UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q/A
(Amendment No. 1)
Mark One
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended November 30, 2001
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File No. 1-15851
APW Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda 04-2576375
------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Id. No.)
incorporation or organization)
N22 W23685 Ridgeview Parkway West
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188-1013
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(262) 523-7600
--------------
(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
------- -------
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock (including
related Preferred Stock purchase rights) as of January 2, 2002 was 40,813,086.
APW Ltd.
INDEX
Page No.
--------
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- ------------------------------
Item 1 - Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -
Three Months Ended November 30, 2001 and 2000............ 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
November 30, 2001 and August 31, 2001.................... 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Three Months Ended November 30, 2001 and 2000............ 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........ 6
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................... 10
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk...... 17
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
- ---------------------------
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings............................................... 18
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................ 18
SIGNATURE................................................................ 18
- ---------
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements
- -----------------------------
APW Ltd.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended November 30,
-------------------------------
2001 2000
-------------- --------------
Net sales $ 219,829 $ 359,723
Cost of products sold 197,942 268,959
--------- ---------
Gross profit 21,887 90,764
Engineering, selling and administrative expenses 40,358 56,011
Amortization of intangibles assets 6,302 6,025
Restructuring charges 10,011 -
Loss on sale of subsidiary - 2,667
--------- ----------
Operating earnings (loss) (34,784) 26,061
Net financing costs 14,500 6,464
Other expense (income), net (362) 317
--------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) (48,922) 19,280
Income tax expense (benefit) (12,230) 6,518
--------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $ (36,692) $ 12,762
========= =========
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.92) $ 0.33
========= ==========
Weighted average common shares outstanding 40,046 39,213
========= ==========
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share $ (0.92) $ 0.31
========= ==========
Weighted average common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding 40,046 41,381
========= ==========
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3
APW Ltd.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
November 30, August 31,
2001 2001
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,816 $ 8,542
Accounts receivable, net 100,633 112,992
Inventories 118,518 135,019
Prepaid expenses 15,354 14,325
Deferred income taxes 16,031 16,650
----------- -----------
Total current assets 258,352 287,528
Property, plant and equipment 461,615 477,915
Less: Accumulated depreciation (224,381) (222,886)
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment 237,234 255,029
Goodwill, net 674,407 679,225
Other intangible assets, net 26,730 27,616
Other assets 65,785 54,446
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 1,262,508 $ 1,303,844
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings $ - $ 5,745
Trade accounts payable 88,223 118,466
Accrued compensation and benefits 25,615 29,594
Income taxes payable 41,962 37,196
Other current liabilities 44,989 40,163
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 200,789 231,164
Long-term debt 642,434 611,549
Other long-term liabilities 41,824 45,375
Shareholders' equity
Common Stock--$0.01 par value per share; authorized 250,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding, less contingent shares, 40,055,453
and 40,042,207 shares, respectively 400 400
Share premium 669,772 669,772
Accumulated deficit (264,660) (227,927)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (28,051) (26,489)
----------- ------------
Total shareholders' equity 377,461 415,756
----------- ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,262,508 $ 1,303,844
=========== ============
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
4
APW Ltd.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
November 30,
-------------------------------------
2001 2000
--------------- ----------------
Operating activities
- --------------------
Net earnings (loss) $ (36,692) $ 12,762
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 25,121 15,525
Amortization of financing fees 1,605 -
Gain from sale of assets (153) -
Loss on sale of subsidiary - 2,667
Benefit for deferred income taxes (11,138) (338)
Restructuring charges 10,011 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 24,624 (14,693)
Inventories 15,679 (17,659)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,221) (5,089)
Trade accounts payable (29,380) 3,275
Income taxes 5,351 (22,974)
Other liabilities (11,859) (1,987)
--------------- ----------------
Net cash used in operating activities (9,052) (28,511)
Investing activities
- --------------------
Proceeds on the sale of property, plant and equipment 2,689 -
Additions to property, plant and equipment (5,932) (30,840)
Net proceeds on sale of subsidiary, net of cash sold - 1,782
Other investing activities (366) (600)
--------------- ----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,609) (29,658)
Financing activities
- --------------------
Net short term borrowings (5,667) 3,314
Principal repayments on long-term debt (67,507) (58,536)
Principal borrowings on long-term debt 99,023 90,332
Net commercial paper borrowings - 25,062
Net receivables financed (13,402) -
Stock option exercises - 704
Other financing activities (42) 168
--------------- ----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 12,405 61,044
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (470) (23)
--------------- ----------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (726) 2,852
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 8,542 570
--------------- ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 7,816 $ 3,422
=============== ================
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
APW Ltd.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Description of Business
- --------------------------------
APW Ltd. ("APW" or the "Company") is a leading global provider of
Technically Enabled Manufacturing Services ("TEMS"), focused on designing and
integrating large electronic products. APW has the capabilities to design and
manufacture various subsystems for electronic products, including enclosures,
thermal management systems, backplanes, power supplies, printed circuit board
assemblies, and cabling, either as integrated custom systems or as individual
subsystems. In addition, APW provides a wide range of integration services to
its customers, including product design, supply chain management, manufacturing,
assembly, testing and drop-ship services. APW's focus is large infrastructure
solutions, such as wireless base stations and switches, enterprise hardware and
internet server enclosures. APW is not targeting high volume markets, such as
personal computers or cell phone handsets. These offerings provide APW's
customers with accelerated time-to-market and decreased time-to-volume
production, while reducing their production costs and allowing them to focus on
the design and marketing of their products. APW believes the Company's emphasis
on technical innovation and vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing
expertise, coupled with its total solution approach, which can be delivered on a
worldwide basis, differentiates the Company in the marketplace.
