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TABLE OF CONTENTSINDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2010May 2, 2011
Registration NumberNo. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C.Washington, DC 20549
FORMForm S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrantregistrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 3531 | 134275891 | ||||||
| DELAWARE | 3531 | 134275891 | ||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
7777 North 73rd Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
(414) 354-2310
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's of principal executive offices)
James L. Janik
President and Chief Executive OfficerDouglas Dynamics, Inc.
7777 North 73rd Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233
(414) 354-2310
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
| Bruce D. Meyer Ari B. Lanin Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 333 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 229-7000 | Gregg A. Noel Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 300 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 687-5000 |
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public)public:
As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Formform are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o
If this Formform is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Formform is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Formform is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange ActAct. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer ý (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting companyo |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
| Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered | Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) | Amount of Registration Fee | Amount to be Registered(1) | Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2) | Amount of Registration Fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Common Stock, $.01 par value | $150,000,000 | $10,695 | ||||||||
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share | 5,750,000 | $87,026,250 | $10,104 | |||||||
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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONThe registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OFof the Securities Act of 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTIONor until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We and theThe selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it isthe selling stockholders are not soliciting an offeroffers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED, 2010 ,2011
5,000,000 Shares
Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Common Stock
This is the initial public offering of our common stock. We are selling The shares of common stock andare being sold by the selling stockholders are sellingshares of common stock.stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders. Prior to this offering there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price of ourthese shares.
Our common stock is expected to be between $and $per share. We will apply to listlisted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PLOW." On April 29, 2011, the last sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "."was $15.49 per share.
The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase on a pro rata basis up to additional shares from us and an aggregate of 750,000 additional outstanding shares from the selling stockholders to cover over-allotments of shares.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 15.16.
| | Price to Public | Underwriting Discounts and Commissions | Proceeds | to Selling Stockholders | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Share | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Delivery of the shares of our common stock will be made on or about, 2010.2011.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Joint Book-Running Managers
Oppenheimer & Co. | Baird | |||
Co-Manager | ||||
Piper Jaffray | ||||
The date of this prospectus is, 2010.2011.
| | Page | |
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY | 1 | |
SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA | ||
RISK FACTORS | ||
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | ||
INDUSTRY INFORMATION | 30 | |
USE OF PROCEEDS | ||
DIVIDEND POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS | ||
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK | 34 | |
CAPITALIZATION | ||
| 35 | |
| 36 | |
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BUSINESS | ||
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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS | ||
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE | 46 | |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | ||
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES | ||
UNDERWRITING | ||
NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS | ||
LEGAL MATTERS | ||
EXPERTS | ||
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION | ||
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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus.prospectus or in any free-writing prospectus we may authorize. We have not, the selling stockholders have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different.additional or different information. The information in this prospectus or any free-writing prospectus may only be accurate as of theits date, on the front coverregardless of this prospectus.its time of delivery or of any sale of shares of common stock. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
Information contained in this prospectus concerning the snow and ice control equipment industry for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, which we refer to as "light trucks" in this prospectus, our general expectations concerning this industry and our market positions and other market share data regarding this industry are based on estimates our management prepared using end-user surveys, anecdotal data from our distributors and distributors that carry our competitors' products, our results of operations and management's past experience, and on assumptions made by our management, based on its knowledge of this industry, all of which we believe to be reasonable. These estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, we have not independently verified the information from any third-party source, although management also believes such information to be reasonable.
"WESTERN," "FISHER" and "BLIZZARD" and their respective logos are trademarks. Solely for convenience, from time to time we refer to our trademarks in this prospectus without the ® symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our trademarks.
Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligation
Until , 2010 (25 days after the commencement of this offering), all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
The followingThis summary should be read together with,highlights certain significant aspects of our business and this offering, but it is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed informationnot complete and financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. For a more complete understanding ofmaking your investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus and the information incorporated by reference into this offering, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus, including the information presented under the section entitled "Risk Factors" section,and the financial data and related notes, before making an investment decision. This summary contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ significantly from future results contemplated in the forward-looking statements as a result of factors such as those set forth in "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." Certain historical information in this prospectus has been adjusted to reflect the 23.75-for-one stock split of our common stock.stock that occurred immediately prior to the consummation of our initial public offering.
In this prospectus, unless the context indicates otherwise: "Douglas Dynamics," the "Company," "we," "our," "ours" or "us" refersrefer to Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (formerly known as Douglas Dynamics Holdings, Inc.), and its subsidiaries and "Douglas Holdings" refers to Douglas Dynamics, Inc. exclusive of its subsidiaries. Douglas Dynamics, Inc. is a Delaware corporation ("Douglas Holdings"),and the issuer of the common stock being offered hereby, and its subsidiaries; the "Aurora Entities" refers to Aurora Equity Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Aurora Overseas Equity Partners II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership; "Ares" refers to Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership; our "principal stockholders" refers to the Aurora Entities and Ares, collectively; and the "selling stockholders" refer to our principal stockholders together with certain co-investors who will be selling shares of our common stock in this offering as described in "Principal and Selling Stockholders.hereby."
Our Company
We are the North American leader in the design, manufacture and sale of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, which consists of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders, and related parts and accessories. We sell our products under the WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brands which are among the most established and recognized in the industry. We believe that in 20092010 our share of the light truck snow and ice control equipment market was greater than 50%. In the first nine months of 2009,2010, we generated net sales, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in "—Summary"Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating Data") and, net income, and Adjusted Net Income (as defined in "Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating Data") of $125.2$176.8 million, $28.0$47.3 million, $1.7 million and $2.7$12.7 million, respectively.respectively, as compared to net sales, Adjusted EBITDA, net income, and Adjusted Net Income of $174.3 million, $45.2 million, $9.8 million, and $9.8 million, respectively, for 2009. See "—Summary"Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating Data" for a discussion of why management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income to measure our financial performance, and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income.
We offer the broadest and most complete product line of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Our snowplows use custom-designed mounts which allow each of our snowplow models to be used on a variety of light truck brands and models. In addition, we manufacture a broad portfolio of hopper and tailgate-mounted sand and salt spreaders that are used for snow and ice control on driveways, roads and parking lots. We also provide a full range of related parts and accessories, which generates an ancillary revenue stream throughout the lifecycle of our snow and ice control equipment. The following charts highlightFor the year ended December 31, 2010, 86% of our net sales by product typewere generated from sales of snow and brand for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:ice control equipment, and 14% of our net sales were generated from sales of parts and accessories.
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We sell our products through a distributor network primarily to professional snowplowers who are contracted to remove snow and ice from commercial, municipal and residential areas. Because of the short snow season (which we calculate as running from October 1 through March 31), unpredictability of snowfall events and the difficult weather conditions under which our end-users operate, our
end-users have a fairly limited time frame in which to generate income. Accordingly, our end-users demand a high degree of quality, reliability and service. Over the last 50 years, we have engendered exceptional customer loyalty for our products because of our ability to satisfy the stringent demands of our customers.customers for a high degree of quality, reliability and service. As a result, we believe our installed base is the largest in the industry with over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. Because sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders are primarily driven by the need of our core end-user base to replace worn existing equipment, we believe our substantial installed base provides us with a high degree of predictable sales over any extended period of time.
We believe we have the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 720710 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us and are
located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of 15 years. Beginning in 2005, we began to extend our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist. A breakdown of our distributor base is reflected in the table below:
We believe we are the industry's most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our vertical integration, highly variable cost structure and intense focus on lean manufacturing. We continually seek to use lean principles to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of our manufacturing operations. From 2002Our manufacturing efficiencies have contributed to 2008, we have increasedthe increase of our gross profit per unit by approximately 3.0%3.2% per annum, compounded annually. Whileannually, from 2000 to 2010. In addition, as a result of improvements in our manufacturing efficiency, we currentlyclosed our Johnson City, Tennessee facility in August 2010 (which is still owned by the Company, but is held for sale), reducing our manufacturing facilities from three to two. We now manufacture our products in threetwo facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Rockland, Maine and Johnson City, Tennessee, we have improved our manufacturing efficiency to the point that we will be closing our Johnson City, Tennessee facility effective mid-2010. We expect that the closing of this facility will yield estimated cost savings of approximately $4 million annually, with no anticipated reduction in production capacity.Maine. Furthermore, our manufacturing efficiency allows us to deliver desired products quickly to our customers during times of sudden and unpredictable snowfall events when our customers need our products immediately.
Our ability to deliver products on a rapid and efficient basis through lean manufacturing allows us to both better serve our existing customer base and capture new customers from competitors who we believe cannot service their customers' needs with the same speed and reliability.
Our Industry
The light truck snow and ice control equipment industry in North America consists predominantly of domestic participants that manufacture their products in North America. Snowplow sales account for a significant portion of snow and ice control equipment sales for light trucks, with sand and salt spreader sales accounting for a lesser portion. The annual demand for snow and ice control equipment is driven primarily by the replacement cycle of the existing installed base, which is predominantly a function of the average life of a snowplow or spreader and is driven by usage and maintenance practices of the end-user. We believe actively-used snowplows are typically replaced, on average, every 7seven to 8eight years.
The primary factor influencing the replacement cycle for snow and ice control equipment is the level, timing and location of snowfall. Sales of snow and ice control equipment in any given year and region are most heavily influenced by local snowfall levels in the prior snow season. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes equipment usage to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear and shortened life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement equipment and additional parts and accessories. Moreover, in our experience, the timing of snowfall in a given winter also influences our end-users' decision-making process. Because an early snowfall can be viewed as a sign of a heavy upcoming snow season, our end-users may respond to an early snowfall by purchasing replacement snow and ice control equipment earlier than they otherwise might have. Alternatively, light snowfall during a given winter season may cause equipment usage to decrease, extending its useful life, and delaying replacement equipment purchases.
While snowfall levels vary within a given year and from year-to-year, snowfall, and the corresponding replacement cycle of snow and ice control equipment, is relatively consistent over multi-year periods. The following chart depicts an aggregate annual and eight-year (based on the typical life of our snowplows) rolling average of the aggregate snowfall levels in 66 cities in 26 snowbelt states across the Northeast, East, Midwest and Western United States where we monitor snowfall levels)levels from 1980 to 2009.2010. As the chart indicates, since 1982, aggregate snowfall levels in any given rolling eight-year period have been fairly consistent, ranging from 2,742 to 3,2953,346 inches.
Snowfall in Snowbelt States (inches)
(for October 1 through March 31)
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service.
The demand for snow and ice control equipment can also be influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions in North America. In stronger economic conditions, our end-users may choose to replace or upgrade existing equipment before its useful life has ended, while in weak economic conditions, our end-users may seek
to extend the useful life of equipment, thereby increasing the sales of parts and accessories. However, since snow and ice control management is a non-discretionary service necessary to ensure public safety and continued personal and commercial mobility in populated areas that receive snowfall, end-users cannot extend the useful life of snow and ice control equipment indefinitely and must replace equipment that has become too worn, unsafe or unreliable, regardless of economic conditions.
The next chart depicts annual unit sales of snow and ice control equipment since 1980 and an eight-year (based on the typical life of our snowplows) rolling average since 1982. As the chart reveals, sales of our snow and ice control equipment have been relatively consistent over any eight year period.
Equipment Sales of parts and accessories(units)
Although sales of snow and ice control units increased in 20082010 as compared to 2007,2009, management believes that absent the recentcontinued economic downturn, equipment sales in 20082009 and 2010 would have been considerably higher due to the high levels of snowfall during the year,these years, as equipment unit sales in 20082009 and 2010 remained below the rolling ten-year average, while snowfall levels in 20082009 and 2010 were considerably above the rolling ten-year average. Further to this point, sales of parts and accessories for 2009 and 2010, respectively, were approximately 58.3% and 34.4% higher than the applicable rolling ten-year average, which management believes is largely a result of the deferral of new equipment purchases due to the economic downturn. Management believes this deferral of new equipment purchases could result in an elevated multi-year replacement cycle as the economy recovers.
Long-term growth in the overall snow and ice control equipment market also results from geographic expansion of developed areas in the snowbelt regions of North America, as well as consumer demand for technological enhancements in snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories that improves efficiency and reliability. Continued construction in the snowbelt regions in North America increases the aggregate area requiring snow and ice removal, thereby growing the market for snow and ice control equipment. In addition, the development and sale of more reliable, more efficient and more sophisticated product hasproducts have contributed to an approximate 2% to 4%2-4% average unit price increase in each of the past five years.
Our Competitive Strengths
We are the North American market leader in snow and ice control equipment for light trucks with what we believe to be an industry leading installed base of over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. We compete solely with other North American manufacturers who do not benefit from our extensive distributor network, manufacturing efficiencies and depth and breadth of products. AsWe compete against these companies to provide the broadest, highest quality, most reliable product offering at competitive prices; however, because of our reputation for reliable and durable product performance, we can often demand a premium price in the marketplace. Further, as the market leader in snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, we enjoy a set of competitive advantages versus smaller more regionally-focused equipment providers, which allows us to generate robust cash flows in all snowfall environments and to support continued investment in our products, distribution capabilities and brand regardless of
annual volume fluctuations. We believe this advantage isthese competitive advantages are rooted in the following competitive strengths and reinforces our industry leadership over time.
Exceptional Customer Loyalty and Brand Equity. Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry with both end-users and distributors. Wedistributors which have been developed this exceptional loyalty through over 50 years of superior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, consistently delivered season after season. We believe many of our end-users are second and third generation owners of our snow and ice control equipment. Our surveys find that past brand experience, rather than price, is the key factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions. Because a professional snowplower can typically recoup the cost of a plow within a very short period of time, and in some cases, as a result of one major snowfall event, we believe quality, reliability and functionality are more important factors in our end-users' purchasing decisions than price. For example, our end-user survey found that less than 10% of commercial end-users cite price as a key factor in their purchase decision.
Broadest and Most Innovative Product Offering. We provide the industry's broadest product offering with a full range of snowplows, sand and salt spreaders and related parts and accessories. Through our acquisition of Blizzard Corporation in November 2005, we acquired the highly-patented, groundbreaking BLIZZARD® technology that represents one of the most significant innovations in our industry. More specifically, we acquired industry-leading hinged plow technology, which has significant advantages over competing products because it utilizes expandable wings for more effective snow removal.
We also believe we maintain the industry's largest and most advanced in-house new product development program, and that our market leadership position permits us the flexibility to devote more resources to research and development than any of our competitors. We historically introducingintroduce several new and redesigned products each year.year, as research and development is a major focus of our management. New product development projects are typically the result of end-user feedback, plow productivity improvements, quality and reliability improvements and vehicle application expansion. Our broad product offering and
commitment to new product development is essential to maintaining and growing our leading market share position as well as continuing to increase the profitability of our business. We believe we have introduced or redesigned more efficient and productive products over the last five years (including the redesigned Fisher and Western V Plows in 2006 and the Fisher and Western Power Plows in 2007) than any of our competitors, driving increased value for our customers. Our products are covered by over 40 issued or pending U.S. and Canadian patents related to snow and ice control equipment technologies and other important product features and designs.
Extensive North American Distributor Network. WeWith over 710 direct distributors, we benefit from having the most extensive North American direct distributor network in the industry, providing a significant competitive advantage over our peers. We have over 720 direct distributor relationships which provide us with the ability to reach end-users throughout North America to achieve geographic diversification of sales that helps insulate us from annual variations in regional snowfall levels. Our distributors function not only as sales and support agents (providing access to parts and service), but also as industry partners providing real-time end-user information, such as retail inventory levels, changing consumer preferences or desired functionality enhancements, which we use as the basis for our product development efforts. We believe a majority of our distributors choose to sell our products exclusively, even though few are contractually required to do so. Despite the importance of our distributor network as a whole, no one distributor represents more than 5% of our net sales.
Leader in Operational Efficiency. We believe we are a leader in operational efficiency in our industry, resulting from our application of lean manufacturing principles and a highly variable cost structure. By utilizing lean principles, we are able to adjust production levels easily to meet fluctuating demand, while controlling costs in slower periods. This operational efficiency is supplemented by our highly variable cost structure, driven in part by our access to a sizable temporary workforce (comprising approximately 10-15% of our total workforce), which we can quickly adjust, as needed. As a result of our operational efficiency, we have increased our gross profit per unit by approximately 3.0% per annum, compounded annually, from 2002 to 2008. The upcoming closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility, which we believe will save us approximately $4 million annually without a loss of production capacity, demonstrates the success of our lean initiatives. These manufacturing efficiencies enable us to respond rapidly to urgent customer demand during times of sudden and unpredictable snowfalls, allowing us to provide exceptional service to our existing customer base and capture new customers from competitors whothat we believe cannot service their customers' needs with the same speed and reliability.
Strong Cash Flow Generation. We are able to generate significant cash flow as a result of relatively consistent high profitability (Adjusted EBITDA marginsMargins averaged 27.3%26.4% for the three-year period from 20042008 to 2008)2010), low capital spending requirements and predictable timing of our working capital requirements. We have historically been able to pass through increases in raw material prices, including steel surcharges when necessary, to maintain our profitability. Our cash flow results will also benefit substantially from approximately $18 million of annual tax-deductible intangible and goodwill expense over the next tennine years, which has the impact of reducing our corporate taxes owed by approximately $6.7 million on an annual basis.basis during this period, in the event we have sufficient taxable income to utilize such benefit. Our significant cash flow has allowed us to reinvest in our business, reduce indebtednesspay down long term debt, and pay substantial dividends to our
stockholders. Effective upon the consummation of our initial public offering, our Board of Directors adopted a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1825 per share, which was first paid on September 30, 2010. In November 2010, we increased our quarterly dividend, effective as of the fourth quarter of 2010, by $0.0175 to $0.20 per share, an increase of 9.6%, and on March 31, 2011, we paid an additional special cash dividend of $0.37 per share. This dividend program has resulted in an aggregate of $20.7 million being paid to our stockholders in the form of cash dividends since our initial public offering.
Experienced Management Team. We believe our business benefits from an exceptional management team that is responsible for establishing our leadership in the snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks. Our senior management team, consisting of four officers, has an average of approximately 1920 years of weather-related industry experience and an average of approximately 10over ten years with our company. James Janik, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has been with us for over 1718 years and in his current role since 2000, and through his strategic vision, we have been able to expand our distributor network and grow our market leading position.
Our Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to capitalize on our competitive strengths to maximize cash flow to pay dividends, reduce indebtedness and reinvest in our business to create stockholder value. The building blocks of our strategy are:
Continuous Product Innovation. We believe new product innovation plays an essential role inis critical to maintaining and growing our market-leading position in the snow and ice control equipment industry. We will continue to focus on developing innovative solutions to increase productivity, ease of use, reliability, durability and serviceability of our products. Our product development teams are guided by extensive market research, as well as real time feedback from our distributors who provide valuable insight into changing customer preferences, desired functionality or product features. In addition, we haveproducts and will continue to incorporateon incorporating lean manufacturing concepts into our product development process, which has allowed us to reduce the overall cost of development and, more importantly, reducedto reduce our time-to-market by nearly one-half. As a result of these efforts, approximately 50%$87 million, or 49.5%, of our 20092010 net sales came from products introduced or redesigned in the last five years.
Distributor Network Optimization. Over the last ten years, we have grown our network by over 250 distributors. We will continually seek opportunities to optimizecontinue to expand our portfolio of over 720 direct distributorsextensive distribution network by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network to ensure we maximize our ability to generate revenue while protecting our industry leading reputation, customer loyalty and brands. Prospective distributors are rigorously screened before they are allowed to sell our snow and ice control products, allowing us to maintain relationships with only those distributors we believe to be the most reputable in the industry. Once selected, we strive to maintain close working relationships with our distributors and actively monitor their performance, quality of service and support and credit profiles. We will also focus on further optimizing this network by providing in-depth training, valuable distributor support and attractive promotional and incentive opportunities. As a result of these efforts, we believe a majority of our distributors choose to sell our products exclusively. Over the last ten years, we have grown our network by over 300 distributors. We believe this sizable high quality network is unique in the industry, providing us with valuable insight into purchasing trends and customer preferences, and would be very difficult to replicate.
Aggressive Asset Management and Profit Focus. We will continue to aggressively manage our assets in order to maximize our cash flow generation despite seasonal and annual variability in snowfall levels. We believe our ability is unique in our industry and enables us to achieve attractive margins in all snowfall environments. Key elements of our asset management and profit focus strategies include:
Additionally, although modest, our capital expenditure requirements and operating expenses can be temporarily reduced in response to anticipated or actual lower sales in a particular year to maximize cash flow.
Flexible, Lean Enterprise Platform. We intendwill continue to utilize lean principles to maximize the flexibility, efficiency and efficiencyproductivity of our manufacturing operations while reducing the associated costs. Implementation of these principles has allowed us to substantially improve the productivity of our manufacturing processes through waste elimination and improved space utilization, creating a flexible environment capable of efficiently responding to large variations in end-user demand and delivering best-in-class customer service and responsiveness, therebycosts, enabling us to increase distributor and end-user satisfaction. Moreover,For example, in an environment where shorter lead times and near-perfect order fulfillment are important to our distributors, we believe our lean processes have helped us to improve our shipping performance and build a reputation for providing industry leading shipping performance. In 2009,2010, we fulfilled 98.2%96.1% of our orders on or before the requested ship date, without error in content, packaging or delivery.delivery, continuing the strength of our performance in 2009 in which we filled 98.2% of our orders on or before the requested ship date without such errors, and representing a significant improvement from our 81.5% error-free performance in 2008.
Our cost reduction efforts also include the rationalization of our supply base and implementation of a global sourcing strategy, resulting in approximately $2.1$3.9 million of cumulative annualized cost savings from 2006 to 2008. Since 2006, we have reduced our supply base by 36% from over 450 suppliers to approximately 288 today.2010 with the goal of an additional $1 million in annualized cost savings in 2011. In January 2009, we opened a sourcing office in China, which willwe expect to become our central focus for specific component purchases and will provide a majority of our procurement cost savings in the future.
Our Growth Opportunities
Increase Our Industry Leading Market Share. We plan to leverage our industry leading position, distribution network and new product innovation capabilities to capture market share in the North American snow and ice control equipment market, focusing our primary efforts on increasing penetration in those North American markets where we believe our overall market share is less than 50%. We also plan to continue growing our presence in the snow and ice control equipment market outside of North America, particularly in Asia and Europe, which we believe could provide significant growth opportunities in the future.
Opportunistically Seek New Products and New Markets. We will consider external growth opportunities within the snow and ice control industry and other equipment or component markets. We plan to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities within our industry and in complementary industries that can help us expand our distribution reach, enhance our technology and as a consequence improve the breadth and depth of our product lines. In November 2005, we purchased Blizzard Corporation and its highly-patented, groundbreaking hinged plow technology and have also incorporated this technology into our Western and Fisher snowplows. We also consider diversification opportunities in adjacent markets that complement our business model and could offer us the ability to leverage our core competencies to create stockholder value.
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks summarized below, the risks described under "Risk Factors,"Factors" beginning on page 16 and the other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before deciding to purchase any shares of our common stock:
Aurora Equity Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Aurora Overseas Equity Partners II, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempt limited partnership, which we refer collectively to in this prospectus as the Aurora Entities, collectively beneficially own approximately 30% of our common stock, prior to giving effect to this offering. The Aurora Entities are affiliates of Aurora Capital Group and control the vote with respectGroup. Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to in this prospectus as Ares, beneficially owns approximately 67.0%11% of our common stock, prior to giving effect to this offering. Ares is an affiliate of Ares Management LLC, which we refer to in this prospectus as Ares Management, and controls the vote with respect to approximately 33.0% of our common stock, prior to giving effect to this offering.Management. After giving effect to this offering, the Aurora Entities and Ares will control the vote with respect tobeneficially own approximately % and % of our common stock, respectively.
Aurora Capital Group is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm managing over $2.0$2 billion that utilizes two distinct investment strategies. Aurora Equity focusesAurora's traditional private equity vehicles focus principally on control-investments in middle-market industrial, manufacturing and selected service oriented businesses in a diverse set of industries, each with a leading market position, in sustainable niches, a strong cash flow profile, and actionable opportunities for both operational and strategic enhancement. AuroraAurora's Resurgence fund invests in debt and equity securities of middle-market companies and targets complex situations that are created by operational or financial challenges either within a company or a broader industry.
Ares Management is a global alternative asset manager and SEC-registered investment adviser with total committed capital under management of approximately $33$40 billion as of DecemberMarch 31, 2009.2011. With complementary pools of capital in private equity, private debt and capital markets, Ares Management has the ability to invest across all levels of a company's capital structure—from senior debt to common equity—in a variety of industries in a growing number of international markets. The Ares Private Equity Group manages over $6 billion of committed capital and has a proven track record of partnering with high quality, middle-market companies and creating value with its flexible capital. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles with approximately 250over 380 employees and professionals located across the United States, Europe and Europe.
Contemplated Financing Transactions in Connection with this Offering
In connection with this offering, we may increase our existing term loan facility by $ million. We plan to use the proceeds from this offering together with to redeem the outstanding 73/4% Senior Notes due 2012, which we refer to in this prospectus as our senior notes, issued by our direct wholly-owned subsidiaries, Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. or Douglas LLC, and Douglas Finance Company or Douglas Finance, for a total of $ million, which amount includes accrued and unpaid interest and the associated redemption premium. Prior to the consummation of this offering, we also intend to amend our existing senior credit facilities to permit the redemption of our senior notes.Asia.
Company Information
Interests of Certain Affiliates in this Offering
We are a holding corporation that was formed in connection with the acquisitionCertain of our business from AK Steel Corporation byexecutive officers and other affiliates may stand to benefit as a result of Aurora Capital Group in March 2004, which we refer tothis offering. Specifically, certain of our executive officers will exercise stock options and sell the underlying shares of common stock in this prospectus asoffering. In addition, our principal stockholders, the Acquisition. Douglas Holdings owns allAurora Entities and Ares, together with certain of our other stockholders, will also sell a portion of their shares of our common stock in this offering. For a description of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests of Douglas LLC, our operating company, together with its subsidiaries.these parties in this offering, see "Interests of Certain Affiliates in this Offering."
Company Information
We maintain our principal executive offices at 7777 North 73rd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223, and our telephone number is (414) 354-2310. We maintain a website atwww. .comwww.DouglasDynamics.com. Information contained on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
"WESTERN," "FISHER" and "BLIZZARD" and their respective logos are trademarks. Solely for convenience, from time to time we refer to our trademarks in this prospectus without the ® symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our trademarks.
Issuer | Douglas Dynamics, Inc. | |
Common stock offered by |
| |
| 5,000,000 shares | |
Over-allotment option |
| |
Common stock outstanding after this offering | shares | |
Use of proceeds |
| |
Dividend policy | Our Board of Directors | |
Risk factors | See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 16 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. | |
| PLOW |
Table The number of Contentsshares of our common stock outstanding after this offering is based on 21,848,947 shares outstanding as of April 29, 2011, plus an aggregate of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options being exercised by certain selling stockholders for the purpose of selling shares in this offering.
Unless otherwise noted, all information in this prospectus assumes:
SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following tables set forth our summary historical consolidated financial data for and at the end of each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010. The summary consolidated financial information asstatement of operations data and consolidated cash flows data for the years ended December 31, 2006, 20072008, 2009 and 2008 are2010 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements andincluded in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference. The summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008 and 2009has been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, in each case, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our operating results and financial position for those periods and as of such dates. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.incorporated herein by reference.
The results indicated belowfollowing tables are qualified in their entirety by, and elsewhereshould be read in this prospectus are not necessarily indicative of our future performance. You should read thisconjunction with, the information together with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Capitalization,"under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations," "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| | For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30 | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equipment sales | $ | 131,474 | $ | 122,091 | $ | 151,450 | $ | 113,882 | $ | 106,700 | $ | 151,450 | $ | 147,478 | $ | 151,808 | ||||||||||
Parts and accessories sales | 14,305 | 17,974 | 28,658 | 18,706 | 18,506 | 28,658 | 26,864 | 24,987 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | 145,779 | 140,065 | 180,108 | 132,588 | 125,206 | 180,108 | 174,342 | 176,795 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales | 100,547 | 97,249 | 117,911 | 89,084 | 87,523 | 117,911 | 117,264 | 116,494 | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 45,232 | 42,816 | 62,197 | 43,504 | 37,683 | 62,197 | 57,078 | 60,301 | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 24,773 | 22,180 | 26,561 | 20,368 | 21,130 | 26,561 | 27,639 | 38,893 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 20,459 | 20,636 | 35,636 | 23,136 | 16,553 | 35,636 | 29,439 | 21,408 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (20,095 | ) | (19,622 | ) | (17,299 | ) | (12,765 | ) | (11,756 | ) | (17,299 | ) | (15,520 | ) | (10,943 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | (2,733 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | (7,967 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 276 | (87 | ) | (73 | ) | (70 | ) | (105 | ) | (73 | ) | (90 | ) | 36 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | 640 | (1,806 | ) | 18,264 | 10,301 | 4,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income before taxes | 18,264 | 13,829 | 2,534 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 6,793 | 3,986 | 872 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 197 | $ | (1,057 | ) | $ | 11,471 | $ | 6,375 | $ | 2,728 | |||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 11,471 | $ | 9,843 | $ | 1,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 4,763 | $ | 20,040 | $ | 23,411 | $ | (33,377 | ) | $ | (39,883 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 23,411 | $ | 25,571 | $ | 15,777 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,471 | ) | (1,045 | ) | (3,113 | ) | (1,932 | ) | (4,821 | ) | (3,113 | ) | (8,200 | ) | (2,783 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $ | (25,753 | ) | $ | 4,083 | $ | (2,265 | ) | $ | 2,261 | $ | 8,362 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (2,265 | ) | $ | (1,850 | ) | $ | (61,918 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 45,180 | $ | 47,345 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures(1) | $ | 3,449 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 3,160 | $ | 1,979 | $ | 4,821 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Net Income | 11,471 | 9,843 | 12,665 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures(2) | $ | 3,160 | $ | 8,200 | $ | 3,009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | As of December 31, | | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | As of September 30, 2009 | As of December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Balance Sheet Data | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,441 | $ | 35,519 | $ | 53,552 | $ | 17,210 | $ | 53,552 | $ | 69,073 | $ | 20,149 | |||||||||
Total assets | 365,168 | 375,649 | 391,264 | 404,420 | 391,264 | 404,619 | 348,043 | ||||||||||||||||
Total debt | 227,608 | 234,363 | 233,513 | 242,875 | 233,513 | 232,663 | 121,154 | ||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 271,447 | 283,705 | 293,203 | 303,924 | 293,203 | 296,395 | 178,550 | ||||||||||||||||
Total redeemable stock and stockholders' equity | 93,721 | 91,944 | 98,061 | 100,496 | 98,061 | 108,224 | 169,493 | ||||||||||||||||
Discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income
In addition to our results under United States generally accepted accounting principles, which we refer to in this prospectus as GAAP, we also use Adjusted EBITDA, aAdjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income, non-GAAP financial measure,measures, which we consider to be an important and supplemental measuremeasures of our performance.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted for certain non-recurring charges related to the closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility, certain unrelated legal expenses, stock-based compensation and a one-time stock option repurchase, as well as management fees paid by us to Aurora Management Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of the Aurora Entities, and ACOF Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and an affiliate of Ares. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales. We use, and we believe our investors, and in particular, the Aurora Entities and Ares, which we collectively refer to as our principal stockholders in this prospectus, benefit from the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin in evaluating our operating performance because it providesthey provide us and our investors with an additional tooltools to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our core operations. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA isand Adjusted EBITDA Margin are useful to investors and other external users of our consolidated financial statements in evaluating our operating performance as compared to that of other companies, because it allowsthey allow them to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, taxes, depreciation and depletion, and amortization and accretion, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets and liabilities, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. Our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and financial projections. Note, however thatprojections and believes Adjusted EBITDA Margin is useful in assessing the profitability of our core businesses.
Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our ability to make certain payments, including dividends, in compliance with our new senior credit facilities (comprised of our amended revolving credit facility and new term loan, entered into on April 18, 2011), which is determined based on a calculation of "Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as included in this prospectusEBITDA" that is different than the calculationsubstantially similar to Adjusted EBITDA. The definition of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA used for purposes of certain covenants inunder our new senior credit facilities includingdiffers from our definition of Adjusted EBITDA in this prospectus primarily because the definition in our new senior credit facilities excludes additional non-cash charges and non-recurring expenses, which we have not incurred during the periods presented. Specifically, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA under our new senior credit facilities is comprised of net income of the Company and its subsidiaries before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as further adjusted to exclude the effect of:
and to include as a component of Restricted Paymentdeduction in calculating Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:
Adjusted EBITDA hasand Adjusted EBITDA Margin have limitations as an analytical tool.tools. As a result, you should not consider itthem in isolation, or as a substitutesubstitutes for net income, operating income, operating income margin, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
The Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to in this prospectus as the SEC, has adopted rules to regulate the use in filings with the SEC and public disclosures and press releases of non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, that are derived on the basis of methodologies other than in accordance with GAAP. These rules require, among other things:
The rules prohibit, among other things:
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA as well as the resulting calculation of Adjusted EBITDA Margin, for each of the periods indicated:
| | | For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | (in thousands) | | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 197 | $ | (1,057 | ) | $ | 11,471 | $ | 6,375 | $ | 2,728 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense—net | 20,095 | 19,622 | 17,299 | 12,765 | 11,756 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | Net income | $ | 11,471 | $ | 9,843 | $ | 1,662 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 2,733 | — | — | — | Interest expense—net | 17,299 | 15,520 | 10,943 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | Income taxes | 6,793 | 3,986 | 872 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 4,284 | 4,632 | 4,650 | 3,715 | 3,877 | Depreciation expense | 4,650 | 5,797 | 5,704 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization | 6,166 | 6,164 | 6,160 | 4,620 | 4,621 | Amortization | 6,160 | 6,161 | 6,001 | |||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA | EBITDA | 31,185 | 31,345 | 46,373 | 31,401 | 24,946 | EBITDA | 46,373 | 41,307 | 25,182 | ||||||||||||||||||
Management fees | 1,379 | 1,400 | 1,369 | 984 | 1,066 | Management fees | 1,369 | 1,393 | 6,383 | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock repurchase(1) | — | — | — | — | 738 | Stock-based compensation | — | 732 | 4,029 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other non-recurring charges(2) | — | — | — | — | 1,286 | Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | 7,967 | |||||||||||||||||||
Management Liquidity Bonus | — | — | 1,003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-recurring charges(1) | — | 1,748 | 2,781 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 47,742 | $ | 45,180 | $ | 47,345 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2) | Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2) | 26.5% | 25.9% | 26.8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2009, respectively, and $667 of gain on other post employment benefit plan curtailment related to the Johnson City plant closure for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted Net Income represents net income as determined under GAAP, excluding non-recurring expenses incurred at the time of $389.our initial public offering, namely the buyout of our management services agreement, the loss on extinguishment of debt, stock-based compensation expense associated with the net exercise of stock options and the payment of cash bonuses under our liquidity bonus plan. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Net Income for the year ended December 31, 2010 provides useful information to investors by facilitating comparisons to our historical performance by removing the effect of the non-recurring expenses incurred at the time of our initial public offering in May 2010.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted Net Income for the year ending December 31, 2010. There were no such adjustments during the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009.
| | Year Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | December 31, 2010 | ||||
| | (in thousands) | ||||
Net Income—(GAAP) | $ | 1,662 | |||
Add back non-recurring expenses, net of tax at 38.0%, incurred at the time of the IPO: | |||||
—Buyout of the Management Services Agreement | 3,596 | ||||
—Loss on extinguishment of debt | 4,940 | ||||
—Liquidity bonus payment | 622 | ||||
—Non-recurring stock-based compensation expense | 1,845 | ||||
Adjusted Net Income—(non-GAAP) | $ | 12,665 | |||
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and all of the other information contained in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, before deciding whether to purchase our common stock. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, as well as other risks not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In assessing the risks described below, you should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before deciding to purchase any shares of our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our results of operations depend primarily on the level, timing and location of snowfall. As a result, a decline in snowfall levels in multiple regions for an extended time could cause our results of operations to decline and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends.
As a manufacturer of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, and related parts and accessories, our sales depend primarily on the level, timing and location of snowfall in the regions in which we offer our products. A low level or lack of snowfall in any given year in any of the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada) will likely cause sales of our products to decline in such year as well as the subsequent year, which in turn may adversely affect our results of operations and ability to pay dividends. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Seasonality and Year-to-Year Variability."Variability" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. A sustained period of reduced snowfall events in one or more of the geographic regions in which we offer our products could cause our results of operations to decline and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends.
The year-to-year variability of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from year-to-year; whereas the seasonality of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from quarter-to-quarter.
Because our business depends on the level, timing and location of snowfall, our results of operations vary from year-to-year. Additionally, because the annual snow season typically only runs from October 1 through March 31, our distributors typically purchase our products during the second and third quarters. As a result, we operate in a seasonal business. We not only experience seasonality in our sales, but also experience seasonality in our working capital needs. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition can vary from year-to-year, as well as from quarter-to-quarter, which could affect our ability to pay dividends. If we are unable to effectively manage the seasonality and year-to-year variability of our business, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends may suffer.
If economic conditions in the United States continue to remain weak or deteriorate further, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends may be adversely affected.
Historically, demand for snow and ice control equipment for light trucks has been influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions in North America. During the last few years, economic conditions throughout the United States have been extremely weak, and may not improve in the foreseeable future.weak. Weakened economic conditions may cause our end-users to delay purchases of replacement snow and ice control equipment and instead repair their existing equipment, leading to a decrease in our sales of new equipment. Weakened economic conditions may also cause our
end-users to delay their purchases of new light trucks. Because our end-users tend to purchase new snow and ice control equipment concurrent with their purchase of new light trucks, their delay in purchasing new light trucks can also result in the
deferral of their purchases of new snow and ice control equipment. The deferral of new equipment purchases during periods of weak economic conditions may negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Weakened economic conditions may also cause our end-users to consider price more carefully in selecting new snow and ice control equipment. Historically, considerations of quality and service have outweighed considerations of price, but in a weak economy, price may becomebe a more important factor. Any refocus away from quality in favor of cheaper equipment could cause end-users to shift away from our products to less expensive competitor products, or to shift away from our more profitable products to our less profitable products, which in turn would adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.
Our failure to maintain good relationships with our distributors, the loss or consolidation of our distributor base or the actions or inactions of our distributors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.
We depend on a network of truck equipment distributors to sell, install and service our products. Nearly all of these sales and service relationships are at will, and less than 1% of our distributors have agreed not to offer products that compete with our products. As a result, almost all of our distributors could discontinue the sale and service of our products at any time, and those distributors that primarily sell our products may choose to sell competing products at any time. Further, difficult economic or other circumstances could cause any of our distributors to discontinue their businesses. Moreover, if our distributor base were to consolidate or if any of our distributors were to discontinue their business, competition for the business of fewer distributors would intensify. If we do not maintain good relationships with our distributors, or if we do not provide product offerings and pricing that meet the needs of our distributors, we could lose a substantial amount of our distributor base. A loss of a substantial portion of our distributor base could cause our sales to decline significantly, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.
In addition, our distributors may not provide timely or adequate service to our end-users. If this occurs, our brand identity and reputation may be damaged, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.
Lack of available financing options for our end-users or distributors may adversely affect our sales volumes.
Our end-user base is highly concentrated among professional snowplowers, who comprise over 50% of our end-users, many of whom are individual landscapers who remove snow during the winter and landscape during the rest of the year, rather than large, well-capitalized corporations. These end-users often depend upon credit to purchase our products. If credit is unavailable on favorable terms or at all, our end-users may not be able to purchase our products from our distributors, which would in turn reduce sales and adversely affect our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.
In addition, because our distributors, like our end-users, rely on credit to purchase our products, if our distributors are not able to obtain credit, or access credit on favorable terms, we may experience delays in payment or nonpayment for delivered products. Further, if our distributors are unable to obtain credit or access credit on favorable terms, they could experience financial difficulties or bankruptcy and cease purchases of our products altogether. Thus, if financing is unavailable on favorable terms or at all, our results of operations and ability to pay dividends would be adversely affected.
The price of steel, a commodity necessary to manufacture our products, is highly variable. If the price of steel increases, our gross margins could decline.
Steel is a significant raw material used to manufacture our products. During the first nine months of2008, 2009, and 2010, our steel purchases were approximately 15%, 18% and 13% of our revenue.revenue, respectively. The steel industry is highly
cyclical in nature, and steel prices have been volatile in recent years and may remain volatile in the future. Steel prices are influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions domestically and internationally, the availability of raw materials, competition, labor costs, freight and transportation costs, production costs, import duties and other trade restrictions. After experiencing a downward trend in steelSteel prices throughout most of 2009, steel pricesare volatile and may increase as a result of increased demand from the automobile and consumer durable sectors. If the price of steel increases, our variable costs may increase. We may not be able to mitigate these increased costs through the implementation of permanent price increases or temporary invoice surcharges, especially if economic conditions remain weak and our distributors and end-users become more price sensitive. If we are unable to successfully mitigate such cost increases in the future, our gross margins could decline.
If petroleum prices increase, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Petroleum prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, economic and market factors that are outside our control. Political events in petroleum-producing regions as well as hurricanes and other weather-related events may cause the price of fuel to increase. If the price of fuel increases, the demand for our products may decline, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on outside suppliers who may be unable to meet our volume and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources.
We purchase certain components essential to our snowplows and sand and salt spreaders from outside suppliers, including off-shore sources. Most of our key supply arrangements can be discontinued at any time.time and are not covered by written contracts. A supplier may encounter delays in the production and delivery of such products and components or may supply us with products and components that do not meet our quality, quantity or cost requirements. Additionally, a supplier may be forced to discontinue operations. Any discontinuation or interruption in the availability of quality products and components from one or more of our suppliers may result in increased production costs, delays in the delivery of our products and lost end-user sales, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. During 2010, our top ten suppliers accounted for approximately 54% of our raw material and component purchasing.
In addition, we have begun to increase the number of our off-shore suppliers. Our increased reliance on off-shore sourcing may cause our business to be more susceptible to the impact of natural disasters, war and other factors that may disrupt the transportation systems or shipping lines used by our suppliers, a weakening of the dollar over an extended period of time and other uncontrollable factors such as changes in foreign regulation or economic conditions. In addition, reliance on off-shore suppliers may make it more difficult for us to respond to sudden changes in demand because of the longer lead time to obtain components from off-shore sources. We may be unable to mitigate this risk by stocking sufficient materials to satisfy any sudden or prolonged surges in demand for our products. If we cannot satisfy demand for our products in a timely manner, our sales could suffer as distributors can cancel purchase orders without penalty until shipment.
We do not sell our products under long-term purchase contracts, and sales of our products are significantly impacted by factors outside of our control; therefore, our ability to estimate demand is limited.
We do not enter into long-term purchase contracts with our distributors and the purchase orders we receive may be cancelled without penalty until shipment. Therefore, our ability to accurately predict future demand for our products is limited. Nonetheless, we attempt to estimate demand for our products for purposes of planning our annual production levels and our long-term product development and new product introductions. We base our estimates of demand on our own market assessment, snowfall figures, quarterly field inventory surveys and regular communications with our distributors. Because wide fluctuations in the level, timing and location of snowfall, economic conditions and other factors may occur, each of which is out of our control, our estimates of demand may not be accurate. Underestimating demand could result in procuring an insufficient amount of materials necessary for the production of our products, which may result in increased production costs, delays in product delivery, missed sale opportunities and a decrease in customer satisfaction. Overestimating demand could result in the procurement of excessive supplies, which could result in increased inventory and associated carrying costs.
If we are unable to enforce, maintain or continue to build our intellectual property portfolio, or if others invalidate our intellectual property rights, our competitive position may be harmed.
We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain of the proprietary aspects of our business and technology. We hold approximately 20 U.S. registered trademarks (including the trademarks WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD®), 5 Canadian registered trademarks, 28 U.S. issued and pending patents and patent applications and 15 Canadian patents. Our patents relate to snowplow mounts, assemblies, hydraulics, electronics and lighting systems as well as sand and salt spreader assemblies and our patent applications relate to each of the foregoing except for hydraulics and sand and salt spreader assemblies. When granted, each patent has a 17 year duration. The duration of the patents we currently possess range between one year and 14 years of remaining life. Our patent applications date back as far as 2001 and as most recent as 2010. Although we work diligently to protect our intellectual property rights, monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, and the steps we have taken may not prevent unauthorized use by others. We believe that our trademarks are of great value and that the loss of any one or all of our trademark rights could lower sales and increase our costs. In addition, in the event a third party challenges the validity of our intellectual property rights, a court may determine that our intellectual property rights may not be valid or enforceable. An adverse determination with respect to our intellectual property rights may harm our business prospects and reputation. Third parties may design around our patents or may independently develop technology similar to our trade secrets. The failure to adequately build, maintain and enforce our intellectual property portfolio could impair the strength of our technology and our brands, and harm our competitive position. Although the Company has no reason to believe that its intellectual property rights are vulnerable, previously undiscovered intellectual property could be used to invalidate our rights.
If we are unable to develop new products or improve upon our existing products on a timely basis, it could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We believe that our future success depends, in part, on our ability to develop on a timely basis new technologically advanced products or improve upon our existing products in innovative ways that meet or exceed our competitors' product offerings. Continuous product innovation ensures that our consumers have access to the latest products and features when they consider buying snow and ice control equipment. Maintaining our market position will require us to continue to invest in research and development and sales and marketing. Product development requires significant financial, technological and other resources. From 1992 to 2010, we invested approximately $64 million to
support our manufacturing strategy and to maintain our competitive strength in the product manufacturing process. We may be unsuccessful in making the technological advances necessary to develop new products or improve our existing products to maintain our market position. Industry standards, end-user expectations or other products may emerge that could render one or more of our products less desirable or obsolete. If any of these events occur, it could cause decreases in sales, a failure to realize premium pricing and an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We face competition from other companies in our industry, and if we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, it could have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability. Price competition among our distributors could negatively affect our market share.
We primarily compete with regional manufacturers of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks. While we are the most geographically diverse company in our industry, we may face increasing competition in the markets in which we operate. Moreover, someIn saturated markets, price competition may lead to a decrease in our market share or a compression of our margins, both of which would affect our profitability. Moreover, current or future competitors may grow their market share and develop superior service and may have or may develop greater financial resources, lower costs, superior service or technology or more favorable operating conditions than we maintain. As a result, competitive pressures we face may cause price reductions for our products, which would affect our profitability or result in decreased sales and operating income. Additionally, saturation of the markets in which we compete or channel conflicts among our brands and shifts in consumer preferences may increase these competitive pressures or may result in increased competition among our distributors and affect our sales and profitability. In addition, price competition among the distributors that sell our products could lead to significant margin erosion among our distributors, which could in turn result in compressed margins or loss of market share for us. Management believes that after Douglas, the next largest competitors in the market for snow and ice control equipment for light trucks are BOSS and Meyer, respectively, and accordingly represent our primary competitors for market share.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental and safety regulations, that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to certain federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, disposal and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and materials into the environment, the manufacturing of motor vehicle accessories and employee health and safety. We cannot be certain that existing and future laws and regulations and their interpretations will not harm our business or financial condition.
We currently make and may be required to make large and unanticipated capital expenditures to comply with environmental and other regulations, such as:
UnderWhile we monitor our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to budget for anticipated costs associated with compliance, we cannot predict the future cost of such compliance. While in 2010 the amount expended was insignificant, we could incur material expenses in the future in the event of future legislation changes or unforeseen events, such as a workplace accident or
environmental discharge, or if we otherwise discover we are in non-compliance with an applicable regulation. In addition, under these laws and regulations, we could be liable for:
Our operations could be significantly delayed or curtailed and our costs of operations could significantly increase as a result of regulatory requirements, restrictions or claims. We are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations.
Financial market conditions have had a negative impact on the return on plan assets for our pension plans, which may require additional funding and negatively impact our cash flows.
Our pension expense and required contributions to our pension planplans are directly affected by the value of plan assets, the projected rate of return on plan assets, the actual rate of return on plan assets and the actuarial assumptions we use to measure the defined benefit pension plan obligations. Due to the recent significant financial market downturn, during 2008, the funded status of our pension plans has declined. As of December 31, 2008,2010, our pension plans were underfunded by approximately $10.4$10.8 million. In 2008,2010, contributions to our defined benefit pension plans were approximately $1.2$0.9 million. If plan assets continue to perform below expectations, future pension expense and funding obligations will increase, which would have a negative impact on our cash flows. Moreover, under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, it is possible that continued losses of asset values may necessitate accelerated funding of our pension plans in the future to meet minimum federal government requirements.
The statements regarding our industry, market positions and market share in this prospectus are based on our management's estimates and assumptions. While we believe such statements are reasonable, such statements have not been independently verified.
Information contained in this prospectus concerning the snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks, our general expectations concerning this industry and our market positions and other market share data regarding the industry are based on estimates our management prepared using end-user surveys, anecdotal data from our distributors and distributors that carry our competitors' products, our results of operations and management's past experience, and on assumptions made, based on our management's knowledge of this industry, all of which we believe to be reasonable. These estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties, especially given the year-to-year variability of snowfall and the difficulty of obtaining precise information about our competitors, and may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, we have not independently verified the information from any third-party source and thus cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness, although management also believes such information to be reasonable. Our actual operating results may vary significantly if our
estimates and outlook concerning the industry, snowfall patterns, our market positions or our market shares turn out to be incorrect.
We are subject to product liability claims, product quality issues, and other litigation from time to time that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.
The manufacture, sale and usage of our products expose us to athe risk of product liability claims. If our products are defective or used incorrectly by our end-users, injury may result, giving rise to product liability claims against us. If a product liability claim or series of claims is brought against us for uninsured liabilities or in excess of our insurance coverage, and it is ultimately determined that we
are liable, our business and financial condition could suffer. Any losses that we may suffer from any liability claims, and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may divert management's attention from other matters and may have a negative impact on our business and operating results. Additionally, we could experience a material design or manufacturing failure in our products, a quality system failure or other safety issues, or heightened regulatory scrutiny that could warrant a recall of some of our products. A recall of some of our products could also result in increased product liability claims. Any of these issues could also result in loss of market share, reduced sales, and higher warranty expense.
We are heavily dependent on our Chief Executive Officer and management team.
Our continued success depends on the retention, recruitment and continued contributions of key management, finance, salesales and marketing personnel, some of whom wouldcould be difficult to replace. Our success is largely dependent upon our senior management team, led by our Chief Executive Officer and other key managers. The loss of any one or more of such persons could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our operations, including our ability to perform our obligations and pay dividends.
As of , as adjusted to give effect to this offering and the application of the proceeds therefrom (including the redemption of our senior notes),April 18, 2011, we would have had approximately $$125 million of senior secured indebtedness and $$70 million of available borrowingsborrowing availability under our amended revolving credit facility. We may also be able to incur substantial indebtedness in the future, including senior indebtedness, which may or may not be secured. For example, concurrent with this offering, we may increase our existingamended revolving credit facility allows Douglas Holdings' wholly-owned subsidiaries, Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. ("DDI LLC"), Douglas Dynamics Finance Company ("DDI Finance") and Fisher, LLC ("Fisher") to request the establishment of one or more additional revolving commitments in an aggregate amount not in excess of $40 million and our new term loan facility by million. Further, if this offering is completed and all our senior notes are redeemed, our revolving credit facility andallows DDI LLC to request the establishment of one or more additional term loan facility will maturecommitments in May 2012an aggregate amount not in excess of $60 million, in each case, subject to specified terms and May 2013, respectively. See "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Credit Facilities."
conditions. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to you, including the following:
If any of these consequences occur, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected. This, in turn, could negatively affect the market price of our
common stock, and we may need to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds that may be realized from those sales, or that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly and could impose adverse consequences.
Certain of our borrowings, including ourOur new term loan and any revolving borrowings under our new senior credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. In addition, the interest rate on any revolving borrowings is subject to an increase in the interest rate if the average daily availability under our revolving credit facility falls below a certain threshold. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows would correspondingly decrease. Commencing July 17, 2011, our new senior credit facilities will require us to maintain in effect at all times one or more interest rate hedging agreements so that, at all times, interest on at least 25% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the new term loan facility is either fixed rate or covered by such agreements.
Our new senior credit facilities impose restrictions on us, which may also prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities and taking certain corporate actions. One of these facilities also includes minimum availability requirements, which if unsatisfied, could result in liquidity events that may jeopardize our business.
Our new senior credit facilities contain, and future debt instruments to which we may become subject may contain, covenants governing our activities, including, covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that could otherwise benefit our company, including restrictions on our ability to:
Our amended revolving credit facility also includes limitations on capital expenditures and requires usthat if we fail to maintain at least $6.0the greater of $8.75 million and 12.5% of the revolving commitments in borrowing availability. Failure to maintain such availability, shall constitute a "liquidity event" under our revolving credit facility, and as a result we will be required to
must comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio test. In addition, if such a liquidity event occurs because our borrowing availability is less than the greater of $10.5 million and 15% of the aggregate revolving commitments (or an event of default)default occurs and is continuing,continuing), subject to certain limited cure rights, all proceeds of our accounts receivable and other collateral will be applied to reduce obligations under our amended revolving credit facility, jeopardizing our ability to meet other obligations. Our ability to comply with the covenants contained in our new senior credit facilities or in the agreements governing our future indebtedness, and our ability to avoid liquidity events, may be affected by events, or our future performance, which are subject to factors beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial, industry and weather conditions, such as the level, timing and location of snowfall and general economic conditions in the snowbelt regions of North America. A failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under our new senior credit facilities, which could prevent us from paying dividends, borrowing additional amounts and using proceeds of our inventory and accounts receivable, and also permit the lenders to accelerate the payment of such debt. If any of our debt is accelerated or if a liquidity event (or event of default) occurs whichthat results in collateral proceeds being applied to reduce such debt, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt and our other obligations, in which case, our business could be halted and such lenders could proceed against any collateral securing that debt. Further, if the lenders accelerate the payment of the indebtedness under our new senior credit facilities, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness under our new senior credit facilities and our other indebtedness, if any. We cannot assure you that these covenants will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs to pursue available business opportunities or react to changes in our business and the industry in which we operate.
The closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility may entail risks to our business.
As part of our lean manufacturing strategy to lower our fixed costs, in mid-2010 we plan to close our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility, reducing our manufacturing facilities from three to two. In connection with this closure, we plan to relocate our Johnson City operations and equipment into our remaining two facilities. We cannot assure you that we will realize contemplated cost savings from the closure of this facility. In addition, there may be risks associated with this closure for which we are unprepared, such as labor and employment litigation, difficulties implementing a smooth transition and the possibility that this closure leaves us with insufficient manufacturing capacity. It is therefore possible that our business could be negatively affected by the closure of this facility.
Risks Related to this Offering of Our Common Stock
An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our common stock may not develop or be maintained, which could limit your ability to sell shares of our common stock.
Prior to the consummation of this offering, there has not have been a public market for our common stock. Although we intend to apply to list our common stock on The New York Stock Exchange, which we refer to in this prospectus as the NYSE, an active public market for our shares may not develop or be sustained after this offering. The initial public offering price for our shares will be determined by negotiations between us and representatives of the underwriters, and may not be indicative of the market price at which shares of our common stock will trade after this offering. In particular, we cannot assure you that you will be able to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the initial public offering price.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline or could subject us to securities class action litigation.
Even ifShares of our common stock were sold in our initial public offering in May 2010 at a trading market develops, the market price of shares$11.25 per share, and our common stock has subsequently traded as high as $16.96 per share and as low as $10.20 per share. An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not be sustained, which could depress the trading price of our common stock. The trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to the many risk factors listed in this section and others beyond our control, including:
Furthermore, the stock markets recently have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions or interest rate changes may cause the market price of shares of our common stock to decline. If the market price of a share our common stock after this offering does not exceed the initial public offering price, you may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment.
In addition, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
If securities or industry analysts do notcease to publish research or reports about our business, or if they change their recommendations regarding our stock adversely, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced bydepends in part on the research and other reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have any and may never obtain research coverage by industry or financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock would likely decrease. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covercovers us downgradedowngrades our stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
Substantial future sales of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
Additional sales of our common stock in the public market after the consummation of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Upon consummation of this offering, we will have shares of common stock
Table outstanding, assuming no exercise of Contents
outstanding.our outstanding options other than those options exercised by selling stockholders for the purpose of selling shares in this offering. Of these shares, will be freely tradable. The holders of shares of our common stock have signed lock-up agreements in connection with this offering under which they have agreed not to sell, transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for a period of 90 days, subject to possible extension under certain circumstances, after the date of this prospectus. After the expiration of the lock-up period, these shares may be sold in this offering, as well as any shares disposed of upon exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, will be freely transferable without restriction or additional registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Securities Act. The remaining shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be available for salepublic market, subject to andregistration or qualification for an exemption from registration, including, in accordancethe case of shares held by affiliates, compliance with the provisionsvolume restrictions of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and to the extent applicable, any lock-up agreements that we, our officers, directors, employees and stockholders enter into.Rule 144. As any resale restrictions end, the market price of our common stock could decline if the holders of those shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. In addition, pursuant to certain provisions of our securityholders agreement, that will remain in effect after the consummation of this offering, all securityholders who are parties to the securityholders agreement are entitled to certain "piggy-back" registration rights with respect to shares of our common stock, and certain securityholders are entitled to demand registration of their shares. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Securityholders Agreement." Registration of any such shares under the Securities Act would result in such shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration.
As a new investor, you will experience immediate and substantial dilution.Table of Contents
Purchasers in this offering will immediately experience substantial dilution in net tangible book value of the shares they purchase. Because our common stock was originally sold at prices substantially lower than the initial public offering price that you will pay, you will suffer immediate dilution of $ per share in net tangible book value. The exercise of outstanding options, of which are outstanding and exercisable as of , 2010, may result in further dilution. See "Dilution."
Since no proceeds from this offering will be used to grow our business or develop new products, the value of your investment in our common stock could be negatively impacted.
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to redeem our senior notes (including accrued and unpaid interest and the related redemption premium). We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling stockholders. See "Use of Proceeds." We do not intend to use any of the proceeds from this offering to grow our business or develop new products, which could negatively impact the value of your investment in our common stock.
Our principal stockholders will continue to hold a significant portion of our common stock after this offering and may have different interests than us or you in the future.
Immediately after the consummation of this offering our principal stockholders will have the right to vote or direct the vote of approximately % (or % if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) of our voting power. Consequently, our principal stockholders will, and will for the foreseeable future continue to, be able to influence the election and removal of our directors and influence our corporate and management policies, including virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval, such as potential mergers or acquisitions, asset sales, payment of dividends and otherThis significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may delay orcould deter possible changes in control of our company, which may reduce the value of your investment.investment, and could be used to influence the election and removal of our directors and other matters requiring stockholder approval. We cannot assure you that the interests of our principal stockholders will coincide with the interests of our other holders of common stock. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Securityholders Agreement."
Provisions of Delaware law and our charter documents could delay or prevent an acquisition of us, even if the acquisition would be beneficial to you.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws that we intend to adopt prior to the consummation of this offering may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. These provisions include:
We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder, as defined in that section, for a period of three years following the date on which that stockholder became an interested stockholder. The respective affiliates ofSince the Aurora Capital GroupEntities and Ares Management thatbecame interested stockholders of our company more than three years ago, we are common stockholders, however, are exempt fromnot constrained by this prohibition.provision with respect to business combinations with these stockholders. See "Description of Capital Stock." TheseThis provision, together with the provisions discussed above, could also make it more difficult for you and our other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions, and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
If we are unable to assess favorably the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified attestation report on our internal controls, our stock price could be adversely affected.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, beginning with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31 2011, our management will be required to report on, and
our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any changes necessary to make a favorable assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, in connection with the attestation process by our independent registered public accounting firm, we may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any requested improvements and receiving a favorable attestation. If we cannot timely and favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting, investor confidence and our stock price could decline.
Risks Relating to Our Dividend Policy
You may not receive the level of dividends provided for in the dividend policy our Board of Directors will adopthas adopted or any dividends at all.
We are not obligated to pay dividends on our common stock. Our Board of Directors will adoptadopted a dividend policy, effective upon the consummation of thisour initial public offering, that reflects an intention to distribute to our stockholders a regular quarterly cash dividend. However, the declaration and payment of all future dividends to holders of our common stock isare subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors, which may amend, revoke or suspend our dividend policy at any time and for any reason, including, our financial condition and earnings, legal requirements, taxes and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant. The terms of our indebtedness may also restrict us from paying cash dividends on our common stock under certain circumstances.
Over time, our capital and other cash needs may change significantly from our current needs, which could affect whether we pay dividends and the level of any dividends we may pay in the future. If we were to use borrowings under our new senior credit facilities to fund our payment of dividends, we would have less cash and/or borrowing capacity available for future dividends and other purposes, which could negatively affect our financial condition, our results of operations, our liquidity and our ability to maintain and expand our business. Accordingly, you may not receive dividends in the intended amounts, or at all. Any reduction or elimination of dividends may negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Our ability to pay dividends will be restricted by agreements governing our debt, including our new senior credit facilities, and by Delaware law.
Our new senior credit facilities restrict our ability to pay dividends. See "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Credit Facilities" and "Dividend Policy and Restrictions," where we describe the terms of our indebtedness, including provisions limiting our ability to declare and pay dividends. In addition, as a result of general economic conditions, conditions in the lending markets, the results of our business or for any other reason, we may elect or be required to amend or refinance our new senior credit facilities, at or prior to maturity, or enter into additional agreements for indebtedness. Any such amendment, refinancing or additional agreement may contain covenants which could limit in a significant manner or entirely our ability to pay dividends to you.
Additionally, under the Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to in this prospectus as the DGCL, our Board of Directors may not authorize payment of a dividend unless it is either paid out of surplus, as calculated in accordance with the DGCL, or if we do not have a surplus, it is paid out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. See "Dividend Policy and Restrictions."
If, as a result of these restrictions, we are required to reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends, a decline in the market price or liquidity, or both, of our common stock could result. This may in turn result in losses by you.
We areDouglas Holdings, the issuer of the common stock being offered hereby, is a holding company with no operations of ourits own and dependdepends on ourits subsidiaries for cash.
The terms of our new senior credit facilities significantly restrict our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to us.Douglas Holdings. In addition, the terms of our amended revolving credit facility specifically restrict ourrestricts Douglas Holdings' subsidiaries from paying dividends to usDouglas Holdings if we do not maintain minimum availability under our amended revolving credit facility, and both our new senior credit facilities restrict our subsidiaries from paying dividends to usDouglas Holdings if a default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under our new senior credit facilities. Asfacilities or if specified liquidity and leverage tests are not satisfied. Giving pro forma effect to the new senior credit facilities, as of ,March 31, 2011, we had the necessary availability to pay dividends at the level currently anticipated under our dividend policy. We cannot assure you that we will maintain this availability. For
a description of our dividend policy and the limitations on the payment of dividends contained in our new senior credit facilities, see "Description of Indebtedness" and "Dividend Policy and Restrictions."
Our dividend policy may limit our ability to pursue growth opportunities.
If we continue to pay dividends at the current level currently anticipated under our dividend policy, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash to finance growth opportunities, meet any large unanticipated liquidity requirements or fund our operations in the event of a significant business downturn. In addition, because a significant portion of cash available will be distributed to holders of our common stock under our dividend policy, our ability to pursue any material expansion of our business, including through acquisitions, increased capital spending or other increases of our expenditures, will depend more than it otherwise would on our ability to obtain third party financing. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available to us at all, or at an acceptable cost. If we are unable to take timely advantage of growth opportunities, our future financial condition and competitive position may be harmed, which in turn may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Market interest rates may have an effect on the trading value of our shares.
One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our shares is our dividend rate as a percentage of our sharesshare price relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may demand a higher dividend yield on our shares or seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions can affect the market value of our shares. For instance, if interest rates rise, it is likely that the market price of our shares will decrease as market rates on interest-bearing securities, such as bonds, increase.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includesand the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus include forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus, or incorporated herein by reference, including statements regarding future sales, financial performance, plans, business strategy, and other objectives, expectations and intentions, such as statements regarding our liquidity, debt, economic conditions, planned capital expenditures, dividend policy, adequacy of capital resources and reserves, and projected costs, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Actinformation referred to under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 1995. TheseFinancial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements aregenerally can be identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "should," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "will" and similar expressionsexpressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and include referencesare based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, you are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions and relatethat are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, we also undertake no obligation to update our future prospects, developments and business strategies. Factorsview of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
We undertake no obligation to revise theAll written and oral forward-looking statements includedattributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference in the context of these risks and uncertainties. We caution you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to reflect any future events or circumstances. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences are discussedyou.
