UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
¨ | 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 001-13795
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION
| | |
Delaware | | 95-2588080 |
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
| |
4695 MacArthur Court, Newport Beach, California | | 92660 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(949) 260-1200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value—18,283,857 shares as of November 7, 2005.
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the three months ended September 30
| | | For the nine months ended September 30
| |
| | 2005
| | | 2004
| | | 2005
| | | 2004
| |
Net sales | | $ | 49,754 | | | $ | 39,624 | | | $ | 128,309 | | | $ | 105,335 | |
Cost of sales | | | 27,596 | | | | 21,178 | | | | 72,810 | | | | 57,951 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Gross profit | | | 22,158 | | | | 18,446 | | | | 55,499 | | | | 47,384 | |
Operating expenses | | | 13,263 | | | | 11,557 | | | | 36,433 | | | | 32,335 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Operating income | | | 8,895 | | | | 6,889 | | | | 19,066 | | | | 15,049 | |
Interest expense | | | 439 | | | | 371 | | | | 1,158 | | | | 1,013 | |
Interest income | | | (1 | ) | | | (4 | ) | | | (12 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Interest capitalized | | | (108 | ) | | | (15 | ) | | | (252 | ) | | | (50 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Income before income taxes | | | 8,565 | | | | 6,537 | | | | 18,172 | | | | 14,091 | |
Income tax expense | | | 3,297 | | | | 2,549 | | | | 7,021 | | | | 5,495 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net income | | $ | 5,268 | | | $ | 3,988 | | | $ | 11,151 | | | $ | 8,596 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Earnings per common share—basic | | $ | .29 | | | $ | .22 | | | $ | .61 | | | $ | .48 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Earnings per common share—assuming dilution | | $ | .27 | | | $ | .21 | | | $ | .58 | | | $ | .45 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic (notes 5 & 6) | | | 18,279 | | | | 17,960 | | | | 18,248 | | | | 17,944 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding—assuming dilution (notes 5 & 6) | | | 19,312 | | | | 19,159 | | | | 19,298 | | | | 19,144 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
ASSETS (note 7)
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2005
| | Dec. 31, 2004
|
| | (Unaudited) | | (Note) |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 2,532 | | $ | 457 |
Receivables: | | | | | | |
Trade | | | 40,787 | | | 27,773 |
Other | | | 235 | | | 532 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | | 41,022 | | | 28,305 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
Inventories (note 3) | | | 45,822 | | | 43,635 |
Prepaid expenses | | | 731 | | | 1,479 |
Deferred tax asset | | | 140 | | | 140 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
Total current assets | | | 90,247 | | | 74,016 |
Property, plant and equipment, net (note 2) | | | 31,289 | | | 26,118 |
Land held for development | | | 211 | | | 211 |
Intangible assets | | | 20,300 | | | 21,161 |
Other assets | | | 744 | | | 840 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 142,791 | | $ | 122,346 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Continued)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2005
| | | Dec. 31, 2004
| |
| | (Unaudited) | | | (Note) | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Current installments of long-term debt | | $ | 5,107 | | | $ | 5,107 | |
Accounts payable | | | 17,903 | | | | 12,984 | |
Accrued program costs | | | 21,655 | | | | 10,335 | |
Accrued expenses and other payables | | | 5,718 | | | | 5,791 | |
Accrued royalty obligations | | | 1,499 | | | | 1,837 | |
Income taxes payable | | | 1,658 | | | | 1,687 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Total current liabilities | | | 53,540 | | | | 37,741 | |
Long-term debt, excluding current installments | | | 14,394 | | | | 19,474 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 1,159 | | | | 1,159 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Total liabilities | | | 69,093 | | | | 58,374 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.10 par value per share; authorized 400,000 shares; none issued | | | — | | | | — | |
Common stock, $.10 par value per share; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued 19,953,955 shares at September 30, 2005 and 19,862,288 shares at December 31, 2004 | | | 1,995 | | | | 1,986 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 10,657 | | | | 9,560 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | (193 | ) | | | (207 | ) |
Retained earnings | | | 63,984 | | | | 55,378 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | 76,443 | | | | 66,717 | |
Less treasury stock at cost, 1,670,098 shares at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | (2,745 | ) | | | (2,745 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 73,698 | | | | 63,972 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 142,791 | | | $ | 122,346 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Note: The balance sheet at December 31, 2004 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash
| | 2005
| | | 2004
| |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 11,151 | | | $ | 8,596 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 5,199 | | | | 3,893 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities associated with operations: | | | | | | | | |
Increase in receivables | | | (12,717 | ) | | | (1,890 | ) |
Increase in inventories | | | (2,187 | ) | | | (6,869 | ) |