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
- ---------------------------------------------------
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
----------------------
financial statements of APW Ltd. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America for interim financial reporting and with the instructions of Form 10-Q
and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the
opinion of management, the financial statements include all adjustments which
are normal and recurring in nature necessary to present fairly the financial
position of the Company at November 30, 2001 and the results of operations and
cash flows for the three months ended November 30, 2001 (fiscal 2002 first
quarter) and 2000 (fiscal 2001 first quarter). These financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto in the Company's fiscal 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Basic earnings per share is calculated by
--------------------------
dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding
during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by using the
weighted average common shares outstanding adjusted to include the potentially
dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants.
Earnings per share for the fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001 first quarter is
based on the following (in thousands, except earnings per share amounts):
Three Months Ended
November 30,
------------------------------
Numerator: 2001 2000
------------- --------------
Net earnings (loss) for basic and diluted earnings
per share $ (36,692) $ 12,762
============= ==============
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for
basic earnings (loss) per share 40,046 39,213
Net effect of dilutive stock options based on the
treasury stock method - 2,168
------------- --------------
Weighted average common and potential common shares
outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share 40,046 41,381
============= ==============
Basic earnings (loss) per share: $ (0.92) $ 0.33
============= ==============
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: $ (0.92) $ 0.31
============= ==============
6
When the Company reports positive net earnings, the diluted earnings per
share calculation will include the impact of dilutive securities issued under
the existing stock option plans and issued warrants. Fiscal 2002 diluted
earnings per share exclude the effect of options to purchase approximately 7.0
million shares of common stock because they would be anti-dilutive due to the
net loss during the fiscal 2002 first quarter. Warrants to purchase
approximately 2.1 million shares of common stock were outstanding as of November
30, 2001, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss)
per share because they would be anti-dilutive due to the net loss for the
quarter ending November 30, 2001.
New Accounting Pronouncements: In June 2001, SFAS No. 141, "Business
------------------------------
Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" were
issued. The statements eliminate the pooling-of-interests method of accounting
for business combinations and require that goodwill and certain intangible
assets not be amortized. Instead, these assets will be reviewed for impairment
annually with any related losses recognized in earnings when incurred. SFAS No.
141 was effective for APW Ltd. as of July 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 will be
effective for the Company on September 1, 2002 for existing goodwill and
intangible assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No.
142.
In June 2001, SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
was issued. SFAS No. 143 sets forth the financial accounting and reporting to be
followed for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires entities
to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in
the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be
made. The associated asset retirement costs are to be capitalized as part of the
carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Subsequently, the recorded liability
will be accreted to its present value and the capitalized costs will be
depreciated. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 143 on September 1, 2002.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 143.
In August 2001, SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal
of Long-Lived Assets" was issued. SFAS No. 144 modifies and expands the
financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived
assets other than goodwill, which is specifically addressed by SFAS No. 142.
SFAS No. 144 maintains the requirement that an impairment loss be recognized for
a long-lived asset to be held and used if its carrying value is not recoverable
from its undiscounted cash flows, with the recognized impairment being the
difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset. With respect
to long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale, SFAS No. 144 requires
that the asset be considered held and used until it is actually disposed of but
requires that its depreciable life be revised in accordance with APB Opinion No.
20, "Accounting Changes." SFAS No. 144 also requires that an impairment loss be
recognized at the date a long-lived asset is exchanged for a similar productive
asset. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 144 on September 1, 2002.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 144.
Reclassifications: Certain prior quarter amounts have been reclassified to
------------------
conform with the fiscal 2002 first quarter presentations. Such reclassifications
had no impact on previously reported net earnings.
Note 3 - Restructuring and Other Charges
- ----------------------------------------
During the fiscal 2002 first quarter, APW Ltd. recognized pre-tax
restructuring and other charges totaling $19.6 million. The components of the
charges recorded are as follows (dollars in millions):
Charges
-------------
Facility closure costs:
Severance $ 6.4
Lease exit costs 3.6
Equipment impairment 7.9
Other costs 1.7
-------------
Total facility closure costs $ 19.6
=============
7
Facility closure costs relate to the rationalization of seven facilities
and impact both salaried and hourly employees. The costs are recorded in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal 2002 first quarter
as follows: 1) severance and lease exit costs totaling $10.0 million are
recorded as restructuring charges; and 2) equipment impairment charges,
resulting from facility closures, of $7.9 million and other facility closure
costs totaling $1.7 million are recorded as cost of products sold.
Restructuring
Beginning in fiscal 2001 and continuing in the fiscal 2002 first quarter,
management developed formal plans to exit certain facilities and involuntarily
terminate employees. Management's plans to exit certain facilities included the
identification of duplicate manufacturing and sales facilities for closure and
the transfer of the related operations to other facilities. Management currently
anticipates that the facility closures and all related activities will be
substantially complete within one year of the commitment dates of the respective
exit plans.