Information contained in this prospectus underconcerning the caption "Risk Factors"snow and ice control equipment industry for pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, which we refer to as well as elsewherelight trucks in this prospectus.prospectus, our general expectations concerning this industry and our market positions and other market share data regarding this industry including, without limitation, statements with respect to the relative size of our installed base, our distribution network, operational efficiency, customer service and responsiveness, and shipping performance, are based on our general knowledge of our industry and competitors. This general knowledge is derived from estimates our management prepared using end-user surveys, anecdotal data from our distributors and distributors that carry our competitors' products, our results of operations and management's past experience, and on assumptions made by our management, based on its knowledge of this industry, all of which we believe to be reasonable. These estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, we have not independently verified the information contained in any independent third-party source, although management also believes such information to be reasonable.
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds fromThe selling stockholders are selling all of the shares of common stock being sold in this offering, (after deducting underwriting discountsincluding any shares sold upon exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. See "Principal and commissionsSelling Stockholders" and our estimated offering expenses)"Interests of approximately $ million. WeCertain Affiliates in this Offering." Accordingly, we will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders in this offering. We will useAny proceeds received by us in connection with the net proceedsexercise of options to us frompurchase shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders in connection with this offering together with , as follows, assuming a closing date of , 2010 (in millions of dollars):will be used for general corporate purposes.
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DIVIDEND POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS
General
During 2008 and 2009, we did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock. Our Board of Directors will, however, adopt a dividend policy, effectiveEffective upon the consummation of thisour initial public offering, that reflectsour Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy, reflecting an intention to distribute to our stockholders a regular quarterly cash dividend. Thisdividend of $0.1825 per share. In accordance with this dividend policy, we paid an initial quarterly cash dividend of $0.1825 per share on September 30, 2010 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 23, 2010. On October 27, 2010, our Board of Directors increased our quarterly cash dividend by $0.0175 per share to $0.20 per share, commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. Accordingly, on December 31, 2010, we paid a cash dividend of $0.20 per share to stockholders of record as of the close of business of December 21, 2010. Further, on March 31, 2011, we paid a special cash dividend of $0.37 per share, which was in addition to our regularly quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 21, 2011.
Our dividend policy reflects our present judgment that it is in the best interestinterests of our stockholders to distribute to them a significant portion of the cash generated by our business. We believe our dividend policy will limit, but not preclude, our ability to pursue growth opportunities. This limitation could be significant, for example, with respect to large acquisitions and growth opportunities that require cash investments in amounts greater than our available cash or external financing resources.
In accordance with this dividend policy and based upon our Board of Directors' review of our historical results of operations and the restrictions in our debt instruments, we currently intend to pay a quarterly dividend on our common stock, commencing with the first full fiscal quarter following the consummation of this offering, at an initial quarterly rate of $ per share, on or about , 2010, to holders of record on , 2010.
There can be no assurance, however, that we will declare or pay any cash dividends.dividends in the future. The declaration and payment of these dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition orand earnings, legal requirements, taxes and other factors our Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. The terms of our indebtedness may also prevent us from paying cash dividends on our common stock under certain circumstances. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Dividend Policy—Our ability to pay dividends will be restricted by agreements governing our debt, including our new senior credit facilities, and by Delaware law," "—Restrictions on Payment of Dividends" and "Description of Indebtedness.Dividends." Over time, our capital and other cash needs may change significantly from our current needs, which could affect whether we pay dividends and the level of any dividends we may pay in the future. Moreover, our Board of Directors may amend, revoke or suspend our dividend policy at any time and for any reason. Accordingly, you may not receive dividends in the intended amounts, or at all.
We believe our dividend policy will limit, but not preclude our ability to pursue growth opportunities. This limitation could be significant, for example, with respect to large acquisitions and growth opportunities that require cash investments in amounts greater than our available cash or external financing resources.
Restrictions on Payment of Dividends
Our ability to pay dividends will be restricted by current and future agreements governing our debt, including our new senior credit facilities and by Delaware law.
New Senior Credit Facilities
Our new senior credit facilities, which are comprised of a $60.0$70 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which we refer to in this prospectus as our amended revolving credit facility, entered into by Douglas LLC, Douglas Dynamics Finance and Fisher, LLC, which we refer to in this prospectus as Fisher, as borrowers and an $85.0a $125 million senior secured term loan facility, which we refer to in this prospectus as our new term loan facility, entered into by Douglas LLC, as borrower, each on May 21, 2007, impose limitations on our ability to pay dividends as follows.dividends. Under the restricted payments covenants for each of our new senior credit facilities, Douglas Holdings and Douglas LLC and their subsidiarieswe generally are restricted from paying dividends on our common stock other than dividends payable to Douglas LLC or certain of its subsidiaries or dividends solely in shares of a class ofcommon stock to holders of that class. However, so long asprovided that (i) no default or event of default and, in the case of our revolving credit facility only, no "liquidity event," has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment, (ii) after the payment, the borrowing base less the revolving exposure will be greater than the greater of $10.5 million and in15% of the caseaggregate revolving commitments, and (iii) after the payment, our availability under our amended revolving credit facility will be at least the greater of clause (a) below, subject to satisfaction$7 million and 10% of certain conditions set forth in the indenture governing our senior notes and incorporated into our senior credit facilities, whichaggregate revolving commitments, we intend to modify in our senior credit facilities prior to the consummation of this offering, (a) Douglas LLC and Douglas Holdings can make restricted payments, including dividends in an aggregate amount equalnot to the Restricted Payment Amountexceed (A) $5.25 million in any fiscal quarter of 2011 (calculated without
described below, and (b) Douglas Holdings and Douglas LLC and their subsidiaries can make an additional $10.0regard to the one-time permitted special dividend of approximately $8 million paid on March 31, 2011), (B) $5.5 million in any fiscal quarter of 2012, (C) $5.75 million in any fiscal quarter of 2013, (D) $6 million in any fiscal quarter of 2014, (E) $6.25 million in any fiscal quarter of 2015 and (F) $6.5 million in any fiscal quarter of 2016 and thereafter.
Additional restricted payments, including dividends, ormay be made in any fiscal year if we meet certain excess cash flow requirements and certain other restricted payments. In addition,conditions. However, the occurrenceamount of a liquidity event is subject to certain cure rights under our revolving credit facility. The amountexcess cash flow available for dividends pursuant to the Restricted Payment Amount and the additional $10.0 millionpayment of dividends may also be used for restricted payments other than dividends (including certain payments of indebtedness, redemptions of stock, payments to retire options and warrants and payment of certain management fees)fees and expenses), certain investments and certain payments of debt.indebtedness. To the extent that these amounts are used for a payment other than dividends, the amount available to be used for the payment of dividends would be reduced accordingly.
A "liquidity event" is defined under our revolving credit facility to mean the occurrence of either of the following: (i) at any time prior to an increase in the revolving commitments as described below in the section entitled "Description of Indebtedness—Additional Revolving Loan Commitments and Term Loans," our availability under our revolving credit facility is less than $6.0 million and (ii) at any time following the making of any additional revolving commitments, our availability under our revolving credit facility is less than the sum of (A) $6.0 million and (B) 10 percent of the aggregate amount of the additional revolving commitments made at such time.
"Restricted Payment Amount" is generally defined under our senior credit facilities to mean, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the difference (but not less than zero) between (i) "Restricted Payment EBITDA" (which consists of our cumulative Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, subject to adjustments for (A) non-recurring gains and losses, (B) interest attributable to indebtedness attributable to sale-lease back transactions, (C) dividends accrued or payable (whether or not in cash) by Douglas LLC or its subsidiaries in respect of preferred stock, subject to certain limitations, and (D) interest income paid in cash) and (ii) the product of 2.0 multiplied by our cumulative interest expense (determined, in each case, for the period commencing on the first day of the first full fiscal quarter after May 21, 2007 through and including the last full fiscal quarter (taken as one accounting period) preceding such date of determination),plus (b) the net cash proceeds received by Douglas LLC from a capital contribution or sale of capital stock to Douglas Holdings after May 21, 2007 subject to certain adjustments for investments and other restricted payments. As of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, no Restricted Payment Amounts were available for dividends.
"Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA" is generally defined under our senior credit facilities to mean, for any period, an amount equal to the total of:
(a) the consolidated net income of Douglas LLC and its subsidiaries;plus
(b) the sum, without duplication, of each of the following to the extent deducted in the calculation of consolidated net income for such period: (i) consolidated interest expense and non-cash interest expense; (ii) provisions for taxes based on income; (iii) total depreciation expense; (iv) total amortization expense (including amortization of goodwill, other intangibles, and financing fees and expenses); (v) non-cash impairment charges; (vi) non-cash expenses resulting from the grant of stock and stock options and other compensation to management personnel of Douglas LLC and its subsidiaries pursuant to a written incentive plan or agreement; (vii) other non-cash items that are unusual or otherwise non-recurring items; (viii) expenses for fees under our Management Services Agreement (described under "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Management Services Agreement"), as in effect on December 16, 2004; (ix) any extraordinary losses and non-recurring charges during any period (including severance, relocation costs, one-time compensation charges and losses or charges associated with interest rate agreements); (x) restructuring charges or reserves (including costs related to closure of facilities); (xi) any transaction costs incurred in connection with the issuance of securities or any refinancing transaction, in each case whether or not such transaction is consummated; and (xii) any fees and expensed related to any acquisitions permitted under by our senior credit facilities;minus
(c) the sum, without duplication, of (i) non-cash items increasing consolidated net income for such period that are unusual or otherwise non-recurring items, (ii) cash payments made during such period reducing reserves or liabilities for accruals made in prior periods but only to the extent such reserves or accruals were added back to "Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA" in a prior period, and (iii) restricted payments made during such period to Douglas Holdings to pay its general administrative costs and expenses.
Our senior credit facilities will preclude Douglas Holdings or Douglas LLC from declaring any dividends if a default or event of default under our senior credit facilities or in the case of our revolving credit facility, a liquidity event, has occurred and is continuing.
The foregoing is a summary of the actual provisions that are included in our new senior credit facilities.facilities, copies of which have been or will be filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this registration statement.prospectus forms a part. For a description of additional terms relating to our new senior credit facilities, see "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Credit Facilities."our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 20, 2011.
Delaware Law
Under Delaware law, our Board of Directors may not authorize payment of a dividend unless either it is paid out of our "surplus" (which is defined as total assets at fair market value minus total liabilities (including contingent liabilities) minus statutory capital), or if we do not have a surplus, it is paid out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. The value of a corporation's assets can be measured in a number of ways and may not necessarily equal their book value. The value of our capital may be adjusted from time to time by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may base this determination on our financial statements, a fair valuation of our assets or another reasonable method. Although we believe we will be permitted to pay dividends at the anticipated levels in compliance with Delaware law, our Board of Directors will periodically seek to assure itself that the statutory requirements will be met before actually declaring dividends. In future periods, our Board of Directors may seek opinions from outside valuation firms to the effect that our solvency or assets are sufficient to allow payment of dividends, and such opinions may not be forthcoming. If we sought and were not able to obtain such an opinion, we likely would not be able to pay dividends. We areDouglas Holdings, the issuer of the common stock offered hereby, is a holding company and conductconducts all of ourits operations through ourits subsidiaries. As a result, weDouglas Holdings will rely principally on distributions from ourits subsidiaries to have funds available for the payment of dividends. Douglas LLC, Douglas Finance and Fisher, like Douglas Holdings, wereEach of our subsidiaries was formed in Delaware. As a result, they are also subject to the similar considerations and limitations under Delaware law on distributions.
Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "PLOW" since it began trading on May 5, 2010. Our initial public offering was priced at $11.25 per share on May 4, 2010.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE since May 5, 2010.
| | High | Low | Cash dividend declared per share | |||||||
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Second Quarter 2010 (beginning May 5, 2010) | $ | 12.56 | $ | 10.93 | — | |||||
Third Quarter 2010 | $ | 13.00 | $ | 10.20 | $ | 0.1825 | (1) | |||
Fourth Quarter 2010 | $ | 16.84 | $ | 11.97 | $ | 0.20 | (2) | |||
First Quarter 2011 | $ | 16.96 | $ | 13.48 | $ | 0.57 | (3) | |||
Second Quarter 2011 (through April 29, 2011) | $ | 15.84 | $ | 14.15 | ||||||
On April 29, 2011, the closing price per share of our common stock on the NYSE was $15.49. As of April 29, 2011, there were approximately 31 stockholders of record of our common stock.
The following table sets forth as of September 30, 2009,December 31, 2010 our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization:
capitalization. This table should be read together with "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Management'sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference.
| | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||
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| | Actual | As Adjusted | |||||||
| | (in thousands, except share data) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17,210 | $ | ||||||
Indebtedness: | |||||||||
Revolving loan | $ | 10,000 | $ | ||||||
Term loan | 82,875 | ||||||||
73/4% senior notes due 2012 | 150,000 | ||||||||
Capital lease obligations | — | ||||||||
Other indebtedness | — | ||||||||
Total indebtedness | 242,875 | ||||||||
Redeemable Preferred stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share, 65,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding | — | ||||||||
Redeemable Preferred stock, Series B, par value $0.01 per share, 1 share authorized, 1 share outstanding | 1 | ||||||||
Redeemable Preferred stock, Series C, par value $0.01 per share, 1 share authorized, 1 share outstanding | 1 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity | |||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 607,195 outstanding | 6 | ||||||||
Stockholders' notes receivable | (1,003 | ) | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 60,110 | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (4,559 | ) | |||||||
Retained earnings | 45,940 | ||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 100,494 | ||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 343,371 | $ | ||||||
| | December 31, 2010 | ||||||||
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| | (in thousands, except share data) | ||||||||
Indebtedness: | |||||||||
Revolving loan(1) | $ | — | |||||||
Term loan(2) | 121,154 | ||||||||
Other indebtedness | — | ||||||||
Total indebtedness | 121,154 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 21,579,655 shares outstanding | 216 | ||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares outstanding | — | ||||||||
Stockholders' notes receivable | (482 | ) | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 127,695 | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (4,431 | ) | |||||||
Retained earnings(3) | 46,495 | ||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 169,493 | ||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | 290,647 | |||||||
DILUTIONDESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
If you purchaseThe following is a description of the material provisions of our capital stock and the other material terms of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and certain provisions of Delaware law. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Authorized Capital
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share.
As of April 29, 2011, there were 21,848,947 shares of common stock outstanding held by 31 stockholders of record, 1,801,214 shares of common stock remaining available for issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (including upon conversion of currently outstanding restricted stock units), and 207,993 shares underlying stock options issued under our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.
Common Stock
Voting. Except as otherwise required by Delaware law, at every annual or special meeting of stockholders, every holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote per share; provided, that holders of common stock are not entitled to vote on any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of preferred stock, if the holders of such affected series are entitled to vote thereon. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Dividends Rights. Subject to dividend preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. See "Dividend Policy and Restrictions."
Liquidation and Preemptive Rights. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The outstanding shares of our common stock youare, and the shares offered in this offering, when issued and paid for, will experience immediatebe, fully paid and substantial dilution. Dilutionnon-assessable.
Listing. Our common stock is listed on the amount by whichNYSE under the offering price paidsymbol "PLOW."
Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar and Transfer Company.
Preferred Stock
Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors is authorized to establish, from time to time, the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock, and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences, and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each series of preferred stock, and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors also is able to increase or decrease the
number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series of preferred stock then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the purchasersstockholders.
In the future, our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock, or that could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to be soldthe holders of our common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing flexibility in this offering will exceedconnection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other consequences, have the net tangible book value per shareeffect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and might harm the market price of our common stock afterand the offering. Net tangible book value per share representsvoting and other rights of the amountholders of our common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Anti-takeover Effects of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Some provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer, or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might deem to be in his or her best interest. The existence of these provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions include:
Election and Removal of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation provides for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes of the same or nearly the same number of directors, with staggered three-year terms. In addition, the holders of our outstanding shares of common stock will not be entitled to cumulative voting in connection with the election of our directors. Our directors will also not be subject to removal, except for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of the total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities, dividedvoting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, prior to the expiration of their term. These provisions on the removal of directors could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, control of us.
Stockholder Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that all stockholder actions must be effected at a duly called meeting and may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. All stockholder action must be properly brought before any stockholder meeting, which requires advance notice pursuant to the provisions of our bylaws. In addition, special stockholder meetings may only be called by a majority of our Board of Directors. These provisions could have the effect of delaying stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities until a meeting is called. These provisions could also discourage a potential acquiror from making a tender offer for our common stock, because even if it were able to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting securities, a potential acquiror would only be able to take actions such as electing new directors or approving a business combination or merger at a duly called stockholders' meeting, and not by written consent.
Authorized but Unissued Shares. The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the NYSE. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans and could also be issued in order to deter or prevent an attempt to acquire us. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Super-Majority Voting. Our certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% in voting power of our issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, to amend or repeal certain provisions of that date. The net tangible book value per share presented below is equalour
certificate of incorporation including provisions which would eliminate or modify the provisions described above, reduce or eliminate the number of authorized common or preferred shares and all indemnification provisions. Our bylaws may also be amended or repealed by our Board of Directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% in voting power of our issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Delaware Takeover Statute
We are subject to the amountprovisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any "business combination" with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person or entity became an interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes certain mergers, asset sales or other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the past three years has owned, 15% or more of our total tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets) less total liabilities, as adjusted to give effect tooutstanding voting stock. This provision could discourage mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts, including attempts that might result in the redemptionpayment of our senior notes and $ million in additional borrowings pursuant to , divided bya premium over the number ofmarket price for shares of our common stock outstandingstock.
Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability and Indemnification
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as of September 30, 2009. After giving effecta director to the redemptionfullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are also expressly authorized to carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
In addition to the indemnification provided by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, we have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, subject to certain exceptions, require us to, among other things, indemnify these directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorney fees, witness fees and expenses, expenses of accountants and other advisors, and the premium, security for and other costs relating to any bond, arising out of that person's services as a director or officer of us or any of our senior notes,subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the $ million in additional borrowings pursuant toperson provides services at our request. We also maintain directors' and this offering,officers' insurance.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2009 would have been $ ,directors, officers or $ per share of common stock. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share to the existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $ per share to new investors.employees for which indemnification is sought.
The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:
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Our as adjusted net tangible book value after the consummation of this offering, and the dilution to new investors in this offering, will change from the amounts shown above if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option.
A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share would increase or decrease our net tangible book value by $ , the net tangible book value per share after the consummation of this offering by $ and the dilution per share to new investors by $ , assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, any increase or decrease in the number of shares that we (but not the selling stockholders) sell in this offering will increase or decrease our net proceeds by such increase or decrease, as applicable, multiplied by the offering price per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
The following table summarizes, on the same as adjusted basis as of September 30, 2009, the total number of shares of common stock purchased from us or from the selling stockholders, the total consideration paid and the average price per share paid by the existing stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares in this offering:
| | | | Total Consideration | | |||||||||||||
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| | Shares Purchased | | |||||||||||||||
| | Average Price per Share | ||||||||||||||||
| | Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Existing stockholders | % | $ | % | $ | |||||||||||||
New Investors | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 100 | % | $ | 100 | % | ||||||||||||
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATABUSINESS
The following table setsSet forth below is a brief overview of our selected historical consolidated financial databusiness. This discussion should be read together with the more detailed information presented under the section entitled "Business" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the periods and at the dates indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The selected historical consolidated financial data for the period from January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004 (which we refer to as the Predecessor Period), the period from April 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 (which we refer to as the Successor Periods) and the year ended December 31, 2005 are derived from2010, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To the extent any statement contained in the "Business" section of our historical financial statements not included in this prospectus.
The selected historical consolidated financial dataAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009 are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our operating results and financial position for those periods and as of such dates. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year.
In April 2004, affiliates of Aurora Capital Group, together with affiliates of Ares Management and members of our management, formed Douglas Holdings to acquire all of the interests of Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C., a subsidiary of AK Steel Corporation. The Company in all periods prior to April 2004 is referred to as "Predecessor," and in all periods including such date is referred to as "Successor." The consolidated financial statements for all Successor Periods may not be comparable to those of the Predecessor Period.
You should read the selected consolidated financial data presented on the following pages in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus as well as our "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
| | As of December 31, | | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | As of September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Selected Balance Sheet Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,030 | $ | 36,902 | $ | 12,441 | $ | 35,519 | $ | 53,552 | $ | 17,210 | ||||||||
Total current assets | 55,365 | 87,437 | 70,367 | 91,491 | 115,414 | 132,946 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | 323,035 | 390,915 | 365,168 | 375,649 | 391,264 | 404,420 | ||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 18,895 | 32,994 | 18,089 | 19,013 | 23,858 | 31,073 | ||||||||||||||
Total debt | 200,000 | 239,900 | 227,608 | 234,363 | 233,513 | 242,875 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 234,303 | 283,473 | 271,447 | 283,705 | 293,203 | 303,924 | ||||||||||||||
Total redeemable stock and stockholders' equity | 88,732 | 107,442 | 93,721 | 91,944 | 98,061 | 100,496 | ||||||||||||||
| | For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended December 31, | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | For the nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2004 (Predecessor) | 2004 (Successor) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total sales | $ | 22,871 | $ | 159,886 | $ | 183,608 | $ | 145,779 | $ | 140,065 | $ | 180,108 | $ | 132,588 | $ | 125,206 | ||||||||||
Gross profit | 8,385 | 66,606 | 71,920 | 45,232 | 42,816 | 62,197 | 89,084 | 87,523 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 4,302 | 45,287 | 46,799 | 20,459 | 20,636 | 35,636 | 23,136 | 16,553 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | — | 13,304 | 10,978 | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 4,279 | 19,956 | 19,121 | 197 | (1,057 | ) | 11,471 | 6,375 | 2,728 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per basic share | N/A | $ | 34.34 | $ | 29.79 | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (1.74 | ) | $ | 18.64 | $ | 10.36 | $ | 4.49 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) per diluted share | N/A | $ | 32.39 | $ | 27.35 | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (1.74 | ) | $ | 18.20 | $ | 10.11 | $ | 4.39 | |||||||||
| | For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended December 31, | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | For the nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2004 (Predecessor) | 2004 (Successor) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 5,227 | $ | 52,204 | $ | 56,461 | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures(1) | $ | 782 | $ | 1,319 | $ | 3,534 | $ | 3,449 | $ | 1,049 | $ | 3,160 | $ | 1,979 | $ | 4,821 | ||||||||||
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, for each of the periods indicated. For more information, see the discussion of Adjusted EBITDA in "Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical Consolidated Financial and Operating Data."
| | For the three months ended March 31, | For the nine months ended December 31, | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2004 (Predecessor) | 2004 (Successor) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 4,279 | $ | 19,956 | $ | 19,121 | $ | 197 | $ | (1,057 | ) | $ | 11,471 | $ | 6,375 | $ | 2,728 | |||||||||
Interest expense—net | — | 12,117 | 16,745 | 20,095 | 19,622 | 17,299 | 12,765 | 11,756 | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | — | 2,733 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | — | 13,304 | 10,978 | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 802 | 2,837 | 3,937 | 4,284 | 4,632 | 4,650 | 3,715 | 3,877 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization | 146 | 3,036 | 4,377 | 6,166 | 6,164 | 6,160 | 4,620 | 4,621 | ||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA | 5,227 | 51,250 | 55,158 | 31,185 | 31,345 | 46,373 | 31,401 | 24,946 | ||||||||||||||||||
Management fees | — | 954 | 1,303 | 1,379 | 1,400 | 1,369 | 984 | 1,066 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock repurchase(1) | — | — | — | — | �� | — | — | — | 738 | |||||||||||||||||
Other non-recurring charges(2) | — | — | — | — | 1,286 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 5,227 | $ | 52,204 | $ | 56,461 | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | ||||||||||
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OFFINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, and each of the yearsyear ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 should2010 is modified or superseded by a statement contained herein, such earlier statement will be read together with our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Somedeemed to be modified or superseded to such extent for purposes of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategies for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus.
Overview
Our Business
We are Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our") is the North American leader in the design, manufacture and sale of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, which consists of snowplows, and sand and salt spreaders, and related parts and accessories. We sell our products under the WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brands which are among the most established and recognized in the industry. We believe that in 20092010 our share of the light truck snow and ice control equipment market was greater than 50%. We sell our products exclusively through what we believe is the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 720 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of 15 years. We continually seek to grow and optimize our network by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network. Beginning in 2005, we began to extend our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist.
The annual demand for snow and ice control equipment is driven primarily by the replacement cycle of the existing installed base, which is predominantly a function of the average life of a snowplow or spreader and is driven by usage and maintenance practices of the end-user. We believe actively-used snowplows are typically replaced, on average, every 7 to 8 years. The primary factor influencing the replacement cycle for snow and ice control equipment is the level, timing and location of snowfall.
Accordingly, our sales depend primarily on the level, timing and location of snowfall. Sales of our products in any given year and region are most heavily influenced by local snowfall levels in the prior snow season. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes usage of our equipment to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear and shortened life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement equipment and additional parts and accessories. In addition, when there is a heavy snowfall in a given winter, the increased income our professional snowplowers generate from their professional snowplow activities provides them with increased purchasing power to purchase replacement snow and ice control equipment prior to the following winter. Moreover, in our experience, the timing of snowfall in a given winter also influences our end-users' decision-making process. Because an early snowfall can be viewed as a sign of a heavy upcoming snow season, our end-users may respond to an early snowfall by purchasing replacement snow and ice control equipment earlier than they might otherwise have. Alternatively, light snowfall during a given winter season may cause equipment usage to decrease, extending its useful life, and delaying replacement equipment purchases. Because the level, timing and location of snowfall are critical drivers of our sales, our results of operations vary from year-to-year and
from season to season as snow fall varies from year to year. See "—Seasonality and Year-to-Year Variability" and "Risk Factors—The year-to-year variability of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from year-to-year; whereas the seasonality of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from quarter-to-quarter."
The demand for our snow and ice control equipment can also be influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions in North America. In stronger economic conditions, our end-users may choose to replace or upgrade existing equipment before its useful life has ended, while in weak economic conditions, our end-users may seek to extend the useful life of equipment, thereby increasing the sales of parts and accessories. While our parts and accessories yield slightly higher gross margins than our snow and ice control equipment, they yield significantly lower revenue than equipment sales, which adversely affects our results of operations. However, since snow and ice control management is a non-discretionary service necessary to ensure public safety and continued personal and commercial mobility in populated areas that receive snowfall, end-users cannot extend the useful life of snow and ice control equipment indefinitely and must replace equipment that has become too worn, unsafe or unreliable, regardless of economic conditions.
Costs of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Our costs of sales consist primarily of variable costs, including labor, materials and manufacturing overhead, which average approximately 81% to 84% of our total costs of sales each year. Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of our expenses for general administration, sales, marketing, advertising, administration, incentive plans and intangible amortization. Because of our highly variable cost structure, we are able to easily reduce our costs of sales during periods following a year in which snowfall levels were low and during periods in which sales are lower. Our selling, general and administrative expenses can also be reduced temporarily in such periods to maximize cash flow.
Although steel is a significant component of our cost of sales, we attempt to mitigate increases in the price of steel by implementing corollary price increases for our products in the form of a permanent price increase (in circumstances in which we believe the increase in the price of steel will be permanent) or temporary surcharges (in circumstances in which we believe the increase in the price of steel will be temporary).
Specifically, our cost of sales increased in 2008 due in large part to rising steel costs but also due to increased sales. Through the implementation of a permanent price increase and temporary invoice surcharge commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008 and extending such price increase through the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the invoice surcharge through January 31, 2009, we were successful in insulating our gross profit from the effect of steel price increases on our 2008 purchases. Though we continued to mitigate the effect of rising steel costs in the first nine months of 2009, our gross profit in that period declined relative to the corresponding period in 2008. This was mainly due to the decline in unit sales of snow and ice control equipment we experienced and the consequent decrease in net sales relative to fixed costs. Notwithstanding that decrease, we believe the measures we have taken to mitigate the effect of steel prices remained effective in the first nine months of 2009, and we intend to continue to implement similar measures to mitigate steel cost increases in the future.
Results of Operations
Overview
In assessing our results of operations in a given period, one of the primary factors we consider is the level of snowfall experienced within the prior snow season. We typically compare the snowfall level in a given period both to the snowfall level in the prior season and to those snowfall levels we consider to be average. References to "average snowfall" levels below refer to the aggregate average inches of
snowfall recorded in 66 cities in 26 snowbelt states in the United States during the annual snow season, from October 1 through March 31, from 1980 to 2009. During this period, snowfall averaged 2,983 inches, with the low in such period being 2,094 inches and the high being 4,502 inches.
Our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 were negatively impacted by below average snowfall during the October 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 snow season (approximately 8% below average) and October 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007 snow season (approximately 11% below average). During the October 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 snow seasons, we experienced above average snowfall (approximately 22% above average during the October 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 snow season and 23% above average during the October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 snow season). Despite above average snowfalls during both of these periods, we believe that the economic downturn resulted in lower sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders, but increased sales of our parts and accessories as a percentage of total net sales during the year ended December 31, 2008 and nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to prior periods, because weakened economic conditions tend to cause our end-users to delay purchase of replacement snow and ice control equipment and instead repair their existing equipment.
Sales of parts and accessories for 2008 were $28.7 million, or approximately 85% higher than average annual parts and accessories sales over the preceding ten years. Management believes the increased sales of parts and accessories is a result of the deferral of new equipment purchases due to the severe economic downturn in 2008 and , as many end-users chose to extend the life of their existing equipment beyond the typical replacement cycle. Although sales of snow and ice control units increased by 18.2% in 2008 as compared to 2007, management believes that absent the recent economic downturn, equipment sales in 2008 would have been considerably higher due to the high levels of snowfall during the year. Equipment unit sales in 2008 remained 11% below the ten-year average, despite the fact that snowfall levels in 2008 were approximately 22% above the ten-year average. Management believes this deferral of new equipment purchases could result in an elevated multi-year replacement cycle as the economy recovers.
The following table shows our sales of snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008 and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, we sold 45,703, 40,538, 47,911, 36,133 and 31,315 units of snow and ice control equipment, respectively.
| | Year ended December 31, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||||||||
Equipment | 90 | % | 87 | % | 84 | % | 86 | % | 85 | % | ||||||
Parts and accessories | 10 | % | 13 | % | 16 | % | 14 | % | 15 | % | ||||||
The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, the consolidated statements of operations of Douglas Holdings and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the table below and throughout this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the consolidated statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009 have been derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The information contained in the table below should be read in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
| | For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 145,779 | $ | 140,065 | $ | 180,108 | $ | 132,588 | $ | 125,206 | ||||||
Cost of sales | 100,547 | 97,249 | 117,911 | 89,084 | 87,523 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 45,232 | 42,816 | 62,197 | 43,504 | 37,683 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 24,773 | 22,180 | 26,561 | 20,368 | 21,130 | |||||||||||
Income from operations | 20,459 | 20,636 | 35,636 | 23,136 | 16,553 | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (20,095 | ) | (19,622 | ) | (17,299 | ) | (12,765 | ) | (11,756 | ) | ||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | (2,733 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 276 | (87 | ) | (73 | ) | (70 | ) | (105 | ) | |||||||
Income (loss) before taxes | 640 | (1,806 | ) | 18,264 | 10,301 | 4,692 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 197 | $ | (1,057 | ) | $ | 11,471 | $ | 6,375 | $ | 2,728 | |||||
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of certain items in our consolidated statement of operations data, relative to net sales:
| | For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||||||||
Net sales | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||
Cost of sales | 69.0 | 69.4 | 65.5 | 67.2 | 69.9 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 31.0 | 30.6 | 34.5 | 32.8 | 30.1 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 17.0 | 15.8 | 14.7 | 15.4 | 16.9 | |||||||||||
Income from operations | 14.0 | 14.7 | 19.8 | 17.4 | 13.2 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 0.1 | % | (0.8 | )% | 6.4 | % | 4.8 | % | 2.2 | % | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
Net Sales. Net sales were $125.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $132.6 million in the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $7.4 million, or 5.6%. This decline was driven by a decline in unit sales of snow and ice control equipment of 13.3% from the prior year period, in part because of a decline in general economic conditions. Of this unit sales decline, 48.8% occurred in the first quarter of 2009 versus 2008. The decline in net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was partially offset by (i) the price increases implemented beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 which extended through the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to cover steel cost inflation and (ii) the successful introduction of a new half-ton plow in June 2009. Further, our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were higher than the corresponding period in 2009 as a heavy snowfall in December 2007 caused our order flow to be unusually high toward the end of December 2007, resulting in a backlog at the start of 2008 and the shipment of an above average number of units in the first quarter of 2008. In comparison to net sales of snow and ice control equipment, net sales of parts and accessories remained strong during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008, with net sales of parts and accessories of $18.5 million and $18.7 million, respectively. The strong sales of parts and
accessories for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009 were due in large part to the downturn in general economic conditions and local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions, which led many of our end-users to repair their existing snow and ice control equipment instead of purchasing new equipment.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales were $87.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $89.1 million for the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 1.8%. This decrease was driven primarily by reduced component costs caused by the decrease in unit sales of snow and ice control equipment, as discussed above. Costs of sales as a percentage of net sales, however, increased from 67.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to 69.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as a result of the decline in net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the increased cost of steel and the implementation of price increases to cover the increased cost of steel (because these price increases increased both our net sales and our cost of sales). As a percentage of cost of sales, fixed and variable costs were approximately 18% and 82% respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 versus approximately 16% and 84% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $37.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $43.5 million in the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $5.8 million, or 13.3%, due primarily to the decline in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased from 32.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to 30.1% for the corresponding period in 2009, as a result of the factors discussed above under "—net sales" and "—cost of sales."
