e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 1-10367
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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71-0675758 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) |
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914 N Jefferson Street
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72765 |
Post Office Box 1237
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(Zip Code) |
Springdale, Arkansas |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(479) 756-7400
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES: þ NO: o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer and
large filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer þ Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of
the latest practicable date. As of August 9, 2007, the number of shares outstanding of the
Registrants Class A common stock, which is the class registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, was 46,270,566 and the number of shares outstanding of the Registrants Class B Common
Stock was 1,465,530.
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Form 10-Q Index
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Balance Sheets
ASSETS
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(unaudited) |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
1,665,125 |
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$ |
2,164,532 |
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Restricted cash |
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1,303,523 |
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787,191 |
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Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $374,894 at June 30, 2007 and December 31,
2006 |
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5,821,042 |
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3,789,302 |
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Other Accounts Receivable |
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619,776 |
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760,970 |
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Inventories |
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16,300,265 |
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14,515,845 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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1,817,866 |
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1,018,657 |
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Deferred tax assets |
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1,182,785 |
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1,163,017 |
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Total current assets |
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28,710,382 |
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24,199,514 |
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Land, buildings and equipment: |
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Land |
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1,988,638 |
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1,988,638 |
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Buildings and leasehold improvements |
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10,048,582 |
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5,979,223 |
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Machinery and equipment |
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50,919,222 |
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39,475,682 |
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Transportation equipment |
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1,175,324 |
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1,243,556 |
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Office equipment |
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1,003,926 |
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801,231 |
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Construction in progress |
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812,615 |
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14,762,153 |
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65,948,307 |
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64,250,483 |
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Less accumulated depreciation |
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28,742,492 |
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26,728,540 |
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Net land, buildings, and equipment |
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37,205,815 |
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37,521,943 |
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Other assets: |
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Deferred tax asset |
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5,604,420 |
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4,293,912 |
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Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $921,236 at June 30, 2007 and
$790,532 at December 31, 2006 |
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2,683,686 |
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2,814,390 |
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Debt service reserve fund |
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2,040,000 |
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2,040,000 |
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Restricted
certificate of deposit |
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850,405 |
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829,961 |
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Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $407,023 at June 30, 2007 and
$392,736 at December 31, 2006 |
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388,149 |
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350,246 |
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Total other assets |
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11,566,660 |
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10,328,509 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
77,482,857 |
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$ |
72,049,966 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Balance Sheets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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(unaudited) |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable trade |
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$ |
10,277,651 |
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$ |
10,861,648 |
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Accounts payable related parties |
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506,622 |
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494,831 |
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Current maturities of long-term debt |
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1,669,731 |
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1,673,612 |
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Litigation loss payable |
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655,769 |
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655,769 |
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Other accrued liabilities |
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2,437,726 |
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2,509,603 |
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Working capital line of credit |
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11,459,698 |
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10,060,000 |
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Notes payable related parties |
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1,000,000 |
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Notes payable other |
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1,337,581 |
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410,181 |
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Total current liabilities |
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28,344,778 |
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27,665,644 |
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Long-term debt, less current maturities |
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21,436,201 |
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16,827,717 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 75,000,000
shares authorized; 46,270,566 and 43,041,164
shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2007
and December 31, 2006, respectively |
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462,706 |
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|
430,412 |
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Class B convertible common stock, $.01 par
value; 7,500,000 shares authorized, 1,465,530
shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2007
and December 31, 2006 |
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14,655 |
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14,655 |
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Warrants outstanding; 2,834,340 at June 30, 2007
and 4,606,132 at December 31, 2006 |
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1,377,330 |
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2,519,389 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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40,701,890 |
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37,891,274 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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|
(14,854,703 |
) |
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|
(13,299,125 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity |
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27,701,878 |
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|
27,556,605 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
77,482,857 |
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$ |
72,049,966 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
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Three months ended June 30, |
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Six months ended June 30, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
25,342,796 |
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$ |
28,105,770 |
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$ |
47,709,836 |
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$ |
55,771,019 |
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Cost of goods sold |
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21,352,994 |
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19,625,232 |
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40,881,582 |
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41,336,165 |
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Gross margin |
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3,989,802 |
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8,480,538 |
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6,828,254 |
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14,434,854 |
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Selling and administrative costs |
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4,044,282 |
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4,836,881 |
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|
7,920,754 |
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|
9,056,124 |
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Operating income (loss) |
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(54,480 |
) |
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3,643,657 |
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|
(1,092,500 |
) |
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5,378,730 |
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Net interest expense |
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|
(958,894 |
) |
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|
(757,852 |
) |
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|
(1,793,355 |
) |
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(1,330,382 |
) |
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Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(1,013,374 |
) |
|
|
2,885,805 |
|
|
|
(2,885,855 |
) |
|
|
4,048,348 |
|
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
|
(629,455 |
) |
|
|
1,162,708 |
|
|
|
(1,330,277 |
) |
|
|
1,419,309 |
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
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|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(383,919 |
) |
|
$ |
1,723,097 |
|
|
$ |
(1,555,578 |
) |
|
$ |
2,629,039 |
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
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Income (loss) per share of common stock (Basic) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Income (loss) per share of common stock
(Diluted) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding (Basic) |
|
|
47,329,295 |
|
|
|
40,678,164 |
|
|
|
46,294,901 |
|
|
|
40,054,317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding (Diluted) |
|
|
47,329,295 |
|
|
|
45,384,891 |
|
|
|
46,294,901 |
|
|
|
44,375,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
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2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(1,555,578 |
) |
|
$ |
2,629,039 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
2,219,614 |
|
|
|
2,034,363 |
|
Provision for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,185 |
|
Deferred tax provision (benefit) |
|
|
(1,330,277 |
) |
|
|
1,112,309 |
|
(Increase) decrease in other assets |
|
|
58,070 |
|
|
|
(654,113 |
) |
Increase in cash restricted for letter of credit and interest costs |
|
|
(57,670 |
) |
|
|
(311,647 |
) |
Changes in current assets and current liabilities |
|
|
(4,065,686 |
) |
|
|
(4,818,664 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(4,731,527 |
) |
|
|
152,472 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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|
|
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Purchase of certificate of deposit |
|
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|
|
|
|
(1,000,000 |
) |
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment |
|
|
(1,272,268 |
) |
|
|
(4,192,667 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(1,272,268 |
) |
|
|
(5,192,667 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net borrowings on line of credit |
|
|
1,399,698 |
|
|
|
6,600,000 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of notes |
|
|
5,750,000 |
|
|
|
2,503,225 |
|
Payments on notes |
|
|
(2,696,123 |
) |
|
|
(3,859,961 |
) |
Increase in cash restricted for payment of long-term debt |
|
|
(458,662 |
) |
|
|
(260,896 |
) |
Decrease in outstanding advances on factored receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,450,788 |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants, net |
|
|
1,509,475 |
|
|
|
3,637,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
5,504,388 |
|
|
|
6,168,744 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(499,407 |
) |
|
|
1,128,549 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
|
|
2,164,532 |
|
|
|
1,748,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
|
$ |
1,665,125 |
|
|
$ |
2,876,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Note 1: Unaudited Information
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (the Company or AERT) has prepared the
financial statements included herein without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, all adjustments have been made to the
accompanying financial statements which are, in the opinion of the Companys management, of a
normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the Companys operating results.