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 764 | | | | (305 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable | | | 4,919 | | | | (6,669 | ) |
Increase in other current liabilities | | | 10,332 | | | | 11,080 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 17,461 | | | | 7,836 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | (8,865 | ) | | | (6,220 | ) |
Additions to intangible assets | | | (644 | ) | | | (2,300 | ) |
Net decrease in other non-current assets | | | 80 | | | | 540 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (9,429 | ) | | | (7,980 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
(Continued)
4
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, CONTINUED
(In thousands)
For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2004
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash
| | 2005
| | | 2004
| |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net borrowings (repayments) under line of credit agreement | | $ | (2,000 | ) | | $ | 5,800 | |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | | | — | | | | 1,288 | |
Principal payments on long-term debt | | | (3,080 | ) | | | (4,748 | ) |
Exercise of common stock options | | | 111 | | | | 301 | |
Payment of cash dividends | | | (1,002 | ) | | | (726 | ) |
Purchase of treasury stock | | | — | | | | (301 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | | | (5,971 | ) | | | 1,614 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net increase in cash | | | 2,061 | | | | 1,470 | |
Cash at beginning of year | | | 457 | | | | 887 | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | | 14 | | | | 39 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Cash as of September 30 | | $ | 2,532 | | | $ | 2,396 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financial activities:
On September 14, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 14, 2005, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2005. Cash dividends paid October 14, 2005, totaled $548,000.
On March 21, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 2 for 1 stock split (100% stock dividend) and a cash dividend of $0.11 per share ($0.055 as adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 15, 2005 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 29, 2005. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 2 for 1 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 29, 2005.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Columnar Numbers in thousands except for share data)
(Unaudited)
1. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
2. Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 consists of the following:
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2005
| | December 31, 2004
|
Land | | $ | 2,441 | | $ | 2,441 |
Buildings and improvements | | | 5,180 | | | 5,105 |
Machinery and equipment | | | 47,319 | | | 44,772 |
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment | | | 3,586 | | | 3,378 |
Automotive equipment | | | 209 | | | 209 |
Construction in progress | | | 10,035 | | | 3,999 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | | 68,770 | | | 59,904 |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | 37,481 | | | 33,786 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 31,289 | | $ | 26,118 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
3. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The components of inventories consist of the following:
| | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2005
| | December 31, 2004
|
Finished products | | $ | 40,388 | | $ | 39,244 |
Raw materials | | | 5,434 | | | 4,391 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 45,822 | | $ | 43,635 |
| |
|
| |
|
|
4. Based on similar economic and operational characteristics, the Company’s business is aggregated into one reportable segment. Selective enterprise information is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30
| | Nine Months Ended September 30
|
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | 2005
| | 2004
|
Net sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Crop | | $ | 38,558 | | $ | 25,003 | | $ | 103,558 | | $ | 79,978 |
Non-crop | | | 11,196 | | | 14,621 | | | 24,751 | | | 25,357 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 49,754 | | $ | 39,624 | | $ | 128,309 | | $ | 105,335 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
5. On September 14, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.03 per share. The dividend was distributed on October 14, 2005, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2005.
On March 21, 2005, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a 2 for 1 stock split (100% stock dividend) and a cash dividend of $0.11 per share ($0.055 as adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split). Both dividends were distributed on April 15, 2005 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 29, 2005. The cash dividend was paid on the number of shares outstanding prior to the 2 for 1 stock split. Stockholders entitled to fractional shares resulting from the stock split received cash in lieu of such fractional share based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 29, 2005. Accordingly, all share, weighted average share, and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split.
6
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
6. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements. Basic EPS is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts, which, for the Company, consists of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock are exercised.
