SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 1999 Commission File No. 0-5131 ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. DELAWARE 42-0920725 ____________________________ __________________________ State of Incorporation I.R.S. Employee Identification No. Armstrong, Iowa 50514 Address of principal executive offices Zip Code Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (712) 864-3131 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act Common stock $.01 par value Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing for the past 90 days. Yes X No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or informational statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this form 10-K. [ ] Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on February 9, 2000: $3,646,185 Number of common shares outstanding on February 9, 2000: 1,256,351. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days of November 30, 1999 are incorporated by reference into Part III. Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K Part I Page Item 1 - Description of Business 3 thru 5 Item 2 - Properties 5 Item 3 - Legal Proceedings 5 Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 5 Part II Item 5 - Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters 6 Item 6 - Selected Financial Statement Data 7 Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 7 thru 11 Item 7A -Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 12 Item 8 - Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental Data 12 Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 12 Part III Item 10- Directors and Executive Officers of the Registant 12 Item 11- Executive Compensation 12 Item 12- Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 12 Item 13- Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 12 Part IV Item 14- Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 13 PART I Item 1. Description of Business 	(a) General Development of Business 	Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. (the "Company" or "Art's-Way") began operations as a farm equipment manufacturer in 1956. Its manufacturing plant is located in Armstrong, Iowa. 	During the past five years, the business of the Company has remained substantially the same. 	(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments 	In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, Art's-Way has only one industry segment, metal fabrication. 	(c) Narrative Description of Business 	The Company manufactures specialized farm machinery under its own and private labels. 	Equipment manufactured by the Company under its own label includes: portable and stationary animal feed processing equipment and related attachments used to mill and mix feed grains into custom animal 	feed rations; a high bulk mixing wagon to mix animal feeds containing silage, hay and grain; a line of mowers, stalk shredders; minimum till seed bed preparation equipment; sugar beet and potato harvesting equipment; a line of land maintenance equipment, a line of grain wagons, edible bean equipment, grain drill equipment 	and hi-dump wagons. Private label manufacturing of farm equipment accounted for 30%, 43%, 8%, and 20% of total sales for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 	1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year ended May 31, 1997, respectively. The Company expects private label manufacturing for the next twelve months to be approximately 22% of sales. 	Art's-Way labeled products are sold through farm equipment dealers throughout the United States. There is no contractual relationship with these dealers to distribute our products and dealers may sell a competitor's product line but are discouraged from doing so. 	Raw materials are acquired from domestic sources and normally are readily available. 	The Company maintains patents and manufacturing rights on several of its products covering unique aspects of design and has trademarks covering product identification. Royalties are paid by the Company for use of certain manufacturing rights. The validity of its patents has not been judicially determined and no assurance can be given as to the extent of the protection that the patents afford. In the opinion of the Company, its patents, trademarks and licenses are of value in securing and retaining business. The Company currently has three patents that expire in various years beginning in 2000 through 2012. Patents expiring in 2000 will have no effect on the Company's business. 	The Company's agricultural products are seasonal; however, with recent additional product purchases and the development of mowers, shredders, beet and potato harvesting machinery, coupled with private labeled products, the impact of seasonality has been decreased because the peak periods occur at different times. In common with other manufacturers in the farm equipment industry, the Company's business is affected by factors peculiar to the farm equipment field, including items such as fluctuations in farm 	income resulting from commodity prices, crop damage caused by 	weather and insects, government farm programs, and other 	unpredictable variables such as interest rates. 	The farm equipment industry has a history of carrying significant inventory at dealers locations. The Company's beet, shredder and potato product lines are sold with extended payment terms, however, 	the remainder of the product lines are normally sold with 30 day 	terms. 	The Company has an OEM supplier agreement with Case Corporation. 	Under the OEM agreement the Company has agreed to supply Case's 	requirements for certain feed processing, tillage equipment and 	service parts under Case's label. The agreement has no minimum 	requirements and can be cancelled upon certain conditions. 	For the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, the six-month 	period ended November 30, 1997 and the year ended May 31, 1997, 	sales to Case aggregated approximately 30%, 40%, 5% and 10% 	of total sales, respectively. 	The backlog of orders on February 9, 2000 was approximately $5,000,000 compared to approximately $1,700,000 a year ago. The increase is a combination of Art's-Way branded products and 	OEM products. The order backlog is expected to be shipped 	during the current fiscal year. 	The Company currently does no business with any local, state or federal government agencies. 	The feed processing products, including private labeled units, compete with similar products of many other manufacturers. There are estimated to be more than 20 competitors producing similar products although total market statistics are not available. The Company's products are competitively priced with greater diversity than most competitor product lines. Beet harvesting equipment is manufactured by four companies that have a significant impact on the market. The Company's share of this market is estimated to be about 55%. Other products such as mowers, shredders, grain drills and grain wagons are manufactured by approximately 25 other companies; however, the Company believes its products are competitively priced 	and their quality and performance are above average in a market 	where price, product performance and quality are principal elements. 	