UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

________________

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
2021

 

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 001-33582001-33582

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Michigan

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

38-2078923

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1541 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, Michigan

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


48813
(Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market

   

41280 Bridge Street

Novi, Michigan
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


48375
(Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock

Trading Symbol(s)

SHYF

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes

No

X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes

No

X

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes

X

No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. X

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

XNon-accelerated filer

   Non-accelerated filer

 

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.   ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes

No

X

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s votingregistrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price of such stock on NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2017,2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $295,236,168.$1,293,553,553

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’sregistrant’s Common Stock $.01 par value, as of February 23, 2018: 35,089,68414, 2022: 35,002,115 shares

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s May 23, 201818, 2022 annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017,2021 are incorporated by reference in Part III.



 


 


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Form 10-K contains some 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, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.1934, as amended. These statements involve important known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and generally can be identified by phrases using “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “future,” “may,” “will,” “should” andor similar expressions or words. OurThe Shyft Group, Inc.'s (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“Risk Factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

 

Risk Factors include the risk factors listed and more fully described in Item 1A below, “Risk Factors”, as well as risk factors that we have discussed in previous public reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The list in Item 1A below includes all knownthe primary risks our management believes could materially affect the potential results described by forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business, operations, and financial performance could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. In addition, new Risk Factors may emerge from time to time that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, although we believe that the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K are reasonable, we cannot provide you with any guarantee that the anticipated results described in those forward-looking statements will be achieved. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this section, and investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Trademarks and Service Marks


We own or have rights to trademarks, service marks or trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business. Solely for convenience, some of the copyrights, trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed without the ©, ® and ™ symbols, but we will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights to our copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names and domain names. The trademarks, service marks and trade names of other companies appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners.

 


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PART I

Item 1.

Business.

 

WhenGeneral

As used in this Form 10-K,herein, the term “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. and, depending on the context, could also be used to refer generally to the Company and its subsidiaries which are described below.

General

Spartan Motors, Inc. was organized as a Michigan corporation on September 18, 1975, and is headquartered in Charlotte, Michigan. Spartan Motors began development of its first product that same year and shipped its first fire truck chassis in October 1975.unless designated or identified otherwise.

 

We are a niche market leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and assembly for the engineeringcommercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and manufacturing of heavy-duty, purpose-built specialty vehicles.vocation-specific upfit segments) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include:include walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery; up-fitdelivery, upfit equipment used in the mobile retail and utility trades; fire trucks and fire truck chassis;utility trades, luxury Class A diesel motor home chassis; military vehicles;chassis and contract manufacturing and assembly services. We also supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that we manufacture. Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan MotorsThe Shyft Group USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Novi, Charlotte, and Plymouth, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Bristol, Indiana; SnyderWaterville, Maine; Landisville, Pennsylvania; North Charleston, South Carolina; Pompano Beach and Neligh, Nebraska; and Delevan, Wisconsin, along with contract manufacturing inWest Palm Beach, Florida; Kansas City, MissouriMissouri; Carson, McClellan Park, and Montebello, California; Mesa, Arizona; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; and Saltillo, Mexico. We employed 2,327 people across all of our business units and corporate location as of January 31, 2018.

 

Our vehicles, parts and services are sold to commercial users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, commercial and individual end users, and municipalities and other governmental entities. In 2017 55.7% of our revenue was derived from original equipment manufacturers, dealers, and end users, while 44.3% was derived from municipalities and other governmental entities. Our product portfolio gives us access to multiple differentiated markets and corresponding customer bases which help to mitigate the impact of business cycles.

In 2015 we began executing against an aggressive turnaround plan targeting a return to profitability within three years. 2017 marks the end of that turnaround phase with our ER business returning to profitability and the beginning of our growth phase. We will continue to work towards maximizing operational efficiency and profitability, and add in a new focus on growing our revenue and market share through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions and entry into new synergistic markets. As illustrated in the charts below, over the past five years our revenue has increased by $237.6 million, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%, while net income and adjusted EBITDA have grown by $21.9 million and $22.4 million respectively.  Please see the reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to Net income attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc., below.

Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk as the various markets we serve tend to have different cyclicality. We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customerscustomers by designing and delivering market leading specialty vehicles, vehicle components, and services. Additionally, our business structure provides the agility to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size and scale operations to ensure stability and growth. Our expansion of equipment up-fit services in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, the recent award of a $214 million order from the United States Postal Service, and the growing opportunities that we have capitalized on in last mile delivery as a result of the rapidly changing e-commerce market areis an excellent examplesexample of our ability to generate growth and profitability by quickly fulfilling customer needs.

 

We have the ability to carry out our long-term growth plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of cash generated from borrowings, borrowings under our credit facilities as well as internally or externally generated equity capital as sources of expansion capital.Performance Overview

 

Unless noted otherwise, the data in this Form 10-K reflects our continuing operations and, therefore, excludes the performance of our prior ERV business. Over the past five years our sales have increased by $587.6 million, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2%, while income from continuing operations has grown by $52.5 million, a CAGR of 41.4%, and Adjusted EBITDA has grown by $76.4 million, a CAGR of 35.9%. Please see the reconciliation of income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA near the end of Item 1 of this Form 10-K.

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Our Segments

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makersmaker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have threetwo reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services Emergency Response Vehicles("FVS") and Specialty ChassisVehicles ("SV"). As of October 1, 2021, the composition of both reportable segments changed due to an internal reorganization as certain businesses previously managed and Vehicles.reported within FVS are now a part of SV. Corresponding items of segment information for earlier periods have been recast. For certain financial information related to each segment, see Note 16,"Note 17 – Business Segments," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. RevenueSales by segment isare as follows:

 

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Fleet Vehicles and Services Segment


We manufacture fleetcommercial vehicles used in the e-commerce/last mile/parcel delivery, beverage and grocery delivery, laundry and linen, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries through our Bristol, IndianaIndiana; Landisville, Pennsylvania; North Charleston, South Carolina; and beginning in 2018, our Ephrata, Pennsylvania operations.Charlotte, Michigan locations. Our fleetcommercial vehicles are marketed under the Utilimaster brand name, which serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and accessories for walk-in vans and other delivery vehicles. We also provide vocation-specific equipment up-fitupfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Spartan Up-fitas Utilimaster Upfit Services, go-to-market brand, through our contract manufacturing operations at St. Louis, Missouriin Kansas City, Missouri; North Charleston, South Carolina; and Saltillo, Mexico. Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment employed 898 associates at our Bristol, Indiana facility,approximately 2,100 employees and 400 contractors as of JanuaryDecember 31, 2018, of which 121 were contracted employees.2021.

 

We offer fleet vehicles in classGross Vehicle Weight Rating ("GVWR") Class 1 through 6,Class 7, the largest range of product offerings amongamongst our competitors.

 

Cargo Van Upfit"Velocity"Traditional Walk-in-VanTruck Body
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velocityv2.jpg
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truckbodyv2.jpg
Class 1 & 2Class 2Class & 3Class 4Class & 5Class 6 & 7

 

In the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, interior equipment up-fitting and aftermarket parts sales represented 17.3%, 25.9% and 14.9% of the Fleet Vehicles and Services segment sales. Innovation

 

Innovation

Our Solution Experts”Experts employ a customer-centric approach by working with customers through a process of listening and learning, needs assessment, and design innovation through building and implementing solutions custom designed forwith our customers.customers and their end customers in mind. Recent innovations implemented by our Solution Experts include innovative and cost saving solutions for the specialty service segment, utility industry, food and beverage delivery, and mobile retail industry, such as safe loading equipment, keyless entry and cargo access systems, backup camera systems, and refrigeration solutions. Our teams can deliver product customization ranging from out-of-the-box to 100% custom solutions.solutions, based on customer needs and business requirements. 

 


4

 

Recent innovations launched by the product development team include a new walk-in-van format, named the Velocity. Available in GVWR Class 2 and Class 3 designs, the Velocity lineup spans multiple OEM chassis formats to accommodate buyer preference and to increase manufacturing and distribution scale, as Utilimaster build operations are aligned with OEM chassis manufacturing.

Products

 

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Walk-in VanVanss

Assembled on a de-contented or “stripped” truck chassis supplied with engine and drive train components, but without a cab, our walk-in vans are used in the parcelacross a variety of vocations for multiple delivery and mobile retail and construction trades industries andservice options. The vehicles feature a durable and lightweight aluminum body with a highly modularmodularized cargo area, accessible from the cab. Our walk-in vans offerfeaturing extensive driver ergonomics options and a low step-in height for easy entry and exit and the best driver visibility in the industry.egress.

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Truck BodieBodiess

OurUtilimaster dry van truck bodies are installed on a chassis from a variety of manufacturers that is supplied with a finished cab and are the industry standard for heavy-duty commercial delivery.delivery and are installed on chassis from a variety of manufacturers, which are supplied with a finished cab. They feature a highly customizable cargo area for maximum versatility and are manufactured with anti-rust galvanized steel and aluminum.aluminum component parts. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 28 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 108 inches.

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Reach®

The Reach is a smaller, more nimble walk-in van offering up to 35% better fuel economy than traditional walk-in vans. Built on an Isuzu diesel chassis and available in lengths of 12 or 14 feet, the Reach offers a versatile cargo area with integrated logistics tracks allowing for a tailored up-fit through either pre-designed vocational or completely custom packages.

Cutaway

OurUtilimaster cutaway truck bodies are the industry standard for medium-duty commercial delivery and are installed on a chassis from a variety of manufacturers that isare supplied with a finished cab and are the industry standard for medium-duty commercial delivery.cab. The innovative cab can be designed to fit as many as five crew members andhighly configurable design can be configured with a set-back walk-through bulkhead allowing access to the cargo area from the cab. Available with cargo lengths from 10 to 18 feet and interior heights ranging from 72 to 90 inches.

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Velocity®

A productive,nimble, fuel efficient, and ergonomically designed walk-in van lineup built on commercial cargo van chassis across OEMs is designed to makecombine the cargo capacity of a traditional walk-in-van with the drivability of a smaller format vehicle. The Velocity lineup makes large product/package deliveries easy, with lower entry/exitegress height and 3-point grab rails at side and rear doors.doors, and comfortable safe seats. Economical to operate, withthe Velocity features a total cost of ownership about half thatthat of a traditional walk-in van.

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Specialty Up-fitUpfit

We install specialty interior and exterior up-fitupfit equipment for walk-in vans, truck bodies, cargo vans, and passenger vanslight duty pick-up trucks for added safety, cargo handling efficiency, and vocational functionality.

  
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Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories for our walk-in vans and truck bodies.

 

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Marketing

We market our fleetcommercial vehicles, including walk-in vans, cutaway vans, and truck bodies, under the Aeromaster®, Velocity, Ultimate, Trademaster®, Metromaster®,and Utilivan®, Spartan Upfit Services and Reach product brand names. We sell our fleet vehicles to leasing companies, national and fleet accounts (national accounts typically have 1,000+ vehicle fleets and fleet accounts typically have 100+ vehicle fleets), and through a network of independent truck dealers in the U.S. and Canada. In 2018 we will begin marketingWe also market our truck bodies direct to retail customers in select markets. We provide aftermarket support, including parts sales and field service,services, to all of our fleet vehicle customers through our Customer Service Department located in Bristol, Indiana, which maintains the only online parts resource among the major delivery vehicle manufacturers. Except in limited circumstances, we do not provide financing to dealers, fleet or national accounts. We also maintain multi-year supply agreements with certain key fleet customers in the parcel and linen/uniform rental industries.Indiana.

 


Manufacturing

 

Manufacturing

We applyhave implemented the SpartanShyft Production System, of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement toin all of our fleet vehicle operationsfacilities in order to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. We manufacturemanufacture walk-in vans and truck bodies at our Bristol, Indiana facility and beginning in 2018, manufacture truck bodies at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania facility.Landisville, Pennsylvania; and Kansas City, Missouri facilities. We have dedicated facilities at North Charleston, South Carolina; Kansas City, MissouriMissouri; and Saltillo, Mexico aligned with our commercial and OEM customers for the installation of up-fitupfit equipment. Our walk-in vans and truck bodies are manufactured on non-automated assembly lines utilizing a combination of high- and low-skilledhigh-skilled tradespeople and assemblers. Our up-fitupfit facilities utilize teams of workers requiring minimal capital investment for efficient and timely installation of a variety of equipment.

Emergency Response VehiclesSegment

We are one of the top three fire truck apparatus and cab-chassis manufacturers in North America, with an emphasis on broad categorical coverage. We engineer and manufacture custom emergency response cabs and chassis and complete apparatus to customer specifications, for use by the fire industry throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and the Spartan apparatus operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; and Delevan, Wisconsin locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture.

The Emergency Response Vehicles segment has extensive engineering experience in creating custom vehicles that perform specialized tasks, and generally manufactures vehicles only upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders; thus, it does not have significant amounts of completed product inventory. As an emergency response vehicle producer, Spartan Motors believes it holds a unique position for continued growth due to its engineering reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility. The Emergency Response Vehicles segment employed 953 associates as of January 31, 2018, 2 of which were contracted employees.  

InnovationSpecialty Vehicles Segment

We communicate with end users to continuously identify innovations and bring the latest technology, safety and functionality to our emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus customers. Over the past few years, we have introduced innovations on our emergency response chassis and apparatus such as: our Spartan Select and S-180 truck programs, designed to provide the custom apparatus that emergency response professionals need with unprecedented order-to-delivery cycle times as short as 180 days; our industry-leading Advanced Protection System, which includes side curtain airbags, crew protecting knee bags, outboard accident sensors, smart restraint systems, heavy duty windshield wipers for increased visibility in all weather conditions, and a 360 degree camera that gives around-the truck visibility; our Advanced Climate Control system, the most advanced HVAC system available in the industry; Mobile Gateway, which  provides an extensive group of connectivity features - even if the communications infrastructure is compromised or down; heated roll down side glass; optimized engine tunnel; and a new fire truck cab interior configuration, which provides additional space and comfort in both the driver and officer positions, improved shoulder harness accessibility, increased interior volume and a 45% reduction in in-cab noise levels when traveling at 45 mph.

Products

Cab & Chassis

Our emergency response chassis consist of the cab, frame and running gear to which the apparatus is fitted. We custom manufacture emergency response chassis to customer specifications through our Spartan USA subsidiary. These specifications vary based on such factors as application, terrain, street configuration and the nature of the community, state or country in which the fire truck will be utilized. We have three fire truck chassis models within this product line: the Gladiator; Metro Star; and Metro Star X.

Pumpers

Our pumpers are custom manufactured to customer specifications on Spartan chassis and are available as side, top or rear mount utilizing stainless steel or aluminum bodies with highly customizable storage configurations.


Aerials

We engineer, manufacture and market aerial ladder components for fire trucks under the Spartan, Smeal and Ladder Tower brands. Our aerial products are produced through our Spartan USA operations in Snyder, Nebraska and Ephrata, Pennsylvania, which have developed a full line of aerial products.

Rescues

Our rescues are optimized to carry the crew and the right equipment. Custom designs and configurations, include walk-in and walk-around to deliver the ultimate accessibility and storage capacity. 

Tankers

Our tankers feature a full-size pump with multiple valve options to fit individual departments’ needs, backed by a vast onboard water tank that can respond to structural operations and serve as a mobile water supply source.

Parts and Accessories

We provide a full line of parts and accessories which are distributed by our dealer channel, and available factory direct.

Service

Spartan and its go-to-market brands provide factory service and authorized service across a network of nearly 300 service centers in North America. In addition to routine maintenance, body, aerial, pump, drivetrain, and chassis repair, Spartan and its brands offer departments without the budget for new apparatus the opportunity to refurbish their existing unit or fleet.

Marketing

We market our custom emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus through a network of dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as select markets in South America and Asia, under the Spartan, Smeal, Ladder Tower and UST brands. Our dealer organizations establish close working relationships with municipal fire departments. These personal contacts focus on the quality of the group’s specialty products and allow us to keep customers updated on new and improved product lines and end users’ needs. We provide aftermarket support, including parts sales, directly through our refurbishment centers located throughout the United States and through our dealer network.

In 2017 and consistent with prior years, we were one of the largest participants of the Fire Department Instructors Conference, the largest fire and safety industry trade show in North America. We also participate in other trade shows throughout the year. Trade shows provide the opportunity to display products and to meet directly with OEMs who purchase chassis, dealers who sell finished vehicles and fire departments that use the finished products. Engineers from our advanced product development team attend these trade shows, and along with communication with our dealer network, work to provide the innovation, functionality and quality that fire departments need.

Manufacturing

We apply the Spartan Production System of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to bring world class efficiency, productivity and quality to our chassis and apparatus operations. We manufacture our emergency response cab-chassis and apparatus at our Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder, Nebraska; and Ephrata Pennsylvania locations. Emergency response cab-chassis are manufactured at our Charlotte, Michigan facility, while our apparatus and aerial ladders are manufactured at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations. We are able to match the manufacturing capabilities of our various locations with the demands of the specific products in order to maximize efficiency. Due to the custom nature of our products, our manufacturing processes utilize skilled workers working on non-automated assembly lines. Our chassis and apparatus are generally manufactured to customer specifications in response to orders received. We also manufacture a limited number of chassis and apparatus for use as demonstration vehicles or to be sold from stock.


Specialty Chassis and Vehicles Segment

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment operatesincludes our Spartan RV chassis and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing out of our Charlotte, Michigan facility where we engineer and manufacture luxury Class A diesel motor homemotorhome chassis, manufacture our Reach walk-in van, provide contract assembly of defensespecialty vehicles and other specialty chassis,other commercial vehicles, and distribute related aftermarket parts and accessories.accessories under the Spartan RV Chassis and Builtmore Contract Manufacturing brand names. Our service truck bodies operations include locations in Carson, McClellan Park, and Montebello, California; Mesa, Arizona; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; and Waterville, Maine. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand, through our manufacturing operations in Pompano and West Palm Beach, Florida. Our specialty vehicle products are manufactured to customer specifications upon receipt of confirmed purchase orders. As a specialty chassis and vehicle manufacturer, we believe we hold a unique position for continued growth due to the high quality and performance of our products, our proactive engineering, reaction time, manufacturing expertise and flexibility, and the scalability of our operations. Our specialty vehicle products are generally sold through original equipment manufacturers in the case of chassis and vehicles and to dealerdealers, distributors or directly to consumers for truck bodies and aftermarket parts and accessories. The Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment employed 461associates (all in Charlotte, Michigan)approximately 1,100 employees and less than 100 contractors as of JanuaryDecember 31, 2018, of which 99 were contracted employees. 2021.

 

Innovation

We promote effective communication through

Through trade shows and motor homemotorhome rallies, we talk with a wide variety of motor homemotorhome owners to identify needs and bring our customers the latest technology and highest quality in our motor homemotorhome and specialty chassis. Over the past few years, we have introducedRecent innovations onto our motor homemotorhome chassis including:include: custom tuned suspensions, independent front suspension, and passive steer tag axle that greatly improve ride, handling and maneuverability; adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, electronic stability control and lane departure warning to improve safety; and automatic air leveling that adds convenience and functionality to top line motor homes.motorhomes. We also support trade shows, OEM and dealer events to promote our truck body products and upfit services. We continue to expand our product portfolio and execute innovations in that segment.

 

Products

Products

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Motor home chassisMotorhome Chassis

We custom manufacture diesel chassis for luxury Class A motor homesmotorhomes to the individual specifications of our motor homemotorhome OEM customers through ourunder the Spartan USA subsidiary.RV Chassis brand name. These specifications vary based on specific interior and exterior design specifications, power requirements,gross vehicle weight, horsepower, and electrical needs of the motor home bodies to be attached to the Spartanour chassis. Our motor homemotorhome chassis feature diesel engines of 360 to 605 horsepower and are used in motor homes ranging from 37 to 45 feet. Our motor homemotorhome chassis are separated into four models: the K1, K2, K3, and K4 series chassis.

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Isuzu N-gas and F-seriesContract Manufacturing

We provide final assembly services for Isuzu N-gas and F-series chassis for the North American market.market under the Builtmore Contract Manufacturing brand name. These class 3 and class 5 chassis are utilized in a variety of final configurations for light duty freight hauling and industrial uses. We have a low-cost structurecost effective, flexible and a highly skilled team of assembly workers and management, which, along with a dedication to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, allow us to deliver superior quality and value in contract manufacturing.

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Service Truck Bodies

We manufacture and assemble truck bodies for a variety of trades and vocations. Those body configurations include service bodies, stake bodies, contractor bodies, dump/landscape bodies and vocational dry freight bodies under the Royal Truck Body and DuraMag brand names.

  
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Defense and Specialty chassis and vehiclesUpfit

We partner withdesign and install custom lighting and upfit solutions to meet the unique needs of the fleet industries including a varietyrange of OEM customers tospecialty industries such as law enforcement, Department of Transportation, security companies, and providers of funeral, towing, and utility services. We provide chassisdurable, reliable, and completehigh-quality product installations for any vehicle assembly for military vehicles, drill rigs, shuttle bus chassisrequiring specialty exterior and other specialty chassis and vehicles.interior accessory upfits.

  
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Parts and Accessories

We provide truck accessories under our Magnum brand and provide a full line of parts and accessories for our motor home, defense and specialty chassis as well as maintenance and repair services for our motor homemotorhome and specialty chassis.

 

Marketing

We sell our Class A diesel motor homemotorhome chassis to OEM manufacturersOEMs for use in constructionthe manufacturing of premium motor homes. We actively participate in a variety of trade shows and motor home rallies that promote our products and aftermarket parts and services in additionaddition to providing an opportunity to communicate with our end customers to showcase Spartan’sour latest innovations and identify needs and opportunities for continuous improvement of our chassis. We sell our service truck bodies through a commercial dealer network and through OEM pools, and we actively participate in a variety of regional and national trade shows that promote our products. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand.

 


Manufacturing

 

Manufacturing

Our motor homemotorhome chassis, service truck body, and specialty manufacturingmanufacturing operations benefit fromemploy the SpartanShyft Production System, of lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement to bring efficiency and cost reduction throughout our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. We engineer, manufacture, motor homeand assemble Spartan RV chassis, drill rigs, militaryas well as other specialty vehicles and specialty bus chassis on non-automated assembly lines at our Charlotte, Michigan facility.lines. We assemble both the Isuzu N-gasN- and F-series chassis on high-volume assembly lines at our Charlotte, Michigan location that utilize a variety of state of the artstate-of-the-art automation and testing equipment. Our upfit facilities utilize teams of workers requiring minimal capital investment for efficient and timely installation of a variety of equipment.

 

Competition

Recent Acquisition

On January 1, 2017, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co., resulting in the addition of $124.7 million of revenue in 2017. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refers to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. The assets acquired consist of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devices for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operated as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Our acquisition of Smeal resulted in the expansion of our product portfolio and, with the addition of the Smeal dealer network, an expansion of our geographic reach across 44 states and 13 Canadian provinces and territories. The acquisition strengthened our emergency response vehicle product line with the addition of market leading aerial designs and three manufacturing locations that will allow us to align our product portfolio with location specific manufacturing expertise to further increase efficiency and accelerate our Emergency Response Vehicles segment’s return to profitability. 

Our strategy is to accelerate our growth by expanding into additional products and markets through opportunistic, strategic acquisitions. We believe that we have the management expertise, balance sheet strength and capital availability to enable continued growth through both organic expansion and an aggressive acquisition strategy.

Competition

The principal methods we use to build competitive advantages include short engineering reaction time, custom design capability, high product quality, superior customer service and quick delivery. We employ a solutions-based approach to offer specialized productsproducts tailored to customer needs across the spectrum of our products. We compete with companies that manufacture for similar markets, including some divisions of large diversified organizations that have total sales and financial resources exceeding ours. Our competition in the fleet vehicle market ranges from one large manufacturer in the walk-in van market to a number of smaller manufacturers in the truck body and equipment up-fitupfit markets. Our direct competitors in the emergency vehicle apparatus market are principally larger manufacturers that compete throughout the North American market and often have a strong international presence. Certain competitors are vertically integrated and manufacture their own emergency response chassis and/or apparatus, although they generally do not sell their chassis to outside customers (other OEMs). Our competitors in the specialty vehicle market are principally large multi-product line manufacturers of specialty and heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to established mature competitors, we also face competition from new market entrants including technology companies.

 

7

 

Suppliers

We are dedicated to establishing long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. Through these relationships, we benefit from new innovations, higher quality, reduced lead times, smoother/faster manufacturing ramp-up of new vehicle introductionsintroductions and lower total costs of doing business. Our accelerating growth and company-wide supply chain management initiatives allow us to benefit from economies of scale and maximize to focus on a common vision.

 

The single largest commodity directly utilizedutilized in production is aluminum, which we purchase under purchase agreements based on forecasted production requirements. To a lesser extent we are dependent upon suppliers of lumber, fiberglass and steel for our manufacturing. We have initiated long-term supplier agreements and are consolidating suppliers where beneficial to gain pricing advantages. There are several readily available sources for the majority of these raw materials. However, we are heavily dependent on specific component part products from a few single source vendors. We maintain a qualification, on-site inspection, assistance, and performance measurement system to control risks associated with reliance on suppliers. We normally do not carry inventories of such raw materials or components in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. Material and component cost increases are passed on to our customers whenever possible. However, thereThere can be no assurance that there will not be any supply issues over the long-term.


 

In the assembly of certain of our fleet vehicles, we use chassis supplied by third parties, and we generally do not purchase these chassis for inventory. For this market, we typically accept shipment of truck chassis owned by dealers or end users, for the purposepurpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized commercial vehicles on such chassis, but from time to time we do purchase chassis for use in fulfilling certain customer orders.

Research and Development

Our success depends on our ability to innovate and add new products and features ahead of changing market demands and new regulatory requirements. Thus, we emphasize research and development and commit significant resources to develop and adapt new productsproducts and production techniques. Our engineering team of nearly 200 technical professionals is looking past “current practices” and “best practices” to deliver “next practices” for our customers and shareholders. Our engineering group is organized as a unified team serving onegroup's goal throughout the company,company: to deliver world class products and manufacturing processes regardless of product line or location, a concept that we refer to as “One Spartan Engineering”. The team balances the synergies of One Spartan Engineering with fully integrated teams dedicated to product line specialization.location. Results are accomplished with the appropriate blend of predictive analysis and physical property testing in our Research and Development facilities along with ride-and-drive analysis. Our efforts range from executing special orders for current production; to new production development for new functionality and product improvements; to exciting technologies that are new to the markets we serve, like vehicle electrification. Our engineering actions are driven by our firm commitment to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. We spent $6.5$8.5 million, $6.8$4.4 million, and $4.6$4.9 million on research and development in 2017, 20162021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively.

 

During 2021, Shyft Innovations, our dedicated mobility research and development team, unveiled plans to bring to market an all-electric purpose-built Class 3 chassis platform designed to serve a wide array of medium-duty truck markets, from last mile parcel delivery fleets to work trucks, passenger busses, recreational vehicles, and more. The EV-powered chassis will feature customizable length and wheelbase, making it well suited for a variety of vehicle types. The chassis’ modular design can accommodate multiple GVWR classifications, based on build out and usage. With this high degree of configurability, the all-electric chassis is adaptable to last mile delivery, work truck, mass transit, recreational vehicle, and other emerging EV markets.

Product Warranties

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly and construction defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for specified periods, ranging from one year to the life of the product,twenty years, following the date of sale. With the use of validation testing, predictive analysis tools and engineering and design standards, we strive to continuously improve product quality and durability, and reduce our exposure to warranty claims. The end users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles. For more information concerning our product warranties, see Note 10,"Note 11 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 appearing in this Form 10-K.

 

8

 

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

We have 2717 United States patents, (provisional and regular), which include rights to the design and structure of chassis and certain peripheral equipment and we have 1418 pending patent applications in the United States. The existing patents will expire on various dates from 20182025 through 20332040 and allutility patents are subject to payment of required maintenance fees. We also own 33 United Statesor license 84 federal and international trademark and service mark registrations. The trademark and service mark registrations are generally renewable under applicable laws, subject to payment of required fees and the filing of affidavits of use. In addition, we have various internationalpending trademark registrations and pending applications.

 

We believe ourOur products and services are identified by our trademarks and that ourservice marks. Our trademarks and service marks are valuable assets to allboth of our business segments. We are not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of our trademarks that could materially affect our business. It is our policy to pursue registration of our primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend our patents, trademarks and other proprietary marks against infringement or other threats to the greatest extent practicable under applicable laws.

 

Environmental Matters

Compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations has not had, nor is it expected to have, a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Joint Venture

Spartan USA is a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a 50/50 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets. Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K.

AssociatesHuman Capital Management

 

We believe people are the most critical component in our continued success, and we strive to attract high-performing talent. As of December 31, 2021, we employed 2,327 associates asapproximately 3,800 employees and contractors. Approximately 13% of January 31, 2018, substantiallyour total workforce consists of contractors, including all personnel at our Saltillo, Mexico operation. Compared to 2020, we decreased the percentage of which are full-time, including 222 contracted associates. Management considers its relationscontractors in our workforce by approximately 50%. This decrease reflected a strategic change in our talent acquisition strategy of direct hiring instead of contract relationships. Of our total workforce, 92% reside in the United States, with associates to be positive.the remaining 8% in Mexico. Our production processes at our non-unionized facilities employleverage a combination of high- and low-skilledskilled tradespeople and high-touch assemblers involvedworking in body, electrical, mechanical, paint, and assembly operations. As a team, our employees and contractors put the Company’s core values into action, while executing on key growth initiatives to maintain long-term sustainable growth. We strive to create a workplace of choice to attract, retain, and develop top talent to achieve our vision and deliver shareholder results.

In our locations, we compete with many local companies for talent. We have implemented talent strategies and market competitive wages and benefits to support talent acquisition and retention. In addition to these actions, we have implemented employee surveys and focus groups that encourage our employees to share their opinions and feedback on the culture of our company. The results of the survey are analyzed and measured to learn how we can enhance and accelerate improvements in the attraction and retention in a difficult talent environment.

We adhere to a philosophy that includes, among other things, commitments to create ongoing job opportunities, pay fair wages, and protect worker health and safety. Fundamental to these commitments are our Company’s core values of honesty and integrity, accountability, trust, and performance excellence. Management considers relations with the Company’s workforce to be positive.

Compensation and Benefits

We believe the structure of our compensation packages provides the appropriate incentives to attract, retain and motivate our employees. We provide base pay that is competitive and that aligns with employee positions, skill levels, experience and geographic location. In addition to base pay, we seek to reward employees with incentive awards, recognition programs, educational opportunities, paid time off, and equity awards for employees at certain roles.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value and advance the diversity and inclusion of the people with whom we work. We are committed to equal opportunity and are intolerant of discrimination and harassment. We work to maintain workplaces that are free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, national or social origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, political opinion or any other status protected by applicable law.

The basis for recruitment, hiring, placement, development, training, compensation and advancement at the Company includes qualifications, performance, skills and experience.

We do not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, unfair treatment or retaliation of any kind. Harassment is not tolerated in the workplace and in any work-related circumstance outside the workplace.

 


9

 

COVID-19 Health Measures

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented measures to help ensure the health, safety and security of our employees, while constantly monitoring the rapidly evolving situation and adapting our efforts and responses. We are diligently following guidance from authorities and health officials. This includes allowing remote work in certain circumstances, imposing travel restrictions and implementing safety measures for on-site employees including, but not limited to, the use of personal protective equipment as appropriate and in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Customer Base

 

We serve customers ranging from municipalities to OEMs to commercial customers and vehicle dealers throughout our product lines. Sales to our top 10 customers in 20172021 accounted for 38.8%60.6% of our revenue.sales. Sales to customers that individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated revenuesales for 20162021, 2020 and 20152019 are detailed in the chart below. In 2017 no customer individually exceeded 10% of our consolidated revenue.

 

Year

 

Customer

 

Sales

($ millions)

  

Percentage of

consolidated

revenue

  

Segment

2016

 

Jayco, Inc.

 $71.0   12.0% 

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

2015

 

Jayco, Inc.

 $78.8   14.3% 

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

 

Year

 

Customer

 

Sales

($ millions)

  

Percentage of

consolidated

sales

  

Segment

2021 Amazon $248.6   25.1% FVS
             

2020

 

Amazon

 

$

198.3

   

29.3

%

 

FVS

             

2019

 

Amazon

 

$

173.0

   

22.9

%

 

FVS

2019

 

USPS

 

$

113.8

   

15.0

%

 

FVS

 

WeWe do have other significant customers which, if the relationship changes significantly, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. We believe that we have developed strong relationships with our customers and continually work to develop new customers and markets. See related risk factors in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.

 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $81.2$11.7 million, $31.7$9.5 million, and $40.1$21.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively, or 11.5%1.2%, 5.4%1.4%, and 7.3%2.8%, respectively, of sales for those years. AllSubstantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

 

Order Backlog

Order Backlog

Our order backlog by reportable segment is summarized in the following table (in thousands).

 

  

December 31,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

  

Increase/(decrease)

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services

 $267,698  $89,549  $178,149 

Emergency Response Vehicles

  233,583   139,870   93,713 

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

  33,806   20,037   13,769 

Total consolidated

 $535,087  $249,456  $285,631 
  

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

  

Increase

 

FVS

 $859,442  $$     421,544  $437,898 

SV

   104,117    57,107   47,010 

Total consolidated

 $963,559  $478,651  $484,908 

 

The increase in Fleet Vehicles and ServicesOur FVS backlog wasincreased by $437.9 million, or 103.9%, driven by a $214.3new orders for walk-in vans. Our SV segment backlog increased by $47.0 million, contract received in September, 2017or 82.3%, due to supply delivery vehicles, which will be fulfilled through 2019. The increase in our Emergency Response Vehicles backlog was driven by the Smeal acquisition, which added $84.4 million to our backlog at December 31, 2017. The increase in Specialty Chassis and Vehicles backlog was driven by an increase in orders for motor home chassis as a result of new model introductions in 2017.Class A diesel motorhome market demand and service body orders.

 

While orders in the backlog are subject to modification, cancellation or rescheduling by customers, this has not been a major factor in the past. Although the backlog of unfilled orders is one of many indicators of market demand, several factors, such as chassis availability, 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 periodperiod-to-period is not necessarily indicative of eventual actual shipments.

