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 March 31, 2008
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
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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914 N Jefferson Street |
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Post Office Box 1237 |
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Springdale, Arkansas
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72765 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer o |
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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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 May 9, 2008, 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 46,314,250 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
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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(unaudited) |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
1,424,424 |
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$ |
1,716,481 |
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Restricted cash |
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11,189,820 |
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11,461,950 |
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Restricted certificate of deposit |
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871,468 |
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Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,162,500 at March
31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 |
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5,690,532 |
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640,668 |
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Other accounts receivable |
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304,317 |
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63,453 |
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Inventories |
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17,545,938 |
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23,622,586 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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290,438 |
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892,462 |
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Total current assets |
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36,445,469 |
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39,269,068 |
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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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10,008,257 |
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10,008,257 |
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Machinery and equipment |
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51,382,038 |
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51,690,169 |
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Transportation equipment |
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1,218,701 |
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1,148,046 |
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Office equipment |
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2,021,475 |
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1,169,213 |
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Construction in progress |
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3,893,088 |
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4,218,303 |
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Total land, buildings and equipment |
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70,512,197 |
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70,222,626 |
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Less accumulated depreciation |
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32,327,030 |
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31,380,005 |
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Net land, buildings and equipment |
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38,185,167 |
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38,842,621 |
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Other assets: |
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Deferred tax asset |
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9,610,515 |
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8,851,412 |
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Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,127,797 at March 31, 2008
and $1,052,949 at December 31, 2007 |
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3,370,677 |
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3,042,645 |
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Debt service reserve fund |
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2,412,500 |
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3,391,500 |
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Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $428,453 at December 31, 2007 and
$392,736 at December 31, 2006 |
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352,736 |
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361,557 |
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Total other assets |
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15,746,428 |
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15,647,114 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
90,377,064 |
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$ |
93,758,803 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
1
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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(unaudited) |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable trade |
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$ |
9,495,487 |
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$ |
9,274,134 |
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Accounts payable related parties |
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333,160 |
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350,882 |
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Current maturities of long-term debt |
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6,885,184 |
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9,582,145 |
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Current maturities of capital lease obligations |
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212,194 |
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224,840 |
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Accrued payroll expense |
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1,589,181 |
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553,376 |
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Litigation loss payable |
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655,769 |
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Other accrued liabilities |
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3,471,669 |
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3,712,700 |
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Working capital line of credit |
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12,457,172 |
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12,303,378 |
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Notes payable |
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29,250 |
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385,229 |
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Total current liabilities |
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34,473,297 |
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37,042,453 |
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Long-term debt, less current maturities |
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25,990,027 |
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25,707,959 |
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Capital lease obligations, less current maturities |
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743,991 |
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796,305 |
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26,734,018 |
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26,504,264 |
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Accrued dividends on convertible preferred stock |
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136,957 |
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136,957 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 772,728 and 757,576 shares
issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively |
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7,728 |
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7,576 |
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Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 46,314,250 shares
issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 |
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463,143 |
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463,143 |
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Class B convertible common stock, $.01 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized;
1,465,530 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 |
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14,655 |
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14,655 |
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Warrants outstanding; 3,787,880 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 |
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1,533,578 |
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1,533,578 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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51,247,841 |
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50,872,462 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(24,234,153 |
) |
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(22,816,285 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity |
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29,032,792 |
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30,075,129 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
90,377,064 |
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$ |
93,758,803 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
29,363,348 |
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$ |
22,367,040 |
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Cost of goods sold |
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23,513,589 |
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19,528,588 |
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Gross margin |
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5,849,759 |
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2,838,452 |
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Selling and administrative costs |
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6,089,056 |
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3,940,869 |
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Loss from fixed asset impairment |
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483,522 |
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Operating loss |
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(722,819 |
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(1,102,417 |
) |
Other income (expense): |
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Interest income |
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88,822 |
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48,750 |
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Interest expense |
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(1,342,974 |
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(818,814 |
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Net other expense |
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(1,254,152 |
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(770,064 |
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Loss before accrued dividends on preferred stock and income taxes |
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(1,976,971 |
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(1,872,481 |
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Accrued dividends on preferred stock |
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(200,000 |
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Loss before income taxes |
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(2,176,971 |
) |
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(1,872,481 |
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Income tax benefit |
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(759,103 |
) |
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(700,822 |
) |
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Net loss applicable to common stock |
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$ |
(1,417,868 |
) |
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$ |
(1,171,659 |
) |
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Loss per share of common stock (Basic) |
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$ |
(0.03 |
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$ |
(0.03 |
) |
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Loss per share of common stock (Diluted) |
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$ |
(0.03 |
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$ |
(0.03 |
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Basic) |
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47,779,780 |
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45,184,175 |
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (Diluted) |
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47,779,780 |
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45,184,175 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss applicable to common stock |
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$ |
(1,417,868 |
) |
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$ |
(1,171,659 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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1,530,551 |
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1,022,003 |
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Dividends accrued on preferred stock |
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200,000 |
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Deferred tax benefit |
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(759,103 |
) |
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(700,822 |
) |
Loss from asset impairment |
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483,522 |
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Decrease in other assets |
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873,145 |
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5,752 |
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(Increase) decrease in cash restricted for letter of credit and interest costs |
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179,375 |
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(240,627 |
) |
Changes in current assets and current liabilities |
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1,520,580 |
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884,981 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
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2,610,202 |
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(200,372 |
) |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Purchases of land, buildings and equipment |
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(889,098 |
) |
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(653,667 |
) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Net borrowings on line of credit |
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153,794 |
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400,000 |
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Proceeds from issuance of notes |
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750,000 |
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Payments on notes |
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(2,835,831 |
) |
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(1,568,205 |
) |
(Increase) decrease in cash restricted for payment of long-term debt |
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1,071,755 |
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(228,016 |
) |
Debt acquisition costs |
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(402,879 |
) |
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Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants, net |
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943,318 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
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(2,013,161 |
) |
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297,097 |
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Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
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(292,057 |
) |
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(556,942 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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1,716,481 |
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2,164,532 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
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$ |
1,424,424 |
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$ |
1,607,590 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
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.