The Company is engaged in experimental work on a continual basis to improve the present products and create new products. Research costs for the current fiscal year were primarily expnded on the development of a new potato harvester and the continuing development of beet harvesting equipment. All research costs are expensed as incurred. Such costs approximated $310,000 and $385,000 for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, $193,000 for the six months ended November 30, 1997 and $301,000 for the year ended May 31, 1997 (See also Note 1 to the Financial Statements). 	The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection and the discharge of materials into the environment. The Company does not anticipate that they will have future expenses or capital expenditures relating 	to compliance with such regulations. 	During the year ended November 30, 1999, the Company had peak employment of 204 full-time employees,of which 155 were factory and production employees, 17 were engineers and engineering draftsman, 21 were administrative employees and 11 were in sales and sales management. Employee levels tend to fluctuate based upon the seasonality of the product line. 	The Company's employees are not unionized. There has been no work stoppage in the Company's history and no stoppage is, or has been, threatened. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is good. 	(d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operation and Export Sales 	The Company has no foreign operations; its export sales, primarily to Canada, accounted for less than 1% of sales and less than 1% of operating income (loss) in the years ended November 30, 1999 	and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year 	ended May 31, 1997. Item 2. Properties 	The existing executive offices, production and warehousing facilities of Art's-Way are built of hollow clay block/concrete and contain approximately 240,000 square feet of usable space. Most of these facilities have been constructed since 1965 and are in good condition. The Company owns approximately 140 	acres of land west of Armstrong, Iowa, which includes the factory and inventory storage space. The Company currently leases excess land to third parties for farming. Item 3. Legal Proceedings 	Various legal actions and claims are pending against the Company consisting of ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. In the opinion of management and outside counsel, adequate provisions have been made in the accompanying financial statements for all pending legal actions and other claims. (See also Note 10 to Financial Statements.) Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 	Not Applicable. PART II Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters 	(a) Price Range of Common Stock Per Share Common Stock Bid Prices by Quarter Year Ended 	 	Year Ended November 30,1999 November 30, 1998 High Low 		High Low First Quarter 5 7/8 5 	10 1/2 9 Second Quarter 5 1/4 4 9 1/2 8 1/2 Third Quarter 5 3/8 3 3/4 	 8 3/4 7 5/8 Fourth Quarter 4 1/4 3 8 5 3/4 The Common Stock trades on The NASDAQ Small Cap Stock Market under the symbol ARTW. The range of closing bid prices shown above is as reported by Small Cap NASDAQ.The quotations shown reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. (b) Approximate Number of Equity Security Holders Approximate number of Title of Class Round Lot Shareholders as of February 10,2000 Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 421 (c) Dividend Policy Holders of Common Stock of the Company are entitled to a pro rata share of any dividends as may be declared from time to time from funds available and to share pro rata in any such distributions available for holders of Common Stock upon liquidation of the Company. The Company has not paid a dividend during the past five years. Item 6. Selected Financial Statement Data The following tables set forth certain information concerning the Income Statements and Balance Sheets of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report. (a) Selected Income Statement Data (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts) Year Year Six Months Year Year Year Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended Nov. 30 Nov. 30, Nov. 30, May 31, May 31, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 Net Sales $17,227 $23,633 $11,137 $16,440 $13,830 $20,298 Net Income (Loss) $ (630) $ (324) $ 491 $ 80 $ (772) $(1,058) Income (Loss) Per Share: Basic $ (.50) $ (.26) $ .39 $ .07 $ (.72) $ (.99) Diluted $ (.50) $ (.26) $ .39 $ .07 $ (.72) $ (.99) Common Shares and Equivalents Outstanding: Basic 1,248,456 1,245,931 1,244,620 1,197,452 1,077,359 1,070,391 Diluted 1,248,456 1,245,931 1,261,911 1,199,871 1,077,359 1,070,391 (a) Selected Balance Sheet Data (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts) Nov.30, Nov.30 Nov.30 May 31 May 31 May 31 1999 1998 1997 1997 1996 1995 Total Assets $15,078 $16,854 $15,322 $15,214 $11,886 $14,903 Long-Term Debt $ 420 $ 2,160 $ 1,452 $ 2,170 $ 1,846 $ 1,573 Dividends Per Share $ .00 $ .00 $ .00 $ .00 $ .00 $ .00 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may be deemed to include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risk and uncertainty. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. The important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements below ("Cautionary Statements") include the Company's degree of financial leverage, the factors described in Item 1(c) of this report, risks associated with acquisitions and in the integration thereof, risks associated with supplier/OEM agreements, dependence upon the farm economy and the impact of competitive services and pricing, as well as other risks referenced from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company is based on the Financial Statements and the notes thereto included herein. (a) and (b) Liquidity and Capital Resources Twelve months ended November 30, 1999 The Company's main source of funds was a reduction in accounts receivable and inventories. The accounts receivable decrease results primarily from the lower sales volume. The decrease in inventories results from the lower sales volume offset partially by the acquisition of new product lines in fiscal year 1999. The positive cash flow from operations allowed for the reduction in bank borrowings. Capital expenditures were entirely for production equipment. Twelve months ended November 30, 1998 The Company's main source of funds was additional bank borrowings. The main uses of funds by operating activities were increases in accounts receivable and inventory. The accounts receivable increase results from a slower payment pattern for our own branded equipment which increased the days outstanding from 54 days to 58 days. Inventory increased due primarily to Case tillage equipment production scheduled for December 1998. Expenditures for capital equipment were $518,000 including $300,000 to upgrade computer hardware and software. The balance of the expenditures was spent on production equipment. Six-months ended November 30, 1997 For the six-months ended November 30, 1997, the Company's main source of funds resulted from net income plus depreciation. This source was offset by an increase in inventories and a decrease in customer deposits. The inventory increase resulted from a higher production load at November 30, 1997 due primarily from Case tillage equipment. Customer deposits were from down payments on beet equipment. This equipment was shipped during the six-month period, consequently the