  

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

This report contains adjustedpresents Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is a non-GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP measure is calculated by excluding items that we believe to be infrequent or not indicative of our underlying operating performance, as well as certain non-cash expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA as income from continuing operating performance. For the periods covered by this report such items include expenses associated with restructuring actions takenoperations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to improve the efficiency and profitability of certain of our manufacturing operations, expenses related to product recall campaigns, non-cash charges related to the impairment of assets, expenses related to a recent business acquisition,eliminate the impact of the step-up in inventory value associated with the recent businessrestructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and the impactadjustments, non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and other gains and losses not reflective of the business acquisition on the timing of chassis revenue recognition.our ongoing operations. 

10

 

We present the non-GAAP measure adjustedAdjusted EBITDA because we consider them it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance. The presentation of adjustedAdjusted EBITDA enables investors to better understand our operations by removing items that we believe are not representative of our continuing operations and may distort our longer termlonger-term operating trends. We believe this measure to be useful to improve the comparability of our results from period to period and with our competitors, as well as to show ongoing results from operations distinct from items that are infrequent or not indicative of our continuing operating performance. We believe that presenting this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate our historical performance. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to that measure, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained in the absence of this disclosure.

 

Our management uses adjustedAdjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also used, along with other financial and non-financial measures, for purposes of determining annual incentive compensation for our management team and long-term incentive compensation for certain members of our management team.


 

The following table reconciles Net income attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.reconciles Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

 

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 

Net Income (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

 $15,935  $8,610  $(16,972) $1,173  $(5,971)

Interest expense

  864   410   365   341   311 

Income tax

  90   100   4,880   (2,103)  (1,881)

Depreciation & Amortization

  9,937   7,903   7,437   8,378   9,238 

EBITDA

  26,826   17,023   (4,290)  7,789   1,697 

Restructuring charges

  1,252   1,095   2,855   2,157   - 
Impact of intercompany chassis sales to Smeal  2,073   -   -   -   - 

Acquisition related expenses

  1,354   882   -   -   - 
Impact of inventory fair value step-up  189   -   -   -   - 

Product recall expenses

  (368)  3,457   8,600   -   1,979 

Contingent consideration

  -   -   -   742   21 

Asset impairment

  -   406   2,234   -   5,198 

NHTSA settlement

  -   -   2,269   -   - 

Joint venture expenses

  1   7   508   144   (2)

Adjusted EBITDA

 $31,327  $22,870  $12,176  $10,832  $8,893 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

  

2017

 

Income from continuing operations

 $69,974  $38,289  $36,790  $18,116  $17,471 

Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest

   (1,230)  (347

)

  (140

)

  -   1 

Interest expense

   414   1,293   1,839   1,080   864 

Income tax expense

   14,506   9,867   10,355   3,334   2,382 

Depreciation and amortization

   11,356   13,903   6,073   6,214   6,032 

Restructuring and other related charges

   505   1,873   316   662   798 

Acquisition related expenses and adjustments

   1,585   1,332   3,531   1,952   588 

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

   8,745   7,706   5,281   4,027   3,536 

Loss from write-off of construction in process

  -   2,430   -   -   - 
Loss from liquidation of JV   643   -   -   -   - 
Non-recurring professional fees   1,568   -   -   -   - 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $108,066  $76,346  $64,045  $35,385  $31,672 

 

Available Information

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports (and amendments thereto) filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act are available, free of charge, on our internet website (www.SpartanMotors.comwww.TheShyftGroup.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Commission ("SEC").

 

The public may read and copy materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Information About our Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company, their business experience and their ages as of February 1, 2022, are as follows:

Name

Position

 

Business Experience

 

Age

Executive Officer Since

Daryl M. Adams

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

President and Chief Executive Officer since February 2015. Director since December 2014. Chief Operating Officer from July 2014 to February 2015. Chief Executive Officer, Midway Products from 2007 to 2014.

 

60

2015

 


11

 

Name

Position

 

Business Experience

 

Age

Executive Officer Since

Jonathan C. Douyard

Chief Financial Officer

 

Chief Financial Officer since March 2020. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Fluke Corporation from June 2016 to February 2020. Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Commercial Systems & Services business unit, Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) from September 2015 to May 2016. Director, Finance, Commercial Systems & Services business unit, Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) from 2012 to 2015. Various financial leadership roles, General Electric subsidiaries from 2001 to 2012.

 

42

2020

Todd A. Heavin

Chief Operating Officer

 

Chief Operating Officer since June 2019. Management Consultant from August 2017 to May 2019. Division President, American Axle from April 2017 to August 2017. Division General Manager, Metaldyne Performance Group from 2014 to April 2017.

 

60

2019

Chad M. Heminover

President Fleet Vehicles and Services

 

President, Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services since May 2018.  Vice President of Operations and Business Development, Shyft Fleet Vehicles and Services from December 2017 through April 2018. Business Unit President, Taylor Corporation from 2014 through December 2017.

 

45

2018

Stephen K. Guillaume

President Specialty Vehicles

 

President, Shyft Specialty Vehicles since May 2015. Vice President of New Business Development and Joint Ventures from January 2015 to May 2015.Vice President and General Manager, Navistar Commercial Trucks from 2010 through 2014.    

 

54

2015

Joshua A. Sherbin

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary since May 2021. Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, TriMas Corporation from March 2016 to May 2021. Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, TriMas Corporation from 2008 to March 2016.

 

59

2021

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

 

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, many of which are not exclusively within our control that may cause actual performance to differ materially from historical or projected future performance. The risksrisks described below are the primary risks known to us that we believe could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, these risks may not be the only risks we face. Our business could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us, factors we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations, or factors that emerge as new risks in the future.

 

Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our results of operations are likely to continue to be adversely affected by the circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We depend on localhave experienced challenges to our business arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and municipal governmentsrelated governmental directives, and we expect to continue facing these challenges for a substantial portionthe foreseeable future. In 2020, we were forced to shut down certain of our business.facilities, often on short notice. Although all of our facilities are currently in operation, future shutdowns are possible as long as the COVID-19 virus presents a public health risk.

 

In 2017, localaddition, we have had to incur additional costs and municipal governments wereexpenses to maintain our facilities and operations in compliance with governmental directives and in a manner designed to protect the end customer for 42%health and safety of our revenue, including custom fire truckworkforce. These challenges are made more difficult by the fact that we have facilities in multiple states, and each state has implemented different restrictions and directives in response to the pandemic. This also increases our compliance-related risk as we work to understand and comply with the different rules and regulations within each state.

��

We have also experienced increased employee absences related to the pandemic, due to illness and/or the need to care for family members. This challenge may continue throughout 2022.

12

These challenges also impact our suppliers, and we have experienced supply chain disruptions as a result. Our inability to obtain raw materials, chassis fire truck bodies, aerial ladders and other fire truck related apparatus.  These markets are heavily impacted by municipal capital spending budgets, which may be impacted by fluctuating municipal tax revenues.  These budgetary constraints may havesupplies on a significant adverse effect on the overall fire and emergency vehicle market and/or cause a shift in the fire and emergency vehicle market away from highly customized products toward commercially produced vehicles.  These changes could result in weakened demand fortimely basis negatively impacts our products, which may have an adverse impact on our net sales, financial condition, profitability and/or cash flows. 

The integration of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future involves challenges that could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition.

As part of our growth strategy, we have pursued and expect we will continueability to selectively pursue, acquisitions of businesses or assets in order to diversify, expand our capabilities, enter new markets, or increase our market share.  Integrating any newly acquired business or assets can be expensive and can require a great deal of management time and other resources.  If we are unable to successfully integrate the newly acquired businesses with our existing business, we may not realize the synergies we expect from the acquisition and our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

Re-configuration or relocation of our production operations could negatively impact our earnings.

We may, from time to time, re-configure our production lines or relocate production of products between buildings or locations or to new locations in order to maximize the efficient utilization of our existing production capacity or take advantage of opportunities to increase manufacturing efficiencies.  Costs incurred to effect these re-configurations or re-locations may exceed our estimate, and efficiencies gained may be less than anticipated, each offulfill customer orders, which may have a negativematerial adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and financial position.liquidity.

 

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.Risks Related to Our Company and Business

 

We rely, for certain of our products, on a network of independent dealers to market, deliver, provide training for, and service our products to and for customers.  Our business is influenced by our ability to initiate and manage new and existing relationships with dealers.

From time to time, we or an individual dealer may choose to terminate the relationship, or the dealership could face financial difficulty leading to failure or difficulty in transitioning to new ownership.  In addition, our competitors could engage in a strategy to attempt to acquire or convert our dealers to carry their products.  We do not believe our business is dependent on any single dealer, the loss of which would have a sustained material adverse effect upon our business.

However, disruption of dealer coverage within a specific local market could have an adverse impact on our business within the affected market.  The loss or termination of a significant number of dealers could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing our products and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.  In the event that a dealer in a strategic market experiences financial difficulty, we may choose to provide financial support, such as extending credit, to a dealership, reducing the risk of disruption, but increasing our financial exposure.

We may not be able to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy includes expanding existing market share through product innovation, continued expansion into industrial and global markets, and merger or acquisition related activities.


We believe our future success depends in part on our research and development and engineering efforts, our ability to manufacture or source the products and customer acceptance of our products.  As it relates to new markets, our success also depends on our ability to create and implement local supply chain, sales and distribution strategies to reach these markets.

The potential inability to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy could adversely affect our business and our results of operations.  The successful implementation of our growth strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate operations with acquired companies.

Our efforts to grow our business in emerging markets are subject to all of these risks plus additional, unique risks.  In certain markets, the legal and political environment can be unstable and uncertain which could make it difficult for us to compete successfully and could expose us to liabilities.

We also make investments in new business development initiatives which, like many startups, could have a relatively high failure rate.  We limit our investments in these initiatives and establish governance procedures to contain the associated risks, but losses could result and may be material.  Our growth strategy also may involve acquisitions, joint venture alliances and additional arrangements of distribution.  We may not be able to enter into acquisitions or joint venture arrangements on acceptable terms, and we may not successfully integrate these activities into our operations.  We also may not be successful in implementing new distribution channels, and changes could create discord in our existing channels of distribution.

When we introduce new products, we may incur expenses that we did not anticipate, such as recall expenses, resulting in reduced earnings.

The introduction of new products is critical to our future success.  We have additional costs when we introduce new products, such as initial labor or purchasing inefficiencies, but we may also incur unexpected expenses.  For example, we may experience unexpected engineering or design issues that will force a recall of a new product or increase production costs of the product above levels needed to ensure profitability.  In addition, we may make business decisions that include offering incentives to stimulate the sales of products not adequately accepted by the market, or to stimulate sales of older or less marketable products.  The costs resulting from these types of problems could be substantial and have a significant adverse effect on our earnings.

Any negativenegative change in our relationship with our major customers could have significant adverse effects on revenues and profits.

 

Our financial success is directly related to the willingness of our customers to continue to purchase our products. Failure to fill customers’ orders in a timely manner or on the terms and conditions they may impose could harm our relationships with our customers. The importance of maintaining excellent relationships with our major customers may also give these customers leverage in our negotiations with them, including pricing and other supply terms, as well as post-sale disputes. This leverage may lead to increased costs to us or decreased margins. Furthermore, if any of our major customers experience a significant downturn in their business or fail to remain committed to our products or brands, then these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. There were no customersIn 2021, we had a single customer that accounted for 1025.1 percent or greater of consolidated salessales. Sales to our top 10 customers accounted for 60.6 percent of our sales.

We may not be able to remain competitive in 2017.the rapidly changing markets in which we compete.

The markets we serve are undergoing rapid transformation, particularly with respect to parcel delivery services and electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Our competitors include companies that have significantly greater resources than we do, including OEMs and certain of our customers, and which are highly motivated by market opportunities to deploy those resources. In addition to these established, mature competitors, we also face competition from new market entrants, including technology companies. As a result of these market opportunities, OEMs and other companies have taken actions to reduce costs, including through in-sourcing and supply base consolidation. We expect these trends to continue and even accelerate. Our business will be adversely affected if we are unable to adequately respond to these pressures or otherwise continue to compete in these markets.

The integration of businesses or assets we have acquired or may acquire in the future involves challenges that could disrupt our business and harm our financial condition.

As part of our growth strategy, we have pursued and expect we will continue to selectively pursue acquisitions of businesses or assets in order to diversify, expand our capabilities, enter new markets, or increase our market share. Integrating any newly acquired business or assets can be expensive and can require a great deal of management time and other resources. If we are unable to successfully integrate the newly acquired businesses with our existing business, we may not realize the synergies we expect from the acquisition and our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

 

Re-configuration or relocation of our production operations could negatively impact our earnings.

We may, from time to time, reconfigure our production lines or relocate production of products between buildings or locations or to new locations to maximize the efficient utilization of our existing production capacity or take advantage of opportunities to increase manufacturing efficiencies. Costs incurred to affect these reconfigurations or relocations may exceed our estimates, and efficiencies gained may be less than anticipated, each of which may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial position.

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.

We rely, for certain of our products, on a network of independent dealers to market, deliver, provide training for, and service our products to and for customers. Our business is influenced by our ability to initiate and manage new and existing relationships with dealers.

From time to time, we or an individual dealer may choose to terminate the relationship, or the dealership could face financial difficulty leading to failure or difficulty in transitioning to new ownership. In addition, our competitors could engage in a strategy to attempt to acquire or convert our dealers to carry their products. We do not believe our business is dependent on any single dealer, the loss of which would have a sustained material adverse effect upon our business.

13

However, disruption of dealer coverage within a specific local market could have an adverse impact on our business within the affected market. The loss or termination of a significant number of dealers could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing our products and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. In the event that a dealer in a strategic market experiences financial difficulty, we may choose to provide financial support such as extending credit to a dealership, reducing the risk of disruption, but increasing our financial exposure.

We may not be able to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy.

Our growth strategy includes expanding existing market share through product innovation, continued expansion into industrial and global markets and merger or acquisition related activities. We believe our future success depends in part on our research and development and engineering efforts, our ability to manufacture or source the products and customer acceptance of our products. As it relates to new markets, our success also depends on our ability to create and implement local supply chain, sales and distribution strategies to reach these markets.

The potential inability to successfully implement and manage our growth strategy could adversely affect our business and our results of operations. The successful implementation of our growth strategy will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate operations with acquired companies.

Our efforts to grow our business in emerging markets are subject to all of these risks plus additional, unique risks. In certain markets, the legal and political environment can be unstable and uncertain which could make it difficult for us to compete successfully and could expose us to liabilities.

We also make investments in new business development initiatives which could have a relatively high failure rate. We limit our investments in these initiatives and establish governance procedures to contain the associated risks, but losses could result and may be material. Our growth strategy also may involve acquisitions, joint venture alliances and additional arrangements of distribution. We may not be able to enter into acquisitions or joint venture arrangements on acceptable terms, and we may not successfully integrate these activities into our operations. We also may not be successful in implementing new distribution channels, and changes could create discord in our existing channels of distribution.

Increased costs, including costs of raw materials, component parts and labor costs, potentially impacted by changes in labor rates and practices and/or new or increased tariffs or similar restrictions, could reduce our operating income.

Our results of operations may be significantly affected by the availability and pricing of manufacturing components and labor, changes in labor rates and practices, and increases in tariffs or similar restrictions on materials we import. Increases in costs of raw materials used in our products could affect the cost of our supply materials and components, as rising steel and aluminum prices as well as increased tariffs have impacted the cost of certain of our manufacturing components. Although we attempt to mitigate the effect of any escalation in components, labor costs, and tariffs by negotiating with current or new suppliers and by increasing productivity or, where possible, by increasing the sales prices of our products, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so without it having an adverse impact on the competitiveness of our products and, therefore, our sales volume. If we cannot successfully offset increases in our manufacturing costs, this could have a material adverse impact on our margins, operating income and cash flows. Our profit margins may decrease if prices of purchased component parts, labor rates, and/or tariffs increase, and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers.

Implementing new information systems could interfere with our business or operations.

We are in the process of implementing new information systems infrastructure and applications that impact multiple locations. These projects require significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many processes of our business, and the attention of many employees and managers who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business. Should the systems not be implemented successfully, we may incur impairment charges that could materially impact our financial results. If the systems do not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business and operations could be disrupted and our results of operations negatively affected, including our ability to report accurate and timely financial results.

Disruption of our supply base could affect our ability to obtain component parts.

We increasingly rely on component parts from global sources in order to manufacture our products. Disruption of this supply base due to international political events, natural disasters, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors could affect our ability to obtain component parts at acceptable prices, or at all, and have a negative impact on our sales, results of operations and financial position.

14

When we introduce new products, we may incur expenses that we did not anticipate, such as recall expenses, resulting in reduced earnings.

The introduction of new products is critical to our future success. We have additional costs when we introduce new products, such as initial labor or purchasing inefficiencies, but we may also incur unexpected expenses. For example, we may experience unexpected engineering or design issues that will force a recall of a new product or increase production costs of the product above levels needed to ensure profitability. In addition, we may make business decisions that include offering incentives to stimulate the sales of products not adequately accepted by the market, or to stimulate sales of older or less marketable products. The costs resulting from these types of problems could be substantial and have a significant adverse effect on our earnings.

We depend on a small group of suppliers for some of our components, and the loss of any of these suppliers could affect our ability to obtain components at competitive prices, whichwhich would decrease our sales or earnings.

 

Most chassis emergency response vehicle, aerial ladder and specialty vehicle commodity components are readily available from a variety of sources. However, a few proprietary or specialty components are produced by a small group of suppliers.

 

In addition, we generally do not purchase chassis for our delivery vehicles. Rather, we accept shipments of vehicle chassis owned by dealers or end-users for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized truck bodies on such chassis.  There are four primary sources for commercial chassis, and we have established relationships with all major chassis manufacturers.

 

Changes in our relationships with these suppliers, shortages, production delays, their ability to secure components required for chassis production or work stoppagesstoppages by the employees of such suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our ability to timely manufacture our products and secure sales. If we cannot obtain an adequate supply of components or commercial chassis, this could result in a decrease in our sales and earnings.

Our business could be adversely affected by the decision of our employees to unionize.


Currently, none of our U.S. employees are represented by a collective bargaining agreement. If in the future our employees decide to unionize, this would increase our operating costs and potentially force us to alter the way we operate causing an adverse effect on our operating results.

The ability to hire or retain management and other key personnel is critical to our continued success, and the loss of or inability to hire such personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Our ability to sustain and grow our business requires us to hire, retain and develop a highly skilled and diverse management team and workforce. As all key personnel devote their full time to our business, the loss of any member of our management team, or other key persons, or the inability to hire key persons, could have an adverse effect on us. If we lose key members of our senior management team or are unable to effect successful transitions from one executive to another as part of our succession plan, we may not be able to effectively manage our current operations or meet ongoing and future business challenges, and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks associated with international sales and contracts could have a negative effect on our business.

In 2021, 2020, and 2019, we derived 1.2%, 1.4%, and 2.8% of our revenue from sales to, or related to, end customers outside the United States. We face numerous risks associated with conducting international operations, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance, including changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, import/export restrictions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers and disruptions in the shipping of exported products.

Additionally, as a U.S. corporation, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage to foreign companies that are not subject to similar regulations.

 


15

 

DisruptionChanges in the method of determining London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate, may adversely affect interest charged on our supply baseoutstanding debt.

The interest rate charged on our outstanding borrowings pursuant to our credit facility is currently based on LIBOR, as described in "Note 13 – Debt" below. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority in the U.K. announced that it would phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. On November 30, 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (ICE) announced plans to delay the phase out of LIBOR to June 30, 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index called the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR), a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. Our credit facility provides for the transition to a replacement for LIBOR, and it also provides for an alternative to LIBOR. When LIBOR ceases to exist, our interest expense may increase. It is also possible that the overall financing market may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR with SOFR or any other reference rate. Increased interest expense and/or disruption in the financial market could affecthave a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

More General Risks Applicable to Our Industry

General economic, market, and/or political conditions, whether on a global, national, or more regional scale, could have a negative effect on our business.

Concerns regarding acts of terrorism, armed conflicts, natural disasters, budget shortfalls, cyber events, civil unrest, governmental actions, and epidemics have in the past and could in the future create significant uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand (particularly the specialty and motorhome markets), shipping and transportation, the availability of manufacturing components, commodity prices and our ability to obtain component parts.

We increasingly rely on component partsengage in overseas markets as tariffs are implemented. An economic recession, whether resulting from global sources in order to manufacture our products.  Disruptionone of this supply base due to international politicalthese events or natural disasters could affect our ability to obtain component parts at acceptable prices, or at all, andothers, would have a negativematerial adverse impact on our sales,financial condition and results of operations.

If there is a rise in the frequency and size of product liability, warranty and other claims against us, including wrongful death claims, our business, results of operations and financial position.condition may be harmed.

We are frequently subject, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation involving product liability and other claims, including wrongful death claims, related to personal injury and warranties. We insure our product liability claims in the commercial insurance market. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future claims against us. Any increase in the frequency and size of these claims, as compared to our experience in prior years, may cause the premiums that we are required to pay for such insurance to rise significantly. It may also increase the amounts we pay in punitive damages, which may not be covered by our insurance. In addition, a major product recall or increased levels of warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Changes to laws and regulations governing our business could have a material impact on our operations.

 

Our manufactured products and the industriesindustries in which we operate are subject to extensive federal and state regulations. Changes to any of these regulations or the implementation of new regulations could significantly increase the costs of manufacturing, purchasing, operating or selling our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of sales or production, or cessation of operations.

 

Certain U.S. tax laws currently afford favorable tax treatment for financing the purchase and sale of recreational vehicles that are used as the equivalent of second homes. These laws and regulations have historically been amended frequently, and it is likely that further amendments and additional regulations will be applicable to us and our products in the future. Amendments to these laws and regulations and the implementation of new regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Our operations are subject to a variety of federal and state environmental regulations relating to noise pollution and the use, generation, storage, treatment, emission and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes.  Although we believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental regulations, ourOur failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines, potential civil and criminal liability, suspension of production or operations, alterations to the manufacturing process, costly cleanup or capital expenditures. Climate change regulations at the federal, state or local level could require us to change our manufacturing processes or product portfolio or undertake other activities that may require us to incur additional expense, which may be material.

16

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Our quarterly operating results depend on a variety of factors including the timing and volume of orders, the completion of product inspections and acceptance by our customers, and various restructuring initiatives that may be undertaken from time to time. In addition, our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment experiences seasonality whereby product shipments in the first and fourth quarters are generally lower than other quarters as a result of the busy holiday delivery operations experienced by some of its largest customers. Accordingly, our financial results may be subject to significant and/or unanticipated quarter-to-quarter fluctuations.

 

Our businesses are cyclical, and this can lead to fluctuations in our operating results.

 

The industries in which we operate are highly cyclical and there can be substantial fluctuations in our manufacturing, shipments and operating results, and the results for any prior period may not be indicative of results for any future period. Companies within these industries are subject to volatility in operating results due to external factors such as economic, demographic and political changes. Factors affecting the manufacture of chassis, emergency response vehicles, aerial ladders, specialty vehicles, delivery vehicles and other of our products include but are not limited to:

 

 

Commodity prices;prices;

 

Fuel availability and prices.

Federal, state and municipal budgets;

 

Unemployment trends;

 

International tensions and hostilities;

 

General economic conditions;

 

Various tax incentives;

 

Strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies;

 

Overall consumer confidence and the level of discretionary consumer spending;

 

DealersDealers’ and manufacturers’ inventory levels; and

 

Interest rates and the availability of financing.

 

Economic, legal and other factors could impact our customerscustomers’ ability to pay accounts receivable balances due from them.

 

In the ordinary course of business, customers are granted terms related to the sale of goods and services delivered to them. These terms typically include a period of time between when the goods and services are tendered for delivery to the customer and when the customer needs to pay for these goods and services. The amounts due under these payment terms are listed as accounts receivable on our balance sheet. Prior to collection of these accounts receivable, our customers could encounter drops in sales, unexpected increases in expenses, or other factors which could impact their ability to continue as a going concern and which could affect the collectability of these amounts. Writing off uncollectible accounts receivable could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow as the Company haswe have major customers with material accounts receivable balances at any given time.


 

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or experience a security breachbreach.

 

We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, product engineering, manufacturing, accounting and other business processes.  While we believe we have robust processes in place to protect our information technology systems, ifIf these systems are damaged, cease to function properly or are subject to a cyber-security breach such as ransomware, phishing, infection with viruses or intentional attacks aimed at theft or destruction of sensitive data, we may suffer an interruption in our ability to manage and operate the business, and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

ImplementingLike most corporations, our information systems are a new enterprise resource planning system could interferetarget of attacks.  In addition, third-party providers of data hosting or cloud services, as well as our suppliers, may experience cyber-security incidents that may involve data we share with them. There can be no assurance that such incidents will not have a material adverse effect on us in the future. In order to address risks to our business or operations.information systems, we continue to make investments in personnel, technologies and training of personnel.

 

We are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.  The ERP system was implemented at our first location in 2017, with the remaining locations expected to be implemented throughout 2018 to 2020.  This project requires significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many processes of our business, and the attention of many associates and managers who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business.  Should the system not be implemented successfully, we may incur impairment charges that could materially impact our financial results.  If the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business and operations could be disrupted and our results of operations negatively affected, including our ability to report accurate and timely financial results.

Global political conditions could have a negative effect on our business.

Concerns regarding acts of terrorism, armed conflicts, natural disasters and budget shortfalls have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand (particularly the specialty and motor home markets), shipping and transportation, the availability of manufacturing components, commodity prices and our ability to engage in overseas markets.

Risks associated with international sales and contracts could have a negative effect on our business.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015 we derived 11.5%, 5.4% and 7.3% of our revenue from sales to, or related to, end customers outside the United States.  We expect that international sales will continue to account for a meaningful amount of our total revenue, especially in our emergency response vehicles segment.  Accordingly, we face numerous risks associated with conducting international operations, any of which could negatively affect our financial performance, including changes in foreign country regulatory requirements, the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies, import/export restrictions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade barriers and disruptions in the shipping of exported products.

Additionally, as a U.S. corporation, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage to foreign companies that are not subject to similar regulations.

17

 

Fuel shortages, or higher prices for fuel, could have a negative effect on sales.

 

Gasoline or diesel fuel is required for the operation of the specialty vehicles we manufacture. There can be no assurance that the supply of these petroleum products will continue uninterrupted, that rationing will not be imposed or that the price of or tax on these petroleum products will not significantly increase in the future. Increases in gasoline and diesel prices and speculation about potential fuel shortages have had an unfavorable effect on consumer demand for motor homes from time to time in the past and may continue to do so in the future. This, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our sales volume. Increases in the price of oil also can result in significant increases in the price of many of the components in our products, which may have an adverse impact on margins or sales volumes.

 

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarter-to-quarter basis.

Our quarterly operating results depend on a variety of factors including the timing and volume of orders, the completion of product inspections and acceptance by our customers, and various restructuring initiatives that may be undertaken from time to time.  In addition, our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment experiences seasonality whereby product shipments in the first and fourth quarters are generally lower than other quarters as a result of the busy holiday delivery operations experienced by some of its largest customers.  Accordingly, our financial results may be subject to significant and/or unanticipated quarter-to-quarter fluctuations.


We could incur asset impairmentimpairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

 

We have a significant amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. At least annually, we review goodwill and non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment. Identifiable intangible assets, goodwill and other long-lived assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from future cash flows.  In 2016 and 2015 we recorded asset impairment charges totaling $0.4 and $2.2 million against an asset group related to certain locations of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.  If the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units fails to meet future forecasts, or if future cash flow estimates decline, we could be required, under current U.S. accounting rules, to record additional impairment charges for our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets. Any write-off of a material portion of such assets could negatively affect our results of operations or financial position. See “Note 2 – Discontinued Operations” and “Note 6 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets.

Risk Applicable to Our Securities

 

Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile, which may result in losses to our shareholders.

 

The market price of the Company’sour common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly fluctuations in operating results, a failure to meet published estimates of or changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts, sales of common stock by existing holders,stockholders, loss of key personnel, market conditions in our industries, shortages of key product inventory components and general economic conditions.

If there is a rise in the frequency and size of product liability, warranty and other claims against us, including wrongful death claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.

We are frequently subject, in the ordinary course of business, to litigation involving product liability and other claims, including wrongful death claims, related to personal injury and warranties.  We partially self-insure our product liability claims and purchase excess product liability insurance in the commercial insurance market.  We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future claims against us.  Any increase in the frequency and size of these claims, as compared to our experience in prior years, may cause the premiums that we are required to pay for such insurance to rise significantly.  It may also increase the amounts we pay in punitive damages, which may not be covered by our insurance.  In addition, a major product recall or increased levels of warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In 2015 we entered into a settlement agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. The terms of the agreement include certain performance obligations that, if not completed satisfactorily, could subject us to additional fines of up to $5 million.

Increased costs, including costs of raw materials, component parts and labor costs, potentially impacted by changes in labor rates and practices, could reduce our operating income.

Our results of operations may be significantly affected by the availability and pricing of manufacturing components and labor, as well as changes in labor rates and practices.  Increases in costs of raw materials used in our products could affect the cost of our supply materials and components, as rising steel and aluminum prices have impacted the cost of certain of our manufacturing components.  Although we attempt to mitigate the effect of any escalation in components and labor costs by negotiating with current or new suppliers and by increasing productivity or, where necessary, by increasing the sales prices of our products, we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so without it having an adverse impact on the competitiveness of our products and, therefore, our sales volume.  If we cannot successfully offset increases in our manufacturing costs, this could have a material adverse impact on our margins, operating income and cash flows.  Our profit margins may decrease if prices of purchased component parts or labor rates increase and we are unable to pass on those increases to our customers.  Even if we were able to offset higher manufacturing costs by increasing the sales prices of our products, the realization of any such increases often lags behind the rise in manufacturing costs, especially in our operations, due in part to our commitment to give our customers and dealers price protection with respect to previously placed customer orders.

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 


Item 2.

Properties.

 

We operate facilities in a total of 17 locations, 16 throughout the U.S. and one location in Mexico. The following table sets forth information concerningnumber of physical locations we operate has grown significantly in recent years as part of our strategy to develop coast-to-coast manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment operates facilities in Bristol, Indiana; Charlotte, Michigan; Landisville, Pennsylvania; North Charleston, South Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; and Saltillo, Mexico. All of these facilities are leased except for facilities in Charlotte, which are owned by the propertiesCompany.

Our Specialty Vehicles segment operates facilities in Charlotte, Michigan; Carson, McClellan Park, and Montebello, California; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; Mesa, Arizona; Waterville, Maine; and Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida. All of these facilities are leased except for the Charlotte and Pompano Beach facilities, which are owned by the Company.

In addition, our corporate headquarters are located in an office building and showroom in Novi, Michigan, that we own or lease. We also have certain corporate functions that operate out of our campus in Charlotte and Plymouth, Michigan.

We consider our properties to generally be in good condition, well maintained, and suitable and adequate to meet our business requirements for the foreseeable future. In 2017, our manufacturing plants, takenWe do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as a whole, operated moderately below capacity.they expire or in finding alternative facilities.

Square Footage

Owned/Leased

Operating Segment

 Manufacturing/Assembly
Bristol, Indiana417,000LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services

Charlotte, Michigan

110,000

Owned

Fleet Vehicles and Services
Kansas City, Missouri60,000LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services

Charlotte, Michigan

181,000OwnedSpecialty Chassis and Vehicles

Charlotte, Michigan

156,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

Brandon, South Dakota

24,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

Brandon, South Dakota

21,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles

Delavan, Wisconsin

39,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

45,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

41,400LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles

Neligh, Nebraska

42,300OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

Snyder, Nebraska

224,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

1,360,700

Warehousing

Bristol, Indiana35,000LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan25,000OwnedFleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan74,000OwnedSpecialty Chassis and Vehicles
Charlotte, Michigan11,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota1,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota10,200LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania4,500LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania1,600LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Neligh, Nebraska6,200OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles
Snyder, Nebraska70,500OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

239,000

Research and Development

Bristol, Indiana

3,000

LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan

12,000

OwnedEmergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

15,000

Service Area/Inspection

Charlotte, Michigan53,000OwnedEmergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota7,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles

Ephrata, Pennsylvania

6,800

Leased

Emergency Response Vehicles

66,800

Offices

Corporate Offices – Charlotte, Michigan12,000OwnedNot Applicable
Bristol, Indiana36,000LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services
Kansas City, Missouri3,000LeasedFleet Vehicles and Services
Charlotte, Michigan127,000OwnedEmergency Response/Specialty Chassis and Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota7,000OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles
Brandon, South Dakota3,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Delavan, Wisconsin4,800LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania12,500LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Ephrata, Pennsylvania8,000LeasedEmergency Response Vehicles
Neligh, Nebraska1,900OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles
Snyder, Nebraska19,700OwnedEmergency Response Vehicles

234,900

Unutilized

Charlotte, Michigan

84,000

Owned

Not Applicable

Total square footage

2,000,400

 


18

 

Item 3.

Legal ProceedingsProceedings..

 

At December 31, 2017,2021, we were parties, both as plaintiff or defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal conduct of our businesses. Our management does not currently expect our financial position, future operating results or cash flows to be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicableapplicable.

19

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market For Registrant’sfor Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SPAR.“SHYF.