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
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, fascia board, and decking under the
trade names LifeCycle®, Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek®, Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek® Premium, and
MoistureShield® outdoor decking. We operate manufacturing and recycling facilities in Springdale
and Lowell, Arkansas and a raw materials facility in Junction, Texas. 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 loss 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 three months ended March 31:
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2008 |
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2007 |
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|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Receivables |
|
$ |
(5,290,729 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,229,791 |
) |
Inventories |
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|
6,076,648 |
|
|
|
(280,120 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
602,024 |
|
|
|
620,131 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and related parties |
|
|
(6,369 |
) |
|
|
1,035,321 |
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
139,006 |
|
|
|
739,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,520,580 |
|
|
$ |
884,981 |
|
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|
|
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Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
918,568 |
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|
$ |
416,304 |
|
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|
5
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
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2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
Accounts / notes payable for equipment |
|
$ |
210,000 |
|
|
$ |
271,452 |
|
Dividends on preferred stock paid in preferred stock |
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|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 $483,012 and $654,236 for the quarters
ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, 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:
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|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Parts and supplies |
|
$ |
2,190,156 |
|
|
$ |
2,423,766 |
|
Raw materials |
|
|
8,169,378 |
|
|
|
7,182,551 |
|
Work in process |
|
|
3,061,783 |
|
|
|
3,906,810 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
4,124,621 |
|
|
|
10,109,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
17,545,938 |
|
|
$ |
23,622,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
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. Weyerhaeuser is the only customer from which the Company derived
more than 10% of its revenue. Gross sales to Weyerhaeuser comprised approximately 78% of total
sales for the first quarter of 2008.
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
In 2005, the Company modified its employee/director equity compensation policies to generally
provide restricted stock unit awards rather than stock options. The Company measures the cost of
employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the
grant-date fair value of the award. Restricted stock unit awards are expensed as earned as a portion of
compensation costs.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 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. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-1, Application of FASB Statement No. 157
to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements
for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 (FSP 157-1) and FASB Staff
Position 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to
remove certain leasing transactions from its scope. FSP 157-2 delays until January 1, 2009 the
effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except for items that are
recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company adopted
SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on its
financial statements.
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. The Company adopted SFAS 159 as of January 1, 2008. The adoption
of SFAS 159 did not have a material effect on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an
amendment of FASB
7
Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entitys derivative
and hedging activities, including qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using
derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on
derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative
agreements. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15,
2008.
Note 5: Income Taxes
The Company had no current income tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 due to
its net loss for the quarter. The effective income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2008
of 35% differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 34% due primarily to state income taxes and
temporary and permanent differences between book and tax records. The effective income tax rate
for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 was 37%.
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. The Company recognizes interest related to income taxes as
interest expense and penalties as operating expenses.
Note 6: 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 share are 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 is 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. The Company incurred losses from continuing operations for the quarters ended
March 31, 2008 and 2007. Therefore, basic EPS and diluted EPS are computed in the same manner for
those quarters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
Net loss applicable to common stock (A) |
|
$ |
(1,417,868 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,171,659 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed exercise of stock options and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application of assumed proceeds toward
repurchase of stock at average market price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
47,779,780 |
|
|
|
45,184,175 |
|
Net additional shares issuable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted shares outstanding (B) |
|
|
47,779,780 |
|
|
|
45,184,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common share Diluted (A) divided by (B) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable options |
|
|
1,521,500 |
|
|
|
2,695,936 |
|
Antidilutive and/or non-exercisable warrants |
|
|
3,787,880 |
|
|
|
2,834,340 |
|
The Company has additional options and warrants that were not included in the calculation of
diluted EPS for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, as indicated in the
table above. Those options and warrants were antidilutive and/or not exercisable at March 31, 2008
and 2007. Although the above financial instruments were not included due to being 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 7: Debt
Line of Credit
In September 2007, the Company renewed its $15.0 million bank line of credit. The line is a
revolving credit facility maturing June 2008, secured by 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 6.25% at March 31, 2008. The maximum amount that may be drawn on the line at one
time is the lesser of $15.0 million and the borrowing base, of which approximately $1.5 million was
available to borrow at March 31, 2008. The borrowing base is equal to the sum of approximately 85%
of our qualifying accounts receivable, 75% of finished goods inventory and 50% of all other
inventory. The full amount of the line is guaranteed as to payment by our largest stockholder,
Marjorie Brooks. The credit facility includes debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and
accounts payable and accounts receivable aging covenants substantially similar to those under our
bond agreements, and customary restrictions on dividends and the incurrence of additional debt
or liens, among other matters. The Company is seeking a larger working capital line of credit, and
does not expect to renew its current line of credit at the June 2008 maturity date for another
year. The Company plans to replace our existing line with a larger line of credit for the last
half of 2008 and into 2009 (See Liquidity and Capital Resources).
