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 May 31, 2007
OR
o | 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 0-12490
ACR GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas | | 74-2008473 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
3200 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 440, Houston, Texas | | 77042-6039 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(713) 780-8532 |
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding for each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 12,063,765 shares of Common Stock (par value $0.01), was outstanding as of June 29, 2007.
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
| | May 31, | | | February 28, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 1,228 | | | $ | 1,135 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 28,089 | | | | 23,330 | |
Inventories, net | | | 46,370 | | | | 43,516 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 1,772 | | | | 1,619 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 1,702 | | | | 1,652 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 79,161 | | | | 71,252 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 5,534 | | | | 5,647 | |
Goodwill | | | 5,408 | | | | 5,408 | |
Interest derivative asset | | | 81 | | | | - | |
Other assets | | | 869 | | | | 853 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 91,053 | | | $ | 83,160 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
| | May 31, | | | February 28, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2007 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
Current maturities of long-term debt | | $ | 130 | | | $ | 131 | |
Current maturities of capital lease obligations | | | 185 | | | | 160 | |
Accounts payable | | | 27,237 | | | | 23,106 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | | | 4,928 | | | | 5,931 | |
Income tax payable | | | 518 | | | | 232 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 32,998 | | | | 29,560 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long term obligations: | | | | | | | | |
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement | | | 27,996 | | | | 24,361 | |
Long-term notes, net of current maturities | | | 1,182 | | | | 1,214 | |
Long-term capital lease obligations, net of current maturities | | | 417 | | | | 412 | |
Interest derivative liability | | | - | | | | 143 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 271 | | | | 184 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total long-term liabilities | | | 29,866 | | | | 26,314 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 9) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.01 par value | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $.01 par value | | | 121 | | | | 121 | |
Paid-in capital | | | 43,362 | | | | 43,286 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | | | 51 | | | | (88 | ) |
Accumulated deficit | | | (15,345 | ) | | | (16,033 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 28,189 | | | | 27,286 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 91,053 | | | $ | 83,160 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended May 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Sales | | $ | 59,454 | | | $ | 61,924 | |
Cost of sales | | | 45,013 | | | | 46,669 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gross profit | | | 14,441 | | | | 15,255 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 12,878 | | | | 12,305 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating income | | | 1,563 | | | | 2,950 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | 506 | | | | 543 | |
Interest derivative gain | | | - | | | | (218 | ) |
Other non-operating income | | | (142 | ) | | | (114 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 1,199 | | | | 2,739 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 371 | | | | 1,055 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 828 | | | $ | 1,684 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | .07 | | | $ | .15 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted | | $ | .07 | | | $ | .15 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 11,385 | | | | 11,215 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted | | | 11,628 | | | | 11,478 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended May 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Operating activities: | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 828 | | | $ | 1,684 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 284 | | | | 231 | |
Provision for doubtful accounts | | | 161 | | | | 265 | |
Gain on sale of assets | | | (2 | ) | | | (3 | ) |
Gain on change in market value of interest derivative | | | - | | | | (218 | ) |
Deferred income taxes | | | (50 | ) | | | (33 | ) |
Amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation | | | 131 | | | | 118 | |
Tax benefit from restricted stock compensation | | | 178 | | | | 95 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (4,920 | ) | | | (7,086 | ) |
Inventories, net | | | (2,854 | ) | | | (9,970 | ) |
Prepaids and other assets | | | (168 | ) | | | 117 | |
Accounts payable | | | 4,131 | | | | 2,736 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities: | | | (1,089 | ) | | | 1,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (3,370 | ) | | | (10,937 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property and equipment | | | (171 | ) | | | (355 | ) |
Receipts on derivative instrument | | | - | | | | 16 | |
Proceeds from disposition of assets | | | 2 | | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (169 | ) | | | (333 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net borrowings on revolving credit agreement | | | 3,634 | | | | 11,517 | |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | - | | | | 35 | |
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations | | | (2 | ) | | | (70 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 3,632 | | | | 11,482 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash | | | 93 | | | | 212 | |
Cash at beginning of period | | | 1,135 | | | | 1,275 | |
Cash at end of period | | $ | 1,228 | | | $ | 1,487 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except shares)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Other | | | | | | | |