The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock for the periods indicated, all as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market:

  

High

  

Low

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017:

        

Fourth Quarter

 $18.10  $11.10 

Third Quarter

  11.25   8.50 

Second Quarter

  9.28   7.45 

First Quarter

  9.40   6.45 
         

Year Ended December 31, 2016:

        

Fourth Quarter

 $10.50  $7.20 

Third Quarter

  9.95   6.16 

Second Quarter

  6.50   3.95 

First Quarter

  4.12   2.61 

 

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2017, 20162021 and 20152020 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

 

Record date

 

Payment date

 

Dividend per

share ($)

  

Total

dividend paid

($000)

 

Oct. 24, 2017

 

Nov. 15, 2017

 

Dec. 15, 2017

 $0.05  $1,753 
             

May 2, 2017

 

May 15, 2017

 

June 15, 2017

  0.05   1,755 
             

Nov. 2, 2016

 

Nov. 15, 2016

 

Dec. 15, 2016

  0.05   1,720 
             

April 28, 2016

 

May 19, 2016

 

June 23, 2016

  0.05   1,724 
             

Oct. 26, 2015

 

Nov. 12, 2015

 

Dec. 17, 2015

  0.05   1,713 
             

May 8, 2015

 

May 21, 2015

 

June 25, 2015

  0.05   1,713 

Date dividend

declared

Record date

Payment date

Dividend per

share ($)

Nov. 5, 2021Nov. 16, 2021Dec. 16, 20210.025
Aug. 6, 2021Aug. 18, 2021Sep. 15, 20210.025
May 7, 2021May 18, 2021June 18, 20210.025
Feb. 15, 2021Feb. 25, 2021Mar. 25, 20210.025
Nov. 6, 2020Nov. 18, 2020Dec. 18, 20200.025
Aug. 6, 2020Aug. 18, 2020Sep. 18, 20200.025
May. 8, 2020May 18, 2020Jun. 18, 20200.050

 


On February 3, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Company’s quarterly dividend from $0.025 to $0.05 per share payable on or before March 17, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2022.

 

No assurance, however, can be given that any future distributions will be made or, if made, as to the amounts or timing of any future distributions as such distributions are subject to earnings, financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements, and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. The number of shareholders of record of our common stock on February 23, 201814, 2022 was 333.273. See Item 12 below for information concerning our equity compensation plans.

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NasdaqNASDAQ Composite Index and a company-selected peer groupthe Dow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index for the period beginning on December 31, 20122016 and ending on the last day of 2017.2021. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our stock, the NasdaqNASDAQ Composite Index, and the company-selected peer groupDow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index on December 31, 2012,2016, and further assumes the reinvestment of all dividends. Stock price performance, presented for the period from December 31, 20122016 to December 31, 2017,2021, is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The company-selected peer group was determined based on a custom peer group of companies in the specialty manufacturing and automotive industries, against whom we compete for sales or management talent, which was identified for the purpose of benchmarking officer salaries in 2014. The peer group includes: LCI Industries, Inc. (formerly, Drew Industries, Inc.); Standard Motor Products, Inc.; Winnebago Industries, Inc.; Federal Signal Corp.; Methode Electronics, Inc.; Shiloh Industries, Inc.; Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Altra Industrial Motion Corp.; Alamo Group, Inc.; ESCO Technologies, Inc.; Miller Industries, Inc.; and Twin Disc, Inc.

 

20

 

  

12/31/2012

  

12/31/2013

  

12/31/2014

  

12/31/2015

  

12/31/2016

  

12/31/2017

 

Spartan Motors, Inc.

 $100.00  $138.46  $110.74  $67.00  $202.21  $347.38 

NASDAQ Stock Market

 $100.00  $140.10  $160.32  $171.53  $186.63  $202.36 

Peer Group

 $100.00  $162.79  $157.35  $151.75  $222.37  $274.90 
ctrcomp2021v4.jpg

  

12/31/2016

  

12/31/2017

  

12/31/2018

  

12/31/2019

  

12/31/2020

  

12/31/2021

 

The Shyft Group, Inc.

 $100.00  $171.79  $79.60  $200.73  $316.81  $549.80 

NASDAQ Composite Index

 $100.00  $129.64  $125.96  $172.18  $249.51  $304.85 

Dow Jones U.S. Commercial Vehicles & Trucks Total Stock Market Index

 $100.00  $147.21  $123.26  $155.54  $200.33  $235.69 

 

The stock price performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this annual report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference.

 


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, contingent upon market conditions. During the second quarter of 2016, we repurchased a total of 422,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $4.74 per share under this authorization. We did not repurchase any shares in 2015.

 

On April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors terminated the 2011 repurchase authorization effective June 30, 2016, and authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock in open market transactions. At December 31, 20172021 there were 1.00.4 million shares remaining under this repurchase authorization. IfIn January 2022, we were to repurchaserepurchased the remaining 1.00.4 million shares for $18.9 million.

On February 17, 2022, our Board of stock underDirectors authorized the repurchase program, it would cost us $15.2of up to $250.0 million based on the closing price of our common stock on February 23, 2018.in open market transactions. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

 

21

During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, no shares were repurchased under this authorization. A summary of our purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 20172021 is as follows:

 





Period

 


Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)

  

Average
Price Paid
per Share

  

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

  

Number of Shares

that
May Yet Be

Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (2)

 

October 2021

  -  $-   -   408,994 

November 2021

  544   43.00   -   408,994 

December 2021

  -   -   -   408,994 

Total

  544           408,994 





Period(1) During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, 544 shares were delivered by employees in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations that occurred upon the vesting of restricted shares. These shares are not repurchased pursuant to the Board of Directors authorization disclosed above.

(2) This column reflects the number of shares that may yet be purchased pursuant to the April 28, 2016 Board of Directors authorization described above.


Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased



Average
Price Paid
per Share

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs


Number of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

Oct. 1, 2017 to Oct. 31, 2017

-$--1,000,000

Nov. 1, 2017 to Nov. 30, 2017

---1,000,000

Dec. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017

---1,000,000

Total

-$--1,000,000

 


Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

The selected financial data shown below for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017 has been derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Form 10-K.

Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary[Reserved]

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

  

2017 (1)

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
                     
                     

Sales

 $707,098  $590,777  $550,414  $506,764  $469,538 

Cost of products sold (2)

  617,655   518,113   502,783   450,702   424,312 

Restructuring charges

  208   136   519   808   - 

Gross profit

  89,235   72,528   47,112   55,254   45,226 
                     

Operating expenses:

                    

Research and development

  6,523   6,772   4,560   3,851   3,074 

Selling, general and administrative

  65,497   56,172   52,695   51,205   45,496 

Goodwill impairment

  -   -   -   -   4,854 

Restructuring charges

  1,044   959   2,336   1,349   - 

Operating income (loss)

  16,171   8,625   (12,479)  (1,151)  (8,198)
                     

Other income (expense), net

  (147)  78   (121)  77   348 

Income (loss) before taxes

  16,024   8,703   (12,600)  (1,074)  (7,850)

Income tax expense (benefit) (3)

  90   100   4,880   (2,103)  (1,881)

Net earnings (loss)

  15,934   8,603   (17,480)  1,029   (5,969)

Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

  (1)  (7)  (508)  (144)  2 
                     

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

 $15,935  $8,610  $(16,972) $1,173  $(5,971)
                     

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 $0.46  $0.25  $(0.50) $0.03  $(0.18)
                     

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 $0.46  $0.25  $(0.50) $0.03  $(0.18)
                     

Cash dividends per common share

 $0.10  $0.10  $0.10  $0.10  $0.10 
                     

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,949   34,405   33,826   34,251   33,550 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,949   34,405   33,826   34,256   33,550 

Balance Sheet Data:

                    

Net working capital (4)

 $89,055  $74,467  $82,764  $92,832  $93,839 

Total assets (4)

  301,164   243,294   228,151   236,807   250,073 

Long-term debt, including current portion

  17,989   139   5,187   5,261   5,340 

Shareholders’ equity

  168,269   152,952   148,491   168,618   171,551 

(1)

On January 1, 2017, we acquired Smeal. Smeal has been included in our consolidated results of operations starting on the acquisition date. See Note 2, “Acquisition Activities” in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report for further discussion.

(2)

Beginning in 2015, certain engineering costs related to routine product changes that were formerly classified within Research and development have been classified within Cost of products sold to more consistently align the results of our individual business units. Expenses of $7,825 for 2014 and $7,837 for 2013 have been reclassified accordingly.

(3)

See Note 8, "Taxes on Income" in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Annual Report for a discussion of material items impacting the 2017, 2016 and 2015 income tax provisions.’’

(4)

Beginning in the second quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting pronouncement which requires net deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We retrospectively adopted this standard, and accordingly our Net working capital and Total assets for prior periods are shown reflecting this change.

 


22

 

Item 7.

Management’sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

General

 

Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. was organized as a Michigan corporation on September 18, 1975, and is headquartered in Charlotte,Novi, Michigan. Spartan Motors began development of its first product that same year and shipped its first fire truck chassis in October 1975.

We are a leading, niche market engineerleader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and manufacturerassembly for the commercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and vocation-specific upfit segments) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery, upfit equipment used in the heavy-duty, purpose-built specialty vehicles market. Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Snydermobile retail and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin;utility trades, service and Bristol, Indiana along withvocational truck bodies, luxury Class A diesel motor home chassis and contract manufacturing in Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico.

On January 1, 2017, Spartan USA acquired substantially all of the assetsassembly services. We also supply replacement parts and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co.,offer repair, maintenance, field service and U.S. Tanker Co. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refers to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. The assets acquired consist of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devicesrefurbishment services for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operatedvehicles that we manufacture as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.well as truck accessories.

 

Our Bristol, Indiana location manufactures vehicles, used in the parcel delivery, mobile retail and trades and construction industries, and supplies related aftermarket parts and services under the Utilimaster brand name. Our Kansas City, Missouriare sold to commercial users, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), dealers, individual end users, and Saltillo, Mexico locations sellmunicipalities and install equipment used in fleet vehicles. Our Charlotte, Michigan location manufactures heavy duty chassis and vehicles and supplies aftermarket parts and accessories under the Spartan Chassis and Spartan brand names.  Our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations manufacture emergency response vehicles under the Spartan, Smeal, U.S. Tanker and Ladder Tower brand names. Spartan USA is also a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a 50/50 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formed to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets. Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K.

Our business strategy is to further diversify product lines and develop innovative design, engineering and manufacturing expertise in order to be the best value producer of custom vehicle products.other governmental entities. Our diversification across several sectors provides numerous opportunities while reducing overall risk.risk as the various markets we serve tend to have different cyclicality. We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers by designing and delivering market leading specialty vehicles, vehicle components, and services. Additionally, our business model provides the agilitystructure is agile and able to quickly respond to market needs, take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise and correctly size and scale operations to ensure stability and growth. Our growing opportunities that we have capitalized on in last mile delivery as a result of the rapidly changing e-commerce market is an excellent example of our ability to generate growth and profitability by quickly fulfilling customer needs.

 

We have an innovative team focused on building lasting relationships with our customers. This is accomplished by striving to deliver premium custom vehicles, vehicle components, and services. We believe we can best carry out our long-term business plan and obtain optimal financial flexibility by using a combination of borrowings under our credit facilities, as well as internally or externally generated equity capital, as sources of expansion capital.

 


COVID-19 Pandemic

 

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The pandemic has had a significant impact on macroeconomic conditions. To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments have taken various actions including the issuance of stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. As a result, certain of our manufacturing facilities were temporarily suspended or cut back on operating levels and shifts as a result of government orders. Since June 30, 2020 and throughout 2021, all of our facilities were at full or modified production levels. However, additional suspensions and cutbacks may occur as the impacts from COVID-19 and related responses continue to evolve within our global supply chain and customer base. The Company is taking a variety of measures to maintain operations with as minimal impact as possible to promote the safety and security of our employees, including increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, social distancing, remote working when possible, travel restrictions and limitations on visitor access to facilities.

The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this filing, including the resurgence of COVID-19 and its variants in regions recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, and the speed at which populations are vaccinated around the globe, the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity, and regulatory actions taken to contain its impact on public health and the global economy. As such, it is uncertain as to the full magnitude that the pandemic will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations. Management is actively monitoring the impact of the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. Given the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for future periods.

Executive Overview

 

 

RevenueSales of $707.1$991.8 million in 2017,2021, compared to $590.8$676.0 million in 2016.2020

 

Gross Marginmargin of 12.6%20.1% in 2017,2021, compared to 12.3%21.6% in 2016.2020

 

Operating expense of $73.1$115.2 million, or 10.3%11.6% of sales in 2017,2021, compared to $63.9$97.4 million, or 10.8%14.4% of sales in 2016.2020

 

Operating income of $16.2$84.1 million in 2017,2021, compared to $8.6$48.9 million in 2016.2020

 

Income tax expense of $0.1$14.5 million in 2017, flat with 2016.2021, compared to $9.9 million in 2020

 

Net incomeIncome from continuing operations of $15.9$70.0 million in 2017,2021, compared to $8.6$38.3 million in 2016.2020

 

EarningsDiluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.46$1.91 in 2017,2021, compared to $0.25$1.05 in 2016.2020

 

Operating cash flow of $22.0$74.0 million in 2017,2021, compared to $23.3$64.3 million in 2016.2020

 

Order backlog of $535.1$963.6 million in 2021, compared to $478.7 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $249.5 million at December 31, 2016.2020

23

 

The following table shows our sales by market for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 20152019 as a percentage of total sales:

 

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Fleet vehicles

  35.5%  47.1%  41.4%

Motor home chassis

  17.6%  16.6%  18.8%

Other vehicles

  2.6%  2.6%  1.7%

Total business/consumer

  55.7%  66.3%  61.9%

Emergency response vehicles

  41.5%  29.7%  34.0%

Defense vehicles

  0.0%  1.0%  0.7%

Aftermarket parts and accessories

  2.8%  3.0%  3.4%

Total government

  44.3%  33.7%  38.1%
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Fleet vehicles sales

  63.0

%

  63.3

%

  64.2

%

Motor home chassis sales

  17.0

%

  16.0

%

  16.8

%

Other specialty vehicles sales

  14.6

%

  14.0

%

  8.1

%

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  5.4

%

  6.7

%

  10.9

%

Total sales

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

  100.0

%

 

We continue to focus on growthseek out opportunities to grow the business, both organically and by acquisition, by expanding our market share inrelationships with existing markets, pursuingcustomers, seeking out new commercial opportunities through our alliance with Isuzu and other manufacturersbusiness wins, and pursuing acquisitions in a strategic acquisitions that enable us to expand into existing or new markets as opportunities occur.fashion.


 

We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of long-term opportunities as a result of:and continue our efforts to bring product innovations to each of the markets we serve. Some of our recent innovations and strategic developments include:

 

In June 2021, we announced the creation of Shyft Innovations™, our dedicated corporate mobility research and development team, initially focused on introducing a Class 3 purpose-built flat modular EV chassis to any specialty vehicle body builder. The EV-powered chassis features customizable length and wheelbase, making it well suited for a variety of vehicle types. The chassis’ modular design will accommodate multiple gross vehicle weight rating classifications, based on build out and usage. With this high degree of configurability, the all-electric chassis is adaptable to last mile delivery, work truck, mass transit, recreational vehicle, and other emerging EV markets.

The introduction of the Velocity F2™, a Class 2 walk-in van built on a Ford Transit chassis. The Velocity F2 combines nimbleness, comfort, and fuel efficiency with the cargo space, access, and load capacity similar to a traditional walk-in delivery van. The Velocity F2 gives parcel delivery fleets the added flexibility to manage their driver pool and optimize routing, consistent with increased demand.

The introduction of the Velocity M3™ walk-in van which is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab and chassis, blends the fuel efficiency, driver ergonomics, and safety provisions of a cargo van cab and chassis with the expansive cargo space of a traditional walk-in van. The Velocity M3 builds upon advancements from the Utilimaster Reach®, with a lighter body design, improved payload, better fuel efficiency, and maximized cargo space.

 

Our diversified business model. We believe the major strength of our business model is market diversity and customization. Our Fleet Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segments serve mainly business and consumer markets, effectively diversifying our company and complementing our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, which primarily serves governmental entities. Additionally, the fleet vehicle market is an early-cycle industry, complementary to the late-cycle emergency response vehicle industry. We intend to continue to pursue additional areas that build on our core competencies in order to further diversify our business.

Our acquisition of Smeal, completed in January 2017 which brings significant scale to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expands the geographic reach of our dealer network and adds complementary products to our existing emergency response product portfolio.

Ourcontinued expansion into the equipment up-fitupfit market for vehicles used in the parcel delivery, grocery, trades, and construction industries. This rapidly expanding market offers an opportunity to add value to current and new customers for our fleet vehicles and vehicles produced by other original equipment manufacturers.

 

Our expanding geographical footprint.The introduction of Royal Truck Body’s new Severe Duty body, built to fit General Motors’ medium duty truck class and Ford's Super Duty truck class, which includes more standard features than any other service body on the market. With the acquisition of Smeal we acquired new locationsits Fortress five-point lock system, 10-gauge steel and Line-X’d box tops, and 3/8″ tread plate steel floors, this work truck is built to last and is ideal for contractors and business owners that will allow us to maximize manufacturing efficiency across product lines and geographical areas.need heavy-duty work trucks.

Our Spartan Select and 180 truck programs, designed to provide the custom apparatus that emergency response professionals need with unprecedented order-to-delivery cycle times as short as 180 days.

 

The introduction of the Velocity,K4 605 motorhome chassis. The K4 605 is equipped with Spartan Connected Coach™, a technology bundle featuring the new deliverydigital dash display and keyless push-button start. It also features the Spartan Advanced Protection System®, a collection of safety systems that includes collision mitigation with adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, automatic traction control, Spartan Safe Haul™, factory chassis-integrated air supply for tow vehicle design that combines the productivity ofbraking systems, tire pressure monitoring system with integrated controls with Spartan Connected Coach’s™ digital dash display, Premier Steer steering assist system, woodgrain and leather SMART steering wheel with integrated radio controls and a walk-in van for multi-stop deliveries with the superior fuel economy of the Ford Transit chassis.Passive Steer Tag Axle, and Cummins Connected Diagnostics.

The expansion of our alliance with Isuzu to include the assembly of Isuzu’s new F-Series truck. This expanded relationship demonstrates Isuzu’s confidence in Spartan’s quality, people, flexibility and expertise and provides another positive example of our successful execution of our multi-year plan for improving performance.

 

The strength of our balance sheet which includes robust working capital, low debt and access to creditworking capital through our revolving line of credit.

 

The following section provides a narrative discussion about our financial condition and results of operations. Certain amounts in the narrative may not sum due to rounding. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 


24

 

Results of Operations

The discussion of our 2020 consolidated operating results compared to our 2019 consolidated operating results is included in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021 and is incorporated by reference into this MD&A.

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the components of our consolidated statements of income,operations, as a percentage of revenuessales (percentages may not sum due to rounding):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2021

  

2020

 

Sales

  100.0   100.0   100.0  100.0  100.0 

Cost of products sold

  87.4   87.7   91.4   79.9   78.4 

Gross profit

  12.6   12.3   8.6  20.1  21.6 

Operating expenses:

                

Research and development

  0.9   1.1   0.8  0.9  0.6 

Selling, general and administrative

  9.4   9.7   10.0   10.8   13.8 

Operating income (loss)

  2.3   1.5   (2.3)

Other income, net

  -   -   - 

Income (loss) before taxes on income

  2.3   1.5   (2.3)

Income tax expense (benefit)

  -   -   0.9 

Net earnings (loss)

  2.3   1.5   (3.2)

Operating income

 8.5  7.2 

Other expense, net

  -   (0.1

)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 8.5  7.1 

Income tax expense

  1.5   1.5 

Income from continuing operations

 7.1  5.7 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 -  (0.8

)

Non-controlling interest

  -   -   (0.1)  0.1   0.1 
            

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

  2.3   1.5   (3.1)

Net income attributable to The Shyft Group, Inc.

  6.9   4.9 

 


Year Ended December 31, 201Sales7 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenue

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 20172021 increased by $116.3$315.8 million, or 19.7%46.7% to $707.1$991.8 million from $590.8$676.0 million in 2016,2020. This increase reflects favorable sales volume driven by our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017. Revenuestrong demand, acquired business and favorable pricing versus lower sales in the COVID-19 impacted prior year. Sales in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment increased by $119.9 million, mainly due to our acquisition of Smeal. Revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment decreased by $27.3 million, mainly due to a reduction in equipment up-fit orders received in 2017, while revenue in our Specialty Chassis and VehiclesFVS segment increased by $24.0$196.0 million, driven by strong shipments of motor home chassis. These changes in revenue are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold increased by $99.7 million, or 19.2%, to $617.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $518.2 million in 2016, primarily due to increased sales volume in 2017 driven by our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $16.7 million, or 23.0%, to $89.2 million in 2017 from $72.5 million in 2016. Savings from increased operational efficiency in 2017 contributed $13.8 million to the increase, while the Smeal acquisition and higher overall non-Smeal sales volume contributed $7.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, to the increase. Lower recall and warranty related charges in 2017 contributed $5.4 million to the increase while pricing adjustments impacting 2017 sales contributed $1.5 million to the increase. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in gross profit of $14.1 million due to a less favorable overall product mix in 2017 compared to 2016.

Gross Margin

Gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 12.6% in 2017 from 12.3% in 2016. Operational efficiency added 170 basis points to gross margin in 2017, while reduction of recall and warranty expense added 70 basis points and pricing adjustments added 20 basis points. These increases were largely offset by a 200 basis point decrease due to the unfavorable product mix in 2017.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $9.2 million, or 14.4%, to $73.1 million from $63.9 million in 2016. Research and development expense decreased by $0.3 million in 2017, due to lower engineering project spending, mainly related to our discontinuation from the bidding process for the USPS next generation vehicle. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $9.3 million, to $65.5 million in 2017 from $56.2 million in 2016. $6.0 million of this increase was due our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017, while $3.0 million was due to an increase in legal and professional fees, largely related to acquisition activities, and $0.3 million was due to an increase in information technology related spending. Restructuring charges recorded in 2017 were relatively flat with 2016, as we continued with various operational improvement projects.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense forvehicle sales driven by the year ended December 31, 2017 was flat with the prior year at $0.1 million. Our effective tax rate in 2017 was 0.6%, compared to 1.1% in 2016.

In 2017 higher income before taxes caused a $2.7 million increase to federal income taxes at the statutory rate as compared to 2016. This increase to current income tax expense was favorably offset by three items that had not occurred in 2016: a $1.0 million benefit from the write-offintroduction of the tax basis of stock owned by the CompanyVelocity F2, class 2 walk-in van in an inactive, wholly-owned subsidiary that had been deemed worthless; $0.5 million adjustment related to the domestic manufacturing deduction;2021 and a $0.4 million credit from the adoption in 2017 of new accounting guidance regarding the treatment of tax windfalls caused by the vesting of certain stock compensation.

The write-off of the worthless stock in the inactive subsidiary caused us to forfeit certain state credit and net operating loss carry-forwards recordedfavorable pricing. Sales in our deferred tax assets at $3.0 million, which were written off to deferred income tax expense. These carry-forwards had been fully offset by a valuation allowance, which was consequently reduced by $3.0 million. During 2017 we had determined that it was more likely than not that the benefit from our deferred tax assets would be realizable, and recorded an additional $6.5 million reduction to our valuation allowance. Therefore, in 2017 we reduced our valuation allowance by $9.5 million in total, $6.6 million greater than the reduction recorded in 2016. Partially offsetting that reduction was a $3.0 million decrease to the deferred tax assets due to the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. This rate reduction was a component of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted on December 22, 2017 and effective January 1, 2018. The re-measurement of our deferred tax assets to the new rate was recorded in accordance with current accounting guidance as deferred income tax expense.


Net Earnings

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017SV segment increased by $7.3$119.8 million or 84.9%, to $15.9 million compared to $8.6 milliondriven by higher sales in 2016. Driving this increase were the increase in gross profit of $16.7 million, which was partially offsetother specialty chassis and vehicle sales and by the $9.2 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above.

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest

Net losssales attributable to non-controlling interest consists of the portion of the after-tax loss related to the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture that is attributable to our joint venture partner, and was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Net Earnings Attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $7.3 million to $15.9 million compared to $8.6 million in 2016. Driving this increase were the increases in gross profit of $16.7 million, which was partially offset by the $9.2 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above. On a per share basis, net earnings increased by $0.21 to $0.46 per share in 2017 compared to $0.25 per share in 2016, due to the factors discussed above.

Year Ended December 31, 2016compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

Revenue

Consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $40.4 million, or 7.3% to $590.8 million from $550.4 million in 2015, driven by a $50.7 million increase in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment. This increase was partially offset by decreases of $10.2 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment and $0.1 million in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment.business acquisitions. These changes in revenuesales are discussed more fully in the discussion of our segments below.

 

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold increased by $14.9$262.8 million, or 3.0%49.6%, to $518.2$792.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20152021 from $503.3$529.7 million in 2015, primarily2020. Cost of products sold increased $251.5 million due to higher sales volumes and mix including acquired business, $2.3 million of pre-production costs and $22.8 million due to higher material, labor, and other costs. These costs increases were partially offset by productivity and other cost reductions of $13.8 million.   As a percentage of sales, cost of products sold increased sales volumeto 79.9% in 2016.2021, compared to 78.4% in 2020.

 

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $25.4$53.0 million, or 53.9%36.2%, to $72.5$199.3 million in 20162021 from $47.1$146.3 million in 2015.2020. The increase was mainlydue to favorable volume of $65.7 million and productivity and cost reductions of $13.8 million. These increases were partially offset by higher material, labor, and other costs of $22.8 million, pre-production costs of $2.3 million, and unfavorable product mix and pricing of $1.5 million. Gross margin decreased to 20.1% in 2021 from 21.6% over the year ended in 2020 due to the higher equipment up-fit and other specialty chassis sales in 2016. Also contributing to the increase was an approximately $4.0 million increase resulting from improved manufacturing performance in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, along with reductions of $1.7 million in accruals for warranty and recalls, $0.7 million in asset impairment charges and $0.4 million in restructuring charges recorded in 2016 compared to 2015. In addition, we incurred $1.0 million of charges related to the wind-down of our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture in 2015 that did not recur in 2016.items mentioned above.

 

Gross Margin

Gross margin increased by 370 basis points to 12.3% in 2016 from 8.6% in 2015, mainly driven by a more favorable product mix resulting from the increase in equipment up-fit and other specialty chassis sales in 2016.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 20162021 increased by $4.3$17.8 million, or 7.2%18.3%, to $63.9$115.2 million from $59.6$97.4 million in 2015.2020. Research and development expense increased by $2.2$4.2 million in 2016, with approximately equal amounts due to charges incurred for testing2021 primarily related to product recalls in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, newthe electric vehicle development expenses incurred in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, and increased engineering management and administrative costs experienced in 2016.initiatives. Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $3.5$13.6 million, or 14.6 %, to $106.7 million in 2016 compared to 2015.2021 from $93.1 million in 2020. This increase was primarily due to a $4.4$14.6 million increase in incentive compensation in 2016 based on company performance, along with $0.8 million of costsexpense related to the Smealgrowth and acquisition that closed on January 1, 2017versus cost reduction actions taken in 2020 and a $0.5 million increase in legal fees in 2016.higher professional services of $4.5 million. These increases were partially offset by chargesthe accelerated depreciation of $1.2the ERP system and write-off of related construction in process of $5.5 million for asset impairments and $1.0 million for a NHTSA penalty recorded in 2015the second quarter of 2020 that did not recur in 2016. Restructuring charges recorded in 2016 were $1.4 million lower than those recorded in 2015 as the activities related to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment restructuring initiated in 2015 wound down.2021.

 

25

Other Income Taxand Expense

Income taxInterest expense for the year ended December 31, 20162021 decreased by $4.8$0.9 million, or 68.0%, to expense of $0.1$0.4 million compared to $4.9from $1.3 million in 2015. Our effective tax rate in 20162021 The decrease was 1.1% compared to (38.7)% in 2015. Our effective tax rate in 2016 was impacted by a $2.9 million reduction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the taxable income generated in 2016. Our effective tax rate in 2015 was heavily impacted by an increase in the valuation allowances for various deferred tax assets.


During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded an increase to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, representing the portion of our deferred tax assets, net of the deferred tax liabilities, that, based on an assessment of available positive and negative evidence, may not be realizable in future periods. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we reversed a portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a result of the taxable income we generated.

Net Earnings

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $26.1 million to income of $8.6 million compared to a loss of $17.5 million in 2015. Driving this increase were the increases in gross profit of $25.4 million and decrease of $4.8 million in taxes, which were offset by the $4.3 million increase in operating expenses as discussed above.

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest consists of the portion of the after-tax loss relateddue to the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture that is attributable to our joint venture partner. Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest decreased by $0.5paydown of debt principal. Interest and other income was $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 20162021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 due to charges recorded in 2015 related to the wind-downinterest and other income of the joint venture that did not reoccur in 2016.

Net Earnings Attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.$0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 20162020.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $14.5 million as compared to the prior year at $9.9 million. Our effective tax rate in 2021 was 17.2%, compared to 20.5% in 2020.

The lower Income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the prior year primarily reflects the favorable impact of increased R&D credits from years 2015-2020. The Company recorded additional R&D credits of $3.8 million for the six-year period as a result of the conclusion of a study in the fourth quarter of 2021 and has filed the appropriate amended tax returns.

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $25.6$31.7 million, or 82.8%, to income of $8.6$70.0 million compared to a loss of $17.0$38.3 million in 2015.2020. On a diluted per share basis, net earningsincome from continuing operations increased by $0.75$0.86 to income of $0.25$1.91 in 2021 compared to $1.05 per share in 20162020. Driving this increase were the factors noted above.

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

Income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased to $0.2 million compared to $5.1 million loss in 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to the divestiture of ERV on February 1, 2020 compared to a lossfull year of $0.50 per shareresults in 2015, due to2021 without the factors discussed above.divested business.

 

Our Segments

 

We identify ourAs of October 1, 2021, the composition of both reportable segments based on our management structurechanged due to an internal reorganization as certain businesses previously managed and thereported within FVS are now a part of SV. Corresponding items of segment information for earlier periods have been recast.

This report presents Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is a non-GAAP financial data utilizedmeasure. This non-GAAP measure is calculated by our chief operating decision makersexcluding items that we believe to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have three reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. As a result of a realignmentbe infrequent or not indicative of our underlying operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2017,performance, as well as certain fleet vehicles are now manufactured by our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment and sold via intercompany transactions to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, which then sells the vehicles to the final customer. Segment results from prior periods are shown reflecting the estimated impact of this realignment as if it had been in place for those periods.   

As a result of a realignment of our operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2016, aftermarket parts and accessories related to emergency response vehicles, which were formerly reported under the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, are now included in the Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Segment results from 2015 are shown reflecting the change.

Beginning in 2017, we evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on Adjusted EBITDA.non-cash expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earningsincome from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to eliminate the impact of restructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and adjustments, non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and other gains and losses not reflective of our ongoing operations. 

We present the non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA enables investors to better understand our operations by other adjustments made in orderremoving items that we believe are not representative of our continuing operations and may distort our longer-term operating trends. We believe this measure to present comparablebe useful to improve the comparability of our results from period to period. These adjustments include restructuring chargesperiod and items relatedwith our competitors, as well as to our acquisition of Smeal, such as expenses incurred to complete the acquisition, the impact of fair value adjustments to inventory acquiredshow ongoing results from Smeal, and the impact on the timing of the recognition of gross profit for our chassisoperations distinct from items that are utilized by our recently acquired Smeal operations. We exclude these items from earnings in our Adjusted EBITDA measure because we believe they will be incurred infrequently and/infrequent or are otherwise not indicative of a segment's regular, ongoingour continuing operating performance. For those reasons,We believe that presenting this non-GAAP measure is useful to investors because it permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate our historical performance. We believe that the presentation of this non-GAAP measure, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to that measure, provides investors with additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than could be obtained in the absence of this disclosure.

Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the performance of and allocate resources to our segments. Adjusted EBITDA is also used, as a performance metricalong with other financial and non-financial measures, for purposes of determining annual incentive compensation for our executivemanagement team and long-term incentive compensation program, as discussed infor certain members of our proxy statementmanagement team.

26

The following table reconciles Income from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement was filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017.periods indicated.

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2021

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2020

 

Income from continuing operations

 $69,974  $38,289 

Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest

   (1,230)  (347

)

Interest expense

   414   1,293 

Income tax expense

   14,506   9,867 

Depreciation and amortization expense

   11,356   13,903 

Restructuring and other related charges

   505   1,873 

Acquisition related expenses and adjustments

   1,585   1,332 

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

   8,745   7,706 

Loss from write-off of construction in process

  -   2,430 
Loss from liquidation of JV   643   - 
Non-recurring professional fees   1,568   - 

Adjusted EBITDA

 $108,066  $76,346 

 

Our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment consists of our operations at our Bristol, Indiana location, and beginning in 2018 certain operations at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania location, along with our operations at our up-fit centers in KansasIndiana; Charlotte, Michigan; Kansas City, MissouriMissouri; Landisville, Pennsylvania; North Charleston, South Carolina; and Saltillo, Mexico andlocations. This segment focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries, andindustries; the production of commercial truck bodies, and distributessupply of related aftermarket parts and accessories.services under the Utilimaster brand name.

 

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response chassis operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and our operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis and apparatus.


Our Specialty Chassis and VehiclesSV segment consists of our Charlotte, Michigan operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies.

Appropriate expense amounts We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are allocated tomarketed and sold under the three reportable segmentsStrobes-R-Us brand, through our manufacturing operations in Pompano and are includedWest Palm Beach, Florida. Our service truck bodies operations include locations in their reported operating income or loss.Carson, McClellan Park, and Montebello, California; Mesa, Arizona; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; and Waterville, Maine.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described, or referred to, in Note"Note 1 - GeneralNature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation.. Assets and related depreciation expense in the column labeled “Eliminations and other” pertain to capital assets maintained at the corporate level. Eliminations for inter-segment sales are shown in the column labeled “Eliminations and other”. Segment loss from operations in the “Eliminations and other” column contains corporate related expenses not allocable to the operating segments." Interest expense and Taxes on income are not included in the information utilized by the chief operating decision makersmaker to assess segment performance and allocate resources, and accordingly, are excluded from the segment results presented below. Appropriate expense amounts are allocated to the two reportable segments and are included in their reported operating income or loss.

 

For certain financial information related to each segment,, see Note 16,"Note 17 – Business Segments," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

Fleet Vehicles and Services

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2021

  

2020

 2019 
 

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

 Amount  Percentage 
                                       

Sales

 $251,095   100.0

%

 $278,389   100.0

%

 $227,683   100.0

%

 $ 659,432  100.0% $463,455   100.0% $557,702  100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 $26,958   10.7

%

 $31,237   11.2.