Series 2008 Bonds
On February 21, 2008, AERT completed a
refunding of a prior 2003 industrial development bond obligation. On February 21, 2008, the City of
Springdale, Arkansas Industrial Development Refunding Revenue Bonds (Advanced Environmental
Recycling Technologies, Inc. Project), Series 2008 (the Series 2008 Bonds) were issued pursuant
to an indenture, dated as of February 1, 2008, by and between the City of Springdale, Arkansas, as
Issuer, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as Trustee. The proceeds received from the sale of the
Series 2008 Bonds were loaned by the Issuer to AERT, pursuant to the terms of a loan agreement,
dated as of February 1, 2008, between AERT and the Issuer. The Series 2008 Bonds are special
obligations of the Issuer, payable solely from the revenues assigned and pledged by the indenture
to secure such payment. Those revenues will include the loan payments required to be made by AERT
under the loan agreement. The purchaser of the Series 2008 Bonds is
also the holder of the Series 2007 Bonds (see Liquidity and Capital
Resources under Item 2).
The Series 2008 Bonds were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $10.61 million, bear
interest at a rate of 8% per annum and, subject to sinking fund obligations, mature on December 15,
2023.
9
Proceeds of the bonds were used, along with other funds of AERT, to refund, pay and discharge
the $11.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers Series 2003 Industrial Development
Refunding Revenue Bonds. Pursuant to the loan agreement, AERT will be obligated to make payments on
the dates and in the amounts necessary to pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on
the Series 2008 Bonds when due. The proceeds received from the sale of the Series 2003 Bonds were
applied to refund a prior Series 1999 City of Springdale, Arkansas Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds, which Series 1999 Bonds were in turn used, along with other funds of AERT, to finance and
refinance costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping certain solid waste disposal and related
facilities, used in connection with AERTs manufacturing facilities located in Springdale,
Arkansas.
As a condition to the purchase of the Series 2008 Bonds by Allstate, the Company was required
to make an $800,000 prepayment of the taxable note on the date of issue of the bonds. The remaining
$1,800,000 principal balance of the taxable note was due and payable on May 1, 2008. In April
2008, the Company paid $1 million on the note, and received an extension to July 2008 to repay the
remaining $800,000. In connection with the issuance of the Series 2008 Bonds, the Company also
repaid an approximately $1.0 million loan to Regions Bank, without prepayment penalty.
Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies
Advanced Control Solutions
On February 7, 2008, the Arkansas Supreme Court rejected our appeal in the Advanced Control
Solutions (ACS) case, and affirmed the judgment of the circuit court, where a jury in March 2006
found us liable for interfering with a non-compete agreement, causing ACS to lose future business
opportunities and for missing equipment. The Arkansas Supreme Court also denied ACSs appeal of the
$45,562 plus attorneys fees awarded to us in March 2006 on our counterclaim against ACS for breach
of contract. We do not intend to appeal the case further.
Our liability for the original judgment in the amount of $655,769 was recorded in 2005. The
judgment was paid in the first quarter from funds we set aside in a restricted certificate of
deposit in 2006.
Class Action Lawsuits
On February 26, 2008, plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit seeking to recover on
behalf of the purchasers of ChoiceDek composite decking for damages allegedly caused by mold and
mildew. (Pelletz v. Weyerhaeuser Company, Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. and
Lowes Companies, Inc. pending in US District Court, Western District of Washington at Seattle.)
The plaintiffs filing suit on behalf of the purported class, have sued AERT, Weyerhaeuser Company,
and Lowes Companies, Inc., asserting causes of action for violation of the Washington Consumer
Protection Act, unfair competition or unfair and deceptive trade practices in various states,
breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of express warranty, and violation of the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. By agreement, the deadline for AERT to answer or otherwise respond to
plaintiffs complaint is May 18, 2008. Weyerhaeuser has requested a defense and indemnification
from AERT. AERT denies the allegations in this lawsuit and intends to vigorously defend itself.
On March 10, 2008, additional plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit seeking to
recover on behalf of the purchasers of ChoiceDek composite decking for damages allegedly caused by
mold and mildew. (Joseph Jamruk et al vs. Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. and
Weyerhaeuser Company in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.) Plaintiffs filing
suit on behalf of the purported class have sued AERT and Weyerhaeuser Company, asserting causes of
action for misrepresentation, violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act, unjust
enrichment, and breach of express warranty. By agreement, the
10
deadline for AERT to answer or
otherwise respond to plaintiffs complaint is May 18, 2008. Weyerhaeuser has
requested a defense and indemnification from AERT. AERT denies the allegations in this lawsuit
and intends to vigorously defend itself.