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30
| | Nine Months Ended September 30
|
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | 2005
| | 2004
|
Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 5,268 | | $ | 3,988 | | $ | 11,151 | | $ | 8,596 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted averages shares outstanding | | | 18,279 | | | 17,960 | | | 18,248 | | | 17,944 |
Assumed exercise of stock options | | | 1,033 | | | 1,199 | | | 1,050 | | | 1,200 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | | 19,312 | | | 19,159 | | | 19,298 | | | 19,144 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
7. Substantially all of the Company’s assets not otherwise specifically pledged as collateral on existing loans and capital leases, are pledged as collateral under the Company’s credit agreement with a bank. As referenced in note 1, for further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto (specifically note 2) included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
8. Reclassification – Certain items have been reclassified in the prior period consolidated financial statements to conform with the September 30, 2005 presentation.
9. Total comprehensive income includes, in addition to net income, changes in equity that are excluded from the consolidated statements of operations and are recorded directly into a separate section of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets.
Comprehensive income and its components consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30,
| | Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | 2005
| | 2004
|
Net income | | $ | 5,268 | | $ | 3,988 | | $ | 11,151 | | $ | 8,596 |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 2 | | | 51 | | | 14 | | | 39 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Comprehensive income | | $ | 5,270 | | $ | 4,039 | | $ | 11,165 | | $ | 8,635 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
7
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
10. Stock-Based Compensation—SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, allows companies to measure compensation cost in connection with employee share option plans using a fair value based method or to continue to use an intrinsic value based method as defined by APB No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, which generally does not result in a compensation cost. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under APB 25, and does not recognize stock-based compensation expense upon the issuance of its stock options because the option terms are fixed and the exercise price equals the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and basic and diluted earnings per share if the Company had recognized compensation expense upon issuance of the options, based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30,
| | | Nine Months Ended September 30,
| |
| | 2005
| | | 2004
| | | 2005
| | | 2004
| |
Net income, as reported | | $ | 5,268 | | | $ | 3,988 | | | $ | 11,151 | | | $ | 8,596 | |
Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects | | | (147 | ) | | | (150 | ) | | | (442 | ) | | | (450 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Pro forma | | $ | 5,121 | | | $ | 3,838 | | | $ | 10,709 | | | $ | 8,146 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Earnings per common share—basic, as reported | | $ | .29 | | | $ | .22 | | | $ | .61 | | | $ | .48 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Pro forma | | $ | .28 | | | $ | .21 | | | $ | .59 | | | $ | .45 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Earnings per common share—diluted, as reported | | $ | .27 | | | $ | .21 | | | $ | .58 | | | $ | .45 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Pro forma | | $ | .27 | | | $ | .20 | | | $ | .55 | | | $ | .43 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
11. Recently Issued Accounting Guidance—In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”. This statement is a revision to SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and superseded APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. This statement requires that the cost resulting from all stock-based payment transactions be recognized through the financial statements at an amount based on the fair value of an award at the date of its grant. The statement was to have been effective for all periods beginning after June 15, 2005, however, in April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted a new rule that amends the compliance dates. The new rule allows companies to implement SFAS No. 123R at the beginning of the Company’s next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period, that begins after June 15, 2005. This means that given the fact that the Company is a calendar year-end company, the Company does not need to comply with SFAS No. 123R until the interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2006. The SEC’s new rule does not change the accounting required by SFAS No. 123R; it changes only the dates for compliance with the standard. The Company will incur compensation expenses beginning in the first quarter of 2006 for any non-vested options granted prior to 2006. The Company is still assessing the financial statement impact of adoption.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, the statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt this statement as required, and the Company does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” which eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The statement defines a nonmonetary exchange with commercial substance as one in which the future cash flows of an entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS No. 153 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company has adopted this statement as required, and it does not believe the adoption has had a material effect on the Company’s results of operation or financial condition.
8
AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued
In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,” or SFAS No. 154. SFAS No. 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for, and reporting of, a change in accounting principle. Previously, most voluntary changes in accounting principles were required to be recognized by way of a cumulative effect adjustment within net income during the period of the change. SFAS No. 154 generally requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of voluntary changes in accounting principles. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005; however, SFAS No. 154 does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 154 will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.