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $21.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $20.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of $0.7 million, or 3.4%. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 15.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to 16.9% in the corresponding period in 2009 due to the decline in net sales discussed above.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $11.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $12.8 million in the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $1.0 million. This decrease was due to $1.5 million lower interest rates on our term loan partially offset by $0.5 million of reduced interest income due to lower interest rates on short term cash investments.
Net Income. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $2.7 million compared to net income of $6.4 million for the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 57.8%. This decrease was driven by the factors described above, and primarily by the lower level of unit sales of snow and ice control equipment in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008. As a percentage of net sales, net income was 2.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 4.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
Net Sales. Net sales were $180.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $140.1 million in the prior year, an increase of $40.0 million, or 28.6%. The primary drivers of this increase were (1) a 37.7% increase in snowfall levels in the 2007 to 2008 snow season versus the 2006 to 2007 snow season, resulting in an 18.2% increase in the units of snow and ice control equipment sold in 2008 compared to 2007, (2) record sales of parts and accessories of $28.7 million in 2008, an increase of $10.7 million compared to 2007, which we believe was driven by the downturn in general economic conditions and local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions, which led many of our end-users to repair their existing snow and ice control equipment instead of purchasing new equipment;
and (3) an average price increase of 10% consisting of a 7.0% permanent price increase for our products, along with a 3.0% price increase in the form of a steel surcharge due to higher steel prices.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales were $117.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $97.2 million for the prior year, an increase of $20.7 million, or 21.3%. This increase was driven almost entirely by the increase in unit sales of snow and ice control equipment and parts and accessories, as discussed above. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales decreased from 69.4% in 2007 to 65.5% in 2008. As a percentage of cost of sales, fixed and variable costs were approximately 16% and 84% respectively for the year ended December 31, 2008 versus approximately 19% and 81% for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $62.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $42.8 million in the prior year, an increase of $19.4 million, or 45.3%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased from 30.6% in 2007 to 34.5% in 2008, as a result of the factors discussed above under "—net sales" and "—cost of sales."
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $22.2 million for the prior year, an increase of $4.4 million, or 19.8%. This increase was driven by increased sales in 2008 which required us to increase our labor headcount, marketing and incentive plans. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 15.8% in the 2007 to 14.7% in 2008.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of $2.3 million. This decrease was mainly due to $1.2 million in lower interest on our term loan, $0.5 million lower interest on our revolving credit facility and a $0.5 million reduction in amortization of deferred financing costs.
Net Income. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $11.5 million compared to a net loss of $1.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2007. As a percentage of net sales, net income was 6.4% for 2008 and (0.8)% for 2007.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
Net Sales. Net sales were $140.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to net sales of $145.8 million for the prior year, a decrease of $5.7 million, or 3.9%. This decrease was primarily driven by an 11.3% decline in unit sales of snow and ice control equipment as distributors reduced their purchases of snow and ice control equipment due to high distributor inventory levels as a result of two straight years of below average snowfall following a period of strong purchasing activity from 2003 through 2006. Partially offsetting the unit volume decline of snow and ice control equipment was the positive impact of a 3.0% average product price increase, and a $3.7 million or 25.6% increase in sales of parts and accessories, which was primarily the result of heavy snowfall in the month of December 2007, resulting in significant equipment maintenance in the middle of the snow season.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales were $97.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $100.5 million for the prior year, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 3.3%. This decrease was driven primarily by decreases in unit volumes, as discussed above. Additionally, cost of sales improved $1.5 million year over year, largely as a result of the non-recurring costs incurred in 2006 to integrate the newly acquired Blizzard Corporation operations into our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales increased slightly from 69.0% in 2006 to 69.4% in 2007. As a percentage of cost of sales, fixed and variable costs were approximately 19% and 81% respectively for the year ended December 31, 2007 versus approximately 18% and 82% for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $42.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to gross profit of $45.2 million for the prior year, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 5.3%. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased from 31.0% in 2006 to 30.6% in 2007, as a result of the factors discussed above under "—net sales" and "—cost of sales."
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $24.8 million in the prior year, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 10.5%. This decline was driven by spending cuts which we implemented in 2007 in response to below average snowfall levels in an effort to maximize income and cash flow. More specifically, in 2007 we instituted a temporary reduction in headcount, advertising, consulting and other spending areas resulting in over $3.0 million in savings. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 17.0% in 2006 to 15.8% in 2007.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $19.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to interest expense of $20.1 million in the prior year, a decrease of $0.5 million. This decrease was due to lower draws under our revolving credit facility, as pre-season orders were lower than in the prior year as distributors reduced purchases to adjust inventory levels, as discussed in "net sales" above. In turn, our accounts receivables and shipping costs were lower, reducing the amount by which we needed to draw on our revolving credit facility.
Net Income. We experienced a net loss of $1.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to net income of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, a decrease in net income of $1.3 million. As a percentage of net sales, net income was (0.8)% for 2007 compared to 0.1% for 2006.
Adjusted EBITDA
The following table sets forth our Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented. For more information, please see the discussion of Adjusted EBITDA in "Prospectus Summary."
| | Year ended December 31, 2006 | Year ended December 31, 2007 | Year ended December 31, 2008 | Nine months ended September 30, 2008 | Nine months ended September 30, 2009 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $28.0 million compared to $32.4 million in the corresponding period in 2008, a decrease of $4.4 million, or 13.6%. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA decreased from 24.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to 22.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $47.7 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $15.0 million, or 45.9%. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA increased from 23.4% in 2007 to 26.5% in 2008. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $32.7 million compared to $32.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $0.1 million, or 0.3%. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA increased from 22.3% in 2006 to 23.4% in 2007. In addition to the specific changes resulting from the exceptions, the changes to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods discussed resulted from factors discussed above under "—Results of Operations."
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, for each of the periods indicated. For more information, please see the discussion of Adjusted EBITDA in "Prospectus Summary."
| | For the year ended December 31, | For the nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | ||||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 197 | $ | (1,057 | ) | $ | 11,471 | $ | 6,375 | $ | 2,728 | ||||||
Interest expense—net | 20,095 | 19,622 | 17,299 | 12,765 | 11,756 | ||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | 2,733 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 443 | (749 | ) | 6,793 | 3,926 | 1,964 | |||||||||||
Depreciation expense | 4,284 | 4,632 | 4,650 | 3,715 | 3,877 | ||||||||||||
Amortization | 6,166 | 6,164 | 6,160 | 4,620 | 4,621 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | 31,185 | 31,345 | 46,373 | 31,401 | 24,946 | ||||||||||||
Management fees | 1,379 | 1,400 | 1,369 | 984 | 1,066 | ||||||||||||
Stock repurchase(1) | — | — | — | — | 738 | ||||||||||||
Other non-recurring charges(2) | — | — | — | — | 1,286 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 32,564 | $ | 32,745 | $ | 47,742 | $ | 32,385 | $ | 28,036 | |||||||
Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. These estimates and assumptions are often based on judgments that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances at the time made, but all such estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions, and it is possible that other professionals, applying their own judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support alternative estimates and assumptions that would result in material changes to our operating results and financial condition. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to pension obligations, recovery of accounts receivable, impairment assessment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, as well as estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to taxation and product warranty.
We believe the following are the critical accounting policies that affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Defined Benefit Pension Obligation
As discussed in Note 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, the pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income of our pension plans
are calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715-30, Defined Benefit Plans-Pension, and are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Rates are evaluated on an annual basis considering such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance. Actuarial valuations for 2008 used a discount rate of 6.0% and an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.0%. Our discount rate reflects the expected future cash flow based upon our funding valuation assumptions and participant data at the beginning of the plan year. The expected future cash flow was discounted by the Citigroup Pension Liability Index yield curve for the month preceding the 2008 year end.
In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we analyze historical and expected returns for multiple asset classes. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by combining a long-term inflation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate was then developed based upon those overall rates and the target asset allocation of the plan. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans, stockholders' equity and related expense. We cannot predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether the impact in subsequent years will be significant. The funded status of our pension plans is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of all benefits expected to be earned by our employees service adjusted for future wage increases. At December 31, 2008, our pension obligation funded status was $10.4 million unfunded.
Our funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts at least equal to the minimum annual amount required by applicable regulations. We contributed approximately $1.2 million to our pension plans in 2008. See Note 12 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a more detailed description of our pension plans.
Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company recognizes revenues upon shipment to the customer which is when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) the price is fixed or determinable; (iii) collectability is reasonably assured; and (iv) delivery has occurred. Net sales include freight out as well as reductions for returns and allowances, and sales discounts.
We carry our accounts receivable at their face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, we evaluate our accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific distributor circumstances and credit conditions taking into account the history of write-offs and collections. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within the period agreed upon in the invoice. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. We do not require collateral as security for accounts receivable. See Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information regarding our allowance for doubtful accounts.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of such assets to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment provision is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value of the asset, less costs of disposition. Our management considers such factors as current results, trends and future prospects, current market value, and other
economic and regulatory factors in performing these analyses. We determined that no long-lived assets were impaired as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and trade names and more frequently if an event or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss has been incurred. Conditions that would trigger an impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset. The analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires a two-step process. The first step is the estimation of fair value of the applicable reporting unit. We have determined we have one reporting unit, and all significant decisions are made on a companywide basis by our chief operating decision maker. Estimated fair value is based on management judgments and assumptions and such estimates of fair value are compared with our aggregate carrying value. If our fair value is greater than the carrying amount, there is no impairment. If our carrying amount is greater than the fair value, then the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any.
The second step calculates the implied fair value of the goodwill, which is compared to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit at the hypothetical fair value, assuming the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the entire reporting unit over the fair value of its identifiable assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference. Annual impairment tests conducted by us on December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 resulted in no adjustment to the carrying value of our indefinite-lived intangibles.
Our goodwill and trade name balances could be impaired in future periods. A number of factors, many of which we have no ability to control, could affect our financial condition, operating results and business prospects and could cause actual results to differ from the estimates and assumptions we employed. These factors include:
Our cash flow assumptions are based on historical and forecasted revenue, operating costs and other relevant factors. If management's estimates of future operating results change or if there are changes to other assumptions, the estimate of the fair value of our business may change significantly. Such change could result in impairment charges in future periods, which could have a significant impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Income Taxes
Our estimate of income taxes payable, deferred income taxes and the effective tax rate is based on an analysis of many factors including interpretations of federal and state income tax laws, the difference between tax and financial reporting bases and liabilities, estimates of amounts currently due or owed in various jurisdictions, and current accounting standards. We review and update our estimates on a quarterly basis as facts and circumstances change and actual results are known.
We have generated significant deferred tax assets as a result of goodwill and intangible asset book versus tax differences as well as net operating loss carryforwards. In assessing the ability to realize these deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the years in which those temporary differences become deductable. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As a result of this analysis, we have recorded a valuation allowance against certain of these deferred tax assets.
On January 1, 2007, we adopted accounting guidance originally issued under Financial Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (codified in ASC 740Income Taxes). This interpretation prescribes the minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. This pronouncement also provides guidance on the measurement, classification and recognition of tax positions. As a result of the adoption of this pronouncement, accruals for tax contingencies, if any, are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC 740. See Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information regarding our accounting for income taxes.
Warranty Cost Recognition
We accrue for estimated warranty costs as sales are recognized and periodically assess the adequacy of the recorded warranty liability and adjust the amount as necessary. Our warranties generally provide, with respect to our snow and ice control equipment, that all material and workmanship will be free from defect for a period of two years after the date of purchase by the end-user, and with respect to our parts and accessories purchased separately, that such parts and accessories will be free from defect for a period of one year after the date of purchase by the end-user. Certain snowplows only provide for a one year warranty. We accrue for warranty expense when revenue is recognized. We determine the amount of the estimated warranty costs (and our corresponding warranty reserve) based on our prior five years of warranty history utilizing a formula driven by historical warranty expense and applying management's judgment. We adjust our historical warranty costs to take into account unique factors such as the introduction of new products into the marketplace that do not provide a historical warranty record to access.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") originally issued guidance under Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainties in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (codification in ASC Topic 740-10 ("ASC 740-10"). This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The new standard was effective for us beginning in 2007. As a result of the adoption of ASC 740-10, we recognized an increase in the liability of unrecognized tax benefits of $985, an increase in other assets of $434 and a reduction of the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings of $551.
In September 2006, the FASB originally issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 158,Employer's Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87,88, 106 and 123R (codification in ASC Topic 715 ("ASC 715")). ASC 715 requires us to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, ASC 715 requires us to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its fiscal year-end. On December 31, 2006, we adopted the provisions of ASC 715 by recognizing the funded status of its defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans in the consolidated
balance sheet (see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.). ASC 715 also requires the measurement date for plan assets and benefit obligations to coincide with our year-end. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we changed the measurement date for plan assets and benefit obligations from September 30 to December 31 (see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.)
In September 2006, the FASB originally issued SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements (codification in ASC Topic 820 ("ASC 820")). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability. The adoption of ASC 820 as of December 31, 2008 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB originally issued SFAS No. 141(R),Business Combination (codification in ASC Topic 805 ("ASC 805")). This statement requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction, establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed and requires the acquirer to disclose certain information related to the nature and financial effect of the business combination. ASC 805 is effective for business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. ASC 805 applies to acquisitions completed by us after January 1, 2009.
Effective July 1, 2009 the company adopted FASB Topic ASC 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—Overall ("ASC 105-10"). ASC 105-10 establishes the FASB ASC as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied in the preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Included in this ASC topic is SFAS No. 165,Subsequent Events. ASC 105-10 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 105-10 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. We adopted ASC 105-10 during our second quarter of 2009 and it had no impact on our results of operations or financial position.
In May 2009, the FASB originally issued SFAS No. 168,The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—A replacement of FASB Statement No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (codification in ASC Topic 855 ("ASC 855")). The objective of ASC 855-10 is to replace SFAS No. 162 and to establish the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. ASC 855-10 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of ASC 855-10 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of cash have been and we expect will continue to be cash from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facilities.
Following this offering, we anticipate that our primary uses of cash will be to provide working capital, meet debt service requirements, finance capital expenditures, pay dividends under our dividend policy and support our growth, including through potential acquisitions, and for other general corporate purposes. As discussed under "Use of Proceeds," we expect to use the proceeds from this offering together with to redeem our senior notes, including the accrued and unpaid interest thereon
and the associated redemption premium 30 days following the consummation of this offering for a total of $ million.
Our Board of Directors will adopt a dividend policy, effective upon the consummation of this offering, that reflects an intention to distribute to our stockholders a regular quarterly cash dividend. The declaration and payment of these dividends to holders of our common stock will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition and earnings, legal requirements, taxes and other factors our Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. The terms of our indebtedness may also restrict us from paying cash dividends on our common stock under certain circumstances. As a result of this dividend policy, we may not have significant cash available to meet any large unanticipated liquidity requirements. As a result, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash to fund our operations or to finance unanticipated capital expenditures or growth opportunities, including acquisitions. Our Board of Directors may, however, amend, revoke or suspend our dividend policy at any time and for any reason. See "Dividend Policy and Restrictions."
As of September 30, 2009, we had $67.2 million of total liquidity, comprised of $17.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and the ability to borrow $50.0 million under our revolving credit facility. We expect that cash on hand, generated from operations, as well available credit under our senior credit facilities will provide adequate funds for the purposes described above for at least the next 12 months.
Cash Flow Analysis
Set forth below is summary cash flow information for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 as well as summary cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009.
| | Year Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | 4,763 | $ | 20,040 | $ | 23,411 | $ | (33,377 | ) | $ | (39,883 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (3,471 | ) | (1,045 | ) | (3,113 | ) | (1,932 | ) | (4,821 | ) | ||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities | (25,753 | ) | 4,083 | (2,265 | ) | 2,261 | 8,362 | |||||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | $ | (24,461 | ) | $ | 23,078 | $ | 18,033 | $ | (33,048 | ) | $ | (36,342 | ) | |||
Sources and Uses of Cash
During the three-year and nine month periods described above, net cash provided by operating activities was used for funding capital investment, building inventories, retiring preferred stock, and related dividends, paying interest on both our senior notes and senior credit facilities, and funding working capital requirements during our pre-season shipping period.
Normal year-end inventories range from $25.0 million to $30.0 million. In the year ended December 31, 2007, however, our inventory balance was reduced to $17.1 million. That reduction resulted from:
The following table shows our cash and cash equivalents and inventories at December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and September 30, 2008 and 2009.
| | December 31, | | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
| | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,441 | $ | 35,519 | $ | 53,552 | $ | 17,210 | |||||
Inventory | 27,286 | 17,086 | 28,802 | 26,853 | |||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
Our working capital requirements reach their peak toward the end of the third quarter as our pre-season shipping period ends at that time. Approximately 80% of our shipments during the second and third quarters are invoiced with extended dating terms, with payment not required until the fourth quarter. Thus, cash is consumed through September 30 resulting in net negative cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
We had cash and cash equivalents of $17.2 million at September 30, 2009 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $2.5 million at September 30, 2008. The table below sets forth a summary of the significant sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the periods presented.
| | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2008 | 2009 | Change | % Change | |||||||||
| | (dollars in thousands) | | |||||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (33,377 | ) | $ | (39,883 | ) | $ | (6,506 | ) | (19.5 | )% | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,932 | ) | (4,821 | ) | (2,889 | ) | (149.5 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,261 | 8,362 | 6,101 | 269.8 | |||||||||
Decrease in cash | $ | (33,048 | ) | $ | (36,342 | ) | $ | (3,294 | ) | 10.0 | % | ||
Net cash used in operating activities increased $6.5 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in cash used in operating activities was due to increased accounts receivable growth due to increased pre-season shipments, reduced net income, a lower income tax receivable, and a reduction in accruals with respect to the Company's Annual Incentive Plan and non-executive employee profit sharing plan. The increase was offset by an $11.6 million decrease in inventory build up (due to a $9.6 million build up in inventory in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 to support increased sales volume as compared to a relatively small inventory build up in the nine months ended September 30, 2009).
Net cash used in investing activities increased $2.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the corresponding period in 2008, mainly as a result of increases in capital investments of approximately $2.0 million in our manufacturing facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Rockland, Maine to support the closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility planned for mid-2010.
Net cash provided by financing activities increased $6.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the corresponding period in 2008, as a result of an increase in borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $7.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 in order to fund working capital requirements.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
We had cash of $53.6 million at December 31, 2008 compared to cash of $35.5 million at December 31, 2007. The table below sets forth a summary of the significant sources and uses of cash for the periods presented.
| | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2007 | 2008 | Change | % Change | |||||||||
| | (dollars in thousands) | | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 20,040 | $ | 23,411 | $ | 3,371 | 16.8 | % | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,045 | ) | (3,113 | ) | (2,068 | ) | (197.9 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,083 | (2,265 | ) | (6,348 | ) | (155.5 | ) | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | $ | 23,078 | $ | 18,033 | $ | (5,045 | ) | (21.9 | )% | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $3.4 million from 2007 to 2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due higher net income, a decrease in accounts receivable growth due to the fact that accounts receivable balances at December 31, 2007 were particularly high as a result of the significant order flow received in December of 2007, a reduction in income tax receivable from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008, and an increase in accrued incentive plan expenses from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008. The increase was offset by a $21.9 million net increase in inventory build up from 2007 to 2008.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2.1 million in 2008 compared to 2007, as capital expenditures returned to historical levels in 2008 following a substantial reduction in 2007 spending to maximize cash flow in a below average snowfall year.
Net cash provided by financing activities decreased $6.3 million in 2008 compared to 2007, due mainly to a non-recurring recapitalization of our debt structure in May 2007, which provided an additional $4.1 million of cash in 2007.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
We had cash of $35.5 million at December 31, 2007 compared to cash of $12.4 million at December 31, 2006. The table below sets forth a summary of the significant sources and uses of cash for the periods presented.
| | Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | 2006 | 2007 | Change | % Change | |||||||||
| | (dollars in thousands) | | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 4,763 | $ | 20,040 | $ | 15,277 | 320.7 | % | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,471 | ) | (1,045 | ) | 2,426 | 69.9 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (25,753 | ) | 4,083 | 29,836 | (115.9 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash | $ | (24,461 | ) | $ | 23,078 | $ | 47,539 | 194.3 | % | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $15.3 million from 2006 to 2007. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to a $9.8 million of inventory build up in 2006 as compared to $10.2 million in cash provided from inventory sales in 2007, and an increase in income taxes payable. This increase was offset by a decrease in net income, an increase in accrued annual incentive plan expenses at December 31, 2007 compared to December 31, 2006 and an increase in accounts receivable.
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2.4 million in 2007 compared to 2006, as capital expenditures were proactively reduced by $2.4 million in 2007 to maximize short term cash flow in a below average snowfall year.
Net cash provided for financing activities increased $29.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006, as the Company used cash in 2006 to redeem its Series A preferred stock (including cumulative dividends) totaling $13.8 million and made payments to reduce long term debt of $11.8 million.
Future Obligations and Commitments
Contractual Obligations
We are subject to certain contractual obligations, including long-term debt and related interest. We have unrecognized tax benefits of $0.9 million as of December 31, 2008. However, we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of potential cash settlement of the underlying liabilities, therefore, we have not included unrecognized tax benefits in calculating the obligations set forth in the following table of significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008.
(Dollars in thousands) | Total | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | After 2012 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Long-term debt | ||||||||||||||||||||
Term loan | $ | 83,513 | $ | 850 | $ | 850 | $ | 81,813 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Senior notes(1) | 150,000 | — | — | — | 150,000 | — | ||||||||||||||
Revolver | 10,000 | 10,000 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Interest on long-term debt(2) | 45,711 | 14,267 | 16,667 | 14,299 | 478 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total contracted cash obligations(3) | $ | 289,224 | $ | 25,117 | $ | 17,517 | $ | 96,112 | $ | 150,478 | $ | — | ||||||||
Senior Credit Facilities
Our debt structure includes a first lien credit facility which consists of a $60.0 million asset based revolving credit facility and an $85.0 million term loan. As of September 30, 2009, we had $82.9 million of borrowings under our term loan and $10.0 million under our revolving credit facility.
After effecting the discharge of our senior notes, and unless terminated earlier, our term loan facility will mature in May 2013 and any borrowings thereunder bear interest, at our option, at a base rate plus 1.25% or LIBOR plus 2.25%.
After effecting the discharge of our senior notes, and unless terminated earlier, our revolving credit facility will mature in May 2012 and borrowings thereunder bear interest, at our option, at a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for base rate loans is either 0.25% or 0.50% and the applicable margin for LIBOR loans is either 1.25% or 1.50%, in each case determined based on our leverage ratio from time to time. Our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility is, subject to certain reserves and limitations, limited to a borrowing base of 100% of cash on hand, 85% of eligible accounts receivable and the lesser of 70% of the cost of eligible inventory or
85% of the liquidation value of eligible inventory. Also, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain at least $6.0 million of borrowing availability measured as (i) the lesser of aggregate lender commitments and the facility's borrowing base over (ii) outstanding loans and letters of credit. At September 30, 2009, we had $10 million of outstanding debt under our revolving credit agreement and, subject to certain availability requirements, had availability of $50.0 million.
Both our senior credit facilities include certain negative and operating covenants, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, and other customary covenants, representations and warranties and events of default. In addition, our revolving credit facility includes a requirement that, subject to certain exceptions, capital expenditures not exceed $10.0 million in any calendar year and, during the occurrence of a liquidity event, we must comply with a monthly minimum fixed charge coverage ratio test of 1.0:1.0. Compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio test is subject to certain cure rights under our revolving credit facility. For a more complete description of our senior credit facilities, including the covenants described above, see "Description of Indebtedness—Senior Credit Facilities" and for a description of certain risks related to our senior credit facilities see "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry." As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with the covenants under our senior credit facilities.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. This is subject to the level, timing, and location of snowfall as well as general economic, financial and industry conditions and other factors that are beyond our control as well as the factors described in the "Risk Factors."
73/4% Senior Notes Due 2012
We currently have $150 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior notes outstanding, which bear interest at a rate of 73/4% per annum and mature on January 15, 2012. We plan to use the proceeds from this offering together with to redeem our senior notes. Promptly following the consummation of this offering, we intend to deliver a notice of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing our senior notes and deposit with the trustee of our senior notes a total of $ million, comprised of the principal amount, together with the accrued and unpaid interest thereon and the associated redemption premium. Upon such deposit, the indenture governing our senior notes will cease to be of any further force or effect. We anticipate that our senior notes will be redeemed on (30 days following the consummation of this offering). We also intend to amend our existing credit facility prior to this offering to permit this redemption of our senior notes.
Deductibility of Intangible and Goodwill Expense
We possess a favorable tax structure with approximately $18 million of annual tax-deductible intangible and goodwill expense over the next ten years.
Impact of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation risk is material to our business or our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows at this time. Historically, we have experienced normal raw material, labor and fringe benefit inflation. To date we have been able to fully offset this inflation by providing higher value products, which command higher prices. In both 2004 and 2008, we experienced a significant increase in steel costs but have been able to mitigate their effects through both temporary and permanent steel surcharges, where appropriate. See "Risk Factors—The price of steel, a commodity necessary to manufacture our products, is highly variable. If the price of steel increases, our gross margins could decline."
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Seasonality and Year-To-Year Variability
Our business is seasonal and also varies from year-to-year. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition vary from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year as well. In addition, because of this seasonality and variability, our results of operations for any quarter may not be indicative of results of operations that may be achieved for a subsequent quarter or the full year, and may not be similar to results of operations experienced in prior years.
Sales of our products are significantly impacted by the level, timing and location of snowfall, with sales in any given year and region most heavily influenced by snowfall levels in the prior snow season (which begins in October and ends in March) in that region. This is due to the fact that end-user demand for our products is driven primarily by the condition of their snow and ice control equipment, and in the case of professional snowplowers, by their financial ability to purchase new or replacement snow and ice control equipment, both of which are tied to snowfall levels. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes usage of our products to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear to our products and a shortening of their life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories. In addition, when there is a heavy snowfall in a given winter, the increased income our professional snowplowers generate from their professional snowplow activities provides them with increased purchasing power to purchase replacement snow and ice control equipment prior to the following winter. To a lesser extent, sales of our products are influenced by the timing of snowfall in a given winter. Because an early snowfall can be viewed as a sign of a heavy upcoming snow season, our end-users may respond to an early snowfall by purchasing replacement snow and ice control equipment during the current season rather that delaying purchases until after the season is over when most purchases are typically made by end-users.
The following chart illustrates the effects of snowfall levels in the snowbelt states in a given winter on the number of units of snow and ice control equipment we shipped in the following year. Snowfall levels represent the aggregate number of inches of snowfall recorded in each of 66 cities in 26 snowbelt states across the Northeast, East, Midwest and Western United States where we monitor snowfall levels. With respect to the calculation of units shipped, each year in the following chart represents the calendar year period from January 1 to December 31. With respect to the calculation of snowfall, each year in the following chart represents the period beginning on October 1 of the prior year and extending through the following March 31. Thus, for example, the number of units shipped in 2001 represents the total units of snow and ice control equipment we shipped from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001, whereas the 2001 snowfall level reflects snowfall in the snowbelt states in the period from October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001. As the chart indicates, heavy snowfall levels in a given winter tend to lead to increased unit shipments of our snow and ice control equipment in the following year, whereas low snowfall levels in a given winter tend to lead to decreased units shipped of our snow and ice control equipment in the following year.
Equipment Sales Versus Snowfall
Source of snowfall data: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service
The following chart depicts aggregate annual and eight-year (based on the typical life of our snowplows) rolling average of the aggregate snowfall levels in 66 cities in 26 snowbelt states across the Northeast, East, Midwest and Western United States where we monitor snowfall levels) from 1980 to 2009. As the chart indicates, since 1982 aggregate snowfall levels in any given rolling eight-year period have been fairly consistent, ranging from 2,742 to 3,295 inches.
Snowfall in Snowbelt States (inches)(for October 1 through March 31)
Note: The 8-year rolling average snowfall is not presented prior to 1982 for purposes of the calculation due to lack of snowfall data prior to 1975.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service.
We attempt to manage the seasonal impact of snowfall on our revenues in part through our pre-season sales program, which involves actively soliciting and encouraging pre-season distributor orders in the second and third quarters by offering our distributors a combination of pricing, payment and freight incentives during this period. These pre-season sales incentives encourage our distributors to re-stock their inventory during the second and third quarters in anticipation of the peak fourth quarter retail sales period by offering favorable pre-season pricing and payment deferral until the fourth quarter. As a result, we tend to generate our greatest volume of sales during the second and third quarters. By contrast, our revenue and operating results tend to be lowest during the first quarter as management believes our end-users prefer to wait until the beginning of a snow season to purchase new equipment and as our distributors sell off inventory and wait for our pre-season sales incentive period to re-stock inventory. Fourth quarter sales vary from year-to-year as they are primarily driven by
the level, timing and location of snowfall during the quarter. This is because most of our fourth quarter sales and shipments consist of re-orders by distributors seeking to restock inventory to meet immediate customer needs caused by snowfall during the winter months.
Because of the seasonality of our sales, we also experience seasonality in our working capital needs. In the first quarter we require capital as we are generally required to build our inventory in anticipation of our second and third quarter sales seasons. During the second and third quarters, our working capital requirements rise as our accounts receivables increase as a result of the sale and shipment of products ordered through our pre-season sales program and we continue to build inventory. Working capital requirements peak towards the end of the third quarter and then begin to decline through the fourth quarter through a reduction in accounts receivables (as it is in the fourth quarter that we receive a majority of the payments for previously shipped products).
We also attempt to manage the impact of seasonality and year-to-year variability on our business costs through the effective management of our assets. See "Business—Our Business Strategy—Aggressive Asset Management and Profit Focus." Our asset management and profit focus strategies include:
Additionally, although modest, our capital expenditure requirements and operating expenses can be temporarily reduced in response to anticipated or actual lower sales to maximize cash flow. If we are unsuccessful in our asset management initiatives, the seasonality and year-to-year variability effects on our business may be compounded and in turn our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We do not use financial instruments for speculative trading purposes, and do not hold any derivative financial instruments that could expose us to significant market risk. Our primary market risk exposures are changes in interest rates and steel price fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates. Certain of our borrowings, including our term loan and any revolving borrowings under our senior credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. In addition, the interest rate on any revolving borrowings is subject to an increase in the interest rate based on our average daily availability under our revolving credit facility. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows would correspondingly decrease.
As of September 30, 2009, we had outstanding borrowings under our term loan of $82.9 million. A hypothetical interest rate change of 1%, 1.5% and 2% on our term loan would have changed interest incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 on an annualized basis by $0.83 million, $1.24 million and $1.66 million, respectively. Further, as of September 30, 2009, we had outstanding
borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $10.0 million. A hypothetical interest rate change of 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% on our revolving credit facility would have changed interest incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 on an annualized basis by $0.1 million, $0.15 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Commodity Price Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to our purchase of steel, the primary commodity upon which our manufacturing depends. While steel is typically available from numerous suppliers, the price of steel is subject to fluctuation. We do not use any derivative or hedging instruments to manage the price risk. If the price of steel increases, our variable costs could also increase. While historically we have successfully mitigated these increased costs through the implementation of either permanent price increases and/or temporary invoice surcharges, in the future we may not be able to successfully mitigate these costs, which could cause our gross margins to decline. If the price of steel were to increase by $1.00 in a period where we are not able to pass any of this increase onto our distributors, our gross margins would decline by $1.00 in that period.
