second quarter to the third quarter. The nine-month sales for 2014 at Manufacturing were $21,366,000,ended February 28, 2015 was 32.1%, compared to $22,727,00021.7% for the same period in 2013, a 6.0% decrease. The decrease2014. Most of this increase is due togreater efficiencies in revenue year to date is primarily due to decreased demand for the Universal Harvester reelsour manufacturing facilities and reduced sugar beet harvester sales in fiscal 2014improved management of our inventories as compared to 2013, but was offset somewhat by sales from our International acquisition and increased demand for our grinder mixers. Manufacturing’s gross margin for the quarter ended August 31, 2014 was 25.0%, compared to 19.4% for the same period in 2013. For the year to date period ending August 31, 2014 gross margin was 24.8% as compared to 24.3% in the same period for 2013.previous year.

Our three- and nine-monthsfirst quarter sales at Vessels were $606,000 and $1,504,000, respectively,$527,000 compared to $635,000 and $1,671,000$424,000 for the same periods in 2013, a decrease2014, an increase of $29,000,$103,000, or 4.5% and $166,000, or 9.9%.24.3%.This increase was caused in part by the addition of our new line of stock tanks available for sale. Gross margin for the quarter ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 was 6.8%5.5% compared to 16.4%8.5% for the same period in 2013. Gross margin2014.This decrease is primarily due to increased freight expenses for the nine-months ended August 31, 2014 was 6.4% as compareddelivery of our product to 10.0% for the first nine-months of fiscal 2013.customers.

Our third fiscalfirst quarter and year-to-date sales at Scientific were $820,000 and $1,818,000, respectively,$650,000 compared to $710,000 and $2,618,000$461,000 for the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2013,2014, an increase of $111,000,$189,000, or 15.6% and a decrease41.0%. This increase is primarily due to increased sales of $800,000, or 30.5%, respectively. The year to date decrease was primarily attributable to the 2013 first quarter completion of the projects relating to an approximately $7 million fabrication and delivery contract executed in January 2012 and an approximately $1.7 million installation contract executed in April 2012. Scientific was hired to design, fabricate, and install twenty-four modular units over the course of approximately one year for one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions.our agricultural buildings. Scientific uses the percentage of completion accounting method to calculate revenue and gross margins for all contracts. Gross margin for the quarter ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 was 20.2%12.2% compared to 10.1%13.4% for the same period in 2013, while gross margin for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2014 was 15.5% as compared to 37.3% for the same period in 2013. The margins reported in first two quarters of 2013 were a result of the finalization of costs as compared to estimates on the major projects described above and did not reflect normal operating margin for the business. The lower margin year to date for 2014 is primarily attributable to the lower revenue relative to steady overhead costs.2014.

Metals had sales of $797,000 and $2,603,000during the three months ended February 28, 2015, compared to $911,000 for the three-same period in 2014, a 12.5% decrease largely due to a general decline in the gas and nine-months ended August 31, 2014, respectively.oil industry. Gross margin at Metals was 19.8%29.7% for the thirdfirst fiscal quarter and 26.9%of 2015, compared to 30.6% for the nine months ended August 31, 2014. Comparable results for the 2013 fiscal year are not available as the Ohio Metals acquisition occurred during the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal year 2013.2014.

Expenses 

Our thirdfirst fiscal quarter consolidated selling expenses were $566,000$565,000 compared to $599,000$536,000 for the same period in 2013. Year to date selling expenses for fiscal 2014 were $1,742,000 compared to $1,573,000 for the same period in fiscal 2013.2014. These increases are primarily due to increased commission expense due to our higher revenue amounts in the incremental expenses associated with the Ohio Metals acquisition.first quarter of fiscal 2015. Selling expenses as a percentage of sales were 4.9% and 6.4%7.8% for the three- and nine-month periodsthethree-month period ended August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, compared to 6.4% and 5.8%8.6% for the same respective periodsperiod in 2013.2014.

Consolidated engineering expenses were $129,000 and $361,000$116,000 for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, compared to $178,000 and $382,000$114,000 for the same periodsperiod in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to the consolidation of engineering staff at Manufacturing, as well as decreased engineering at our Vessels division. Engineering2014.Engineering expenses as a percentage of sales were 1.1% and 1.3%1.6% for the three- and nine-monththree-month period ended August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, compared to 1.9% and 1.4%1.8% for the same respective periodsperiod in 2013.2014.

Consolidated administrative expenses for the three and ninethethree months ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 were $1,101,000 and $3,212,000$1,042,000 compared to $897,000 and $3,141,000$985,000 for the same periodsperiod in 2013.2014. The change in expense is primarily due to the reduction ofincreased bonus accruals offset by the incremental expenses associated with the Ohio Metals acquisition.in fiscal 2015. Administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 9.5% and 11.8%14.3% for the three- and nine-month periodsthethree-month period ended August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, compared to 9.6% and 11.6%15.8% for the same respective periodsperiod in 2013.