12. Subsequent Event—On October 31, 2005, AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“AMVAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the acquisition of assets constituting the global Phorate insecticide product line from BASF Aktiengesellschaft (“BASF”), for approximately $26.1 million in purchase price consideration, subject to a post-closing adjustment to reflect the value of inventories as of the time of closing. The assets purchased by AMVAC included the active ingredient Phorate, the trademarks Thimet®, Granutox®, Granutox 5®, and Geomet®, the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories, as well as an exclusive license to use BASF’s patented, closed delivery system, Lock ‘N Load®, in the U.S., Canada and Australia for Phorate.
In order to finance the acquisition of the global Phorate insecticide product line, AMVAC borrowed under its revolving line of credit on October 31, 2005. As of October 31, 2005, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of AMVAC’s borrowings under the revolving line of credit was $24 million, and AMVAC had $21 million of availability under its revolving line of credit facility. At the Company’s option, the amount borrowed under its revolving line of credit related to this acquisition can be converted to a term loan. For more detailed information about the Company’s fully-secured credit facility, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Liquidity and Capital Resources, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
9
Item 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Columnar Numbers in thousands) |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS/RISK FACTORS:
The Company, from time-to-time, may discuss forward-looking statements including assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. In connection with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary statements identifying important factors which, among other things, could cause the actual results and events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions contained in the entire Report. Such factors include, but are not limited to: product demand and market acceptance risks; the effect of economic conditions; weather conditions; changes in regulatory policy; the impact of competitive products and pricing; changes in foreign exchange rates; product development and commercialization difficulties; capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; availability of capital resources; general business regulations, including taxes and other risks as detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s reports and filings filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors. For more detailed information, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Risk Factors, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Quarter Ended September 30 (columnar numbers in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | Change
| |
Net sales: | | | | | | | | | | |
Crop | | $ | 38,558 | | $ | 25,003 | | $ | 13,555 | |
Non-crop | | | 11,196 | | | 14,621 | | | (3,425 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 49,754 | | $ | 39,624 | | $ | 10,130 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Gross profit: | | | | | | | | | | |
Crop | | $ | 16,968 | | $ | 13,961 | | $ | 3,007 | |
Non-crop | | | 5,190 | | | 4,485 | | | 705 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 22,158 | | $ | 18,446 | | $ | 3,712 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
The Company reported net income of $5,268,000 or $.27 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2005 as compared to net income of $3,988,000 or $.21 per diluted share for the same period in 2004. (Net income and per share data have been restated to reflect the effect of a 2 for 1 stock split that was distributed on April 15, 2005.)
Net sales for the third quarter 2005 increased by 26% to $49,754,000 from $39,624,000 in the same period of 2004. The increase sales levels were achieved through growth (primarily attributable to higher sales volume) across the vast majority of the Company’s product lines. There were no unusual or infrequent events or transactions outside of the ordinary course of business which materially impacted net sales. (Weather patterns can have an impact on the Company’s operations. Refer to the disclosure below.)
Gross profits increased to $22,158,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 from $18,446,000 in the third quarter of 2004. Gross profit margins declined to 45% in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 from 47% in the same period in 2004. The decline in gross profit margins was due to the changes in the sales mix of the Company’s products.
Gross profit margins may not be comparable to those of other companies, since some companies include their distribution network costs in cost of goods sold and the Company, as well as others, include distribution costs in operating expenses (or other line items other than cost of goods sold).