Energy Unlimited, Inc. vs. AERT, Inc.
This case originally started as a suit on account by Energy Unlimited Inc against AERT to
collect the balance it asserts to be owed on work performed on the Springdale South facility
material handling and drying systems. The claim was in the original amount of $196,868.60. AERT
contends that the design and installation by Energy Unlimited Inc. was faulty resulting in a series
of explosions and the subsequent need to undertake refabrication of the material handling an
d
drying system. AERT has filed a counter claim for its out of pocket loss relating to an explosion
occurring on April 2, 2007 and for the cost to fix and complete the material handling and drying
systems properly in the amount of $1.2 million. This matter is in the early phase of discovery.
AERT intends to vigorously defend the initial claim and pursue its counter claim based on the
faulty design, improper installation, and serious safety defects of the material handling and
drying systems by Energy Unlimited, Inc.
Other Matters
AERT may be involved from time to time 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.
Construction Agreement
The Company has entered into an agreement with a construction contractor to construct part of
its Watts plastic recycling plant. The contractor will manage the grading, drainage, on-site road
construction, and building pad construction, and will have an opportunity to propose designs for
buildings and certain infrastructure needed to support operations on the site. The agreement does
not contain a minimum purchase amount for the work to be performed by the contractor.
Marketing Agreement
The Company has entered into an exclusive sales and marketing agreement in the amount of $2
million with Nicholson-Kovac, an integrated marketing communications agency, to support its
MoistureShield decking products. The agreement includes a national trade and consumer media
schedule, national advertising, revamped website, online lead generation tool for builders,
national public relations campaign and market research. At March 31, 2008, approximately $900,000
was remaining under this commitment.
Lease Commitment
In July 2006, AERT entered into a lease contract whereby it agreed to lease up to $3 million
of equipment for seven years. Lease payments began in April 2008. Until that time, the
Company made interim interest payments on the amount of equipment subject to the lease that had
been purchased by the leasing company, which totaled approximately $2.8 million at March 31, 2008.
Note 9: Impairment of Assets
As a result of a change in the Companys expected use of its Junction, Texas facility, which
has been mostly idle since October 2007, the Company has assessed the recoverability of the
carrying value of its fixed assets at that facility, which resulted in impairment losses of
$483,522 in the first quarter of 2008. These losses represent the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed
their estimated fair values. The Company based its estimate of fair values on estimated market
prices it could receive upon sale of the assets.
11
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
Sales increased significantly during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 to $29.4 million.
This increase was primarily due to the reloading of the pipeline for the upcoming sales season for
ChoiceDek combined with increased distribution and sales efforts for MoistureShield. A significant
portion of our first quarter sales were carried over as inventory from 2007 as many customers
avoided taking the traditional winter buy of inventory during the fourth quarter of 2007. The
Company has continued its efforts to expand distribution and initiated a substantial marketing
campaign during the first quarter.
First Quarter 2008 Operations
Sales
The abrupt slowdown in the new home construction and building materials markets continues to
affect sales as our OEM sales of primarily door rails declined 44% compared to the same period a
year ago. Current economic uncertainty and high energy prices has caused consumer confidence to
remain low and remodeling expenditures appear to have been slow to materialize during the first
quarter of 2008. Prolonged harsh winter weather during the first quarter has also created a
difficult outdoor construction environment throughout most of the country. A new MoistureShield
marketing initiative was launched during the quarter which also included several new decking
products including a tropical hardwood line (Rainforest Collection), upgraded caps and collars
(decking accessories), and a new handrail system. Several new ChoiceDek products, the Eden
(tropical exotic) series in particular, were only recently introduced into the marketplace.
Our marketing initiative to expand MoistureShield decking sales is proving successful, and
MoistureShield sales are running ahead of first quarter 2007, up 47%. We will continue to add
distribution and markets over the year with the goal of having nationwide distribution. We look for
continued growth of this product line over time, assuming no further deterioration in the
remodeling industry. This product line serves a market that is far larger than the do-it-yourself home
improvement segment professional contractors and deck builders. We believe the green building
certification of the MoistureShield decking line also addresses a growing niche in the market.
We have also initiated a marketing effort for international export sales with a major emphasis
on China. Through our distributor, we are currently setting up distribution, and a series of
additional orders has recently been shipped. We are placing a major emphasis on increasing
international sales in 2008.
Sales of our OEM parts like door rails were down significantly in the first quarter because of
the slowdown in new home construction. We are uncertain when and at what pace this business
segment will recover. We also exited the primed/painted window sill business due to lack of demand
as an overhead cost reduction initiative.
We continue to expand ChoiceDek distribution as part of an ongoing growth plan with
Weyerhaeuser and Lowes. In addition to Lowes opening in excess of 100 new stores this year, we
are also offering three base ChoiceDek colors plus accessories, in addition to two tropical
hardwood exotic colors available through special order.
