The Shyft Group - 10-Q quarterly report FY

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  (517) 543-6400

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    X                 No _______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes    X                 No _______

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.

INDEX

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains statements that are not historical facts. These statements are called "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. These statements involve important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and can be identified by phrases using "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "expect," "intend," "predict," "potential," "future," "may," "should" and similar expressions or words. Our future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements discussed in the forward-looking statements. There are numerous factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements, including, among others:

This list provides examples of factors that could affect the results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. However, this list is not intended to be exhaustive; many other factors could impact our business and it is impossible to predict with any accuracy which factors could result in which negative impacts. Although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the anticipated results will be achieved. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. In addition to the risks listed above, other risks may arise in the future, and we disclaim any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
____________________________________

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
____________________________________

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
____________________________________

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
____________________________________

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
____________________________________

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
______________________________________

Note 1

For a description of the accounting policies followed refer to the notes to the Spartan Motors, Inc. (the "Company") consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2004.

Note 2

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2004 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2004, the Company decreased its allowance for obsolete inventory by $645,000 and increased its liability for outstanding warranties by $515,000 as a result of an in-depth study of current production requirements and historical warranty experience related to these items. The net effects of these changes in estimates were not significant to operating results for the periods presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Note 3

The results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Note 4

Inventories consist of raw materials and purchased components, work in process and finished goods and are summarized as follows:

Note 5

The Company's products generally carry limited warranties, based on terms that are generally accepted in the marketplace. Some components included in the Company's end products (such as engines, transmissions, tires, etc.) may include manufacturers' warranties. These manufacturers' warranties are generally passed on to the end customer of the Company's products.

Note 5 (continued)

The Company's policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale and periodically adjust the provision to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management's best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring the Company's obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling the Company's warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts, labor and sometimes travel for field retrofit campaigns. The Company's estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models.

Certain warranty and other related claims involve matters of dispute that ultimately are resolved by negotiation, arbitration or litigation. Infrequently, a material warranty issue can arise which is beyond the scope of the Company's historical experience. The Company provides for any such warranty issues as they become known and are estimable. It is reasonably possible that additional warranty and other related claims could arise from disputes or other matters beyond the scope of the Company's historical experience.

Changes in the Company's warranty liability were as follows:

For the three months ended September 30:

For the nine months ended September 30:

Note 6

The Company has repurchase agreements with certain third-party lending institutions that have provided floor plan financing to customers. These agreements provide for the repurchase of products from the lending institution in the event of the customer's default. The total contingent liability on September 30, 2004 was $0.1 million. Historically, losses under these agreements have not been significant and it is management's opinion that any future losses will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or future operating results.

Note 7

On September 28, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution to cease funding of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Carpenter Industries, Inc. Carpenter's Board of Directors then voted on September 29, 2000 to begin the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. Because Carpenter was a separate segment of the Company's business, the operating results and the disposition of Carpenter's net assets were accounted for as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, previously reported financial results for all periods presented were restated to reflect this business as a discontinued operation.

Note 8

The Company follows Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, in accounting for its stock option plans. Under APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation expense is recognized because the exercise price of the Company's stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company's net earnings and net earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below.

Note 8 (continued)

Note 9

Sales and other financial information by business segment are as follows (amounts in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

Note 9 (continued)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

Note 9 (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

Note 10

On March 31, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Exposure Draft, Share-Based Payments, which is a proposed amendment to SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The Exposure Draft would require all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based on their fair values. The FASB recently announced that a final standard will be effective for public companies for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The final standard offers the Company alternative methods of adopting this final rule. At the present time, the Company has not yet determined which alternative method it will use.

