SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
X QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
- SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2001
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
-- SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to _______________
Commission File Number 1-475
A.O. Smith Corporation
Delaware 39-0619790
(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer ID Number)
P. O. Box 245008, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53224-9508
Telephone: (414) 359-4000
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes _X_ No___
Class A Common Stock Outstanding as of September 30, 2001 8,664,389 shares
Common Stock Outstanding as of September 30, 2001 15,111,428 shares
Exhibit Index Page 18
1
Index
A. O. Smith Corporation
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Retained Earnings
- Three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
- September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- Nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
- September 30, 2001 6-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations 11-14
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risk 14
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16
Item 5. Other Information 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 16
Signatures 17
Index to Exhibits 18
2
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
-----------------------------
ITEM 1--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------
A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000
(000 omitted except for per share data)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
----------------------- ----------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Continuing Operations
Electric Motor Technologies $ 186,535 $ 211,447 $ 634,418 $ 717,369
Water Systems Technologies 82,597 79,377 261,197 259,306
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Sales 269,132 290,824 895,615 976,675
Cost of products sold 226,496 236,488 735,599 775,502
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 42,636 54,336 160,016 201,173
Selling, general and administrative expenses 35,376 35,287 109,837 117,582
Interest expense 4,165 5,595 12,867 16,759
Amortization of intangibles 1,733 1,739 5,200 5,198
Other (income) expense - net 763 241 1,711 554
--------- --------- --------- ---------
599 11,474 30,401 61,080
Provision for income taxes 213 4,131 10,793 21,989
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations 386 7,343 19,608 39,091
Discontinued Operations (note 4)
Gain on disposition less related
income tax provision - $977 & $1,253 - 1,493 - 1,917
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Earnings $ 386 $ 8,836 $ 19,608 $ 41,008
========= ========= ========= =========
Retained Earnings
Balance at beginning of period $ 562,320 $ 557,759 $ 549,237 $ 531,204
Net Earnings 386 8,836 19,608 41,008
Cash dividends on common shares (3,089) (3,044) (9,228) (8,661)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at End of Period $ 559,617 $ 563,551 $ 559,617 $ 563,551
========= ========= ========= =========
Basic Earnings per Common Share (note 8)
Continuing Operations $0.02 $0.31 $0.83 $1.68
Discontinued Operations - 0.07 - 0.08
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Earnings $0.02 $0.38 $0.83 $1.76
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted Earnings per Common Share (note 8)
Continuing Operations $0.02 $0.31 $0.82 $1.65
Discontinued Operations - 0.06 - 0.08
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Earnings $0.02 $0.37 $0.82 $1.73
========= ========= ========= =========
Dividends per Common Share $0.13 $0.13 $0.39 $0.37
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
-----------------------------
ITEM 1--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------
A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000
(000 omitted)
(unaudited)
September 30, 2001 December 31, 2000
------------------ -----------------
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (note 2) $ 12,841 $ 15,287
Receivables 175,258 169,117
Inventories (note 5) 158,012 169,630
Deferred income taxes 3,955 7,215
Other current assets 42,941 22,199
Net current assets - discontinued operations (note 4) - 22,651
----------- -----------
Total Current Assets 393,007 406,099
Property, plant and equipment 563,053 542,018
Less accumulated depreciation 286,031 259,183
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment 277,022 282,835
Net goodwill and other intangibles 239,854 244,821
Other assets 116,447 107,928
Net long-term assets - discontinued operations (note 4) - 17,493
----------- -----------
Total Assets $ 1,026,330 $ 1,059,176
=========== ===========
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Trade payables $ 96,333 $ 91,780
Accrued payroll and benefits 24,265 27,388
Accrued liabilities 34,800 26,865
Product warranty 11,648 11,574
Income taxes 307 1,695
Long-term debt due within one year 13,272 11,129
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 180,625 170,431
Long-term debt (note 6) 260,508 316,372
Deferred income taxes 73,097 62,122
Other liabilities 54,675 61,856
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities 568,905 610,781
Stockholders' Equity
Class A common stock, $5 par value: authorized
14,000,000 shares; issued 8,696,984 43,485 43,614