The following table summarizes the activity with respect to fiscal 2002
first quarter restructuring charges (in millions, except employee data):
Severance Facilities Total
Number
of
Employees Reserve Reserve Reserve
------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Total reserve balance at August 31, 2001 287 $ 2.1 $ 5.2 $ 7.3
Add: Fiscal 2002 first quarter charges 461 6.4 3.6 10.0
Less: Fiscal 2002 first quarter utilization (443) (3.4) (2.1) (5.5)
------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Ending balance at November 30, 2001 305 $ 5.1 $ 6.7 $ 11.8
============= ============ ============= ==============
Note 4 - Comprehensive Income (Loss)
- ------------------------------------
The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in
thousands):
Three Months Ended
November 30,
------------------------------
2001 2000
------------- -------------
Net earnings (loss) $ (36,692) $ 12,762
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
for derivatives and hedging activities, net of tax - 168
Derivative instrument fair market value adjustment (655) -
Reclassification of derivative losses to earnings 196 -
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1,103) (2,095)
------------- -------------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (38,254) $ 10,835
============= =============
Note 5 - Inventories
- --------------------
Inventories consisted of (in thousands):
November 30, August 31,
2001 2001
--------------- ----------------
Raw material $ 71,905 $ 77,509
Work-in-progress 29,112 31,945
Finished goods 29,705 39,591
-------------- ----------------
Total inventories, gross 130,722 149,045
Less: inventory reserves (12,204) (14,026)
-------------- ----------------
Total inventories $ 118,518 $ 135,019
============== ================
8
Note 6 - Accounts Receivable Facility
- -------------------------------------
At November 30, 2001 and August 31, 2001, accounts receivable were reduced
by $44.6 million and $58.0 million, respectively, representing receivable
interests sold under the accounts receivable facility.
Note 7 - Contingencies and Litigation
- -------------------------------------
APW Ltd. is a party to various legal proceedings which have arisen in the
normal course of its business. These legal proceedings typically include product
liability, environmental, labor, patent and contract claims, and commission
disputes.
APW Ltd. has recorded reserves for loss contingencies based on the
specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is
probable that a loss has been incurred as of the balance sheet date and such
loss can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the resolution
of these contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on APW Ltd.'s
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
APW Ltd. has facilities at numerous geographic locations, which are
subject to a range of environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with these
laws has and will require expenditures on a continuing basis. Predecessors to
APW Ltd. have been identified by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency ("EPA") as "Potentially Responsible Parties" regarding various
multi-party Superfund sites. Potentially Responsible Parties are jointly and
severally liable with respect to Superfund remediation liabilities. Any
liability in connection with these sites has been assumed by APW Ltd. Based on
the Company's investigations, management believes that the Company is a de
minimis participant in certain of these sites. As to one other site, the Company
is a minor participant, and the Company's share of estimated cleanup costs is
not likely to exceed $1.1 million. As to another EPA site where the Company is
not a de minimis participant, the state has required additional ground water
testing at a former APW Ltd. manufacturing facility, and the Company cannot
reasonably estimate the amount of the Company's liability, if any. In addition,
the Company is also involved in other state cleanup actions for which management
believes the aggregate costs of remediation are adequately reserved for.
APW Ltd. anticipates that environmental costs will be expensed or
capitalized depending on their future economic benefits. Expenditures that have
no future economic value are expensed. Liabilities will be recorded when
environmental remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Although the level of future expenditures for environmental remediation is
impossible to determine with any degree of certainty, management does not
believe these costs are likely to have a material adverse effect on APW Ltd.'s
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events, Liquidity and Management's Plans
- ------------------------------------------------------------
On September 27, 2001, the Company's lenders amended certain debt
covenants associated with APW Ltd.'s Multi-Currency Credit Agreement, UK
Revolving Credit Agreement and the Accounts Receivable Facility
(collectively,"credit facilities"). These revised covenants were established
based upon APW Ltd. management's financial forecasts prior to the events of
September 11, 2001. Throughout the fiscal 2002 first quarter, APW Ltd.
experienced a significant decline in net sales compared to prior periods and
compared to management's financial forecasts that were the basis for the
financial covenants set forth in the September 27, 2001 amendment. Such declines
are related to a number of factors, certain of which were impacted by the
terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.
Those terrorist attacks were unprecedented events that have created many
economic and political uncertainties. On December 13, 2001, the Company's
lenders again amended certain debt covenants associated with the Company's
credit facilities to reflect the Company's revised financial forecasts as of
that point in time. The revisions in the covenants were considered necessary due
to the magnitude of the decline in the fiscal 2002 first quarter actual results
compared to prior periods and management's forecasts. In addition, the amendment
repriced the outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with the May 15, 2001
amendment to the closing price of APW Ltd.'s common stock on December 10, 2001
of $1.98 and eliminates the previous reduction provision if the Company met
repayment targets by August 31, 2002. The Company also issued warrants for 9.9%
of the common stock outstanding on December 13, 2001 (approximately 4.1 million
shares) at a price of $0.01. These $0.01 warrants are cancelled if the credit
facilities are repaid by July 31, 2002 (entirely cancelled) or September 30,
2002 (49.5% cancelled).
9
If the decline in net sales continues or APW Ltd. experiences a
significant change in its cost structure, APW Ltd. may not be able to comply
with the covenants which were agreed to with the Company's lenders as of
December 13, 2001. Further, such covenants contemplate the sale of one of the
Company's divisions during the three months ending February 28, 2002 (fiscal
2002 second quarter). The Company is in negotiations with another independent
party concerning the sale of one of the Company's divisions and is still
negotiating some key material terms, including price, and those negotiations are
ongoing. Nonetheless, there can be no assurances that the transaction will be
consummated. If the transaction is not consummated with any party, the Company
may violate a financial covenant and will have to consider a number of measures
available to the Company in the event of a covenant violation, which are
discussed below.