decrease in customer deposits. Twelve months ended May 31, 1997 Cash used by operations of $264,000 resulted from an increase in inventories and receivables, offset in part by increased payables. In fiscal year 1997, major capital expenditures included two acquisitions. The first acquisition was a line of potato farming equipment and associated service parts. The second acquisition was a line of grain wagons and associated service parts. The acquisitions, which included fixed assets and inventory, were financed by the issuance of 145,000 shares of Art's-Way common stock, loans from the State of Iowa and local sources obtained through the State of Iowa Community Development Block Grant program and borrowings under the Company's short term line of credit. Capital Resources In April 1998, the Company amended its revolving line of credit agreement which also includes provisions related to the installment promissory note. The agreement allows for borrowings up to $6,000,000 based upon a percentage of the Company's accounts receivable and inventory and allows for letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $300,000. At November 30, 1999 the Company has borrowed $3,648,888 and has $100,000 in outstanding letters of credit. The interest rate is based on the bank's referenced rate and is variable based upon certain performance objectives with a maximum of plus 2.50% of the referenced rate and a minimum of plus zero (11.00% at November 30, 1999). The amendment also provides for a restructured long-term loan with an original principal amount of $1,991,000. The principal amount is repayable in monthly installments of $23,700 with the final payment due August 2000. At November 30, 1999 the Company is in default of a covenant, the fixed maturity coverage ratio, of their credit facility and installment promissory note. The lender has notified the Company via letter dated October 20, 1999, that the current loan agreeement provides that the lender may, as a result of any event of default, accelerate the payment of all obligations. The lender has not called for this acceleration, but has the right to do so at any time. The lender has assessed an additional 2.5% interest factor to its credit facility. During 1999, the Company was notified by its lender that the Company does not fit the lender's customer profile and was requested to relocate its financing needs. The company has continued to represent to the lender that they are in the process of obtaining alternate financing. As a result, the lender has not accelerated the payment of all obligations at this time, even though the lender has the right to do so. As a result, all long-term borrowing associated with this lender has been classified as current. The Company is currently negotiating with another financial institution in order to establish a new credit facility. The Company anticipates that this new credit facility will be finalized during the second quarter of fiscal year 2000. All loans, advances and other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of the Company are secured by all present and future assets. The Company's current ratio and its working capital are as shown in the following table: November 30, November 30, November 30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 Current Assets $11,910,297 $14,131,370 $12,486,599 $12,210,992 Current Liabilities$ 8,438,446 $ 7,884,736 $ 6,621,214 $ 6,821,525 Working Capital $ 3,471,851 $ 6,246,634 $ 5,865,385 $ 5,389,467 Current Ratio 1.4 1.8 1.9 1.8 The Company believes the funding expected to be generated from operations and provided by the new credit facility when established, and its existing borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital investment needs. (c) Results of Operations Twelve months ended November 30, 1999 compared to the twelve months ended November 30, 1998 Revenue decreased 27% to $17,200,000 from $23,600,000 while the Company recorded a net loss of $630,000 ($.50 per share) compared to a net loss of $324,000 ($.26 per share) in the prior year. Revenues from Art's-Way branded products were down 12% while OEM sales decreased 93%. The Art's-Way reduction in revenue resulted from lower demand for Art's-Way branded products. The OEM reduction in revenue was primarily the result of the Company's large OEM customer instituting inventory reduction programs due to the distressed agriculture economy. Gross profit percent improved from 21% in 1998 to 24% in 1999 mainly due to the higher proportion of Art's-Way branded products, which generally carry a higher standard margin, combined with improved manufacturing efficiencies. Operating expenses were down $590,000 from the previous year. Lower engineering expenses reflect less new product development costs, lower selling expenses reflect lower level of sales, while lower general and administrative expenses in 1999 reflect a significant increase in bad debt reserve in 1998 to cover the adverse potato market conditions. Overall, operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 20% in 1998 to 24% in 1999. A lower level of borrowings resulted in lower interest costs. Other expenses decreased $74,000. Higher costs on the Company's program to offer floor plan financing to our larger dealers through a third party was offset by a debt forgiveness on some of the Company's EDSA loans. The EDSA loan agreement provided that if the Company met certain contract obligations in regard to job creation/ retention, demonstrating 51% benefit to low and moderate-income individuals and investment, $100,000 of the debt would be forgiven. Upon compliance with this provision during 1999, the Company's long-term borrowings of $100,000 were forgiven and included in other income. Twelve months ended November 30, 1998 compared to the twelve months ended November 30, 1997 The following proforma unaudited information is presented for the twelve months ending November 30, 1997 in order to facilitate the analysis for the twelve months ending November 30, 1998: Unaudited November 30, 1997 Net sales $20,302,000 Gross profit $ 5,972,000 Operating expenses $ 4,302,000 Interest expense $ 417,000 Net income $ 689,000 Revenue increased 16% to $23,600,000 from $20,300,000, while the Company recorded a net loss of $324,000 ($.26 per share) compared to a net income of $689,000 ($.56 per share) in the prior year. The increase in sales revenue was due to our new contract to provide tillage equipment and related service parts to Case Corporation. Total sales arising from the contract were $7,200,000. The Company also benefited from a new agreement with New Holland to supply a forage blower similar to that provided to other OEM customers. This major increase in OEM business more than offset a 25% decline in demand for the Company's branded products. A collapse in potato prices, low hog prices and a poor farm economy in the Red River Valley region, all contributed to the decline in demand for the Company's branded products. Gross profit decreased from 29.4% for the twelve months ended November 30, 1997 to 21.6% for the twelve months ended November 30, 1998. This dramatic change of 7.5 percentage points results primarily from a change in product mix from 15% OEM, 85% Art's-Way brands in 1997 to 40% OEM, 60% Art's-Way brands in 1998. OEM business inherently is less profitable. This product mix impact reduced our gross margin by 5 percentage points. Problems