10
Operating expenses, which are net of other income and expenses, increased by $1,706,000 to $13,263,000 in the third quarter of 2005 from $11,557,000 in the same period of 2004. The differences in operating expenses by specific departmental costs are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | Change
| |
Selling | | $ | 4,733 | | $ | 3,659 | | $ | 1,074 | |
General and administrative | | | 3,115 | | | 3,417 | | | (302 | ) |
Research, product development and regulatory | | | 2,146 | | | 1,843 | | | 303 | |
Freight, delivery and warehousing | | | 3,269 | | | 2,638 | | | 631 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 13,263 | | $ | 11,557 | | $ | 1,706 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| • | | Selling expenses increased by $1,074,000 to $4,733,000 in the third quarter of 2005 from $3,659,000 in the same period of 2004. Increases in programs and related costs, advertising and promotion and payroll and payroll related costs accounted for 52%, 21% and 17% of the increase respectively, with the balance of the increase resulting from increases in other variable selling expenses. |
| • | | General and administrative expenses declined by $302,000 to $3,115,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $3,417,000 in the same period in 2004. The decline was due primarily to a decline in outside professional fees. |
| • | | Research and product development costs and regulatory registration expenses increased by $303,000 to $2,146,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 from $1,843,000 in the same period of 2004. The increase was a result of higher costs incurred to generate scientific data related to the registration and possible new uses of the Company’s products. |
| • | | Freight, delivery and warehousing costs increased $631,000 to $3,269,000 for the third quarter of 2005 as compared to $2,638,000 in the same period of 2004 due to the increased sales levels as well as the product mix of sales. |
Interest costs before capitalized interest and interest income were $439,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $371,000 in the same period in 2004. The Company’s average overall debt for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 was $33,054,000 as compared to $37,367,000 for the same period in 2004. Higher effective interest rates accounted for the higher gross interest costs. The Company capitalized $108,000 of interest costs related to construction in progress during the third quarter of 2005 as compared to $15,000 in 2004. The Company also recognized $1,000 in interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $4,000 in 2004.
Income tax expense increased by $748,000 to $3,297,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $2,549,000 for the same period 2004 related to higher income before income taxes. The effective tax rate for the period ended September 30, 2005 was 38.5% as compared to 39% in the same period in 2004.
Weather patterns can have an impact on the Company’s operations. Weather conditions influence pest population by impacting gestation cycles for particular pests and the effectiveness of some of the Company’s products, among other factors. The end user of some of the Company’s products may, because of weather patterns, delay or intermittently disrupt field work during the planting season which may result in a reduction of the use of some of the Company’s products. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, weather patterns did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
Because of elements inherent to the Company’s business, such as differing and unpredictable weather patterns, crop growing cycles, changes in product mix of sales, ordering patterns that may vary in timing, and promotional programs, measuring the Company’s performance on a quarterly basis, (gross profit margins on a quarterly basis may vary significantly) even when such comparisons are favorable, is not as meaningful an indicator as full-year comparisons. The primary reason is that the use cycles do not necessarily coincide with financial reporting cycles. Because of the Company’s cost structure, the combination of variable revenue streams, and the changing product mixes, results in varying quarterly levels of profitability.
11
Nine Months Ended September 30 (columnar numbers in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | Change
| |
Net sales: | | | | | | | | | | |
Crop | | $ | 103,558 | | $ | 79,978 | | $ | 23,580 | |
Non-crop | | | 24,751 | | | 25,357 | | | (606 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 128,309 | | $ | 105,335 | | $ | 22,974 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Gross profit: | | | | | | | | | | |
Crop | | $ | 44,293 | | $ | 39,363 | | $ | 4,930 | |
Non-crop | | | 11,206 | | | 8,021 | | | 3,185 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 55,499 | | $ | 47,384 | | $ | 8,115 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
The Company reported net income of $11,151,000 or $.58 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to net income of $8,596,000 or $.45 per diluted share for the same period in 2004. (Net income and per share data have been restated to reflect the effect of a 2 for 1 stock split that was distributed on April 15, 2005.)
Net sales for the first nine months of 2005 increased by 22% to $128,309,000 from $105,335,000 in the same period of 2004. The increase sales levels were achieved through growth (primarily attributable to higher sales volume) across the vast majority of the Company’s product lines. There were no unusual or infrequent events or transactions outside of the ordinary course of business which materially impacted net sales. (Weather patterns can have an impact on the Company’s operations. Refer to the disclosure above.)
Gross profits increased to $55,499,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $47,384,000 in the same period in 2004. Gross profit margins declined to 43% in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from 45% in the same period in 2004. The decline in gross profit margins was due to the changes in the sales mix of the Company’s products.
As stated above, gross profit margins may not be comparable to those of other companies, since some companies include their distribution network costs in cost of goods sold and the Company, as well as others, include distribution costs in operating expenses (or other line items other than cost of goods sold).