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period
presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although
the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not
misleading. It is recommended that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Companys latest annual report on Form
10-K.
Note 2: Description of the Company
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (AERT) develops, manufactures, and markets
composite building materials that are used in place of traditional wood or plastic products for
exterior applications in building and remodeling homes and for certain other industrial or
commercial building purposes. Our products are made primarily from approximately equal amounts of
waste wood fiber and reclaimed polyethylene plastics, which have been extensively tested, and are
sold by leading national companies such as the Weyerhaeuser Company (Weyerhaeuser), Lowes
Companies, Inc. (Lowes) and Therma-Tru Corporation. Our customers are primarily regional and
national door and window manufacturers, Weyerhaeuser, our primary decking customer, and various
building product distributors. Our composite building materials are marketed as a substitute for
wood and plastic filler materials for standard door components, windowsills, brick mould, fascia
board, and decking under the trade names LifeCycle®, MoistureShield®,
MoistureShield® CornerLoc, Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek® Classic,
Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek® Plus,Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek® Premium,
ChoiceDek® Classic Colors, ChoiceDek® Premium Colors and
MoistureShield® outdoor decking. We operate manufacturing and recycling facilities in
Springdale, Lowell, and Tontitown, Arkansas; Junction, Texas and Alexandria, Louisiana. We also
operate a warehouse and reload complex in Lowell, Arkansas.
Note 3: Statements of Cash Flows
In order to determine net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net income has been
adjusted by, among other things, changes in current assets and current liabilities, excluding
changes in cash, current maturities of long-term debt and current notes payable.
Those changes, shown as an (increase) decrease in current assets and an increase (decrease) in
current liabilities, are as follows for the six months ended June 30:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Receivables |
|
$ |
(1,890,546 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,812,633 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
(1,784,421 |
) |
|
|
(2,571,576 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
677,820 |
|
|
|
402,044 |
|
Accounts payable trade and related parties |
|
|
(996,662 |
) |
|
|
(887,878 |
) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
(71,877 |
) |
|
|
1,051,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(4,065,686 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,818,664 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
1,574,345 |
|
|
$ |
1,568,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
102,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
(unaudited) |
Notes payable for financing of insurance policies
|
|
$ |
1,477,027 |
|
|
$ |
1,513,539 |
|
Accounts / notes payable for equipment
|
|
|
425,556 |
|
|
|
3,365,122 |
|
Accrued premium on preferred stock paid with Class A common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
235,367 |
|
7
Note 4: Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition Policy
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104,
Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (SAB 104). Under SAB 104, revenue is recognized when
the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an
arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is determinable
and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company typically recognizes revenue at the time
product is shipped or when segregated and billed under a bill and hold arrangement. Sales are
recorded net of discounts, rebates, and returns, which were $593,929 and $894,252 for the quarters
ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $1,248,165 and $1,462,233 for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Estimates of expected sales discounts are calculated by applying the appropriate sales
discount rate to all unpaid invoices that are eligible for the discount. The Companys sales
prices are determinable given that the Companys sales discount rates are fixed and given the
predictability with which customers take sales discounts.
Shipping and Handling
In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and
Handling Fees and Costs, the
Company records shipping fees billed to customers in net sales and records the related expenses in
cost of goods sold.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Inventories consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
Parts and supplies |
|
$ |
2,243,604 |
|
|
$ |
2,007,535 |
|
Raw materials |
|
|
6,363,743 |
|
|
|
5,072,734 |
|
Work in process |
|
|
4,012,720 |
|
|
|
3,928,442 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
3,680,198 |
|
|
|
3,507,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
16,300,265 |
|
|
$ |
14,515,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration Risk
The Companys revenues are derived principally from a number of regional and national door and
window manufacturers, regional building materials dealers and Weyerhaeuser, the Companys primary
decking customer. The Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. The Companys
concentration in the building materials industry has the potential to impact its exposure to credit
risk because changes in economic or other conditions in the construction industry may similarly
affect the customers. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2007, Weyerhaeuser was the
only customer from which the Company derived more than 10% of its revenue. Gross sales to
Weyerhaeuser comprised approximately 78% and 81% of total gross sales for the quarters ended June
30, 2007and 2006, respectively; and approximately 77% and 81% of total gross sales for the six
months ended June 30, 2007and 2006, respectively.
Research and Development
Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant
improvements to existing products, are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
8
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS
123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. This statement requires a
public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions) and requires
that cost to be recognized in the financial statements. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which includes interpretations that
express views of the SEC staff regarding the interaction between SFAS 123R and certain SEC rules
and regulations and provide the staffs views regarding the valuation of share-based payment
arrangements for public companies. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement effective
January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective method of transition provided in SFAS 123R. Under
modified prospective application, this statement applies to new awards and to awards modified,
repurchased, or cancelled after the effective date. Compensation cost for the unvested portion of
awards at the effective date is to be recognized as the awards vest. The grant-date fair value of
those awards is to be used to calculate compensation cost under SFAS 123R. The adoption of SFAS
123R did not have a material effect on the Companys financial statements and related disclosures.