incurred in the start-up of the new tillage products due to late vendor delivery of components and absorbing new manufacturing processes resulted in scheduling problems for all products. This resulted in significant overtime to catch up, with a consequent deterioration in production efficiency. Warranty costs increased $173,000 due to startup problems with a new model beet harvester. Operating expenses were up 11% from last year. The full year impact of the restoration of the Company contribution to the employee 401(k) plan impacted expenses by $122,000. Group insurance to cover employee medical costs rose $236,000. New product introduction costs were $148,000. $80,000 was spent on outside consultants to determine the cause of our deteriorating manufacturing performance. Bad debt reserves were increased by $162,000 to cover the adverse potato market conditions. Overall, operating expenses as a percentage of sales dropped from 21% in 1997 to 20% in 1998. Higher inventory levels throughout the year caused a 34% increase in interest expense. Other financing expenses include an $80,000 charge in the fourth quarter to be in compliance with FASB 125 on the accounting treatment for sales of accounts receivable. Six-months ended November 30, 1997 Sales increased due mainly to strength in sugar beet harvesting equipment and related service parts. Other strong areas included corn stalk shredders, where the Company enjoyed its best season since 1994, the SupRaMix vertical feed mixer and our traditional grinder mixer products. Two areas of weakness in sales were the termination of our OEM contract to make frames for a local fiberglass body manufacturer and our deliberate scaling back of Logan potato equipment production in view of a dramatic downturn in potato prices and customer demand. Gross profits increased due to improved production efficiencies, a product mix of higher margin products and improved purchasing of raw materials. Warranty expenses were impacted adversely by $160,000 due to unanticipated problems with our new model beet harvester. The Company encountered learning curve expenses associated with the new tillage production for Case. Operating expenses are up as the Company added staff in engineering and sales to support our new product lines and to enhance our position in the beet and feed processing business and due to the reinstatement of the Company's contribution to the employee 401(k) retirement plan. Interest costs were up, as the higher sales volumes required higher working capital requirements. Utilization of Deferred Tax Assets The Company has established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $166,000 at November 30, 1999, due to the uncertainty of realizing various NOL and tax credit carryforwards. There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at November 30, 1998 and 1997 and May 31, 1997. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets for these years, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the expiration dates of tax credits and carry- forwards and projected future taxable income, management believes it is more likely than not the Companmy will realize the benefits of the November 30, 1999 net deferred tax assets. See also Note 9 to the Financial Statements. Year 2000 Issues The Company did not have any internal operating systems failures or any external negative impacts from failure of its vendors or suppliers in dealing with Year 2000 issues. The Company will continue to monitor any Year 2000 issues as part of its Year 2000 project and will concentrate its efforts on minimizing their impact. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Not Applicable Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data Financial Statements and Supplemental Data for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year ended May 31, 1997 are presented in a separate section of this Report following Part IV. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. Not Applicable. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed, pursuant to Regulation 14A, within 120 days after November 30, 1999 is included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, within 120 days after November 30, 1999 included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, within 120 days after November 30, 1999 included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A, within 120 days after November 30, 1999 included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K: (a) Index to Financial Statements and Schedules See index to financial statements and supporting schedules on page F-2. (b) Reports on Form 8-K No current Reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last fiscal quarter of the period covered by this Report. (c) Index to Exhibits Any exhibits filed with Securities and Exchange Commission will be supplied upon written request of William T. Green, Executive Vice President, Finance, Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc., Highway 9 West, Armstrong, Iowa 50514. A charge will be made to cover copying costs. See Exhibit Index below. Exhibits Required to be Filed Number Exhibit Description 2 Agreement and Plan of Merger for Reincorporation of Company in Delaware. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 27, 1989. 3 Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws for Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 27, 1989. 10 Incorporated by reference are the Material Contracts filed as Exhibit 10 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 30, 1981. 10.1 Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. 401 (k) Savings Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 (a) to the Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on October 23, 1992. 10.2 Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (1991). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit "A" to Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on October 15, 1991. 10.3 Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. Director Stock Option Plan (1991). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit "B" to Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on October 15, 1991. 10.4 Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and J. Ward McConnell, Jr., and Logan Harvesters, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 1996. 99.1 Proxy Statement for 1999 Annual Meeting to be filed on or before 120 days after November 30, 1999. INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc.: We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Art's-Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. (the Company) as listed in the accompanying index on page F-2. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at November 30, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year ended May 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 		 	KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Omaha, Nebraska January 14, 2000 ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statements of Operations - Years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, six months ended 	November 30, 1997 and year ended May 31, 1997 ..................................... F-3 Balance Sheets - November 30, 1999 and 1998 .................................. F-4 - F-5 Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years ended November 30, 1999and 1998, six months ended 	November 30, 1997 and year ended May 31, 1997 .............. F-6 Statement of Cash Flows - Years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, six months ended 	November 30, 1997 and year ended May 31, 1997 ............... F-7 Notes to Financial Statements - Years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, six months ended 	November 30, 1997 and year ended May 31, 1997 ............... F-8 - F-17 SCHEDULE SUPPORTING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Schedule VII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............. S-1 All other schedules have been omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is included in the financial statements or related notes. ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 		 SIX MONTHS 		 YEARS ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED 		 November 30, November 30, November 30, May 31, 		 1999	 1998	 1997	 1997 NET SALES	 $17,226,760 $ 23,632,927 $11,137,092 $16,440,194 COST OF GOODS SOLD 13,045,652 18,576,010 7,783,751 12,075,488 GROSS PROFIT 4,181,108 5,056,917 3,353,341 4,364,706 EXPENSES: Engineering	 	 439,666 632,541 269,473 353,814 Selling	 1,234,599 1,463,497 759,787 1,372,910 General and administrative	 2,523,235 2,692,817 1,192,045 2,068,615 Total expenses 4,197,500 4,788,855 2,221,305 3,795,339 INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	 (16,392) 268,062 1,132,036 569,367 OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS): Interest expense 	 (525,237) (558,988) (264,939) (327,089) Other	 (196,544) (270,397) (111,268) (117,033) Net deductions (721,781) (829,385) (376,207) (444,122) INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	 (738,173) (561,323) 755,829 125,245 INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) (108,247) (237,435) 265,140 45,222 NET INCOME (LOSS) $(629,926) $(323,888) $ 490,689 $ 80,023 INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE Basic $ (0.50) $ (0.26) $ 0.39 $ 0.07 Diluted (0.50) (0.26) 0.39 0.07 COMMON SHARES AND EQUIVALENT OUTSTANDING: Basic 1,248,456 1,245,931 1,244,620 1,197,452 Diluted 1,248,456 1,245,931 1,261,911 1,199,871 See accompanying notes to financial statements. ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. BALANCE SHEETS November 30, November 30, 		 1999		 1998 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash 	 $ 273,303 $ 13,743 Accounts receivable-customers, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $223,696 and $205,000 in 1999 and 1998 respectively 2,461,502 3,755,831 Inventories 9,074,812 9,388,261 Income tax receivable -0- 49,000 Other current assets 100,680 275,144 Total current assets 11,910,297 13,481,979 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost 10,627,792 10,418,307 Less accumulated depreciation 8,073,069 7,554,454 Net property, plant and equipment 2,554,723 2,863,853 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		 613,457 508,442 TOTAL	 $ 15,078,477 $ 16,854,274 See accompanying notes to financial statements. 		 November 30, November 30, 	 1999		 1998 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable to bank $ 3,648,888 $ 4,368,303 Current portion of long-term debt 1,640,101 359,862 Accounts payable 2,113,168 1,880,398 Customer deposits 119,861 111,902 Accrued expenses 916,428 1,164,271 Total current liabilities	 8,438,446 7,884,736 LONG-TERM DEBT, excluding current portion 419,632 2,159,732 Total liabilities 8,858,078 10,044,468 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock - $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 1,340,778 shares 13,408 13,408 Additional paid-in capital 1,559,037 1,618,453 Retained earnings 5,457,768 6,087,694 		 7,030,213 7,719,555 Less cost of common shares in treasury of 84,427 in 1999 and 94,847 in 1998 809,814 909,749 Total stockholders' equity	 6,220,399 6,809,806 TOTAL	 $15,078,477 $16,854,274 See accompanying notes to financial statements. ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1999 AND 1998 SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1997 AND YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1997 					 Additional 	 Number of Stated/ Paid-In Retained Treasury 	 Shares Par Value Capital Earnings Stock Total BALANCE, MAY 31,1996 1,086,631 $13,408 $2,295,089 $5,840,870 $(2,437,445)$5,711,922 Net income -	 -	 80,023 - 	 80,023 Common treasury shares issued 151,800 - (657,202) -	 1,455,766 798,564 BALANCE, MAY 31,1997 1,238,431 13,408 1,637,887 5,920,893 (981,679) 6,590,509 Net income	 - -	 490,689 - 490,689 Common treasury shares issued 7,500 - (19,434) - 71,930 52,496 BALANCE, NOVEMBER 30, 1997 1,245,931 $13,408 $1,618,453 $6,411,582 $(909,749)$7,133,694 Net loss - - (323,888) - (323,888) BALANCE NOVEMBER 30, 1998 1,245,931 $13,408 $1,618,453 $6,087,694 $(909,749)$6,809,806 Net loss - - (629,926) - (629,926) Common treasury shares issued 10,420 - (59,416) - 99,935 40,519 BALANCE, NOVEMBER 30, 1999 1,256,351 $13,408 $1,559,037 $5,457,768 $(809,814)$6,220,399 See accompanying notes to financial statements. ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 			 SIX MONTHS 			 YEARS ENDED	 ENDED YEAR ENDED 			 Nov.30, Nov.30, Nov.30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS: Net income (loss) $ (629,926) $(323,888) $ 490,689 $ 80,023 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: (Gain)loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (6,650) 6,798 16,852 13,553 Depreciation and amortization	 579,931 481,176 280,700 586,152 Changes in assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in: Accounts receivable 1,294,329 (749,994) (62,433) (479,163) Inventories	 313,449 (633,792) (316,900) (2,236,826) Income taxes recoverable 49,000 50,000 (99,000) - Other current assets 174,464 (120,969) 6,494 (73,194) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable	 232,770 (189,186) (61,362) 1,624,034 Customer deposits	 7,959 5,109 (703,987) 438,979 Accrued expenses (247,843) 374,887 24,164 (242,106) Deferred taxes (105,015) (159,145) 200,655 24,532 Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 1,662,468 (1,259,004) (224,128) (264,016) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (270,801) (518,445) (151,134)(1,300,788) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 6,650 1,850 21,347 5,400 Net cash used in investing activities	 (264,151) (516,595) (129,787)(1,295,388) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from (payments of) notes payable to bank	 (719,415) 1,196,007 519,863 370,624 Proceeds from long-term debt - 1,008,800 - 750,000 Principal payments on long-term debt (459,861) (424,157) (235,049) (426,000) Proceeds from issuance of common stock from treasury	 40,519 - 52,496 798,564 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	 (1,138,757) 1,780,650 337,310 1,493,188 Net increase (decrease) in cash 259,560 5,051 (16,605) (66,216) Cash at beginning of period 13,743 8,692 25,297 91,513 Cash at end of period	 $ 273,303 $ 13,743 $ 8,692 $ 25,297 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest	 $ 525,237 $ 558,988 $ 264,939 $ 333,108 Income taxes	 3,952 2,094 162,985 22,267 See accompanying notes to financial statements. 				ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 	CHANGE IN YEAR-END 	During 1997, the Company changed its fiscal year-end to November 30 	in order to coincide with the seasonality of the agriculture industry. 	