Common stock, $1 par value: authorized 60,000,000
shares; issued 23,852,378 23,852 23,827
Capital in excess of par value 54,613 53,521
Retained earnings (note 6) 559,617 549,237
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 7) (9,328) (5,438)
Treasury stock at cost (214,814) (216,366)
----------- -----------
Total Stockholders' Equity 457,425 448,395
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 1,026,330 $ 1,059,176
=========== ===========
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
4
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
-----------------------------
ITEM 1--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------
A.O. SMITH CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2001 and 2000
(000 omitted)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30
------------------------------
2001 2000
--------- ---------
Operating Activities
Continuing
Earnings from continuing operations $ 19,608 $ 39,091
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation 28,427 27,796
Amortization 6,407 6,352
Net change in current assets and liabilities (8,650) (82)
Net change in other noncurrent assets and liabilities (6,955) (2,263)
Other 1,196 1,147
--------- ---------
Cash Provided by Operating Activities 40,033 72,041
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (23,395) (30,114)
Other (700) (762)
--------- ---------
Cash Used in Investing Activities (24,095) (30,876)
Financing Activities
Debt retired (53,721) (29,589)
Net proceeds from common stock and option activity 1,238 608
Dividends paid (9,228) (8,661)
--------- ---------
Cash Used in Financing Activities (61,711) (37,642)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations 43,327 (9,788)
--------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (2,446) (6,265)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period 15,287 14,761
--------- ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period (note 2) $ 12,841 $ 8,496
========= =========
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
------------------------------
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
-----------------------------
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2001
(unaudited)
1. Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein are based
on interim figures and are subject to audit. In the opinion of management,
all adjustments consisting of normal accruals considered necessary for a
fair presentation of the results of operations and of financial position
have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the
results expected for the full year. The condensed consolidated balance
sheet as of December 31, 2000 is derived from the audited financial
statements but does not include all disclosures required by generally
accepted accounting principles. Certain prior year amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the 2001 presentation.
2. Statement of Cash Flows
For purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash
equivalents include short-term investments held primarily for cash
management purposes. These investments generally mature within three months
from the date of acquisition.
3. Acquisition
On August 2, 1999, A. O. Smith Corporation (the company) acquired the
assets of MagneTek, Inc.'s (MagneTek) domestic electric motor business and
six wholly owned foreign subsidiaries for $244.6 million. In connection
with the MagneTek acquisition, the company recorded additional purchase
liabilities of $17.9 million, which included employee severance and
relocation, as well as certain facility exit costs. Costs incurred and
charged against the liabilities to date totaled $6.3 million. The majority
of the activities are expected to be completed in six to nine months.
4. Discontinued Operations
In the first quarter 2000, the company, with the approval of the Board of
Directors, decided to divest its fiberglass piping and liquid and dry bulk
storage tank businesses. These sales were completed in December 2000 and
January 2001, respectively. Net sales of these businesses were $34.0
million and $97.0 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2000.
The operating results of the discontinued businesses have been reported
separately as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial
statements. Certain expenses have been allocated to the discontinued
operations, including interest expense, which was allocated based on the
ratio of net assets of the discontinued businesses to the total
consolidated capital of the company.
6
5. Inventories (000 omitted)
September 30, 2001 December 31, 2000
------------------ -----------------
Finished products $ 98,587 $ 109,702
Work in process 35,293 37,186
Raw materials 41,601 40,191
Supplies 840 860
----------- -----------
176,321 187,939
Allowance to state inventories
at LIFO cost 18,309 18,309
----------- -----------
$ 158,012 $ 169,630
=========== ===========
6. Long-Term Debt
The company's credit agreement and term notes contain certain conditions
and provisions which restrict the company's payment of dividends. Under the
most restrictive of these provisions, retained earnings of $61.5 million
were unrestricted as of September 30, 2001. The company renewed its credit
facility in the amount of $83 million, which expires on July 26, 2002. In
addition, the company has available a $250 million credit facility that
expires August 2, 2004.