The following is a discussion of the major elements impacting the Company's financial and operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 compared to the three-and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Form 10-Q.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of the Company's consolidated statements of operations, on an actual basis, as a percentage of sales:

Quarter Ended September 30, 2004, Compared to the Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

For the three months ended September 30, 2004, consolidated sales increased $30.9 million (50.8%) to $91.7 million, from $60.8 million in the third quarter of 2003. Chassis Group sales for this period increased by $31.4 million (62.2%). The majority of this increase was due to higher sales of motorhome chassis. During the third quarter of 2004, motorhome chassis sales were $26.3 million (78.7%) higher than the third quarter of 2003. This increase was primarily due to the fact that the Chassis Group secured additional business from two of its top three customers. Production related to the majority of this additional business began in the middle of the third quarter of 2004. Offsetting some of this market share gain was a softening in motorhome industry sales that began late in the third quarter. Crude oil prices continued to rise to record levels, contributing to a drop in consumer confidence levels resulting in lower consumer spending.

The increase in motorhome chassis sales was coupled with an increase in fire truck chassis sales. Fire truck chassis sales in the third quarter of 2004 were up $5.3 million (34.8%) over the same period of 2003. As the increase in sales indicates, the fire truck market continues to be strong in 2004, with a focus by fire departments on making sure their equipment is sufficient to respond to the variety of emergencies that are on their growing list of responsibilities.

EVTeam sales were flat when compared with the prior year's third quarter. An increase in sales at Road Rescue was offset by lower sales at Crimson Fire. The increase at Road Rescue was due to the production ramp up at Road Rescue to a higher run rate. Crimson Fire's sales were temporarily affected by its decision to move production of its E-series product from its Alabama facility to South Dakota and the construction and set-up of its new, state of the art plant in South Dakota.

Gross margin decreased from 15.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 to 12.2% for the same period of 2004. This decrease is due primarily to the steel surcharges experienced by the Company during 2004. In addition, lower margins were recorded by the Chassis Group resulting from favorable pricing given in conjunction with the additional business from two of its customers.

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 11.6% for the third quarter of 2003 to 9.1% for the third quarter of 2004. This decrease is primarily due to higher sales levels coupled with a Company focus on keeping the base operating expense level low.

The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2004 was 33.8% which is consistent with the 31.5% rate for the third quarter of 2003. The 2003 rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 34.0% primarily as a result of reductions in previously recorded estimates for accrued taxes on income based upon settlements of examinations with state and federal taxing authorities that reduced the provision for income taxes during the period.

Total chassis orders received during the third quarter of 2004 increased 46.3% compared to the same period in 2003. This is due to a 60.2% increase in motorhome chassis orders combined with a 6.8% increase in fire truck chassis orders. Based on average order lead-time, the Company estimates that approximately two-thirds of the motorhome and none of the fire truck chassis orders received during the three-month period ended September 30, 2004 were produced and delivered by September 30, 2004.

At September 30, 2004, the Company had $106.5 million in backlog, compared with a backlog of $83.8 million at September 30, 2003. This was due to an increase in Chassis Group backlog of $11.6 million, or 24.2%, combined with an increase in EVTeam backlog of $11.1 million, or 30.1%.

While orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers, the Company has not experienced significant modification, cancellation or rescheduling of orders in the past. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2004, Compared to the Nine-Month Period Ended September 30, 2003

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, consolidated sales increased $55.7 million (31.6%) to $232.0 million, from $176.3 million in the first nine months of 2003. Chassis Group sales for this period increased by $57.3 million (39.4%). The majority of this increase was due to higher sales of motorhome chassis. During the nine months of 2004, motorhome chassis sales were $46.3 million (50.8%) higher than the first nine months of 2003. This increase was primarily due to the fact that the Chassis Group secured additional business from two of its top three customers. Production related to the majority of this additional business began in the middle of the third quarter of 2004. Offsetting some of this market share gain was a softening in motorhome industry sales that began late in the third quarter. Crude oil prices continued to rise to record levels, contributing to a drop in consumer confidence levels resulting in lower consumer spending.