In 2005, the Company modified its employee/director equity compensation policies to generally
provide restricted stock awards rather than stock options. Restricted stock awards are expensed as
earned as a portion of compensation costs.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48).
This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an
enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes. FIN 48 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. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted the provisions of
this interpretation effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material
effect on the Companys financial statements and related disclosures.
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The issuance of this standard is
meant to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of
SFAS 157 to have a material effect on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
(SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain
other items at fair value, and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to
facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar
types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November
15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 159 to have a material effect on its
financial statements and related disclosures.
Note 5: Related Party Transactions
In the
second quarter of 2007, the Company purchased approximately $894,000 of certain of its
raw materials through Brooks Investment Company, which is controlled by Marjorie S. Brooks.
Additionally, the Company was charged interest costs by Brooks Investment Company of approximately
$6,000 related to those purchases.
Mrs.
Brooks is paid a credit enhancement fee for providing a personal
guarantee on the balance outstanding on the Companys
$15 million bank line of credit (see Note 8: Debt). The fee
is equal to the difference between the Companys borrowing rate
on its most recent unsecured fixed rate loan and the borrowing rate
on the line of credit, multiplied by the outstanding balance of the
line of credit. This fee is intended to also compensate
Mrs. Brooks for her $4 million personal guarantee on the
Companys industrial revenue bonds. For the three and six months
ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded fees of $68,284 and
$132,681, respectively, related to this arrangement. For the three
and six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company recorded fees of
$99,000 related to this arrangement.
Note 6: Income Taxes
The Company had no current income tax provisions for the quarter or six months ended June 30,
2007 due to its net losses for those periods. The effective income tax rates for the quarter and
six months ended June 30, 2007 were 62% and 46%, respectively. The effective income tax rates for
the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2006 were 40% and 35%, respectively. The effective tax
rates for 2007 differ from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 34% due primarily to
permanent differences related to the exercise of stock options and to
a lesser degree state income taxes.
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 (see Note 4: Significant Accounting Policies -
Recent Accounting Pronouncements) on January 1, 2007. The only periods under audit for our federal
returns are our fiscal year 2005 and fourth quarter 2005 tax periods. Based upon a review of its
income tax filing positions, the Company believes that its positions would be sustained upon an
audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its
financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded
pursuant to FIN 48. At January 1, 2007, we had no unrecognized tax
9
benefits. In addition, we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the
adoption of FIN 48. The Company recognizes interest related to income taxes as interest expense
and penalties as operating expenses.
Note 7: Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates and discloses earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share (SFAS 128). SFAS 128 requires dual
presentation of Basic and Diluted EPS on the face of the statements of operations and requires a
reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the Basic EPS computation to the numerator and
denominator of the Diluted EPS computation. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock
or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.
In computing Diluted EPS, only potential common shares that are dilutivethose that reduce
earnings per share or increase loss per shareare included. Exercise of options and warrants or
conversion of convertible securities is not assumed if the result would be antidilutive, such as
when a loss from continuing operations is reported. The control number for determining whether
including potential common shares in the diluted EPS computation would be antidilutive is income
from continuing operations. As a result, if there were a loss from continuing operations, Diluted
EPS would be computed in the same manner as Basic EPS is computed, even if an entity has net income
after adjusting for discontinued operations, an extraordinary item or the cumulative effect of an
accounting change. Therefore, basic and diluted EPS are calculated in the same manner for the
quarter and six months ended June 30, 2007, as there were losses from continuing operations for
those periods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30 |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock (A) |
|
$ |
(383,919 |
) |
|
$ |
1,723,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed exercise of stock options and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,121,595 |
|
Application of assumed proceeds toward repurchase of stock at
average market price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,414,868 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,706,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
47,329,295 |
|
|
|
40,678,164 |
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,706,727 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted shares outstanding (B) |
|
|
47,329,295 |
|
|
|
45,384,891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per common share Diluted (A) divided by (B) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable options |
|
|
1,529,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable warrants |
|
|
2,834,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30: |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock (A) |
|
$ |
(1,555,578 |
) |
|
$ |
2,629,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed exercise of stock options and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,925,326 |
|
Application of assumed proceeds toward repurchase of stock at
average market price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,603,693 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,321,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
46,294,901 |
|
|
|
40,054,317 |
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,321,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted shares outstanding (B) |
|
|
46,294,901 |
|
|
|
44,375,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per common share Diluted (A) divided by (B) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable options |
|
|
1,529,000 |
|
|
|
325,000 |
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable warrants |
|
|
2,834,340 |
|
|
|
1,021,269 |
|
The Company has additional options and warrants that were not included in the calculation of
diluted earnings per share for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 as
indicated in the tables above. Those options and warrants were antidilutive and/or not exercisable
at June 30, 2007 and 2006. Although the above financial instruments were not included due to being
10
antidilutive and/or not exercisable, such financial instruments may become dilutive and would then
need to be included in future calculations of Diluted EPS.
Note 8: Debt
In June 2007, the Company renewed its $15.0 million bank line of credit. The line is a
revolving credit facility maturing September 16, 2007, secured by the Companys inventory, accounts
receivable, chattel paper, general intangibles and other current assets, as well as by fixtures and
equipment, and is provided by Liberty Bank of Arkansas at a variable interest rate of prime plus
one hundred basis points, which was 9.25% at June 30, 2007. As
discussed in Note 5: Related Party Transactions, the full amount of the line is
guaranteed as to payment by our largest stockholder, Marjorie S.
Brooks. When the line of
credit matures, the Company intends to seek a line of credit that does not require a personal
guarantee. Approximately $3.5 million was available to borrow on the line of credit at
June 30, 2007.
On June 8, 2007, the Company satisfied certain closing conditions and obtained funding under a
$5.0 million note payable to Allstate Insurance Company dated May 31, 2007. The note bears
interest at a rate of 10% per annum, payable at maturity on October 1, 2008, and is subordinated to
approximately $12.1 million of senior indebtedness under 2003 bond obligations and under 2003 debt
obligations to Allstate. The note is secured on a subordinated basis by mortgages and deeds of
trust on certain real estate owned by the Company in Springdale and Lowell, Arkansas and in
Junction, Texas.
Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies
Lloyds of London
On July 31, 2007, the Company and certain underwriters at Lloyds, London agreed to the terms
of a settlement resolving litigation that arose in early 2005 concerning losses related to a fire
in 2003. Under the settlement, Lloyds agreed to pay the Company $700,000 and the parties provided
mutual releases to one another.
Advanced Control Solutions
On March 3, 2006, a Benton County Circuit Court jury found AERT liable for $655,769 in damages
to Advanced Control Solutions (ACS) for future business opportunities that ACS alleges it lost
when AERT discontinued using ACS programming and electrical contractor services and for missing
equipment. The jury found that AERT also interfered with certain non-compete provisions of an
employment agreement between ACS and an employee by hiring the employee after he had been
terminated by ACS in December 2003. The jury also awarded AERT judgment against ACS for
approximately $45,000 for ACSs failure to complete a programming contract. AERT has begun the
appeal process at the Arkansas Supreme Court of Appeals, which we expect to take up to two years to
resolve.
Other Matters
AERT is involved in other litigation arising from the normal course of business. In
managements opinion, this litigation is not expected to materially impact the Companys results of
operations or financial condition.
Lease Commitment
In February 2006, AERT entered into an operating lease contract whereby it has agreed to lease
up to $3 million of equipment for seven years. In July 2006 the amount of the lease line was
increased to $6 million. Lease payments are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2007. Until
that time, interim interest payments are being made on the amount of equipment subject to the lease
that has been purchased by the leasing company, which totaled approximately $5.4 million at June
30, 2007.
In January 2007, AERT entered into a lease contract whereby it will lease a computer system
and associated equipment in the approximate amount of $1 million. Until lease payments begin,
interim interest payments will be made on the amounts paid by the
leasing company, which totaled approximately $474,000 at
June 30, 2007.
11
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
The first two months of the quarter ended June 30, 2007 were negatively impacted by cold and
rainy weather conditions and slow sales as our largest customer rebalanced
its inventory of our
product following the slowdown in the building materials industry that
began last fall. We also launched several new decking products, and started up a new
extrusion line during the quarter with less than desired efficiencies. Additionally, we lost some
sales opportunities early in the quarter because of delays starting up our new Springdale South
factory. June sales, however, rebounded and set an all-time monthly sales record for the Company
despite continuing weak conditions in the building materials industry. Low overhead absorption in
the first two months of the quarter, manufacturing inefficiencies related to our expanded product
offerings, and startup costs for our newest extrusion facility combined to generate a loss for the
period.
Second Quarter 2007 Operations
Sales
End user purchases of AERT decking products are meeting or exceeding last years sales.
MoistureShield sales have almost doubled compared to the same period a year ago, despite a very
conservative market in which many lumber dealers are keeping inventories of building materials low.
The abrupt slowdown in the new home construction and building materials markets, however, left
Weyerhaeuser our biggest customer with more ChoiceDek inventory of our existing products than
needed, which limited our sales in the first two months of the quarter. In the third month of the
quarter sales rebounded as end user sales were stronger than anticipated and store inventories
dropped below target levels. We believe that over the course of this year, assuming no further
deterioration in the building materials industry, our sales of Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek will resume
healthy growth based upon broader in-store selections combined with the introduction of new
products.
Our marketing initiative to expand sales of MoistureShield decking through professional
builder supply channels is proving successful and MoistureShield sales are running far ahead of
second quarter 2006. We look for continued growth of this product line, which serves a market that
is far larger than the do-it-yourself home improvement segment professional contractors and deck
builders. We also believe a shakeout will continue with additional competitors closing down or
consolidating.
Sales of
our OEM parts like door rails and window sills were down
significantly (41%) from the
second quarter last year because of the slowdown in new home construction. We are uncertain when
and at what pace this business segment will recover.
We will continue to focus on expanding and improving our green building products, which can be
certified under the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program. AERT
launched into 2007 with an aggressive customer service campaign focused on the quality and value of
our products, their positive, unmatched field histories, and the fact that AERT is truly a Green
Building Company. The LEED® Green Building System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council is
the national benchmark for high performance green buildings. The LEED® for homes standard
specifies environmentally preferable products, such as landscape decking made with a minimum of 25%
post consumer recycled content. AERT is one of the few companies that manufacture decking products
that meet or exceed the LEED® standards. Developers and builders can earn points and have their
projects certified under the LEED® standards by making them more energy efficient and choosing
building materials that are environmentally responsible. As a member of the United States Green
Building Council, AERT proudly supports the sustainable green building practices promoted by LEED®.
In fact, conservation, recycling and better resource management has
been a focus of AERTs
culture since inception.
Margins
Our gross, operating, and net margins fell in Q2 2007 versus Q2 2006. Slower sales left us
with some under-used manufacturing and administrative capacity, which increased overhead costs
relative to sales and reduced profit margins. In addition, we significantly tightened quality
control specifications and improved the quality of our decking products as compared to the same
period a year ago. This strategic initiative is intended to take our recycled green building
products to equal or better quality than their virgin resin competitors in the decking market. We
also experienced manufacturing inefficiencies as we started up our new plant (Springdale South),
and as we learned how to manufacture many more products to tighter standards than we produced in
the second quarter last year, some of which use expensive additives to control color and
aesthetics. We believe we have identified the sources of inefficiency and are taking steps to
increase our productivity while maintaining quality.
Current Business Environment
As the composite decking business continues to evolve, here are the factors we believe will
drive AERTs business over the next year.
Sales and Innovation
As manufacturing technology and aesthetics of composite decking improve, market trends are
also shifting. Consumers are
12
demanding more variety and selection compared to prior periods as demand for multi-color decks
appears to be increasing. Also, the evolution toward a more natural wood look appears to be
increasing on the higher end of the market, while decreasing wood prices have widened the price
differential on the lower end. Our MoistureShield decking line has been upgraded and reintroduced
to address these trends in the market.
We are also introducing a smaller profile deck board this year with two color selections,
under the BasicsTM brand, targeted to a wood upgrade segment for light residential
construction. We believe this will allow us to broaden our customer base and appeal to a wider
market segment than in prior periods.