As a result, the accompanying financial statements include the 	six-month transition period ended November 30, 1997, and comparative 	unaudited financial information for the six-months ended 	November 30, 1996 is presented in note 14. 	INVENTORIES 	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. 	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 	Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided using the straight-line method, based on estimated useful lives of the assets which range from three to thirty-three years. 	INCOME TAXES 	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the 	financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 	Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Such costs approximated $310,000 and $385,000 for the years ended 	November 30, 1999 and 1998,respectively, $193,000 for the six months 	ended November 30,1997, and $301,000 for the year ended May 31,1997. 1.,	Continued 	INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE 	Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 128 	Earnings Per Share requires the presentation of "basic" and 	"diluted" income per share on the face of the income statement. 	Basic income per common share is computed on the basis of 	weighted average number of common shares. Diluted income per 	share is computed on the basis of weighted average number 	of common shares plus equivalent shares assuming exercise 	of stock options. The difference in shares utilized in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share represents the number of shares issued under the Company's stock option plans less shares assumed to be purchased with proceeds from the exercise of the stock options. Due to the net loss in 1999 and 1998, the anti-dilutive effect of the Company's stock option plans 	is not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per 	share for those periods. The only reconciling item between 	the shares used in the computation of basic and diluted 	earnings per share for the six months ended November 30, 1997 	and the year ended May 31, 1997, is the effect of stock 	options of 17,291 and 2,419, respectively. TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND EXTINGUISHMENTS OF LIABILITIES SFAS 125,Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets 	and Extinguishments of Liabilities provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and is based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. It distinguishes transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. The Company has entered into an agreement whereby it can sell accounts receivable to a financial institution. The agreement provides for the Company to pay monthly interest on the face amount of each invoice at a rate of 2.75% over the prime rate from the date of the invoice for 180 days, or the date of customer payment, whichever occurs first. The buyer is responsible for servicing the receivables, and has recourse to the Company for receivables outstanding greater than 180 days. Under SFAS No. 125, the sales of the receivables are reflected as a reduction of trade accounts receivable. At November 30, 1999 and 1998, there 	were $1,419,000 and $1,824,000, respectively, of receivables 	outstanding which the Company has sold relating to this agreement. 	STOCK BASED COMPENSATION 	The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with the 	provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock issued 	to Employees, and related interpretations. As such, compensation 	expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the 	current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise 	price. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized compensation 	expense for its options granted in the years ended November 30, 1999 	and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year 	ended May 31, 1997. SFAS Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock- 	Based Compensation, permits entities to recognize as expense 	over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards 	on the date of grant. FASB Statement No. 123 also allows entities 	to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and 	provide pro forma net income and income per share disclosure for 	employee stock option grants made in 1996 and future years as if 	the fair-value-based method defined in FASB Statement No. 123 	had been applied. The Company has elected to continue to apply 	the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma 	disclosure provisions of FASB Statement No. 123. See note 7 for 	additional discussion and pro-forma disclosures. 	USE OF ESTIMATES 	Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 	accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those 	estimates. 	RECLASSIFICATIONS 	Certain amounts in prior year's financial statements and related 	notes have been reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation. 2.	INVENTORIES Major classes of inventory are: November 30, November 30, 1999 1998 Raw materials $ 1,146,456 $1,503,784 Work in process 3,362,003 4,147,554 Finished goods 4,566,353 3,736,923 Total $9,074,812 $9,388,261 3.	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Major classes of property, plant and equipment, at cost, are: November 30, November 30, 1999 1998 Land $ 180,909 $ 180,909 Buildings and improvements 2,615,573 2,615,573 Manufacturing machinery and equipment 7,555,774 7,346,289 Trucks and automobiles 155,654 155,654 Furniture and fixtures 119,882 119,882 Total $ 10,627,792 $ 10,418,307 4.	ACCRUED EXPENSES Major components of accrued expenses are: November 30, November 30, 1999 1998 Salaries, wages and commissions $ 337,611 $ 337,682 Other 578,817 826,589 Total $ 916,428 $1,164,271 5.	LOAN AND CREDIT AGREEMENTS 	Line of Credit 	In April 1998, the Company amended its revolving line of credit agreement which also includes provisions related to the 	installment promissory note presented in long-term debt below. The agreement allows for borrowings up to $6,000,000 based on a percentage of the Company's accounts receivable and inventory and allows for letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $300,000. At November 30, 1999, the Company has borrowed $3,648,888 and has $100,000 in outstanding letters of credit. The interest rate is based on the bank's referenced rate and is variable based upon certain performance objectives with a maximum of plus 2.50% of the referenced rate and a minimum of plus zero (11.00% at November 30, 1999). The amendment also provides for a restructured long-term loan with an original principal amount of $1,991,000. The principal 	amount is repayable in monthly installments of $23,700 with the 	final payment due August 2000. As discussed below, the Company 	is in default with one of its loan covenants at November 30, 	1999 and is in the process of obtaining alternative financing. All loans, advances and other obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of the Company are secured by all present and future assets. Unused borrowings under the revolving line of credit were $182,703 at November 30, 1999. The Company pays an unused line fee equal to three-eighths of one percent of the unused portion of the revolving line of credit. 