| | # Shares | | | Par | | | Paid-in | | | Comprehensive | | | Accumulated | | | | |
| | Outstanding | | | Value | | | Capital | | | Income (Loss) | | | Deficit | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, 02/28/07 | | | 12,113,078 | | | | 121 | | | | 43,286 | | | | (88 | ) | | | (16,033 | ) | | | 27,286 | |
Adoption of FIN No. 48 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (140 | ) | | | (140 | ) |
Issuances net of shares of Restricted Stock | | | (49,313 | ) | | | | | | | (235 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (235 | ) |
Restricted stock compensation - | | | | | | | | | | | 132 | | | | | | | | | | | | 132 | |
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation | | | | | | | | 178 | | | | | | | | | | | | 178 | |
Comprehensive Income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 828 | | | | 828 | |
Other Comprehensive Income, change in fair value market of interest derivative, net of tax | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 139 | | | | | | | | 139 | |
Comprehensive Income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 967 | |
Balance, 5/31/07 | | | 12,063,765 | | | | 121 | | | | 43,361 | | | | 51 | | | | (15,345 | ) | | | 28,188 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements
ACR GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1 - Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 28, 2007, which has been derived from ACR Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) audited consolidated financial statements, and the May 31, 2007 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to interim financial information. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements herein. Actual operating results for the three months ended May 31, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008. The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis the Company evaluates significant estimates. These estimates include valuation reserves for accounts receivable, inventory and income taxes including the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, reserves related to self-insurance programs, valuation of goodwill, contingencies and litigation. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Accounting Change
Prior to March 1, 2007, the Company recognized income tax accruals with respect to uncertain tax positions based upon Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” Under SFAS No. 5, a liability was recorded (including interest and penalties) associated with an uncertain tax position if the liability was both probable and estimable.
Effective March 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. This Interpretation seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and to income tax of multiple state jurisdictions and is subject to tax audits in the various jurisdictions until the respective statutes of limitations expire. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for tax years prior to 2003. For the majority of states, we are no longer subject to tax examinations for tax years before 2002. In connection with our adoption of FIN No. 48, we analyzed the filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Company recorded the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as a decrease to beginning balance of retained earnings related to uncertain state income tax positions in the amount of $140,000 based upon the adoption of FIN No. 48 on March 1, 2007. Prior to March 1, 2007 the Company had no reserve for such tax positions.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of prior period statements have been made to conform to current reporting practices.
2 - Significant Accounting Policies
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes interest rate derivative instruments (swap agreements) to reduce the exposure to market risks from changing interest rates under the revolving bank debt. The swap agreements qualify as cash flow hedges and the Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments.
These interest rate swap agreements result in the Company paying or receiving the difference between the fixed rate of the swaps and the floating rate of debt at specified intervals calculated based on the notional amounts. The difference received or paid on the interest rate swap agreements are recognized as adjustments to interest expense over the life of the swaps and impact the effective interest rate on the Company’s debt. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged items affect earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings
Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as either assets or liabilities. The Company’s designated hedge transactions have been cash-flow hedges. For cash-flow hedge transactions, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives are reported as other comprehensive income or loss and are recognized in current earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction effects current earnings.
Amounts excluded from hedge effectiveness calculation and any ineffective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative of a cash-flow hedge are recognized in current earnings. For a derivative to qualify as a hedge at inception and throughout the hedged period, the Company formally documents the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items. The Company also documents its risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking interest rate hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedge instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. Derivative instruments are approved by our board of directors in accordance with our risk management policy. The Company does not use such instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Comprehensive Income
SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, establishes the rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income(loss) and its components. SFAS No. 130 requires the Company to include unrealized gains or losses, net of related taxes, on changes in the fair value of outstanding hedge positions. Generally, gains are attributed to an increase in the LIBOR rate over the fixed rate on our interest rate hedges and losses are attributed to a decrease in the LIBOR rate over the fixed rate on our interest rate hedges.