Operating expenses, which are net of other income and expenses, increased by $4,098,000 to $36,433,000 in the first nine months of 2005 from $32,335,000 in the same period of 2004. The differences in operating expenses by specific departmental costs are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 2005
| | 2004
| | Change
|
Selling | | $ | 13,748 | | $ | 11,953 | | $ | 1,795 |
General and administrative | | | 9,770 | | | 9,198 | | | 572 |
Research, product development and regulatory | | | 5,283 | | | 4,757 | | | 526 |
Freight, delivery and warehousing | | | 7,632 | | | 6,427 | | | 1,205 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 36,433 | | $ | 32,335 | | $ | 4,098 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| • | | Selling expenses increased by $1,795,000 to $13,748,000 in the first nine months of 2005 from $11,953,000 in the same period of 2004. Increases in programs and related costs, payroll and payroll related costs and advertising and promotion costs accounted for 37%, 23% and 16% of the increase respectively, with the balance of the increase resulting from increases in other variable selling expenses. |
| • | | General and administrative expenses increased by $572,000 to $9,770,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to $9,198,000 in the same period in 2004. The increase was due primarily to increased legal expenses (which accounted for approximately 88%) and an increase in payroll and payroll related costs. |
| • | | Research and product development costs and regulatory registration expenses increased by $526,000 to $5,283,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $4,757,000 in the same period of 2004. The increase was a result of higher costs incurred to generate scientific data related to the registration of the Company’s products coupled with higher licenses and registration fees. |
12
| • | | Freight, delivery and warehousing costs increased by $1,205,000 to $7,632,000 for the first nine months of 2005 as compared to $6,427,000 in the same period of 2004 due to the increased sales levels. |
Interest costs before capitalized interest and interest income were $1,158,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $1,013,000 in the same period in 2004. The Company’s average overall debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $29,536,000 as compared to $37,822,000 for the same period in 2004. Higher effective interest rates accounted for the higher gross interest costs. The Company capitalized $252,000 of interest costs related to construction in progress during the first nine months of 2005 as compared to $50,000 in 2004. The Company also recognized $12,000 in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $5,000 in the same period in 2004.
Income tax expense increased by $1,526,000 to $7,021,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to $5,495,000 for the same period 2004 related to higher income before income taxes. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was 38.6% as compared to 39% in the same period in 2004.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating activities provided $17,461,000 of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Net income of $11,151,000, non-cash depreciation and amortization of $5,199,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $764,000 and an increase in trade payables and other payables and accrued expenses of $4,919,000 and $10,332,000, respectively, provided $32,365,000 of cash for operations. Increases in receivables and inventories of $12,717,000 and $2,187,000, respectively, used $14,904,000 in cash for operating activities.
The Company used $9,429,000 in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. It invested $8,865,000 in capital expenditures, $644,000 in intangible assets while other non-current assets declined by $80,000.
The Company used $5,971,000 in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Net borrowings under the Company’s fully-secured revolving line of credit declined by $2,000,000. The Company made payments on its other long-term debt of $3,080,000 and paid cash dividends of $1,002,000 while $111,000 was received from the issuance of common stock.
On October 31, 2005, AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“AMVAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the acquisition of assets constituting the global Phorate insecticide product line from BASF Aktiengesellschaft (“BASF”), for approximately $26.1 million in purchase price consideration, subject to a post-closing adjustment to reflect the value of inventories as of the time of closing. The assets purchased by AMVAC included the active ingredient Phorate, the trademarks Thimet®, Granutox®, Granutox 5®, and Geomet®, the manufacturing and formulation know-how, registration rights, intellectual property rights and inventories, as well as an exclusive license to use BASF’s patented, closed delivery system, Lock ‘N Load®, in the U.S., Canada and Australia for Phorate.