The MoistureShield decking introduction is targeted toward the commercial contractor
lumberyard, which provides service to large repeat customers. Most of these large customers are
regularly purchasing, or have been exposed to, competing brands of composite decking. On this
higher end segment, we believe success will require converting customers away from competing
products to our brands such as MoistureShield. Thus, a significant marketing effort was initiated
during the fourth quarter of 2006, and will continue throughout 2007. The marketing program is
focused on green building and converting high volume customers to our products.
With difficult conditions facing the decking market, AERT is differentiating its products
through a combination of low price point, quality, and outstanding customer service. We believe we
are in a favorable position to increase market share, but maintaining our low cost model could
restrict our ability to grow profit margins over the next year.
We have invested significantly in plastic recycling infrastructure over the last several
years, which is also a strategic initiative designed to help insulate our raw materials purchasing
from wide price swings associated with the petrochemical markets. As technology has improved so
has the aesthetics of our products, which are overwhelmingly comprised of recycled materials.
Green building is an ever increasing trend and we intend to capitalize on that trend with a new
slogan: AERT Forest of the Future.
The composite decking business is continuously evolving. The technology used to manufacture
wood/plastic boards has advanced significantly over the last four years and many contemporary
products have much improved aesthetics. Going forward, it will be important for AERT to continue
to innovate and keep in close touch with consumer trends and focus on regional market trends.
Since 2001, Lowes Home Improvement stores have carried our Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek products
exclusively in the composite decking category. During 2007, we have introduced a second color
selection into the ChoiceDek set in the Lowes home improvement warehouses. In addition, 150 new
stores will be opened by Lowes in 2007, which will also carry Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek. A fifth
color and two new tropical hardwood products are also available in ChoiceDek for Lowes. Lowes
started carrying another, though higher priced, decking brand beginning this year, which could
limit the strong growth that ChoiceDek has enjoyed the last three years, although we have not seen
a negative impact on our sales so far. Lowes is broadening the decking category and adding more
accessories as it attempts to broaden its customer base. We will continue to work toward more
colors (broader selection) combined with innovation and new products
with Lowes, who is offering turnkey installation services for
decks through its stores in certain locations.
Costs
Our materials cost is higher compared to prior years as we have begun using expensive
additives and additional equipment designed to increase color and improve aesthetics on decking
boards, both of which are increasingly demanded by customers. As our volume grows, we believe we
will be able to purchase and use these additives on more favorable terms, or possibly produce some
of them in-house.
The slowdown in the building products industry has dealt a harsh blow to cabinet and hardwood
flooring manufacturers, from whom we acquire scrap wood fiber. The use of wood pellets as an
alternative fuel source has also grown in the last few years. These two forces are acting to raise
the cost of our wood raw materials, and we are looking at alternative sources of wood fiber.
Now that Springdale South has successfully started up, we will be depreciating our investment
in that facility, which will add approximately $1.9 million to our annual manufacturing costs
versus 2006.
Over the last six months we have developed and installed a new system to blend the various
polyethylene films that we recycle in order to deliver a homogenous feedstock to our extrusion
plants. This blending system became operational late in the second quarter and we expect it to
have a positive impact on throughput and yields at our extrusion plants. We also continue to
upgrade the equipment at our Lowell plastic recycling facility in order to increase throughput,
lower operating costs, and maximize the return on our investment. This should also have a positive
effect on our cost structure.
Longer Term Factors Driving Our Business
13
AERTs
core competency is extracting value from Americas waste stream. As the market matures
for our current slate of products made from recycled plastics, AERT will pursue new products and
new markets. Given the many commercial uses of polyethylene, we believe that AERT has abundant
growth opportunities. The Company has recently filed a new patent application relating to our
advanced plastic recycling technologies, which we expect to result in
the issuance of several patents. Additionally, we expect to file more applications over the next
year.
Because of competition from overseas, prevailing prices of easy to access recyclable
plastics have risen to the point that we must increase our efficiencies and find new, lower cost
sources of raw materials. Initial permitting for the new Oklahoma recycling facility has been
cleared and we are now in the financing process. The new facility is designed to allow us to use
the less desirable, but low cost, forms of waste polyethylene and additional sources of waste wood
fiber, which will ensure our ability to regain a competitive advantage and maintain a low cost
structure. The initial phase of the Oklahoma project is currently estimated to cost $15 million
and take one year to build.
While the startup of the first line at the Springdale South plant suffered from construction
delays and engineering challenges, the installation of the next three lines will be relatively
fast, as most of the infrastructure is in place for four lines, and we should be able to increase
production capacity relatively quickly as demand picks up or new markets are opened.
As the decking
market matures, some of our competitors with high cost processes,
which include the use of virgin plastics and/or less efficient
equipment, are falling by
the wayside. We are analyzing and monitoring the market dynamics and moving into markets where our
competitors are failing. We are also positioning and improving our recycled green building
products to go head to head on quality with virgin resin based products.
Management Focus for 2007 and 2008
As we
endeavor to (1) increase sales, (2) increase gross margin, (3) lower overhead costs, and
(4) reduce debt, management focus over the next twelve months is as follows:
|
|
|
Introduce three new ChoiceDek products and stock a minimum of two colors in all stores. |
|
|
|
|
Introduce our expanded MoistureShield decking product line into nationwide distribution
by the end of the first quarter of 2008. |
|
|
|
|
Introduce LifeCycle Basics deck board. |
|
|
|
|
Launch fencing product. |
|
|
|
|
Decrease operating costs relative to revenue: |
|
o |
|
Complete modifications to our plastic reclamation and blending processes
to increase throughput and increase yield at extrusion factories |
|
|
o |
|
Increase our ability to use more low cost raw materials |
|
|
o |
|
Increase focus on manufacturing efficiencies |
|
|
o |
|
More aggressive raw materials purchasing strategies |
|
|
o |
|
Improve training and associate development |
|
|
o |
|
Increase automation to improve yield and lower labor costs |
|
|
o |
|
Streamline logistics and manufacturing operations |
|
|
o |
|
Install new enterprise resource planning system to improve management information and decision making |
|
|
|
Reduce leverage and strengthen the balance sheet. |
We believe the selected sales data, the percentage relationship between net sales and major
categories in the statements of operations and the percentage change in the dollar amounts of each
of the items presented below is important in evaluating the performance of our business operations.