The following table provides comprehensive income for the periods indicated:
|
| | Three Months Ended |
| | May 31, |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 828 | | | $ | 1,684 | |
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax | | | 139 | | | | - | |
Comprehensive income | | $ | 967 | | | $ | 1,684 | |
For a description of our other significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007.
3 - Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess cost of companies acquired over the fair value of their tangible net assets. The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. The impairment test is required to be performed at least annually and is conducted at the consolidated group level (the reporting unit) for the Company. On an ongoing basis, absent any event or change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount, the Company will perform the annual impairment test as of the end of its fiscal year.
4 - Interest Rate Derivative Instruments
The Company utilizes interest rate derivative instruments (swap agreements) to enhance its ability to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, which exist as part of the Company’s ongoing business operations.
At May 31, 2007 the Company had two notional amount $10 million swap agreements in effect that quality for hedge accounting treatment. The first $10 million notional value swap agreement matures in 2009 and exchanges 30-day LIBOR variable rates with a fixed interest rate payment of 5.04%. The second swap agreement with a notional value of $10 million, matures in 2011, and exchanges 30-day LIBOR variable rates with a fixed interest rate of 5.07%. At May 31, 2007, both interest rate swaps were effective as cash flow hedges and no charge to earnings was required. The Company recognized a gain in accumulated other comprehensive income in the amount of $139,000, net of income tax of $85,000.
At May 31, 2006 the Company had one notional amount $15 million in effect that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment in accordance with SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This swap agreement was terminated on October 31, 2006 and had a notional amount of $15 million and paid a fixed rate of 4.38%. The fair value of this derivative instrument was reflected on the Company’s balance sheet, and changes in the fair value of the derivative were recorded in the Company’s income statements as an interest derivative gain. For the three months ended May 31, 2006, the Company recorded a gain on the income statement of $218,000.
5 - Debt
The Company has a credit arrangement with a commercial bank (“Agreement”) that provides for both a revolving credit facility of $45 million and a $5 million credit line that may be used for capital expenditures or to purchase real estate. The Agreement matures in August 2008. The amount that may be borrowed under the revolving credit facility is limited to a borrowing base consisting of 85% of eligible accounts receivable, and from 50% to 65% of eligible inventory, depending on the time of year. At March 31, 2007, our available credit under the revolver was $11.4 million, and we were in compliance with all financial and non-financial loan covenants.
As of May 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $28.0 on the revolving credit line and $605,000 under the capital expenditure facility. In addition, the Company had an outstanding letter of credit for $926,000 against the line of credit. Borrowings under both facilities bear interest based on the prime rate or LIBOR, plus a spread that is dependent on the Company’s financial performance. As of May 31, 2007, the applicable interest rate on both facilities was the prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.125%, and the Company had elected the LIBOR option (5.375% at May 31, 2007) for most amounts outstanding under the facilities. The average interest rate on the Company’s borrowings from the bank at May 31, 2007 was 6.42%
6 - Shareholders’ Equity
Restricted Stock Awards
The Chief Financial Officer and the General Counsel of the Company have employment contracts that each provide for the contingent issuance of 500,000 shares of restricted stock upon continuation of employment. Under the agreements, the restricted stock vests ratably over six years beginning March 1, 2004. For the three months ended May 31, 2007, compensation expense recognized under the agreements was $90,000.
Effective March 1, 2004, two of the outside directors of the Company each received restricted stock grants of 42,000 shares, subject to continuation of service as a director for four years. Additionally, effective August 18, 2005, another outside director of the Company received 25,000 shares, subject to continuation of service as a director for four years. Such shares vest annually pro-rata over such period. For the three months ended May 31, 2007, the Company recognized $12,000 as compensation expense respectively related to the directors restricted stock grants.
Effective June 1, 2005, the Company issued 25,000 shares of restricted stock to a non-officer, subject to continuation of employment. Additionally, effective April 15, 2006, the Company issued 135,000 shares to non-officer employees, subject to continuation of employment. Such shares vest annually pro-rata over a five-year period. For the three months ended May 31, 2007, the Company recognized $30,000 as compensation expense related to such restricted stock grants.