General
We are the North American leader in the design, manufacture and sale of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, which consists of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders, and related parts and accessories. We sell our products under the WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brands which are among the most established and recognized in the industry. We believe that in 2009 our share of the light truck snow and ice control equipment market was greater than 50%. We offer the broadest and most complete product line of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets with over 60 models of snowplows and over 4035 models of sand and salt spreaders across our three brands. Our snowplows use custom-designed mounts which allow each of our snowplow models to be used on a variety of light truck brands and models. In addition, we manufacture a broad portfolio of hopper and tailgate-mounted sand and salt spreaders that are used for snow and ice control on driveways, roads and parking lots. The primary materials used in our snow and ice control equipment business are steel, metal parts, electrical components, hydraulic systems, and hardware components, which collectively comprise over 75% of total material and component purchases.
We also provide a full range of related parts and accessories, which generates an ancillary revenue stream throughout the lifecycle of our snow and ice control equipment.
We sell While our products through a distributor network primarily to professional snowplowers, who are contracted to remove snowparts and ice from commercial, municipal and residential areas. Because of the short snow season (which we calculate as running from October 1 through March 31), unpredictability of snowfall events and the difficult weather conditions under whichaccessories yield slightly higher gross margins than our end-users operate, our end-users have a fairly limited time frame in which to generate income. Accordingly, our end-users demand a high degree of quality, reliability and service. Over the last 50 years, we have engendered exceptional customer loyalty for our products because of our ability to satisfy the stringent demands of our customers. As a result, we believe our installed base is the largest in the industry with over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. Because sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders are primarily driven by the need of our core end-user base to replace worn existing equipment, we believe our substantial installed base provides us with a high degree of predictable sales over any extended period of time.
We believe we have the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 720 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of 15 years. Beginning in 2005, we began to extend our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist.
We believe we are the industry's most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our vertical integration, highly variable cost structure and intense focus on lean manufacturing. We continually seek to use lean principles to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of our manufacturing operations. From 2002 to 2008, we have increased our gross profit per unit by approximately 3.0% per annum, compounded annually. While we currently manufacture our products in three facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockland, Maine and Johnson City, Tennessee, we have improved our manufacturing efficiency to the point that we will be closing our Johnson City, Tennessee facility effective mid-2010. We expect that the closing of this facility will yield estimated cost savings of approximately $4 million annually, with no anticipated reduction in production capacity. Furthermore, our manufacturing efficiency allows us to deliver desired products quickly to our customers during times of sudden and unpredictable snowfall events, when our customers need our products immediately. Our ability to deliver products on a rapid and efficient basis through lean manufacturing allows us to both better serve our existing customer base and capture new customers from competitors who we believe cannot service their customers' needs with the same speed and reliability.
History
The FISHER® and WESTERN® brands date back to the late 1940s and early 1950s, respectively. Fisher Engineering was founded by Dean Fisher in 1948 and was a leading light truck snow and ice control equipment, company in(with parts and accessories margins averaging approximately 50% over the East and Northeast regions ofpast five years), equipment sales yield significantly more revenue. For the United States. Western Products was founded in the early 1950s by Douglas Seaman and focused on the West, Midwest and East regions of the United States. Our predecessor company, Douglas Dynamics Incorporated, which we refer to in this prospectus as DDI, was founded by Western's Douglas Seaman in 1977 and acquired Fisher Engineering in 1984.
In July 1991, DDI was acquired by Armco Inc., which merged with AK Steel Corporation in September 1999. In March 2004, our business was acquired from AK Steel Corporation by our current shareholders.
In November 2005, we acquired Blizzard Corporation, which expanded the breadthyear ended December 31, 2010, 86% of our distributor network and our product line. Through the acquisition of Blizzard Corporation, we acquired the highly-patented, groundbreaking BLIZZARD® technology that represents one of the most significant innovations in our industry. More specifically, we acquired industry-leading hinged plow technology, which has significant advantages over competing products because it utilizes expandable wings for more effective snow removal.
Industry Overview
The light truck snow and ice control equipment industry in North America consists predominantly of domestic participants that manufacture their products in North America. Snowplownet sales account for a significant portionwere generated from sales of snow and ice control equipment, sales for light trucks, with sand and salt spreader sales accounting for a lesser portion. The annual demand for snow and ice control equipment is driven primarily by the replacement cycle of the existing installed base, which is predominantly a function of the average life of a snowplow or spreader and is driven by usage and maintenance practices of the end-user. We believe actively-used snowplows are typically replaced, on average, every 7 to 8 years.
The primary factor influencing the replacement cycle for snow and ice control equipment is the level, timing and location of snowfall. Sales of snow and ice control equipment in any given year and region are most heavily influenced by local snowfall levels in the prior snow season. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes equipment usage to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear and shortened life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement equipment and additional parts and accessories. Moreover, in our experience, the timing of snowfall in a given winter also influences our end-users' decision-making process. Because an early snowfall can be viewed as a sign of a heavy upcoming snow season, our end-users may respond to an early snowfall by purchasing replacement snow and ice control equipment earlier than they otherwise might have. Alternatively, light snowfall during a given winter season may cause equipment usage to decrease, extending its useful life, and delaying replacement equipment purchases.
While snowfall levels vary within a given year and from year-to-year, snowfall, and the corresponding replacement cycle of snow and ice control equipment, is relatively consistent over multi-year periods. The following chart depicts aggregate annual and eight-year (based on the typical life14% of our snowplows) rolling average of the aggregate snowfall levels in 66 cities in 26 snowbelt states across the Northeast, East, Midwest and Western United States where we monitor snowfall levels)net sales were generated from
1980 to 2009. As the chart indicates, since 1982 aggregate snowfall levels in any given rolling eight-year period have been fairly consistent, ranging from 2,742 to 3,295 inches.
Snowfall in Snowbelt States (inches)(for October 1 through March 31)
Note: The 8-year rolling average snowfall is not presented prior to 1982 for purposes of the calculation due to lack of snowfall data prior to 1975.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service.
The demand for snow and ice control equipment can also be influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snowbelt regions in North America. In stronger economic conditions, our end-users may choose to replace or upgrade existing equipment before its useful life has ended, while in weak economic conditions, our end-users may seek to extend the useful life of equipment, thereby increasing the sales of parts and accessories. However, since snow and ice control management is a non-discretionary service necessary to ensure public safety and continued personal and commercial mobility in populated areas that receive snowfall, end-users cannot extend the useful life of snow and ice control equipment indefinitely and must replace equipment that has become too worn, unsafe or unreliable, regardless of economic conditions.
Sales of parts and accessories for 2008 were $28.7 million, or approximately 85% higher than average annual parts and accessories sales over the preceding ten years. Management believes the increased sales of parts and accessories is a result of the deferral of new equipment purchases due to the severe economic downturn in 2008 and , as many end-users chose to extend the life of their existing equipment beyond the typical replacement cycle. Although sales of snow and ice control units increased by 18.2% in 2008 as compared to 2007, management believes that absent the recent economic downturn, equipment sales in 2008 would have been considerably higher due to the high levels of snowfall during the year. Equipment unit sales in 2008 remained 11% below the ten-year average, despite the fact that snowfall levels in 2008 were approximately 22% above the ten-year average. Management believes this deferral of new equipment purchases could result in an elevated multi-year replacement cycle as the economy recovers.
Long-term growth in the overall snow and ice control equipment market also results from geographic expansion of developed areas in the snowbelt regions of North America, as well as consumer demand for technological enhancements in snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories that improves efficiency and reliability. Continued construction in the snowbelt regions in North America increases the aggregate area requiring snow and ice removal, thereby growing the market for snow and ice control equipment. In addition, the development and sale of more reliable, more efficient and more sophisticated product, has contributed to an approximate 2% to 4% price increase in each of the past five years.
Competitive Strengths
We are the North American market leader in snow and ice control equipment for light trucks with what we believe to be an industry leading installed base of over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt
spreaders in service. We compete solely with other North American manufacturers who do not benefit from our extensive distributor network, manufacturing efficiencies and depth and breadth of products. As the market leader, we enjoy a set of competitive advantages versus smaller, more regionally-focused equipment providers which allows us to generate robust cash flows in all snowfall environments and to support continued investment in our products, distribution capabilities and brand regardless of annual volume fluctuations. We believe this advantage is rooted in the following competitive strengths and reinforces our industry leadership over time.
Exceptional Customer Loyalty and Brand Equity. Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry with both end-users and distributors. We have developed this exceptional loyalty through over 50 years of superior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, consistently delivered season after season. We believe many of our end-users are second and third generation owners of our snow and ice control equipment. Our surveys find that past brand experience, rather than price, is the key factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions. Because a professional snowplower can typically recoup the cost of a plow within a very short period of time, and in some cases, as a result of one major snowfall event, we believe quality, reliability and functionality are more important factors in our end-users' purchasing decisions than price. For example, our end-user survey found that less than 10% of commercial end-users cite price as a key factor in their purchase decision.
Broadest and Most Innovative Product Offering. We provide the industry's broadest product offering with a full range of snowplows, sand and salt spreaders and related parts and accessories. We believe we maintain the industry's largest and most advanced in-house new product development program, historically introducing several new and redesigned products each year. Our broad product offering and commitment to new product development is essential to maintaining and growing our leading market share position as well as continuing to increase the profitability of our business. We believe we have introduced or redesigned more efficient and productive products over the last five years (including the redesigned Fisher and Western V Plows in 2006 and the Fisher and Western Power Plows in 2007) than any of our competitors, driving increased value for our customers. Approximately $87 million, or 49.5%, of our 2010 net sales came from products introduced or redesigned in the last five years. Recent product introductions include the FISHER® HT Series™ (half-ton plow) and POLY-CASTER™ (Hopper Spreader), the WESTERN® HTS™ (half-ton plow) and Tornado™ (Hopper Spreader) and the BLIZZARD® POWER HITCH™ 2 (detachable plow mounting system) and ICE CHASER™ (Hopper Spreader). Our products are covered by over 40 issued or pending U.S. and Canadian patents related to snow and ice control equipment technologies and other important product features and designs.
Extensive North American Distributor Network. We benefit from having the most extensive North American direct distributor network Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry providing a significant competitive advantage over our peers.with both end-users and distributors. We have developed this exceptional loyalty through over 720 direct distributor relationships which provide us with the ability to reach end-users throughout North America to achieve geographic diversification50 years of sales that helps insulate us from annual variations in regional snowfall levels. Our distributors function not only as salessuperior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, agents (providing access to parts and service), but also as industry partners providing real-time end-user information, such as retail inventory levels, changing consumer preferences or desired functionality enhancements, which we use as the basis for our product development efforts.consistently delivered season after season. We believe a majoritymany of our distributors choose to sell our products exclusively, even though fewend-users are contractually required to do so. Despite the importancesecond and third generation owners of our distributor network as a whole, no one distributor represents more than 5% of our net sales.
Leader in Operational Efficiency. We believe we are a leader in operational efficiency, resulting from our application of lean manufacturing principles and a highly variable cost structure. By utilizing lean principles, we are able to adjust production levels easily to meet fluctuating demand, while controlling costs in slower periods. This operational efficiency is supplemented by our highly variable cost structure, driven in part by our access to a sizable temporary workforce (comprising approximately 10-15% of our total workforce), which we can quickly adjust, as needed. As a result of our operational efficiency, we have increased our gross profit per unit by approximately 3.0% per annum, compounded annually, from 2002 to 2008. The upcoming closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility, which we believe will save us approximately $4 million annually without a loss of production
capacity, demonstratessnow and ice control equipment. We believe past brand experience, rather than price, is the successkey factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions. Because a professional snowplower can typically recoup the cost of our lean initiatives. These manufacturing efficiencies enable us to respond rapidly to urgent customer demand during timesa plow within a very short period of suddentime, and unpredictable snowfalls, allowing us to provide exceptional service to our existing customer base and capture new customers from competitors who we believe cannot service their customers' needs with the same speed and reliability.
Strong Cash Flow Generation. We are able to generate significant cash flowin some cases, as a result of relatively consistent high profitability (Adjusted EBITDA margins averaged 27.3% from 2004 to 2008), low capital spending requirementsone major snowfall event, we believe quality, reliability and predictable timing of our working capital requirements. We have historically been able to pass through increases in raw material prices, including steel surcharges when necessary, to maintain our profitability. Our cash flow results will also benefit substantially from approximately $18 million of annual tax-deductible intangible and goodwill expense over the next ten years, which has the impact of reducing our corporate taxes owed by approximately $6.7 million on an annual basis. Our significant cash flow has allowed us to reinvestfunctionality are more important factors in our business, reduce indebtednessend-users' purchasing decisions and further believe that professional snowplowers are often willing to pay substantial dividendsa premium price for reputable products that include these premium features. For example, we believe only a small fraction of commercial end-users consider price as the primary factor in their purchase decision.
We sell our products through a distributor network primarily to our stockholders.
Experienced Management Team. We believe our business benefits from an exceptional management team that is responsible for establishing our leadership in theprofessional snowplowers who are contracted to remove snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks. Our senior management team, consistingfrom commercial, municipal and residential areas. Because of four officers, has an average of approximately 19 years of weather-related industry experience and an average of approximately 10 years with our company. James Janik, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has been with us for over 17 years and in his current role since 2000, and through his strategic vision,the exceptional customer loyalty that we have been able to expandengendered for our distributor network and grow our market leading position.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to capitalize on our competitive strengths to maximize cash flow to pay dividends, reduce indebtedness and reinvest in our business to create stockholder value. The building blocks of our strategy are:
Continuous Product Innovation. We believe new product innovation plays an essential role in maintaining and growing our market-leading position in the snow and ice control equipment industry. We will continue to focus on developing innovative solutions to increase productivity, ease of use, reliability, durability and serviceability of our products. Our product development teams are guided by extensive market research, as well as real time feedback from our distributors who provide valuable insight into changing customer preferences, desired functionality or product features. In addition, we have and will continue to incorporate lean manufacturing concepts into our product development process, which has allowed us to reduce the overall cost of development and, more importantly, reduced our time-to-market by nearly one-half. As a result of these efforts, approximately 50% of our 2009 sales came from products introduced or redesigned inover the last five years.
Distributor Network Optimization. We will continually seek opportunities to optimize our portfolio of over 720 direct distributors by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network to ensure we maximize our ability to generate revenue while protecting our industry leading reputation, customer loyalty and brands. Prospective distributors are rigorously screened before they are allowed to sell our snow and ice control products, allowing us to maintain relationships with only those distributors50 years, we believe to beour installed base is the most reputable in the industry. Once selected, we strive to maintain close working relationships with our distributors and actively monitor their performance, quality of service and support and credit profiles. We also focus on further optimizing this network by providing in-depth training, valuable distributor support and attractive promotional and incentive opportunities. As a result of these efforts, we believe a majority of our distributors choose to sell our products exclusively. Over the last ten years, we have grown our network by over 300 distributors. We believe this sizable high
quality network is uniquelargest in the industry providingwith over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. Because sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders are primarily driven by the need of our core end-user base to replace worn existing equipment, we believe our substantial installed base provides us with valuable insight into purchasing trends and customer preferences, and would be very difficult to replicate.a high degree of predictable sales over any extended period of time.
Aggressive Asset Management and Profit Focus. We will continue to aggressively manage our assets in order to maximize our cash flow generation despite seasonal and annual variability in snowfall levels. We believe we are the industry's most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our ability is unique in our industry and enables us to achieve attractive margins in all snowfall environments. Key elements of our asset management and profit focus strategies include:
Additionally, although modest, our capital expenditure requirements and operating expenses can be temporarily reduced in response to anticipated or actual lower sales in a particular year to maximize cash flow. Our profit focus is driven primarily by improving unit margins.
Flexible, Lean Enterprise Platform. We intend to utilize lean principles to maximizereduce costs and increase the flexibility and efficiency of our manufacturing operations while reducing the associated costs.operations. Implementation of these principles has allowed us to substantially improve the productivity of our manufacturing processes through waste elimination and improved space utilization, creating a flexible environment capable of efficiently responding to large variations in end-user demand and delivering best-in-class customer service and responsiveness, thereby enabling us to increase distributor and end-user satisfaction. Moreover, in an environment where shorter lead times and near-perfect order fulfillment are importantOur manufacturing efficiencies have contributed to our distributors, our lean processes have helped us to build a reputation for providing industry leading shipping performance. In 2009, we fulfilled 98.2%the increase of our orders ongross profit per unit by approximately 3.2% per annum, compounded annually, from 2000 to 2010, while our revenue per unit has increased approximately 5% per year from 2002 and 2010.
In addition, as a result of improvements in our manufacturing efficiency, we closed our Johnson City, Tennessee facility in August 2010 (which is still owned by the Company, but is held for sale), reducing our manufacturing facilities from three to two. We now manufacture our products in two facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (where we produce all of our hydraulic system kits for our snowplows, certain straight blades and mounts, and A-Frame, Quadrant, and Lift Frame, or before the requested ship date, without errorAQ&L, attachments and salt spreaders) and Rockland, Maine (where we produce certain straight blades, certain heavyweight blades, certain V-Plows, mount and AQ&L attachments and salt spreaders). Our backlog as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $0.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. We expect that all backlog as of December 31, 2010 will be shipped in content, packaging or delivery.2011.
Our cost reduction efforts also include the rationalization of our supply base and implementation of a global sourcing strategy, resulting in approximately $2.1$3.9 million of cumulative annualized cost savings from 2006 to 2008.2010 with the goal of an additional $1 million in annualized cost savings in 2011. Since 2006, we have reduced our supply base by 36%33% from over 450 suppliers to approximately 288 today,300 at December 31, 2010, with a target of 225200 by the end of 2010.2011. This rationalization has allowed us to strengthen our relationships with our remaining suppliers, which in turn has provided us with the ability to receive component deliveries on a more frequent basis, thereby better aligning our supply stock with our production demands.
We have also sought to improve our sourcing capabilities through the use of off-shore suppliers, including suppliers in China, which provide significant cost advantages. As of December 31, 2009,2010, we had the ability to purchase components from 1921 suppliers in China. Since 2006, our percentage of lower cost country material purchases has increased from 10.0% to 15.6%16.9% of our total purchases. In
furtherance of this process, in January 2009, we opened a sourcing office in China, which will become a central focus for specific component purchases and will provide a majority of our procurement cost savings in the future. In 2010, our off-shore sourcing initiatives resulted in cost savings of $0.9 million on an annualized basis. We expect that these sourcing changes will continue to provide us with cost savings in 2011. We typically stock additional inventory from off-shore suppliers or partner with off-shore suppliers who stock inventory in the United States in order to mitigate the risk of any shipping delays. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We depend on outside suppliers who may be unable to meet our volume and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources."
Growth Opportunities
Increase Our Industry Leading Market Share. We plan to leverage On May 10, 2010, we completed our industry leading position, distribution network and new product innovation capabilities to capture market share in the North American snow and ice control equipment market, focusinginitial public offering. In connection with our primary efforts on increasing penetration in those North American markets whereinitial public offering, we believelisted our overall market share is less than 50%. We also plan to continue growing our presence in the snow and ice control equipment market outside of North America, particularly in Asia and Europe, which we believe could provide significant growth opportunities in the future.
Opportunistically Seek New Products and New Markets. We will consider external growth opportunities within the snow and ice control industry and other equipment or component markets. We plan to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities within our industry that can help us expand our distribution reach, enhance our technology and as a consequence improve the breadth and depth of our product lines. In November 2005, we purchased Blizzard Corporation and its highly-patented groundbreaking hinged plow technology and have also incorporated this technology into our Western and Fisher snowplows. We also consider diversification opportunities in adjacent markets that complement our business model and could offer us the ability to leverage our core competencies to create stockholder value.
Products
Our snow and ice control equipment products include three categories based on primary customer usage: snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for use on light trucks, and related parts and accessories. We offer our products under three brands: WESTERN®, FISHER® AND BLIZZARD®. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, WESTERN®, FISHER® AND BLIZZARD® products accounted for approximately 47%, 45% and 8% of our net sales, respectively. We continually strive to be the leading innovator in our industry and each year we typically introduce several new and updated products. In 2008, sales of snow and ice control equipment accounted for approximately 84% of our net sales, with related parts and accessories accounting for approximately 16% of our net sales.
The following chart depicts annual unit sales of our snow and ice control equipment since 1980 and an eight-year rolling average since 1982:
Snowplows
We offer a broad product line of snowplows, with a full range of models designed for use by professionals, businesses, municipalities and homeowners on light trucks. The current retail prices of our snowplows generally range from approximately $4,000 to $8,000. Snowplows are highly engineered products comprised of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components that must be effectively integrated with vehicles to function properly and conform to government passenger vehicle regulations. Each snowplow consists of four components, which are the blade, the hydraulic system, the mount, and the A-Frame, Quadrant and Lift, which we refer to in this prospectus as the AQ&L. Typically each truck model or family of truck models requires a mount designed for that model or family of models. However, in most cases generally, various hydraulic systems, blade and AQ&L can be mixed and matched for mounts designed for a particular truck model, which allows distributors more flexibility when ordering products from us. We believe actively-used snowplows are typically replaced, on average, every 7 to 8 years.
The WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brands differ in the way their snowplows react when hitting significant obstacles while plowing. When an object is struck with a WESTERN® or BLIZZARD® snowplow, the entire snowplow blade trips forward, whereas with a FISHER® snowplow, in response to similar circumstances, only the edge of the snowplow blade trips. Because we believe that both responses are equally effective in protecting the snowplow and the vehicle, we maintain this difference across our WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® snowplows to cater to what are, in management's experience, deep-rooted regional end-user preferences.
Sand and Salt Spreaders
We offer a broad product line of sand and salt spreaders, with a full range of models designed for professionals, businesses, municipalities and homeowners. Our spreaders are interchangeable among different truck models and are typically mounted in the bed orcommon stock on the vehicle hitch of a light truck and are intended to control ice on driveways, roads and parking lots by spreading material such as sand, salt and calcium chloride. The current retail prices of our sand and salt spreaders generally range from approximately $1,600 to $11,500.
Parts and Accessories
We also offer a broad range of parts and accessories (comprised of over 7,500 SKUs) for our snowplows and sand and salt spreaders, including snowplow deflectors, conversion kits and maintenance kits. Parts and accessories sales are driven mainly by our installed base which we believe to be over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. We continue to provide mounts for older light truck models and parts and accessories for older equipment models on an as-needed basis.
Product Development
We believe our market leadership position permits usNew York Stock Exchange under the flexibility to devote more resources to research and development than any of our competitors. Our product development infrastructure is staffed with engineers and other personnel dedicated to generating new products and future enhancements. Research and development is a major focus of our management, and expenditures over the past 5 years on new product development have annually averaged approximately 1% to 2% of our net sales, and in 2009, approximately 50% of our sales came from products introduced or redesigned over the last five years. New product development projects are typically the result of end-user feedback, plow productivity improvements, quality and reliability improvements and vehicle application expansion.stock symbol "PLOW."
We have successfully implemented a lean product development process to streamline the manufacture of new products, pairing members from financial, engineering, marketing and sales into a single project team to ensure that prototypes developed are of the highest quality and are
manufactured in the most cost efficient manner. This process is characterized by the following six stages: (1) idea development, (2) product specification development and feasibility study, (3) prototype development, (4) prototype testing and financial modeling, (5) product production and (6) product and process refinement. We believe our success in refining this multistage process has streamlined the delivery of new products to the marketplace, and enables us to stay ahead of our competitors in delivering innovations to the market. For example, we have integrated fully digital product simulation into our development process, which enables us to (1) accelerate the development cycle, (2) optimize product design and (3) maximize component commonality across products. Through our use of digital simulation we have reduced our test cycle time from years to days.
At any given time, we may be actively pursuing between two and four new product development projects. Prototypes resulting from these projects are regularly subjected to head-to-head field tests versus the nearest competing product placed in the field. In addition to field testing, we utilize digital simulation to ensure that all prototypes undergo rigorous computer-aided simulations that attempt to ensure superior product performance and overall product quality.
Recent product introductions in 2009 include the FISHER® HT Series™ (half-ton plow) and POLY-CASTER™ (Hopper Spreader), the WESTERN® HTS™ (half-ton plow) and Tornado™ (Hopper Spreader) and the BLIZZARD® POWER HITCH™ 2 (detachable plow mounting system) and ICE CHASER™ (Hopper Spreader).
In addition, adjusting our product designs to light truck design changes is a significant activity of our product development teams. In general, major light truck design changes, such as new truck introductions, are announced well in advance of the new light truck design being available to the market. This allows us sufficient time to design or redesign our products so that they are compatible with the new light truck design at the time of its release or shortly thereafter. In such situations, we are often able to utilize a current mount design which minimizes the design work required on our part. However, there are significant truck design changes that require us to redesign our mounts so that our products are compatible with new light truck designs.
End-Users
Our end-users include professional snowplowers (who we believe comprise over 50% of our end-user base), businesses, municipalities and homeowners. Different segments of our end-user base use our products differently. For instance, professional snowplowers use our snow and ice control equipment during the winter to earn an income, clearing parking lots, driveways and private roads. As a result, they place a high priority on productivity, reliability and service. We believe their heavy and prolonged usage of our equipment typically requires these end-users to replace their equipment every 5 to 7 years. Businesses generally use our equipment to clear parking lots, and thus their usage of our equipment is more limited, in turn resulting in what we believe to be a typical replacement cycle of 8 to 10 years. Our municipality users include cities and counties that plow government owned property. Because of the heavy usage of our equipment by municipalities, we believe the typical replacement cycle for those users is 5 to 7 years. Homeowners use our equipment to clear their driveways and other personal property. Because their usage is also limited, we believe the typical replacement cycle for such users is 10 to 15 years.
Distributor Network
We sell our products exclusively through whatbelieve we believe ishave the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 720710 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us and are located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as certain regionsall provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of approximately 15 years.
While Beginning in 2005, we have exclusivity arrangements with less than 1% ofbegan to extend our distributors,reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe that a majority of our distributors choose to exclusively carry our products because of our commitment to delivering quality, innovation, reliability and support.
Since our distributors serve as our primary sales and service contacts with our-end users, we rely on our distributors to represent and preserve our brand image. Thus, we seek to foster relationships with distributors who share our commitment to quality, reliability and support. To that end, we rigorously screen prospective distributors before allowing them to sell our products, and actively monitor the performance, quality of service, support and credit profiles of our existing distributors. In addition, we also rely on our distributors to as a source of real-time end-user information, providing valuable insight into the product preferences, experiences and demands of our end-users. We utilize this information to help us plan our manufacturing schedule as well as to formulate ideas for improving our existing product offerings and developing new products.meaningful growth opportunities exist.
A breakdown of our distributor base by region is reflected in the tablemap below. For 2008,2010, our top 10 distributors accounted for approximately 20%19% of net sales and nosales. No single distributor accounted for more than 5%10% of our net sales.sales or accounts receivable in 2008, 2009 or 2010. In 2006, 20072008, 2009 and 2008, 91.2%2010, 89.1%, 90.8%89.5% and 89.1%90.8% of net sales, respectively, were from the U.S., 10.1%, 10.3% and 8.3%, 8.7% and 10.1%8.4% of net sales, respectively, were from Canada, and less than 1% of net sales were from outside of North America. Further, in 2010, 22.7%, 36.6% and 26.1% of our net sales were derived from sales to distributors in the Northeast, Eastern and Midwest portions of the United States, respectively, and 14.6% of our net sales were derived collectively from the Western United States, Alaska, Canada and other international sales.
Sales Programs
We offer a number of sales programscontinually seek to grow and optimize our network by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network. That being the case, our distributors to financemay compete against each other as a result of saturation of the purchase ofmarkets in which we operate or channel conflicts among our products. One such program is our pre-season sales program, which not only benefitsbrands, and price competition among our distributors but also benefits us by helping uscould lead to manage the seasonality of our business. During the second and third quarters, we offersignificant margin erosion among our distributors, the optionwhich could in turn result in compressed margins or loss of either (1) a purchase price discount, with the percentage discount being highest the earlier in the season that the distributor purchases and paysmarket share for our products, or (2) deferring payment until the fourth quarter. Under either option product shipment occurs during the pre-season sales period. On average, approximately 60%us. To limit these occurrences, distributors are rigorously screened before they are allowed to 65% of our annual
shipments occur during the pre-season sales period. Distributors who purchase our products during the first or fourth quarter, on the other hand, must deliver payment to us within 30 days of shipment. Our backlog as of January 25, 2009 and 2010 was $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. We expect that all backlog as of January 25, 2010 will be shipped in 2010.
We are also party to an accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to which certain distributors may elect to finance their purchases from us through a third party financing company. Distributors who purchase our products through this financing arrangement are offered the same pre-season sales incentives as distributors who purchase directly from us, the terms of which are described above. In the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, 2.9%, 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively of our net sales were financed by our distributors through a third party financing company. Pursuant to the terms of this facility, we maintain the risk of collectability of the receivable under this facility. If the third party financing company is unable to collect from the distributor the amounts due in respect of the product financing, we are obligated to repurchase the outstanding receivable balance plus any legal fees incurred by the financing company. Historically, repurchases of inventory and uncollectible amounts related to receivables sold under this program have been extremely low.
We also recently unveiled an end-user financing program. We have partnered with a third party financing company which has agreed to extend credit to our-end users for purchases of our products, subject to credit approval. Once approval is obtained, our end-users can then place an order directly for our products with our distributors. This program is designed to provide our end-users with a more accessible avenue for obtaining credit during this economic downturn. As this program commenced in November 2009 following the conclusion of our peak sales seasons, we have not yet determined its impact on our sales.
Sales and Marketing
We have dedicated field sales staffs for each of our three brands. These brands are WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD®. As we do not sell directly to end-users, locating and developing the best distributors in each key geographic trade area is the primary focus of our sales force. Sales personnel actively assist their distributors in key business areas such as promotional activities, sales tactics, and customer care and product knowledge. In addition, we also sponsor continued education of our distributor network through regional technical service schools and seminars. Our sales staff is compensated in the form of a base salary and a performance-based bonus.
Our marketing group focuses on assuring superior WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brand management. The marketing group's main activities include primary and secondary market research, driving our multifunctional product development process, ensuring successful new product launches and devising complementary promotional strategies.
Manufacturing/Facilities
Our manufacturing processes include machining, fabricating, welding and coating with all facilities having extensive assembly and test capabilities. Through asset management initiatives such as lean manufacturing, we seek to continuously improve processes, quality and costs of operations. While we currently manufacture our products in three facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockland, Maine and Johnson City, Tennessee, we have improved our manufacturing efficiency to the point that we will be closing our Johnson City, Tennessee facility effective mid-2010. We expect that the closing of this facility will yield estimated cost savings of approximately $4 million annually, with no anticipated reduction in production capacity. Furthermore, to help manage the seasonality of our business, we strive to normalize our production volume on a fairly constant basis throughout the year and supply most of our products from inventory. Through our asset management techniques, which include a highly variable cost structure that utilizes a temporary workforce, we are able to efficiently ramp up or
down production in response to changing demand. Our three manufacturing facilities are described below as well as further details regarding the closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee facility.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Facility: Our Milwaukee facility produces all of our hydraulic system kits for our snowplows, most of the WESTERN® straight blades and various WESTERN® mount and AQ&L attachments. Originally built in 1965, with additions in 1975, 1996 and 2002, the facility has 130,000 square feet of manufacturing and 17,000 square feet of office space.
Rockland, Maine Facility: Built in 2000, our Rockland facility produces all of the straight blades for FISHER®, the heavyweight blades for WESTERN®, the V-Plows for WESTERN® and FISHER® and mount and AQ&L attachments. This facility has 126,000 square feet of manufacturing and 17,000 square feet of office space.
Johnson City, Tennessee Facility: The Johnson City facility, which we plan to close in mid-2010, is currently our largest facility and produces all of our BLIZZARD® snowplows, sand and salt spreaders, a number of mount and AQ&L attachments and selected accessories. The facility was originally built in 1974 and was expanded in 1992 to its current size of 170,000 square feet of manufacturing and 30,000 square feet of office space. As noted above, we have increased our manufacturing efficiency to the point that we will closing our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility in mid-2010, reducing our manufacturing facilities from three to two. We plan to relocate production that is currently housed in our Johnson City facility to our Milwaukee and Rockland facilities and expect that the closing of this facility will yield estimated cost savings of approximately $4.0 million annually (comprised of $3 million from the elimination of fixed costs such as salaries and benefits, facility costs, supplies and travel and $1 million of freight savings due to the elimination of intercompany shipments), with no anticipated reduction in production capacity. We plan to relocate production that is currently housed in our Johnson City facility to our Milwaukee and Rockland facilities and expect this closure to generate approximately $4.0 million in annualized cost savings. See "Risk Factors—The closure of our Johnson City, Tennessee manufacturing facility may entail risks to our business."