In order to finance the acquisition of the global Phorate insecticide product line, AMVAC borrowed under its revolving line of credit on October 31, 2005. As of October 31, 2005, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of AMVAC’s borrowings under the revolving line of credit was $24 million, and AMVAC had $21 million of availability under its revolving line of credit facility. At the Company’s option, the amount borrowed under its revolving line of credit related to this acquisition can be converted to a term loan. For more detailed information about the Company’s fully-secured credit facility, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Liquidity and Capital Resources, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Management continues to believe, to continue to improve its working capital position and maintain flexibility in financing interim needs, it is prudent to explore all available sources of financing. Accordingly, the Company filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on February 25, 2005 pursuant to which, the Company may issue common and preferred stock, warrants and debt securities, from time to time, up to an aggregate offering price of $50,000,000. The terms of any future offering will be established at the time of the offering.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”. This statement is a revision to SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and superseded APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. This statement requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized through the financial statements at an amount based on the fair value of an award at the date of its grant. The statement was to have been effective for all periods beginning after June 15, 2005, however, in April 2005, the SEC adopted a new rule that amends the compliance dates. The new rule allows companies to implement SFAS No. 123R at the beginning
13
of the Company’s next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period, that begins after June 15, 2005. This means that given the fact that the Company is a calendar year-end company, the Company does not need to comply with SFAS No. 123R until the interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2006. The SEC’s new rule does not change the accounting required by SFAS No. 123R; it changes only the dates for compliance with the standard. The Company will incur compensation expenses beginning in the first quarter of 2006 for any non-vested options granted prior to 2006. The Company is still assessing the financial statement impact of adoption.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4,” which requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) be recognized as current-period charges. In addition, the statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt this statement as required, and the Company does not believe the adoption will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” which eliminates the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The statement defines a nonmonetary exchange with commercial substance as one in which the future cash flows of an entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS No. 153 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company has adopted this statement as required, and it does not believe the adoption has had a material effect on the Company’s results of operation or financial condition.
In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,” or SFAS No. 154. SFAS No. 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for, and reporting of, a change in accounting principle. Previously, most voluntary changes in accounting principles were required to be recognized by way of a cumulative effect adjustment within net income during the period of the change. SFAS No. 154 generally requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of voluntary changes in accounting principles. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005; however, SFAS No. 154 does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 154 will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain of the Company’s policies require the application of judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. These judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, commonly accepted industry practices and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company’s critical accounting polices and estimates include:
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from sales is recognized at the time title and the risks of ownership passes. This is when the customer has made the fixed commitment to purchase the goods, the products are shipped per the customers’ instructions, the sales price is determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.
Long-lived Assets
The carrying value of long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash flows.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment includes the cost of land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office furniture and fixtures, automobiles, and construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment. Interest costs related to significant construction projects are capitalized at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. Expenditures
14
for maintenance and minor repairs are expensed as incurred. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the respective accounts and the gain or loss realized on disposition is reflected in earnings. All plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, utilizing estimated useful property lives. Building lives range from 10 to 30 years; machinery and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years; office furniture and fixture lives range from 3 to 10 years; automobile lives range from 3 to 6 years; construction projects and significant improvements to existing plant and equipment lives range from 3 to 15 years when placed in service.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, have been translated at year end exchange rates and profit and loss accounts have been translated using weighted average yearly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from translation have been recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet as cumulative translation adjustments in other comprehensive income.
The effect of foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency using the end of the period exchange rates. The effects of remeasurement related to foreign currency transactions are included in current profit and loss accounts.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The primary identifiable intangible assets of the Company relate to product rights associated with its product acquisitions. The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, identifiable intangibles with finite lives are amortized and those with indefinite lives are not amortized. The estimated useful life of an identifiable intangible asset to the Company is based upon a number of factors including the effects of demand, competition, and expected changes in the marketability of the Company’s products. The Company tests identifiable intangible assets for impairment at least annually, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment using a process similar to that used to evaluate elements of property. The impairment test for identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. An impairment loss, if any, is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is typically estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows anticipated to be generated by the particular asset(s) being tested for impairment as well as select a discount rate to measure the present value of the anticipated cash flows. When determining future cash flow estimates, the Company considers historical results adjusted to reflect current and anticipated operating conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment by the Company in such areas as future economic conditions, industry-specific conditions, product pricing and necessary capital expenditures. The use of different assumptions or estimates for future cash flows could produce different impairment amounts (or none at all) for long-lived assets, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets.
Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, primarily from its borrowing activities. The Company’s indebtedness to its primary lender is evidenced by a line of credit with a variable rate of interest, which fluctuates with changes in the lender’s reference rate. For more information, please refer to the applicable disclosures in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
The Company conducts business in various foreign currencies, primarily in Europe and Mexico. Therefore changes in the value of the currencies of such countries or regions affect the Company’s financial position and cash flows when translated into U.S. Dollars. As of September 30, 2005, the Company had not established a formal foreign currency hedging program. The Company has mitigated and will continue to mitigate a portion of its currency exchange exposure through operation of decentralized foreign operating companies in which the majority of all costs are local-currency based. A 10% change in the value of all foreign currencies would have an immaterial effect on the Company’s financial position and cash flows.
15
Item 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in all material respects in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
16
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
The Company was not required to report any matters or changes for any items of Part II except as disclosed below.
On occasion, the Company and/or AMVAC Chemical Corporation (“AMVAC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, are involved as either a plaintiff or defendant to claims and legal actions incidental to their operations.
Copyright Suit
On August 9, 2005, AMVAC settled its litigation with FMC Corporation regarding AMVAC’s right to sell certain products under its current labels. The settlement did not and will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial status or business operations.
Personal Injury Suits
A number of suits have been filed against AMVAC, alleging injury from exposure to the agricultural chemical 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (“DBCP”). DBCP was manufactured by several chemical companies, including Dow Chemical Company and Shell Oil Company and was approved by the U.S. EPA to control nematodes. DBCP was also applied on banana farms in Latin America. The U.S. EPA suspended registrations of DBCP in October 1979, except for use on pineapples in Hawaii. The EPA suspension was partially based on 1977 studies by other manufacturers that indicated a link between male sterility and exposure to DBCP among their factory production workers producing the product. The defendants contend there is currently no reliable evidence demonstrating that ordinary field application of DBCP leads to sterility among farm workers, especially to those not involved with its application.
Thus far there are approximately forty-five lawsuits filed by former banana workers in which AMVAC has been named as a party. These claims are all in various stages and allege injury from exposure to DBCP, including claims for sterility. One of these lawsuits is pending in a Los Angeles Superior Court with 31 Nicaraguan plaintiffs that is scheduled for trial for July 17, 2006. Most of the cases are unserved suits pending in Nicaragua. All but one of the suits in Nicaragua have been filed pursuant to Public Law 364, an October 2000 Nicaraguan statute that contains substantive and procedural provisions that Nicaragua’s Attorney General previously expressed as unconstitutional. In October 2003, the Nicaragua Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion, not in connection with any litigation, that Public Law 364 is constitutional. The suits pending in Nicaragua that name AMVAC have been filed on behalf of approximately 1,175 claimants. Each of the Nicaraguan plaintiffs claims $1 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. In all of these cases, AMVAC is a joint defendant with Dow Chemical and Dole Food Company, Inc.
AMVAC contends that the Nicaragua courts lack jurisdiction over AMVAC and that Public Law 364 violates international due process of law. AMVAC also contends that the plaintiffs will have difficulty in proving that they were exposed to or injured by any DBCP manufactured by AMVAC.
While it is anticipated that additional lawsuits of this nature may be filed in the US as well as Nicaragua, as to all existing DBCP suits, AMVAC has denied liability and asserted substantial defenses.
The Company has and will continue to expend resources and incur expenses in connection with these proceedings. There can be no assurance that the Company and AMVAC will be successful in these proceedings. While the Company continually evaluates insurance levels for product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk, an adverse determination in one or more of these proceedings could subject the Company and/or AMVAC to significant liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on their financial condition and operating results.
17
Exhibits required to filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
| | |
Exhibit No.
| | Description
|
| |
10.1 | | Description of Compensatory Arrangements Applicable to Non-Employee Directors for 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed June 14, 2005, SEC File No. 001-13795).* |
| |
10.2 | | Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated through May 12, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 8-K filed June 14, 2005, SEC File No. 001-13795).* |
| |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
32.1 | | Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
* | Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | AMERICAN VANGUARD CORPORATION |
| | | |
Dated: November 7, 2005 | | | | By: | | /s/ ERIC G. WINTEMUTE |
| | | | | | | | Eric G. Wintemute |
| | | | | | | | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| | | |
Dated: November 7, 2005 | | | | By: | | /s/ JAMES A. BARRY |
| | | | | | | | James A. Barry |
| | | | | | | | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary/Treasurer |
19