In March and April 2007, the Company acquired shares of the Company’s stock in connection with employee restricted stock grants, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable statutory withholding taxes at the date of vesting. During the three month period ended May 31, 2007 the Company acquired 49,313 shares at a cost of $235,000 The Company subsequently retired such shares acquired.
7 - Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company uses the liability method in accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company recorded a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as a result of implementing FIN No. 48 by reducing the balance of beginning retained earnings by $140,000 at March 1, 2007.
8 - Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, including the vested restricted shares. Diluted earnings per share adjusts for the dilutive effects of unvested shares of restricted stock using the treasury stock method.
The Company has no outstanding stock options to include in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended May 31, 2007.
The following summarizes the common shares used to calculate earnings per share of common stock, including the potentially dilutive impact of stock options and restricted shares, using the treasury stock method:
| | Three Months Ended May 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding | | | 11,385 | | | | 11,215 | |
Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | | | | |
Unvested restricted stock | | | 243 | | | | 263 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average dilutive common shares outstanding | | | 11,628 | | | | 11,478 | |
9 - | Commitments and Contingencies |
The Company has an arrangement with a heating, air conditioning and refrigeration (“HVAC”) equipment manufacturer and a bonded warehouse agent whereby HVAC equipment is held for sale in bonded warehouses located at the premises of certain of the Company's operations, with payment due only when products are sold. The supplier retains legal title and substantial management control with respect to the consigned inventory. The Company is responsible for damage to and loss of inventory that may occur at its premises. The Company has the ability to return consigned inventory, at its sole discretion, to the supplier for a specified period of time after receipt of the inventory. Such inventory is accounted for as consigned merchandise and is not recorded on the Company's balance sheet. As of May 31, 2007 and February 28, 2007, the cost of such inventory held in the bonded warehouses was approximately $3,994,000 and $6,278,000 respectively.
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company vigorously defends all matters in which it is named as a defendant and, for insurable losses, maintains significant levels of insurance to protect against adverse judgments, claims or assessments. In management’s opinion, although the adequacy of existing insurance coverage or the outcome of any legal proceedings may not be predicted with certainty, the ultimate liability associated with any claims or litigation in which the Company is involved will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations.
The Company leases its corporate offices, office and warehouse space occupied by its HVAC operations, office equipment and various vehicles under non-cancelable operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2017.
The Company is self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation, vehicle, and employee medical coverage. The level of exposure from catastrophic events is limited by stop-loss and aggregate liability reinsurance coverage. When estimating the self-insurance liabilities and
related reserves, the Company consider a number of factors, which include historical claims experience, demographic factors and severity factors.
If actual claims or adverse development of loss reserves occurs and exceed these estimates, additional reserves may be required that could materially impact the consolidated results of operations. The estimation process contains uncertainty since management must use judgment to estimate the ultimate cost that will be incurred to settle reported claims and unreported claims for incidents incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. At May 31, 2007 and February 28, 2007, approximately $1,246,000 and $1,163,000 of reserves was established related to all insurance programs, respectively. The Company’s participation in a captive self-insurance program began in fiscal year 2006 for all coverage except employee medical coverage. Reserves associated with the newer coverage will build until the Company has established three years of claims experience. Once this experience has been established, then reserve balances will only be materially affected by significant claims.
10. - Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS No. 159 allows entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as of specified dates. Such election, which may be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and early application is allowed under certain circumstances. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for us beginning January 1, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
11. - Subsequent Event
On July 3, 2007, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 3, 2007, with Watsco, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Coconut Grove Holdings, Inc., a Texas corporation. The merger agreement provides for transactions that, if consummated, will cause a change of control of the Company and ultimately lead to our becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Watsco.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Watsco's acquisition subsidiary will commence a tender offer for all of our outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, other than shares held by Company officers that are being acquired by Watsco following the tender offer under the officers' support agreements, at a price of $6.75 per share in cash. Watsco's obligation to purchase our shares in the tender offer is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to the number of tendered Company shares and the shares purchased under the officers' support agreements being at least 66 2/3% of the Company’s outstanding shares, subject to a reduction of the minimum amount in certain circumstances. Under the merger agreement, following the completion of the tender offer and the satisfaction or waiver of certain other conditions, Watsco's acquisition subsidiary will be merged into the Company, with ACR Group, Inc. being the surviving corporation. In the merger, each outstanding share of our common stock (other than shares we hold in treasury, certain restricted shares held by employees of the Company that will be converted into a proportional number of shares of Watsco restricted stock, or shares that Watsco or its affiliates hold following completion of the tender offer) will be converted into the right to receive the same cash amount per share as the tender offer price. Under the merger agreement, the obligation of Watsco or its acquisition subsidiary to consummate the offer and both our and Watsco's obligations to effect the merger are conditioned on regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The merger agreement contains certain termination rights and provides that, upon the termination of the merger agreement under specified circumstances, the Company would be required to pay Watsco a termination fee of $5,000,000.