5.,	Continued 	Long-term Debt 	A summary of the Company's long-term debt is as follows: November 30, November 30, 1999 1998 Installment promissory note payable in monthly installments of $23,700 plus interest at two and one-half percent over the bank's national money market rate, (11.00%), secured (a) $ 1,564,400 $ 1,848,800 State of Iowa Community Development Block Grant promissory notes at zero percent interest, maturity 2006 with quarterly principal payments of $11,111 (b) 300,000 444,444 State of Iowa Community Development Block Grant local participation promissory notes at 4% interest, maturity 2006, with quarterly payments of $7,814. 195,333 226,350 Total long-term debt 2,059,733 2,519,594 Less current portion of long-term debt 1,640,101 359,862 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 419,632 $ 2,159,732 (a) All borrowings under the installment note payable are secured by the cash, accounts receivable, inventories and property, plant and equipment of the Company. The agreement requires the Company to maintain specified ratios, as defined, of debt-to-tangible net worth and net cash income to current maturities. Retained earnings of 	$5,457,768 are restricted and are not available for the payment of 	dividends. 	At November 30, 1999 the Company is in default of a covenant, the 	fixed maturity coverage ratio, of their credit facility and 	installment promissory note. The lender has notified the Company 	via letter dated October 20, 1999 that the current loan agreement 	provides that the lender may, as a result of any event of default, 	accelerate the payment of all obligations. The lender has not 	called for this acceleration, but has the right to do so at any 	time. The lender has assessed an additional 2.5% interest factor 	to its credit facility. 	During 1999, the Company was noified by its lender that the 	Company does not fit the lender's customer proile and was requested 	to relocate its financing needs. The Company has continued to 	represent to the lender that they are in the process of obtaining 	alternate financing. As a result, the lender has not accelerated 	the payment of all obligations at this time, even though the 	lender has the right to do so. The lender has decided to allow 	the company to proceed under the terms of the loan agreement. As 	a result, all long-term borrowing associated with this lender 	have been classified as current. 	The Company is currently negotiating with another financial 	institution in order to establish a new credit facility. The 	Company anticipates that this new credit facility will be 	finalized during the second quarter of fiscal year 2000. (b) The agreement provided that if the Company met certain 	contractual obligations in regard to job creation/retention, 	demonstrating 51% benefit to low and moderate-income 	individuals and investment, $100,000 of the debt would be forgiven . 	Upon compliance with this provision in the third quarter ended 	August 31, 1999 $100,000 of the long-term debt was forgiven. A summary of the minimum maturities of long-term debt follows: Year Amount 2000 $1,640,101 2001 $75,023 2002 $72,475 2003 $72,750 					 2004		 $73,034 Thereafter $126,350 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan which covers substantially all full-time employees who must meet eligibility requirements. Participating employees may contribute as salary reductions a minimum of 4% of their compensation up to the limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company may make matching contributions at a discretionary percent upon the approval from the Board of Directors. Company contributions were approximatly $32,000 and $170,000 for the years ended November 30, 	1999 and 1998,respectively, $54,000 for the six months ended 	November 30, 1997 and $0 for the year ended May 31, 1997. 7.	STOCK OPTION PLANS 	Under the 1991 Employee Option Plan, stock options may be granted to key employees to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at a price not less than its fair market value at the date the options are granted. Options granted may be either nonqualified or incentive stock options. The option price, vesting period and term are set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. Options for an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock may be granted. Each option will be for a period of ten years and may be exercised at a rate of 25% at the date of grant and 25% on the first, second and third anniversary date of the grant on a cumulative basis. At November 30, 1999, the Company had approximately 72,000 shares available for issuance pursuant to subsequent grants. 	Under the 1991 Director Option Plan, options may be granted to nonemployee directors at a price not less than fair market value at the date the options are granted. Nonemployee directors who have served for at least one year are automatically granted options to purchase 5,000 common shares. Options granted are nonqualified stock options. The option price, vesting period and term are set by the 	Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. Options for an aggregate of 45,000 common shares may be granted under the Plan. Each option will be for a period of ten years and may be exercised at a rate of 25% at the date of grant and 25% on the first, second and third anniversary date of the grant on a cumulative basis. At November 30, 1999, the Company had approximately 15,000 shares available for issuance pursuant to subsequent grants. 	A summary of changes in the stock option plans is as follows: Nov. 30, Nov. 30, Nov. 30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 Options outstanding at beginning of period 103,078 92,552 87,552 78,763 Granted - 10,526 5,000 20,000 Canceled or other disposition (51,578) - - (11,211) Options outstanding at end of period 51,500 103,078 92,552 87,552 Options price range for the period $6.000 $4.750 $4.750 $4.750 to to to to $10.375 $10.375 $10.375 $10.375 Options exercisable at end of period 50,250 77,420 60,151 57,701 At November 30, 1999 and 1998,the weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding was 3.2 years and 6.1 years respectively and the weighted average exercise price was $8.47 and $7.14 respectively. The weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at November 30, 1999 was $8.48. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and the year ended May 31, 1997 was $4.64, $4.07, $4.ll and $4.06 respectively, on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: November 30, 1999 - expected dividend yield 0.0%, risk-free interest rate of 6.10%, expected volatility factor of 37.02%, and an expected life of 10 years; November 30, 1998 - expected dividend yield 0.0%, risk-free interest rate of 4.83%, expected volatility factor of 36.55% and an expected life of 10 years; November 30, 1997 - expected dividend yield 0.0%, risk-free interest rate of 5.86%, expected volatility factor of 36.87% and an expected life of 10 years and May 31, 1997 - expected dividend yield 0.0%, risk-free interest rate of 6.75%, expected volatility factor of 36.70% and an expected life of 10 years. 