APW Ltd.'s management plans to continue to aggressively pursue additional
revenue opportunities within its core customer markets. APW Ltd. adopted several
restructuring plans during fiscal 2001 and the fiscal 2002 first quarter in an
effort to reduce costs in the wake of declining net sales experienced during
fiscal 2001 and the fiscal 2002 first quarter. These programs resulted in
restructuring charges during fiscal 2001 and the fiscal 2002 first quarter and
have provided cost savings that are expected to continue into the future.
Management plans to consider additional cost-reduction programs, as necessary,
to further align the Company's cost base with net sales.
While the Company's revised financial forecasts reflect management's best
estimates, there can be no assurances that the Company's fiscal 2002 financial
forecasts, which are the basis of the current financial covenants, will be
achieved. If the Company's actual operating performance does not substantially
meet the fiscal 2002 financial forecasts associated with the amended covenants,
the Company may have difficulty achieving compliance with certain debt covenants
in APW Ltd.'s amended credit facilities. The Company's actual sales for the
month of December 2001 were less than the December 2001 forecasted sales that
are the basis of the Company's most recent financial covenants, but still in
compliance with the sales covenant. If APW Ltd. fails to comply with debt
covenants for any reason, the Company may have to consider a number of the
following measures: (a) obtain a waiver of default for the violated covenant(s);
(b) obtain an amendment of the covenants in the existing credit facilities; (c)
seek additional sources of debt financing, which likely would be subject to
obtaining necessary lender consents; (d) seek additional equity financing or
other strategic alternatives; (e) restructure its obligations and/or the
business; or (f) consider a combination of the foregoing. Given the
circumstances, the Company is evaluating its alternatives. There can be no
assurances that the aforementioned alternatives would be available to the
Company in the future. If this were the case, a future violation of debt
covenants would cause a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to
continue in its present form and to achieve its intended business objectives.
In December 2001, the Company received notification from the lessor of two
of its aircraft that the lease contracts ("contracts") for the two aircraft will
be terminated effective March 4, 2002. In conjunction with the termination, the
lease terms of the contracts would require the Company to pay the lessor
approximately $12.3 million for the two aircraft, as defined by the contracts,
and, in exchange, the lessor would convey all of its rights, title and interest
in the two aircraft to the Company. The Company is actively working with the
lessor to identify a third party which would purchase and/or lease the two
aircraft, thereby eliminating the Company's $12.3 million payment obligation.
The Company has obtained an estimate of the fair market value of the two
aircraft. Based on the estimated fair market value of the two aircraft and the
Company's ongoing discussions with the lessor, the Company does not believe that
it will incur a loss in connection with the termination of the contracts, and
therefore no such loss provision has been recorded by the Company. If the
estimated fair market value of the two aircraft changes or the Company and the
lessor are unable to identify a third party purchaser or lessee of the two
aircraft, the Company may incur a loss in connection with the termination of the
contracts. If the Company were to incur a loss in conjunction with the
termination of the contracts, the Company, under the current terms of the
Company's credit facilities, may fail to be in compliance with a debt covenant.
If the Company were to fail to comply with this debt covenant, the Company would
then have to consider the aforementioned measures available to the Company in
the event of the Company's failure to comply with a debt covenant.
At November 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001, the Company had $24.0 million
and $10.3 million, respectively, of borrowings available under its two credit
facilities and $7.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively, in cash. To provide
additional liquidity, the Company has been extending payables beyond their
normal payment terms. At November 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001, although the
Company sold all eligible accounts receivable under its accounts receivable
facility, the Company had the availability to sell an incremental $35.4 million
and $32.3 million, respectively.
The Company understands that it, and two of its senior executives have
been sued in connection with alleged violations of Federal securities laws which
preceded a drop in the price of its common stock ending on March 20, 2001. The
complaint, which is captioned Stewart Norman Hicks v. APW Ltd., et al., was
filed on December 10, 2001. The complaint alleges violations of the Federal
securities laws and seeks certification of a plaintiff class consisting of all
purchasers of the Company's common stock between September 26, 2000 and March
20, 2001, inclusive. The complaint does not quantify the damages. The Company
also understands that two additional suits containing similar allegations have
been filed. The Company has not yet been served with the complaints and,
therefore, cannot evaluate the merits of the claims.
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of Operations
- -------------
The following discussion of our financial condition and our results of
operations should be read in conjunction with our accompanying unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.
Overview
APW Ltd. is a leading global technically enabled manufacturing services
provider, focused on designing and integrating large electronic enclosure
products. We have the capabilities to design and manufacture various subsystems
for electronic products, including enclosures, power supplies, thermal
management systems, printed circuit board assemblies, and cabling, either as
individual subsystems or as integrated custom systems. We provide a
10
wide range of integrated design, manufacturing and logistics services to
customers, including product design, supply chain management, manufacturing,
assembly, testing and drop-ship services. Operating in over 30 locations
throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia, we provide our
solutions and services to original equipment manufacturers, primarily in the
communications (datacom and telecom), computing (enterprise hardware - large
servers, large data storage, networking) and Internet (application service
providers, Internet service providers and web hosting) markets. Our customers
include industry leaders such as Applied Materials, Cisco, Compaq, Cymer, EMC,
Ericsson, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Lucent, Marconi, Motorola, NCR, Nortel
Networks and Sun Microsystems.