Item 2. - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
ACR Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an independent distributor of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration (“HVAC”) equipment and related parts and supplies. The Company is among the ten largest such distributors in the United States. As of May 31, 2007, the Company had 54 branch operations, organized geographically into five business units. In the past twelve months, we have opened three branches, all of which are in Arizona. Generally accepted accounting principles allow the aggregation of an enterprise’s segments if they are similar. Although the Company operates in different geographic areas, we have reviewed the aggregation criteria and determined that the Company operates as a single segment based on the high degree of similarity of the Company’s operations.
Substantially all of our sales are to contractor dealers who service and install HVAC systems and to institutional end-users.Much of the HVAC industry is seasonal; sales of HVAC equipment and service are generally highest during the times of the year when climatic conditions require the greatest use of such systems. Because of our geographic concentration in the Sunbelt, our sales of air conditioning products are substantially greater than of heating products. Likewise, our sales volume is highest in the summer months when air conditioning use is greatest. Accordingly, our revenues are highest in our second fiscal quarter ending August 31, and our revenues are lowest in our fourth quarter ending the last day of February. Sales of HVAC products for new construction are less seasonal and are more dependent on economic factors affecting housing starts.
MATERIAL SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On July 3, 2007, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 3, 2007, with Watsco, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Coconut Grove Holdings, Inc., a Texas corporation. The merger agreement provides for transactions that, if consummated, will cause a change of control of the Company and ultimately lead to our becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Watsco.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Watsco's acquisition subsidiary will commence a tender offer for all of our outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, other than shares held by Company officers that are being acquired by Watsco following the tender offer under the officers' support agreements, at a price of $6.75 per share in cash. Watsco's obligation to purchase our shares in the tender offer is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to the number of tendered Company shares and the shares purchased under the officers' support agreements being at least 66 2/3% of the Company’s outstanding shares, subject to a reduction of the minimum amount in certain circumstances. Under the merger agreement, following the completion of the tender offer and the satisfaction or waiver of certain other conditions, Watsco's acquisition subsidiary will be merged into the Company, with ACR Group, Inc. being the surviving corporation. In the merger, each outstanding share of our common stock (other than shares we hold in treasury, certain restricted shares held by employees of the Company that will be converted into a proportional number of shares of Watsco restricted stock, or shares that Watsco or its affiliates hold following completion of the tender offer) will be converted into the right to receive the same cash amount per share as the tender offer price. Under the merger agreement, the obligation of Watsco or its acquisition subsidiary to consummate the offer and both our and Watsco's obligations to effect the merger are conditioned on regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The merger agreement contains certain termination rights and provides that, upon the termination of the merger agreement under specified circumstances, the Company would be required to pay Watsco a termination fee of $5,000,000.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes information derived from the condensed consolidated income statements expressed as a percentage of sales for the three months ended May 31, 2007 and 2006:
| Three Months Ended |
| May 31, |
| 2007 | | 2006 |
Sales | 100.0% | | 100.0% |
Cost of sales | 75.7% | | 75.4% |
Gross profit | 24.3% | | 24.6% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 21.7% | | 19.8% |
Operating income | 2.6% | | 4.8% |
Interest expense | 0.9% | | 0.9% |
Interest derivative loss (gain) | 0.0% | | (0.3)% |
Other non-operating income | (0.3)% | | (0.2)% |
Income before income taxes | 2.0% | | 4.4% |
Income taxes | 0.6% | | 1.7% |
Net income | 1.4% | | 2.7% |
QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 2007 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 2006
The Company earned net income of $828,000 ($0.07 per share) for the quarter ended May 31, 2007 (fiscal 2008) compared to $1,684,000 ($0.15 per share) for the quarter ended May 31, 2006 (fiscal 2007), a decline of 51%. A general decline in business activity in fiscal 2008, compared to fiscal 2007, which has impacted all of the HVAC distribution industry, adversely affected our results of operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Such decline in activity is a product of both a steep decline in residential housing starts that has occurred in most our trade areas and cooler than normal weather conditions that diminished demand for air conditioning products. Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 was also enhanced by gain of $218,000 from an increase in the fair market value of an interest rate swap agreement. In addition, pre-tax loss associated with the new Arizona branches was approximately $200,000 in the quarter ended May 31, 2007.