%

 $17,569   7.7

%

 $  108,621  16.5% $83,292   18.0% $59,227  10.6

%

Segment assets

 $60,550      $65,277      $70,491      $ 174,799     $118,444     $137,446    

 

Year ended December 31, 20172021 compared to year ended December 31, 20162020

 

Sales in our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment decreasedincreased by $27.3$195.9 million, or 9.8%42.3%, to $251.1$659.4 million in 20172021 from $278.4$463.5 million in 2016. $28.7 million of the decrease2020. This increase was primarily due to lower equipment up-fita $191.8 million net increase in sales volume and mix driven by an order from 2016 that did not extend into 2017, partially offset bystrong demand for the Velocity F2, class 2 walk-in van, and a more$4.2 million increase in favorable mix of vehicle sales driven by a change in our truck body sales strategy. International sales accounted for 5.1% of revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment in 2017.pricing.

 

Adjusted EBITDA forin our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment was $27.0$108.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease2021, an increase of $4.2$25.3 million compared to $31.2$83.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. $12.1 million of this decrease2020. This increase was due to lower parts$39.0 million in higher sales volumes, other productivity and up-fit sales in 2017, which wascost reductions of $12.7 million, and favorable pricing of $4.2 million, partially offset by an increase in operational efficiency related to vehicle production. [JW1] higher material and labor costs of $13.7 million, unfavorable mix of $9.8 million, $2.3 million of pre-production costs, and $4.8 million of increased operating expense.

27

Order backlog for our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment increased by $178.2$437.9 million, or 198.9%103.9%, to $267.7$859.4 million in 2017at December 31, 2021 compared to $89.5$421.5 million in 2016, mainly dueat December 31, 2020, driven by new orders for walk-in vans. Our backlog enables visibility into future sales which can normally range from two to twelve months depending on the award of a $214 million contractproduct. This visibility allows us to supply truck bodies to the United States Postal Service we received in September, 2017 which was partially offset by an $35.9 million decrease in the backlog for other fleet vehicles.more effectively plan and predict our sales and production activity.

 

Year ended December 31, 20162020 compared to year ended December 31, 20152019

 

Sales in our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment increaseddecreased by $50.7$94.2 million, or 22.3%or 16.9%, to $278.4$463.5 million in 20162020 from $227.7$557.7 million in 2015. $37.3 million of the increase2019. This decrease was due to higher aftermarket parts and accessories sales, driven by higher demand for equipment up-fit. $10.0 million was due to increased vehicle unit volume, while $3.4 million was due to a more favorable mix of vehicle sales driven by a change$91.4 million decrease in our truck bodypass-through chassis revenue and a decrease of $2.8 million in vehicle sales strategy. International sales accounted for 1.9% of revenue in our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment in 2016.mainly due to lower unit volumes.


 

Adjusted EBITDA forin our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment was $31.2$83.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016,2020, an increase of $13.6$24.1 million compared to $17.6$59.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, driven2019. Product mix contributed $22.0 million and productivity improvements and cost reductions generated $5.6 million. These increases were partially offset by an increase in parts$3.5 million of higher selling, general and equipment up-fit sales in 2016.administrative expenses.

 


Order backlog for our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment decreasedincreased by $6.6$118.6 million, or 6.8%39.2%, to $89.5$421.5 million in 2016at December 31, 2020 compared to $96.1$302.9 million in 2015,at December 31, 2019, driven by a $25.5 million decrease in equipment up-fit orders, which was partially offset by an $18.9 million increase in vehicle backlog. In January 2017, we received $37.0 million in new orders for our Fleetwalk-in vans offset by the build out of the USPS contract that originated in 2017 and was completed in 2019.

Specialty Vehicles and Services segment, a 21.9% increase from January 2016.

 

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

2021

  

2020

  2019 
  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  Amount  Percentage 
                         

Sales

 $ 332,360   100.0% $212,518   100.0% $204,118   100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 $32,668   9.8% $20,900   9.8% $22,152   10.9

%

Segment assets

 $ 202,302      $190,306      $154,469     

 

Emergency Response Vehicles

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

 
                         

Sales

 $302,850   100.0

%

 $182,981   100.0

%

 $193,220   100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 $3,192   1.1

%

 $(7,542)  (4.1

%)

 $(8,689)  (4.5

%)

Segment assets

 $133,546      $77,887      $76,030     

Year ended December 31, 20172021 compared to year ended December 31, 20162020

 

Sales in our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment increased by $119.9$119.8 million or 65.5%56.4%, from 2016 to 2017 driven by the acquisition of Smeal$332.4 million in January of 2017, along with a $2.02021 compared to $212.5 million in 2020. This increase was due to pricing changesa sales volume increases in 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $5.2 million decrease due to lower volume outside of the Smeal acquisitionmotor chassis and a $1.6 million decrease due to the product mix sold in 2017. International sales accounted for 22.4% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2017.

service bodies including acquired business and favorable pricing.

Adjusted EBITDA for our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment was $3.2$32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,2021, an increase of $10.7$11.8 million compared to $(7.5)$20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The acquisition2020. This increase was due to $17.7 million in higher sales volumes including acquired business and favorable pricing and mix of Smeal added $3.3$4.3 million. These increases were partially offset by higher material and labor costs of $9.1 million while volume and operational productivity improvements added $3.5$1.1 million of higher operating expenses due to the increase in adjusted EBITDA, respectively. Pricing changes impacting 2017 revenue added $2.0 million, while lower warranty related costs added $1.9 million to the increase in adjusted EBITDA.

acquisition.

Order backlog for our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment increased by $93.7$47.0 million, or 67.0%82.3%, to $233.6$104.1 million at December 31, 20172021 compared to $139.9$57.1 million at December 31, 2020. This increase was due to an increase in 2016, driven by the acquisition of Smeal in January of 2017.Class A diesel motor home market demand and service body orders. Our backlog enables visibility into future sales which can normally range from less than one month to twelve months depending on the product. This visibility allows us to more effectively plan and predict our sales and production activity.

Year ended December 31, 20162020 compared to year ended December 31, 20152019

 

Sales in our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment decreasedincreased by $10.2$8.4 million or 5.3%4.1%, from 2015 to 2016. A $23.2$212.5 million in 2020 compared to $204.1 million in 2019. This increase was driven by sales decrease dueattributable to lower unit volumebusiness acquisitions of $43.5 million and was partially offset by a $13.0decrease of $35.1 million in other specialty vehicle sales increase due to the product mix sold in 2016, which included fewer low content fire trucks. International sales accounted for 13.5% of revenue in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment in 2016. There were no significant changes in the pricing of the products in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment during 2016.lower unit volumes.


 

Adjusted EBITDA for our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment was $(7.5)$20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase2020, a decrease of $1.2$1.3 million compared to $(8.7)$22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, mainly due2019. This decrease was driven by $6.7 million attributable to reduced selling expensevolume in 2016 resultingmotor home chassis and $2.8 million attributable to mix. This decrease was partially offset by $1.3 million from headcount reductions.overhead reductions and $6.9 million from business acquisitions.

 

Order backlog for our Emergency Response VehiclesSV segment decreasedincreased by $16.4$23.3 million, or 10.5%69.2%, to $139.9$57.1 million at December 31, 20162020 compared to $156.3 million in 2015, driven by a more selective bid process established in 2016 as part of our turnaround strategy.

Specialty Chassis and Vehicles

Segment Financial Data

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

 
                         

Sales

 $158,810   100.0

%

 $134,754   100.0

%

 $132,507   100.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 $14,058   8.9

%

 $8,334   6.2

%

 $8,833   6.7

%

Segment assets

 $33,700      $28,825      $24,032     

Year ended December 31, 2017compared to year ended December 31, 2016

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $24.0 million, to $158.8 million in 2017 compared to $134.8 million in 2016.  Motor home chassis sales increased by $26.6 million due to higher unit volumes, which was partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease due to pricing that impacted 2017 sales. Other specialty vehicle sales decreased by $2.7 million, driven by defense sales in 2016 that did not recur in 2017.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.2 million in aftermarket parts and accessories sales due to decreased unit volumes.

Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $5.8 million compared to $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Operational efficiencies in 2017 resulted in an increase of $4.0 million, while higher unit volume, mainly in motor home chassis, added $2.2 million to the increase in adjusted EBITDA. These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease due to pricing adjustments that impacted 2017.

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $13.8 million, or 69.0%, to $33.8 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $20.0 million at December 31, 2016.2019. This increase was due to a $14.5 millionan increase in backlog forthe Class A diesel motor home chassis, which was partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in aftermarket partsmarket demand and accessories backlog in 2016.   

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to year ended December 31, 2015

Sales in our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $2.3 million, to $134.8 million in 2016 compared to $132.5 million in 2015. Other specialty vehicles sales increased by $9.7 million due to increased unit volumes. This increase was partially offset by decreases in motor home chassis and aftermarket parts and accessories sales of $5.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, driven by lower unit volumes in 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.5 million compared to $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, mainly due to the decrease in marketing and branding expenses in 2016.

Order backlog for our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment increased by $1.6 million, or 8.7%, to $20.0 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $18.4 million at December 31, 2015. This increase was due to a $6.3 million increase in backlog for motor home chassis and a $0.3 million increase in aftermarket parts and accessories backlog, which were partially offset by a decrease of $4.9 million in backlog for defense vehicles due to the fulfillment of defense orders on hand in 2016.

Financial Condition

Balance sheet at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016

Accounts receivable increased by $17.7 million, or 27.1%, to $83.1 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $65.4 million at December 31, 2016. $16.1 million of the increase was due to accounts receivable acquired through our acquisition of Smeal, with the remainder of the increase due to the timing of invoicing.

Inventory increased by $18.8 million, or 31.9%, to $77.7 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $58.9 million at December 31, 2016 mainly due to the addition of Smeal inventory of $26.1 million at December 31, 2017, offset by a decrease of $7.3 million in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment due to a continued focus on inventory reduction actions.service body orders.

 


28

 

Property, plant and equipment, net increased by $2.1 million, or 4.0%, to $55.2 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $53.1 million at December 31, 2016 mainly due to the acquisition of Smeal during the year which resulted in assumption of $5.8 million along with additional purchases of $5.3 million during the year.  These increases were offset by depreciation.

Goodwill increased by $11.4 million, or 71.3%, to $27.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $16.0 million at December 31, 2016 due to the Smeal acquisition.

Intangible assets increased by $3.0 million, or 46.9%, to $9.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2016 due to an increase of $3.9 million from trade-names and certain non-patented technology acquired from Smeal, partially offset by amortization during the period.

Net deferred tax assets increased by $4.0 million or 121.2%, to $7.3 million at December 31, 2017 from $3.3 million at December 31, 2016 primarily as a result of three factors. A $9.5 million increase resulted from the reduction of our valuation allowance recorded during the year as it was deemed more likely than not that we would realize the benefit of the net deferred tax asset. This increase was offset by a $3.0 million decrease due to the forfeiture of certain state net operating loss and credit carry-forwards, and a $2.9 million reduction due to the new federal corporate income tax rate of 21% as legislated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Although the tax rate change is not effective until January 1, 2018, the enactment of the law in 2017 required us to revalue our net deferred tax asset from the 2017 statutory rate of 35% to the new 2018 statutory rate of 21%, in accordance with current accounting guidance.

Accounts payable increased by $9.3 million, or 29.7%, to $40.6 million at December 31, 2017 from $31.3 million at December 31, 2016. $2.1 million of the increase was due to accounts payable assumed through our acquisition of Smeal, with the remainder of the increase due to the timing of payments.

Accrued warranty decreased by $1.0 million, or 5.2%, to $18.3 million at December 31, 2017 from $19.3 million at December 31, 2016, due to payments for repairs made during the year of $13.8 million, offset by $7.5 million for accruals for warranties provided on vehicles produced during the year and additional accruals of $1.6 million for changes in existing warranties. In addition, we assumed $3.7 million in warranty obligations related to the acquisition of Smeal.

Deposits from customers increased by $9.3 million or 57.8% to $25.4 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $16.1 million at December 31, 2016. The increase was due to prepayments of $13.4 million remaining at December 31, 2017 related to Smeal, partially offset by more prepayments being applied to invoices for fulfilled orders than were received during 2017 for new orders in our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $4.4 million, or 57.1%, to $12.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $7.7 million at December 31, 2016, with $2.4 million of the increase related to an increase in our accrued taxes, $1.8 million due to liabilities assumed through our acquisition of Smeal, and the remainder due to the timing of accruals for various expenses incurred but not yet invoiced.

Other non-current liabilities increased by $2.7 million, or 108.0%, to $5.2 million at December 31, 2017 from $2.5 million at December 31, 2016 due to a $1.7 million vendor rebate pre-payment received in 2017 along with an $0.7 million increase in our supplemental executive retirement plan liabilities and a $0.3 million increase in other liabilities.

Balance sheet at December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015

Accounts receivable increased by $8.8 million, or 15.5%, to $65.4 million at December 31, 2016 from $56.6 million at December 31, 2015, with approximately equal parts of the increase due to increased sales late in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 2015 and the timing of payment receipts in late 2016 compared to late 2015. In January 2017, $7.4 million of our accounts receivable was forgiven as part of our acquisition of Smeal. Our receivable days sales outstanding decreased to 40 days sales at December 31, 2016 from 41 days at December 31, 2015 mainly due to increased sales compared to the previous year.

Inventory decreased by $1.7 million, or 2.8%, to $58.9 million at December 31, 2016 from $60.6 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to completion and shipment of units and continued focus on inventory reduction actions.

Other current assets increased by $1.0 million, or 28.6%, to $4.5 million at December 31, 2016 from $3.5 million at December 31, 2015 mainly due to an increase in prepaid expenses during the period.

Net deferred tax asset increased by $2.7 million or 450.0%, to $3.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $0.6 million at December 31, 2015 as a result of the change in our valuation allowance during the year. The remaining residual value of $3.3 million represents that portion of our deferred income tax assets that could generate future tax losses and be successfully carried back and offset against current year taxable income to recover taxes paid.


Accounts payable increased by $4.0 million, or 14.7%, to $31.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $27.3 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to increased sales volume which resulted in increased purchases to support production.

Accrued warranty increased by $2.7 million, or 16.3%, to $19.3 million at December 31, 2016 from $16.6 million at December 31, 2015, due to $5.7 million of accruals for warranties provided on vehicles produced during the year and additional accruals of $4.0 million for various repair campaigns in 2016 and $3.3 million for changes in existing warranties, offset by $10.3 million of payments for repairs made during the year.

Accrued compensation and related taxes increased by $4.5 million, or 51.7%, to $13.2 million at December 31, 2016 from $8.7 million at December 31, 2015, mainly due to an increase in incentive compensation accruals as a result of our financial performance during the year.

Deposits from customers increased by $3.0 million, or 22.9%, to $16.1 million at December 31, 2016 from $13.1 million at December 31, 2015, due to more customers electing to make deposits on orders in 2016. We receive deposits on orders at the option of our customers. Consequently, the amount of deposits on hand will vary from time to time.

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 16.7%, to $7.7 million at December 31, 2016 from $6.6 million at December 31, 2015 mainly due to the timing of accruals for various expenses incurred but not yet invoiced.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash FlowsFlows

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2021

  

2020

 

Cash provided by (used in):

             

Operating activities

 $22,016  $23,328  $12,856  $ 74,009  $64,332 

Investing activities

  (34,230)  (13,385)  (4,687)  (22,076) 14,916 

Financing activities

  13,696   (10,603)  (4,038)   (35,770)  (77,602

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 $1,482  $(660) $4,131 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 $ 16,163  $1,646 

 

During 2017,2021, cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.5$16.2 million to a balance of $33.5$37.2 million as of December 31, 2017.2021. These funds, in addition to cash generated from future operations and available credit facilities, are expected to be sufficient to finance our foreseeable liquidity and capital needs.

needs, including potential future acquisitions.

 

Cash Flow from OperatingOperating Activities

 

We generated $22.0$74.0 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, a decrease2021, an increase in cash provided of $1.3$9.7 million from $23.3$64.3 million of cash generated from operating activities in 2016. Cash flow from operating activities decreased from 2016 due to $3.5 million increase in cash paid for warranty claims and a $5.2 million increase in cash utilized in the fulfilment of customer orders. These decreases which were partially offsetprovided by a $5.7 million increase in net income net of non-cash charges in 2017 and $1.7 million increase in cash generated through changes in other working capital items, mainly compensation related accruals.

We generated $23.3 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $10.4 million from $12.9 million of cash generated from operating activities in 2015.2020. Cash flow from operating activities increased from 2015 due to a $14.8$10.3 million increase in net income net ofadjusted for non-cash charges and credits in 2016, and $3.6 million of cash generated through changes in various working capital items, mainly compensation related accruals. These increases wereto operations partially offset by $8.0a $0.6 million decrease in the change in net working capital. The change in net working capital is primarily attributable to a $33.6 million decrease in the change in inventories, $28.5 million decrease in the change in receivables and contract assets partially offset by a $45.6 increase in payables, $14.8 million increase in other assets and liabilities.

The change in net working capital was primarily due to increased sales of $315.8 million, or 46.7% in 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily driven by strong demand in the current period and the comparatively lower sales resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the comparative period. Receivables and contract assets increased by $34.5 million due to increased sales with accounts receivables being partially offset by improved timing of cash utilizedreceipts. Inventories increased by $20.8 million and payables increased by $35.0 million, both due to increased sales with payables being partially offset by the Company’s continued focus on extending payment terms with suppliers. As of December 31, 2021, contract assets increased $12.1 million to $21.5 million compared to $9.4 million in the fulfilment of customer orders.


In 2018 we expectprior year, primarily due to incur non-recurring cash outlays of $15 million to $16 million. This estimate includes approximately $5.6 million of cash investment to expand certainincreased production facilities, $3.7 million related to information technology upgrades, along with expenditures of $1.7 million for the replacement and upgrade of machinery and equipment used in operations. We plan to fund these cash outlays with borrowings from our existing $100 million line of credit along with cash generated from our operations in 2018.

industry wide supply chain constraints.

 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

 

We utilized $34.2used $22.1 million in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017,2021, a $20.8$37.0 million increase compared to the $13.4$14.9 million utilizedgenerated during the year ended December 31, 2016. This2020. The increase in cash used in investing activities is mainly the result of our acquisition of Smeal on January 1, 2017.

We used $13.4primarily attributable to $47.5 million of cash for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $8.7 millionproceeds from the $4.7sale of the ERV business in 2020 not repeated in 2021, $8.5 million utilized in 2015, mainly for the construction of a new assembly plant in Charlotte, Michigan, along with the purchasepurchases of property, plant and equipment, used in our operations.

partially offset by $19.0 million of lower cost of business acquisition.

 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

 

We generated $13.7used $35.8 million of cash through financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017,2021, compared to $10.6$77.6 million utilizedused during the year ended December 31, 2016.2020. This increase is mainly due to the financing$41.8 million of our acquisition of Smeal from our existing $100 million line of credit on January 1, 2017.

Weless cash used $10.6 million in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016, a $6.6is primarily attributable to $29.0 million increase comparedof increased proceeds from long-term debt and to $13.6 million lower principal payments on long-term debt.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation affects us in two principal ways. First, our revolving credit agreement is generally tied to the $4.0 million utilized duringprime 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, we attempt to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was driven byprices of a $5 million paymentour products. However, we generally do not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into our contracts. We have limited ability to pass on our outstanding debt and $2.0 million utilized to repurchase our common stock.

Recent Acquisition

On January 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 12, 2016. This acquisition brought significant scalecost increases to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expandedcustomers on a short-term basis. In addition, the geographic reachmarkets we serve are competitive in nature, and competition limits our ability to pass through cost increases in many cases. We strive to minimize the effect of our dealer networkinflation through cost reductions and added complementary productsimproved productivity. Refer to our existing emergency response product portfolio. See Note 2, Acquisition Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearingCommodities Risk section in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on this acquisition.

Restructuring Activities

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $2.9 million of restructuring charges. The restructuring charges were incurred in 2017 for a company-wide initiative to streamline operations and integrate our Smeal acquisition. In 2016 and 2015, restructuring charges were incurred within our Emergency Response Vehicles segment related to the relocation of our Ocala, Florida manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, along with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.

See Note 4, Restructuring Charges,in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 87A of this Form 10-K for further information.

Working Capital

Our working capital is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

  

As of December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
             

Current assets

 $198,787  $162,191  $155,137 

Current liabilities

  109,732   87,724   72,373 

Working capital

 $89,055  $74,467  $82,764 

Working capital increased from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, driven by changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, and deposits from customers as described above.information regarding commodity cost fluctuations.

 


29

 

Working capital decreased from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016, driven by changes in accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, accrued warranty, accrued compensation and related taxes, and deposits from customers as described above.Contingent Liabilities

 

Contingent Liabilities

Spartan-Gimaex joint venture

In February 2015, Spartan USAthe Company and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreedinitiated discussions to begin discussions regarding the dissolution ofdissolve the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. Further to legal proceedings initiated by the Company to dissolve and liquidate the joint venture, the court appointed the Company as liquidating trustee of the joint venture. As of December 2021, the liquidation is substantially complete, and the Company does not expect any material impact to our future operating results.

EPA Information Request

In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedingsMay 2020, the Company received a letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requesting certain information as part of an EPA investigation regarding a potential failure to affix emissions labels on vehicles to determine the terms ofCompany’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This information request pertains to chassis, vocational vehicles, and vehicles that the dissolution. In FebruaryCompany manufactured or imported into the U.S. between January 1, 2017 by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-K. In the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014, we accrued charges totaling $1.0 million and $0.2 million to write down certain inventory items associated with this joint venture to their estimated fair values. Costs associated withCompany received the wind-down will be impacted by the final dissolution agreement.request in May 2020. The costs we have accrued so far represent the low end of the range of the estimated total charges that we believe we may incur relatedCompany responded to the wind-down. While we are unable to determineEPA’s request and furnished the final costrequested materials in the third quarter of the wind-down with certainty2020. An estimate of possible penalties or loss, if any, cannot be made at this time, we may incur additional charges, depending on the final terms of the dissolution, and such charges could be material to our results.time.

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) penaltyDebt

In July 2015,

On November 30, 2021, we entered into a settlement agreement with the NHTSA pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid a fine of $1.0 million in equal installments over three years, and will complete performance obligations including compliance and regulatory practice improvements, industry outreach, and recalls to remedy potential safety defects in certain of our chassis, which we expect to complete in July of 2018. The following table presents the charges recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of this agreement (in thousands):

Cost of products sold

 $1,269 

Selling, general and administrative

  1,000 
  $2,269 

Debt

On December 1, 2017, we entered into a First Amendment to our Secondan Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us and certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,N.A. ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent, ("Wells Fargo"), and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, National Association and PNC Bank of America, N.A. (the "Lenders"). Certain of our other subsidiaries have executed guaranties guarantying the borrowers' obligations under the Credit Agreement.

Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $100$400.0 million from the Lenders under a three-year unsecuredsecured revolving credit facility.facility which matures November 30, 2026. We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $35$200.0 million in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The credit facility is also available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20$20.0 million and swing line loans of up to $15$10.0 million, and revolving loans, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Interest rates on borrowings under theThis revolving credit facility are based oncarries an interest rate of either (i) the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted London interbank market rate ("LIBOR")LIBOR plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR, in each case plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and covenants, including performance-based financial covenants on our part. The credit facility matures October 31, 2019, following which we have the option to renew the credit facility, subject to lender approval, for two successive one-year periods with an ultimate maturity date of October 31, 2021. Commitment fees range from 17.5 to 32.5 basis points on the unused portion of the line. In January 2017, we borrowed $32.8 million from our credit line to fund our acquisition of Smeal. At December 31, 2017 we had outstanding borrowings of $17.8 million against our credit line. We had no drawings against this credit line as of December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, and in future years, our revolving credit facility was utilized, and will continue to be utilized, to finance commercial chassis received under chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”). This funding is reflected as a reduction of the revolving credit facility available to us equal to the amount drawn by GM and Chrysler. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details about these chassis bailment inventory agreements. The applicable borrowing rate including the margin was 3.0%1.10% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%1.00%) at December 31, 2017.2021. The credit facility is secured by security interests in, and liens on, all assets of the borrowers and guarantors, other than real property and certain other excluded assets. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to our workers’ compensation insurance.

 

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue lettersCredit Agreement, available borrowings (exclusive of credit totaling $20.0 million. Atoutstanding borrowings) totaled $376.8 million and $125.8 million at December 31, 20172021 and 2016, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $754 and $1,599 related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance.


Under the terms of the primary line of credit agreement, as amended, we are requiredDecember 31, 2020, respectively. The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $66.4 million and $73.6 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The agreements prohibitcovenants; prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness; limitlimits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limitlimits our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restrictrestricts substantial asset sales.sales, all subject to certain exceptions and baskets. At December 31, 2017,2021 and December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants in our credit agreement,Credit Agreement.

In the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company paid down $22.4 million of long-term debt, net of borrowings.

30

We are party to contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties, and basedsuch commitments require a material amount of cash. As part of our normal course of business, we enter into contracts with suppliers for purchases of certain raw materials, components, and services to facilitate adequate supply of these materials and services. These arrangements may contain fixed or minimum quantity purchase requirements.

Our current cash position, available borrowing capacity on our outlook for 2018,credit facilities, and the cash flows we expect to generate from continuing operations are expected to be ablesufficient to meet these covenants over the next twelve months.finance our foreseeable operating and capital needs, including day to day operations, capital expenditures, research and development, investments in information technology systems, dividends and potential future acquisitions.

 

We had capital leaseOur future contractual obligations, outstanding of $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, due and payable over the next five years.described above, are summarized below.

 

  Payments Due by Period (in thousands) 
      

Less than

          

More than

 
  

Total

  

1 Year

  

1-3 Years

  

4-5 Years

  

5 Years

 
                     

Debt (1)

 

$

1,224

   

241

   

185

   

38

   

760

 

Operating lease obligations

  

50,658

   

8,072

   

14,703

   

10,804

   

17,079

 

Purchase obligations

  

11,741

   

11,741

   

-

   

-

   

-

 
                     

Total contractual obligations

 

$

63,623

  

$

20,054

  

$

14,888

  

$

10,842

  

$

17,839

 

(1)

Debt includes line of credit revolver estimated interest payments and payments on finance leases. The interest payments on the related variable rate debt were calculated using the effective interest rate of 1.0% at December 31, 2021.

Equity Securities

On October 19, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to a total of 1.0 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions, contingent upon market conditions. During the second quarter of 2016, we repurchased a total of 422,000 shares of our common stock under this authorization. We did not repurchase any shares, under any repurchase authorizations, in 2017 or 2015.

 

On April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors terminated the 2011 repurchase authorization effective June 30, 2016, and authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock in open market transactions. AtWe repurchased a total of 100,000, 300,000; and 101,006 shares of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2017 there were 1.0 million shares remaining under this repurchase authorization. If2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In January 2022, we were to repurchaserepurchased the remaining 1.0 million408,994 shares for $18.9 million.

On February 17, 2022, our Board of stock underDirectors authorized the repurchase program, it would cost us $15.2of up to $250.0 million based on the closing price of our common stock on February 23, 2018.in open market transactions. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

 

Dividends

We paid dividends on our outstanding common shares in 2017, 20162021 and 20152020 as shown in the table below.

 

Date dividend

declared

  

Record date

  

Payment date

  

Dividend per

share ($)

  

Total

dividend paid

($000)

 

Oct. 24, 2017

  

Nov. 15, 2017

  

Dec. 15, 2017

  $0.05  $1,753 

May 2, 2017

  

May 15, 2017

  

June 15, 2017

   0.05   1,755 

Nov. 2, 2016

  

Nov. 15, 2016

  

Dec. 15, 2016

   0.05   1,720 

April 28, 2016

  

May 19, 2016

  

June 23, 2016

   0.05   1,724 

Oct. 26, 2015

  

Nov. 12, 2015

  

Dec. 17, 2015

   0.05   1,713 

May 8, 2015

  

May 21, 2015

  

June 25, 2015

   0.05   1,713 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Our future contractual obligations for agreements, including agreements to purchase materials in the normal course of business, are summarized below.

  

Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

 
      

Less than

          

More than

 
  

Total

  

1 Year

  

1-3 Years

  

4-5 Years

  

5 Years

 
                     

Line of credit revolver (1)

 $18,868  $534  $18,334  $-  $- 

Capital leases

  189   64   104   21   - 

Operating leases

  7,715   2,494   3,589   1,632   - 

Contingent payments (2)

  1,394   1,394   -   -   - 

Purchase obligations

  59,071   59,071   -   -   - 
                     

Total contractual obligations

 $87,237  $63,557  $22,027  $1,653  $- 

Date dividend

declared

 

(1)Record date

The line of credit revolver includes estimated interest payments; interest payments on the related variable rate debt were calculated using the effective interest rate of 3.0% at December 31, 2017.

 

(2)Payment date

Contingent payments are associated with the Smeal acquisition in January, 2017.Dividend per

share ($)

Nov. 5, 2021Nov. 6, 2021Dec. 16, 20210.025
Aug. 6, 2021Aug. 18, 2021Sep. 15, 20210.025
May 7, 2021May 18, 2021June 18, 20210.025
Feb. 15, 2021Feb. 25, 2021Mar. 25, 20210.025
Nov. 6, 2020Nov. 18, 2020Dec. 18, 20200.025
Aug. 6, 2020Aug. 18, 2020Sep. 18, 20200.025
May 8, 2020May 18, 2020Jun. 18, 20200.050

 


On February 3, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Company’s quarterly dividend from $0.025 to $0.05 per share payable on or before March 17, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2022.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The following discussion of critical accounting policies and estimates is intended to supplement Note"Note 1 – GeneralNature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. These policies were selected because they are broadly applicable within our operating units and they involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions and estimates necessary in determining the related statement of income, asset and/or liability amounts.

31

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with authoritative guidelines, including those of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. In certain instances, risk of ownership and title passes when the product has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. On certain customer requested bill and hold transactions, revenue recognition occurs after the customer has been notified that the products have been completed according to the customer specifications, have passedEssentially all of our quality control inspections,revenue is generated through contracts with our customers. We may recognize revenue over time or at a point in time when or as obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, depending on the terms and are ready for delivery. All sales are shown netfeatures of returns, discountsthe contract and sales incentive programs, which historicallythe products supplied. Our contracts generally do not have not been significant.any significant variable consideration. The collectability of any related receivableconsideration on the contract is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized. On certain vehicles, payment may be received in advance of us satisfying our performance obligations. Such payments are recorded in Deposits from customers on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding performance obligations are generally satisfied within one year of the contract inception. We have elected to utilize the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred because the amortization period for the prepaid costs that would have otherwise been deferred and amortized is one year or less. We use an observable price to allocate the stand-alone selling price to separate performance obligations within a contract or a cost-plus margin approach when an observable price is not available. The estimated costs to fulfill our base warranties are recognized as expense when the products are sold.

 

Accounts ReceivableRevenue for parts sales for both segments is recognized at the time that control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally, when the ordered part is shipped to the customer. Historical return rates on parts sales have been immaterial.

 

Revenue for upfit and field service contracts and walk-in vans and truck bodies built on a chassis owned and controlled by the customer is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle, repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles, or as the vehicles are built.

For certain of our vehicles and chassis, we sell separately priced service contracts that provide roadside assistance or extend certain warranty coverage beyond our base warranty agreements. These separately priced contracts range from one to six years from the date of the shipment of the related vehicle or chassis. We maintain an allowance for customer accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that arereceive payment with the shipment of the related vehicle or at the inception of the extended service contract, if later, and recognize revenue over the coverage term of the agreement, generally on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern of costs expected to be collected. In estimatingincurred in satisfying the allowance for doubtful accounts,obligations under the contract.

Business Combinations

When acquiring other businesses, we make certain assumptions regardingrecognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date estimated fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized. Goodwill, when recognizable, is measured as the riskexcess amount of uncollectable open receivable accounts. This risk factorany consideration transferred, which is applied tomeasured at fair value, over the balance on accounts that are aged over 90 days: generally, this reserve has an estimated range from 10-25%. The risk percentage applied toacquisition date fair values of the aged accountsidentifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Amounts recorded in a business combination may change based onduring the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.

Accounting for such as:acquisitions requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates and are adjusted during the measurement period for a period of up to one year after the acquisition date. Costs incurred to effect an acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation or other third-party costs, as well as internal general economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts from yearadministrative costs incurred are charged to year. However, generally our assumptions are consistent year-over-year and there has been little adjustment made to the percentages used. In addition,expense in the event there are certain known risk factors with an open account, we may increase the allowance to include estimated losses on such “specific” account balances. The “specific” reserves are identified by a periodic review of the aged accounts receivable. If there is an account in question, credit checks are made and there is communication with the customer, along with other means to try to assess if a specific reserve is required. The inclusion of the “specific” reserve has caused the greatest fluctuation in our allowance for doubtful accounts balance historically. Please see Note 1, General and Summary of Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Appendix A included in this Form 10-K for further details and historical view of our allowance for doubtful accounts balance.periods incurred.

 

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

In accordance with authoritative guidance on goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, such assets are tested for impairment at least annually, and written down when and to the extent impaired. We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1 of each year, or more frequently if an event occurs or conditions change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value.

 

At December 31, 2017, we had recordedAs of October 1, 2021 the most recent annual goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles reportable segments. Theimpairment assessment date, two reporting units were determined for goodwill impairment testing: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Emergency ResponseSpecialty Vehicles, reportable segments were determined to bewhich is a change from the prior year where three reporting units were determined for goodwill impairment testing, while the reporting unit for the goodwill recorded in the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was determined to be limited to the Reach Manufacturing component of that reportable segment. The goodwill recorded in these reporting units was evaluated for impairment as of October 1, 2017 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

At December 31, 2016, we had recorded goodwill at our testing: Fleet Vehicles and Services, reportable segment, which was also determinedSpecialty Vehicles, and Service Truck Bodies. As we continued integrating the newly acquired DuraMag business with the Royal operations in 2021, further similarities between these two businesses and the other Specialty Vehicles business were identified that allowed us to berun operations with shared manufacturing facilities, engineering resources and capital equipment. As a result, the entirety of goodwill at the former Service Truck Bodies reporting unit forwas combined into the Specialty Vehicles reporting unit. We qualitatively assessed goodwill impairment testing. The goodwill recorded inassigned to the Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles reporting units and found no indicators of impairment. We completed a quantitative assessment of the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit was evaluated forimmediately before the reporting unit change and a qualitative assessment of the Special Vehicles reporting unit post reorganization and determined that no impairment as of October 1, 2016 using a discounted cash flow valuation.existed.