Margins
Our gross and operating margins improved in first quarter 2008 versus first quarter 2007. We
continued
12
with and finished manufacturing upgrades and repairs during the quarter intended to
improve our operating efficiencies. We are continuing to finalize and
initiate a new enterprise resource planning system to help with
efficiency. We initiated an aggressive marketing campaign for our MoistureShield line of decking
products, which significantly increased our selling and
administrative expenses compared to prior periods. This increase is not
expected to remain in subsequent periods as several significant advertising expenditures occurred
during the quarter. The marketing campaign involved hiring a national advertising agency and upgrading our marketing
and sales program. Significant national advertising was initiated in print media such as Better
Homes & Gardens magazine. We also increased prices on most products at the start of the quarter.
Current Business Environment
The composite decking business is currently depressed and undergoing a shakeout, therefore
numerous competitors have recently exited the business. As the composite decking business
continues to evolve, here are the factors we believe will drive AERTs business in 2008.
Sales
A Focus on Building Green
As manufacturing technology and aesthetics of composite decking improve, market trends are
also shifting. Consumers are demanding more variety and selection compared to prior periods as
construction of multi-color decks and matching accessories appears to be increasing. Consumers are
increasingly evaluating how products are made and the impact they have on the environment. 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. We
introduced a smaller profile deck board under the BasicsTM brand, targeted to a wood
upgrade segment for light residential construction. This is being addressed with the introduction
of two additional color selections. 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 or
ChoiceDek. Thus, a significant marketing effort was initiated during the fourth quarter of 2007,
and will continue throughout 2008. The marketing program is aimed at converting commercial
remodeling and deck contractors to our products with a focus on green building.
With difficult conditions facing the decking market, AERT is differentiating its products
through a combination of green building products, quality, and outstanding customer service at a
low price point. We believe we are positioned to increase market share; however, gaining market
share is a costly endeavor and maintaining our low cost model will restrict our ability to grow
profit margins over the next year until the economy strengthens and/or our Watts, Oklahoma project
becomes operational.
We have invested significantly in plastic recycling infrastructure over the last several
years. 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
continue capitalizing on that trend in 2008.
In fact, AERT launched into 2008 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 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED®) Green Building System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council is the national
benchmark for high performance green buildings.
13
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 the focus of AERTs culture since inception.
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 to upgrade its products.
From
2001 until 2007, Lowes Home Improvement stores have carried our Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek products
exclusively in the composite decking category and continue to be our
principal customer. Approximately 500 Lowes stores also carry multiple
color selections. Lowes markets ChoiceDek in its advertising. Lowes started carrying another,
though higher priced, decking brand in 2007, which could limit the strong growth that ChoiceDek has
enjoyed the last four years. Lowes is broadening the decking category and adding more accessories and
products as it attempts to broaden its customer base and attract more customers into its stores.
Lowes is projected to add 100+ stores in 2008, although some store saturation may occur. The
ChoiceDek website, www.choicedek.com, is being upgraded in 2008.
New regional building products distributors have begun carrying MoistureShield decking this
year and sales through the first quarter were $5.6 million. We recently announced at the
International Builders Show in February, 2008 the introduction of a new line of cedar based decking
products to be introduced under the MoistureShield Juniper Collection. We will also be introducing
a new handrail kit. For additional information, go to www.moistureshield.com. There has also been
strong interest in our new LifeCycle fencing products. These products are currently undergoing
final field tests with several large contractors for introduction later in 2008. We expect that
these factors will continue to drive AERT sales. The MoistureShield website,
www.moistureshield.com, has also been updated and features a deck design tool.
Costs
The cost of recycled plastic decreased in the first quarter 2008. We continue to focus on
improving efficiencies. Natural gas and petroleum prices appear to have resumed their upward
march; however, our materials cost is lower compared to prior years as we have become more
efficient. We have also closed our Alexandria, LA facility and consolidated equipment at Lowell,
AR to reduce costs. We have taken a one time charge of $483,522 during the first quarter for asset
impairment as we plan to transfer some of our Junction, TX manufacturing assets to other locations
where they will be more productive, while leaving other assets at the
facility to be used for raw material processing in the future. The
impairment relates primarily to assets that we may not use in future
operations.
Over the last year, AERT has invested substantially in laboratory, analytical, processing and
blending equipment at its Lowell, Arkansas facilities aimed at increasing our utilization of lower
grades and cheaper polyethylene feedstocks. We believe that with the implementation of these new
systems, we can continue to reduce costs and work to further improve our margins.
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.
14
Digging Deeper into Plastic Recycling
In December of 2007, we completed financing and during the quarter ended March 31, 2008
initiated construction towards a state-of-the-art polyethylene film reclamation and recycling
facility near Watts, Oklahoma in conjunction with the state of Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation, and, as our debt financing source, Allstate Investments. That facility is being
constructed in conjunction with upgrades to the road and sewer system of Adair County and the city
of Watts, Oklahoma. The facility is designed and intended to recycle large sources of polyethylene
films which are currently not being recycled, and which can be acquired for reduced costs. Work on
this facility is under way, and the facility is projected to be constructed in 2008 and to be
operational in late 2008 or early 2009.
Longer Term Factors Driving Our Business
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.
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 filed and is pending final approval. We expect to
commence site building construction during the second quarter of 2008. 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 assist us in regaining a competitive advantage and
maintaining a low cost structure.