The increase in motorhome chassis sales was coupled with an increase in fire truck chassis sales. Fire truck chassis sales in the first nine months of 2004 were up $11.0 million (22.7%) over the same period of 2003. As the increase in sales indicates, the fire truck market continues to be strong in 2004, with a focus by fire departments on making sure their equipment is sufficient to respond to the variety of emergencies that are on their growing list of responsibilities.

EVTeam sales increased $0.1 million, or 2.1%, from the prior year's third quarter. Increases in sales at Road Rescue and Crimson Fire Aerials were offset by lower sales at Crimson Fire. The increase at Road Rescue was due to the production ramp up at Road Rescue to a higher run rate. Crimson Fire Aerials sold its first units in 2004, as it was a newly formed corporation in 2003. Crimson Fire's sales were temporarily affected by its decision to move production of its E-series product from its Alabama facility to South Dakota and the construction and set-up of its new, state of the art plant in South Dakota.

Gross margin decreased from 14.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to 13.7% for the same period of 2004. This decrease is due primarily to the steel surcharges experienced by the Company during 2004. In addition, lower margins were recorded by the Chassis Group resulting from favorable pricing given in conjunction with the additional business from two of its customers.

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 12.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to 10.2% for same period in 2004. This decrease is primarily due to higher sales levels coupled with a Company focus on keeping the base operating expense level low.

The effective tax rate in the first nine months of 2004 was 33.6% versus 24.8% for the first nine months of 2003. The 2003 rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 34.0% primarily as a result of reductions in previously recorded estimates for accrued taxes on income based upon settlements of examinations with state and federal taxing authorities that reduced the provision for income taxes during the period.

On September 28, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors passed a resolution to cease funding of the Company's majority-owned subsidiary, Carpenter Industries, Inc. Carpenter's Board of Directors then voted on September 29, 2000 to begin the orderly liquidation of Carpenter. Because Carpenter was a separate segment of the Company's business, the disposition of Carpenter's net assets is being accounted for as a discontinued operation. The $1.5 million gain on disposal of Carpenter in the first nine months of 2003 was a result of the Company's revision of its estimated loss to dispose of the business, based upon resolution of certain accrued items related to the disposal. There was no impact in the first nine months 2004 related to the Carpenter closing.

Total chassis orders received during the first nine months of 2004 increased 42.4% compared to the same period in 2003. This is due to a 56.7% increase in motorhome chassis orders combined with a 13.8% increase in fire truck chassis orders. Based on average order lead-time, the Company estimates that approximately four-fifths of the motorhome and one-third of the fire truck chassis orders received during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 were produced and delivered by September 30, 2004.

At September 30, 2004, the Company had $106.5 million in backlog, compared with a backlog of $83.8 million at September 30, 2003. This was due to an increase in Chassis Group backlog of $11.6 million, or 24.2%, combined with an increase in EVTeam backlog of $11.1 million, or 30.1%.

While orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers, the Company has not experienced significant modification, cancellation or rescheduling of orders in the past. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as changes in production rates, available capacity, new product introductions and competitive pricing actions, may affect actual sales. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, cash used by continuing operating activities was $1.5 million, which was an $8.8 million (120.5%) change from the $7.3 million of cash provided by continuing operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in sales during the first nine months of 2004 over 2003 resulted in higher working capital demands and a use of cash during the 2004 period. See the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for details of the use of cash. The cash on hand at December 31, 2003, $2.8 million in proceeds from sales of marketable securities, cash provided from the exercise of stock options of $3.2 million and proceeds from long-term debt of $0.1 million allowed the Company to fund $4.9 million in property, plant and equipment purchases, cash used by operations of $1.5 million, $2.8 million in purchases of marketable securities, dividends paid of $1.0 million and $0.9 million in the repurchase of Company stock. The Company's working capital increased $4.3 million from $40.1 million at December 31, 2003 to $44.4 million at September 30, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $5.0 million, from $18.5 million at December 31, 2003 to $13.5 million at September 30, 2004.