7. Comprehensive Earnings (000 omitted)
The company's comprehensive earnings were comprised of net earnings,
foreign currency translation adjustments, and in 2001, realized and
unrealized gains and losses on cash flow derivative instruments. Also
included in comprehensive earnings for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 2001 was a cumulative loss on cash flow hedges of
approximately $0.6 million in connection with the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended, on January 1, 2001.
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
-------------------- ---------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Earnings $ 386 $ 8,836 $ 19,608 $ 41,008
Other comprehensive earnings (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments 502 (1,471) (665) (2,860)
Unrealized net losses on cash flow
derivative instruments less related income
tax benefit - $3,243 & $2,106 (5,004) - (3,225) -
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive Earnings (loss) $ (4,116) $ 7,365 $ 15,718 $ 38,148
========= ========= ========= =========
7
8. Earnings per Share of Common Stock
The numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
is net earnings. The following table sets forth the computation of basic
and diluted weighted-average shares used in the earnings per share
calculations:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
---------------------- ----------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Denominator for basic earnings
per share
- weighted-average shares 23,707,974 23,371,624 23,622,093 23,365,685
Effect of dilutive stock options 217,383 254,276 267,212 320,586
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Denominator for diluted earnings
per share 23,925,357 23,625,900 23,889,305 23,686,271
========== ========== ========== ==========
9. Operations by Segment (000 omitted)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30 September 30
-------------------- ---------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Sales
Electric Motor Technologies $ 186,535 $ 211,447 $ 634,418 $ 717,369
Water Systems Technologies 82,597 79,377 261,197 259,306
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Sales $ 269,132 $ 290,824 $ 895,615 $ 976,675
========= ========= ========= =========
Earnings before Interest and Taxes
Electric Motor Technologies $ 1,622 $ 15,643 $ 31,025 $ 70,202
Water Systems Technologies 8,824 7,086 28,560 25,536
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Segments 10,446 22,729 59,585 95,738
Corporate Expenses (5,682) (5,660) (16,317) (17,899)
Interest Expense (4,165) (5,595) (12,867) (16,759)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings from Continuing
Operations before Income Taxes 599 11,474 30,401 61,080
Provision for Income Taxes (213) (4,131) (10,793) (21,989)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations $ 386 $ 7,343 $ 19,608 $ 39,091
========= ========= ========= =========
Intersegment sales, which are immaterial, have been excluded from segment
revenues.
8
10. Accounting for Derivative Instruments
Effective January 1, 2001, the company adopted SFAS No. 133, as amended,
which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance
sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and
effectiveness of the hedging relationships. Any fair value changes are
recorded in net income or other comprehensive income. The cumulative effect
of adopting SFAS No. 133 was not material to the company's consolidated
financial statements as of January 1, 2001.
The company utilizes certain derivative instruments to enhance its ability
to manage currency exposures and raw materials price risks. Derivative
instruments are entered into for periods consistent with the related
underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those
exposures. The company does not enter into contracts for speculative
purposes. The company has hedged certain of its forecasted exposures.
Approximately 98 percent of these contracts expire by December 31, 2002.
The contracts are executed with major financial institutions with no credit
loss anticipated for failure of the counterparties to perform.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of
transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of certain
subsidiaries. The company utilizes foreign currency forward purchase and
sale contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency
purchases and certain intercompany transactions in the normal course of
business. Contracts typically have maturities of a year or less. Principal
currencies include the Mexican peso, Hungarian forint, British pound and
U.S. dollar.
Forward contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges of a forecasted
transaction. The fair value of these currency derivatives of approximately
$2.3 million as of September 30, 2001 has been recorded in other current
assets. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in other
comprehensive income(loss) until the underlying transaction is recorded in
earnings. When the hedged item is realized, gains or losses are
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) to the
statement of earnings on the same line item as the underlying transaction.
The assessment of effectiveness for forward contracts is based on changes
in the forward rates.
Commodity Future Contracts
In addition to entering into supply arrangements in the normal course of
business, the company also enters into future contracts to fix the cost of
certain raw material purchases, principally copper, with the objective of
minimizing changes in inventory cost due to market price fluctuations.
9
The commodity future contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.