Management Focus for 2008
|
|
|
Continue to increase sales and gain market share. |
|
|
|
|
Introduce new ChoiceDek products and work with individual stores to increase sales and
selection of colors in all stores. |
|
|
|
|
Introduce our expanded MoistureShield decking and Basics product line into nationwide
distribution. |
|
|
|
|
Introduce LifeCycle fencing products. |
|
|
|
|
Decrease operating costs relative to sales revenue: |
|
o |
|
Complete and start up Watts facility |
|
|
o |
|
Increase our ability to use more low cost raw materials |
|
|
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 |
|
|
o |
|
Balance sales, general and administrative overhead expenses to match growth rate |
15
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
Results of Operations and Financial Condition provides an understanding of our business segment,
our operations and our financial condition.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations.
Quarterly Comparison
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
% Change |
|
|
2007 |
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
29,363,348 |
|
|
|
31.3 |
% |
|
$ |
22,367,040 |
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
23,513,589 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
% |
|
|
19,528,588 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
80.1 |
% |
|
|
-7.2 |
% |
|
|
87.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin |
|
|
5,849,759 |
|
|
|
106.1 |
% |
|
|
2,838,452 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
19.9 |
% |
|
|
7.2 |
% |
|
|
12.7 |
% |
Selling and administrative costs |
|
|
6,089,056 |
|
|
|
54.5 |
% |
|
|
3,940,869 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
20.7 |
% |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
17.6 |
% |
Loss from impairment of assets |
|
|
483,522 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss |
|
|
(722,819 |
) |
|
|
-34.4 |
% |
|
|
(1,102,417 |
) |
% of net sales |
|
|
-2.5 |
% |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
-4.9 |
% |
Net interest expense |
|
|
(1,254,152 |
) |
|
|
62.9 |
% |
|
|
(770,064 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before dividends on preferred stock and taxes |
|
|
(1,976,971 |
) |
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
|
(1,872,481 |
) |
% of net sales |
|
|
-6.7 |
% |
|
|
1.6 |
% |
|
|
-8.4 |
% |
Accrued dividends on preferred stock |
|
|
(200,000 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before taxes |
|
|
(2,176,971 |
) |
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
(1,872,481 |
) |
% of net sales |
|
|
-7.4 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
-8.4 |
% |
Income tax benefit |
|
|
759,103 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
% |
|
|
700,822 |
|
% of net sales |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
|
-0.5 |
% |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(1,417,868 |
) |
|
|
21.0 |
% |
|
$ |
(1,171,659 |
) |
% of net sales |
|
|
-4.8 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
-5.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Not meaningful as a percentage change |
Net Sales
Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008 were 31.3% higher than the first quarter
2007. MoistureShield decking sales were up in first quarter 2008 as a result of our aggressive
plans to diversify our customer base and gain market share. ChoiceDek decking sales were up versus
first quarter 2007 due to reloading of the pipeline for 2008. However, maintaining decking sales
16
increases throughout 2008 could be difficult under
current economic conditions. OEM sales were down about 44% compared to first quarter 2007 due to
the continued slowdown in new home construction.
Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin
Cost of goods sold, as a percent of sales, dropped to 80.1% for the quarter ended March 31,
2008. The dollar amounts of labor and manufacturing overhead were up slightly in first quarter
2008 versus first quarter 2007. Because sales were higher, however, labor and overhead costs as a
percent of sales decreased. Raw
material costs were 31.8% of first quarter sales, down from 35.4% in the first quarter 2007,
despite the increased use of additional colorants and additives.
Gross
margin increased to 19.9% for 2008 from 12.7% in 2007 as higher sales, price increases, and
cost improvements improved overhead absorption.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling
and administrative costs increased approximately $2.15 million in first
quarter 2008 versus first quarter 2007 to 20.7% of sales, up from 17.6% in the first quarter 2007. The categories of salaries and benefits,
advertising and promotion, travel and entertainment, professional fees, and commissions together
made up approximately 77% of total selling and administrative expenses in the first quarter 2008.
Advertising and promotion expenditures were up $1.2 million, or
161%, in first quarter 2008 versus 2007, due primarily to our
MoistureShield marketing campaign and additional advertising
allowance costs to Weyerhaeuser, which are based on sales. Compensation and
benefits increased in the first quarter of 2008 by approximately
$660,000 over the first quarter of 2007.
Earnings
We incurred a loss from operations of $722,819 in the first quarter 2008 compared to an
operating loss of $1.1 million in the first quarter 2007.
However, our net loss for the first quarter 2008
was $1.42 million compared to net loss for the first
quarter 2007 of approximately $1.17 million. The loss is due
primarily to higher selling and administrative expenses, as discussed
above, higher interest costs associated with debt added subsequent to
the first quarter of 2007, preferred stock dividend expense, and a
onetime charge of $483,522 for asset impairment at our Junction,
Texas facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Unrestricted cash decreased approximately $292,000 to $1.4 million at March 31, 2008 from
December 31, 2007. Significant components of that decrease were: (i) cash provided by operating
activities of $2,610,202, which consisted of the net loss for the period of $1,417,868 increased by
depreciation and amortization of $1,530,551 and increased by other
sources of cash of $2,497,519; (ii)
cash used in investing activities of approximately $889,098; and (iii) cash used in financing
activities of $2,013,161. Payments on notes during the period were $2,835,831. Net borrowings on
our line of credit were $153,794 during the first quarter of 2008. At March 31, 2008, we had bonds
and notes payable in the amount of $46.3 million, of which $19.6 million was current notes payable
and the current portion of long-term debt.