Shareholders' equity increased $7.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 to $68.4 million from $61.1 million at December 31, 2003. This change resulted from the $5.5 million in net comprehensive income of the Company and the receipt of $3.7 million from the exercise of stock options including the corresponding tax benefit net with $1.0 million in dividends paid and $0.9 million for the repurchase of Company stock.

On April 24, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 500,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions. On July 27, 2004, the Board of Directors renewed this 500,000 share authorization, net of any repurchases from the second quarter of 2004. Under these repurchase programs, the Company repurchased 57,065 shares during its 2003 fiscal year and repurchased 80,000 shares during its 2004 fiscal year. Repurchase of common stock is contingent upon market conditions. The authorization for this repurchase program expires on April 21, 2005. If the Company were to repurchase the remaining 420,000 shares of stock under the current authorization at current prices, this would cost the Company approximately $4.4 million. The Company believes that it has sufficient cash reserves to fund this stock buyback.

The Company's primary line of credit is a $15.0 million revolving note payable to a bank that expires on October 31, 2005. There were no borrowings under this line at September 30, 2004. Under the terms of the line of credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions. The agreement also prohibits the Company from incurring additional indebtedness, limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans, and restricts substantial asset sales.

The Company also has a secured line of credit for $0.2 million. The $0.2 million line carries an interest rate of 2% above the bank's prime rate (prime rate at September 30, 2004 was 4.75%) and has an expiration date of December 31, 2004. This line of credit is secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. There were no borrowings under this line at September 30, 2004.

The Company also has a secured mortgage note for $150,000. The mortgage note carries an interest rate of 3.00% and is payable in equal installments over a 5 year period. This mortgage note is secured by land.

The Company believes it has sufficient resources from cash flows from operating activities and, if necessary, from borrowings under its lines of credit to satisfy ongoing cash requirements for the next 12 months. Proceeds from existing credit facilities and anticipated renewals, along with cash flows from operations, are expected to be sufficient to meet capital needs in the foreseeable future.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following discussion of accounting policies is intended to supplement Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2004. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within the Company's operating units, and they involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related income statement, asset and/or liability amounts.

Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. This occurs when the unit has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. Sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentives, which historically have not been significant. The collectibility of any related receivable is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized.

Inventory - Estimated inventory allowances for slow-moving and obsolete inventory are based upon current assessments about future demands, market conditions and related management initiatives. If market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory allowances may be required.

Warranties - The Company's policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the provision to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management's best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring the Company's obligations under the warranty agreements. The Company's estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved and the extent of features and components included in product models. See also Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

PENDING ACCOUNTING POLICIES

See Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

EFFECT OF INFLATION

Inflation affects the Company in two principal ways. First, the Company's debt, if any, is tied to the prime and LIBOR interest rates so that increases in those interest rates would be translated into additional interest expense. Second, general inflation impacts prices paid for labor, parts and supplies. Whenever possible, the Company attempts to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the prices of its products. However, the Company generally does not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into its contracts. Since order lead times can be as much as six months, the Company has limited ability to pass on cost increases to its customers on a short-term basis. In addition, the markets the Company serves are competitive in nature, and competition limits the Company's ability to pass through cost increases in many cases. The Company strives to minimize the effects of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity.

The Company's primary market risk exposure is a change in interest rates in connection with its outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. However, at September 30, 2004, the Company had no debt outstanding under its variable rate short-term and long-term debt agreements. The Company does not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2004. Based on and as of the time of the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2004. During the Company's third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004, there was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

This table provides information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of its common stock during fiscal 2004:

On April 24, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 500,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions. On July 27, 2004, the Board of Directors renewed the 500,000 share authorization, net of any repurchases from the second quarter of 2004. Under these repurchase programs, the Company repurchased 57,065 shares during its 2003 fiscal year and repurchased 80,000 shares during 2004. Repurchase of common stock is contingent upon market conditions. The authorization for this repurchase program expires on April 21, 2005.

(a)          Exhibits.  The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report on Form 10-Q:

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.

EXHIBIT INDEX