7., Continued Since the Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its plans, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options in the financial statements. Had the Company recorded compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS Statement No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 			 November 30, November 30, November 30, May 31, 				 1999	 1998	 1997 1997 Net income (loss) As reported $(629,926) $(323,888) $490,689 $80,023 		 Pro forma	 $(633,630) $(355,947) $464,005 $52,803 Diluted income(loss) per share 	 As reported	 $(.50) $(.26)	 $.39	 $.07 	Pro forma	 $(.51) $(.29)	 $.37	 $.04 8. LEASES 	The Company has several noncancelable operating leases, primarily for 	warehouse facilities, that expire over the next five years. These 	leases generally contain renewal options for one-year periods. Rental 	expense for operating leases during 1999 and 1998 was $25,959 and 	$24,138, respectively. 	Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases 	as of November 30, 1999 are: 	Year ending November 30, 		2000	 $26,550 2001 5,943 2002 6,207 2003 6,207 2004 2,586 Thereafter - 9. INCOME TAXES Total income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and for the year ended May 31, 1997, consists of the following: November 30, November 30, November 30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 Current: Federal $ (3,232) $ (78,290) $ 64,485 $ 9,453 State - - - 11,237 (3,232) (78,290) 64,485 20,690 Deferred: Federal (105,015) (159,145) 200,655 33,544 State - - - (9,012) (105,015) (159,145) 200,655 24,532 $(108,247) $ (237,435) $265,140 $45,222 The reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate are as follows: Nov. 30, Nov. 30, Nov. 30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 Statutory Federal income tax rate (34.0%) (34.0%) 34.0% 34.0% Increase(decrease)due to: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit - - - 1.1 Research development and state tax credits (1.0) (12.1) (1.3) - 	Establishment of valuation allowance 22.5 - - - Other-net (2.2) 3.8 2.4 1.0 (14.7%) (42.3%) 35.1% 36.1% Tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liability at November 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997,and May 31, 1997 are presented below: Nov. 30, Nov. 30, Nov. 30, May 31, 1999 1998 1997 1997 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforward $217,039 $41,608 $ - $ 56,122 Tax credits 154,417 117,278 16,034 35,552 Accrued expenses 128,495 129,336 50,053 95,419 Inventory capitalization 333,570 274,536 302,945 274,067 Asset reserves 89,384 86,633 95,394 182,893 Total deferred tax assets 922,905 649,391 464,426 644,053 Less valuation allowance 166,356 - - - Net deferred tax assets 756,549 649,391 464,426 644,053 Deferred tax liability Depreciation 143,092 140,949 115,129 94,101 Net deferred tax assets $613,457 $508,442 $349,297 $549,952 For tax purposes, the Company has available at November 30, 1999 net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $217,000 which will begin to expire in the year 2013. The Company also has approximately $114,000 of research and development credits and $40,000 of state tax credits which begin to expire in the year 2007 and 2008, respectively. The Company has established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $166,000 at November 30, 1999, due to the uncertainty of realizing various NOL and tax credit carryforwards. There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets at November 30, 1998 and 1997, and May 31, 1997. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets for these years, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the expiration dates of tax credits and carryforwards and projected future taxable income, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of the November 30, 1999 net deferred tax assets. 10. LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIES Various legal actions and claims are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management and outside counsel, adequate provisions have been made in the accompanying financial statements for all pending legal actions and other claims. 11. ASSET ACQUISITIONS During 1999, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase certain fixed assets and inventory from United Farm Tools, Inc. relating to the manufacture and distribution of shredders, edible bean cutters and hi dump wagons. The total purchase was approximately $384,000. On November 25, 1998 the Company entered into an agreement to purchase certain fixed assets, accounts receivable and inventory from United Farm Tools, Inc. relating to the manufacture and distribution of grain drill equipment. The total purchase was approximately $1,086,000. 12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION AND CREDIT CONCENTRATION The Company is primarily engaged in metal fabrication and the sale of its products in the agricultural sector of the economy. Major products include animal feed processing products, sugar beet and potato products, and land maintenance products. The Company's sales to one major original equipment manufacturer were $5,194,787 AND $9,569,238 for the years ended November 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, $609,554 for the six-month period ended November 30, 1997 and $1,581,553 the year ended May 31, 1997. Accounts receivable from this customer are unsecured. Accounts receivable from this customer were $637,798 and $1,449,944 at November 30,1999 and 1998, respectively, $209,805 at November 30, 1997 and $94,986 at May 31, 1997. 13. DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, defines fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. At November 30, 1999 and 1998, the carrying amount approximates fair value for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable to bank, long-term debt and other current liabilities. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable to bank and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of each of the Company's long-term debt instruments also approximates fair value because the interest rate is variable as it is tied to the bank's national money market rate. 14. TRANSITION PERIOD REPORTING REQUIREMENT As required by the change in year end explained in footnote 1, the Company's unaudited financial information for the six-month period ended November 30, 1996 is as follows. 						 Unaudited 					 November 30, 						 1996 	Net Sales		 $7,275,685 	Gross Profit		 1,741,649 	Income Tax Benefit	 64,107 	Net Loss			 $ 119,056 	Basic and diluted loss per share $ .10 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 25, 2000 ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC. By: James L. Koley By: William T. Green Chairman of the Board Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. ______________________________ February 25,2000 James L. Koley Chairman of the Board Date and Director ______________________________ February 25,2000 George A. Cavanaugh, Jr. Director Date ______________________________ February 25,2000 Donald A. Cimpl Director Date ______________________________ February 25,2000 Herbert H. Davis, Jr. Director Date ______________________________ February 25,2000 Douglas McClellan Director Date _____________________________ February 25,2000 J. Ward McConnell, Jr. Director Date ART'S-WAY MANUFACTURING CO., INC.		 	Schedule VII VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 	 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Balance, May 31, 1997 $ 25,000 Additions: Charged to Operating Expenses 6,000 Deduct: Accounts Charged Off - Balance, November 30, 1997 $ 31,000 Additions: Charged to Operating Expenses 174,000 Deduct: Accounts Charged Off - Balance, November 30, 1998 $ 205,000 Additions: Charged to Operating Expenses 64,000 Deduct: Accounts Charged Off		 45,304 Balance, November 30, 1999 $ 223,696