Recent Developments
In December 2001, we amended certain debt covenants associated with our
Multi-Currency Credit Agreement, UK Revolving Credit Agreement and the Accounts
Receivable Facility (collectively,"credit facilities"). The amendment provides
us with the ability to implement additional restructuring plans and the ability
to benefit from the potential sale of assets. In addition, the amendment changes
certain financial covenants and eliminates certain mandatory reductions in the
credit facilities in fiscal 2002. See further discussion at "Liquidity."
Unaudited Adjusted Results of Operations
In order to evaluate our underlying operating performance, unaudited
adjusted financial information for the three months ended November 30, 2001 and
2000 ("fiscal 2002 first quarter" and "fiscal 2001 first quarter," respectively)
is presented below. The adjusted fiscal 2002 first quarter condensed
consolidated statement of operations presents our operations assuming the
restructuring and other charges did not occur during the fiscal 2002 first
quarter. The adjusted fiscal 2001 first quarter condensed consolidated statement
of operations presents our operations assuming the sale of a subsidiary did not
occur during the fiscal 2001 first quarter.
As a Percentage of Net
Sales
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
November 30, November 30,
----------------------------------------------------
2001(1) 2000(2) 2001 2000
----------------------------------------------------
(in millions)
Net sales $ 219.8 $ 359.7 100.0% 100.0%
Gross profit 31.5 90.8 14.3% 25.2%
Engineering, selling and administrative expenses 40.4 56.0 18.4% 15.6%
Amortization of intangible assets 6.3 6.0 2.9% 1.7%
Operating earnings (loss) (15.2) 28.8 (6.9%) 8.0%
Net financing costs 14.5 6.5 6.6% 1.8%
Other (income) expense, net (0.4) .3 (0.2%) 0.1%
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense
(benefit) (29.3) 22.0 (13.3%) 6.1%
Income tax expense (benefit) (7.3) 6.5 (3.3%) 1.8%
Net earnings (loss) (22.0) 15.5 (10.0%) 4.3%
(1) Adjustments to exclude restructuring and other charges for the fiscal 2002
first quarter are: (i) $10.0 million restructuring charge for severance and
lease exit costs; (ii) $7.9 million equipment impairment charge related to
facility closures (included in cost of products sold in the condensed
consolidated statement of operations); and (iii) $1.7 million of
miscellaneous facility closure costs (included in cost of products sold in
the condensed consolidated statement of operations).
(2) Adjustment excludes a $2.7 million net loss on the sale of a subsidiary.
11
Net Sales
Net sales for the fiscal 2002 first quarter were $219.8 million compared
to $359.7 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, a decrease of 38.9%. Net
sales in the fiscal 2002 first quarter were negatively impacted by the broad
based slow down in the technology sector which has resulted in reduced demand
for some of our customers products and in turn has negatively impacted the
demand those customers have for our products and services. In addition to the
broad based slow down in the technology sector, the terrorist attacks that took
place on September 11, 2001, which were unprecedented events creating many
economic and political uncertainties, have had an immediate adverse impact on
our business.
Our fiscal 2002 first quarter sales were influenced by the inclusion of
acquisitions completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. Excluding these
acquisitions, net sales decreased 44.4% in the fiscal 2002 first quarter when
compared to sales in the fiscal 2001 first quarter.
Geographic Sales
Three Months Ended
November 30,
-------------------------
2001 2000 Change
------------------------------------
(In millions)
Americas $ 132.7 $ 223.6 (40.7%)
Europe and Asia 87.1 136.1 (36.0%)
------------------------------------
Total $ 219.8 $ 359.7 (38.9%)
====================================
Net sales in the Americas for the fiscal 2002 first quarter were $132.7
million compared to $223.6 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, a decrease
of 40.7%. Our fiscal 2002 first quarter sales were influenced by the inclusion
of acquisitions completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. Excluding these
acquisitions, net sales decreased 50% in the fiscal 2002 first quarter when
compared to net sales in the fiscal 2001 first quarter. Net sales in Europe and
Asia for the fiscal 2002 first quarter were $87.1 million compared to $136.1
million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, a decrease of 36.0%.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the fiscal 2002 first quarter was $21.9 million compared
to $90.8 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, a decrease of 75.9%. As a
percentage of net sales, the fiscal 2002 first quarter gross profit was 10.0%
compared to 25.2% in the fiscal 2001 first quarter. The decrease in gross profit
as a percentage of net sales is primarily a result of a combination of factors:
1) $9.6 million of costs related to facility closures (primarily equipment
write-offs); 2) under-absorption of costs resulting from the broad based slow
down in the technology sector which significantly reduced sales volumes; and 3)
a shift in sales mix to programs with increased levels of systems integration,
which typically have lower margins.
On an adjusted basis, gross profit for the fiscal 2002 first quarter was
$31.5 million compared to $90.8 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter, a
decrease of 65.3%. As a percentage of net sales, the fiscal 2002 first quarter
gross profit was 14.3% compared to 25.2% in the fiscal 2001 first quarter. The
decrease in adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales is primarily a
result of the under-absorption of costs resulting from reduced sales volumes and
a shift in sales mix to programs with increased levels of systems integration,
which typically have lower margins.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses in the fiscal 2002 first quarter were $40.4 million
compared to $56.0 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter. As a percentage of
net sales, operating expenses were 18.4% for the fiscal 2002 first quarter,
compared to 15.6% for the fiscal 2001 first quarter. Our operating expenses
consist primarily of engineering, selling, marketing, finance, information
technology and general administrative expenses. Operating expenses have
been reduced by $15.6 million from the fiscal 2001 first quarter. The
reduction in operating expenses is primarily due to the restructuring and cost
reduction efforts we have made. Although operating expenses have been reduced
from the
12
fiscal 2001 first quarter, operating expenses as a percentage of net
sales increased due to the under-absorption of costs resulting from the broad
based slow down in the technology sector which significantly reduced sales
volumes.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets (amortization) in the fiscal 2002 first
quarter was $6.3 million compared to $6.0 million in the fiscal 2001 first
quarter, an increase of 5%. Amortization as a percentage of net sales increased
to 2.9% in the fiscal 2002 first quarter compared to 1.7% in the fiscal 2001
first quarter.