Derivative commodity liabilities of approximately $8.0 million are recorded
in accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2001 with the value of the
effective portion of the contracts of approximately $7.4 million recorded
in accumulated other comprehensive income(loss) and reclassified into cost
of products sold in the period in which the underlying transaction is
recorded in earnings. Ineffective portions of the commodity hedges are
recorded into earnings in the period in which the ineffectiveness occurs in
the same statement of earnings line item as the intended underlying
exposure is recorded. Hedge ineffectiveness and impact on earnings was not
material for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2001.
The majority of the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income(loss)
for cash flow hedges are expected to be reclassified into earnings within a
year.
11. Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations" and
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under the new rules,
goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but
are reviewed annually for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are
not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over
their useful lives. The amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to
goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect
to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, the
Company will apply the new accounting rules beginning January 1, 2002. We
are currently assessing the financial impact SFAS No. 141 and No. 142 will
have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the company
anticipates that substantially all amortization of goodwill as a charge to
earnings will be eliminated. This amount in 2001 is expected to be
approximately $7 million.
10
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
------------------------------
ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
-----------------------------------------------------------
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-----------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
---------------------
FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2001 COMPARED TO 2000
------------------------------------------
Sales in the third quarter of 2001 were $269.1 million or 7.5 percent less than
last year's third quarter sales of $290.8 million. Sales for the first nine
months of 2001 were $895.6 million or 8.3 percent less than the $976.7 million
of sales in the same period last year. The sales decline for both the third
quarter and first nine months of 2001 occurred in the electric motor business
which continues to experience lower sales for most product lines primarily as a
result of the downturn in the domestic economy.
Third quarter earnings were $0.4 million or almost $6.9 million lower than last
year's third quarter earnings of $7.3 million. Earnings for the first nine
months of 2001 were $19.6 million or approximately half of the nine month
earnings of $39.1 million in 2000. On a diluted per share basis, third quarter
earnings declined from $.31 in 2000 to $.02 in 2001. Earnings per share for the
first nine months of 2001 were $.82 compared with $1.65 in the same period last
year. Lower earnings for the third quarter and first nine months were due
primarily to the lower sales volume in the electric motor business.
The gross profit margin for the third quarter declined from 18.7 percent in 2000
to 15.8 percent in 2001. The year to date gross profit margin demonstrated a
similar decline from 20.6 percent to 17.9 percent. Lower margins in the motor
business resulting from under-absorbed manufacturing costs associated with lower
volume, Mexican wage inflation, increased costs for certain raw materials, and
competitive pressures caused the lower gross profit margin for the quarter and
first nine months.
Third quarter sales of Electric Motor Technologies were $186.5 million or almost
$25 million lower than the third quarter of 2000 sales of $211.5 million. Year
to date sales for this segment were $634.4 million, a decline of $83 million
from sales of $717.4 million in the same period last year. The decreased demand
for motors in both the third quarter and first nine months was due to a number
of factors including general economic conditions, reduced discretionary spending
on the part of consumers, and inventory adjustments by air conditioning
manufacturers and retailers.
Third quarter operating profits of Electric Motor Technologies declined from
$15.6 million in 2000 to $1.6 million in 2001. On a year to date basis, earnings
declined $39.2 million from $70.2 million in 2000 to $31.0 million in 2001. The
significant decline in earnings was due mostly to lower sales volume, higher
costs for Mexican labor and raw materials, and a more competitive marketplace.
On October 17, 2001, the company announced that in response to the challenging
market conditions in its electric motor markets, it would initiate a program to
reduce fixed cost and improve contribution margins. The program consists of
three major elements. The first involves a manpower reduction of approximately
ten percent of the salaried workforce in the motor
11
segment with reductions commencing immediately to be substantially completed in
early 2002. The second element targets improved contribution margins and
involves the repositioning of additional parts fabrication and assembly work to
lower cost Mexican operations. A portion of the work currently performed at six
domestic plants will be transferred to the company's operations in Juarez, Acuna
and Monterrey, Mexico. The third element involves the consolidation of
distribution activities into three hub warehouses thereby reducing cost and
improving customer service. The last two elements are expected to be
substantially completed by December 2002. The program will result in a pretax
charge of approximately $9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2001, and is
expected to generate pretax savings of more than $16.0 million in 2002 and $20.0
to $25.0 million annually thereafter.
