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EXHIBIT 13 /
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1997 /
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ANNUAL REPORT /
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/ PHOTO OF A ZIMMATIC
/ CENTER PIVOT
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PHOTOS OF CORN, VEGETABLES, WHEAT, COTTON, POTATOES, HAY, PEANUTS AND SOYBEANS
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Leadership and Strength You Can Depend on Today and Tomorrow
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LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
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LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
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Leadership and Strength you can depend on Today and Tomorrow
As a leading domestic manufacturer and the number-one exporter of center pivot
and lateral move irrigation systems, Lindsay Manufacturing Co. is capitalizing
on a healthy agricultural economy, favorable farm legislation and lower
prevailing interest rates to achieve strong operating results. Fiscal 1997
performance was highlighted by the Company exceeding each of its long-term
financial goals. Moreover, Lindsay has demonstrated consistent financial
performance. Since the Company's initial public offering in October 1988,
shareholders have received a return on original investment of more than 2,350
percent. During the same period, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, including
dividends, has returned approximately 357 percent.
Fiscal Fiscal
Year Year 5-year
Goal 1997 1996 Average
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Annual Sales Growth......................... 5-10% 16.2% 21.8% 11.6%
Gross Margin................................ 22-24% 25.8% 24.0% 24.0%
Operating Margin............................ 10-13% 16.7% 14.2% 14.0%
Return on Beginning Equity.................. 20-25% 26.1% 24.0% 22.6%
Even more compelling than Lindsay's track record of results, are the
Company's prospects for future success. Over the next 40 years, the world's
farmers will be challenged to produce enough food to feed as many as 10 billion
people--approximately twice today's population. And, they will need to do it
on roughly the same amount of farmland as today, but using less water,
fertilizer and pesticides. As a leading manufacturer of one of the only pieces
of capital equipment that can increase yields through higher crop production,
Lindsay is in prime position to benefit from these powerful market forces--both
in the North American market and in the Company's export markets.
Worldwide demand for agricultural products also bodes well for Lindsay's
Diversified Products segment, through which the Company produces large
diameter steel tubing and provides outsourced manufacturing services for a
customer base that includes several leading farm equipment manufacturers.
Management's commitment to maximizing shareholder value doesn't stop with
strong operating performance, as evidenced by the Company's cash dividend,
history of stock splits and share repurchase program. During fiscal 1997,
Lindsay declared its fourth three-for-two stock split in seven years and
repurchased 312,300 shares (split-adjusted) of its stock. Additionally, on
October 21, 1997, the Company moved to the New York Stock Exchange.
The Company's unleveraged balance sheet and strong cash position provide
the means for management to continue to transform growth opportunities into
shareholder value. To maintain its leadership position, Lindsay will continue
to execute the Company's proven growth strategy, which entails:
* increasing North American market share, primarily at the expense of
second-tier players;
* expanding Lindsay's presence in current and developing export markets by
adapting the Company's products and marketing to local customs, growing
conditions and agricultural policies;
* building diversified products revenue to 25 percent of total sales from the
17 percent attained in fiscal 1997; and
* identifying and executing selective acquisitions that would be accretive in
the long-term and provide a proprietary product utilizing Lindsay's
manufacturing expertise.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter to Shareholders................................2
Operations Review.....................................6
Selected Financial Data and Analysis.................12
Financial Statements.................................17
Notes................................................20
Directors and Officers...............................24
Investor Information..................Inside Back Cover
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1997 Annual Report
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
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1997 1996 % Change
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INCOME DATA
for the fiscal years ended August 31
Operating revenues.......................................... $ 158,327 $ 136,233 16.2%
Gross profit................................................ 40,920 32,747 25.0
Operating expenses.......................................... 14,444 13,363 8.1