Restructuring and Other Charges
A restructuring charge totaling $10.0 million was recorded during the
fiscal 2002 first quarter. The restructuring charge relates to the
rationalization of seven facilities and the involuntary termination of both
salaried and hourly employees. Severance costs associated with the involuntary
termination of employees totaled $6.4 million. Lease exit costs resulting from
facility closures totaled $3.6 million. In addition to the restructuring charge
totaling $10.0 million, we incurred $9.6 million of other costs related to
facility closures. Of the $19.6 million in restructuring and facility closure
costs, only $1.9 million of costs that relate to employee retention and facility
closures, other than lease exit, are incremental cash costs that would not have
been incurred in the next 12 months without undertaking the restructuring
actions.
Beginning in fiscal 2001 and continuing in the fiscal 2002 first quarter,
management developed formal plans to exit certain facilities and involuntarily
terminate employees. Management's plans to exit certain facilities included the
identification of duplicate manufacturing and sales facilities for closure and
the transfer of the related operations to other facilities. Management currently
anticipates that the facility closures and all related activities will be
substantially complete within one year of the commitment dates of the respective
exit plans.
Operating Earnings (Loss)
We incurred an operating loss of $34.8 million in the fiscal 2002 first
quarter compared to operating earnings of $26.1 million in the fiscal 2001 first
quarter. The operating loss was primarily due to: 1) $10.0 million restructuring
charge; 2) $9.6 million of costs related to facility closures (primarily
equipment write-offs); and 3) reduced sales volumes, driven by the broad based
slow down in the technology sector, which resulted in the under-absorption of
costs during the fiscal 2002 first quarter.
On an adjusted basis, we incurred an operating loss $15.2 million in the
fiscal 2002 first quarter compared to operating earnings of $28.8 million in the
fiscal 2001 first quarter. The operating loss was primarily due to the reduced
sales volumes driven by the broad based slow down in the technology sector,
which resulted in the under-absorption of costs during the fiscal 2002 first
quarter.
Net Financing Costs
Net financing costs in the fiscal 2002 first quarter were $14.5 million
compared to $6.5 million in the fiscal 2001 first quarter. Included in the
fiscal 2002 first quarter net financing costs is $1.4 million of amortization
related to capitalized fees associated with amending the credit facilities
during fiscal 2001. The increase in our net financing costs, excluding the $1.4
million in amortized fees, is a result of the increase in our outstanding
indebtedness to fund acquisitions in the second quarter of fiscal 2001, capital
expenditures, restructuring activities and operations.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
We recorded an income tax benefit in the fiscal 2002 first quarter of
$12.2 million compared to income tax expense of $6.5 million in the fiscal 2001
first quarter. Our effective income tax rate was 25.0% for the fiscal 2002 first
quarter compared to 33.8% for the fiscal 2001 first quarter. The decrease in the
effective tax rate in the fiscal 2002 first quarter compared to the fiscal 2001
first quarter is a result of only recognizing the benefit from a portion of the
net operating loss we incurred in the fiscal 2002 first quarter.
13
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $7.8 million at November 30, 2001 and
$8.5 million at August 31, 2001.
Net cash used in operating activities in the fiscal 2002 first quarter was
$9.4 million compared to $28.5 million used in the fiscal 2001 first quarter.
The net use of cash in the fiscal 2002 first quarter was primarily due to
restructuring related payments totaling $7.4 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal 2002 first quarter
was $3.6 million compared to $29.7 million for the fiscal 2001 first quarter.
The net use of cash for the fiscal 2002 first quarter was primarily due to
capital expenditures of $5.9 million offset by $2.7 million in proceeds on the
sale of equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal 2002 first
quarter was $12.4 million compared to $61.0 million provided in the fiscal 2001
first quarter. The net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal 2002
first quarter primarily came from net borrowings on our long-term debt facility
of $31.5 million, which was offset by $5.7 in payments on short-term borrowings
and a reduction in sold receivables of $13.4 million.
Capitalization
Debt at November 30, 2001 totaled $642.4 million, an increase of
approximately $25.1 million from August 31, 2001. The increase in debt was
primarily due to restructuring costs, capital expenditures and the $13.4 million
decrease in receivables sold under the accounts receivable facility.
To reduce the risk of interest rate increases, we may periodically enter
into interest rate swap agreements. Our current interest rate swap activity is
limited to one agreement and is not significant.