 


32

 

We first assess qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and current and forecasted financial performance to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. We have the option to bypass this qualitative assessment and proceed to a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if after completing the assessment it is determined to be more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform an impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the value of the goodwill.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which, as of December 31, 2017, consisted of our Utilimaster and Smeal trade names,assets by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenue based on our plans for Utilimaster and Smeal branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

 

Significant judgments inherent in these analyses include assumptions about appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade name.

In 2017, we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to the quantitative goodwill impairment assessment for all of our reporting units. The estimated fair values of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values by 232%, 91% and 62%, respectively, as of October 1, 2017, the most recent annual assessment date. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC for the reporting units of 500 basis points would not result in impairment.

The acquired Utilimaster and Smeal trade names have indefinite lives as it is anticipated that they will contribute to our cash flows indefinitely. The estimated fair values of our Utilimaster and Smeal trade names exceeded their associated carrying values of $2.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively, by 545% and 141%, respectively, as of October 1, 2017. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on these trade names. Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for these impairment analyses of 500 basis points would not result in impairment in the trade names.

At December 31, 2014, our indefinite lived intangible assets included the Classic Fire trade name. During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, we determined that, based on updated sales forecasts for our Classic line of emergency response vehicles, it was more likely than not that our Classic Fire trade name intangible asset was impaired. Accordingly, we conducted an impairment test by comparing the discounted future cash flows expected to result from our ownership of the trade name with its carrying cost at September 30, 2015. The result of this analysis showed that the carrying cost of the Classic Fire trade name, which was recorded as an asset of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, an impairment charge of $0.6 million was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2015 to reduce the carrying cost of the trade name to its estimated fair value.

 

See Note 5,“Note 6 Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets.

 

We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Such events may include, but are not limited to, the impact of the general economic environment; a material negative change in relationships with significant customers; or strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions; and other risk factors as detailed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.Warranties


Warranties 

Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects actual historical warranty cost, which is accumulated on specific identifiable units. From that point, there is a projection of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns and recalls, which increase the reserve. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved, and the extent of features and components included in product models. See Note 10,"Note 11 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding warranties.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under a method that requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Authoritative guidance also requires deferred income tax assets,, which include state tax credit carryforwards, operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

 

We evaluate the likelihood of realizing our deferred income tax assets by assessing our valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include our forecast of future taxable income, the projected reversal of temporary differences and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred income tax assets.

33

 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although management believes the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

 

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes.

 

New and Pending Accounting Policies

 

See Note"Note 1, – GeneralNature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation affects us in two principal ways. First, our revolving credit agreement is generally 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, we attempt to cover increased costs of production and capital by adjusting the prices of our products. However, we generally do not attempt to negotiate inflation-based price adjustment provisions into our contracts. Since order lead times can be as much as nine months, we have limited ability to pass on cost increases to our customers on a short-term basis. In addition, the markets we serve are competitive in nature, and competition limits our ability to pass through cost increases in many cases. We strive to minimize the effect of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity.

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Our primaryInterest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk exposure is a changerisks related to changes in interest rates and the effect of such a change on outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt. At December 31, 2017,2021, we had $17.8 million inno debt outstanding under our variable rate short-term and long-term debt agreements.revolving line of credit agreement. An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would result in no additional interest expense of $0.2 million on an annualized basis for the floating rate debt that we incurred in January 2017 for the acquisition of Smeal.basis. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources to accommodate this hypothetical increase in interest rates. We do not enter into market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading or other purposes.

 


The interest rate charged on our outstanding borrowings pursuant to our credit facility is currently based on LIBOR, as described in "Note 13 – Debt" below. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority in the U.K. announced that it would phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. On November 30, 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (ICE) announced plans to delay the phase out of LIBOR to June 30, 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index called the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR), a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. Our credit facility provides for the transition to a replacement for LIBOR, and it also provides for an alternative to LIBOR. When LIBOR ceases to exist, our interest expense is not expected to increase materially. It is also possible that the overall financing market may be disrupted as a result of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR with SOFR or any other reference rate. Increased interest expense and/or disruption in the financial market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Commodities Risk

We are also exposed to changes in the prices of raw materials, primarily steel and aluminum, along with components that are made from these raw materials. We generally do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of managing exposures associated with fluctuations in steel and aluminum prices. We do, from time to time, engage in pre-buys of components that are impacted by changes in steel, aluminum and other commodity prices in order to mitigate our exposure to such price increases and align our costs with prices quoted in specific customer orders. We also actively manage our material supply sourcing and may employ various methods to limit risk associated with commodity cost fluctuations due to normal market conditions and other factors including tariffs. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part 1, Item 7 of this Form 10-K for information on the impacts of changes in input costs during the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

We do not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of the primary market risk exposures or in the particular markets that present our primary risk of loss. As of the date of this report, we do not know of or expect any material changes in the general nature of our primary market risk exposure in the near term. In this discussion, “near term” means a period of one year following the date of the most recent balance sheet contained in this report.

 

Prevailing interest rates, and interest rate relationships and commodity costs are primarily determined by market factors that are beyond our control. All information provided in response to this item consists of forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” before Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the limitations on our responsibility for such statements.

 


34

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spartan Motors, of The Shyft Group, Inc.

Charlotte, Michigan

 

OpinionOpinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholdersshareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the periodyear ended December 31, 2017,2021, and the related notes and financial statementthe schedule as listed in the accompanying index inIndex at Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated"financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial statements”)reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries atas of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2021 and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the periodyear ended December 31, 2017,2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, Also, in accordance withour opinion, the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company'smaintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2021 based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.COSO.

 

Basis for OpinionOpinions

 

These consolidatedThe Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, are the responsibilityfor maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the Company’s management.effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s consolidatedinternal control over financial statementsreporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”)(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 

Our auditsaudit of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures thatto respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our auditsaudit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/S/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2007.

Grand Rapids, MI

March 1, 2018


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Charlotte, Michigan

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Spartan Motors, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and schedules and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our auditaudits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of this critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Goodwill— Refer to Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment test on October 1 of each year, as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”). The fair value estimates contain uncertainties as they require management to make assumptions including, but not limited to future cash flows of its reporting units and an appropriate WACC. The Company performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill assigned to the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit prior to a reporting unit change that became effective October 1, 2021. The estimated fair value of the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. The goodwill balance of the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit was $33 million. 

Given the significant judgments made by management to estimate the fair value of the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit, and the difference between its fair value and carrying value, performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s assumptions related to future cash flows and WACC required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to future cash flows and WACC for the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit included the following, among others:

•  We tested the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment test and determination of related assumptions, including those over future cash flows and WACC.

•  We evaluated management’s ability to reasonably forecast future cash flows by comparing actual reporting unit results to management’s historical forecasts.

•  We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecast of future cash flows by comparing the estimate of future cash flows to:

–    Historical sales and EBITDA
–    Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors.
–    Forecasted information included in Company press releases, analyst and industry reports of the Company and companies in its peer group. 

•  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we tested the underlying source information, and the mathematical accuracy of the estimate of future cash flows within the fair value calculations.

•  With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the WACC by:

–    testing the underlying source information and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation. 
–    developing a range of independent estimates and compared those to the rate used by management.

/S/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Detroit, Michigan
February 24, 2022

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

36

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors

The Shyft Group, Inc.

Novi, Michigan

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Shyft Group Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.


Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We served as the Company’s auditor from 2007 to 2020.

Grand Rapids, MIMichigan

March 1, 201825, 2021, except for Notes 4, 6 and 17, as to which the date is February 24, 2022

 


37


 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value)thousands)

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 

December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2021

  

2020

 

ASSETS

            

Current assets:

            

Cash and cash equivalents

 $33,523  $32,041  $37,158  $20,995 

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $139 and $487

  83,147   65,441 

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $187 and $116

 87,262  64,695 

Contract assets

 21,483  9,414 

Inventories

  77,692   58,896  67,184  46,428 

Income taxes receivable

  -   1,287 

Other receivables – chassis pool agreements

 9,926  6,503 

Other current assets

  4,425   4,526   10,813   8,172 

Total current assets

  198,787   162,191  233,826  156,207 
        

Property, plant and equipment, net

  55,177   53,116  61,057  45,734 

Right of use assets operating leases

 43,316  43,430 

Goodwill

  27,417   15,961  48,880  49,481 

Intangible assets, net

  9,427   6,385  52,981  56,386 

Other assets

  3,072   2,331  2,927  2,052 

Net deferred tax asset

  7,284   3,310 

Net deferred tax assets

  4,880   5,759 

TOTAL ASSETS

 $301,164  $243,294  $447,867  $359,049 
         

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

            

Current liabilities:

            

Accounts payable

 $40,643  $31,336  $82,442  $47,487 

Accrued warranty

  18,268   19,334  5,975  5,633 

Accrued compensation and related taxes

  13,264   13,188  19,064  17,134 

Deposits from customers

  25,422   16,142  988  756 

Operating lease liability

 7,934  7,508 

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

  12,071   7,659  9,256  8,121 

Short-term debt – chassis pool agreements

 9,926  6,503 

Current portion of long-term debt

  64   65   252   221 

Total current liabilities

  109,732   87,724  135,837  93,363 
        

Other non-current liabilities

  5,238   2,544  8,108  5,447 

Long-term operating lease liability

 36,329  36,662 

Long-term debt, less current portion

  17,925   74   738   23,418 

Total liabilities

  132,895   90,342  181,012  158,890 

Commitments and contingencies

        

Commitments and contingent liabilities

          

Shareholders' equity:

            

Preferred stock, no par value: 2,000 shares authorized (none issued)

  -   - 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 80,000 shares authorized; 35,097 and 34,383 outstanding

  351   344 

Additional paid in capital

  79,721   76,837 

Preferred stock, no par value: 2,000 shares authorized (none issued)

 0  0 

Common stock, no par value: 80,000 shares authorized; 35,416 and 35,344 outstanding

 95,375  91,044 

Retained earnings

  88,855   76,428   171,379   109,286 

Total Spartan Motors, Inc. shareholders’ equity

  168,927   153,609 

Total Shyft Group, Inc. shareholders equity

 266,754  200,330 

Non-controlling interest

  (658)  (657)  101   (171

)

Total shareholders' equity

  168,269   152,952   266,855   200,159 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 $301,164  $243,294  $447,867  $359,049 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


38


 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS
OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 
             

Sales

 $707,098  $590,777  $550,414  $991,792  $675,973  $756,542 

Cost of products sold

  617,655   518,113   502,783   792,527   529,696   639,515 

Restructuring charges

  208   136   519 

Gross profit

  89,235   72,528   47,112   199,265   146,277   117,027 
             

Operating expenses:

             

Research and development

  6,523   6,772   4,560  8,541  4,361  4,864 

Selling, general and administrative

  65,497   56,172   52,695   106,672   93,068   64,549 

Restructuring charges

  1,044   959   2,336 

Total operating expenses

  73,064   63,903   59,591   115,213   97,429   69,413 
             

Operating income (loss)

  16,171   8,625   (12,479)

Operating income

  84,052   48,848   47,614 
 

Other income (expense):

             

Interest expense

  (864)  (410)  (365) (414) (1,293

)

 (1,839

)

Interest and other income

  717 �� 488   244   842   601   1,370 
         

Total other income (expense)

  (147)  78   (121) 428  (692

)

 (469

)

             

Income (loss) before taxes

  16,024   8,703   (12,600)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 84,480  48,156  47,145 

Income tax expense

  14,506   9,867   10,355 

Income from continuing operations

 69,974  38,289  36,790 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  181   (5,123

)

  (49,216

)

Net income (loss)

 70,155  33,166  (12,426

)

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

  1,230   347   140 
             

Income tax expense

  90   100   4,880 

Net income (loss) attributable to Shyft Group, Inc.

 $68,925  $32,819  $(12,566

)

             

Net earnings (loss)

  15,934   8,603   (17,480)
            

Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest

  (1)  (7)  (508)
            

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

 $15,935  $8,610  $(16,972)
            

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

 $0.46  $0.25  $(0.50)
            

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

 $0.46  $0.25  $(0.50)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

      

Continuing operations

 $1.94  $1.07  $1.03 

Discontinued operations

  0.01   (0.14

)

  (1.39

)

Basic earnings per share

 $1.95  $0.93  $(0.36

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

      

Continuing operations

 $1.91  $1.05  $1.03 

Discontinued operations

  0   (0.14

)

  (1.39

)

Diluted earnings per share

 $1.91  $0.91  $(0.36

)

             

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,949   34,405   33,826   35,333   35,479   35,318 
             

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

  34,949   34,405   33,826   36,097   36,039   35,416 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

39

(In thousands, except per share data)

  

Number of

Shares

  

Common

Stock

  

Additional

Paid In

Capital

  

Retained

Earnings

  

Non-

Controlling

Interest

  

Total

Shareholders'

Equity

 
                         

Balance at January 1, 2019

  35,321   353   82,816   103,571   (658

)

  186,082 

Transition adjustment for adoption of new lease standard

  0   0   0   (113

)

  0   (113)

Balance at January 1, 2019, Adjusted

  35,321   353   82,816   103,458   (658

)

  185,969 

Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan

  28   0   (766

)

  -   -   (766

)

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   0   (3,572

)

  -   (3,572

)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (101

)

  (1

)

  (236

)

  (556

)

  -   (793

)

Cancellation of common stock related to investment in subsidiary

  -   0   (1,946

)

  0   0   (1,946)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  96   1   (1

)

  0   0   0 

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   0   5,281   0   0   5,281 

Net income (loss)

  -   -   0   (12,566

)

  140   (12,426

)

Balance at December 31, 2019

  35,344  $353  $85,148  $86,764  $(518

)

 $171,747 

Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan

  14   0   (1,534

)

  -   -   (1,534

)

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   0   (3,565)  -   (3,565)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (300)  (3)  (768)  (6,732)  0   (7,503)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  286   2   (2)  0   0   0 

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   0   7,848   0   0   7,848 
Reclassification upon removal of par value on common stock  -   90,692   (90,692)  0   0   0 

Net income

  -   -   0   32,819   347   33,166 

Balance at December 31, 2020

  35,344  $91,044  $0  $109,286  $(171) $200,159 

Issuance of common stock and tax impact of stock incentive plan

  11   (2,950)  0   -   -   (2,950)

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   0   (3,744)  -   (3,744)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

   (100)   (260)  0   (3,088)  0   (3,348)
Purchase of non-controlling interest  -   (1,204)  0   0   (958)  (2,162)

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  161   -   0   -   -   - 

Stock-based compensation expense

  -   8,745   0   0   0   8,745 

Net income

  -   -   0   68,925   1,230   70,155 

Balance at December 31, 2021

  35,416  $95,375  $0  $171,379  $101  $266,855 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


40


 

(In thousands, except per share data)thousands)

 

  

Number of

  

Common

  

Additional

  

Retained

  

Non-Controlling

  

Total Shareholders'

 
  

Shares

  

Stock

  

Paid In Capital

  

Earnings

  

Interest

  

Equity

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

  34,094  $341  $75,695  $92,724  $(142) $168,618 
                         

Issuance of common stock and the tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions

  13   -   (419)  -   -   (419)
                         

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   -   (3,426)  -   (3,426)
                         

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  164   2   (2)  -   -   - 
                         

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

  -   -   1,198   -   -   1,198 
                         
                         

Net loss

  -   -   -   (16,972)  (508)  (17,480)
                         

Balance at December 31, 2015

  34,271   343   76,472   72,326   (650)  148,491 
                         

Issuance of common stock and the tax impact of stock incentive plan transactions

  16   -   (234)  -   -   (234)
                         

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   -   (3,444)  -   (3,444)
                         

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (422)  (4)  (932)  (1,064)  -   (2,000)
                         

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  518   5   (5)  -   -   - 
                         

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

  -   -   1,536   -   -   1,536 
                         

Net earnings (loss)

  -   -   -   8,610   (7)  8,603 
                         

Balance at December 31, 2016

  34,383   344   76,837   76,428   (657)  152,952 
                         

Issuance of common stock related to stock incentive plan transactions

  29   -   (645)  -   -   (645)
                         

Dividends declared ($0.10 per share)

  -   -   -   (3,508)  -   (3,508)
                         

Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellation

  685   7   (7)  -   -   - 
                         

Stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock

  -   -   3,536   -   -   3,536 
    ��                    

Net earnings (loss)

  -   -   -   15,935   (1)  15,934 
                         

Balance at December 31, 2017

  35,097  $351  $79,721  $88,855  $(658) $168,269 
  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net income (loss)

 $70,155  $33,166  $(12,426

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

            

Depreciation and amortization

  11,356   14,187   11,180 

Deferred income taxes

  880   19,790   (18,225

)

Non-cash stock based compensation expense

  8,745   7,848   5,281 

Loss on sale of business

  0   3,852   0 

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

   (110)   82   (14

)

Loss from write-off of construction in process

  0   2,430   0 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

  0   0   13,856 

Impairment of assets held for sale

  0   0   39,275 

Changes in fair value of contingent consideration

  0   (599

)

  0 

Changes in accounts receivable and contract assets

  (34,522)  (6,037

)

  12,700 

Changes in inventories

  (20,756)  12,834   (14,783

)

Changes in accounts payable

  34,954   (10,674

)

  (20,404

)

Changes in accrued compensation and related taxes

  1,930   971   7,737 

Changes in accrued warranty

  53   (60

)

  853 

Changes in other assets and liabilities

  1,324   (13,458

)

  9,151 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  74,009   64,332   34,181 
             

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  (23,002)  (14,534

)

  (10,042

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

  22   0   15 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

  904   (18,050

)

  (88,938

)

Proceeds from sale of business

  0   47,500   0 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  (22,076)  14,916   (98,965

)

             

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

Proceeds from long-term debt

  45,000   16,000   92,000 

Payments on long-term debt

  (67,400)  (81,000

)

  (30,175

)

Payments of debt issuance costs  (1,360)  0   0 

Payments of dividends

  (3,551)  (3,565

)

  (3,572

)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  (3,348)  (7,503

)

  (793

)

Exercise and vesting of stock incentive awards

  (2,949)  (1,534

)

  (766

)

Purchase of non-controlling interest  (2,162)  0   0 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (35,770)  (77,602

)

  56,694 
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  16,163   1,646   (8,090

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  20,995   19,349   27,439 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $37,158  $20,995  $19,349 

Note: Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows include continuing operations and discontinued operations for all years presented.

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


41


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net earnings (loss)

 $15,934  $8,603  $(17,480)

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

            

Depreciation and amortization

  9,937   7,903   7,437 

Gain on disposal of assets

  (13)  (13)  (24)

Impairment of assets

  -   406   2,234 

Accruals for warranty

  9,099   12,989   15,388 

Deferred income taxes

  (3,974)  (2,666)  5,147 

Stock based compensation related to stock awards

  3,536   1,536   1,198 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets, net of effects of acquisition:            

Accounts receivable

  (18,576)  (8,824)  (8,255)

Inventories

  42,920   1,662   10,605 

Income taxes receivable

  1,287   468   (59)

Other assets

  851   (1,020)  155 

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:

            

Accounts payable

  5,366   4,018   4,556 

Cash paid for warranty repairs

  (13,854)  (10,265)  (8,015)

Accrued compensation and related taxes

  (1,530)  4,504   458 

Deposits from customers

  (33,648)  3,047   1,571 

Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions

  -   -   (1,338)

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

  240   1,056   (707)

Other long-term liabilities

  1,725   -   - 

Taxes on income

  2,716   (76)  (15)

Total adjustments

  6,082   14,725   30,336 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  22,016   23,328   12,856 
             

Cash flows from investing activities:

            

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

  (5,340)  (13,410)  (4,895)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

  13   25   208 

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

  (28,903)  -   - 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (34,230)  (13,385)  (4,687)
             

Cash flows from financing activities:

            

Borrowings under credit facilities

  -   -   15,244 

Payments on credit facilities

  -   -   (15,244)

Proceeds from long-term debt

  32,919   10   - 

Payments on long-term debt

  (15,070)  (5,058)  (75)

Payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions

  -   -   (162)

Purchase and retirement of common stock

  -   (2,000)  - 

Net cash used in the exercise, vesting or cancellation of stock incentive awards

  (645)  (111)  (375)

Payment of dividends

  (3,508)  (3,444)  (3,426)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  13,696   (10,603)  (4,038)
             

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  1,482   (660)  4,131 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  32,041   32,701   28,570 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $33,523  $32,041  $32,701 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 1 - GENERAL– NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARYBASIS OF ACCOUNTING POLICIESPRESENTATION

 

Nature of Operations. Spartan Motors, Inc. (theAs used herein, the term “Company”, “we”, “us” or “us”) is“our” refers to The Shyft Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless designated or identified otherwise.

Nature of Operations

We are a custom engineerniche market leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing and manufacturer of specializedassembly for the commercial vehicle (including last-mile delivery, specialty service and vocation-specific upfit segments) and recreational vehicle industries. Our products include walk-in vans and truck bodies used in e-commerce/parcel delivery, upfit equipment used in the mobile retail and utility trades, service and vocational truck bodies, luxury Class A diesel motor vehiclehome chassis and bodies.contract manufacturing and assembly services. We have various subsidiariesalso supply replacement parts and offer repair, maintenance, field service and refurbishment services for the vehicles that are manufacturers of bodies for various markets including fleet vehicles and emergency response vehicles. Our principal chassis markets are emergency response vehicles, motor homes and other specialty vehicles.  

we manufacture as well as truck accessories.
COVID-19 Pandemic

 

On January 1, 2017,March 11, 2020, Spartan USA acquired substantiallythe World Health Organization classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The pandemic has had a significant impact on macroeconomic conditions. To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments have taken various actions including the issuance of stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. As a result, certain of our manufacturing facilities were temporarily suspended or cut back on operating levels and shifts as a result of government orders. Since June 30, 2020 and throughout 2021, all of our facilities were at full or modified production levels. However, additional suspensions and cutbacks may occur as the assetsimpacts from COVID-19 and certain liabilitiesrelated responses continue to evolve within our global supply chain and customer base. The Company is taking a variety of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co.,measures to maintain operations with as minimal impact as possible to promote the safety and U.S. Tanker Co. When used in this Annual Reportsecurity of our employees, including increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of facilities, social distancing, remote working when possible, travel restrictions and limitations on Form 10-K, “Smeal” refersvisitor access to the assets, liabilities, and operations acquired from such entities. facilities.

The assets acquired consistfull impact of the assets used by the former owners of Smeal in the operation of its business designing, manufacturing, and distributing emergency response vehicle bodies and aerial devices for the fire service industry. Smeal has operations in Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania and is operated as part of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment.

Our operating activities are conducted through our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Spartan Motors USA, Inc. (“Spartan USA”), with locations in Charlotte, Michigan; Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; Ephrata, Pennsylvania; Bristol, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Saltillo, Mexico.

Our Bristol, Indiana location manufactures vehicles used in the parcel delivery, mobile retail and trades and construction industries, and supplies related aftermarket parts and services under the Utilimaster brand name.  Our Kansas City, Missouri and Saltillo, Mexico locations sell and install equipment used in fleet vehicles.  Our Brandon, South Dakota, Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska, Delavan, Wisconsin and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations manufacture emergency response vehicles under the Spartan, Smeal, US Tanker and Ladder Tower Company brand names.  Our Charlotte, Michigan location manufactures heavy duty chassis and vehicles and supplies aftermarket parts and accessories under the Spartan Chassis and Spartan brand names.  Spartan USA is also a participant in Spartan-Gimaex Innovations, LLC (“Spartan-Gimaex”), a COVID-50/5019 joint venture with Gimaex Holding, Inc. that was formedoutbreak continues to provide emergency response vehicles for the domestic and international markets.  Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc.  In February 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the joint venture.  In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution.  In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own.  No dissolution terms have been determinedevolve as of the date of this Form filing. As such, it is uncertain as to the full magnitude that the pandemic will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations. Management is actively monitoring the impact of the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. Given the evolution of the COVID-1019-K. outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for future periods.

 

Principles of Consolidation.

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiary, Spartan USA.The Shyft Group USA, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompanyinter-company transactions have been eliminated.

 

Non-Controlling Interest

Interest.At December 31, 2021, 2017, SpartanThe Shyft Group USA, Inc. held a 50% share in Spartan-Gimaex, however, due to the management and operational structure of the joint venture, SpartanThe Shyft Group USA, Inc. was considered to have had the ability to control the operations of Spartan-Gimaex. Accordingly, Spartan-Gimaex is reported as a consolidated subsidiary of Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc., within The joint venture is not currently active and the Emergency Response Vehicles segment.liquidation is substantially complete. In December 2021, the Company purchased the remaining 20% ownership interest in Strobes-R-Us ("SRUS") for $2,162 and, thus, there was 0 non-controlling interest in SRUS as of December 31, 2021.

 

Use of Estimates. In the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), management uses estimates and makes judgments and assumptions that affect asset and liability values and the amounts reported as income and expense during the periods presented. Certain of these estimates, judgments and assumptions, such as the allowance for credit losses, warranty expenses, impairment assessments of tangible and intangible assets, and the provision for income taxes, are particularly sensitive. If actual results are different from estimates used by management, they may have a material impact on the financial statements.

 


42

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 605. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of ownership passes to the buyer. In certain instances, risk of ownership and title passes when the product has been completed in accordance with purchase order specifications and has been tendered for delivery to the customer. On certain customer requested bill and hold transactions, revenue recognition occurs prior to the products being delivered to the buyer. We enter into such transactions when there is a valid business reason and the buyer has committed to the purchase. At the time revenue is recognized, the customer has been notified that the products have been completed according to their specifications, the products have passedEssentially all of our quality control inspectionsrevenue is generated through contracts with our customers. We may recognize revenue over time or at a point in time when or as obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied, depending on the terms and are ready for deliveryfeatures of the contract and the customer has accepted all of the risks of ownership. All sales are shown net of returns, discounts and sales incentive programs, which historically haveproducts supplied. Our contracts generally do not been significant. Rebates for certain product sales, which are known and accrued at time of sale, are reflected as a reduction of revenue. Service revenue is immaterial at less than one percent of total sales.have any significant variable consideration. The collectability of any related receivableconsideration on the contract is reasonably assured before revenue is recognized. On certain vehicles, payment may be received in advance of us satisfying our performance obligations. Such payments are recorded in Deposits from customers on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The corresponding performance obligations are generally satisfied within one year of the contract inception. In such cases, we have elected to apply the practical expedient to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component. The financing impact on contracts that contain performance obligations that are not expected to be satisfied within one year are expected to be immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

 

We have elected to utilize the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred because the amortization period for the prepaid costs that would have otherwise been deferred and amortized is one year or less. We use an observable price to allocate the stand-alone selling price to separate performance obligations within a contract or a cost-plus margin approach when an observable price is not available. The estimated costs to fulfill our base warranties are recognized as expense when the products are sold (see “Note 11 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” for further information on warranties). Our contracts with customers do not contain a provision for product returns, except for contracts related to certain parts sales.

Revenue for parts sales for all segments is recognized at the time that control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally when the ordered part is shipped to the customer. Historical return rates on parts sales have been immaterial.

For certain of our vehicles and chassis, we sell separately priced service contracts that provide roadside assistance or extend certain warranty coverage beyond our base warranty agreements. These separately priced contracts range from one to six years from the date of the shipment of the related vehicle or chassis. We receive payment with the shipment of the related vehicle or at the inception of the extended service contract, if later, and recognize revenue over the coverage term of the agreement, generally on a straight-line basis, which approximates the pattern of costs expected to be incurred in satisfying the obligations under the contract.

Distinct revenue recognition policies for our segments are as follows:

Fleet Vehicles and Services ("FVS")

Our walk-in vans and truck bodies are generally built on a chassis that is owned and controlled by the customer. Due to the customer ownership of the chassis, the performance obligation for these walk-in vans and truck bodies is satisfied as the vehicles are built. Accordingly, the revenue and corresponding cost of products sold associated with these contracts are recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period. Certain contracts will specify that a walk-in van or truck body is to be built on a chassis that we purchase and subsequently sell to the customer. The revenue on these contracts is recognized at the time that the performance obligation is satisfied, and control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally upon shipment of the vehicle from our manufacturing facility to the customer or receipt of the vehicle by the customer, depending on contract terms. We have elected to treat shipping and handling costs subsequent to transfer of control as fulfillment activities and, accordingly, recognize these costs as the revenue is recognized.

Revenue for upfit and field service contracts is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle or as repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles. Revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold is estimated based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation. Our performance obligation for upfit and field service contracts is satisfied when the equipment installation or repairs and enhancements of the customer’s vehicle have been completed. Our receivables are generally collected in less than three months, in accordance with our underlying payment terms.  

Specialty Vehicles ("SV")

We recognize revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold on the sale of motorhome chassis when the performance obligation is completed and control and risk of ownership of the chassis has passed to our customer, which is generally upon shipment of the chassis or vehicle to the customer. 

43

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold associated with other specialty vehicles is recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period. Other specialty vehicles are generally built on a chassis that is owned and controlled by the customer. Due to the customer ownership of the chassis, the performance obligations for other specialty chassis contracts are satisfied as the products are assembled. Our receivables will generally be collected in less than three months, in accordance with our underlying payment terms.

Some of our service truck bodies are built on a chassis that is owned and controlled by the customer. Due to the customer ownership of the chassis, the performance obligation for these truck bodies is satisfied as the vehicles are built. Accordingly, the revenue and corresponding cost of products sold associated with these contracts are recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period. Certain contracts will specify that a truck body is to be built on a chassis that we purchase and subsequently sell to the customer. The revenue on these contracts is recognized at the time that the performance obligation is satisfied, and control and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, which is generally upon shipment of the vehicle from our manufacturing facility to the customer or receipt of the vehicle by the customer, depending on contract terms. We have elected to treat shipping and handling costs subsequent to transfer of control as fulfillment activities and, accordingly, recognize these costs as the revenue is recognized.

Revenue for upfit and field service contracts is recognized over time, as equipment is installed in the customer’s vehicle or as repairs and enhancements are made to the customer’s vehicles. Revenue and the corresponding cost of products sold is estimated based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation. Our performance obligation for upfit and field service contracts is satisfied when the equipment installation or repairs and enhancements of the customer’s vehicle have been completed. Our receivables are generally collected in less than three months, in accordance with our underlying payment terms.

Business Combinations. When acquiring other businesses, we recognize identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date estimated fair values, and separately from any goodwill that may be required to be recognized. Goodwill, when recognizable, is measured as the excess amount of any consideration transferred, which is measured at fair value, over the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquisition gain, when recognizable,Amounts recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is measureda period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as the excess ofadditional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed over the acquisition date fair value of any consideration transferred.becomes available.

 

Accounting for such acquisitions requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates and although we believe any estimates and assumptions we make are reasonable and appropriate atadjusted during the time they are made, unanticipated events and circumstances may arise that affect their accuracy, which may cause actual results to differ from those estimated by us. When necessary, we will adjust the values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed against the goodwill or acquisition gain, as initially recorded,measurement period for a period of up to one year after the acquisition date.

Costs incurred to effect an acquisition, such as legal, accounting, valuation or other third-party costs, as well as internal general and administrative costs incurred are charged to expense in the periods incurred.

 

Shipping and Handling of Products. Costs incurred related to the shipment and handling of products are classified in cost of products sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are included in sales.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents include cash on hand, cash on deposit, treasuries and money market funds. We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts Receivable. Our receivables are subject to credit risk, and we do not typically require collateral on our accounts receivable. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally require a security interest in the products sold. Receivables generally are due within 30 to 60 days. We maintain an allowance for customer accounts that reduces receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts consistent with it reflecting related lifetime expected credit losses, management makes certain assumptions regardingconsiders relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the riskcollectability of uncollectable open receivable accounts. This risk factor is applied to the balance on accounts that are aged over 90 days: generally, this reserve has an estimated range from 10-25%. The risk percentage applied to the aged accounts may change based on conditions such as: general economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts from year to year. However, generally our assumptions are consistent year-over-year and there has been little adjustment made to the percentages used. In addition, in the event there are certain known risk factors with an open account, we may increase the allowance to include estimated losses on such “specific” account balances. The “specific” reserves are identified by a periodic review of the aged accounts receivable. If there is an account in question, credit checks are made and there is communication with the customer, along with other means to try to assess if a specific reserve is required. The inclusion of the “specific” reserve has caused the greatest fluctuation in the allowance for doubtful accounts balance historically. Past due accounts are written off when collectability is determined to be no longer assured.financial assets.

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable value. Estimated inventory allowances forNet realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less cost to sell and considers our current assessment of general market and economic conditions, slow-moving inventory, are based upon current assessments aboutand 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.demands.

 


44

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Contract Assets arise upon the transfer of goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration. The Company presents the contract as either a contract asset or as a receivable, depending on the nature of the entity’s right to consideration for its performance. Contract assets are a right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the Company has transferred to a customer, when the right is conditioned on something other than the passage of time.

Property, Plant and Equipment is stated at cost and the related assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis for financial statement purposes and an accelerated method for income tax purposes. Cost includes an amount of interest associated with significant capital projects. Estimated useful lives range from 20 years for buildings and improvements, 3three to 15 years for plant machinery and equipment, 3three to 7seven years for furniture and fixtures and 3three to 5five years for vehicles. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to earnings, while expenditures that increase asset lives are capitalized. We review our property, plant and equipment, along with all other long-lived assets that have finite lives, including finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of historical depreciated cost or the estimated fair value less costs to sell. See Note"Note 6,7 Property,, Plant and Equipment" for further information on our property and equipment.

 

Related Party Transactions.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale  We purchase certain components usedclassify assets and liabilities (disposal groups) to be sold as held for sale in the manufactureperiod in which all of our products from partiesthe following criteria are met: management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that could be considered relatedare usual and customary for sales of such disposal groups; an active program to us becauselocate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have been initiated; the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or morecircumstances beyond the Company's control extend the period of our executive officerstime required to sell the disposal group beyond one year; the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or board membersthat the plan will be withdrawn.