We continually review our operations and invest as needed to upgrade or buy new equipment, refurbish facilities and improve product tooling to meet environmental and regulatory needs and to install modern information systems. From 1992 to 2008, we invested approximately $53 million to support our manufacturing strategy and to maintain our competitive strength in the product manufacturing process. Other than regular capital expenditures for maintenance, we do not anticipate a need for significant facility upgrades in the near term.
Materials
The principal materials used in our snow and ice control equipment business are steel, metal parts, electrical components, hydraulic systems, and hardware components, comprising over 75% of total component purchases. We typically attemptproducts, allowing us to obtain these materials from more than one third-party supplier. While we have longstandingmaintain relationships with many of our suppliers,only those distributors we believe to be the most of our key supply arrangements are not covered by written contract. During 2008, our top ten suppliers accounted for approximately 48.5% of our raw material and component purchasing. Since 2006, we have aggressively endeavored to rationalize our supply base as well as increase material and component sourcing to lower cost country suppliers. Since that time we have reduced the number of our suppliers by 36% as well as increased our percentage of lower cost country material purchases from 10.0% to 15.6% of our total purchases. In furtherance of this process, in January 2009, we opened a sourcing office in China, which will to become a central focus for specific component purchases and provide a majority of our procurement cost savingsreputable in the future. In addition,industry. Once selected, we remain committedstrive to maintain close working relationships with our distributors and actively monitor their performance, quality of service and credit profiles. We also focus on further improving our sourcing in the futureoptimizing this network by reducing the number of suppliersproviding in-depth training, valuable distributor support and increasing off-shore sourcing, including our sourcing activities from China. See "Risk Factors—We depend on outside suppliers who may be
unable to meet our volumeattractive promotional and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources."incentive opportunities.
Seasonality and Year-To-Year Variability
Our business is seasonal and varies from year-to-year. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Seasonality and Year-To-Year Variability."
Employees
As of December 31, 2009,2010, we had 562532 employees, comprised of 173158 office and 389374 factory employees. Of the 389374 factory employees, 5686 were temporary employees (as compared to 56 temporary employees as of December 31, 2009), the retention of which allows us to flex factory headcount to match the seasonal fluctuations inherent in the industry. Our workforce is entirely non-union, and we believe we maintain good relationships with our employees.
Safety Record and Training Programs
We are committed to the highest levels of safety for our employees and we have numerous health and safety programs in place at our facilities to achieve this overriding objective including holding regular departmental meetings on safety and employing a defined system of monitoring and remedying safety infractions. Our management believes that our outstanding safety record not only results in improved employee morale and lower lost time and workers' compensation costs, but is also essential to maintaining our manufacturing quality and efficiency. Since 2000, we have maintained what we believe to be a good record of employee safety.
Competition
We primarily compete against domestic regional manufacturers of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, including Meyer Products, Northern Star Industries, Sno-Way, Curtis, Buyers and Hiniker, each of which we believe manufactures its products domestically. We believe there are no national name brand manufacturers of snow and ice control equipment and that our competitors' geographic reach is regional, while our geographic reach ranges throughout the snowbelt regions of North America. We compete solely with other North American manufacturers who do not benefit from our distributor network, manufacturing efficiencies and depth and breadth of products. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We face competition from other companies in our industry, and if we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, it could have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability."
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain proprietary aspects of our business and technology.
We work aggressively to expand the proprietary position afforded by our patent portfolio, both through acquisitions and original patent filings. We own approximately 28 issued or pending U.S. patents and patent applications directed to snow and ice control equipment technologies and other important product features and product designs. We also own approximately 15 issued or pending Canadian patents and patent applications.
Our patent portfolio includes the industry leading hinged plow technology for the high growth Power Plow product. The Power Plow has significant advantages over competing products because it utilizes expandable wings and is in turn the most productive plow in the industry in terms of the amount of snow that it moves in any point in time. From 2006 to 2008, our Power Plow sales grew by 63%, positioning us to become the overall leader in hinged plows. Moreover, WESTERN® and
FISHER® Power Plows have become the most profitable plows in our product portfolio. We believe the continued penetration of Power Plows with our installed base will be an important driver of profitable growth as customers continue to replace their existing equipment with higher margin product. We plan to continue building our patent portfolio as we improve existing products and develop new ones.
In addition to protecting our technological innovations through patents, we rely on a combination of registered and unregistered trademark rights to protect our position as a branded company with strong name recognition. We own approximately 20 registered U.S. trademarks and 5 registered Canadian trademarks. We use the registered trademarks WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® in association with their respective product lines and related accessories. We believe that our trademarks are of great value and that the loss of any one or all of our trademark rights could lower sales and increase our costs.
Warranty
Our warranties generally provide, with respect to our snow and ice control equipment, that all material and workmanship will be free from defect for a period of two years after the date of purchase by the end-user, and with respect to parts and accessories purchased separately, that such parts and accessories will be free from defect for a period of one year after the date of purchase by the end-user. Certain snowplows only provide for a one year warranty. We maintain a warranty reserve determined by the amount of our estimated warranty costs based on our prior five years of warranty history utilizing a formula driven by historical warranty expense and applying our management's judgment. We adjust our historical warranty costs to take into account unique factors such as the introduction of new products into the marketplace that do not provide a historical warranty record to assess. The Company accrues for estimated warranty costs as sales are recognized and periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the amount as necessary.
Insurance
Our business has operating risks normally associated with manufacturing concerns experienced by companies that make accessories for passenger vehicles. We maintain a range of insurance policies to cover our assets and employees. We are insured against, among other events, product liability claims, certain environmental contaminations, workers compensation and bodily injury claims, fires and water damage. We believe that the types and amounts of insurance we carry are in accordance with general practices in the snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks. For some operating risks, we may not obtain insurance if we believe the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. If a significant operating accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance, it could adversely affect us.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are engaged in various litigation primarily including product liability and intellectual property disputes. However, management does not believe that any current litigation is material to our operations or financial position. In addition, we are not currently party to any environmental-related claims or legal matters.
Regulation
Our operations are directly and indirectly subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental and safety laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, disposal and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and materials into the environment and employee health and safety. In particular, we and our distributors are subject to the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of
1966, which prohibits the manufacture or sale in the United States of any new motor vehicle accessory that does not conform to applicable motor vehicle safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in an assessment of significant costs to us, including civil or criminal penalties, claims by third parties for personal injury or property damage, requirements to investigate and remediate contamination and the imposition of natural resource damages. Furthermore, under certain environmental laws, current and former owners and operators of contaminated property or parties who sent waste to the contaminated site can be held liable for cleanup, regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original disposal activity.
MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directors And Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers and directors as of January 29, 2010. As of such date, Douglas Holdings' Board of Directors consisted of seven members.
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James L. Janik has been serving as our President and Chief Executive Officer since 2000 and as a director since 2004. Mr. Janik was General Manager of our Western Products division from 1994 to 2000 and Vice President of Marketing and Sales from 1998 to 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Janik was the Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Sunlite Plastics Inc., a custom extruder of thermoplastic materials, for two years. During the 11 prior years, Mr. Janik held a number of key marketing, sales and production management positions for John Deere Company.
Robert McCormick has been serving as our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since September 2004 and as our Secretary since May 2005. Mr. McCormick served as our Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to May 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. McCormick served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Xymox Technology Inc. from 2001 to 2004. Prior to that, Mr. McCormick served in various capacities in the Newell Rubbermaid Corporation, including President from 2000 to 2001 and Vice President Group Controller from 1997 to 2000. While Mr. McCormick served as President, he was responsible for Newell's Mirro / Wearever Cookware, and as Vice President Group Controller, he was responsible for worldwide strategic and financial responsibilities for 12 company divisions with sales of over two billion dollars.
Mark Adamson has been serving as our Vice President, Sales and Marketing since 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. Adamson held numerous senior level management positions with industry leaders in the grounds care industry, including John Deere Company from 1980 to 2002 and Gehl Corporation from 2002 to 2007. From 2003 to 2005, he was the Manager, Regional Sales & Distribution of Gehl Company, directing the sales and marketing activities of certain sales field managers in the northeastern United States responsible for Gehl product sales and rental., and from 2005 to 2007, he was the Director, Training and Customer Support, where he directed the aftermarket and training activities of five departments and thirty-two individuals responsible for Gehl and Mustang products worldwide. From 1980 to 2002, Mr. Adamson held several senior level management positions with John Deere Company.
Keith Hagelin has been serving as our Vice President, Operations since 2009, having previously spent twelve years in progressive roles with us, including Plant Manager and General Manager—Rockland and most recently Vice President of Manufacturing from 2007 to 2009. Prior to joining Douglas, Mr. Hagelin spent 13 years at Raytheon Corporation in various manufacturing, production and new product development roles.
Michael Marino has been serving as a Director since 2009. Mr. Marino is also a Vice President of Aurora Capital Group. He originally joined Aurora Capital Group in 2003 and, after earning his master's degree in business administration from Harvard Business School, rejoined in 2008. Prior to joining Aurora Capital Group, Mr. Marino was a member of the Investment Banking Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mr. Marino also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Anthony International and Porex Corporation. Mr. Marino was appointed to our Board of Directors by the Aurora Entities (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors").
Jack O. Peiffer has been serving as a Director since 2004. Mr. Peiffer was appointed to our Board of Directors by the Aurora Entities (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors"). In 1994, Mr. Peiffer retired from General Electric after 38 years of service. Mr. Peiffer joined General Electric in 1955 in connection with General Electric's Financial Training Program. He served as Vice President and General Manager of General Electric Supply and Senior Vice President of Human Resources for General Electric, and held a variety of financial assignments including Traveling Auditor, Manager of Information and Data Process Services for the Radio Receiver business followed by Senior Financial Management positions in General Electric's Industrial Diamond business, Chemical and Metallurgical Group, and Technical Materials Sector. Mr. Peiffer previously served on the Board of Directors of K&F Industries Holdings, Inc. from 2006 to 2007.
Nav Rahemtulla has been serving as a Director since 2007. Mr. Rahemtulla is also a Principal in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. He joined Ares Management in 2001 from DMC Venture Capital where he served as a Director of Corporate Finance. He was previously a member of the Investment Banking Division of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. Mr. Rahemtulla also currently serves on the Board of Directors of AmeriQual Group, LLC, Aspen Dental Management Inc., Serta Inc. and Simmons Bedding Company. Mr. Rahemtulla was appointed to our Board of Directors by Ares (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors").
Mark Rosenbaum has been serving as a Director since 2005. Mr. Rosenbaum is a partner of Aurora Capital Group, which he joined in 2001. Prior to joining Aurora Capital Group, Mr. Rosenbaum worked at Summit Partners from 1997 to 1999 and at Montgomery Securities from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Rosenbaum also currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Anthony International and NuCO2, Inc. Mr. Rosenbaum was appointed to our Board of Directors by the Aurora Entities (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors").
Jeffrey Serota has been serving as a Director since 2004. Mr. Serota is a Senior Partner in the Private Equity Group of Ares Management. Mr. Serota joined Ares in 1997 from Bear, Stearns & Co. where he served as a Vice President in the Investment Banking Department. Mr. Serota also worked at Salomon Brothers Inc. focusing on mergers and acquisitions and merchant banking transactions. Mr. Serota also currently serves on the Boards of Directors of EXCO Resources, Inc., Marietta Corporation, SandRidge Energy, Inc. and WCA Waste Corporation and previously served as a director of EXCO Resources, Inc. from July 2003 to October 2005. Mr. Serota was appointed to our Board of Directors by Ares (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors").
Michael W. Wickham has been serving as a Director since 2004. Mr. Wickham was appointed to our Board of Directors by the Aurora Entities (see "—Structure of our Board of Directors"). Mr. Wickham retired as Chairman of the Board of Roadway Corporation in December, 2003, where he was Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 1999 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1999 until his retirement in 2003. Prior that that, he was the President of Roadway Express, where he held a
variety of management positions during his 35-year career with the company. Mr. Wickham also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide and Republic Services, Inc.
Our executive officers (as defined in the SEC's Rule 3b-7) are Messrs. Janik, McCormick, Adamson and Hagelin.
Structure of our Board of Directors
As noted above, our Board of Directors currently consists of seven members. Four of our directors, Messrs. Marino, Peiffer, Rosenbaum and Wickham, were appointed to our Board of Directors by the Aurora Entities and two of our directors, Messrs. Serota and Rahemtulla, were appointed to our Board of Directors by Ares. Pursuant to the terms of Douglas Holdings' current certificate of incorporation, the Aurora Entities, as the sole holder of the one outstanding share of Series B preferred stock, are entitled to elect four directors to Douglas Holdings' Board of Directors and Ares, as the sole holder of the one outstanding share of Series C preferred stock, is entitled to elect two directors to Douglas Holdings' Board of Directors. These respective rights terminate upon the Aurora Entities (and its affiliates and co-investors) and Ares (and its affiliates) ceasing to beneficially own a certain number of shares of our common stock. These rights will be terminated prior to the consummation of this offering. Our Board of Directors met four times during 2009.
In accordance with the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws thattemporary employees we plan to adopt prior to the consummation of this offering, which we refer to in this prospectus as the new certificate of incorporation and the new bylaws) upon consummation of this offering, the terms of office of members of our Board of Directors will be divided into three classes:
Our Class I Directors will be , our Class II Directors will be and our Class III Directors will be . At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to the directors whose terms will then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following such election. Any vacancies in our classified Board of Directors will be filled by the remaining directors and the elected person will serve the remainder of the term of the class to which he or she is appointed. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of our Board of Directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change of control.
Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will make a determination with respect to the independence of the existing and new members of our Board of Directors by reference to the independence standards of the NYSE.
Code of Ethics
Prior to the consummation of this offering, we will adopt a "code of ethics" as defined by the rules of the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to in this prospectus as the "Exchange Act", applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, as well as all of our employees. A copy of this code of ethics,
will be available on our web site atwww. .com. We intend to post on our web site any amendments to, or waivers (with respect to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller) from, this code of ethics within four business days of any such amendment or waiver.
Board Committees
We currently have a standing Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will also establish a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. We believe that the composition of these committees will meet the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of these committees will comply with the requirements of, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the NYSE and the SEC rules and regulations that will become applicable to us upon consummation of this offering. We intend to comply with the requirements of the NYSE with respect to committee composition of independent directors as they become applicable to Douglas Holdings. Summarized below are the responsibilities our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee will have upon consummation of this offering as well as the responsibilities we expect our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to have upon its creation.
Audit Committee
Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which our Audit Committee will operate. This charter will set forth the duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee, which, among other things, will include: the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm; evaluation of our independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications, independence and performance; review and approval of the scope of our annual audit and audit fee; review of our critical accounting policies and estimates; review of the results of our annual audit and our quarterly consolidated financial statements; and oversight of our internal audit function. A copy of our Audit Committee charter will be available on our web site atwww. .com prior to the listing of our common stock on the NYSE.
The current members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Peiffer (Chair), Rahemtulla and Marino. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Peiffer is independent within the meaning of applicable SEC rules and the listing standards of the NYSE, and has determined that Mr. Peiffer is an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Audit Committee met two times during 2009.
In addition, in accordance with Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the listing standards of the NYSE, we plan to appoint a second independent director to our Audit Committee within 90 days after the effectiveness of the registration statement relating to this offering, who will replace as a member of the Audit Committee, and to appoint another independent director to our Board of Directors within 12 months after the effectiveness of the registration statement relating to this offering, who will replace as a member of the Audit Committee so that all of our Audit Committee members will be independent within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the listing standards of the NYSE.
Compensation Committee
Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which our Compensation Committee will operate. This charter will set forth the duties and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee, which, among other things, will include: oversight of our overall compensation structure, policies and programs; review and approval of the compensation programs applicable to our executive officers; determination of the compensation of our directors; administering, reviewing and making recommendations with respect to our equity compensation plans;
and reviewing succession planning for our executive officers. A copy of our Compensation Committee charter will be available on our web site atwww. .com prior to the listing of our common stock on the NYSE.
The current members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Wickham (Chair), Rosenbaum and Serota. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Wickham is independent under the rules of the NYSE. In addition, in accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE, we plan to appoint a second independent director to our Compensation Committee within 90 days after the listing of our shares on the NYSE, who will replace as a member of the Compensation Committee, and to appoint another independent director to our Board of Directors within 12 months after the listing of our shares on the NYSE, who will replace as a member of the Compensation Committee so that all of our Compensation Committee members will be independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE. The Compensation Committee met one time during 2009.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Prior to the consummation of this offering, our Board of Directors will adopt a written charter under which our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will operate. This charter will set forth the duties and responsibilities of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which, among other things, will include: recruiting and retaining qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors, including proposing such individuals to our Board of Directors for nomination for election as directors; evaluating the performance, size and composition of our Board of Directors; establishing procedures for the consideration of Board of Director candidates recommended by the Company's stockholders; assessing the independence of each member of our Board of Directors; and overseeing our compliance activities. A copy of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter will be available on our web site atwww. .com prior to the listing of our common stock on the NYSE.
In addition, prior to the listing of our common stock on the NYSE, we expect to appoint , and as members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that is independent under the rules of the NYSE. In addition, in accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE, we plan to appoint a second independent director to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee within 90 days after the listing of our shares on the NYSE, who will replace as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and to appoint another independent director to our Board of Directors within 12 months after the listing of our shares on the NYSE, who will replace as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee so that all of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members will be independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2009, our Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Wickham (Chair), Rosenbaum and Serota. None of the foregoing members of our Compensation Committee is an officer or employee of the Company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
Limitation of Directors' Liability and Indemnification
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Prior to the consummation of this offering, our certificate of incorporation
will be amended and restated to include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director, except for liability:
Prior to the consummation of this offering, our existing bylaws will be amended and restated to provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are and will be expressly authorized to carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that will be included in our new certificate of incorporation and new bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
In addition to the indemnification to be provided by our new bylaws, prior to the consummation of this offering, we will enter into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, subject to certain exceptions, will require us to, among other things, indemnify these directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorney fees, witness fees and expenses, expenses of accountants and other advisors, and the premium, security for and other costs relating to any bond, arising out of that person's services as a director or officer of us or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Objectives of our Compensation Programs
We believe that a skilled, experienced and dedicated senior management team is essential to the future performance of our Company and to building stockholder value. We have sought to establish competitive compensation programs that enable us to attract and retain executive officers with these qualities as well as to motivate management to maximize performance while building stockholder value.
We compensate our named executive officers, who are identified below, through both short term cash programs, including annual salary and an annual incentive plan, and long term incentive programs, reflecting a mix of fixed and variable compensation. Although our compensation program provides for a mix of both short and long term compensation and cash and non-cash compensation, we do not have any specific policy on those allocations. Our compensation philosophy is centered on providing an opportunity for an executive's total annual compensation to exceed the median level for similar executives at comparable manufacturing companies. Our business is subject to variability of earnings due to year-to-year variations in snowfall. Accordingly, we have designed our compensation program to provide for a competitive annual salary while offering our named executive officers the opportunity to earn a substantial amount of variable compensation based on our profitability. This program aligns named executive officer compensation with our variable earnings model and differentiates us from our competitors when attracting and motivating our executives.
In connection with becoming a public company we expect that certain aspects of our long term compensation program will likely change, primarily in the area of equity compensation. Currently, equity compensation is limited to stock options that have been granted to some, but not all, of our executives. Executives who have not received stock options participate in our Long Term Incentive Plan.
Our named executive officers for 2009 are Mr. Janik, President and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. McCormick, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary; Mr. Adamson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing and Mr. Hagelin, Vice President, Operations.
Management's Role in the Compensation-Setting Process
During 2009 and in previous years, our Compensation Committee's role was limited to determining and approving equity awards and the allocation and payments under our Annual Incentive Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan for all of our named executive officers. Historically, our Chief Executive Officer has set base salaries for our executive officers other than himself, and has recommended performance targets under the Annual Incentive Plan for approval by the Compensation Committee as explained in more detail under the section entitled "Annual Incentive Plan" below. Our Chief Executive Officer also negotiated employment agreements with those executive officers who entered into such agreements, and made recommendations to our Compensation Committee with respect to equity awards for our named executive officers other than himself. All compensation elements for our Chief Executive Officer are reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors (other than Mr. Janik). Upon consummation of this offering, we anticipate that the Compensation Committee will expand its role in reviewing and approving executive compensation.
For 2009 and in previous years, we did not engage in a formal benchmarking process or use the services of an independent compensation consultant in developing our compensation programs for our named executive officers. We based compensation levels on the collective experience of the members of our Board of Directors, Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive Officer, their business judgment and their experiences in recruiting and retaining executives.
Elements of Executive Compensation
The key components of our compensation program for our named executive officers are base salary, the Annual Incentive Plan, the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and the Long Term Incentive Plan, and other compensation consisting primarily of matching 401(k) contributions, the salaried employee pension plan, health and welfare benefits and other perquisites. Each component of our compensation program has an important role in creating compensation payouts that motivate and reward strong performance and in retaining the named executive officers who deliver such performance.
Base Salary
We pay our named executive officers a base salary to compensate them for services rendered and to provide them with a steady source of income for living expenses throughout the year. In general, the base salary of each executive was initially established through arm's-length negotiations at the time the individual was hired, taking into account the individual's qualifications, experience, level of responsibility, as well as internal pay equity considerations.
Our Chief Executive Officer reviews the base salaries of our named executive officers other than his own for potential merit increases once per year based on the performance of the executive and his functional areas of responsibility, the overall Company financial performance, and the current year Company merit increase budget. The Chief Executive Officer currently has the authority to, on his own, approve increases in the base salaries of the other named executive officers (up to a maximum of a 5% increase for named executive officers with employment agreements). If a proposed merit increase for a named executive officer with an employment agreement exceeds 5%, the Compensation Committee must approve the increase. For our Chief Executive Officer, the base salary is reviewed by and subject to increase (but not decrease) at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors (other than Mr. Janik) each year.
In 2009 the base salaries for our executives were increased as follows due to merit increases:
Executive | Current Salary | Base Salary Merit Increase | % Merit Increase | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James Janik(1) | $ | 360,006 | $ | — | 0.0 | % | ||||
Robert McCormick | $ | 252,346 | $ | 7,363 | 3.0 | % | ||||
Mark Adamson | $ | 220,938 | $ | 6,427 | 3.0 | % | ||||
Keith Hagelin | $ | 152,256 | $ | 7,259 | 5.0 | % | ||||
Annual Incentive Plan
Our named executive officers, as well as other key management employees, participate in the Annual Incentive Plan, which we refer to in this prospectus as the AIP, which provides an opportunity to earn a cash bonus upon achievement of certain performance targets approved by the Compensation Committee. These performance objectives are designed to link management's focus with overall Company objectives by providing the executive an opportunity to earn additional short-term compensation. As noted above, we emphasize variable compensation to provide an opportunity for total annual compensation for our named executive officers to exceed that of executives at other comparable companies in the event of superior performance.
The 2009 performance metrics under the AIP are comprised of two components, operating income and Company shipping performance. These components are weighted 70% and 30%, respectively.
Historically, operating income has always been a component under the AIP and has always been weighted 70%. This weighting reflects the importance that any incentive compensation be driven by the Company's profitability. Our management is given discretion to determine what performance metric or metrics will comprise the remaining 30% of the annual bonus opportunity. This allows our management to select a metric or metrics that reflect the current focus of our business, which are then submitted by the Chief Executive Officer to the Compensation Committee for approval. Management's decision to use Company shipping performance for 2009 reflects its intent to differentiate the Company from its competitors by having exceptional shipping performance.
Each named executive officer has a target bonus level of 70% of his annual base salary. Beginning in 2009, a cap on a maximum payout under the operating income metric was removed to ensure management is rewarded appropriately for achieving truly outstanding financial performance, but the total maximum payout under the AIP was capped at 140% of annual base salary for each named executive officer.
The operating income metric, as defined in the AIP measures the degree by which actual operating income performance exceeds or falls short of baseline operating income. Actual operating income is defined as net sales less cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expense. Baseline operating income is defined as the historical five year average operating income per snowfall inch, $13,018 for 2009, multiplied by the actual number of snowfall inches during the current year snow season (snowfall measured by the National Weather Service for October through April). If actual operating income falls below the target, the payout is reduced 35% from the target level for each 10% decrease, until it falls below 80% of the target, at which point no bonus is earned. If actual operating income is higher than the target, the payout is increased 35% from the target level for each 12.5% increase, with no cap. For 2009 the baseline operating income target was $47.6 million. Actual operating income, as defined in the AIP totaled $40.3 million. As a result, based on 2009 performance and the 70% weighting, the payout for this component of the annual incentive plan is 11.7%. The Company shipping performance or perfect ship metric is defined as the percentage of customer orders shipped 100% complete on or before the requested ship date. For 2009, the target bonus for this component is achieved at 95.0% perfect ship performance. If performance falls below the target, the payout is reduced 35% from the target level for each 2.5% decrease, until it falls below 90.0%, at which point no bonus is earned. If performance is higher than target, the payout is increased 35% from the target level for each 2.5% increase, up to a maximum perfect ship performance of 100.0%. Actual perfect shipment performance for 2009 was 98.2%. Thus the payout for this component of the AIP is 34.5%.
In setting the performance goals under the AIP our intention is to provide for challenging and ambitious targets to further our overall goal of increasing stockholder value. Though challenging, we believe the goals are attainable through a collaborative effort by our named executive officers.
The Compensation Committee has the right to review and approve payouts made under the AIP. Because awards are based on non-discretionary achievement of the applicable performance metrics, the Compensation Committee determined in 2006 that it would rely on a report from management and not exercise its right to review those results prior to bonus payment. The Compensation Committee has the authority to modify, suspend or terminate the AIP at any time.
Long Term Incentive Compensation
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
We introduced the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to in this prospectus as the 2004 Plan, in April 2004 in connection with the Acquisition. The purposes of the 2004 Plan are to attract, motivate and retain key employees, consultants and advisors by providing for or increasing their proprietary interests in the Company. We believe that long term performance is achieved though an
ownership culture that rewards and encourages long term performance by our named executive officers though the use of stock-based awards. Currently three of our named executive officers, Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson, have been granted stock options under the 2004 Plan. By design, awards under our 2004 Plan are limited to a very small group of senior executive officers. Our other named executive officer, Mr. Hagelin, was promoted to an executive officer role with the Company, and we intend to provide him with equity compensation when he further develops in this role following the consummation of this offering.
The Compensation Committee determines who will receive awards under the 2004 Plan and the terms and conditions of those awards. In determining the size of a stock option grant, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration the individual's impact on Company performance, the number of option grants available, and internal pay equity considerations. Although not required, to date all stock option grants have been made in connection with a named executive officer's commencement of employment and the amounts thereof resulted from arms-length negotiations in connection with such commencement of employment.
All stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant. Stock options vest over a 5 year period at 20% per year on the anniversary of the grant date. The Company believes this vesting schedule appropriately encourages long term employment with our Company, while allowing our named executive officers to realize compensation in line with creating stockholder value.
Long Term Incentive Plan
Prior to 2004, the Company did not maintain an equity-based compensation program. To entice our key employees to maintain a long term commitment to us, our predecessor-in-interest introduced the Long Term Incentive Plan, which we refer to in this prospectus as the LTIP, in 1992. The LTIP is a cash-based plan. Participants are recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and are subject to review and approval by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves all allocations and payments under the LTIP. Currently, one of our named executive officers, Mr. Hagelin, and a limited number of key management employees participate in the LTIP.
The key measurement factor for the LTIP is defined cash flow, which we refer below as DCF. Because our business is seasonal and our earnings vary from year-to-year generating cash flow is particularly important to our business. DCF is measured as cash flow from operations before financing costs, management fees, interest and income taxes after normal capital expenditures, as defined by the LTIP.
Under the LTIP, bookkeeping accounts are maintained for each participant tracking the participant's accrued balance under the LTIP. There are two potential sources of input to a participant's account under the LTIP:
DCF (in millions) | $ | 5 | $ | 10 | $ | 20 | $ | 30 | $ | 40 | $ | 50 | $ | 55 | $ | 60 | $65 and above | |||||||||
Growth % | (45 | )% | (25 | )% | (10 | )% | (5 | )% | 5 | % | 15 | % | 20 | % | 25 | % | 30% |
For 2009, the Company's DCF was $39.0 million, which resulted in an allocation of $7,823 and a growth percentage of 4% being applied to Mr. Hagelin's account balance under the LTIP. Vested account balances are generally paid out only in connection with a termination of employment, either in a lump sum or in installments depending on the reason for termination and the amount of the account balance at the time of termination, subject to partial payout during employment if an account balance exceeds two times the participant's base salary. See "—Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation" for additional information regarding the payout of account balances.
Other Compensation
In addition to their base salaries and awards under incentive plans described above, our named executive officers receive matching contributions under our 401(k) plan in the same manner as all of our employees who participate in the plan. We match 20% of a participant's pre-tax contributions up to the first 5% of such participant's base salary up to the maximum allowed by the plan. Additionally, as with all other salaried employees, the named executive officers are eligible to participate in the Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. Salaried Pension Plan, which is described in more detail below.
Each named executive officer is also eligible to participate in all other benefit plans and programs that are or may be available to our other executive employees, including any health insurance or health care plan, disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and other similar plans. The only perquisite our named executive officers receive is a company-paid annual executive physical which was introduced in 2009.
Exercise of Discretion in Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee has the discretion to adjust awards under the AIP and LTIP, but has historically not exercised such discretion by either approving payments to named executive officers if a performance goalutilize in a given year is not attained or reducing paymentsand within a year varies based upon business conditions and snowfall levels. In 2010, our temporary employee headcount ranged from a low of 34 temporary employees to named executive officers if a performance goal is met.
Our Boardhigh of Directors and Compensation Committee meet as often as required during the year in furtherance of their respective duties, including a review of all Company annual incentive plans and compensation for Mr. Janik.
Severance and Change of Control Arrangements
Three93 temporary employees. None of our named executive officers, Messrs. Janik, McCormickemployees are represented by a union and Adamson, are parties to employment agreements entered into at the time of their initial hire by us. Under each of these employment agreements, the named executive officer is eligible for severance benefits consisting of base salary continuation (ranging from twelve to 24 months), paid COBRA coverage for twelve months and accelerated vesting of a portion of the executive's then outstanding stock options if his employment is terminated by us without cause or if the executive resigns due to a material breach by us. Additionally, Mr. Janik is entitled to receive a pro-rated portion of his annual bonus under the AIP if his employment is terminated for any reason other than a termination by the Company for cause or resignation other than for a Material Breach. Mr. Adamson's severance benefits are also triggered in the event we do not renew the initial term of his employment agreement in August 2010. Mr. Hagelin, who does not have an employment agreement, would be entitled to participate in our customary severance plan if he were terminated without cause, which provides for one week of severance for each year of service and access to COBRA benefits as required by applicable laws. Additionally, he would remain fully vested in his LTIP account.
We compete for executive talent in a highly competitive market in which companies routinely offer similar benefits to named executive officers. We view these benefits as appropriate for the named
executive officers who may not be in a position to readily obtain comparable employment within a reasonable period of time.
Additionally, in the event of a change of control, all of the unvested options held by Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson would become fully vested. We also adopted a Liquidity Bonus Plan, which we refer to as the LBP, which provides for cash bonus payments to eligible participants in connection with a change of control. The LBP became effective November 2007 and automatically terminates on the fifth anniversary of its effective date unless a change of control occurs prior to such date. Upon a change of control, a bonus pool of at least $1,000,000 is to be allocated among eligible employees (which includes the named executive officers) in the manner determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and subsequently paid out in accordance with those allocations. Our Board of Directors is required to allocate 100% of the pool to eligible employees. Lastly, Mr. Janik has been granted deferred stock units that automatically convert into an equivalent number of shares of our common stock in connection with a change of control.
Certain of our named executive officers, Mr. Janik and Mr. McCormick, have long service records with us and generally have provided the vision and leadership that has built us into the successful enterprise that we are today. We believe that providing these change of control benefits will keep these individuals, as well as the other named executive officers, focused on stockholders interests rather than income security in the event of a potential change of control transaction.
Please refer to the discussion below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control" for a more detailed discussion of our severance and change of control arrangements.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The are currently no equity ownership requirements or guidelines that any of our named executive officers or other employees must meet or maintain.
Policy Regarding Restatements
We do not currently have a formal policy requiring a fixed course of action with respect to compensation adjustments following later restatements of financial results. Under those circumstances, our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee would evaluate whether compensation adjustments were appropriate based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the restatement.