Liquidity
On September 27, 2001, our lenders amended certain debt covenants
associated with our Multi-Currency Credit Agreement, UK Revolving Credit
Agreement and the Accounts Receivable Facility (collectively,"credit
facilities"). These revised covenants were established based upon our financial
forecasts prior to the events of September 11, 2001. Throughout the fiscal 2002
first quarter, we experienced a significant decline in net sales compared to
prior periods and compared to our financial forecasts that were the basis for
the financial covenants set forth in the September 27, 2001 amendment. Such
declines are related to a number of factors, certain of which were impacted by
the terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11,
2001. Those terrorist attacks were unprecedented events that have created many
economic and political uncertainties. On December 13, 2001, our lenders again
amended certain debt covenants associated with our credit facilities to reflect
our revised financial forecasts as of that point in time. The revisions in the
covenants were considered necessary due to the magnitude of the decline in the
fiscal 2002 first quarter actual results compared to prior periods and our
forecasts. In addition, the amendment repriced the outstanding warrants issued
in conjunction with the May 15, 2001 amendment to the closing price of our
common stock on December 10, 2001 of $1.98 and eliminates the previous reduction
provision if we met repayment targets by August 31, 2002. We also issued
warrants for 9.9% of the common stock outstanding on December 13, 2001
(approximately 4.1 million shares) at a price of $0.01. These $0.01 warrants are
cancelled if the credit facilities are repaid by July 31, 2002 (entirely
cancelled) or September 30, 2002 (49.5% cancelled).
If the decline in net sales continues or we experience a significant change
in our cost structure, we may not be able to comply with the covenants which
were agreed to with our lenders as of December 13, 2001. Further, such covenants
contemplate the sale of one of our divisions during the three months ending
February 28, 2002 (fiscal 2002 second quarter). We are in negotiations with
another independent party concerning the sale of one of our divisions and are
still negotiating some key material terms, including price, and those
negotiations are ongoing. Nonetheless, there can be no assurances that the
transaction will be consummated. If the transaction is not consummated with any
party, we may violate a financial covenant and will have to consider a number of
measures available to us in the event of a covenant violation, which are
discussed below.
14
Our management plans to continue to aggressively pursue additional revenue
opportunities within our core customer markets. We adopted several restructuring
plans during fiscal 2001 and the fiscal 2002 first quarter in an effort to
reduce costs in the wake of declining net sales experienced during fiscal 2001
and the fiscal 2002 first quarter. These programs resulted in restructuring
charges during fiscal 2001 and the fiscal 2002 first quarter and have provided
cost savings that are expected to continue into the future. Management plans to
consider additional cost-reduction programs, as necessary, to further align our
cost base with net sales.
While our revised financial forecasts reflect management's best estimates,
there can be no assurances that our fiscal 2002 financial forecasts, which are
the basis of the current financial covenants, will be achieved. If our actual
operating performance does not substantially meet the fiscal 2002 financial
forecasts associated with the amended covenants, we may have difficulty
achieving compliance with certain debt covenants in our amended credit
facilities. Our actual sales for the month of December 2001 were less than the
December 2001 forecasted sales that are the basis of our most recent financial
covenants, but still in compliance with the sales covenant. If we fail to comply
with debt covenants for any reason, we may have to consider a number of the
following measures: (a) obtain a waiver of default for the violated covenant(s);
(b) obtain an amendment of the covenants in the existing credit facilities; (c)
seek additional sources of debt financing, which likely would be subject to
obtaining necessary lender consents; (d) seek additional equity financing or
other strategic alternatives; (e) restructure our obligations and/or the
business; or (f) consider a combination of the foregoing. Given the
circumstances, we are evaluating our alternatives. There can be no assurances
that the aforementioned alternatives would be available to us in the future. If
this were the case, a future violation of debt covenants would cause a material
adverse effect on our ability to continue in our present form and to achieve our
intended business objectives.
In December 2001, we received notification from the lessor of two of our
aircraft that the lease contracts ("contracts") for the two aircraft will be
terminated effective March 4, 2002. In conjunction with the termination, the
lease terms of the contracts would require us to pay the lessor approximately
$12.3 million for the two aircraft, as defined by the contracts, and, in
exchange, the lessor would convey all of its rights, title and interest in the
two aircraft to us. We are actively working with the lessor to identify a third
party which would purchase and/or lease the two aircraft, thereby eliminating
our $12.3 million payment obligation. We have obtained an estimate of the fair
market value of the two aircraft. Based on the estimated fair market value of
the two aircraft and our ongoing discussions with the lessor, we do not believe
that we will incur a loss in connection with the termination of the contracts,
and therefore no such loss provision has been recorded by us. If the estimated
fair market value of the two aircraft changes or we and the lessor are unable to
identify a third party purchaser or lessee of the two aircraft, we may incur a
loss in connection with the termination of the contracts. If we were to incur a
loss in conjunction with the termination of the contracts, we, under the current
terms of our credit facilities, may fail to be in compliance with a debt
covenant. If we were to fail to comply with this debt covenant, we would then
have to consider the aforementioned measures available to us in the event of our
failure to comply with a debt covenant.
At November 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001, we had $24.0 million and
$10.3 million, respectively, of borrowings available under our two credit
facilities and $7.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively, in cash. To provide
additional liquidity, we have been extending payables beyond their normal
payment terms. At November 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001, although we sold all
eligible accounts receivable under our accounts receivable facility, we had the
availability to sell an incremental $35.4 million and $32.3 million,
respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2001, SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" were issued. The statements eliminate the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations and require
that goodwill and certain intangible assets not be amortized. Instead, these
assets will be reviewed for impairment annually with any related losses
recognized in earnings when incurred. SFAS No. 141 was effective for us as of
July 31, 2001. SFAS No. 142 will be effective for us on September 1, 2002 for
existing goodwill and intangible assets. We are currently evaluating the impact
of SFAS No. 142.