We initially measure a disposal group that is alsoclassified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a disposal group until the date of sale. We assess the fair value of a disposal group each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and any subsequent changes are reported as an executive officer or board memberadjustment to the carrying value of the related party. See Notedisposal group, as long as the new carrying value does 17,not Related Party Transactions,exceed the carrying value of the disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for more information regarding our transactions with related parties.sale.

 

Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Depreciation is not recorded during the period in which the long-lived assets, included in the disposal group, are classified as held for sale.

Additionally, we report the reporting results for a disposal group in discontinued operations separately from continuing operations to distinguish the financial impact of disposal transactions from ongoing operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results.  

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment tests on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit from which it was created. A reporting unit is an operating segment or sub-segment to which goodwill is assigned when initially recorded. We review indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment by comparing the carrying value of those assets to their fair value.

 

45

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

 

We perform our annual goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets impairment test as of October 1 and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. For goodwill we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Under authoritative guidance, we are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed to a quantitative impairment test.

 

IfIf we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, or if after completing the assessment we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative impairment test, whereby we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by estimating the future cash flows of the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates, and then discounting the future cash flows at a market-participant-derived weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”). In determining the estimated future cash flows, we consider current and projected future levels of income based on our plans for that business; business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions; and market-participant considerations. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to not be impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the carrying value of the goodwill.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite lived intangible assets, which consistassets by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade names with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our Utilimaster and Smeal trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade names,name, discounted to their present value. In determining the estimated fair value of the trade names, we consider current and projected future levels of revenuesales based on our plans for Utilimaster and Smeal,those branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions.

 

Significant judgments inherent in these assessments and analyses include assumptions about macroeconomic and industry conditions, appropriate sales growth rates, WACC and the amount of expected future net cash flows. The judgments and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value are generally consistent with the projections and assumptions that are used in current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change because of changing economic and competitive conditions. The determination of fair value is highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of the reporting units and trade names.

See Note “Note 5,2– Discontinued Operationsfor further details on our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets related to the ERV business. See “Note 6 Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further details on our goodwill and other intangible assets.


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Warranties. Our policy is to record a provision for the estimated cost of warranty-related claims at the time of the sale, and periodically adjust the warranty liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects management’s best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Expense related to warranty liabilities accrued for product sales, as well as adjustments to pre-existing warranty liabilities, are reflected within Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our estimates are based on historical experience, the number of units involved, and the extent of features and components included in product models. See Note"Note 10,11 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities," for further information regarding warranties.

Deposits from Customers. We sometimes receive advance payments from customers for product orders and record these amounts as liabilities. We accept such deposits when presented by customers seeking improved pricing in connection with orders that are placed for products to be manufactured and sold at a future date. RevenueSales associated with these deposits isare recognized over time based on the inputs completed for a given performance obligation during the reporting period or deferred and recognized upon shipment of the related product to the customer.customer depending on the terms of the contract.

 

Research and Development. Our research and development costs, which consist of compensation costs, travel and entertainment, administrative expenses and new product development among other items, are expensed as incurred.

 

46

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Taxes on Income. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized for which payment has been deferred, or expenses which have been deducted in our tax returns, but which have not yet been recognized as an expense in our financial statements.

 

We establish valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets in accordance with GAAP, which provides that such valuation allowances shall be established unless realization of the income tax benefits is more likely than not. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. At each reporting period, we consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, available taxes in carryback periods, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment.

 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.

 

Interest and penalties attributable to income taxes are recorded as a component of income taxes.

See Note "Note 8,9 Taxes on Income," for further details on our income taxes.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares share equivalents of stock appreciation rights (“SAR”s) and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock optionsstock-based awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the average dilutive effect of our SARs outstanding during the period determined using the treasury stock method.period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of our stock optionsall potentially dilutive securities that are outstanding during the period. Our unvested restricted stock awardsunits and performance stock units are included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, unless a net loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. See Note"Note 15,14Stock-Based Compensation" and "Note 16 Earnings Per Share" for further details.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. Stock Incentive Plans. Share based payment compensation costscost for equity-based awards is measured on the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award at that date, and is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Fair value of stock option and stock appreciation rights awards are estimated using a closed option valuation (Black-Scholes) model. Fair value of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units subject to a performance condition is based upon the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Fair value of performance stock units subject to a market condition is calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation model. Our incentive stock stock-based compensation plans are described in more detail in Note"Note 13,14 Stock Based Compensation".


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Fair Value. We are required to disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments. The carrying value at December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of variable rate debt instruments approximate their fair value based on their relative terms and market rates.

 

Reclassifications. Certain immaterial amounts in the prior periods’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported Net earnings (loss), Total assets, Total shareholders’ equity or cash flows.

Segment Reporting. We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by the chief operating decision makersmaker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have threetwo reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles. More detailed information about our reportable segments can be found in Note"Note 16,17 Business Segments".

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information. Cash paid for interest was $592, $1,757, and $1,844 for $619,2021, $3092020, and $374 for 2017,2016 and 2015.2019. Cash paid (received) for income taxes, net of refunds, was $12,199, $608, and $4,942 for $0,2021, $2,232 and $(18) for 2017,20162020 and 2015.2019. Non-cash investing in 20172021 included $1,511 of capital expenditures and $1,496 in $7,3912020. forgiveness of accounts receivableThe Company has Chassis Pool Agreements, where it participates in conjunction with our acquisition of Smeal.a chassis converter pool that is a non-cash arrangement and is offsetting between current assets and current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note"Note 213Debt" for further information about this acquisition.

New Accounting Standards

In February 2017 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No.2017-05,Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20) (“ASU 2017-05”). ASU 2017-05 is intended to provide guidance for when gains and losses on nonfinancial assets should be applied to a financial asset by defining the term “nonfinancial asset”. ASU 2017-05 will go into effect when the revenue standard issued in ASU 2014-09 becomes effective. We believe that the adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-05 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.2017-04,Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to the carrying amount of the goodwill. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for annual or interim goodwill impairment testing performed after January 1, 2017. Our adoption of ASU 2017-04 for our goodwill impairment testing performed as of October 1, 2017 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-01,Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”), which provides guidance to entities to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities (collectively, the "set") is a business and provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. Under the new guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, or group of similar assets, the assets acquired would not represent a business. Also, to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to produce outputs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied on a prospective basis to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual periods in which the financial statements have not been issued. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-01 had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in current practice regarding the manner in which certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the cash flow statement. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted ASU 2016-15, effective with the third quarter of 2017, which did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows through December 31, 2017.Chassis Pool Agreements.

 


47

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

In

Except for the changes below, we have consistently applied the accounting policies to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Adoption of Simplifications to Accounting for Income Taxes Accounting Policy. Effective June 2016,January 1, 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updatewe adopted ASU 20162019-13,12 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 is intended to introduce a revised approachand all related amendments, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the recognitiongeneral principles of Topic 740 and measurementimproving consistent application of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses.GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The provisions of this standard are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. We believe that that the adoption of the provisions of ASU 20162019-1312 willdid not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Adoption of Current Expected Credit Losses Accounting Policy. Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2016- 13 and all related amendments, which require entities to use a new impairment model based on current expected credit losses (“CECL”) rather than incurred losses, which recognized credit losses when it was probable a loss had been incurred. Credit losses under CECL are determined using a method that reflects lifetime expected credit losses by considering relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of financial assets. We applied ASU 2016- 13 using the modified retrospective method and the cumulative effect of adoption was not material. Therefore, the comparative information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under prior accounting guidance.

NOTE 2 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On February 1, 2020, we completed the sale of our ERV business for $55,000 cash subject to certain post-closing adjustments. In September 2020, the Company finalized the post-close net working capital adjustment and subsequently paid $7,500 on October 1, 2020. The Company recognized a loss on sale of $3,383 for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are portions of the Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The ERV business included the emergency response chassis operations in Charlotte, Michigan, and operations in Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The results of the ERV business have been reclassified to Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. We continue to have an open Transition Services Agreement with the buyer for the provision of certain transition support services, which will continue for certain services into 2022.

The Loss from discontinued operations presented in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 consisted of:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 
             

Sales

 $0  $19,167  $261,860 

Cost of products sold

  0   18,678   245,785 

Gross profit

  0   489   16,075 

Operating expenses

  0   4,484   28,864 

Operating loss

  0   (3,995

)

  (12,789

)

Loss on asset impairments

  0   0   53,131 

Other income (expense)

  243   (3,383

)

  1,021 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes

  243   (7,378

)

  (64,899

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

  (62)  2,255   15,683 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

 $181  $(5,123

)

 $(49,216

)

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updateannual goodwill and intangible assets impairment test as of No.October 1, 2019, we determined that the fair value of our ERV business and Smeal trade name were less than their carrying values due to under-performance in 2019 2016-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifieswhich was expected to continue in future periods. As a result, we recorded impairment expense of $13,856 to write off the accounting for a stock payment’s tax consequences by requiring the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also allows a company to elect to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basisgoodwill and revisesindefinite lived intangible assets. In conjunction with the classification of certain tax payments related to stock compensation on the statementERV business as held for sale as of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Our adoption of ASU 2016-09 for the year ending December 31, 20172019, resulted inwe recorded a reductionloss of income tax expense of $394, which under previous accounting guidance would have been recorded$39,275 to additional paid in capital.

In February 2016, write down the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.2016-02,Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginningcarrying values of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Upon adoption, we expect to recognize right of useassociated assets and liabilities to their fair values less estimated costs to sell of $3,604. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, due to the sale of the ERV business, there were no assets or liabilities related to discontinued operations on the consolidated statement of financial position for leases currently classified as operating leases.   

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-11,Inventory (Topic 330) – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires entities that measure inventory using the FIFO or average cost methods to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value to more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. ASU 2015-11 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Our adoption of ASU 2015-11 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). Subsequently the FASB provided additional guidance to clarify certain aspects of the standard in Accounting Standards Updates No.2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net); No.2016-10,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; and No.2016-12,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. ASU 2014-09, as amended is based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application.Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 


48

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

We substantially completed our assessment of

Total depreciation and amortization and capital expenditures for the impacts ofdiscontinued operations for the new revenue standard during theyears ended fourthDecember 31, 2021, 2020 quarter.  We have determined that the adoption of ASUand 20142019:-

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 
             

Depreciation and amortization

 $0  $284  $5,106 

Capital expenditures

 $0  $84  $2,431 

NOTE 093 will result in a change in the timing of revenue recognition for a significant portion of our contracts. For contracts related to substantially all of our Emergency Response Vehicle segment sales, certain of our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment sales, and certain of our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment sales (primarily related to our contract manufacturing operations), we will recognize revenue over time (during the production period) rather than at the point in time that the product is delivered to the customer. These contracts meet the criteria for recognizing revenue over time contracts either because 1) our performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls, or 2) our performance does not create an asset with an alternative use (due to significant customization of our products), and, based on our rights under the contract, we have an enforceable right to payment for our performance completed to date during the production period. We expect to utilize the practical expedient to not recognize the effects of financing when we receive customer deposits for contracts that will be fulfilled in less than one year. We expect that the disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements related to revenue recognition will be significantly expanded under the new standard, specifically regarding the quantitative and qualitative information about performance obligations, and changes in contract assets and liabilities. – ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES

 

We adopted ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. As a result, in the first quarter of 2018 we expect to record a transition adjustment to increase retained earnings by approximately $4,900, reflecting the cumulative impact for the accounting change. This adjustment reflects the acceleration of approximately $38,000 in revenues and $33,100 in cost of products sold.

We are unable to precisely quantify the impact to revenue, gross profit or net income for future periods since revenue and gross profit recognized in those periods will depend on the actual production levels in those periods, but we expect the increase in revenue, gross profit and net income from recognizing revenue on these contracts over time in 2018 to be similar to the amounts included in the transition adjustment.

NOTE 2– ACQUISITION ACTIVITIESDuraMag Acquisition

 

On JanuaryOctober 1, 2017,2020, we completed the acquisition ofCompany acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of SmealF3 MFG Inc. through the Company’s subsidiary, The Shyft Group DuraMag LLC (“DuraMag”). DuraMag is a leading, aluminum truck body and accessory manufacturer, and DuraMag operations include aluminum manufacturing, finishing, assembly, and installation of DuraMag contractor, service, and van bodies, as well as Magnum branded headache racks (also known as cab protection racks or rear racks). The Company paid $18,203 in cash, subject to a net working capital adjustment. The net working capital adjustment was finalized in January 2021, resulting in a decrease to the purchase price of $404. In addition, certain indemnity claims made by the Company pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement datedthe purchase agreement were settled in December 12, 2016.June 2021, resulting in a decrease to the purchase price of $500. The acquisition was partially financed by borrowing from our existing line of credit, as described in "Note 13Debt". DuraMag is part of our Specialty Vehicle segment. During the year ended 2021 and 2020, we recorded pretax charges totaling $81 and $970, respectively, for legal expenses and other transaction costs related to the acquisition, which were reported in Selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

This acquisition brings significant scale to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, expands the geographic reach of our dealer network and adds complementary products to our existing emergency response product portfolio.DuraMag Purchase Price Allocation

Sales and operating income included in our results since the January 1, 2017 acquisition are as follows:

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2017

 

Net sales

 $124,669 

Operating income

  2,070 

 

The above operating income amountsDuraMag acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with the purchase price allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, DuraMag and Magnum trade names and trademarks, unpatented technology and non-competition agreements. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $5,401 was recorded as goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The initial fair values of the net assets acquired were based on a one-time chargepreliminary valuation and the estimates and assumptions were subject to cost of products soldchange within the measurement period. In the third quarter of $1892021, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation for adjustments related to accrued warranty of $289. The valuation and the estimates and assumptions were finalized during the year ended December 31, 20172021, related toas the fair value step-up of inventories acquired from Smeal and sold during the period.measurement period has concluded.

 


49

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Pro forma ResultsAs of Operation (Unaudited)December 31, 2021, the final allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:

Accounts receivable

 $2,315 

Inventories

  3,659 

Other current assets

  15 

Property, plant and equipment, net

  2,949 

Right of use assets-operating leases

  8,469 

Intangible assets

  5,590 

Goodwill

  5,401 

Total assets acquired

  28,398 
     

Accounts payable

  (1,662

)

Accrued Warranty  (289)

Accrued compensation and related taxes

  (434

)

Current operating lease liabilities

  (644

)

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses

  (241

)

Long-term operating lease liability

  (7,825

)

Long-term debt

  (4

)

Total liabilities assumed

  (11,099

)

     

Total purchase price

 $17,299 

DuraMag Goodwill Assigned

Intangible assets totaling $5,590 have been assigned to customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, unpatented technology and non-competition agreements as a result of the acquisition and consist of the following:

  

Amount

  

Useful Life (in years)

Customer relationships

 $2,200  

15

Trade names and trademarks

  2,420  

Indefinite

Unpatented technology

  540  

9

Non-competition agreements

  430  

6

  $5,590   

The following table provides unaudited pro forma net salesCompany amortizes the customer relationships utilizing an accelerated approach and results of operationsunpatented technology and non-competition agreements assets utilizing a straight-line approach. Amortization expense, including the intangible assets recorded from the DuraMag acquisition, is $278 for 2021 and estimated to be $278, $299, and $295 for the years ended December 31, 2017 2022 through 2024, respectively.

Goodwill consists of operational synergies that are expected to be realized in both the short and 2016, as if Smeal had been acquired on January1long-term and the opportunity to enter into new markets which will enable us to increase value to our customers and shareholders. Key areas of 2016.  The unauditedexpected cost savings include an expanded dealer network, complementary product portfolios and manufacturing and supply chain work process improvements.

Due to its insignificant size relative to the Company, supplemental pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisition, such as changes in the depreciation and amortization expense on the Smeal assets acquired resulting from the fair valuation of assets acquired, expenses incurred to complete the acquisition and the impact of acquisition financing.  The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the integration of Smeal.  Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating resultsfinancial information of the combined company.

  

Years Ended

 
  

December 31,

2017

  

December 31,

2016

 

Net sales

 $707,098  $656,292 
         

Net earnings attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

 $18,792  $4,964 
         

Diluted net earnings per share

 $0.54  $0.14 

Purchase Price Allocation

The total purchase price paidentity for our acquisition of Smeal was $41,513, subject to a net working capital adjustment and the tax gross-up payment described below. The consideration paid consisted of $28,903 in cash, net of cash acquired of $3,825, and the forgiveness of certain liabilities owed by the former owners of Smeal to the Company in the amount of $7,391. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the sellers may receive additional consideration in the form of a tax gross-up payment, which is payable no later than April 1, 2018, andprior reporting period is not expected to exceedprovided.

Royal Acquisition

On $1,394.September 9, 2019,  The consideration paid is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, including the Company completed the acquisition of Fortress Resources, LLC d/b/net working capital adjustment that we expect to finalize in the first quarter of 2018. Smeal has been a significant chassis customer of Spartan USA. The price paidRoyal Truck Body pursuant to which the purchase agreementCompany acquired all the outstanding equity interests of Royal. The Company paid $89,217 in cash, which was the subjectfinanced by borrowing from our existing line of arm's length negotiation between Smeal and us.credit, as described in "Note 13Debt".

50

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

This

Royal Purchase Price Allocation

The Royal acquisition was accounted for using the purchaseacquisition method of accounting with the purchase price allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets include trade-namescustomer relationships, trade names and certain non-patented technology.trademarks, patented technology and non-competition agreements. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $11,456$27,476 was initially recorded as goodwill. Duringgoodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The initial fair values of the net assets acquired were based on a preliminary valuation and the estimates and assumptions were subject to change within the measurement period. In the 2017,second wequarter of 2020, the Company agreed to a working capital adjustment with the seller and made certain adjustments to our purchase price allocation to adjust inventory, other current assets, accrued warranty and other liabilities, which resulted in a $1,787 increase in goodwill. We recorded an estimate for contingent consideration relateddecrease to goodwill of $152. The valuation and the tax gross-up payment, valued in accordance with accounting guidance for business combinationsestimates and fair value measurements atassumptions were finalized during the year ended $1,394.December 31, 2020, as the measurement period has concluded.

 

TheAs of December 31,2020, the final allocation of purchase priceprice to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:

 

Cash

 $3,825 

Accounts receivable

  6,523 

Inventory

  61,716 

Other current assets

  662 

Property, plant and equipment

  5,773 
Cash and cash equivalents $431 

Accounts receivable, less allowance

  5,019 

Contract assets

 1,499 
Inventories 6,453 
Other receivables – chassis pool agreements 10,424 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 4,980 

Right of use assets – operating leases

 12,767 

Intangible assets

  3,900  47,150 

Goodwill

  11,456   27,324 

Total assets acquired

  93,855  116,047 
     

Accounts payable

  3,941  (1,658

)

Customer prepayments

  42,929  (255

)

Accrued warranty

  3,689  (98

)

Other liabilities

  1,783 
Operating lease liabilities (1,693

)

Accrued compensation and related taxes (569

)

Other current liabilities and accrued expenses (30

)

Short-term debt – chassis pool agreements (10,424)
Long-term operating lease liability (11,074)
Long-term debt, less current portion  (1,029)

Total liabilities assumed

  52,342  (26,830

)

       

Total purchase price

 $41,513  $89,217 

Royal Goodwill Assigned

Intangible assets totaling $47,150 have been assigned to customer relationships, trade names and trademarks, patented technology and non-competition agreements as a result of the acquisition and consist of the following:

  

Amount

  

Useful Life (in years)

Customer relationships

 $30,000  

15

Trade names and trademarks

  13,000  

Indefinite

Patented technology

  2,200  

8

Non-competition agreements

  1,950  

5

  $47,150   

 


51

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


The Company amortizes the customer relationships utilizing an accelerated approach and patented technology and non-competition agreements assets utilizing a straight-line approach. Amortization expense, including the intangible assets recorded from the Royal acquisition, is $2,665 and $2,665 for
2021 and 2020, respectively, and estimated to be $3,162, and $3,072 for the years 2022 through 2023, respectively.

Goodwill consists of operational synergies that are expected to be realized in both the short and long-term and the opportunity to enter into new markets which will enable us to increase value to our customers and shareholders. Key areas of expected cost savings include an expanded dealer network, complementary product portfolios and manufacturing and supply chain work process improvements.

NOTE 4 – REVENUE

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The tables below disclose changes in contract assets and liabilities as of the periods indicated.

  

December 31,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

 

Contract Assets

        

Contract assets, beginning of year

 $9,414  $10,898 

Reclassification of the beginning contract assets to receivables, as the result of rights to consideration becoming unconditional

  (9,414)  (10,898

)

Contract assets recognized, net of reclassification to receivables

  21,483   9,414 

Contract assets, end of year

  21,483   9,414 
         

Contract Liabilities

        

Contract liabilities, beginning of year

  756   2,640 

Reclassification of the beginning contract liabilities to revenue, as the result of performance obligations satisfied

  (743)  (2,640

)

Cash received in advance and not recognized as revenue

  975   756 

Contract liabilities, end of year

  988   756 

As of October 1, 2021, the composition of both reportable segments changed due to an internal reorganization as certain businesses previously managed and reported within FVS are now a part of SV. Corresponding items of segment information for earlier periods have been recast.

The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations in existing contracts that are yet to be completed in the FVS and SV segments are $859,442 and $104,117, respectively, with substantially all revenue expected to be recognized within one year as of December 31, 2021.

For performance obligations that are satisfied over time, revenue is expected to be recognized evenly over the time period to complete the contract due to the assembly line nature of the business operations. For performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time, revenue is expected to be recognized when the customer obtains control of the product, which is generally upon shipment from our facility. No amounts have been excluded from the transaction prices above related to the guidance on constraining estimates of variable consideration.

52

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Contingent Consideration

Pursuant toIn the purchase agreement, the former ownersfollowing tables, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical market and timing of Smeal may receive additional consideration in the form of a tax gross-up payment. The purchase agreement specifies that Spartan will make a payment to the former owners of Smeal to cover certain state and federal tax liabilitiesrevenue recognition for the tax year ending December 31, 2017 that result from the transaction. The payment is expected to be $1,394.

Goodwill Assigned

The acquisition resulted in the recognition of $11,456 of goodwill, which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Goodwill consists of expected synergies resulting from the acquisition and the estimated value of the workforce employed. Key areas of expected cost savings include an expanded dealer network; complementary product portfolios; manufacturing and supply chain work process improvements; and the elimination of redundant corporate overhead.

Financing for the Acquisition

Our acquisition of Smeal was financed using $32,800 borrowed from our existing $100,000 line of credit, as set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2016, as amended by a First Amendment on December 1, 2017, by and among us and our affiliates, as borrowers; certain lenders; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner.

Acquisition Related Expenses

During 2017 and 2016, we recorded pretax charges totaling $868 and $882 for legal expenses and other transaction costs related to the acquisition. These charges, which were expensed in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations, were recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” and reflected within the “Other” column in the business segment tables in Note 16,Business Segments.

NOTE 3 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are summarized as follows:

 

December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

 
         

Finished goods

 $15,539  $12,743 

Work in process

  15,980   14,063 

Raw materials and purchased components

  48,092   35,458 

Reserve for slow-moving inventory

  (1,919

)

  (3,368

)

         

Total Inventory

 $77,692  $58,896 

We also have a number of demonstration units as part of our sales and training program. These demonstration units are included in the “Finished goods” line item above, and amounted to $7,435 and $3,558 at December 31,2017 and 2016. When the demonstration units are sold, the cost related to the demonstration unit is included in Cost of products sold on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The decrease in the reserve during 2017 is the result of disposals of obsolete inventory and reduction of the reserve associated with this inventory.

NOTE 4 – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During the yearyears ended December 31, 2017,2021, we incurred restructuring charges related to a company-wide initiative to streamline operations and integrate our Smeal acquisition. During 20162020, and 2015,2019. we incurred restructuring charges related toThe tables also include a reconciliation of the relocation of our Ocala, Florida manufacturing operations to our Charlotte, Michigan and Brandon, South Dakota facilities, alongdisaggregated revenue with efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.the reportable segments.

  

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $647,842  $332,293  $980,135  $0  $980,135 

Other

  11,590   67   11,657   0   11,657 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $991,792  $0  $991,792 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $34,558  $198,852  $233,410  $0  $233,410 

Products and services transferred over time

  624,874   133,508   758,382   0   758,382 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $991,792  $0  $991,792 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2020

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $454,403  $212,109  $666,512  $0  $666,512 

Other

  9,055   406   9,461   0   9,461 

Total sales

 $463,458  $212,515  $675,973  $0  $675,973 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $44,418  $127,801  $172,219  $0  $172,219 

Products and services transferred over time

  419,040   84,714   503,754   0   503,754 

Total sales

 $463,458  $212,515  $675,973  $0  $675,973 

 


53

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, broken down by segment, are as follows:

 

  

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

Reportable

Segments

  

Other

  

Total

 

Primary geographical markets

                    

United States

 $536,499  $203,960  $740,459  $(5,278

)

 $735,181 

Other

  21,203   158   21,361   0   21,361 

Total sales

 $557,702  $204,118  $761,820  $(5,278

)

 $756,542 
                     

Timing of revenue recognition

                    

Products transferred at a point in time

 $152,336  $149,995  $302,331  $(5,278

)

 $297,053 

Products and services transferred over time

  405,366   54,123   459,489   0   459,489 

Total sales

 $557,702  $204,118  $761,820  $(5,278

)

 $756,542 

  

December 31, 2017

 
  

Fleet

Vehicles

and

Services

  

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

  

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

  

Other

  

Total

 

Cost of products sold

                    

Accrual for severance

 $97  $43  $30  $-  $170 

Production relocation

  -   38   -   -   38 
                     

General and Administrative

                    

Accrual for severance

  547   367   79   51   1,044 

Total restructuring

 $644  $448  $109  $51  $1,252 

NOTE 5 – INVENTORIES

 

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred restructuring charges related to efforts undertaken to upgrade production processes at our Brandon, South Dakota and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations.Inventories are summarized as follows:

 

Restructuring charges included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, which were all related to our Emergency Response Vehicles segment, are as follows:

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Finished goods

 $2,990  $4,200 

Work in process

  2,471   1,908 

Raw materials and purchased components

  61,723   40,320 

Total Inventories

 $67,184  $46,428 

 

  

December 31, 2016

  

December 31, 2015

 

Cost of products sold

        

Inventory impairment

 $-  $345 

Production relocation/equipment impairment

  136   174 

Accrual for severance

  -   - 

Total cost of products sold

  136   519 
         

General and Administrative

        

Manufacturing process reengineering

  959   2,336 

Accrual for severance

  -   - 

Total general and administrative

  959   2,336 

Total restructuring

 $1,095  $2,855 

The following table provides a summary of the compensation related charges incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 as part of our restructuring initiatives, along with the related outstanding balances to be paid in relation to those expenses, which is reflected within Accrued compensation and related taxes on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

  

Severance

 

Balance January 1, 2017

 $- 

Accrual for severance

  643 

Payments and adjustments made in period

  (201)

Balance March 31, 2017

  442 

Accrual for severance

  325 

Payments and adjustments made in period

  (540)

Balance June 30, 2017

  227 

Accrual for severance

  232 

Payments and adjustments made in period

  (366)

Balance September 30, 2017

  93 

Accrual for severance

  14 

Payments and adjustments made in period

  (95)

Balance December 31, 2017

 $12 

There were no compensation related charges incurred during the years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 56 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

 

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, or whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. See “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” within Note"Note 1 General Nature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation" for a description of our accounting policies regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

As described in Note 2 - Acquisition Activities, we acquired substantially all of the assets and related liabilities of Smeal on January 1, 2017. The difference between the consideration paid and the acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill, as disclosed in the table below. The goodwill at Smeal was evaluated as part of the annual assessment which occurred as of October 1, 2017,2021 since there wasthe most recent annual goodwill impairment assessment date, notwo triggering event necessitating an earlier evaluation.

During the second quarter of 2017, operations related to the manufacturing of our Reach delivery vehiclereporting units were reassigned to our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment from our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment to reflect the information and reports that our chief operating decision makers use to allocate resources to and assess the performance of our operating segments. As a result, a portion of thedetermined for goodwill assigned to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment was reassigned to our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment using a relative fair value approach.

At December 31, 2017, we had recorded goodwill at our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles reportable segments. Theimpairment testing: Fleet Vehicles and Services and Emergency ResponseSpecialty Vehicles, reportable segments were determined to bewhich is a change from the prior year where three reporting units were determined for goodwill impairment testing, while the reporting unit for the goodwill recorded in the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment was determined to be limited to the Reach Manufacturing component of that reportable segment. The goodwill recorded in these reporting units was evaluated for impairment as of October 1,2017 using a discounted cash flow valuation.

At December 31, 2016, we had recorded goodwill at ourtesting: Fleet Vehicles and Services, reportable segment, which was also determinedSpecialty Vehicles, and Service Truck Bodies. As we continued integrating the newly acquired DuraMag business with the Royal operations in 2021, further similarities between these two businesses and the other Specialty Vehicles business were identified that allowed us to berun operations with shared manufacturing facilities, engineering resources and capital equipment. As a result, the entirety of goodwill at former Service Truck Bodies reporting unit forwas combined into the Specialty Vehicles reporting unit. We qualitatively assessed goodwill impairment testing. The goodwill recorded inassigned to the Fleet Vehicles and Services and Specialty Vehicles reporting units and found no indicators of impairment. We completed a quantitative assessment of the Service Truck Bodies reporting unit was evaluated forimmediately before the reporting unit change and a qualitative assessment of the Special Vehicles reporting unit post reorganization and determined that no impairment as of October 1,2016 using a discounted cash flow valuation.existed.

 

The estimated fair values of our Fleet Vehicles and Services, Emergency Response Vehicles and Reach reporting units exceeded their carrying value by approximately 232%,91% and 62%, respectively at October 1, 2017, indicating that the goodwill was not impaired.  Based on the discounted cash flow valuations at October 1, 2017, an increase in the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) used for these reporting units of 500 basis points would not result in impairment. As discussed in Note"Note 1 – GeneralNature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation," there are significant judgments inherent in our impairment assessments and discounted cash flow analyses. These discounted cash flow analyses are most sensitive to the WACCweighted-average cost of capital ("WACC") assumption.

 


54

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Our goodwill by

As of October 1, 2021, the composition of both reportable segments changed due to an internal reorganization as certain businesses previously managed and reported within FVS are now a part of SV. Corresponding items of segment is as follows:

  

Fleet Vehicles and

Services

  

Emergency Response

Vehicles

  

Specialty Vehicles and

Chassis

  

Total

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

  

 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Goodwill, beginning of year

 $15,961  $15,961  $-  $-  $-  $-  $15,961  $15,961 

Acquisition of Smeal

  -   -   11,456   -   -   -   11,456   - 

Reassignment of goodwill

  (638)  -   -   -   638   -   -   - 

Goodwill, end of year

 $15,323  $15,961  $11,456  $-  $638  $-  $27,417  $15,961 

information for earlier periods have been recast.

 

Other Intangible AssetsThe change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):

 

  

FVS

  

SV

  

Total

 
  

December 31,

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Goodwill, beginning of year

 $15,323  $15,323  $34,158  $28,309  $49,481  $43,632 

Acquisition and measurement period adjustments

  0   0   (601)  5,849   (601)  5,849 

Goodwill, end of year

 $15,323  $15,323  $33,557  $34,158  $48,880  $49,481 

Fleet Vehicles and Services segment intangible assets

OtherIntangible Assets

At December 31, 2017,2021, we had other intangible assets, associated with our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, including customer and dealer relationships, non-compete agreements, an acquired product development project and a trade name. Thenames, trademarks, unpatented technology, patented technology. Certain non-compete agreement, acquired product development projectagreements and certain other intangible assets are being amortized over their expected remaining useful lives based on the pattern of estimated after-tax operating income generated, or on a straight-line basis. OurUnpatented technology, patented technology and certain non-compete agreements are amortized utilizing a straight-line approach over the estimated useful lives. We amortize the customer relationships utilizing an accelerated approach over the estimated remaining life. The Royal, DuraMag, Magnum, Utilimaster, and Strobes-R-Us trade name has annames and trademarks are considered to have indefinite life,lives and isare not amortized. We test our trade name for impairment at least annually, and test other intangible assets for impairment if impairment indicators are present.   

 

We testedevaluate the recoverability of our Utilimaster trade name for impairment,indefinite lived intangible assets, which, as of October 1, 20172021, consisted of our Royal, DuraMag, and 2016,Magnum trade names, by estimatingcomparing the estimated fair value of the trade namenames with their carrying values. We estimate the fair value of our trade names based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of the trade name, discounted to their present value. TheIn determining the estimated fair value of our Utilimaster trade name at October 1, 2017 exceeded its carrying cost by 545%. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on this trade name. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for this impairment analysis of 500 basis points would not result in impairment of the trade name.

Emergency Response Vehicles segment intangible assets

With the acquisition of Smeal, we acquired other intangible assets besides goodwill. We recorded $3,900 in intangible assets from the acquisition. The intangible assets consist of unpatented technology and various trade names. The unpatented technology will be amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated remaining useful life of 10 years, consistent with the pattern of economic benefits estimated to be received. The trade names are considered to have indefinite lives, and as such will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment annually or if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the trade names are impaired.

We tested our Smeal trade name for impairment, as of October 1, 2017, by estimating the fair value of the trade namenames, we consider current and projected future levels of sales based on estimates of future royalty payments that are avoided through our ownership of theplans for these trade name discounted to their present value.branded products, business trends, prospects and market and economic conditions. The estimated fair value of our SmealRoyal, DuraMag, and Magnum trade name at October 1, 2017 names exceeded itstheir carrying cost by 136%. Accordingly, there was no impairment recorded on this trade name. Based on the discounted cash flow valuation at October 1, 2017, an increase in the WACC used for this impairment analysis of 500 basis points wouldvalues, and therefore do not result in impairmentan impairment. We qualitatively assessed Utilimaster and Strobes-R-Us trade names and trademarks and found no indicators of the trade name.impairment.