Consolidated sales decreased 4% to $59.5 million during the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to $61.9 million in the quarter ended May 31, 2006. Same-store sales, which exclude the three branches in Arizona opened after the first quarter of fiscal 2007, decreased 7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 from the first quarter of fiscal 2007. The sales decline was greatest in trade areas such as Florida and Nevada that had experienced a high rate of growth in recent years from an economic boom in residential construction.
The Company's consolidated gross margin percentage on sales was 24.3% for the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to 24.6% for the quarter ended May 31, 2006. In general, competition for a reduced volume of business led to a compression of selling margins. In addition, most of the decline in our sales volume to the new construction segment of the HVAC industry related to the sales of installation supplies, from which we usually generate higher selling margins that from the sale of HVAC equipment.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased by 5% in the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to the same period of 2006. Same-store SG&A expenses increased 3% compared to the preceding year. Expressed as a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 21.7% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, compared to 19.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Interest expense decreased 7% in the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to the quarter ended May 31, 2006 because of lower levels of funded debt in the current fiscal year. Average funded indebtedness decreased 9% in the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to the preceding year, as the Company has used cash flow generated from operations during the past twelve months to reduce indebtedness.
In the quarter ended May 31, 2006, the Company recorded a gain of $218,000 from an increase in the market value of an interest rate swap agreement. The swap agreement did not qualify for hedge accounting and, accordingly, changes in the fair value of the instrument were recorded in income. In October 2006, the Company terminated the swap agreement and entered into two other swap agreements that qualify for hedge accounting at inception of the contracts. Accordingly, changes in market value of the new contracts are accounted for as items of other comprehensive income or loss and are reflected only in the Company’s balance sheet.
The Company estimated a combined federal and state income tax rate of 30.9% for the quarter ended May 31, 2007, compared to 38.5% in the same quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended May 31, 2007 includes the reduction of state income tax accruals in Texas as a result of new corporate income tax laws.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In the quarter ended May 31, 2007, the Company used $3.4 million of cash flow in operations, compared to using $10.9 million in the same period of 2006. In fiscal 2008, in light of our expectation of continued slack demand compared to fiscal 2007, we reduced the customary buildup of inventory that usually precedes our summer selling season. In addition, lower sales volume has resulted in lower working capital requirements for customer accounts receivable. Gross accounts receivable represented 42 days of gross sales as of both May 31, 2007, compared to 41 days at May 31, 2006. Inventory at May 31, 2007 was $1.9 million less than at May 31, 2006. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, in settlement of litigation with a supplier, the Company also paid $2.7 million for inventory that was included in accounts payable as of February 28, 2006.
The Company has a credit arrangement with a commercial bank (“Agreement”) that provides for both a revolving credit facility of $45 million and a $5 million credit line that may be used for capital expenditures or to purchase real estate. The Agreement matures in August 2008. The amount that may be borrowed under the revolving credit facility is limited to a borrowing base consisting of 85% of eligible accounts receivable, and from 50% to 65% of eligible inventory, depending on the time of year. At March 31, 2007, our available credit under the revolver was $11.4 million, and we were in compliance with all financial and non-financial loan covenants.