Tax Deductibility
The Compensation Committee has considered the potential future effects of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code on the compensation paid to our named executive officers. Section 162(m) places a limit of $1.0 million on the amount of compensation that a publicly held corporation may deduct in any one year with respect to its chief executive officer and each of the next three most highly compensated executive officers (other than its chief financial officer). In general, certain performance-based compensation approved by stockholders is not subject to this deduction limit. As we are not currently publicly-traded, the Compensation Committee has not previously taken the deductibility limit imposed by Section 162(m) into consideration in making compensation decisions. We expect that following the consummation of this offering, the Compensation Committee will adopt a policy that, where reasonably practicable, we will seek to qualify the variable compensation paid to our named executive officers for an exemption from the deductibility limits of Section 162(m). However, we may authorize compensation payments that do not comply with the exemptions in Section 162(m) when we believe that such payments are appropriate to attract and retain executive talent.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year Ended 2009
Name | Year | Salary | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Comp(1) | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(2) | All Other Comp(3) | Total | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James Janik | 2009 | $ | 360,006 | $ | 166,285 | $ | 47,077 | $ | 3,131 | $ | 576,499 | ||||||||
Robert McCormick | 2009 | $ | 247,531 | $ | 114,333 | $ | 20,750 | $ | 3,131 | $ | 385,745 | ||||||||
Mark Adamson | 2009 | $ | 216,735 | $ | 100,109 | $ | 33,164 | $ | 3,131 | $ | 353,139 | ||||||||
Keith Hagelin | 2009 | $ | 150,860 | $ | 69,682 | $ | 28,987 | $ | 9,518 | $ | 259,047 | ||||||||
Name | 401(k) Matching Contribution | Executive Physicals | Long Term Incentive Plan Seed Money | Total All Other Compensation | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James Janik | $ | 2,300 | $ | 831 | N/A | $ | 3,131 | |||||
Robert McCormick | $ | 2,300 | $ | 831 | N/A | $ | 3,131 | |||||
Mark Adamson | $ | 2,300 | $ | 831 | N/A | $ | 3,131 | |||||
Keith Hagelin | $ | 1,695 | N/A | $7,823 | $ | 9,518 | ||||||
Grant of Plan-Based Awards in Year 2009
| | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Threshold | Target | Maximum | |||||||
James Janik | $ | 0 | $ | 252,004 | $ | 504,008 | ||||
Robert McCormick | $ | 0 | $ | 173,272 | $ | 346,543 | ||||
Mark Adamson | $ | 0 | $ | 151,715 | $ | 303,429 | ||||
Keith Hagelin | $ | 0 | $ | 105,602 | $ | 211,204 | ||||
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table for Year Ended December 31, 2009 and Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Year 2009 Table
Certain elements of compensation set forth in the Summary Compensation Table for Year Ended December 31, 2009 and Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Year 2009 Table reflect the terms of employment agreements between us and certain of the named executive officers.
James L. Janik. We are a party to an employment agreement with Mr. Janik entered into on March 30, 2004 in connection with the Acquisition. The agreement had an initial term of three years, after which it remains effective for successive one-year periods until we give or are provided by Mr. Janik with 90 days notice of termination prior to each successive renewal date. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $270,000 per year, which was increased to $360,000 in 2008, and which is subject to annual increase at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Janik is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 100% of his base salary. As discussed in "—Annual Incentive Plan," beginning in 2009, our Board of Directors provided for an increase in the maximum payouts under the AIP applicable to all participants and thus from 2009 onward Mr. Janik is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 140% of his base salary.
Robert L. McCormick. We are a party to an employment agreement with Mr. McCormick entered into on September 7, 2004. The agreement had an initial term of three years, after which it remains effective for successive one-year periods until we give or are provided by Mr. McCormick with 90 days notice of termination prior to each successive renewal date. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $195,000 per year, which was increased to $252,346 in 2009, and which is subject to annual review and adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement Mr. McCormick is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 100% of his base salary. As discussed in "—Annual Incentive Plan," beginning in 2009, our Board of Directors provided for an increase in the maximum payouts under the AIP applicable to all participants and thus from 2009 onward Mr. McCormick is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 140% of his base salary.
Mark Adamson. We are a party to an employment agreement with Mr. Adamson entered into on August 27, 2007. The agreement has an initial term of three years, after which it will remain effective for successive one-year periods until we give or are provided by Mr. Adamson with 90 days notice of termination prior to each successive renewal date. The agreement provides for an initial base salary of $205,000 per year, which was increased to $220,938 in 2009, and which is subject to annual review and adjustment at the discretion of our Board of Directors. In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Adamson is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 100% of his base salary. As discussed in "—Annual Incentive Plan," beginning in 2009, our Board of Directors provided for an increase in the maximum payouts under the AIP applicable to all participants and thus from 2009 onward Mr. Adamson is eligible to receive an annual performance bonus of up to 140% of his base salary.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End 2009
The following table sets forth for each named executive officer, unexercised options, unvested stock and equity incentive plan awards as of the end of 2009.
| | Option Awards(2) | | | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name(1) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable | Option Exercise Price | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(3) | |||||||||||||
James Janik | 18,103 | — | $ | 100 | 3/30/2014 | 1,763 | |||||||||||||
Robert McCormick | 4,908 | — | $ | 100 | 9/4/2014 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Mark Adamson | 2,000 | 3,000 | $ | 100 | 8/27/2017 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2009
| | Option Awards | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name(1) | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized on Exercise ($) | |||||
James Janik | — | (2) | $ | 650,413 | |||
Robert McCormick | — | (2) | $ | 82,132 | |||
The following table sets forth each named executive officer's pension benefits as of the end of 2009.
Name | Plan Name | Number of Years of Credited Service | Present Value of Accumulated Benefit | Payments During Last Fiscal Year | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James Janik | Salaried Pension | 16.3 | $ | 320,337 | — | |||||||
Robert McCormick | Salaried Pension | 4.3 | $ | 78,333 | — | |||||||
Mark Adamson | Salaried Pension | 1.4 | $ | 33,164 | — | |||||||
Keith Hagelin | Salaried Pension | 13.7 | $ | 169,512 | — | |||||||
We sponsor a defined benefit plan, the Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. Salaried Pension Plan, in which our named executive officers participate. The accrued benefit under the plan is 1.67% of final average monthly compensation multiplied by years of service (capped at 30 years) less 1.67% of monthly social security benefit multiplied by years of service (capped at 30 years). "Final average monthly compensation" is calculated based on the highest five year consecutive total compensation during the last ten years of employment.
Participants may receive their full benefit upon normal retirement at age 65 or a reduced benefit upon early retirement at age 55 with ten years of service. Reduced benefits are also available after termination with five years of service.
The amounts in the table above reflect the actuarial change in present value of the named executive officer's benefits under our defined benefit plan and are determined using the interest rate and other assumptions discussed in Note 12 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding contributions, earnings, withdrawals and balances with respect to the LTIP for the year ended 2009.
Name(1) | Executive Contributions in Last FY | Registrant Contributions in Last FY(2) | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY(2) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keith Hagelin | — | $ | 7,823 | $ | 7,502 | — | $ | 202,863 | ||||||||
All amounts allocated to Mr. Hagelin's account are vested except in the event of his voluntary separation or termination for cause. In this case, the last two years will not be considered vested and will be subtracted from his account balance. Vested portions will be paid out in lump sum upon death, long term disability or normal retirement. For all other separations, payouts will be made in five equal annual installments with interest accruing on the unpaid balance at the one year US Treasury rate effective at the beginning of the year, unless the account balance is less than$75,000, in which event it will be paid out in a lump sum. If the total in Mr. Hagelin's account reaches two times his base salary, one-fifth of the account balance will be paid out by February 15th of the following year. See "—Long Term Incentive Compensation—Long Term Incentive Plan" for additional information regarding the LTIP.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
The information below describes certain compensation and benefits to which our named executive officers are entitled in the event their employment is terminated under certain circumstances and/or a change of control occurs. See the table at the end of this section for the amount of compensation and benefits that would have become payable under existing plans and contractual arrangements assuming a termination of employment and/or change of control had occurred on December 31, 2009 based upon the estimated fair value of our common stock on that date of $ , given the named executive officers' compensation and service levels as of such date. There can be no assurance that an actual triggering event would produce the same or similar results as those estimated if such event occurs on any other date or at any other price, or if any other assumption used to estimate potential payments and benefits is not correct. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any potential payments or benefits, any actual payments and benefits may be different.
Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation Due to Material Breach
Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson. We are parties to employment agreements with three of the named executive officers (Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson), all of which were entered into prior to December 31, 2009. Under these employment agreements, if we terminate the executive's employment without Cause (as defined below), or if the executive were to terminate his employment due to a Material Breach (as defined below) by us, the executive would be entitled to receive severance benefits consisting of base salary continuation. Under such circumstances, Mr. Janik would be entitled to 24 months of his base salary, and each of Messrs. McCormick and Adamson would be entitled to 12 months of his base salary, in each case paid monthly. Any unvested stock options scheduled to vest at the next applicable vesting date would vest pro-rata according to the number of months the executive was employed during the relevant vesting period. We would also continue each executive's benefits for one year at the executive's election and cost. Additionally, Mr. Janik would also have been entitled to receive a pro-rated portion of his annual performance bonus for the year of termination. Severance payments would generally be subject to the executive's compliance with certain non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants (described in more detail below) during the period severance payments are being made.
Under each employment agreement, "Cause" means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to an executive, as determined in good faith by a majority of the disinterested members of our Board of Directors: (a) a material breach by the executive of any of his material obligations under the employment agreement which remains uncured after the lapse of 30 days following the date that we have given the executive written notice thereof; (b) a material breach by the executive of his duty not to engage in any transaction that represents, directly or indirectly, self-dealing with us or any of our respective affiliates which has not been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of our Board of Directors, if in any such case such material breach remains uncured after the lapse of 30 days following the date that we have given the executive written notice thereof; (c) the repeated material breach by the executive of any material duty referred to in clause (a) or (b) above as to which at least two (2) written notices have been given pursuant to such clause (a) or (b); (d) any act of misappropriation, embezzlement, intentional fraud or similar conduct involving us; (e) the conviction or the plea ofnolo contendere or the equivalent in respect of a felony involving moral turpitude; (f) intentional infliction of any damage of a material nature to any of our property; or (g) the repeated non-prescription abuse of any controlled substance or the repeated abuse of alcohol or any other non-controlled substance which, in any case described in this clause, our Board of Directors reasonably determines renders the executive unfit to serve us as an officer or employee.
Under each employment agreement, the executive has the right to terminate his employment if (a) we fail to perform a material condition or covenant of the employment agreement that remains uncured after an applicable cure period or (b) we repeatedly fail to perform a material condition or
covenant of the employment agreement as to which at least two written notices have been given by the executive (each of clause (a) and (b), a "Material Breach"). Additionally, under Mr. Janik's employment agreement, Material Breach also includes the relocation of his principal place of performance to outside the Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area without his prior written consent.
Each of the employment agreements contains a non-competition provision that prevents the executive officer from working for or investing in our competitors and a non-solicit provision that prevents the executive officer from soliciting our employees, in each case for three years after termination of employment, and a perpetual nondisclosure provision.
Mr. Hagelin. Mr. Hagelin is not a party to an employment agreement. Accordingly, if he were to be terminated without cause, he would be entitled to participate in our general severance plan, which provides for one week of severance per year of service. Additionally, as a participant in the LTIP, he would remain 100% vested in his account balance (rather than forfeit the last two years of contributions in the event of termination with cause or voluntary resignation).
Termination due to Death, Disability or Retirement
Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson. Under the employment agreements, if the executive's employment terminates due to death, Disability (as defined below) or retirement, the executive would generally not be entitled to severance benefits except as follows. In the event of an executive's death, we would be obligated to continue coverage of such executive's dependents (if any) under all benefit plans and programs for a period of six months at no charge to the dependants. Additionally, under the AIP, in the event of termination due to death or Disability and, in the case of Mr. Janik, his retirement, each executive (or his beneficiaries) would be entitled to receive a pro-rated portion of his annual performance bonus for the year of termination.
Under the employment agreements, "Disability" means a disability that renders the executive unable to perform the essential functions of his position, even with reasonable accommodation, for a period of 60 consecutive days or for 90 days within any 180 day period.
Mr. Hagelin. Mr. Hagelin is not a party to an employment agreement. Accordingly, if his employment were terminated due to death, disability or retirement, he would not be entitled to any severance benefits. As a participant in the LTIP, he would remain 100% vested in his account balance and would receive a lump sum distribution. Additionally, under the AIP, he (or his beneficiaries) would be entitled to receive a pro-rated portion of his annual performance bonus.
Treatment of Vested Stock Options
Under the terms of each employment agreement and option award agreement with Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson, in the event an executive's employment with us terminates for any reason, other than for Cause, he would be entitled to exercise all vested stock options held by him for a period of 180 days after the termination date, except that if Mr. Janik's employment is terminated without Cause, or due to his death, Disability or retirement, or he resigns due to a Material Breach, he has a period of 24 months to exercise all vested stock options held by him.
Change of Control
Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson. Under the terms of each employment agreement and option award agreement with Messrs. Janik, McCormick and Adamson, in the event of a change of control (as defined below), all unvested options held by the executive accelerate and become fully vested. For purposes of the employment agreements and option award agreements, "change of control" means any time, (i) the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates shall cease to collectively beneficially own and control at least 51%, on a fully diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock
entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors (or similar governing body), unless the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates collectively beneficially own and control (a) at least 35%, on a fully diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors (or similar governing body) and (b) on a fully diluted basis, more of our outstanding capital stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors (or similar governing body) than any other person or "group" (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act); (ii) any person or "group" (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) other than Aurora, Ares and their respective affiliates collectively shall have obtained the power (whether or not exercised) to elect a majority of our members of our Board of Directors (or similar governing body); (iii) Douglas Holdings shall cease to beneficially own and control 100% on a fully diluted basis of the economic and voting interests in the limited liability company interests of Douglas LLC; or (iv) the majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on our Board of Directors (or similar governing body) cease to be occupied by persons who either (a) were members of our Board of Directors on April 12, 2004 or (b) were nominated for election by our Board of Directors, a majority of whom were directors on April 12, 2004 or whose election or nomination for election was previously approved by a majority of such directors.
All Named Executive Officers. In accordance with the LBP, in the event of a change of control (as defined below), a bonus pool of at least $1 million is to be allocated among eligible employees (including the named executive officers) in the manner determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion. Because the allocation of the bonus pool established by the LBP is not known until a change of control is consummated, it is not known how much each named executive officer would have been entitled to receive if a change of control had occurred on December 31, 2009.
For purposes of the LBP, a "change of control" means any time the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates shall cease collectively to have the power to vote or direct the voting of the securities having a majority of the ordinary voting power for the election of our directors unless (i) the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates collectively own, beneficially and of record, at least 35% of our common stock (on a fully diluted basis), (ii) the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates collectively own, beneficially and of record, an amount of our common stock equal to at least 51% (on a fully diluted basis) of our common stock collectively owned by the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates, beneficially and of record, as of the effective date of the LBP, (iii) the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates collectively have the power (pursuant to stockholder agreements, proxies or other contractual arrangements) to elect a majority of our Board of Directors and (iv) no "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), has become, or has obtained the rights (whether by means of warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the "beneficial owners" (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more of our outstanding common stock than so held collectively by the Aurora Entities, Ares and their respective affiliates.
Mr. Janik's Deferred Stock Units. Prior to the implementation of the 2004 Plan, Mr. Janik participated in the LTIP. Concurrent with the implementation of the 2004 Plan, Mr. Janik's LTIP balance was converted into 1,763 deferred stock units, each of which currently represents the right to receive one share of our common stock, pursuant to the terms of the deferred stock unit agreement between Mr. Janik and us. In the event of a change of control (as defined in the same manner as in the option award agreements), we will be obligated to issue to Mr. Janik one share of our common stock for each of his deferred stock units and the deferred stock units will be cancelled.
The table below sets forth the estimated value of the potential payments to each of the named executive officers, assuming the executive's employment had terminated on December 31, 2009 and/or that a change of control had occurred on that date. These figures are based on the employment
agreements in effect on December 31, 2009. The table excludes payouts that would have been made under the LBP since such payouts would only be known had a change of control occurred on December 31, 2009.
Name | Termination without cause or resignation for material breach | Termination due to death | Termination due to disability | Termination due to retirement | Change of control | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
James Janik | |||||||||||||||||
Severance | $ | 726,523 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Dependent COBRA Coverage | — | $ | 480 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
AIP Bonus | $ | 166,285 | $ | 166,285 | $ | 166,285 | $ | 166,285 | — | ||||||||
Deferred Stock Units | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Robert McCormick | |||||||||||||||||
Severance | $ | 255,606 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Dependent COBRA Coverage | — | $ | 480 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
AIP Bonus | — | $ | 114,333 | $ | 114,333 | — | — | ||||||||||
Mark Adamson | |||||||||||||||||
Severance | $ | 224,198 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Dependent COBRA Coverage | — | $ | 480 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
AIP Bonus | — | $ | 100,109 | $ | 100,109 | — | — | ||||||||||
Option Acceleration(1) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Keith Hagelin | |||||||||||||||||
Severance(2) | $ | 41,636 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Dependent COBRA Coverage(3) | — | $ | 401 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
AIP Bonus | — | $ | 69,682 | $ | 69,682 | — | — | ||||||||||
LTIP | $ | 202,863 | (4) | $ | 202,863 | $ | 202,863 | $ | 202,863 | — | |||||||
Stock Incentive Plans
2010 Stock Incentive Plan
In connection with this offering we expect to adopt a new 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2010 Stock Plan. The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2010 Stock Plan. This description is not complete. For more information, we refer you to the full text of the 2010 Stock Plan, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
The 2010 Stock Plan will authorize the grant of "non-qualified" stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or RSU, and incentive bonuses to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers to us and
our subsidiaries. The number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to all awards granted under the 2010 Stock Plan will not exceed shares of our common stock, plus any shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2004 Stock Plan that on or after , 2010 cease to be subject to such awards. The number of shares issued or reserved pursuant to the 2010 Stock Plan (or pursuant to outstanding awards) is subject to adjustment as a result of mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in our common stock. Shares subject to awards that have been canceled, expired, forfeited or otherwise not issued under an award and shares subject to awards settled in cash do no count as shares issued under the 2010 Stock Plan. In addition, (i) shares that were subject to a stock-settled SAR and were not issued upon the net settlement or net exercise of such SAR, (ii) shares used to pay the exercise price of a stock option, (iii) shares delivered to or withheld by us to pay the withholding taxes related to an award, and (iv) shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of an option exercise do not count as shares issued under the 2010 Stock Plan.
Administration. The 2010 Stock Plan will be administered by our Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will have the discretion to determine the individuals to whom awards may be granted under the 2010 Stock Plan, the manner in which such awards will vest and the other conditions applicable to awards. Options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs and incentive bonuses may be granted by the Compensation Committee to employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers in such numbers and at such times during the term of the 2010 Stock Plan as the Compensation Committee shall determine. The Compensation Committee will be authorized to interpret the 2010 Stock Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the 2010 Stock Plan and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2010 Stock Plan. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Compensation Committee, and any rules and regulations under the 2010 Stock Plan and the terms and conditions of or operation of any award, are final and binding on all participants, beneficiaries, heirs, assigns or other persons holding or claiming rights under the 2010 Stock Plan or any award.
Options. The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price and other terms for each option and whether the options are non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees and are subject to certain other restrictions. To the extent an option intended to be an incentive stock option does not so qualify, it will be treated as a non-qualified option. A participant may exercise an option by written notice and payment of the exercise price in shares, cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Compensation Committee, including an irrevocable commitment by a broker to pay over such amount from a sale of the shares issuable under an option, the delivery of previously owned shares and withholding of shares deliverable upon exercise.
Stock appreciation rights. The Compensation Committee may grant SARs independent of or in connection with an option. The exercise price per share of a SAR will be an amount determined by the Compensation Committee, and the Compensation Committee will determine the other terms applicable to SARs. Generally, each SAR will entitle a participant upon exercise to an amount equal to:
Payment shall be made in common stock or in cash, or partly in common stock and partly in cash, all as shall be determined by the Compensation Committee.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units. The Compensation Committee may award restricted common stock and RSUs. Restricted stock awards consist of shares of common stock that are transferred to the participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions
are not satisfied. RSUs result in the transfer of shares of cash or common stock to the participant only after specified conditions are satisfied. The Compensation Committee will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or RSUs, which may include performance vesting conditions.
Incentive bonuses. An incentive bonus is an opportunity for a participant to earn a future payment tied to the level of achievement with respect to one or more performance criteria established for a performance period set by the Compensation Committee. Payment of the amount due under an incentive bonus may be made in cash or in shares, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
Performance criteria. Vesting of awards granted under the 2010 Stock Plan may be subject to the satisfaction of one or more performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. The performance goals may vary from participant to participant, group to group, and period to period.
Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, awards granted under the 2010 Stock Plan will not be transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Change of control. The Compensation Committee may provide, either at the time an award is granted or thereafter, that a change of control (as defined in the 2010 Stock Plan) that occurs after the offering shall have such effect as specified by the Compensation Committee, or no effect, as the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion may provide.
Amendment and termination. Awards will be granted under the 2010 Stock Plan only during the ten years following the effective date of the 2010 Stock Plan. Our Board of Directors will have the authority to amend, alter or discontinue the 2010 Stock Plan in any respect at any time, but no amendment may diminish any of the rights of a participant under any awards previously granted, without his or her consent. In addition, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment that would increase the maximum number of shares available for awards, reduce the price at which options may be granted, change the class of eligible participants, or otherwise when stockholder approval is required by law or under stock exchange listing requirements.
2004 Stock Incentive Plan
Our Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders subsequently approved, the Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2004 Stock Plan. An aggregate of 68,345 shares of our common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2004 Stock Plan. Following the adoption of the 2010 Stock Plan, we will not issue any further awards under the 2004 Stock Plan.
The 2004 Stock Plan provides for the grant to our executives, directors, consultants, advisors and key employees and employees of Aurora Capital Group and Ares of equity awards. Awards are not restricted to any specified form or structure and may include, without limitation, sales or bonuses of common stock, restricted stock, stock options, reload stock options, stock purchase warrants, other rights to acquire common stock, securities convertible into or redeemable for common stock, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, dividend equivalents, performance units or performance shares. As of December 31, 2009, options to purchase an aggregate of 48,497 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2004 Stock Plan with a weighted average exercise price per share of $100. No awards other than stock options have been granted under the terms of the 2004 Stock Plan, and we have no current intentions to issue any additional awards (in the form of stock options or otherwise) under the 2004 Stock Plan.
The 2004 Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Options granted under the 2004 Stock Plan are evidenced by stock option agreements containing such provisions as the
Compensation Committee deems advisable. All options granted under the 2004 Stock Plan expire not more than 10 years after the date of grant and have an exercise price that is determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event is less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options issued under the 2004 Stock Plan generally vest ratably over five years (20% on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date), provided that the participant is then employed by us, but may be subject to certain acceleration provisions, including full acceleration in connection with a change of control. Full payment for shares of common stock purchased on the exercise of an option must be made at the time of such exercise in a manner approved by the Compensation Committee.
If a participant is our employee or consultant and the participant's service is terminated for any reason within two years of commencement of employment or consultancy, as applicable, we may, but are not obligated to, purchase any of the shares of common stock issued under the 2004 Stock Plan then owned by the participant within 60 days after the termination of service. Shares of our common stock acquired under the 2004 Stock Plan may not be transferred by the participant other than pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution or to certain family members or trusts established solely for the benefit thereof, and are generally subject to a right of first refusal in favor of us. These repurchase rights, transfer restrictions and right of first refusal will terminate upon the consummation of this offering.
Our Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2004 Stock Plan at any time, subject to certain restrictions. Outstanding awards may be amended, however, only with the consent of the holder.
Compensation of Directors
Only two of our directors, Messrs. Peiffer and Wickham, have received any compensation in connection with their service on our Board of Directors. Each was granted options to purchase 2,062 shares of our common stock under our 2004 Plan in 2004 at an exercise price of $100, all of which remain outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2009. During 2009, none of our directors received any compensation.collective bargaining agreements.
PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
TheUnless otherwise noted, the following table and accompanying footnotes provide information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock and voting preferred stock as of January , 2010April 29, 2011 with respect to:
Beneficial ownership, which is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or dispose or direct the disposition of our common stock. The number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock issuable with respect to options or similar convertible securities held by that person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days.
The number of shares and percentage beneficial ownership of common stock before this offering set forth below is based on shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of , 2010. The number of shares and percentage beneficial ownership of common stock after the consummation of this offering is based on (a) shares of our common stock to be issued and outstanding immediately after consummation of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option and (b) shares of our common stock to be issued and outstanding immediately after consummation of this offering, assuming the underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option.
Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table is c/o Douglas Dynamics, Inc., 7777 N. 73rd Street, PO Box 2455038, Milwaukee, WI 53223.
Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, shares are owned directly or indirectly with sole voting and investment power, subject to applicable community property laws.
The number of shares and percentage beneficial ownership of common stock set forth below is based on 21,848,947 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 29, 2011.
Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table is c/o Douglas Dynamics, Inc., 7777 N. 73rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53223.
| | Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned Prior to this Offering* | | Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned Immediately After Consummation of this Offering | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| | | | | Assuming the Underwriters' Over-Allotment Option is Not Exercised | Assuming the Underwriters' Over-Allotment Option is Exercised in Full | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | Number of Shares of Common Stock Offered | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
management of Douglas In addition, pursuant to Amendment No. 2 to the Securityholders Agreement, for as long as the Aurora Entities collectively beneficially own at least 10% of the Company's outstanding common stock, certain of the Company's current and former management stockholders have agreed not to transfer any amount of the Company's securities owned by them, subject to limited exceptions, except at such time and in proportion with the Aurora Entities. Accordingly, each of the Aurora Entities may currently be deemed to have shared dispositive power with respect to the shares held by current and former management. As of April 29, 2011, these stockholders beneficially owned 571,167 shares of common stock (the "Restricted Shares"), of which 171,547 shares underlie options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days and 36,421 shares constitute shares of restricted stock that vest on May 4, 2011. Each of the Aurora Entities is controlled by Aurora Advisors II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
2004 Stock Options Pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated stock option agreements governing outstanding options issued under our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, a "change of control" is deemed to occur if, among other things, the Aurora Entities and Ares cease to collectively beneficially own and control at least 51%, on a fully-diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors, unless the Aurora Entities and Ares collectively beneficially own and control (a) at least 35%, on a fully-diluted basis, of the outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors and (b) on a fully-diluted basis, more of the outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote for the election of members of the Board than any other person or group. Immediately prior to a change of control, each of these options will become exercisable. If following the offering the Aurora Entities and Ares collectively beneficially own and control less than 35%, on a fully diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock, a "change of control" would be deemed to occur under these option agreements. Because Mark Adamson, our Vice President, Sales and Marketing, is the only optionholder who holds unvested stock options under our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, Mr. Adamson is the only optionee whose options will be accelerated if a "change of control "occurs. Mr. Adamson holds 47,500 unvested stock options.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC and with the NYSE reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of such reports furnished to us or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that, during 2010, each of our directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements except for the following:
Related Party Transaction Policy
For purposes of the policy, related persons Related Party Transactions The following is a description of transactions since January 1, Promissory Notes / Pledge and Security Agreements We are not party to any loan arrangements with our current executive officers or directors. However, under the terms of our management incentive and non-qualified stock option agreements under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, in effect prior to the
Company exercised its right to repurchase his Repurchase Agreements On December 22, 2008 and January 23, 2009, we entered into securities repurchase agreements with each of Messrs. Janik and McCormick. Pursuant to these agreements, we repurchased a portion of our common stock and stock options exercisable for shares of our common stock in exchange for a cash payment and the satisfaction of the principal amount of the promissory notes then held by Messrs. Janik and McCormick as described under "—Promissory Notes / Pledge and Security Agreements" above. Pursuant to the repurchase agreements that we entered into with Mr. Janik, (i) on December 22, 2008, we repurchased Pursuant to the repurchase agreements that we entered into with Mr. McCormick, (i) on December 22, 2008, we repurchased repurchased Each of the repurchase agreements obligates the executive to remit to us certain sums if the executive is terminated by us for cause (as defined in his employment agreement, see "Executive Compensation—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control—Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation Due to Material Breach" Authorized Capital As of April 29, 2011, there were 21,848,947 shares of common stock outstanding held by 31 stockholders of record, 1,801,214 shares of common stock remaining available for issuance under our 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (including upon conversion of currently outstanding restricted stock units), and 207,993 shares underlying stock options issued under our Amended and Restated Common Stock Voting. Except as Liquidation and Preemptive Rights. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares offered in this offering, when issued and paid for, will be, fully paid and non-assessable. Listing. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "PLOW." Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar and Transfer Company. Preferred Stock Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors is authorized to establish, from time to time, the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock, and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences, and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the
In the future, our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock, or that could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with Anti-takeover Effects of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Some provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer, or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might deem to be in his or her best interest. The existence of these provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for Stockholder Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that all stockholder actions must be effected at a duly called meeting and may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. All stockholder action must be properly brought before any stockholder meeting, which Authorized but Unissued Shares. The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock
Delaware Takeover Statute We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any "business combination" with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person or entity became an interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes certain mergers, asset sales or other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is
The Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the The limitation of
In addition to the indemnification provided by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, we have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers. These agreements, subject to certain exceptions, require us to, among other things, indemnify these directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorney fees, witness fees and expenses, expenses of accountants and other advisors, and the premium, security for and other costs relating to any bond, arising out of that person's services
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors,
Overview We offer the broadest and most complete product line of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets with over 60 models of snowplows and over 35 models of sand and salt spreaders across our three brands. Our snowplows use custom-designed mounts which allow each of our We also provide a full range of related parts and accessories, which generates an ancillary revenue stream throughout the lifecycle of our snow and ice control equipment. While our parts and accessories yield slightly higher gross margins than our snow and ice control equipment, (with parts and accessories margins averaging approximately 50% over the past five years), equipment sales yield significantly more revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 86% of our net sales were generated from sales of snow and ice control equipment, and 14% of our net sales were generated from sales of parts and accessories. We believe we maintain the industry's largest and most advanced in-house new product development program, historically introducing several new and redesigned products each year. Our broad product offering and commitment to new product development is essential to maintaining and growing our leading market share position as Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry with both end-users and distributors. We have developed this exceptional loyalty through over 50 years of superior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, consistently delivered season after season. We believe many of our end-users are second and third generation owners of our snow and ice control equipment. We believe past brand experience, rather than price, is the key factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions. Because a professional snowplower can typically recoup the cost of a We sell our We believe we are the industry's most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our vertical integration, highly variable cost structure and
In addition, as a result of improvements in our manufacturing efficiency, we
Our cost reduction efforts also include the rationalization of our supply base and implementation of a global sourcing strategy, resulting in approximately $3.9 million of cumulative annualized cost savings from 2006 to 2010 with the goal of an additional $1 million in annualized cost savings in 2011. Since 2006, we have reduced our supply base by 33% from over 450 suppliers to approximately 300 at December 31, 2010, with a target of 200 by the end of 2011. This rationalization has allowed us to strengthen our relationships with our remaining suppliers, which in turn has provided us with the ability to receive component deliveries on a more frequent basis, thereby better aligning our supply stock with our production demands. We have also sought to improve our sourcing capabilities through the use of off-shore suppliers, including suppliers in China, which provide significant cost advantages. As of December 31, 2010, we had the ability to purchase components from 21 suppliers in China. Since 2006, our percentage of lower cost country material purchases has increased from 10.0% to 16.9% of our total purchases. In furtherance of this process, in January 2009, we opened a sourcing office in China, which will become a central focus for specific component purchases and will provide a majority of our procurement cost savings in the future. In 2010, our off-shore sourcing initiatives resulted in cost savings of $0.9 million on an annualized basis. We expect that these sourcing changes will continue to provide us with cost savings in 2011. We typically stock additional inventory from off-shore suppliers or partner with off-shore suppliers who stock inventory in the United States in order to mitigate the risk of any shipping delays. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We depend on outside suppliers who may be unable to meet our volume and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources." On May 10, 2010, we completed our initial public offering. In connection with our initial public offering, we listed our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock symbol "PLOW." Distributor Network We believe we have the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 710 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us and are located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of approximately 15 years. Beginning in 2005, we began to extend our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist. A breakdown of our distributor base by region is reflected in the map below. For 2010, our top 10 distributors accounted for approximately 19% of net sales. No single distributor accounted for more than 10% of our net sales or accounts receivable in 2008, 2009 or 2010. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, 89.1%, 89.5% and 90.8% of net sales, respectively, were from the U.S., 10.1%, 10.3% and 8.4% of net sales, respectively, were from Canada, and less than 1% of net sales were from outside of North America. Further, in 2010, 22.7%, 36.6% and 26.1% of our net sales were derived from sales to distributors in the Northeast, Eastern and Midwest portions of the United States, respectively, and 14.6% of our net sales were derived collectively from the Western United States, Alaska, Canada and other
We Our Employees As of December 31, 2010, we had 532 employees, comprised of 158 office and 374 factory employees. Of the 374 factory employees, 86 were temporary employees (as compared to 56 temporary employees as of December 31, 2009), the retention of which allows us to flex factory headcount to match the seasonal fluctuations inherent in the industry. The number of temporary employees we utilize in a given year and within a year varies based upon business conditions and snowfall levels. In 2010, our temporary employee headcount ranged from a low of 34 temporary employees to a high of 93 temporary employees. None of our
Unless otherwise noted, the following table and accompanying footnotes provide information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 29, 2011 with respect to:
Beneficial ownership, which is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or dispose or direct the disposition of our common stock. The number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock issuable with respect to options or similar convertible securities held by that person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, shares are owned directly or indirectly with sole voting and investment power, subject to applicable community property laws. The number of shares and percentage beneficial ownership of common stock set forth below is based on 21,848,947 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 29, 2011. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table is c/o Douglas Dynamics, Inc., 7777 N. 73rd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53223.