Operating income............................................ 26,476 19,384 36.6
Interest and other income, net.............................. 3,453 4,556 (24.2)
Pre-tax earnings............................................ 29,929 23,940 25.0
Net earnings................................................ $ 20,052 $ 16,518 21.4
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares........ 9,986,397 10,150,878 (1.6%)
BALANCE SHEET DATA
at August 31
Current assets.............................................. $ 49,827 $ 57,855 (13.9%)
Total assets................................................ 107,983 96,823 11.5
Current liabilities......................................... 19,479 18,697 4.2
Stockholders' equity........................................ $ 86,968 $ 76,834 13.2%
PER SHARE DATA
Net earnings................................................ $ 2.01 $ 1.63 23.3%
Book value.................................................. $ 9.24 $ 8.08 14.4%
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Operating margin............................................ 16.7% 14.2%
Net margin.................................................. 12.7% 12.1%
Return on beginning equity.................................. 26.1% 24.0%
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BAR CHARTS GRAPHS
REVENUES NET MARGIN NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
($ in millions) (Percentage) (Dollars)
Net Earnings
Year Revenues Year Net Margin Year Per Share
1989 92.6 1989 8.0 1989 0.70
1990 102.7 1990 8.2 1990 0.80
1991 98.7 1991 9.0 1991 0.85
1992 108.9 1992 10.1 1992 1.01
1993 102.1 1993 10.5 1993 0.98
1994 112.7 1994 10.6 1994 1.03
1995 111.8 1995 10.5 1995 1.10
1996 136.2 1996 12.1 1996 1.63
1997 158.3 1997 12.7 1997 2.01
Since 1989, revenues have Strong operating efficiencies Earnings per share
increased 71.0% from $92.6 have allowed the Company to have risen 187% from
million to $158.3 million increase net margin from 8% $0.70 in 1989 to
in 1997. in 1989 to 12.7% in 1997. $2.01 in 1997.
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LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
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DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
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Leadership and strength you can depend on today and tomorrow. It's the slogan
for Lindsay's Zimmatic irrigation systems, but it applies to more than our
products. Lindsay is a market leader and we have positioned ourselves for
continued strength and leadership through ongoing investment in our products,
our dealer network and our operations. It is with pleasure and gratitude that
I share with you Lindsay's operating results for fiscal 1997 and our prospects
for future growth arising from the world's need to feed its growing population.
Fiscal 1997 was another year of strong operating performance for Lindsay
Manufacturing Co. Although agricultural commodity pricing was off 1996's
record highs, they remained profitable for efficient operators, and farmers
continue to be in good financial shape. By continuing to employ our proven
growth strategy, Lindsay was able to again capitalize on favorable market
conditions. Our success is evidenced by full-year performance having exceeded
each of our long-term financial goals.
Moreover, we continued our efforts to maximize shareholder value beyond
operating performance. Last February, we declared Lindsay's fourth
three-for-two stock split in seven years and, on October 21, 1997, Lindsay's
common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the
symbol LNN. We expect the move to the NYSE to enhance visibility and improve
liquidity through more efficient pricing, lower share price volatility and
increased trading volume.
REVIEW OF RESULTS--STRENGTH TODAY
Despite challenging comparisons, Lindsay reported higher earnings and revenues
for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997, with each segment contributing to
our growth.
For fiscal 1997, revenues rose 16 percent to $158.3 million from $136.2
million reported in fiscal 1996. Net earnings grew 21 percent to $20.1 million
compared with last year's $16.5 million. Earnings per share gained 23 percent,
rising to $2.01 from $1.63 a year ago, adjusted for the three-for-two stock
split.
At 16 percent, Lindsay's consolidated revenue growth rate exceeded our
average annual target of 5 to 10 percent and was in line with expectations of
the lower end of a 15- to 20-percent range. As anticipated, each segment
contributed to that growth.
North American irrigation equipment revenues were up 8 percent
year-over-year having benefited from the favorable agricultural cycle as well
as from farmers' perennial need to conserve water, energy and labor while
stabilizing or improving yields. Export irrigation achieved another strong
showing, posting revenue growth of 41 percent compounding fiscal 1996's 79
percent gain. At 32 percent, growth in diversified products revenue was
stronger than expected, with both large diameter steel tubing and outsource
manufacturing services experiencing gains. Revenues from each of Lindsay's
three principal outsource manufacturing customers were up, led by Deere &
Company.