We operate in one business segment and believe the information presented in our Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations provides an understanding
of our business segment, our financial condition and our operations.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations.
Quarterly Comparison
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30: |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
25,342,796 |
|
|
|
-9.8 |
% |
|
$ |
28,105,770 |
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
21,352,994 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
% |
|
|
19,625,232 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
84.3 |
% |
|
|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
69.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
|
3,989,802 |
|
|
|
-53.0 |
% |
|
|
8,480,538 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
15.7 |
% |
|
|
-14.5 |
% |
|
|
30.2 |
% |
Selling and administrative costs |
|
|
4,044,282 |
|
|
|
-16.4 |
% |
|
|
4,836,881 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
16.0 |
% |
|
|
-1.2 |
% |
|
|
17.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(54,480 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
3,643,657 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-0.2 |
% |
|
|
-13.2 |
% |
|
|
13.0 |
% |
Net interest expense |
|
|
(958,894 |
) |
|
|
26.5 |
% |
|
|
(757,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(1,013,374 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
2,885,805 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-4.0 |
% |
|
|
-14.3 |
% |
|
|
10.3 |
% |
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
|
(629,455 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
1,162,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock |
|
|
(383,919 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
1,723,097 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-1.5 |
% |
|
|
-7.6 |
% |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Not meaningful as a percentage change. |
Net Sales
Net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2007 were 9.8% less than the second quarter
2006. MoistureShield decking sales were up 75% in second quarter 2007 compared to second quarter
2006 as a result of our aggressive plans to diversify our customer base, but ChoiceDek decking
sales were lower by 15.6% versus second quarter 2006. ChoiceDek sales still constitute the largest share of
total decking sales, however, so overall decking sales were down 7.5% versus second quarter 2006.
OEM sales were down about 41% compared to second quarter 2006 due to the slowdown in new home
construction.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin
Cost of goods sold, as a percent of sales, increased to 84.3% for the quarter ended June 30,
2007 from 69.8% for the second quarter 2006. Labor and overhead costs were up as we staffed up to
run Springdale South, which increased these costs as a percent of sales versus second quarter 2006.
Raw material costs were 39% of second quarter sales, up from 32.2% in the second quarter 2006, due
to the increased use of colorants and additives and increased use of higher grades of polyethylene.
Inefficiencies in starting up Springdale South and in introducing the new Exotic products
negatively impacted factory throughput and yields during the 2007 second quarter. We have also
tightened product specifications versus second quarter 2006, which has caused a higher incidence of
reject product and lower manufacturing yields.
As a result of the above, gross profit margin decreased to 15.7% for second quarter 2007 from
30.2 % in the comparable period of 2006.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative costs were lower in the second quarter 2007 versus second quarter
2006 both in dollar and percentage of sales terms. This was due to managements efforts to control
overhead costs in the uncertain business environment. SG&A was 16.0% of second quarter 2007 sales,
down from 17.2% in the second quarter 2006. The categories of salaries and benefits, advertising
and promotion, professional fees, commissions, and travel and entertainment together made up 74% of
total selling and administrative expenses in the second quarter 2007. Salaries and advertising and
promotion expenditures were each down significantly in second quarter 2007 versus second quarter
2006.
Net Income
We incurred a loss before taxes of $1.01 million in the second quarter 2007 compared to
pre-tax income of $2.89 million in the second quarter 2006. Our net loss for the second quarter
2007 was $383,919 compared to net income for the second quarter 2006 of approximately $1.72
million.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations.
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30: |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|
2006 |
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
47,709,836 |
|
|
|
-14.5 |
% |
|
$ |
55,771,019 |
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
40,881,582 |
|
|
|
-1.1 |
% |
|
|
41,336,165 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
85.7 |
% |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
|
|
74.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
|
6,828,254 |
|
|
|
-52.7 |
% |
|
|
14,434,854 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
14.3 |
% |
|
|
-11.6 |
% |
|
|
25.9 |
% |
Selling and administrative costs |
|
|
7,920,754 |
|
|
|
-12.5 |
% |
|
|
9,056,124 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
16.6 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
16.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
(1,092,500 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5,378,730 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-2.3 |
% |
|
|
-11.9 |
% |
|
|
9.6 |
% |
Net interest expense |
|
|
(1,793,355 |
) |
|
|
34.8 |
% |
|
|
(1,330,382 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(2,885,855 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
4,048,348 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-6.0 |
% |
|
|
-13.3 |
% |
|
|
7.3 |
% |
Income tax provision |
|
|
(1,330,277 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
1,419,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
(loss) applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(1,555,578 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
2,629,039 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
-3.3 |
% |
|
|
-8.0 |
% |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Not meaningful as a percentage change. |
Net Sales
Net sales for the first half ended June 30, 2007 were 14.5% less than the first half 2006.
MoistureShield decking sales were up 99% in first half 2007 compared to first half 2006 as a result
of our aggressive plans to diversify our customer base, but ChoiceDek decking sales were lower
by 21.8% versus first half 2006. ChoiceDek sales still constitute the largest share of total decking sales,
however, so overall decking sales were down 10.8% versus first half 2006. OEM sales were down
about 47% compared to first half 2006 due to the slowdown in new home construction.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin
Cost of goods sold, as a percent of sales, increased to 85.7% for the first half ended June
30, 2007 from 74.1% for the first half 2006. Labor and overhead costs were up as we staffed up to
run Springdale South, which increased these costs as a percent of sales versus first half 2006.
Raw material costs were 37.3% of first half sales, up from 34.5% in the first half 2006, due to the
increased use of colorants and additives and increased use of virgin polyethylene.
As a result of the above, gross profit margin decreased to 14.3% for first half 2007 from 25.9
% in the comparable period of 2006.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative costs were lower in the first half 2007 versus first half 2006 in
dollar terms and slightly higher in percentage of sales terms. This was due to managements
efforts to control overhead costs in the uncertain business environment. SG&A was 16.6% of first
half 2007 sales, up from 16.2% in the first half 2006. The categories of salaries and benefits,
advertising and promotion, professional fees, travel and entertainment, and commissions together
made up 76.3% of total selling and administrative expenses in the first half 2007. Salaries and
travel expenditures were each down significantly in first half 2007 versus first half 2006. We
also had factoring costs in the first half of 2006, which we did not have in 2007.