Gain/Loss-Asset Disposal

The Company had been leasing approximately 88 acres of excess land to third parties for farming. In December of 2012, we sold this excess land as 3 separate tracts. Tract 1 was farmland northwest of the Armstrong Manufacturing plant located at 5556 Highway 9 in Armstrong, Iowa. Tract 2 was farmland north of railroad tracks that run on the north side of the Armstrong Manufacturing plant located at 5556 Highway 9 in Armstrong, Iowa. Tract 3 was pasture land east of the Armstrong Manufacturing plant located at 5556 Highway 9 in Armstrong, Iowa. The net gain on the sale of the three parcels totaled $639,000 and was recognized during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

To better utilize our production facilities, our auger production was moved from our Salem, South Dakota facility to our West Union, Iowa production facility in July 2011. The Salem, South Dakota facility was sold in December 2012. An impairment of $95,000 was recognized in fiscal year 2012 on the production facility due to the Company’s carrying value exceeding the bid price. A net loss of $9,000 was recognized in December 2012, which consisted of the closing costs associated with the sale.

The net gain on the sale of the Salem, South Dakota facility and the three tracts of land in Iowa totaled $630,000. The gain was recognized in the nine-month period ended August 31, 2013.2014.

Income

Consolidated net income was $558,000$168,000 for the three-monththree month period ended August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, compared to a net incomeloss of $26,000$258,000 for the same respective period in 2013.2014. This increase in income is due toa $641,000 increase in operating incomein our agricultural products segment in the first quarter of 2015 compared to increased operating incomethe first quarter of $889,000 at Manufacturing,2014, but was offset by operating losses at our Vessels and MetalsScientific divisions. Our consolidated net income for the nine-month period ended August 31, 2014 was $553,000 as compared to $1,360,000 for the same period in 2013. The 2013 sale of land described previously and the 2014 year-to-date decrease in revenue at Scientific and Vessels account for the majority of this reduction, but were partially offset by incremental revenues at our new Metals division.

Order Backlog

The consolidated order backlog net of discounts as of September 16, 2014March 25, 2015 was $4,741,000$6,844,000 compared to $2,888,000$10,061,000 as of September 16, 2013. The increase is due to increased orders in every segment.March 25, 2015. The agricultural products segment order backlog was $2,702,000$5,711,000 as of September 16, 2014,March 25, 2015 compared to $2,056,000$8,739,000 in fiscal 2013.2014. This decrease is partly attributable to decreased orders of our Universal Harvester products. Also, in fiscal 2014 the severe winter weather impacted our production schedule, which delayed our ability to ship products and resulted in a larger backlog. The backlog for the pressurized vessels segment was $402,000$462,000 as of September 16, 2014,March 25, 2015, compared to $261,000$572,000 in fiscal 2013.2014. The backlog for the modular buildings segment was $1,073,000$79,000 as of September 16, 2014,March 25, 2015, compared to $571,000$382,000 in fiscal 2013.2014. The backlog for the tools segment was $564,000$591,000 as of September 16,March 25, 2015, compared to $368,000 in fiscal 2014. Our order backlog is not necessarily indicative of future revenue to be generated from such orders due to the possibility of order cancellations and dealer discount arrangements we may enter into from time to time.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our inventories were higher at February 28, 2015 compared to November 30, 2014 as the result of the timing of a portion of our OEM blower sales. Our primary sources of funds for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015 were proceeds from the U.S. Bank Line of CreditCredit; and the U.S. Bank note dated May 29, 2014; we expect our primary capital needs to relate to costs of operation, including production. Our accounts receivable were higher at August 31, 2014 compared to August 31, 2013 as the result of the timing of a portion of our sugar beet harvester sales. We do not believe that doubtful accounts will have a material impact on our liquidity.

We have an $8,000,000 revolving Line of Credit with U.S. Bank, which, as of August 31, 2014,February 28, 2015, had an outstanding principal balance of $4,839,383.$3,473,367. The Line of Credit is renewable annually and is scheduled to mature on May 1, 20152015.We expect to renew the line of credit prior to its maturity date. For additional information about our financing activities, please refer to Note 98 to the audited consolidated financial statements and to the discussion entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” each contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K10-Kand our amendment thereto on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2013,2014, as well as Note 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

We believe that our cash flows from operations and current financing arrangements provide sufficient cash to finance operations for the next twelve months. We expect to continue to rely on cash from financing activities to supplement our cash flows from operations in order to meet our liquidity and capital expenditure needs in the near future. We expect to continue to be able to procure financing upon reasonable terms.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this item.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The personpersons serving as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer hashave evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period subject to this Report. Based on this evaluation, the personpersons serving as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the periodic and current reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 We are currently not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

        As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this item.

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

                None.

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

                None.

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.   Other Information.

None.

Item 6.   Exhibits.

               See “Exhibit Index” on page 2018 of this report.

SIGNATURES

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

Art’s-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Exhibit Index

Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended August 31, 2014February 28, 2015

 
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