 

The following table provides information regarding our other intangible assets:

  

As of December 31, 2021

  

As of December 31, 2020

 
  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net

  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net

 

Customer relationships

 $39,080  $9,188  $29,892  $39,770  $7,390  $32,380 

Unpatented technology

  540   75   465   540   15   525 

Patented technology

  2,200   619   1,581   2,200   344   1,856 

Non-compete agreements

  2,980   1,327   1,653   3,380   1,145   2,235 

Trade Names

  19,390   0   19,390   19,390   0   19,390 
  $64,190  $11,209  $52,981  $65,280  $8,894  $56,386 

We recorded $3,405, $3,265, and $1,200 of intangible asset amortization expense during 2021,2020 and 2019.

  

  

As of December 31, 2017

  

As of December 31, 2016

 
  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net

  

Gross

carrying

amount

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Net

 

Customer and dealer relationships

 $6,170  $3,709  $2,461  $6,170  $3,348  $2,822 

Acquired product development project

  1,860   1,514   346   1,860   1,167   693 

Unpatented technology

  1,500   150   1,350   -   -   - 

Non-compete agreements

  400   400   -   400   400   - 

Backlog

  320   320   -   320   320   - 

Trade Names

  5,270   -   5,270   2,870   -   2,870 
  $15,520  $6,093  $9,427  $11,620  $5,235  $6,385 


55

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

We recorded $858,$708 and $872 of intangible asset amortization expense during 2017,2016 and 2015.

The estimated remaining amortization associated with finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be expensed as follows:

 

  

Amount

 
     

2018

 $816 

2019

  449 

2020

  423 

2021

  399 

2022

  375 

Thereafter

  1,695 

Total

 $4,157 
  

Amount

 

2022

 $3,903 

2023

  3,810 

2024

  3,477 
2025  3,070 
2026  2,944 

Thereafter

  16,387 

Total

 $33,591 

 

 

NOTE 67 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment are summarized by major classifications as follows:

 

 

December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

December 31,

 
         

2021

  

2020

 

Land and improvements

 $7,754  $8,049  $9,810  $8,721 

Buildings and improvements

  66,227   63,418  45,724  40,077 

Plant machinery and equipment

  39,800   34,879  49,305  41,054 

Furniture and fixtures

  22,285   12,954  20,421  16,259 

Vehicles

  3,063   2,912  2,607  2,404 

Construction in process

  1,770   7,876   12,700   8,724 

Subtotal

  140,899   130,088  140,567  117,239 

Less accumulated depreciation

  (85,722

)

  (76,972

)

  (79,510)  (71,505

)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 $55,177  $53,116  $61,057  $45,734 

 

We recorded depreciation expense of $$7,977, $10,638, and $5,892 during 9,055,2021, $7,1952020, and $6,5652019, during 2017,2016 and 2015.respectively. There were no0 capitalized interest costs in 20172021,2020, or 2016.2019. In the second quarter of 2020, we committed to a plan to phase out the use of an ERP system at certain locations and determined that the estimated useful lives for the related assets had shortened. As a result, in 2020, we recorded depreciation expense of $3,060 attributable to accelerated depreciation and a loss of $2,430 from the write-off of related construction in process. The total after-tax impact on Income from continuing operations was an expense of $4,365 for 2020.

 

Construction in progress includesNOTE $7908 and $6,624 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 for the implementation of our ERP system. The decrease construction in progress in 2017 was the result of our first phase of implementation that was completed during the year.  Additional phases of implementation are expected to go live in 2018 through 2020.– LEASES

 

We review our long-lived assets that have finite livesoperating and finance leases for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may land, buildings and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 18 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 15 years. Our leases do not be recoverable.contain residual value guarantees. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, assets recorded under finance leases were immaterial (See "Note 13 – Debt"). Lease expense totaled $8,679, $6,913, and $4,146 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 


56

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

  

When reviewing long-lived assets

Operating lease expenses are classified as cost of products sold and operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The components of lease expense were as follows:

  

Year ended

December 31,

2021

  

Year ended

December 31,

2020

 

Operating leases

 $8,233  $6,699 

Short-term leases (1)

  446   214 

Total lease expense

 $8,679  $6,913 

(1) Includes expenses for impairment, we group our long-lived assets with other assetsmonth-to-month equipment leases, which are classified as short-term as the Company is not reasonably certain to renew the lease term beyond one month.

The weighted average remaining lease term and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiableweighted average discount rate were as follows:

  

Year ended

December 31,

2021

  

Year ended

December 31,

2020

 

Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases (in years)

  8.9   9.4 

Weighted average discount rate of operating leases

  3.0%  3.1

%

Supplemental cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we determined that an asset groupflow information related to certain locationsleases was as follows:

  

Year ended

December 31,

2021

  

Year ended

December 31,

2020

 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:        
Operating cash flow for operating leases $7,958  $6,338 
         

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

        

Operating leases

 $7,137  $16,829 

Finance leases

 $271  $141 

Maturities of our Emergency Response Vehicles segment may be impaired due to operating losses recorded in recent years, along with uncertainty regarding future financial performance at these locations. Accordingly, we conducted an impairment test on this asset grouplease liabilities as of September 30, 2016 by comparing the non-discounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group with its carrying value, resulting in a determination that the asset group was impaired.

We estimated the fair value of our tangible long-lived assets of this asset group based on assessments or recent sale prices of similar assets. Impairment charges recorded within Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to adjust the carrying cost of these long-lived tangible assets to their estimated fair value at September 30, 2016 were $406 for machinery and equipment. No additional charges were recorded in 2016 or for the year ended December 31, 2017.2021 

NOTE 7 - LEASES

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware, manufacturing equipment and manufacturing and warehouse space under operating lease agreements. Building leases generally provide that we pay the cost of utilities, insurance, taxes and maintenance. Rent expense for the years ended December 31,2017,2016 and 2015 was $2,989,$3,086 and $2,876.

Future minimum operating lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

 

Year

 

Future Minimum

Operating Lease

Payments

 

2018

 $2,494 

2019

  1,915 

2020

  1,674 

2021

  1,483 

2022

  149 

Thereafter

  - 
     

Total

 $7,715 

We lease certain office equipment, computer hardware and material handling equipment under capital lease agreements. Cost and accumulated depreciation of capitalized leased assets included in machinery and equipment are $728 and $548, respectively, at December 31,2017. Future minimum capital lease commitments under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

 

 

Year

 

Future Minimum

Capital Lease

Payments

 

2018

 $70 

2019

  59 

2020

  26 

2021

  26 

2022

  21 

Thereafter

  - 
     

Total lease obligations, including imputed interest

  202 
     

Less imputed interest charges

  (13)
     

Total outstanding capital lease obligations

 $189 

Years ending December 31:

    

2022

 $8,072 

2023

  7,565 

2024

  7,138 

2025

  6,247 

2026

  4,557 

Thereafter

  17,079 

Total lease payments

  50,658 

Less: imputed interest

  (6,395

)

Total lease liabilities

 $44,263 

 


57

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 9 – TAXES ON INCOME

Income taxes consist of the following:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 
             

Taxes on income from continuing operations

 $14,506  $9,867  $10,355 

Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations

  62   (2,255

)

  (15,683

)

Total taxes on income

 $14,568  $7,612  $(5,328

)

Income taxes from continuing operations consist of the following:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Current (benefit):

            

Federal

 $10,891  $8,191  $9,883 

State

  2,745   2,474   1,664 

Foreign

  286   156   128 

Total current

  13,922   10,821   11,675 

Deferred (benefit):

            

Federal

  554   (975

)

  (705

)

State

  30   21   (615

)

Total deferred

  584   (954

)

  (1,320

)

Total taxes on income

 $14,506  $9,867  $10,355 

Enacted on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act amended certain provisions of the tax code to allow the five-year carryback of tax basis net operating losses (“NOL”) incurred in the years 2018 through 2020. The closing of the sale of the ERV business in 2020 put the Company into a tax basis NOL position for the year as a result of the reversal of deferred tax assets that were recorded in 2019. Under the CARES Act, the Company was able to carry back the NOL to offset taxable income incurred in years prior to 2018 when the federal corporate income tax rate was 35%, as compared to the 21% tax rate at which the deferred tax assets were originally recorded. Based upon current accounting guidance, which requires that the impact of tax law changes be recorded in continuing operations, we recorded a $2,610 tax benefit in continuing operations in 2020 resulting from the rate difference as a component of Income tax expense.

58

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 8 - TAXES ON INCOME

Income taxes consist of the following:

  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 

Current (credit):

            

Federal

 $3,809  $2,203  $(520

)

State

  255   563   253 

Total current

  4,064   2,766   (267

)

Deferred (credit):

            

Federal

  (1,743

)

  (2,666

)

  3,994 

State

  (2,231

)

  -   1,153 

Total deferred

  (3,974

)

  (2,666

)

  5,147 

Total taxes on income

 $90  $100  $4,880 

The current tax expense amounts in 2016 and 2015 differ from the actual amounts payable to the taxing authorities due to the tax impact associated with stock incentive plan transactions under the plans described in Note 13,Stock Based Compensation. These adjustments were an addition of $123 and $44 in 2016 and 2015. These adjustments to current taxes on income were recognized as adjustments of additional paid-in capital. Commencing January 1, 2017, all such adjustments are recognized as current taxes on income.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Other changes provided by the 2017 Tax Act include, but are not limited to the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017. Prospective changes beginning in 2018 from the Tax Act include: additional limitations on executive compensation, the repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction and capitalization of research and development expenditures.

The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No.118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. We recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Act in our 2017 financial statements in accordance with SAB 118, in the reporting period in which the Tax Act was signed into law.  We did not identify items for which the income tax effects of the Tax Act have not been completed and a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of December 31, 2017.

In accordance with SAB 118, we have recorded a provisional amount of $2,963 of the deferred tax expense in connection with the re-measurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and we will continue to refine the measurement of the net deferred tax balance during the preparation of the 2017 tax return as additional guidance and information become available.

Differences between the expected income tax expense derived from applying the federal statutory income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before taxes on income and the actual tax expense are as follows:

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

  

Amount

  

Percentage

 
                         

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate

 $5,609   35.00

%

 $2,959   34.00

%

 $(4,284

)

  34.00

%

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

                        

Deferred income tax re-measurement due to Tax Act

  2,963   18.49   -   -   -   - 

Other deferred income tax adjustment

  (241)  (1.50)  (51)  (0.59)  (156)  1.24 

Non-deductible compensation

  -   -   459   5.27   -   - 

Non-deductible NHTSA penalty

  -   -   -   -   340   (2.70

)

Other nondeductible expenses

  156   0.97   226   2.60   176   (1.39

)

Domestic manufacturing deduction

  (504

)

  (3.15

)

  -   -   -   - 

Stock based compensation

  (394

)

  (2.46

)

  -   -   -   - 

Worthless stock deduction of dissolved subsidiary

  (966

)

  (6.03

)

                

State tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit

  547   3.41   68   0.78   (79

)

  0.63 

Forfeiture of state net operating loss and credit carry-forwards from dissolution of subsidiary

  3,039   18.97   -   -   -   - 

Valuation allowance adjustment

  (9,544

)

  (59.56

)

  (2,932)  (33.69

)

  9,472   (75.17

)

Unrecognized tax benefit adjustment

  314   1.96   129   1.48   (162)  1.29 

Federal research and development tax credit

  (753

)

  (4.70

)

  (801

)

  (9.20

)

  (364

)

  2.89 

Other

  (136

)

  (0.84

)

  43   0.50   (63

)

  0.48 

Total

 $90   0.56

%

 $100   1.15

%

 $4,880   (38.73

)%


  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Federal income taxes at the statutory rate

 $17,741  $10,113

 

 $9,901

 

State tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit

  2,481   1,895   577 

Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

            

Tax rate benefit from NOL carryback due to CARES Act

  0   (2,610

)

  0 
Other deferred income tax adjustment  0   174   (75)

Non-deductible compensation

  958   1,162   511 
Other non-deductible expenses  0   94   115 
Foreign derived intangible income deduction  0   0   (45)

Stock based compensation

  (1,504)  (666

)

  (136

)

Foreign tax expense  0   156   128 

Valuation allowance adjustment

  (82)  (254

)

  135 
Unrecognized tax benefit adjustment  0   (14)  (61)

Federal research and development tax credit

  (4,413)  (329

)

  (591

)

Foreign tax credit  0   (32)  (38)

Other

  (675)  178   (66

)

Total

 $14,506  $9,867

 

 $10,355

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,

59

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:

 

 

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2021

  

2020

 

Deferred income tax assets:

         

Operating lease liability

 $10,917  $11,073 

Warranty reserve

 $3,595  $7,246  1,330  1,239 

Credit carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit

  317   3,199 

Inventory costs and reserves

  1,792   2,194  1,862  2,066 
Deferment of employer's portion Social Security tax payment 526  979 

Contract assets

 2,518  732 

Stock-based compensation

 1,361  853 
Net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit 880  1,664 

Compensation related accruals

  663   1,512  609  549 

Net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal income tax benefit

  954   1,029 

Stock based compensation

  1,061   615 

Vendor compensation

  507   - 
Credit carry-forwards net of federal income tax benefit 1,332  1,018 

Other

  409   773   837   445 

Total deferred income tax assets

 $9,298  $16,568  $22,172 $20,618 
         
        

Deferred income tax liabilities:

         

Right of use assets

 $(10,682) $(10,912

)

Depreciation

 $(1,230) $(2,294) (4,846) (2,832

)

Intangible assets

  (574)  (840) (1,693) (879

)

Prepaid insurance

  (152)  (522)

Prepaid expenses

  (71)  (154

)

Total deferred income tax liabilities

 $(1,956) $(3,656) $(17,292) $(14,777

)

         

Net deferred income tax assets

 $7,342  $12,912  $4,880 $5,841 

Valuation allowance

  (58)  (9,602)  0  (82)

Net deferred tax asset

 $7,284  $3,310  $4,880  $5,759 

 

Based upon an assessment of the available positive and negative evidence at December 31, 2016,2021, we determined whether sufficientthe total deferred income tax assets are more likely than not to be realized based on the consideration of deferred tax liability reversals and projected future taxable income. The valuation allowance for net deferred income would be generated to realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets relates to a state credit carryforward as of December 31, 2016 2020.and recorded a valuation allowance of $9,602 against a portion of the deferred tax assets. A significant portion of negative evidence considered was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016. During 2017, the Company determined that based on recent operating results, as well as an assessment of expected future operating results, the realization of its remaining deferred tax assets is more likely than not.  As a result, the Company reversed substantially the entire valuation allowance during 2017. The release of the valuation allowance was determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an assessment of both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets are realizable.


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

At December 31, 2021 31,2017and 2016,2020, we had state deferred income tax assets related to state tax net operating loss carry-forwards of $1,114, which expire between years $1,2072027-2042, and $1,560,$2,106, which begin expiring in 2019.2021, Also, as ofrespectively. At December 31, 2021 31,2017and 2016,2020, we had deferred income tax assets related to state tax credit carry-forwards of $2,289 which expire between years $4022022-2031, and $4,846,$1,289, which begin expiring in 2026.2021, Due to accumulated losses in several state jurisdictions, we had recorded valuation allowances against certain deferred income tax assets aggregating $58 and $4,228 atrespectively. At December 31, 20172020, and 2016.

During 2017due to a current year loss in a certain state NOL and credit carry-forwards were forfeited due to the dissolution of a dormant, wholly-owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2016, jurisdiction, we had recorded a100% valuation allowance against these carry-forwards. Therefore, the resultant adjustment to deferred tax assets related to the same state’s credit carryforward of $3,039 was fully offset by a reduction in the valuation allowance.$82.

 

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized tax benefits (“UTB”) for the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2017,20162020 and 20152019 is as follows:

 

 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Balance at January 1,

 $345  $349  $481  $1,234  $1,270  $827 

Increase (decrease) related to prior year tax positions

  168   (24

)

  (73

)

 2,935  (109

)

 103 

Increase related to current year tax positions

  118   20   91  1,161  101  578 

Settlement

  -   -   (110

)

Expiration of statute

  (66

)

  -   (40

)

  (83)  (28

)

  (238

)

Balance at December 31,

 $565  $345  $349  $5,247  $1,234  $1,270 

 

As of December 31, 2021, 31,2017,we had an ending UTB balance of $565$5,247 along with $279$530 of interest and penalties, for a total liability of $847, with $117 recorded as a current liability and $730$5,777, of which $5,301 is recorded as a non-current liability based on the applicable statutes of limitations.and $476 as a credit offsetting deferred tax assets. The change in interest and penalties amounted to an increase of $94$199 in 2017,2021, an increase of $133$92 in 2016,2020, and a decrease of $30$209 in 2015,2019, which were reflected in Income tax expense within our Consolidated StatementsStatement of Operations. The total amount of UTB that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate is $4,989 in 2021, $1,234 in 2020, and $1,270 in 2019.

60

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

The significant increase in UTB relates primarily to amounts claimed for the research and development credits. As of December 31, 2017,2021, we are no longer subject to examination by federal taxing authorities for 20132016 and earlier years. years, however federal carryforwards from 2016 and earlier are open to adjustment.

 

We also file tax returns in a number ofseveral states and those jurisdictions remain subject to audit in accordance with relevant state statutes. These audits can involve complex issues that may require an extended period of time to resolve and may cover multiple years. To the extent we prevail in matters for which reserves have been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of our reserves, our effective income tax rate in a given fiscal period could be impacted. However, we do not expect such impacts to be material to our financial statements. An unfavorable tax settlement would may require use of our cash and could result in an increase in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. A favorable tax settlement could result in a reduction in our effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. We do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefitsUTB to significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months.

 

 

NOTE 910 - TRANSACTIONS WITH MAJOR CUSTOMERS

 

Major customers are defined as those with sales greater than 10 percent of consolidated sales in a given year. There were noWe had certain customers that accounted forwhose sales individually represented 10 percent or greatermore of consolidatedthe Company's total sales in 2017.as follows:

 

We had one customer classified as a major customer in 2016 and 2015, which was a customer of the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment. Information about our major customer is as follows:

Year Number of major customers  Combined percentage of consolidated sales  Segment
2021  1   25.1% FVS
2020  1   29.3% FVS
2019  2   37.9% FVS

 

2016

  

2015

 



Sales

  

Accounts
Receivable
(at year end)

  



Sales

  

Accounts
Receivable
(at year end)

 
               
$70,954  $7,169  $78,749  $8,512 


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1011 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Under the terms of our credit agreement with our banks, we have the ability to issue letters of credit totaling $20,000. At December 31,2017 and 2016, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $754 and $1,599 related to certain emergency response vehicle contracts and our workers compensation insurance.

 

At December 31, 2021, 31,2017,we and our subsidiaries were parties, both as plaintiff and defendant, to a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the normal course of our business.businesses. In the opinion of management, our financial position, future operating results or cash flows will not be materially affected by the final outcome of these legal proceedings.

 

Spartan-Gimaex joint venture

In February2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. mutually agreed to begin discussions regarding the dissolution of the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. In June 2015, Spartan USA and Gimaex Holding, Inc. entered into court proceedings to determine the terms of the dissolution. In February 2017, by agreement of the parties, the court proceeding was dismissed with prejudice and the judge entered an order to this effect as the parties agreed to seek a dissolution plan on their own. No dissolution terms have been determined as of the date of this Form 10-Q. Costs associated with the wind-down will be impacted by the final dissolution agreement. In accordance with accounting guidance, the costs we have accrued so far represent the low end of the range of the estimated total charges that we believe we may incur related to the wind-down. While we are unable to determine the final cost of the wind-down with certainty at this time, we may incur additional charges, depending on the final terms of the dissolution, and such charges could be material to our future operating results.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) penalty

In July 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement with the NHTSA pertaining to our early warning and defect reporting. Under the terms of the agreement we will pay a fine of $1,000 in equal installments over three years, and will complete performance obligations including compliance and regulatory practice improvements, industry outreach, and recalls to remedy safety defects in certain of our chassis. The following table presents the charges recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of this agreement:

Cost of products sold

 $1,269 

Selling, general and administrative

  1,000 
  $2,269 

Chassis Agreements

Our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment assembles van and truck bodies onto original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) chassis. The majority of such OEM chassis are purchased directly by our customers from the OEM and drop-shipped to our facilities. We are a bailee of most other chassis under converter pool agreements with the OEMs, as described below. Chassis possessed under converter pool agreements are invoiced to the customer by the OEM or its affiliated financial institution based upon the terms of the converter pool agreements. On an annual basis, we purchase and take title to an immaterial number of chassis that ultimately are recorded as sales and cost of sales. Converter pool chassis obtained from the OEMs are based upon estimated future requirements and, to a lesser extent, confirmed orders from customers. Although each manufacturer’s agreement has different terms and conditions, the agreements generally provide that the manufacturer will provide a supply of chassis to be maintained at our production facility under the conditions that we will store such chassis, will not make any additions or modifications to such chassis and will not move, sell or otherwise dispose of such chassis, except under the terms of the agreement. The manufacturer does not transfer the certificate of origin to us and, accordingly, we account for the chassis in our possession as bailed inventory belonging to the manufacturer.


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We are party to chassis bailment inventory agreements with General Motors Company (“GM”) and Chrysler Group, LLC (“Chrysler”) which allow GM and Chrysler to draw up to $10,000 against our revolving credit line for chassis placed at our facilities. As a result of these agreements, there was $57 and $784 outstanding on our revolving credit line at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Under the terms of the bailment inventory agreements, these chassis never become our property, and the amount drawn against the credit line will be repaid by a GM or Chrysler dealer at the time an order is placed for one of our bodies, utilizing a GM or Chrysler chassis. As such, the chassis, and the related draw on the line of credit, are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 12Debt, for further information on our revolving line of credit.

Warranty Related

 

We provide limited warranties against assembly/construction defects for periods generally ranging from two years to the life of the product.defects. These warranties generally provide for the replacement or repair of defective parts or workmanship for a specified period following the date of sale. The end users also may receive limited warranties from suppliers of components that are incorporated into our chassis and vehicles.

Our 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 and liability to reflect actual experience. The amount of warranty liability accrued reflects our best estimate of the expected future cost of honoring our obligations under the warranty agreements. Historically, the cost of fulfilling our warranty obligations has principally involved replacement parts and labor for field retrofit campaigns. Our 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. MaterialInfrequently, a material warranty issuesissue can arise which areis beyond the scope of our historical experience. We provide 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 our historical experience. An estimate of possible penalty or loss, if any, cannot be made at this time.

 

Changes in our warranty liability during the years ended December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 were as follows:

 

  

2021

  

2020

 

Balance of accrued warranty at January 1

 $5,633  $5,694 

Provisions for current period sales

  2,211   3,587 

Cash settlements

  (4,234)  (3,205

)

Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties

  2,076   (443

)

Acquisitions

  289   0 

Balance of accrued warranty at December 31

 $5,975  $5,633 
  

2017

  

2016

 

Balance of accrued warranty at January 1

 $19,334  $16,610 

Warranties issued during the period

  7,539   5,705 

Cash settlements made during the period

  (13,854

)

  (10,265

)

Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations

  1,560   7,284 

Assumed warranties outstanding at Smeal on January 1, 2017

  3,689   - 

Balance of accrued warranty at December 31

 $18,268  $19,334 
61


NOTE 11 - COMPENSATION INCENTIVE PLANS

We sponsor defined contribution retirement plans which cover all associates who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Our matching contributions vest over 5 years and were $1,055,$796 and $707 in 2017,2016 and 2015. These amounts are expensed as incurred.

The Spartan Motors, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan encompasses a quarterly and an annual bonus program. The quarterly program covers certain of our full-time employees. The cash bonuses paid under the quarterly program are equal for all participants. Amounts expensed for the quarterly bonus were $2,193,$3,298 and $1,898 for 2017,2016 and 2015.

The annual bonus provides that executive officers and certain designated managers may earn cash bonuses based on our achievement of pre-defined financial and operational objectives. Amounts expensed for the annual bonus were $4,890,$6,470 and $1,789 for 2017,2016 and 2015.


 

SPARTAN MOTORS,

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Spartan-Gimaex Joint Venture

In February 2015, the Company and Gimaex Holding, Inc. initiated discussions to dissolve the Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. Further to legal proceedings initiated by the Company to dissolve and liquidate the joint venture, the court appointed the Company as liquidating trustee of the joint venture. As of December 2021, the liquidation is substantially complete, and the Company does not expect any material impact to our future operating results.

EPA Information Request

In May 2020, the Company received a letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") requesting certain information as part of an EPA investigation regarding a potential failure to affix emissions labels on vehicles to determine the Company's compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This information request pertains to chassis, vocational vehicles, and vehicles that the Company manufactured or imported into the U.S. between January 1, 2017 to the date the Company received the request in May 2020. The Company responded to the EPA's request and furnished the requested materials in the third quarter of 2020. An estimate of possible penalties or loss, if any, cannot be made at this time.

 

NOTE 12 – DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

We sponsor defined contribution retirement plans which cover all employees who meet length of service and minimum age requirements. Our matching contributions vest over five years and were $2,572, $1,762, and $1,654 in 2021,2020, and 2019. These amounts are expensed as incurred.

NOTE 1132- DEBT

 

Short-term debt consists of the following:

  

December 31,
2021

  

December 31,
2020

 

Chassis pool agreements

 $9,926  $6,503 

Total short-term debt

 $9,926  $6,503 

Chassis Pool Agreements

The Company obtains certain vehicle chassis for its walk-in vans, truck bodies and specialty vehicles directly from the chassis manufacturers under converter pool agreements. Chassis are obtained from the manufacturers based on orders from customers, and in some cases, for unallocated orders. The agreements generally state that the manufacturer will provide a supply of chassis to be maintained at the Company’s facilities with the condition that we will store such chassis and will not move, sell, or otherwise dispose of such chassis except under the terms of the agreement. In addition, the manufacturer typically retains the sole authority to authorize commencement of work on the chassis and to make certain other decisions with respect to the chassis including the terms and pricing of sales of the chassis to the manufacturer’s dealers. The manufacturer also does not transfer the certificate of origin to the Company nor permit the Company to sell or transfer the chassis to anyone other than the manufacturer (for ultimate resale to a dealer).

Although the Company is party to related finance agreements with manufacturers, the Company has not historically settled, nor expects to in the future settle, any related obligations in cash. Instead, the obligation is settled by the manufacturer upon reassignment of the chassis to an accepted dealer, and the dealer is invoiced for the chassis by the manufacturer. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s outstanding chassis converter pool with manufacturers totaled $9,926 and $6,503, respectively, and the Company has included this financing agreement on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets within Other receivables – chassis pool agreements and Short-term debt – chassis pool agreements. Typically, chassis are converted and delivered to customers within 90 days of the receipt of the chassis by the Company. The chassis converter pool is a non-cash arrangement and is offsetting between current assets and current liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

62

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

 

December 31,
2017

  

December 31,
2016

  

December 31,
2021

  

December 31,
2020

 

Line of credit revolver (1):

 $17,800  $-- 

Capital lease obligations (See Note 7 Leases)

  189   139 

Line of credit revolver:

 $0  $22,400 

Finance lease obligations

 450  473 

Other

  540   766 

Total debt

  17,989   139  990  23,639 

Less current portion of long-term debt

  (64

)

  (65

)

  (252)  (221

)

Total long-term debt

 $17,925  $74  $738  $23,418 

 

(1

Line of Credit Revolver

On November 30, 2021, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us and certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo"), as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., PNC Bank, National Association and Bank of America, N.A. (the "Lenders"). Certain of our other subsidiaries have executed guaranties guarantying the borrowers' obligations under the Credit Agreement.

Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $400,000 from the Lenders under a secured revolving credit facility which matures November 30, 2026. We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $200,000 in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. The credit facility is also available for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $20,000 and swing line loans of up to $10,000, subject to certain limitations and restrictions. This revolving credit facility carries an interest rate of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.0%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR, in each case plus a margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. The applicable borrowing rate including the margin was 1.10% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%) at December 31, 2021. The credit facility is secured by security interests in, and liens on, all assets of the borrowers and guarantors, other than real property and certain other excluded assets. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $760 and $525, respectively, related to our workers’ compensation insurance.

On December 1, 2017, we entered into a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among us, certain of our subsidiaries, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent ("Wells Fargo"), and the lenders party thereto consisting of Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank (the "Lenders"). Under the Credit Agreement, we may borrow up to $100,000 from the Lenders under a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility.  The credit facility matures October 31, 2019, following which we have the option to renew the credit facility, subject to lender approval, for two successive one-year periods with an ultimate maturity date of October 31, 2021.  We may also request an increase in the facility of up to $35,000 in the aggregate, subject to customary conditions. This line carries an interest rate of the higher of either (i) the highest of prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or the one month adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%; or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus margin based upon our ratio of debt to earnings from time to time. In January 2017, we borrowed $32,800 from our credit line to fund our acquisition of Smeal.  At December 31, 2017 we had outstanding borrowings of $17,800 against our credit line.  We had no drawings against this credit line as of December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, and in future years, our revolving credit facility was utilized, and will continue to be utilized, to finance commercial chassis received under chassis bailment inventory agreements with GM and Chrysler.  This funding is reflected as a reduction of the revolving credit facility available to us equal to the amount drawn by GM and Chrysler.  See Note 10,Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for further details about these chassis bailment inventory agreements.  The applicable borrowing rate including margin was 3.0% (or one-month LIBOR plus 1.5%) at December 31,2017.

 

Under the terms of the primary lineour Credit Agreement, available borrowings (exclusive of credit agreement, as amended, we are requiredoutstanding borrowings) totaled $376,776 and $125,836 at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions, which limited our available borrowings under our line of credit to a total of approximately $66,400 and $73,600 at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The agreement alsocovenants; prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness; limits certain acquisitions, investments, advances or loans; limits our ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances; and restricts substantial asset sales.sales, all subject to certain exceptions and baskets. At December 31, 2021 31,2017and 2016,December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants in our credit agreement.Credit Agreement.

In the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company paid down $22,400 of long-term debt, net of borrowings.

 

  

 

NOTE 1143 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

We have stock incentive plans covering certain employees and non-employee directors. Shares reserved for stock awards under these plans total 2,856,250.4,056,250. Total shares remaining available for stock incentive grants under these plans totaled 2,057,2901,666,736 at DecDecember ember 31, 2017.2021. We are currently authorized to grant new stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and commonperformance stock units under our Stock Incentive Plan of 2016.

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Granted options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) are generally exercisable for a period of 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price for all options and the base price for all SARs granted have been equal to the market price at the date of grant. Dividends are not paid on unexercised options or SARs. SARs have historically been settled with shares of common stock upon exercise. 

We receive a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises during the period the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the fair value of the stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the options. As required, we report any excess tax benefits in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as operating cash flows. Excess tax benefits derive from the difference between the tax deduction and the fair market value of the option as determined by the Black-Scholes valuation model.

 


63

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

No options were granted in 2017,2016 or 2015, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. We have had no outstanding options since December 31, 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during years ended December 31,2017,2016 and 2015, were $0,$0 and $0.

Restricted Stock

 

SARs activity for the year ended December31,2017 is as follows:

  


Total Number
of SARs

(000)

  


Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

  



Total
Intrinsic
Value

  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

 

SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016

  93  $3.20         

Granted and vested

  -   -         

Exercised

  (61

)

  3.20         

Cancelled

  (32

)

  3.20         

SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017

  -  $-  $-   - 

No SARs were granted in 2017,2016 or 2015, and there was no related compensation expense nor income tax benefit recognized in the corresponding income statements. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the years ended December 31,2017,2016 and 2015 was $305,$14 and $0.

Restricted Stock Awards.We issue restricted stock, at no cash cost, to our directors, officers and key employees. Shares awarded entitle the shareholder to all rights of common stock ownership except that the shares are subject to the risk of forfeiture and may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period, which is generally three to five years. The unearned stock-based compensation related to restricted stock awards, using the market price on the date of grant, is being amortized to compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. Cash dividends are paid on unvested restricted stock grants and all such dividends vest immediately.

 

We receive an excess tax benefit or liability during the period the restricted shares vest. The excess tax benefit (liability) is determined by the excess (shortfall) of the market price of the stock on date of vesting over (under) the grant date market price used to amortize the awards to compensation expense. As required, any excess tax benefits or liabilities are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as operating cash flows.

 

Restricted stock activity for the yearyears ended December31, 2017,2021,2020, and 2019, is as follows:

 

 


Total
Number of
Non
-vested
Shares

(000)

  


Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Life
(Years)

  

Total
Number of
Non-vested
Shares

(000)

  

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Vesting Life
(Years)

 

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2016

  666  $4.25     
Non-vested shares outstanding at January 1, 2019 977  $7.97    

Granted

  822   7.65      279  9.38    

Vested

  (299

)

  4.53      (467) 7.50    

Forfeited

  (61

)

  6.60       (78) 12.13    

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2017

  1,128   6.53   0.89 

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2019

  711  8.58  0.9 

Granted

 172  13.07    

Vested

 (460

)

 8.42    

Forfeited

  (53

)

 11.85    

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2020

  370   10.02  1.0 

Granted

 85 36.76   

Vested

 (230) 11.26   

Forfeited

  (35) 20.45   

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2021

  190  $21.81  1.0 

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of non-vestednon-vested shares granted was $7.65,$4.01$36.76, $13.07, and $4.86$9.38 for the years ended December 31, 2017,2021, 20162020 and 2015.2019. During 2021,2020 and 2019, we recorded compensation expense, net of cancellations, of $2,542, $2,637, and $3,983, related to restricted stock awards and direct stock grants. The total income tax benefit related to restricted stock awards was $595, $453, and $759 for 2021,2020 and 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, restricted shares vested with a fair market value of $1,929, $3,876, and $3,507. As of December 31,2021, we had unearned stock-based compensation of $2,904 associated with these restricted stock grants, which will be recognized over a weighted average of 1.5 years.

Performance Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we granted 84,740, 214,299, and 218,148 performance stock units ("PSUs"), respectively, to certain employees, which are earned over a three-year service period.

After completion of the performance period, the number of performance units earned will be issued as shares of common stock. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that ultimately may be issued under performance units where the performance period has not been completed can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The awards will generally be forfeited if a participant leaves the Company for reasons other than retirement, disability or death.