Net Income
We incurred a loss from operations of $1.1 million in the first half 2007 compared to an
operating profit of $5.4 million in the first half 2006. Our net loss for the first half 2007 was
$1.6 million compared to net income for the second half 2006 of approximately $2.6 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At June 30, 2007, we had a working capital surplus of $365,604 compared to a working capital
deficit of $3,466,130 at December 31, 2006. We moved from a deficit position to a surplus position
due primarily to a $5 million financing from Allstate investments in June 2007. Loan proceeds were
used to reduce accounts payable and pay down our working capital line of credit, among other uses.
The loan matures on October 1, 2008, and bears interest at 10%. It is expected that the loan will
be repaid with the proceeds of a comprehensive refinancing, which could also provide funding for
our Watts, Oklahoma project discussed below.
16
Unrestricted
cash decreased $499,407 to $1,665,125 at June 30, 2007 from December 31, 2006.
Significant components of that decrease were: (i) cash used in operating activities of
approximately $4,731,527, which consisted of the net loss for the period of $1,555,578 increased by
depreciation and amortization of $2,219,614 and decreased by other uses of cash of approximately
$5,395,563; (ii) cash used in investing activities of $1,272,268; and (iii) cash provided by
financing activities of approximately $5,504,388. Payments on notes
during the period were approximately $2.7
million, including $1,000,000 to Brooks Investment Company, a related party. Proceeds from the
issuances of notes amounted to $5,750,000, $5 million of which was a loan from Allstate Investments
and $750,000 of which was a loan from Brooks Investment Company that
had been repaid by June 30, 2007. Net borrowings
on our line of credit were approximately $1.4 million during the first six months of 2007. At June
30, 2007, we had bonds and notes payable in the amount of $35.9 million, of which $14.5 million was
current notes payable and the current portion of long-term debt.
In June 2007, the Company renewed its $15.0 million bank line of credit. The line is a
revolving credit facility maturing September 16, 2007, secured by the Companys inventory, accounts
receivable, chattel paper, general intangibles and other current assets, as well as by fixtures and
equipment, and is provided by Liberty Bank of Arkansas at a variable interest rate of prime plus
one hundred basis points, which was 9.25% at June 30, 2007. The full amount of the line is
guaranteed as to payment by our largest stockholder, Marjorie S. Brooks, who also guarantees $4
million on our 2003 industrial development bond owned by Allstate Investments. When the line of
credit matures, the Company intends to seek a line of credit that does not require a personal
guarantee. Approximately $3.5 million was available to borrow on the line of credit at June 30,
2007.
In order to limit further shareholder dilution from outstanding warrants, options, and
restricted stock programs, and to take advantage of periods when we believe the market may be
undervaluing our shares, in 2006 our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to three
million shares of stock. Funds for the repurchase program are anticipated to come from warrant and
option exercises and cash flow, if available. There is no assurance as to how many shares will
actually be repurchased or when. At June 30, 2007, we had not repurchased any shares.
In 2006 the Adair County Oklahoma Economic Development Authority approved the issuance of
tax-exempt industrial development bonds to finance the construction of our proposed new waste
recycling facility. Initial permitting for the new Oklahoma facility has been cleared and we are
now in the financing process. The new facility is designed to allow us to use the less desirable,
but low cost, forms of waste polyethylene and additional sources of waste wood fiber, which will
ensure our ability to regain a competitive advantage and maintain a low cost structure. The
initial phase of the Oklahoma project is currently estimated to cost $15 million and take one year
to build. We are currently in the local and state permitting process, and although we recently
received initial regulatory environmental approval, there is no assurance that the project will
proceed or that funding will materialize. Without funding, we may have to pay for a large portion
of the project costs from cash flow, and the project would be delayed. If we are unable to
complete our 2007 capital expansion program as planned, it could affect our ability to grow sales
and profit margins in 2008 and future years.
Our capital improvement budget for 2007 is currently estimated at $4 million (excluding the
Oklahoma project), most of which will be funded from either cash flow or a long term lease.
Under our 2003 bond agreement, AERT covenants that it will maintain certain financial ratios.
If we fail to comply with the covenants, or to secure a waiver therefrom, the bond trustee would
have the option of demanding immediate repayment of the bonds. In such an event, it could be
difficult for us to refinance the bonds, which would give the bond trustee the option to take us
into bankruptcy.
We were not in compliance with two of the quarterly covenants as of June 30, 2007. The bond
holder has waived these covenants. The accounts payable covenant was waived as of December 31,
2006 through, and including, December 31, 2007. The debt service covenant was waived for the
quarter ended June 30, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds payable and Allstate Notes Payable Debt Covenants |
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
Compliance |
Long-term debt service coverage ratio for last four quarters of at least 2.00 to 1.00 |
|
|
-0.03 |
|
|
No waived |
Current ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00 |
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
Yes |
Not more than 10% of accounts payable in excess of 75 days past invoice date |
|
|
11.1 |
% |
|
No waived |
Not more than 20% of accounts receivable in excess of 90 days past invoice date |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
Yes |
Uncertainties, Issues and Risks
There are many factors that could adversely affect AERTs business and results of operations.
These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, decline in demand for
our products, business or industry changes, critical accounting policies, government rules and
regulations, environmental concerns, litigation, new products / product transition, product
obsolescence, competition, acts of war, terrorism, public health issues, concentration of customer
base, loss of a significant customer, availability of
17
raw material (plastic) at a reasonable price, managements failure to execute effectively,
inability to obtain adequate financing (i.e. working capital), equipment breakdowns, low stock
price, and fluctuations in quarterly performance.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.
We have no material exposures relating to our long-term debt, as most of our long-term debt
bears interest at fixed rates. We depend on the market for favorable long-term mortgage rates to
help generate sales of our product for use in the residential construction industry. Should
mortgage rates increase substantially, our business could be impacted by a reduction in the
residential construction industry. Important raw materials that we purchase are recycled plastic
and wood fiber, which are subject to price fluctuations. We attempt to limit the impact of price
increases on these materials by negotiating with each supplier on a term basis.