In June 2001, SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
was issued. SFAS No. 143 sets forth the financial accounting and reporting to be
followed for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. SFAS No. 143 requires entities
to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in
the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be
made. The associated asset retirement costs are to be capitalized as part of the
carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Subsequently, the recorded liability
will be accreted to its present value and the capitalized costs will be
depreciated. We are required to adopt SFAS No. 143 on September 1, 2002. We are
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 143.
In August 2001, SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal
of Long-Lived Assets" was issued. SFAS No. 144 modifies and expands the
financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived
assets other than goodwill, which is specifically addressed by SFAS No. 142.
SFAS No. 144 maintains the requirement that an impairment loss be recognized for
a long-lived asset to be held and used if its carrying value is not recoverable
from its undiscounted cash flows, with the recognized impairment being the
difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset. With respect
to long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale, SFAS No. 144 requires
that the asset be considered held and used until it is actually disposed of but
requires that its depreciable life be revised in accordance with APB Opinion No.
20, "Accounting Changes." SFAS No. 144 also requires that an impairment loss be
recognized at the date a long-lived asset is exchanged for a similar productive
asset. We will be required to adopt SFAS No. 144 on September 1, 2002. We are
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 144.
15
Seasonality
Due to the shortened number of business days in the second quarter of our
fiscal year (from December 1 to February 28), we typically experience lower
sales volumes in the second quarter of each fiscal year as compared to the other
quarters in the fiscal year.
16
Forward-looking Statements and Cautionary Factors
- -------------------------------------------------
Certain statements contained in this document, as well as statements in
other Company communications, which are not historical facts, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. The terms
"anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "objective", "plan", "project"
and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties
that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions
and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements,
factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation,
general economic conditions, market conditions in the computer, semiconductor,
telecommunication, and electronic industries in North America, South America,
Europe and Asia, market acceptance of existing and new products, successful
integration of acquisitions, competitive product and pricing pressures, foreign
currency risk, interest rate risk, the Company's ability to access capital
markets and other factors that may be referred to in APW Ltd.'s reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange and
interest rates and, to a lesser extent, commodities. To reduce such risks, we
selectively use financial instruments.
Currency Risk - We have significant international operations. In most
-------------
instances, our products are produced at manufacturing facilities located near
the customer. As a result, significant volumes of finished goods are
manufactured in countries for sale into those markets. For goods purchased from
our affiliates, we denominate the transaction in the functional currency of the
producing operation.
We have adopted the following guidelines to manage our foreign exchange
exposures:
(i) increase the predictability of costs associated with goods whose
purchase price is not denominated in the functional currency of the
buyer;
(ii) minimize the cost of hedging through the use of naturally offsetting
positions (borrowing in local currency), netting, pooling; and
(iii) where possible, sell product in the functional currency of the
producing operation.
Our identifiable foreign exchange exposures result primarily from the
anticipated purchase of product from affiliates and third-party suppliers along
with the repayment of intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries denominated
in foreign currencies. We periodically identify naturally occurring offsetting
positions and then purchase hedging instruments to protect against anticipated
exposures. Based on our overall currency rate exposure, including derivative
financial instruments and nonfunctional currency denominated receivables and
payables, a near-term 10% appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar would
not have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations
and cashflows over the next fiscal year.
Interest Rate Risk - We periodically enter into interest rate swaps to
------------------
stabilize financing costs by minimizing the effect of potential interest rate
increases on floating-rate debt in a rising interest rate environment. Under
these agreements, we contract with a counter party to exchange the difference
between a fixed rate and a floating rate applied to the notional amount of the
swap. The effective portion of any gain or loss due to a change in the fair
value is initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss)
and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects
earnings. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements was a liability of
$2.9 million and $2.4 million at November 30, 2001 and August 31, 2001,
respectively. A seventy-two (10% of our weighted average interest rate)
basis-point change in interest rates on average long-term borrowings would have
impacted net interest expense by approximately $1.2 million for the three months
ended November 30,2001.
Commodity Prices - We are exposed to fluctuation in market prices for
----------------
steel. Therefore, we have established a program for centralized negotiation of
steel prices. This program allows APW Ltd. to take advantage of economies of
scale as well as to cap pricing. All business units are able to purchase steel
under this arrangement. In general, the contracts lock steel pricing for 18
months and enable APW Ltd. to pay less if market prices fall.
17
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings
- --------------------------
The Company understands that it, and two of its senior executives have been
sued in connection with alleged violations of Federal securities laws which
preceded a drop in the price of its common stock ending on March 20, 2001. The
complaint, which is captioned Stewart Norman Hicks v. APW Ltd., et al., was
filed on December 10, 2001. The complaint alleges violations of the Federal
securities laws and seeks certification of a plaintiff class consisting of all
purchasers of the Company's common stock between September 26, 2000 and March
20, 2001, inclusive. The complaint does not quantify the damages. The Company
also understands that two additional suits containing similar allegations have
been filed. The Company has not yet been served with the complaints and,
therefore, cannot evaluate the merits of the claims.
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
None.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On December 21, 2001, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated
December 13, 2001, reporting under Item 5 the Company's renegotiations of its
Multi-Currency Credit Agreement, Facility Agreement with the Royal Bank of
Scotland and Receivables Purchasing Agreement.
SIGNATURE
---------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
APW Ltd.
--------
(Registrant)
Date: January 14, 2001 By: /s/Richard D. Carroll
---------------------
Richard D. Carroll
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and duly
authorized to sign on behalf of the
registrant)
18