Third quarter sales for Water Systems Technologies in 2001 were $82.6 million
exceeding 2000 third quarter sales of $79.4 million by 4 percent primarily on
the strength of higher sales of residential product. Sales of $261.2 million for
the first nine months of 2001 were slightly higher than sales of $259.3 million
in the same period last year.
Operating profits for Water Systems Technologies were $8.8 million in the third
quarter of 2001 reflecting a $1.7 million increase over the same period last
year. Through the first nine months of 2001, earnings were $28.6 million or 11.8
percent higher than earnings of $25.5 million in the same period last year. The
improved earnings performance in the third quarter and first nine months of 2001
compared with the same periods in 2000 was the result of higher volume, better
performance in China, and improved plant efficiencies throughout the
organization.
On September 17, 2001, the company announced it had reached a definitive
agreement to acquire State Industries, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of
residential and commercial water heaters. The acquisition price will be $58
million for all of the outstanding shares, and the assumption of approximately
$51 million of State Industries' debt. The acquisition is expected to be
completed in the fourth quarter, subject to government approval. State
Industries, headquartered in Ashland City, Tennessee, manufactures a
comprehensive line of residential and commercial water heaters and reported
fiscal 2000 sales of approximately $325 million. The company expects the
acquisition will increase earnings by $.15 per share in 2002, with accretion of
$.30 per share in 2003.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $35.4 million in the
third quarter, about equal to the third quarter of 2000. Last year's third
quarter benefited from certain favorable adjustments to selling expense
accruals. On a year to date basis, SG&A was $7.7 million less than the first
nine months of 2000 as a result of volume related reductions in selling
expenses, cost reduction programs and lower accruals for incentive plans.
Relative to sales, SG&A for the first nine months was 12.3 percent and 12.0
percent in 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 was lower
than the comparable periods in 2000 by $1.4 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, due to lower debt levels and declining interest rates.
Other expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 was higher
than the same periods in 2000 due to the recognition of certain non-recurring
income items in 2000.
12
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations" and No.
142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under the new rules, goodwill and
indefinite lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed
annually for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have
an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The
amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to goodwill and intangible assets
acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets
acquired prior to July 1, 2001, the Company will apply the new accounting rules
beginning January 1, 2002. We are currently assessing the financial impact SFAS
No. 141 and No. 142 will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. However,
the company anticipates that substantially all amortization of goodwill as a
charge to earnings will be eliminated. This amount in 2001 is expected to be
approximately $7 million.
The effective tax rate of approximately 35.5 percent in both the third quarter
and first nine months of 2001 was slightly lower than the effective rate of 36.0
percent in the same periods last year.
In the first nine months of 2000, the company recognized after-tax earnings from
discontinued operations of $1.9 million associated with the operations of the
storage tank business. This entity was sold in January 2001. A more detailed
discussion of the sale transaction can be found in the company's 2000 annual
report on Form 10-K.
Outlook
The continuing economic weakness, coupled with the uncertainty created by the
events of the past month, makes forecasting future market conditions extremely
difficult. For the fourth quarter, the company anticipates that the conditions
in its major motor markets will continue and further anticipates that these
conditions, combined with normal seasonal trends, will result in lower sales in
the fourth quarter and break-even profitability before the approximately $9
million for restructuring and other related costs.
Furthermore, the company is very cautious about the 2002 outlook and doesn't
anticipate demand to pick up significantly in its major motor markets in the
first half of the year. However, the addition of State Industries, if the
company achieves regulatory approval, will have a positive impact of
approximately $.15 per share on 2002 earnings. That, combined with the
previously discussed change in accounting for goodwill and the benefit of the
cost-reduction program, will have a positive effect on next year's financial
performance. Consequently, the company estimates that 2002 earnings will be in a
range of $1.40 to $1.60 per share.