Forward-Looking Information
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Prior to making an
investment, prospective investors should carefully consider the following factors, among others,
and seek professional advice. In addition, this Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act. Such forward-looking statements, which are often identified by words such as believes,
anticipates, expects, estimates, should, may, will and similar expressions, represent
our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Numerous assumptions, risks, and
uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements. Prospective purchasers of our securities should carefully consider the
information contained herein or in the documents incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing discussion contains certain estimates, predictions, projections and other
forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that involve various risks and uncertainties.
While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in
good faith and reflect managements current judgment regarding the direction of the business,
actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions,
projections, or other future performance suggested herein. Some important factors (but not
necessarily all factors) that could affect the sales volumes, growth strategies, future
profitability and operating results, or that otherwise could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement include the following: market,
political or other forces affecting the pricing and availability of plastics and other raw
materials; accidents or other unscheduled shutdowns affecting us, our suppliers or their
customers plants, machinery, or equipment; competition from products and services offered by other
enterprises; our ability to refinance short-term indebtedness; state and federal environmental,
economic, safety and other policies and regulations, any changes therein, and any legal or
regulatory delays or other factors beyond our control; execution of planned capital projects;
weather conditions affecting our operations or the areas in which our products are marketed;
adverse rulings, judgments, or settlements in litigation or other legal matters. We undertake no
obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements
that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Our chief executive officer, Joe G. Brooks, who is our principal executive officer, and our
chief financial officer, Robert A. Thayer, who is our principal financial officer, have reviewed
and evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that we have in place as of June 30, 2007 with respect
to, among other things, the timely accumulation and communication of information to management and
the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting thereof for the purpose of preparing and
filing this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based upon their review, the aforementioned executive
officers have concluded that, as a result of material weaknesses in our internal control over
financial reporting as of June 30, 2007, as previously disclosed under Item 9A. Controls and
Procedures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2006 fiscal year, as amended on Form 10-K/A,
our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2007.
Our management identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2006. Management concluded that the Company did not have an adequate
process in place to assess potential impairment of fixed assets, and that the Companys inventory
costing system was not adequately documented nor were there adequate procedures for an independent
review of the costing analysis to ensure completeness and accuracy of the calculated costs. In the
first quarter of 2007, we initiated our plans to implement controls that we expect to eliminate the
material weaknesses referred to above. There can be no assurance at this time that the actions
taken to date will effectively remediate the material weaknesses.
We are continuing to closely monitor the effectiveness of our processes, procedures and
controls, and will make any further changes as management determines appropriate.
18
During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, except in connection with actions we are taking to
remediate the material weakness in our internal control discussed above, there have been no changes
in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or that are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Lloyds of London
On July 31, 2007, the Company and certain underwriters at Lloyds, London agreed to the terms
of a settlement resolving litigation that arose in early 2005 concerning losses related to a fire
in 2003. Under the settlement, Lloyds agreed to pay the Company $700,000 and the parties provided
mutual releases to one another.
Advanced Control Solutions
On March 3, 2006, a Benton County Circuit Court jury found AERT liable for $655,769 in damages
to Advanced Control Solutions (ACS) for future business opportunities that ACS alleges it lost
when AERT discontinued using ACS programming and electrical contractor services and for missing
equipment. The jury found that AERT also interfered with certain non-compete provisions of an
employment agreement between ACS and an employee by hiring the employee after he had been
terminated by ACS in December 2003. The jury also awarded AERT judgment against ACS for
approximately $45,000 for ACSs failure to complete a programming contract. AERT has begun the
appeal process at the Arkansas Supreme Court of Appeals, which we expect to take up to two years to
resolve.
Other Matters
AERT is involved in other litigation arising from the normal course of business. In
managements opinion, this litigation is not expected to materially impact the Companys results of
operations or financial condition.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no significant changes during the second quarter of 2007 to risk factors
presented in the Companys 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended on Form 10-K/A.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
We held our 2007 annual meeting of stockholders on July 19, 2007. The following matters
proposed by the board of directors were voted upon at that meeting.
Proposal 1: The stockholders approved the proposal to elect to the board of directors each of
the nominees listed below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nominees |
|
Votes For |
Votes Withheld |
Joe G. Brooks
|
|
|
44,832,797 |
|
|
|
687,900 |
|
Marjorie S. Brooks
|
|
|
44,977,912 |
|
|
|
542,785 |
|
Stephen W. Brooks
|
|
|
44,970,935 |
|
|
|
549,762 |
|
Jerry B. Burkett
|
|
|
45,002,962 |
|
|
|
517,735 |
|
Edward P. Carda
|
|
|
45,002,067 |
|
|
|
518,630 |
|
Melinda Davis
|
|
|
45,004,532 |
|
|
|
516,165 |
|
Tim W. Kizer
|
|
|
44,668,790 |
|
|
|
851,907 |
|
Peter S. Lau
|
|
|
44,677,499 |
|
|
|
843,198 |
|
Sal Miwa
|
|
|
44,998,606 |
|
|
|
522,091 |
|
Jim Robason
|
|
|
45,003,532 |
|
|
|
517,165 |
|
Michael M. Tull
|
|
|
45,000,832 |
|
|
|
519,865 |
|
Proposal 2: The stockholders approved the proposal to ratify the appointment of the
independent public accounting firm of
19
Tullius Taylor Sartain and Sartain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
|
Against |
|
Abstain |
45,300,485
|
|
|
163,971 |
|
|
|
56,239 |
|
Item 6. Exhibits.
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed and incorporated by
reference as part of this report.
20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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By: /s/ JOE G. BROOKS
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Joe G. Brooks, |
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Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President |
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/s/ ROBERT A. THAYER
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Robert A. Thayer, |
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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Date: August 9, 2007
Index to Exhibits
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Exhibit |
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|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
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31.1 |
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by
the Companys chairman, chief executive officer and president. |
|
|
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31.2 |
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by
the Companys senior vice-president and chief financial
officer. |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by
the Companys chairman, chief executive officer and president. |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by
the Companys senior vice-president and chief financial
officer. |