In September 2007, the Company renewed its $15.0 million bank line of credit. The line is a
revolving credit facility maturing June 2008, secured by 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 6.25% at March 31, 2008. The maximum amount that may be drawn on the line at one
time is the lesser of $15.0 million and the borrowing base, of which approximately $1.5 million was
available to borrow at March 31, 2008. The borrowing base is equal to the sum of approximately 85%
of our qualifying accounts receivable, 75% of finished goods inventory and 50% of all other
inventory. The full amount of the line is guaranteed as to payment by our largest stockholder,
Marjorie Brooks. The credit facility includes debt service coverage ratio, current ratio, and
17
accounts payable and accounts receivable aging covenants substantially similar to those under our
bond agreements, and customary restrictions on dividends and the incurrence of additional debt
or liens, among other matters.
When the line of credit expires in June, the Company and Liberty Bank do not expect to extend
it for another year. We are currently seeking a larger credit facility to allow us to finance more
finished goods inventory in the future in order to grow our business and better compete in the
current environment. We are currently evaluating several different financing proposals which would
allow us to increase our credit facility to
$40 million. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in attaining and expanding
a new credit facility. The result of not obtaining credit would severely restrict our ability to
operate our business.
Our capital improvement budget for 2008 is currently estimated at $3.5 million (excluding the
Oklahoma project), most of which will be funded from cash flow.
On December 20, 2007, the Company closed a $13.5 million bond financing to fund the
construction of a plastic waste mining and reclamation facility near Watts, Oklahoma. When built,
the facility is expected to significantly reduce the Companys raw material costs and assure a more
stable supply of plastics raw materials. In addition, the plant has the potential of producing new
products for sale in the world plastics market, thereby generating additional revenue streams for
the Company. The facility is expected to be in operation by the end of 2008 or early 2009.
The Adair County, Oklahoma Industrial Authority Solid Waste Recovery Facilities Revenue Bonds,
Series 2007 were issued by the County as tax-exempt limited revenue obligations, with the proceeds
loaned to the Company for the development of the Oklahoma facility. Such loan is a direct financial
obligation of the Company and the bonds are payable solely from the loan payments. The bonds were
issued in an aggregate principal amount of $13,515,000. The Series 2007 bonds will mature
December 15, 2023 and begin amortizing pursuant to annual sinking fund payments on December 15,
2009. The bonds bear interest at a fixed interest rate of 8.0% per annum. The offering was
underwritten by Gates Capital Corporation and the bonds were purchased by Allstate Investors, LLC,
the investment management subsidiary of Allstate Insurance Company.
The
bonds are secured, in parity with other existing indebtedness to Allstate under a 2008
bond issue and a $5.0 million May 2007 loan, by mortgages on the Company facilities in Junction,
Texas, and Springdale and Lowell, Arkansas, and a leasehold mortgage on the new Oklahoma
facilities.
On February 21, 2008, AERT completed a
refunding of a prior 2003 industrial development bond obligation. On February 21, 2008, the City of
Springdale, Arkansas Industrial Development Refunding Revenue Bonds (Advanced Environmental
Recycling Technologies, Inc. Project), Series 2008 (the Series 2008 Bonds) were issued pursuant
to an indenture, dated as of February 1, 2008, by and between the City of Springdale, Arkansas, as
Issuer, and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., as Trustee. The proceeds received from the sale of the
Series 2008 Bonds were loaned by the Issuer to AERT, pursuant to the terms of a loan agreement,
dated as of February 1, 2008, between AERT and the Issuer. The Series 2008 Bonds are special
obligations of the Issuer, payable solely from the revenues assigned and pledged by the indenture
to secure such payment. Those revenues will include the loan payments required to be made by AERT
under the loan agreement.
The Series 2008 Bonds were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $10.61 million, bear
interest at a rate of 8% per annum and, subject to sinking fund obligations, mature on December 15,
2023.
Proceeds of the bonds were used, along with other funds of AERT, to refund, pay and discharge
the $11.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers Series 2003 Industrial Development
Refunding
18
Revenue Bonds. Pursuant to the loan agreement, AERT will be obligated to make payments on the
dates and in the amounts necessary to pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on the
Series 2008 Bonds when due. The proceeds received from the sale of the Series 2003 Bonds were
applied to refund a prior Series 1999 City of Springdale, Arkansas Industrial Development Revenue
Bonds, which Series 1999 Bonds were in turn used, along with other funds of AERT, to finance and
refinance costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping certain solid waste disposal and related
facilities, used in connection with AERTs manufacturing facilities located in Springdale,
Arkansas.
As a condition to the purchase of the Series 2008 Bonds by Allstate, the Company was required
to make an $800,000 prepayment of the taxable note on the date of issue of the bonds. The remaining
$1,800,000 principal balance of the taxable note was due and payable on May 1, 2008. In April
2008, the Company paid $1 million on the note, and received an extension to July 2008 to repay the
remaining $800,000. In connection with the issuance of the Series 2008 Bonds, the Company also
repaid an approximately $1.0 million loan to Regions Bank, without prepayment penalty.