Liquidity & Capital Resources
The company's working capital for continuing operations was $213.4 million at
September 30, 2001, which was essentially unchanged in total from the $213.0
million at December 31, 2000. Lower inventory levels and higher accounts payable
balances were partially offset by higher receivable balances. In addition, other
current assets increased by $20.7 million. The largest component of the increase
in other current assets was a $10.0 million increase in a receivable due to
payments of claims associated with the dip tube class action lawsuit (described
in more detail in
13
Part 1, Item 3 and Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in
the company's Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, which are
incorporated herein by reference). Cash provided by continuing operations during
the first nine months of 2001 was $40.0 million compared to $72.0 million during
the same period one year ago primarily due to lower earnings as explained above.
Capital expenditures by continuing operations during the first nine months of
2001 totaled $23.4 million compared to $30.1 million during the same period in
2000. The company expects capital spending in 2001 to be approximately $35
million and expects such capital expenditures to be covered by operating cash
flow.
In connection with the MagneTek acquisition in August 1999, additional purchase
liabilities of $17.9 million were recorded, which included employee severance
and relocation as well as certain facility exit costs. Costs incurred and
charged against the liability to date totaled $6.3 million. The majority of the
activities are expected to be completed in six to nine months.
The company's long term debt decreased by $53.7 million in the first nine months
of 2001. The proceeds received from the divestiture of the storage tank business
in the first quarter of 2001 were used to reduce debt. The company's leverage as
measured by the ratio of total debt to total capitalization improved to 37
percent at September 30, 2001 from 42 percent at the end of last year. The
company renewed its credit facility in the amount of $83 million, which expires
on July 26, 2002. In addition, the company has available a $250 million credit
facility that expires August 2, 2004
At its October 9, 2001 meeting, A. O. Smith's Board of Directors declared a
regular quarterly dividend and will pay $.13 per share on its common stock
(Class A Common and Common). The dividend is payable on November 15, 2001 to
shareholders of record October 31, 2001.
ITEM 3. - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE OF MARKET RISK
----------------------------------------------------------------
As is more fully described in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000, the company is exposed to various types of market
risks, primarily currency and certain commodities. The company monitors its
risks in such areas on a continuous basis and generally enters into forward and
futures contracts to minimize such exposures. These contracts generally last for
periods of up to eighteen months. The company does not engage in speculation in
its derivatives strategies. It is important to note that gains and losses from
the company's forward and futures contract activities are offset by changes in
the underlying costs of the transactions being hedged.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this report are "forward-looking statements." These
forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the
context of the statement includes words such as the company "believes,"
"anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "projects," or words of similar import.
14
Although the company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable
assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business, there can be no
assurance that the results expressed in forward-looking statements will be
realized. Numerous factors may affect actual results and cause results to differ
materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made in this
release. The company considers most important among such factors, general
economic conditions, cost stability, the competitive environment, the completion
and eventual integration of the State Industries acquisition, and successful
implementation of cost reduction programs.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the
company, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their
entirety by these cautionary statements.
15
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------
ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
--------------------------
In the legal and environmental matters discussed in Part 1, Item 3 and Note 12
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the company's Form 10-K
Report for the year ended December 31, 2000, and the company's Form 10-Q Report
for the second quarter, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, the
company reported on the status of two legal actions brought against it and other
parties to recover certain costs to remediate a former mine site in Colorado. As
previously reported, the company's motion for summary judgment was granted in
the second quarter dismissing the claims brought against it by the former owner
of the mine. In addition, the company's motion for summary judgment dismissing
the claims brought against it by the State of Colorado was granted in the third
quarter. While the State of Colorado retains the right to appeal the trial
court's decision, the company believes that the trial court's well reasoned
decision would be upheld on any appeal brought by the State. Unless such an
appeal were to result in a reversal of the trial court's ruling, all claims
related to the company's involvement at the mining site have now been dismissed.
Except with respect to these matters, there have been no material changes in the
legal or environmental matters that were previously reported.
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
------------------------------------------------------------
None.
ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION
--------------------------
None.
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
-----------------------------------------
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has authorized this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned.
A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
October 24, 2001 /s/John J. Kita
---------------
John J. Kita
Vice President,
Treasurer and Controller
October 24, 2001 /s/Kenneth W. Krueger
---------------------
Kenneth W. Krueger
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
17
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
None.
18