2004 Stock Options Pursuant to the terms of the amended and restated stock option agreements governing outstanding options issued under our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, a "change of control" is deemed to occur if, among other things, the Aurora Entities and Ares cease to collectively beneficially own and control at least 51%, on a fully-diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors, unless the Aurora Entities and Ares collectively beneficially own and control (a) at least 35%, on a fully-diluted basis, of the outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote for the election of members of our Board of Directors and (b) on a fully-diluted basis, more of the outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote for the election of members of the Board than any other person or group. Immediately prior to a change of control, each of these options will become exercisable. If following the offering the Aurora Entities and Ares collectively beneficially own and control less than 35%, on a fully diluted basis, of our outstanding capital stock, a "change of control" would be deemed to occur under these option agreements. Because Mark Adamson, our Vice President, Sales and Marketing, is the only optionholder who holds unvested stock options under our Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, Mr. Adamson is the only optionee whose options will be accelerated if a "change of control "occurs. Mr. Adamson holds 47,500 unvested stock options.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC and with the NYSE reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of such reports furnished to us or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that, during 2010, each of our directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements except for the following:
Related Party Transaction Policy Our Board of Directors has adopted written policies and procedures regarding related person transactions. These policies and procedures require the review and approval of all transactions involving us or any of our subsidiaries and a related person in which (i) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any fiscal year and (ii) a related person has or will have a direct or indirect interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity) prior to entering into such transaction. For purposes of the policy, related persons include our directors, executive officers, 5% or greater stockholders and parties related to the foregoing, such as immediate family members and entities they control. In reviewing such transactions, the policy requires our Audit Committee to consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to the Audit Committee, including the extent of the related person's interest in the transaction and whether the relationship should be continued or eliminated. In determining whether to approve a related party transaction, the standard applied by the Audit Committee is whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and whether or not a particular relationship serves the best interest of our company and our stockholders. In addition, the policy delegates to the chair of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve or ratify any transaction with a related person in which the aggregate amount involved is expected to be less than $1,000,000. Related Party Transactions The following is a description of transactions since January 1, 2008 to which we have been a party, in which the Promissory Notes / Pledge and Security Agreements We are not party to any loan arrangements with our current executive officers or directors. However, under the
Company exercised its right to repurchase his 47,500 shares of common stock per the terms of his separation agreement at a price per share of $6.57 (for an aggregate price of $312,000) and the principal and interest accrued on his promissory notes were satisfied with the proceeds from the repurchase of shares. During 2007, $5,000 in interest accrued in respect of Mr. Black's August 1, 2006 promissory note and $1,890 in interest accrued in respect of Mr. Black's August 15, 2007 promissory note. From January 1, 2008 through Mr. Black's termination on April 17, 2008, $1,466 in interest accrued on each of his promissory notes. Repurchase Agreements On December 22, 2008 and January 23, 2009, we entered into securities repurchase agreements with each of Messrs. Janik and McCormick. Pursuant to these agreements, we repurchased a portion of our common stock and stock options exercisable for shares of our common stock in exchange for a cash payment and the satisfaction of the principal amount of the promissory notes then held by Messrs. Janik and McCormick as described under "—Promissory Notes / Pledge and Security Agreements" above. Pursuant to the repurchase agreements that we entered into with Mr. Janik, (i) on December 22, 2008, we repurchased 76,594 shares of our common stock in exchange for aggregate consideration of $957,516, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. Janik in the amount of $665,016 and the satisfaction of $292,500 of principal on his promissory note; and (ii) on January 23, 2009, we repurchased 1,781 shares of our common stock and options to purchase an aggregate of 79,349 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.21 per share in exchange for aggregate consideration of $672,513, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. Janik in the amount of $665,013 and the satisfaction of the remaining principal amount of $7,500 on his promissory note. In connection with these repurchase transactions, we also forgave the accrued interest, totaling $18,472, on Mr. Janik's promissory note. Pursuant to the repurchase agreements that we entered into with Mr. McCormick, (i) on December 22, 2008, we repurchased 40,399 shares of our common stock in exchange for aggregate consideration of $505,034, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. McCormick in the amount of $334,934 and the satisfaction of $170,100 of principal on his promissory note; and (ii) on January 23, 2009, we repurchased 30,851 shares of our common stock and options to purchase an aggregate of 10,023 shares of our common stock at an exercise price per share of $4.21 per share in exchange for aggregate consideration of $464,850, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. McCormick in the amount of $334,950 and the satisfaction of the remaining principal amount of $129,900 on his promissory note. In connection with these repurchase transactions, we also forgave the accrued interest, totaling $18,321, on Mr. McCormick's promissory note. Each of the repurchase agreements obligates the executive to remit to us certain sums if the executive is terminated by us for cause (as defined in his employment agreement, see "Executive Compensation—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control—Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation Due to Material Breach" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC Authorized Capital As of Common Stock Voting. Except as otherwise required by Delaware law, at every annual or special meeting of stockholders, every holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote per Dividends Rights. Subject to dividend preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. See "Dividend Policy and Restrictions." Liquidation and Preemptive Rights. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares offered in this offering, when issued and paid for, will be, fully paid and non-assessable. Listing. Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Preferred Stock Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue not more than an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, without stockholder approval. Our Board of Directors is authorized to establish, from time to time, the number of shares to be included in each series of preferred stock, and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences, and relative participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each series of preferred stock, and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors also is able to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of that series of preferred stock then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. In the future, our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock, or that could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other consequences, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in our control and might harm the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock. Anti-takeover Effects of our Some provisions in our Election and Removal of Directors. Our Stockholder Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our Authorized but Unissued Shares. The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the NYSE. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans and could also be issued in order to deter or prevent an attempt to acquire us. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise. Super-Majority Voting. Our certificate of incorporation including provisions which would eliminate or modify the provisions described above, reduce or eliminate the number of authorized common or preferred shares and all indemnification provisions. Our Delaware Takeover Statute We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any "business combination" with any "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person or entity became an interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes certain mergers, asset sales or other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the past three years has owned, 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. This provision could discourage mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts, including attempts that might result in the payment of a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock. Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability and Indemnification The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our Our The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our In addition to the indemnification There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Overview Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our") is the North American leader in the design, manufacture and sale of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks, which consists of snowplows, sand and salt spreaders, and related parts and accessories. We sell our products under the WESTERN®, FISHER® and BLIZZARD® brands which are among the most established and recognized in the industry. We believe that in 2010 our share of the light truck snow and ice control equipment market was greater than 50%. We offer the broadest and most complete product line of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets with over 60 models of snowplows and over 35 models of sand and salt spreaders across our three brands. Our snowplows use custom-designed mounts which allow each of our snowplow models to be used on a variety of light truck brands and models. In addition, we manufacture a broad portfolio of hopper and tailgate-mounted sand and salt spreaders that are used for snow and ice control on driveways, roads and parking lots. The primary materials used in our snow and ice control equipment business are steel, metal parts, electrical components, hydraulic systems, and hardware components, which collectively comprise over 75% of total material and component purchases. We also provide a full range of related parts and accessories, which generates an ancillary revenue stream throughout the lifecycle of our snow and ice control equipment. While our parts and accessories yield slightly higher gross margins than our snow and ice control equipment, (with parts and accessories margins averaging approximately 50% over the past five years), equipment sales yield significantly more revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2010, 86% of our net sales were generated from sales of snow and ice control equipment, and 14% of our net sales were generated from sales of parts and accessories. We believe we maintain the industry's largest and most advanced in-house new product development program, historically introducing several new and redesigned products each year. Our broad product offering and commitment to new product development is essential to maintaining and growing our leading market share position as well as continuing to increase the profitability of our business. We believe we have introduced or redesigned more efficient and productive products over the last five years (including the redesigned Fisher and Western V Plows in 2006 and the Fisher and Western Power Plows in 2007) than any of our competitors, driving increased value for our customers. Approximately $87 million, or 49.5%, of our 2010 net sales came from products introduced or redesigned in the last five years. Recent product introductions include the FISHER® HT Series™ (half-ton plow) and POLY-CASTER™ (Hopper Spreader), the WESTERN® HTS™ (half-ton plow) and Tornado™ (Hopper Spreader) and the BLIZZARD® POWER HITCH™ 2 (detachable plow mounting system) and ICE CHASER™ (Hopper Spreader). Our products are covered by over 40 issued or pending U.S. and Canadian patents related to snow and ice control equipment technologies and other important product features and designs. Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry with both end-users and distributors. We have developed this exceptional loyalty through over 50 years of superior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, consistently delivered season after season. We believe many of our end-users are second and third generation owners of our snow and ice control equipment. We believe past brand experience, rather than price, is the key factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions. Because a professional snowplower can typically recoup the cost of a plow within a very short period of time, and in some cases, as a result of one major snowfall event, we believe quality, reliability and functionality are more important factors in our end-users' purchasing decisions and further believe that professional snowplowers are often willing to pay a premium price for reputable products that include these premium features. For example, we believe only a small fraction of commercial end-users consider price as the primary factor in their purchase decision. We sell our products through a distributor network primarily to professional snowplowers who are contracted to remove snow and ice from commercial, municipal and residential areas. Because of the exceptional customer loyalty that we have engendered for our products over the last 50 years, we believe our installed base is the largest in the industry with over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. Because sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders are primarily driven by the need of our core end-user base to replace worn existing equipment, we believe our substantial installed base provides us with a high degree of predictable sales over any extended period of time. We believe we are the industry's most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our vertical integration, highly variable cost structure and intense focus on lean manufacturing. Due in substantial part to our operational efficiency, we have increased our variable gross profit per unit by approximately 4% per annum from 2002 through 2005, the year we acquired Blizzard, and by approximately 6% per annum from 2006 through 2010. We continually seek to use lean principles to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of our manufacturing operations. Implementation of these principles has allowed us to substantially improve the productivity of our manufacturing processes through waste elimination and improved space utilization, creating a flexible environment capable of efficiently responding to large variations in end-user demand and delivering best-in-class customer service and responsiveness, thereby enabling us to increase distributor and end-user satisfaction. Our manufacturing efficiencies have contributed to the In addition, as a result of improvements in our manufacturing efficiency, we closed our Johnson City, Tennessee facility in August 2010 (which is still owned by the Company, but is held for sale), reducing our manufacturing facilities from three to two. We now manufacture our products in two facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (where we produce all of our hydraulic system kits for our snowplows, certain straight blades and mounts, and A-Frame, Quadrant, and Lift Frame, or AQ&L, attachments and salt spreaders) and Rockland, Maine (where we produce certain straight blades, certain heavyweight blades, certain V-Plows, mount and AQ&L attachments and salt spreaders). Our backlog as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $0.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. We expect that all backlog as of December 31, 2010 will be shipped in 2011. Our cost reduction efforts also include the rationalization of our supply base and implementation of a global sourcing strategy, resulting in approximately $3.9 million of cumulative annualized cost savings from 2006 to 2010 with the goal of an additional $1 million in annualized cost savings in 2011. Since 2006, we have reduced our supply base by 33% from over 450 suppliers to approximately 300 at December 31, 2010, with a target of 200 by the end of 2011. This rationalization has allowed us to strengthen our relationships with our remaining suppliers, which in turn has provided us with the ability to receive component deliveries on a more frequent basis, thereby better aligning our supply stock with our production demands. We have also sought to improve our sourcing capabilities through the use of off-shore suppliers, including suppliers in China, which provide significant cost advantages. As of December 31, 2010, we had the ability to purchase components from 21 suppliers in China. Since 2006, our percentage of lower cost country material purchases has increased from 10.0% to 16.9% of our total purchases. In furtherance of this process, in January 2009, we opened a sourcing office in China, which will become a central focus for specific component purchases and will provide a majority of our procurement cost savings in the future. In 2010, our off-shore sourcing initiatives resulted in cost savings of $0.9 million on an annualized basis. We expect that these sourcing changes will continue to provide us with cost savings in 2011. We typically stock additional inventory from off-shore suppliers or partner with off-shore suppliers who stock inventory in the United States in order to mitigate the risk of any shipping delays. See "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry—We depend on outside suppliers who may be unable to meet our volume and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources." On May 10, 2010, we completed our initial public offering. In connection with our initial public offering, Distributor Network We believe we have the industry's most extensive North American distributor network, which primarily consists of over 710 truck equipment distributors who purchase directly from us and are located throughout the snowbelt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors, with an average tenure of approximately 15 years. Beginning in 2005, we began to extend our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist. A breakdown of our distributor base by region is reflected in the map below. For 2010, our top 10 distributors accounted for approximately 19% of net sales. No single distributor accounted for more than 10% of our net sales or accounts receivable in 2008, 2009 or 2010. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, 89.1%, 89.5% and 90.8% of net sales, respectively, were from the U.S., 10.1%, 10.3% and 8.4% of net sales, respectively, were from Canada, and less than 1% of net sales were from outside of North America. Further, in 2010, 22.7%, 36.6% and 26.1% of our net sales were derived from sales to distributors in the Northeast, Eastern and Midwest portions of the United States, respectively, and 14.6% of our net sales were derived collectively from the Western United States, Alaska, Canada and other international sales.
We continually seek to grow and optimize our network by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network. That being the case, our distributors may compete against each other as a result of saturation of the markets in which we operate or channel conflicts among our brands, and price competition among our distributors could lead to significant margin erosion among our distributors, which could in turn result in compressed margins or loss of market share for us. To limit these occurrences, distributors are rigorously screened before they are allowed to sell our snow and ice control products, allowing us to maintain relationships with only those distributors we believe to be the most reputable in the industry. Once selected, we strive to maintain close working relationships with our distributors and actively monitor their performance, quality of service and credit profiles. We also focus on further optimizing this network by providing in-depth training, valuable distributor support and attractive promotional and incentive opportunities. Our Employees As Table of
Unless otherwise noted, the following table and accompanying footnotes provide information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock
Beneficial ownership, which is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, means the sole or shared power to
The number of shares and percentage beneficial ownership of common stock set forth below is based on 21,848,947 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 29, 2011. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the
2004 Stock Options Pursuant to the
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors, executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock Based solely on review of such reports furnished to us or
Pursuant to the repurchase agreements that we entered into with Mr. McCormick, (i) on December 22, 2008, we repurchased 40,399 shares of our common stock in exchange for aggregate consideration of $505,034, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. McCormick in the amount of $334,934 and the satisfaction of $170,100 of principal on his promissory note; and (ii) on January 23, 2009, we repurchased 30,851 shares of our common stock and options to purchase an aggregate of 10,023 shares of our common stock at an exercise price per share of $4.21 per share in exchange for aggregate consideration of $464,850, comprised of a cash payment to Mr. McCormick in the amount of $334,950 and the satisfaction of the remaining principal amount of $129,900 on his promissory note. In connection with these repurchase transactions, we also forgave the accrued interest, totaling $18,321, on Mr. McCormick's promissory note. Each of the repurchase agreements obligates the executive to remit to us certain sums if the executive is terminated by us for cause (as defined in his employment agreement, see "Executive Compensation—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control—Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation Due to Material Breach" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2011) or voluntarily terminates his employment with us for any reason other than a material breach (as defined in his employment agreement, see "Executive Compensation—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control—Involuntary Termination Without Cause or Resignation Due to Material Breach" in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2011) within 36 months following the date of the applicable repurchase agreement. More specifically, Mr. Janik's repurchase agreements require him to remit to us $1,330,029 if his employment so terminates before December 22, 2011 and $665,013 if his employment so terminates between December 22, 2011 and prior to January 23, 2012. Mr. McCormick's repurchase agreements require him to remit to us $669,884 if his employment is so terminated before December 22, 2011 and $334,950 if his employment is so terminated between December 22, 2011 and prior to January 23, 2012. Securityholders Agreement Since 2004, we have been party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Securityholders Agreement dated June 30, 2004, as amended by that certain amendment dated as of December 27, 2004, and as further amended by that certain second amendment dated as of May 10, 2010, The following is a summary description of the material terms of the Securityholders Agreement. This summary description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the definitive Securityholders Agreement, which has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement Transfer Restrictions. Subject to certain limited exceptions, each of the securityholders party to the Securityholders Agreement has agreed that, without the consent of the Aurora Entities and Ares, it will not transfer any amount of our securities that would exceed the lesser of two times the volume limitations set forth in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of Rule 144(e)(1) of the Securities Act, regardless of whether such transfer or such securities are otherwise subject to Rule 144. In addition, pursuant to the second amendment to the Securityholders Agreement, which was entered into concurrent with the consummation of our initial public offering, our management stockholders and certain members of former management are prohibited, for as long as the Aurora Entities collectively beneficially own at least 10% of the Company's outstanding common stock, from transferring any amount of our securities owned by them except at such time and in proportion with the Aurora Entities. In addition, certain of the securityholders party to the Securityholders Agreement have agreed to enter into a "lock-up" agreement upon the request of the underwriters in connection with this offering. Proxy and Voting Arrangements. Each of the Class A securityholders party to the Securityholders Agreement (other than GEPT and, for purposes of clarity, not including Ares, which is referred to as a Class C securityholder in the Securityholders Agreement) has granted an irrevocable proxy to the Aurora Entities with respect to all shares of our common stock and preferred stock owned by such Class A securityholder from time to time. With certain limited exceptions, GEPT has agreed to vote all shares of our common stock and preferred stock held by GEPT from time to time in the same manner as the Aurora Entities vote their shares of our common stock and preferred stock. Shares of our common stock and preferred stock are to be released from the proxy and voting agreement when they are no Registration All securityholders who are Information Rights, Board Observer Rights and Consultation. Subject to certain ownership thresholds, Ares and GEPT have the right to (i) receive certain specified quarterly and annual financial information, and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by our independent certified public accountants and (ii) the right to send one observer to all meetings of our Board of Directors, subject to customary confidentiality restrictions. We have also agreed to consult with representatives of Ares concerning certain material issues, events or transactions, including without limitation the preparation of our annual business plan. Ares is entitled to the foregoing information, board observer and consultation rights if it owns less than 1,425,000 shares of our common stock, but not less than 475,000 shares of our common stock. GEPT is entitled to such rights provided it owns at least 219,688 shares of our common stock. Amendment and Termination. The Securityholders Agreement may be amended at any time pursuant to a written agreement executed by (i) us, (ii) the Aurora Entities (subject to the Aurora Entities and its co-investors owning at least 2,827,271 shares of our common stock), (iii) Ares (subject to Ares and its affiliates owning at least 1,425,000 shares of our common stock), (iv) the holders of a majority in interest of the shares of our common stock and preferred stock who are party to the Securityholders Agreement, voting together as a single class, (v) in the case of an amendment adversely affecting the rights of any particular securityholder party to the Securityholders Agreement, the written agreement of such securityholder and (vi) in the case of an amendment to GEPT's proxy, information rights, board observer rights or liability provision, the written agreement of GEPT. The Securityholders Agreement will terminate on the earlier to occur of (i) June 30, 2014, and (ii) the written approval of (a) us, (b) the Aurora Entities (subject to the Aurora Entities and its co-investors meeting the ownership threshold described above), (c) Ares (subject to Ares and its affiliates meeting the ownership threshold described above), and (d) the holders of a majority in voting interest of our common stock and preferred stock, voting together as a single class (including the Aurora Entities and Ares); provided that in the case of a termination that adversely affects the rights of any particular securityholder party to the Securityholders Agreement, the written agreement of such securityholder is required before such termination will be deemed effective as to such securityholder. Management Services Agreement Since 2004 we have been party to a management services agreement with Aurora Management Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to in this prospectus as AMP, and ACOF Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to in this prospectus as ACOF. AMP is an affiliate of Aurora Capital Group and ACOF is an affiliate of Ares. In order to continue to receive from AMP and ACOF the consultation and advisory services described below, in connection with the consummation of our initial public offering, we amended and restated the management services agreement. Pursuant to this amendment and restatement, we extended the term for which AMP and ACOF will provide such services to us, as described below under "—Termination", and eliminated the annual management fee and transaction fee thereunder in exchange for an aggregate one-time fee of approximately $5.8 million that was paid to AMP and ACOF upon the consummation of our initial public offering, pro rata in accordance with their respective holdings. We also amended the expense reimbursement provisions to include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services provided under the management services agreement as well as SEC and other legally required filings made by each of AMP and ACOF with respect to our securities. The following is a summary description of all the material terms of the management services agreement, both as in effect immediately prior to and after the consummation of our initial public offering. Services. Pursuant to the management services agreement, AMP and ACOF provide us with consultation and advice in fields such as financial services, accounting, general business management, acquisitions, dispositions and banking. Fees and Expenses. In return for such services, prior to our initial public offering, AMP and ACOF received a services fee in an aggregate amount equal to $1.25 million per annum, paid in advance semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each applicable year (each such date being the "payment date"). These fees were divided between AMP and ACOF pro rata in accordance with the respective holdings of shares of our stock by the Aurora Entities (including that of its affiliates and co-investors) and Ares (including that of its affiliates). During each of 2008 and 2009, we paid a services fee of $795,454 and $454,546 to AMP and ACOF, respectively, and for the portion of 2010 for which AMP and ACOF were entitled to the services fee, we paid a services fee of $21,973 and $12,453 to AMP and ACOF, respectively. In addition to the services fee, prior to our initial public offering, AMP and ACOF were entitled to receive a transaction fee, to be divided between AMP and ACOF in accordance with their respective holdings of shares of our common stock on the date of the transaction, equal to 2.0% of the first $75 million of the aggregate of any acquisition or disposition consideration (including debt assumed by a purchaser and current assets retained by a seller) and 1.0% of the aggregate acquisition or disposition consideration (including debt assumed by a purchaser and current assets retained by a seller) in excess of $75 million, with respect to (i) any acquisition, (ii) any sale or disposition of any division of us, (iii) any sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or (iv) any other sale of any of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business. During 2008, 2009, and the portion of 2010 for which this provision was in effect, we did not pay any transaction fees to AMP or ACOF. As discussed above, in connection with our initial public offering, we eliminated the provisions in the management services agreement pursuant to which we were obligated to pay to AMP and ACOF an annual management services fee and a transaction fee. Prior to our initial public offering, the management services agreement required us to reimburse AMP and ACOF for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations under the management services agreement. In connection with our initial public offering, we modified the fee and expense reimbursement provisions to include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services provided under the management services agreement as well as SEC and other legally required filings made by each of AMP and ACOF with respect to our securities. During 2008, 2009 and 2010, pursuant to the expense reimbursement provision, we reimbursed (i) AMP $117,524, $140,908 and $120,052, respectively, and (ii) ACOF $1,886, $2,461 and $2,210, respectively. Those of our directors employed by AMP or ACOF are not entitled to any additional compensation in connection with their provision of services under the management services agreement. Indemnification. The management services agreement also provides that the Company will provide AMP, ACOF and their respective partners, members, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and the stockholders, partners, members, affiliates, directors, officers and employees of any of the foregoing with customary indemnification. Termination. As discussed above, in connection with our initial public offering we extended the term of the management services agreement, which otherwise would have terminated upon the consummation of our initial public offering. In particular, pursuant to this amendment and restatement, we extended the term for which AMP and ACOF will provide the services described above to us until the earlier of (i) the fifth anniversary of the consummation of our initial public offering, (ii) such time as AMP and ACOF, together with their affiliates, collectively own less than 5% of our outstanding common stock and (iii) such time as all parties mutually agree in writing, while eliminating all other termination events (other than termination for cause). Redemption of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock Concurrent with our initial public offering, we redeemed the one share of Series B preferred stock and one share of Series C preferred stock outstanding and held by Aurora Equity Partners II L.P. and Ares, respectively, each at a price of $1,000 per share. Appointment of Directors Pursuant to the terms of our certificate of incorporation in effect prior to the consummation of our initial public offering, the Aurora Entities were entitled to elect four directors to the Board of Directors and Ares was entitled to elect two directors to the Board of Directors. Pursuant to these rights, the Aurora Entities appointed Messrs. Peiffer, Wickham, Marino, and Rosenbaum, and Ares appointed Messrs. Rahemtulla and Serota, to the Board of Directors. Mr. Serota retired from our Board of Directors on October 8, 2010. These appointment rights terminated prior to the consummation of our initial public offering; Messrs. Peiffer, Wickham, Marino, Rosenbaum and Rahemtulla continue to serve as members of the Board of Directors. Net Exercises of Stock Options As more fully described in Part II, Item 15 of the registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part, during 2010 certain of our executive officers and directors satisfied the exercise price of certain stock options that they exercised through a net exercise.
Certain of our executive officers and other affiliates may stand to benefit as a result of this offering. It is anticipated that the Aurora Entities and Ares will sell and �� shares of our common stock, respectively, in this offering, assuming the underwriters' over-allotment option is not exercised. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock, as of the date hereof. This summary deals only with shares of our common stock that are held as capital assets (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not discuss any state, local or foreign tax consequences and does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock by prospective investors in light of their particular circumstances. In particular, except to the extent discussed below, this summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under United States federal income tax laws, such as:
The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), applicable United States Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof. Those authorities are subject to different interpretations and may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. If a partnership holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding shares of our common stock, you should consult your tax advisor as to the particular United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you. If you are considering the purchase of shares of our common stock, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences to you and any consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign or other taxing jurisdiction. Each prospective investor should seek advice based on its particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. For purposes of this summary, a "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of a share of our common stock that is:
or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. Consequences to U.S. Holders The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to a U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock. Dividend Distributions If we make a distribution in respect of our stock, the distribution will be treated as a dividend to the extent it is paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits. If the distribution exceeds current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital reducing the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the U.S. Holder's common stock to the extent of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in that stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain. The Code provides for special treatment of dividends paid to individual taxpayers prior to U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the holding period requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify the dividends-received deduction and the reduced maximum tax rate on dividends. Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of Stock A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on a sale or exchange of our common stock. The U.S. Holder's gain or loss will equal the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the stock. The amount realized by the U.S. Holder will include the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received for the stock. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale or exchange of stock will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held the stock for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are taxed at lower rates than those applicable to ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding When required, we or our paying agent will report to the holders of shares of our common stock and the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") amounts paid on or with respect to our common stock during each calendar year and the amount of tax, if any, withheld from such payments. A U.S. Holder will be subject to backup withholding on dividends paid on our common stock and proceeds from the sale of our common stock at the applicable rate (which is currently 28%) if the U.S. Holder (a) fails to provide us or our paying agent with a correct taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status,
Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply to a Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock (as defined below). The term "Non-U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is not a U.S. Holder. Dividend Distributions Any dividends paid with respect to the shares of our common stock will generally be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with a Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States and, where an applicable tax treaty so provides, are attributable to such Non-U.S. Holder's permanent establishment in the United States, are not subject to the withholding tax, but instead are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be complied with in order for effectively connected income to be exempt from withholding. Any such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty. A Non-U.S. Holder of shares of our common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate is required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, the holder may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for such refund or credit with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of Stock Any gain realized by a Non-U.S. Holder upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless:
disposition. We are not, and do not anticipate that we will become, a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes. An individual Non-U.S. Holder described in the first bullet point above will generally be subject to United States federal income tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates or such lower rate. An individual Non-U.S. Holder described in the second bullet point above will generally be subject to a flat 30% United States federal income tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses. If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty between the United States and its country of residence, any such gain will be subject to United States federal income tax in the manner specified by the treaty and generally will only be subject to such tax if such gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States and the Non-U.S. Holder claims the benefit of the treaty by properly submitting an IRS Form W-8BEN (or suitable successor or substitute form). A Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation and is described in the first bullet point above will be subject to tax on gain under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates and, in addition, may be subject to a branch profits tax at a 30% rate or a lower rate if so specified by an applicable income tax treaty. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding We must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends or other distributions we pay to you on shares of our common stock and the amount of tax we withhold on these distributions. Copies of the information returns reporting such distributions and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. The United States imposes a backup withholding tax on dividends and certain other types of payments to United States persons. A Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding tax on dividends the holder receives on shares of our common stock if the holder provides proper certification (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN) of the holder's status as a non-United States person or other exempt status. Information reporting and backup withholding generally are not required with respect to the amount of any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. However, if a Non-U.S. Holder sells shares of our common stock through a United States broker or the United States office of a foreign broker, the broker will be required to report the amount of proceeds paid to the Non-U.S. Holder to the IRS and also backup withhold on that amount unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides appropriate certification (usually on an IRS Form W-8BEN) to the broker of the holder's status as a non-United States person or other exempt status. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will generally be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is properly furnished to the IRS on a timely basis. New Legislation Relating to Foreign Accounts Newly enacted legislation may impose withholding taxes on certain types of payments made to "foreign financial institutions" and certain other non-U.S. entities after December 31, 2012. The legislation generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock paid to a foreign financial institution unless the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to among other things, undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. In addition, the legislation generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on the same types of payments to a foreign non-financial entity unless the entity certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation. Medicare Contributions Tax Under newly enacted legislation, certain U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates or trusts will be required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of our common stock. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated ,
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares of our common stock in this offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or this offering may be terminated. The underwriters propose to offer the shares of our common stock initially at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus and to selling group members at that price less a selling concession of $ per share. After The following table summarizes the compensation and estimated expenses we and the selling stockholders will pay:
We have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for a period of release of the earnings results or the occurrence of the material news or event, as applicable, unless Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC waives, in writing, such an extension. Our officers, directors, Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.
In connection with this offering the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions, penalty bids and passive market making in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.
shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering and one or more of the underwriters participating in this offering may distribute prospectuses electronically. The representative may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
The distribution of the shares of our common stock in Canada is being made only on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we and the selling stockholders prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of shares of our common stock are made. Any resale of the shares of our common stock in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the shares of our common stock
The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Los Angeles, California. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP regularly serves as counsel to Aurora Capital Group and its affiliates and is also representing Aurora Capital Group as a selling stockholder in connection with this offering. The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Los Angeles, California. The consolidated financial statements of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. at December 31,
We have filed with the We file annual, quarterly and
The
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for the
Investor Relations
our website, which is located at
Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION. The table below lists various expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions,
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), allows a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of directors of a corporation to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached the duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of Delaware corporate law or obtained an improper personal benefit. Section 145 of the DGCL provides for the indemnification of officers, directors and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to indemnify such persons under circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In addition to the indemnification
The Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 will provide for indemnification by the underwriters of us, our directors and officers, and by us of the underwriters, for some liabilities arising under the Securities Act, and affords some rights of contribution with respect thereto. II-1 ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
The sales of the above securities were exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Rule 701
The sales of the above securities were exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section
II-2 exercise price of $600,762.80. The exercise price of the stock options was $4.21 per share. Of the 142,699 stock options exercised, 27,117 were exercised using broker assisted cashless exercises, and the exercise price for the other 115,582 stock options was paid in cash. The sales of the above securities were exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Rule 701 under the Securities Act. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
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(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints James L. Janik and Robert McCormick, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement and filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof. ��Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the following persons have signed this Registration Statement in the capacities and on the date indicated.
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