A dividend equivalent is calculated based on the actual number of units earned at the end of the performance period equal to the dividends that would have been payable on the earned units had they been held during the entire performance period as common stock. At the end of the performance period, the dividend equivalents are paid in the form of cash at the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

 


64

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

During

30,770, 74,319, and 87,260 of the performance units granted in 2017,2021, 20162020, and 2015,2019, we recorded compensation expense,respectively, are earned based on our three-year cumulative GAAP net income, subject to such adjustments as approved by the Company’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (Net Income PSUs), which is a performance condition. 7,814, 28,505, and NaN of cancellations, ofthe performance units granted in $3,536,2021, $1,5362020, and $1,198,2019, relatedrespectively, were based on certain performance criteria, subject to restrictedsuch adjustments as approved by the Company’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (Exceptional Performance PSUs), which is a performance condition. The number of shares that may be earned under the Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stock awards and direct stock grants. The total income tax benefit recognized inon the Consolidated StatementsBalance Sheets over the performance period based on the probability that the performance conditions will be met. The expense recorded will be adjusted as the estimate of Operations relatedthe total number of Net Income PSUs and Exceptional Performance PSUs that will ultimately be earned changes. The grant date fair value per unit is equal to restrictedthe closing price of the Company’s stock awards wason the date of grant.

46,156, 111,475, and 130,888 of the performance units granted in $1,238,2021, $5382020, and $4192019, respectively, are earned based on achievement of certain total shareholder return results relative to a comparison group of companies ("TSR PSUs"), which is a market condition. The number of shares that may be earned under the TSR PSUs can range from 0% to 200% of the target amount. The TSR PSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stock on the Consolidated Balance Sheets over the performance period.

The fair value of the TSR PSUs granted was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation model which resulted in the grant date fair value for these TSR PSUs of $57.11 per unit in 2017,2021, $18.08 per unit in 20162020, and $13.71 per unit in 2015.2019. For

The Monte Carlo simulation was computed using the following assumptions:

  Granted in 2021 Granted in 2020 Granted in 2019

Three-year risk-free interest rate (1)

  0.29%  0.27

%

  2.37%

Expected term (in years)

  2.8   2.7   2.7 

Estimated volatility (2)

  61.9%  58.2

%

  53.7%

(1)

Based on the U.S. government bond benchmark on the grant date.

(2)

Represents the historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock for the three-year period preceding the grant date.

The total PSU expense and associated tax benefit for all outstanding awards for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $3,663 and $310, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $2,809 and $369, respectively, and for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $642 and $93, respectively.

The PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2017,2021, 20162020, and 2015,2019, is as follows:

  

 

 

 

Total Number of Non-vested Shares

(000)

  

Weighted-

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

per Unit

 
Non-vested as of January 1, 2019  0  $0 
Granted  218   11.82 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2019  218   11.82 
Granted  214   15.28 
Forfeited  (22)  11.82 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2020

  410   13.63 

Granted

  85   48.08 
Forfeited  (12)  26.94 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2021

  483  $19.33 

65

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

As of December 31, 2021 there was $4,504 of remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Restricted Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we awarded 110,599 and 194,445, and 182,333, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), respectively, to certain employees and Board members. These RSUs vest ratably over three years after the date of grant for employees and vest one year after date of grant for Board members, at which time the units will be issued as unrestricted shares vested with a fair marketof common stock. RSUs are expensed and recorded in Common stockon the Consolidated Balance Sheets over the requisite service period based on the value of $1,356,$1,248 and $1,528. When the fair value of restrictedunderlying shares is lower on the date of grant. Upon vesting, than that previously expensedthe dividend equivalents are paid in the form of cash at the discretion of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.

The RSU expense and associated tax benefit for book purposes, an excess tax liability is booked. all outstanding awards for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2,540 and $499, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1,752 and $362, respectively, and for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $656 and $130, respectively.

As of December 31, 2021 31,2017, we had unearned stock-basedthere was $3,159 of remaining unrecognized compensation of $4,399 associated with these restricted stock grants,cost related to non-vested RSUs, which willis expected to be recognized over a weighted averageweighted-average period of 0.891.4 years.

 

The RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, is as follows:

  

 

 

 

Total Number of Non-vested Shares

(000)

  

Weighted-

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

per Unit

 
Non-vested as of January 1, 2019  0  $0 
Granted  182   8.98 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2019  182   8.98 
Granted  194   13.45 
Forfeited  (6)  16.17 
Vested  (158)  9.56 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2020

  212   12.43 

Granted

  111   36.76 
Forfeited  (3)  37.09 
Vested  (119)  14.08 

Non-vested as of December 31, 2021

  201  $24.51 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

We instituted an employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) beginning on October 1, 2011 whereby essentially all employees who meet certain service requirements can purchase our common stock on quarterly offering dates at 95%90% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date. A maximum of 750,000 shares are authorized for purchase until the ESPP termination date of February 24, 2021, or earlier termination of the ESPP.purchase. During the years ended December 31, 20172021, 2020,and 2016,2019, we received proceeds of $98$389, $198, and $86$231 for the purchase of 9,00011,000, 12,000, and 13,00022,000 shares under the ESPP.

 

 

NOTE 1154 – SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

 

InOn October 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million shares of the Company’s common stock. In April 28, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 11.0 million additional shares of our common stock and terminated the in open market transactions.

October 2011 authorization effective
June 30, 2016.66

THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

The following table represents our purchases of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 20172021 and 20162020 under thesethe share repurchase programs.program. 

Year Ended

December 31,

 

Shares

purchased

(000)

  

Purchase

value

  

Remaining shares

allowable to be

purchased

 

2021

  100  $3,348   409 

2020

  300   7,503   509 

In January 2022, we repurchased the remaining 0.4 million shares for $18,884. On February 3, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Company’s quarterly dividend from $0.025 to $0.05 per share payable on or before March 17, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2022. On February 17, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $250,000 of our common stock in open market transactions. We believe that we have sufficient resources to fund any potential stock buyback in which we may engage.

Effective as of November 6, 2020, we amended our articles of incorporation to delete any reference to par value with respect to our common stock, which previously had a par value of $0.01 per share. The amendment was approved by our Board of Directors, pursuant to the authority granted it under the Michigan Business Corporation Act. As a result, we reclassified all amounts in Additional paid in capital to Common stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On November 6, 2020, the Company filed a Certificate of Elimination of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) with the State of Michigan, thereby removing the Certificate of Designation of such Series B Preferred Stock from the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended. NaN shares of the Series B Preferred Stock were outstanding nor were there any options, warrants, or other rights issued by the Company that could require the issuance of any such shares. The Certificate of Elimination became effective upon filing.

 

Share purchase programs

  

2017

  

2016

     

Authorized

amount

(shares)

(000)

 

Date

approved by

board

 

Program

termination
date

  

Shares

purchased

(000)

  

Purchase

value

  

Shares

purchased

(000)

  

Purchase

value

  

Remaining shares

allowable to be

purchased

 
1,000 

October, 2011

 

 

June 30, 2016   -  $-   422  $2,000   - 
1,000 

April, 2016

  N/A   -  $-   -  $-   1,000 

NOTENOTE 1165 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The table below reconciles basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average shares outstanding for 2017,2021, 20162020, and 20152019 (in thousands). TheBasic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share also include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable from stock-based awards and are determined using the treasury stock awards noted as antidilutive were notmethod. Basic earnings per share represents net earnings divided by basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes the average dilutive effect of all potentially dilutive securities that are outstanding during the period. Our unvested restricted stock units and performance stock units are included in the diluted (in the casenumber of stock options) or basic (in the case of unvested restricted stock awards) weighted average common shares outstanding. Although these stock awards were not included in our calculation of basic oroutstanding for diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), they may havecalculations, unless a dilutive effect onnet loss is reported, in which situation unvested stock awards are excluded from the EPS calculation in future periods if the pricenumber of our common stock increases.shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share calculations.

 

Year Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

34,94934,40533,826

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

34,94934,40533,826

Antidilutive stock awards:

Unvested restricted stock awards

--403
  

Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2019

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

  35,333   35,479   35,318 

Plus dilutive effect of Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units

  764   560   98 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

  36,097   36,039   35,416 

 

 

NOTE 1176 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

We identify our reportable segments based on our management structure and the financial data utilized by our chief operating decision makersmaker to assess segment performance and allocate resources among our operating units. We have threetwo reportable segments: Fleet Vehicles and Services Emergency Response Vehicles, and Specialty Chassis and Vehicles.

 


67

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

As a result of a realignment of our operating segments completed during the second quarter of 2017, certain fleet vehicles are now manufactured by our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment and sold via intercompany transactions to our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment, which then sells the vehicles to the final customer. Segment results from prior periods are shown reflecting the estimated impact of this realignment as if it had been in place for those periods. Another realignment of our operating segments was completed during the second quarter of 2016, whereby aftermarket parts and accessories related to emergency response vehicles, which were formerly reported under the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles segment, are now included in the Emergency Response Vehicles segment. Segment results from 2015 are shown reflecting the change. Appropriate expense amounts are allocated to the three reportable segments and are included in their reported operating income or loss.

Beginning in 2017, weWe evaluate the performance of our reportable segments based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), which is defined as earningsincome from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted by other adjustments made in order to present comparable results from period to period. These adjustments include restructuring charges and items related to our acquisition of Smeal, such as expenses incurred to complete the acquisition,eliminate the impact of fair valuerestructuring charges, acquisition related expenses and adjustments, to inventory acquired from Smeal,non-cash stock-based compensation expenses, and the impact on the timing of the recognition of gross profit for our chassis that are utilized by our recently acquired Smeal operations. We exclude these items from earnings when presenting our Adjusted EBITDA measure because we believe they will be incurred infrequently and/or are otherwiseother gains and losses not indicativereflective of our ongoing operations.

As of October 1, 2021, the composition of both reportable segments changed due to an internal reorganization as certain businesses previously managed and reported within FVS are now a segment's regular, ongoing operating performance. For those reasons, Adjusted EBITDA is also used as a performance metricpart of SV. Corresponding items of segment information for our executive compensation program, as discussed in our proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, which proxy statement was filed with the SEC on April 13, 2017.earlier periods have been recast.

 

Our Fleet Vehicles and ServicesFVS segment consists of our operations at our Bristol, Indiana location, and beginning in 2018 certain operations at our Ephrata, Pennsylvania location,Indiana; Landisville, Pennsylvania; North Charleston, South Carolina; Charlotte, Michigan locations along with our operations at our up-fitupfit centers in Kansas City, MissouriMissouri; North Charleston, South Carolina; and Saltillo, Mexico andMexico. The segment focuses on designing and manufacturing walk-in vans for the parcel delivery, mobile retail, and trades and construction industries, and the production of commercial truck bodies, and distributesthe distribution of related aftermarket parts and accessories.

 

Our Emergency Response Vehicles segment consists of the emergency response chassis operations at our Charlotte, Michigan location and our operations at our Brandon, South Dakota; Snyder and Neligh, Nebraska; Delavan, Wisconsin; and Ephrata, Pennsylvania locations, along with our Spartan-Gimaex joint venture. This segment engineers and manufactures emergency response chassis and apparatus and distributes related aftermarket parts and accessories.

Our Specialty Chassis and Vehicles SV segment consists of our Charlotte, Michigan operations that engineer and manufacture motor home chassis, defense vehicles and other specialty chassis and distribute related aftermarket parts and assemblies. Our service truck bodies operations include locations in Carson, McClellan Park, and Montebello, California; Mesa, Arizona; Dallas and Weatherford, Texas; and Waterville, Maine. We also provide vocation-specific equipment upfit services, which are marketed and sold under the Strobes-R-Us brand, through our manufacturing operations in Pompano and West Palm Beach, Florida.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described, or referred to, in Note"Note 1, – GeneralNature of Operations and SummaryBasis of Accounting PoliciesPresentation". Assets and related depreciation expense in the column labeled “Eliminations and Other” pertain to capital assets maintained at the corporate level. Eliminations for inter-segment sales are shown in the column labeled “Eliminations and other”. Segment loss from operations in the “Eliminations and other” column contains corporate related expenses not allocable to the operating segments. Interest expense and Taxes on income are not included in the information utilized by the chief operating decision makers to assess segment performance and allocate resources, and accordingly, are excluded from the segment results presented below.

 

Sales to customers outside the United States were $81,157,$31,716$11,657, $9,461, and $40,058$21,361 for the years ended December 31, 2017,2021, 20162020, and 2015,2019, or 11.5%1.2%,5.4% 1.4%, and 7.3%2.8%, respectively, of sales for those years. All of our long-lived assets are located in the United States.

  

Sales and other financial information by business segment are as follows:

 

Year Ended December31, 20120217

  

Segment

     
  

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

  

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

  

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

  

Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $207,666  $-  $5,657  $(5,657) $207,666 

Emergency response vehicles sales

  -   293,559   -   -   293,559 

Motor home chassis sales

  -   -   124,584   -   124,584 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   -   18,416   -   18,416 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  43,429   9,291   10,153   -   62,873 

Total sales

 $251,095  $302,850  $158,810  $(5,657) $707,098 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $3,361  $2,342  $1,314  $2,920  $9,937 

Adjusted EBITDA

  26,958   3,192   14,058   (12,881)  31,327 

Segment assets

  60,550   133,546   33,700   73,368   301,164 

Capital expenditures

  562   1,364   386   3,028   5,340 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $624,874  $0  $0  $624,874 

Motor home chassis sales

  0   168,166   0   168,166 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  0   145,134   0   145,134 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  34,558   19,060   0   53,618 

Total sales

 $659,432  $332,360  $0  $991,792 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $2,654  $6,832  $1,870  $11,356 

Adjusted EBITDA

  108,621   32,668   (33,223)  108,066 

Segment assets

  174,799   202,302   70,766   447,867 

Capital expenditures

  16,647   4,198   2,163   23,008 

 


68

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Year Ended December31, 20120206

  

Segment

     
  

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

  

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

  

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

  

Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $206,248  $-  $5,347  $(5,347) $206,248 

Emergency response vehicles sales

  -   175,730   -   -   175,730 

Motor home chassis sales

  -   -   97,999   -   97,999 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   -   21,074   -   21,074 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  72,141   7,251   10,334   -   89,726 

Total sales

 $278,389  $182,981  $134,754  $(5,347) $590,777 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $3,185  $1,143  $789  $2,786  $7,903 

Adjusted EBITDA

  31,237   (7,542)  8,334   (9,159)  22,870 

Segment assets

  65,277   77,887   28,825   71,305   243,294 

Capital expenditures

  2,011   1,558   6,842   2,999   13,410 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $428,499  $0  $0  $428,499 

Motor home chassis sales

  0   107,849   0   107,849 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  0   94,633   0   94,633 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  34,956   10,036   0   44,992 

Total sales

 $463,455  $212,518  $0  $675,973 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $3,018  $6,323  $4,562  $13,903 

Adjusted EBITDA

  83,292   20,900   (27,846

)

  76,346 

Segment assets

  118,444   190,306   50,299   359,049 

Capital expenditures

  9,423   4,263   2,260   15,946 

 

Year Ended December31, 20120195

  

Segment

     
  

Fleet

Vehicles and

Services

  

Emergency

Response

Vehicles

  

Specialty

Chassis

and

Vehicles

  

Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $193,772  $-  $2,996  $(2,996) $193,772 

Emergency response vehicles sales

  -   187,127   -   -   187,127 

Motor home chassis sales

  -   -   103,264   -   103,264 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  -   -   13,849   -   13,849 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  33,911   6,093   12,398   -   52,402 

Total sales

 $227,683  $193,220  $132,507  $(2,996) $550,414 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $3,308  $914  $730  $2,485  $7,437 

Adjusted EBITDA

  17,569   (8,689)  8,833   (5,538)  12,175 

Segment assets

  70,491   76,030   24,032   60,118   230,671 

Capital expenditures

  1,323   1,010   859   1,703   4,895 

  

Segment

 
  

FVS

  

SV

  

Eliminations

and Other

  

Consolidated

 

Fleet vehicles sales

 $485,831  $5,278  $(5,278

)

 $485,831 

Motor home chassis sales

  0   127,130   0   127,130 

Other specialty vehicles sales

  0   61,259   0   61,259 

Aftermarket parts and accessories sales

  71,871   10,451   0   82,322 

Total sales

 $557,702  $204,118  $(5,278

)

 $756,542 
                 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 $2,168  $2,402  $1,503  $6,073 

Adjusted EBITDA

  59,227   22,152   (17,334

)

  64,045 

Segment assets

  137,446   154,469   67,897   359,812 

Capital expenditures

  2,743   2,328   2,525   7,596 

 


69

 

SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The table below presents the reconciliation of our consolidated income before taxes to total segment Adjusted EBITDA.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income.  Adjusted EBITDA may have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.  In addition, although we have excluded certain charges in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, we may in the future incur expenses similar to these adjustments, despite our assessment that such expenses are infrequent and/or not indicative of our regular, ongoing operating performance.  Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items.

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2017

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2016

  

Year Ended

December 31,

2015

 

Total segment adjusted EBITDA

 $44,208  $32,029  $17,713 

Add (subtract):

            

Interest expense

  (864)  (410)  (365)

Depreciation and amortization expense

  (9,937)  (7,903)  (7,437)

Restructuring expense

  (1,252)  (1,095)  (2,855)

Acquisition expense

  (1,354)  (882)  - 

Impact of intercompany chassis shipments to Smeal

  (2,073)  -   - 

Recall expense

  368   (3,457)  (8,600)

Impact of inventory fair value step-up

  (189)  -   - 

Joint venture expenses

  (2)  (14)  (1,015)

Asset impairment

  -   (406)  (2,234)

NHTSA settlement

  -   -   (2,269)

Unallocated corporate expenses

  (12,881)  (9,159)  (5,538)

Consolidated income (loss) before taxes

 $16,024  $8,703  $(12,600)

NOTE 17 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On January 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., and U.S. Tanker Co. pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 12,2016 (see Note 2,Acquisition Activities for further information). As of December 31, 2016, the total amount of receivables due from the former owners of Smeal was $7,391. This balance was forgiven as part of the acquisition on January 1, 2017. Sales to the former owners of Smeal were $30,748 and $32,600 in 2016 and 2015.

John Forbes, who retired from Spartan Motors on June 30, 2017, served as the President of our Fleet Vehicles and Services segment as well as on the Board of Directors of Patrick Industries, Inc. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we made purchases of $4,009 from subsidiaries of Patrick Industries, Inc. for parts used in the manufacture of our products. These purchases were made through a competitive bid process at arms-length. Purchases made from Patrick Industries, Inc. during John Forbes employment at Spartan Motors during 2017 were immaterial.

Richard Dauch, who serves on the Spartan Motors Board of Directors, is the Chief Executive Officer of Accuride, Inc. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we made purchases of $698 and $836 from Accuride Distributing, a subsidiary of Accuride, Inc., for parts used in the manufacture of our products. These purchases were made through a competitive bid process at arms-length.


SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 18 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December31,2017 and 2016 is as follows (full year amounts may not sum due to rounding):

  

2017 Quarter Ended

  

2016 Quarter Ended

 
  

Mar 31

  

June 30

  

Sept 30

  

Dec 31

  

Mar 31

  

June 30

  

Sept 30

  

Dec 31

 

Sales

 $167,075  $169,739  $189,215  $181,068  $133,726  $162,537  $148,664  $145,850 
                                 

Gross profit

  16,394   19,501   28,651   24,689   15,820   20,807   18,010   17,890 
                                 

Restructuring charges

  642   325   232   52   339   227   304   224 
                                 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Spartan Motors, Inc.

  (1,098)  1,124   13,470   2,439   543   4,379   2,745   942 
                                 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

  (0.03)  0.03   0.38   0.07   0.02   0.13   0.08   0.03 
                                 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

  (0.03)  0.03   0.38   0.07   0.02   0.13   0.08   0.03 


Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and
Our management,
with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, ofhas evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in RuleRules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)1934, as of December 31, 2017. Based on andamended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the timeend of such evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officerperiod covered by this Annual Report and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.December 31, 2021.

 

Management’sManagement’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.Reporting

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d- 15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as such term is definednecessary to permit preparation of financial statements in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and 15d-15(f). that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including ourthe Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, wethe Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the framework in Internal Control - Control—Integrated Framework (2013) (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.Commission (COSO). Based on thatthis evaluation, our management concluded that ourthe Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. The2021.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of ourthe Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm,2021, as stated in its attestationtheir report which is included herein.

Remediation of Previously Reported Material Weaknesses in Item 8Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2020, the assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting determined that a material weakness in our internal controls existed as of December 31, 2020, relating to internal controls over certain processes for non-routine divestiture and business combination transactions. Specifically:

There was insufficient management review of certain non-routine journal entries and account reconciliations related to the divestiture within our Charlotte, MI location.
The design and implementation of internal controls related to business combination accounting. Specifically, the controls over the DuraMag transaction were not designed effectively as it relates to the determination of the fair value of and accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

These control deficiencies created a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement to the consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis, and therefore, we concluded that the deficiencies represented a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2020.

Throughout 2021, management increased accounting personnel to devote additional time and resources to internal controls over financial reporting to ensure sufficient management review specifically for the preparation, review, and approval of journal entries and account reconciliations at the Charlotte, MI location. Management conducted trainings on internal control over financial reporting for key business unit management and strengthened account reconciliation and journal entry policies and procedures within our Charlotte, MI location. 

Management evaluated the design, attributes, and precision of the management review controls related to key methodologies, assumptions and inputs used by the third-party specialist with respect to the acquisition valuation and the management review controls related to accounting for the opening balances of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. An acquisition valuation review checklist was implemented that includes specific review attributes to ensure sufficient evidence of review is incorporated into this Item 9A by reference.documented and maintained to support management’s conclusions over business combination accounting, fair value, asset acquisition and assumed liabilities resulting from a business combination. Business acquisition, divestiture, and business combination controls were evaluated, updated, and designed in 2021 to ensure fair value of and accounting for assets acquired and liabilities assumed are properly designed to mitigate the associated risks over the internal controls for financial reporting.

Throughout fiscal year 2021, the Company completed the testing of the design and operating effectiveness of the new procedures and controls. As a result, as of December 31, 2021, management concluded that the Company had remediated the previously reported material weakness in the internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.

 

Changes in Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting.Reporting

 

NoIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have required certain employees, some of whom are involved in the operation of our internal controls over financial reporting, to work from home. Despite this change and other than the remediation efforts discussed above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting were identified as havingthat occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 20172021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We are continually monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 pandemic on our internal controls to minimize any impact it may have on their design and operating effectiveness.

 

Item 9B.

Other Information.

 

None.

Item 9C.

Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable. 

70

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.

Information regarding our executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers.” 

The Code of Ethics is available on the "Corporate Responsibility” portion of the Company's website under the "Policies and Charters" link. The Company's website address is www.theshyftgroup.com.

 

The information required by this item with respect to directors, executive officers, audit committee, and audit committee financial experts of the Company and Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is contained under the captions “Spartan Motors’ Board of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” inincorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meetingthe 2022 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.Shareholders

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. This Code of Ethics is posted under “Code of Ethics” on our website at www.spartanmotors.com. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics and Compliance applicable to all directors, officers and associates, which is posted under “Code of Conduct” on our website at www.spartanmotors.com. Any waiver from or amendment to a provision of either code will be disclosed on our website.


Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” inincorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meetingthe 2022 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.Shareholders.

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this item (other than thatas set forth below) is contained under the caption “Ownership of Spartan Motors Stock” inincorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meetingthe 2022 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.Shareholders 

 

The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans regarding the number of securities to be issued under these plans upon the exercise of outstanding options, the weighted-average exercise prices of options outstanding under these plans, and the number of securities available for future issuance as of December 31, 2017.2021.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Equity Compensation Plan Information

              

Plan category

 

Number of

securities to
be issued upon

exercise
of outstanding

options,
warrants and

rights (a)

  

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

securities reflected in

column (a)) (4)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

  683,323   N/A (3)    1,611,592  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

  -   N/A    55,144  

Total

  683,323   N/A   1,666,736  

 

Plan category

Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (3)

(a)

(b)

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

--N/A2,001,040

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2)

--N/A56,250

Total

--N/A2,057,290

(1)

Consists of the Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2016 (the “2016 Plan”). See “Note 14 – Stock-Based Compensation” for more information regarding this plan.

71

(2)

Consists of the Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. DirectorsDirectors’ Stock Purchase Plan. This plan provides that non-employee directors of the Company may elect to receive at least 25% and up to 100% of their “director’s fees” in the form of the Company’s common stock. The term “director’s fees” means the amount of income payable to a non-employee director for his or her service as a director of the Company, including payments for attendance at meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors or meetings of committees of the board,Board, and any retainer fee paid to such persons as members of the board.Board. A non-employee director who elects to receive Company common stock in lieu of some or all of his or her director’s fees will, on or shortly after each “applicable date,” receive a number of shares of common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) determined by dividing (1) the dollar amount of the director’s fees payable to him or her on the applicable date that he or she has elected to receive in common stock by (2) the market value of common stock on the applicable date. The term “applicable date” means any date on which a director’s fee is payable to the participant. To date, no1,106 shares have been issued under this plan.

  

(3)

The number of shares reflected in column (a) in the table above represents shares issuable pursuant to outstanding PSUs and RSUs, for which there is no exercise price.

(4)Each of the plans reflected in the above table contains customary anti-dilution provisions that are applicable in the event of a stock split or certain other changes in the Company’sCompany’s capitalization. Furthermore,In addition, the 2016 Plan provides that if a stock option is canceled, surrendered, modified, expires or is terminated during the term of the plan but before the exercise of the option, the shares subject to the option will be available for other awards under the plan.

  
 

The numbers of shares reflected in column (c) in the table above with respect to the 2016 Plan (2,001,040 shares) represent new shares that may be granted by the Company, and not shares issuable upon the exercise of an existing option, warrant or right.

  


Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Spartan Motors’ Board of Directors and Executive Officers” inincorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meetingthe 2022 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Shareholders.

 

Item 14.

Principal AccountingAccountant Fees and Services.

 

The information required by this item is contained under the caption “Independent Auditor Fees” inabout aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP [PCAOB ID No.34] incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meetingthe 2022 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on May 23, 2018, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference.Shareholders.

 

72

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Item 15(a)(1).

List of Financial Statements.

 

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries,, and reports of our registered independent public accounting firm, are filed as a part of this report under Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:

 

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’sFirm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting – Year Ended December 31, 2021

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements – Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015

2019 (BDO USA, LLP; Grand Rapids, Michigan; PCAOB ID #243)
  
 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingConsolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2017

2021 and December 31, 2020
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015

2019

Consolidated Statements of ShareholdersShareholders’ Equity - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015

2019

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2019
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  

 

Item 15(a)(2).

Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix A.

 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company and its subsidiaries is filed as part of this report:

 

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

   


Item 15(a)(3).

List of Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

 

Exhibit

Number


Document

3.1

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

3.2

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to date. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2013 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

4.1

Spartan Motors, Inc. Restated Articles of Incorporation. See Exhibit 3.1 above.

4.2

Spartan Motors, Inc. Bylaws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

4.3

Form of Stock Certificate. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Registration No. 2-90021-C) filed on March 19, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.4

Rights Agreement dated July 7, 2007, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, which includes the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Series B Preferred Stock as Exhibit C. Previously filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A (Commission File No. 001-33582) filed on July 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
   

4.5

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding, none of which represents an authorized amount of debt exceeding 10% of the Company’s total consolidated assets, except as furnished under Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 10-K below. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any other agreements defining the rights of holders of other such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

10.1

Employment Letter Agreement dated October 23, 2015, between the Company and John W. Slawson. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.23.1

 

Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive PlanRestated Articles of 2016. Previously filed as Appendix AIncorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14AForm 10-K filed with the SEC on April 8, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*March 25, 2021).

10.3

Spartan Motors, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2007, as amended. Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company’s 2007 Proxy Statement filed April 23, 2007 (Commission File No. 000-13611) and incorporated herein by reference.*
   

10.43.2

 

Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. Leadership Team Compensation Plan. Previously filed as an exhibitAmended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.5

Spartan Motors, Inc. Directors’ Stock Purchase Plan. Previously10-K filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-98083) filed on August 14, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.*March 16, 2020).


Exhibit
Number
Document
   

10.64.1

 

FormThe Shyft Group, Inc. Restated Articles of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*Incorporation. See Exhibit

3.1 above.

10.7

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.8

Form of Indemnification Agreement. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005 (Commission File No. 000-13611), and incorporated herein by reference.*
   

10.94.2

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Previously filed as an exhibitThe Shyft Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

4.3Description of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference. *filed March 16, 2020).

73

Exhibit

Number

   

10.10

 

Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc. Directors Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Form S-8filed August14, 2002).*

10.2

Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers.*

10.3

The Shyft Group, Inc. Leadership Team Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-! filed August 5, 2015). *

10.4

The Shyft Group, Inc. Management Severance Plan effective July 26, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed May 3, 2018).*

10.5

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form 10-K filed March 14, 2008).*

10.6

The Shyft Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of 2012. Previously2016, as amended by the First Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed asApril 10, 2020).*

10.7

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K10-Q filed May 15, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated hereinAugust 7, 2009).*

10.8

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference.reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021).*

10.9

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (employees) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-K filed March 25, 2021).*

10.10

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (non-employee directors).*

10.11Employment Offer Letter dated July 22, 2014, from the Company to Daryl M. Adams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed November 4, 2014). *
   

10.11

10.12
 Lease agreementEmployment Offer Letter dated February 13, 2012 betweenJanuary 21, 2020 from the Company and Fruit Hills Investments, LLC. Previously filed asto Jonathan C. Douyard (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.110.25 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended10-K filed March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.16, 2020).*
   

10.12

10.13
 Second Employment Offer Letter dated May 31, 2019 from the Company to Todd A. Heavin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed August 1, 2019). *
10.14Employment Offer Letter dated December 23, 2014 from the Company toSteve Guillaume (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-K filed March 9, 2016),as updated by a letter dated May 11, 2015 from the Company to Mr. Guillaume (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-K filed March 9, 2016).*
10.15Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 31, 2016,November 30, 2021, by and among the Company and certain of Company's subsidiaries, as borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12thereto (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13

Employment Letter Agreement dated July 22, 2014, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Daryl M. Adams. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*8-K filed December 1, 2021).
   

10.14

21
 Employment Letter Agreement dated September 15, 2015, between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Frederick J. Sohm. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582), and incorporated herein by reference.*Subsidiaries of Registrant
   

10.15

23.1
 Employment Letter Agreement Dated January 6, 2005 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Arthur D. Ickes. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.
   

10.16

23.2
 Employment Letter Agreement dated October 30, 2008 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Thomas T. Kivell. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*


Exhibit
Number
Document

10.17

Employment Agreement dated May 7, 2009, between Utilimaster Holdings, Inc. and John A. Forbes. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.18

Employment Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2014 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Steve Guillaume. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.19

Employment Letter Agreement dated May 11, 2015 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Steve Guillaume. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.20

Employment Letter Agreement dated July 14, 2014 between Spartan Motors, Inc. and Thomas C. Schultz. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-33582) and incorporated herein by reference.*

10.21

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2016, by and among Spartan Motors USA, Inc., Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., Smeal Properties, Inc., Ladder Tower Co., U.S. Tanker Co., and Rodney Cerny, as Representative. Previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 5, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.22

First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 1, 2017, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23

Consent of BDO USA, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting firm.

31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

74

Exhibit

Number

   

24

Limited Powers of Attorney.

31.1

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

   

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

   

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

   

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

   

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
   

101.LAB104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Documentdocument and included in Exhibit 101)

101.PRE

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

_________________________

 

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any shareholder of the Company without charge upon written request to:to: Chief Financial Officer, Spartan Motors,The Shyft Group, Inc., 1541 Reynolds Road, Charlotte,41280 Bridge Street, Novi, Michigan 48813.48375.

 

Item 16.

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

 

None.None.

 


75

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

 

SPARTAN MOTORS,THE SHYFT GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

March 1, 2018                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Frederick J. SohmJonathan C. Douyard

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm
Jonathan C. Douyard
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

March 1, 2018

                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Daryl M. Adams

 

 

Daryl M. Adams

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

                           

March 1, 2018

February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Frederick J. SohmJonathan C. Douyard

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm
Jonathan C. Douyard
Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

                           

March 1, 2018

February 24, 2022

By

*/s/ James A. Sharman

 

 

James A. Sharman,, Director

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Richard R. Current, Director

 March 1, 2018

                           February 24, 2022

By

*/s/ Thomas R. Clevinger

 

 

Richard F. Dauch, Director

 March 1, 2018

By

*

Ronald E. Harbour, Director

March 1, 2018

By

*

James C. Orchard,Thomas R. Clevinger, Director

   
                           

March 1, 2018

February 24, 2022

By

*/s/ Michael Dinkins

 

 

Dominic Romeo,Michael Dinkins, Director

March 1, 2018

By

*

 

 

Andrew M. Rooke, Director

                           

March 1, 2018

February 24, 2022

By

* /s/ Frederick J. SohmRonald E. Harbour

 

 

Frederick J. Sohm

Attorney-in-FactRonald E. Harbour, Director

                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Angela K. Freeman

Angela K. Freeman, Director

                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Paul A. Mascarenas

Paul A. Mascarenas, Director

                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Terri Pizzuto

Terri Pizzuto, Director

                           February 24, 2022

By

/s/ Mark Rourke

Mark Rourke, Director

 


76

 

APPENDIX A

 

 

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SPARTAN MOTORS,
THE SHYFT GROUP,
INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Column A

 

Column B

  

Column C

  

Column D

  

Column E

 
                     

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  

Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
(Acquisition)

  

Deductions

  

Balance
at End
of Period

 
                     

Year ended December 31, 2021:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $116  $149  $0  $(78) $187 
                     
                     

Year ended December 31, 2020:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $228  $69  $0  $(181

)

 $116 
                     
                     

Year ended December 31, 2019:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $99  $415  $0  $(286

)

 $228 

 

Column A

 

Column B

  

Column C

  

Column D

  

Column E

 
��                    





Description

 



Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  


Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  

Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
(Acquisition)

  





Deductions

  



Balance
at End
of Period

 
                     

Year ended December 31, 2017:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $487  $109  $-  $(457

)

 $139 
                     

Year ended December 31, 2016:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $130  $368  $-  $(11

)

 $487 
                     

Year ended December 31, 2015:

                    
                     

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $144  $12  $-  $(26

)

 $130 
77