As of May 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $27,996,000 on the revolving credit line and $605,000 under the capital expenditure facility. In addition, the Company had an outstanding letter of credit for $926,000 against the line of credit. Borrowings under both facilities bear interest based on the prime rate or LIBOR, plus a spread that is dependent on the Company’s financial performance. As of May 31, 2007, the applicable interest rate on both facilities was the prime rate or LIBOR plus 1.125% and the Company had elected the LIBOR option (5.375% at May 31, 2007) for most amounts outstanding under the facilities. The average interest rate on the Company’s borrowings from the bank at May 31, 2007 was 6.42%.
We expect that cash flows from operations and the borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s normal operating requirements, debt service and expected capital expenditures. Subject to limitations set forth in the Agreement, funds available under the revolving credit facility may be utilized to finance acquisitions.
As described above, most of the Company’s indebtedness bears interest at variable rates. In addition, borrowings under the revolving credit line fluctuate. In October 2006, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements totaling $20 million whereby the Company has agreed to exchange, at monthly intervals, the difference between the fixed rates of 5.04% and 5.07% and LIBOR, amounts as calculated by reference to a notional principal amount of $10 million on each swap agreement. The interest rate swaps mature in November 2009 and 2011, respectively.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results, once known, may vary from these estimates. Management based its estimates on historical experience, current trends and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Management believes that the following accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment in making its estimates and, therefore, are critical accounting policies.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability to collect accounts receivable from customers. The Company establishes the allowance based on historical experience, credit risk of specific customers and transactions, and other factors. Management believes that the lack of customer concentration is a significant factor that mitigates the Company’s accounts receivable credit risk. Two customers represented 6% and 2% of consolidated fiscal 2007 sales, respectively, and no other customer comprised as much as 1% of sales. The number of customers and their distribution across the geographic areas served by the Company help to reduce the Company’s credit exposure to a single customer or to economic events that affect a particular geographic region. At May 31, 2007, and February 28, 2007, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $1,250,000 and $1,090,000, respectively. This increase is explained by the Company’s more conservative credit posture in light of a slowdown in the housing market in general and increased reserves for identified credit exposure. Although the Company believes that its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, any future condition that would impair the ability of a broad section of the Company’s customer base to make payments on a timely basis may require the Company to record additional allowances.
Inventories
Inventories consist of HVAC equipment, parts and supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market value using the moving average cost method. At May 31, 2007, all inventories represented finished goods held for sale. When necessary, the carrying value of obsolete or excess inventory is reduced to estimated net realizable value. The process for evaluating the value of obsolete or excess inventory requires estimates by management concerning future sales levels and the quantities and prices at which such inventory can be sold in the ordinary course of business.
The Company holds a substantial amount of HVAC equipment inventory at several branches on consignment from a supplier. The terms of this arrangement provide that the inventory is held for sale in bonded warehouses at the branch premises, with payment due only when products are sold. The supplier retains legal title and substantial management control with respect to the consigned inventory. The Company is responsible for damage to and loss of inventory that may occur at its premises. The Company has the ability to return consigned inventory, at its sole discretion, to the supplier for a specified period of time after receipt of the inventory.
This consignment arrangement allows the Company to have inventory available for sale to customers without incurring a payment obligation for the inventory prior to a sale. Because of the control retained by the supplier and the uncertain time when a payment obligation will be incurred, the Company does not record the consigned inventory as an asset upon receipt with a corresponding liability. Rather, the Company records a liability to the supplier only upon sale of the inventory to a customer. The amount of the consigned inventory is disclosed in the Notes to the Company’s financial statements as a contingent obligation.
Vendor Rebates
The Company receives rebates from certain vendors based on the volume of product purchased from the vendor. The Company records rebates when they are earned, (i.e., as specified purchase volume levels are reached or are reasonably assured of attainment). Vendor rebates attributable to unsold inventory are carried as a reduction of the carrying value of inventory until such inventory is sold, at which time the related rebates are used to reduce cost of sales.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price paid over the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The assessment of recoverability of goodwill requires management to project future operating results and other variables to estimate the fair value of business units. Future operating results can be affected by changes in market or industry conditions.