Under our bond agreements, 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 the debt service coverage and accounts payable covenants as of
March 31, 2008. The bond trustee waived the debt service coverage covenant as of December 31, 2007
through, and including, March 31, 2008, and waived the accounts payable covenant as of December 31,
2007 through, and including, December 31, 2008. Our line of credit contains all of the financial
covenants listed below. None of our other loans contain financial
covenants.
Our Allstate notes payable have cross-default provisions that caused them to be in technical
default at March 31, 2008 due to our non-compliance with the loan covenants discussed above. The
covenants were waived by Allstate Investments, which is the investor in the bonds and the holder of
the Allstate loans.
Bonds payable and Allstate Notes Payable Debt Covenants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
Compliance |
|
|
|
Long-term debt service coverage ratio for last four quarters of at least 2.00
to 1.00 |
|
-1.23 |
|
N |
Current ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00 |
|
1.06 |
|
Y |
Not more than 10% of accounts payable in excess of 75 days past invoice date |
|
12.4% |
|
N |
Not more than 20% of accounts receivable in excess of 90 days past invoice date |
|
0.5% |
|
Y |
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 raw material (plastic) at a reasonable price,
managements failure to execute effectively, inability to obtain
19
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 accounting officer and controller, Eric Barnes, who is our acting 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
March 31, 2008 with respect to, among other things, the timely accumulation and communication of
information to management and the recording,
20
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
March 31, 2008, as previously disclosed under Item 9A. Controls and Procedures in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for our 2007 fiscal year, as amended on Form 10-K/A, our disclosure controls
and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2008.
Our management identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting as of March 31, 2008. Management concluded that the Company did not have an adequate
process in place to assess potential impairment of fixed assets, 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, and
that the Company, at the entity level, has not properly allocated resources to ensure that
necessary internal controls are implemented and followed throughout the Company. In the first
quarter of 2008, 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.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, 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
Class Action Lawsuits
On February 26, 2008, plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit seeking to recover on
behalf of the purchasers of ChoiceDek composite decking for damages allegedly caused by mold and
mildew. (Pelletz v. Weyerhaeuser Company, Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. and
Lowes Companies, Inc. pending in US District Court, Western District of Washington at Seattle.)
The plaintiffs filing suit on behalf of the purported class, have sued AERT, Weyerhaeuser Company,
and Lowes Companies, Inc., asserting causes of action for violation of the Washington Consumer
Protection Act, unfair competition or unfair and deceptive trade practices in various states,
breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of express warranty, and violation of the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. By agreement, the deadline for AERT to answer or otherwise respond to
plaintiffs complaint is May 18, 2008. Weyerhaeuser has requested a defense and indemnification
from AERT. AERT denies the allegations in this lawsuit and intends to vigorously defend itself.
On March 10, 2008, additional plaintiffs filed a purported class action lawsuit seeking to
recover on behalf of the purchasers of ChoiceDek composite decking for damages allegedly caused by
mold and mildew. (Joseph Jamruk et al vs. Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. and
Weyerhaeuser Company in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.) Plaintiffs filing
suit on behalf of the purported class have sued AERT and Weyerhaeuser Company, asserting causes of
action for misrepresentation, violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act, unjust
enrichment, and breach of express warranty. By agreement, the deadline for AERT to answer or
otherwise respond to plaintiffs complaint is May 18, 2008. Weyerhaeuser has
21
requested a defense
and indemnification from AERT. AERT denies the allegations in this lawsuit and intends to
vigorously defend itself.
Energy Unlimited, Inc. vs. AERT, Inc.
This case originally started as a suit on account by Energy Unlimited Inc against AERT to
collect the balance it asserts to be owed on work performed on the Springdale South facility
material handling and drying systems. The claim was in the original amount of $196,868.60. AERT
contends that the design and installation by Energy Unlimited Inc. was faulty resulting in a series
of explosions and the subsequent need to undertake refabrication of the material handling and
drying system. AERT has filed a counter claim for its out of pocket loss relating to an explosion
occurring on April 2, 2007 and for the cost to fix and complete the material handling and drying
systems properly in the amount of $1.2 million. This matter is in the early phase of discovery.
AERT intends to vigorously defend the initial claim and pursue its counter claim based on the
faulty design, improper installation, and serious safety defects of the material handling and
drying systems by Energy Unlimited, Inc.
Other Matters
AERT may be involved from time to time 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 first quarter of 2008 to risk factors
presented in the Companys 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the first quarter ended
March 31, 2008.
Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed and incorporated by
reference as part of this report.
22
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
|
|
|
By: /s/ Joe G. Brooks
|
|
|
|
Joe G. Brooks |
|
|
|
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Eric Barnes
|
|
|
Eric Barnes |
|
|
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
(acting principal financial officer) |
|
|
Date: May 12, 2008
23
Index to Exhibits
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by
the Companys chairman, chief executive officer and
president. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by
the Companys chief accounting officer and controller (acting
principal 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 302) by
the Companys chief accounting officer and controller (acting
principal financial officer). |
24