Self-Insurance Reserves
We are self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers’ compensation, vehicle, and employee medical coverage. The level of exposure from catastrophic events is limited by stop-loss and aggregate liability reinsurance coverage. When estimating the self-insurance liabilities and related reserves, the Company considers a number of factors, which include historical claims experience, demographic factors and severity factors. If actual claims or adverse development of loss reserves occurs and exceed these estimates, additional reserves may be required that could materially impact the consolidated results of operations.
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest rate risk. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as either assets or liabilities. To date, our designated hedge transactions have been cash-flow hedges. For cash-flow hedge transactions, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives are reported as other comprehensive income or loss and are recognized in current earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction effects current earnings. Amounts excluded from hedge effectiveness calculation and any ineffective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative of a cash-flow hedge are recognized in current earnings. For a derivative to qualify as a hedge at inception and throughout the hedged period, we formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items. We also document our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking interest rate hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedge instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. The board of directors approves derivative instruments and the company does not use such instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Accounting Change
Effective March 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. This Interpretation seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and to income tax of multiple state jurisdictions and is subject to tax audits in the various jurisdictions until the respective statutes of limitations expire. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for tax years prior to 2003. For the majority of states, we are no longer subject to tax examinations for tax years before 2002. In connection with our adoption of FIN No. 48, we analyzed the filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where we are required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The Company recorded an accrual for uncertain state income tax positions in the amount of $140,000 based upon the adoption of FIN No. 48 on March 1, 2007.
Information about Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report contains or incorporates by reference statements that are not historical in nature and that are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding, among other items, (i) business and acquisition strategies, (ii) potential acquisitions, (iii) financing plans and (iv) industry, demographic and other trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. These forward-looking statements are based largely on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond their control.
Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including:
| • | general economic conditions affecting general business spending, |
| • | prevailing interest rates, |
| • | seasonal nature of product sales, |
| • | changing rates of new housing starts, |
| • | effects of supplier concentration, |
| • | competitive factors within the HVAC industry, |
| • | insurance coverage risks, |
| • | change in control of the company, |
| • | viability of the Company’s business strategy. |
In light of these uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained herein will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that the information will have the expected consequences to or effects on the Company or its business or operations. For additional information identifying some other important factors which may affect the Company’s operations and could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to, the discussion included in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s February 28, 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the headings “General Risk Factors” and “Business Risk Factors”. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information or the discussion of such risks and uncertainties to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information.
Item 3. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on its bank credit facility, which includes revolving credit and term notes. These instruments carry interest at a pre-agreed upon percentage point spread from either the prime interest rate or LIBOR. The Company may, at its option, fix the interest rate for borrowings under the facility based on a spread over LIBOR for 30 days to 90 days. At May 31, 2007 the Company had $28.0 million outstanding under its bank credit facility, of which $8.0 million is subject to variable interest rates. Based on this balance, an immediate change of one percent in the interest rate would cause a change in interest expense of approximately $54,000 or $.00 per basic share, net of income tax, on an annual basis. The Company has two interest rate derivative instruments for a notional amount of $10 million each that expire in October 2009 and October 2011. The instruments fix LIBOR at 5.04% and 5.07%, respectively, on the notional amounts.
Item 4. - Controls and Procedures
The Company performed an evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as of November 30, 2006. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in producing the timely recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of information and in accumulating and communicating of information to management as appropriate to allow for timely decisions with regard to required disclosure.
No changes were made to the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. - Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company vigorously defends all matters in which it is named as a defendant and, for insurable losses, maintains significant levels of insurance to protect against adverse judgments, claims or assessments. In management’s opinion, although the adequacy of existing insurance coverage or the outcome of any legal proceedings may not be predicted with certainty, the ultimate liability associated with any claims or litigation in which the Company is involved will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2007.
Item 4. – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
(a) Exhibits
| | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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.
| | ACR GROUP, INC. | |
| | | |
July 16, 2007 | | /s/ Anthony R. Maresca | |
Date | | Anthony R. Maresca | |
| | Senior Vice-President and | |
| | Chief Financial Officer | |