We began fiscal 1998 with a 6 percent increase in our order backlog, which
was $27.3 million versus $25.7 million posted a year ago, and cash and
marketable securities totaling $62.1 million. At fiscal year-end,
shareholders' equity stood at $87.0 million, or $9.24 per share, up from $76.8
million, or $8.08 per share, on a post-split basis. Management's effective
utilization of your capital was highlighted by our 26.1 percent return on
beginning equity, an increase over the 24.0 percent achieved a year ago and
above our 20- to 25-percent goal.
Lindsay used approximately $9.9 million of our balance sheet cash to
repurchase 312,300 shares (split adjusted) in fiscal 1997, bringing the total
number of shares repurchased during the past three years to 1.6 million (split
adjusted) at a total cost of $30.0 million. We intend to continue to buy back
stock during fiscal 1998 and have authorization to repurchase approximately one
million additional shares.
[FY97 BUSINESS SEGMENTS PIE CHART]
Domestic Export Diversified
Irrigation Irrigation Manufacturing Other
63% 18% 17% 2%
Each of Lindsay's three business segments contributed to fiscal 1997's record
revenue, and, more importantly, each has continued long-term growth potential.
CAPITALIZING ON GLOBAL DYNAMICS--
As beneficial as the healthy North American farm economy has been for our
Company in recent years, our most compelling demand drivers are global and
long-term. Since 1960, the world's population has doubled, growing to
approximately six billion people. During that same period, the world's farmers
tripled food production without expanding cultivated acreage. Roughly the same
5.8 million square
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1997 Annual Report
As a leading domestic manufacturer and the number-one exporter of one of
the only pieces of capital equipment that increases yields through higher crop
production, Lindsay is well positioned to benefit from global dynamics.
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Gary D. Parker
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
miles that were used to feed three billion people 40 years ago, now feed six
billion and--most important--will be relied on to feed as many as 10 billion 40
years from now. This growing demand for food will challenge farmers to
maximize yields on every acre of their land.
At the same time, conservation and environmental concerns increasingly
press farmers to reduce water usage and chemical inputs. Today, over 60
percent of the earth's fresh water is used for agriculture, and it is
frequently provided without volume restrictions at below-market rates or even
free of charge. Given demands placed on water supplies by a growing population
and rapid economic expansion, I question whether that luxury will continue.
As a leading domestic manufacturer and the number-one exporter of one of
the only pieces of capital equipment that increases yields through higher crop
production, Lindsay is well positioned to benefit from these global dynamics.
To capitalize on both present and future opportunities, Lindsay continually
invests in: 1.) our products--to provide farmers with both superior
reliability and leading-edge technology, 2.) our dealer network--to help ensure
first-rate sales and service worldwide, and 3.) our manufacturing facility--to
optimize manufacturing efficiency and capacity and maximize margins.
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
At Lindsay, we pride ourselves on being irrigation equipment technology
leaders, and we have the track record to prove it. For the past 15 years,
Lindsay's Zimmatic center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems have been
the most energy efficient in the industry, featuring a unique drive train
design that requires up to 40 percent less energy to operate than competing
models. We now back our confidence with an extended drive train warranty. At
eight years or 8,000 hours, it is the longest in the industry, giving Lindsay a
competitive advantage over the typical six-year/6,000-hour warranty.
We also broke new ground by now offering a 20-year guarantee on our
Zimmatics' sprinkler outlets. This unprecedented promise of superior
reliability was made possible by our pipeline production automation and is the
culmination of a $3.5-million research, development and automation investment.
Today, instead of using 30-year-old technology to individually punch a hole
then weld a coupling to form each sprinkler position, Lindsay uses a robotic
manufacturing cell that we designed to form the outlet and weld other
components on the pipe in one automated step. Referred to as the formed outlet
process, this innovation not only substantially enhances product uniformity,
quality and service life, it also increases manufacturing capacity through
greater efficiency.
In addition to industry-leading reliability, we offer farmers a variety of
leading-edge product features that help them save even more time and money.
Rather than having to manually adjust each system, farmers can pre-program
pivot functions using our Automated Irrigation Management System (AIMS) Advance
control panel. Further efficiency is provided by our Remote Monitor Alarm and
Control (R-MAC) feature, which enables farmers to monitor and control their
Zimmatics remotely from almost any place in the world using a business band
radio, cellular or land line phone.
Most advanced of all is Lindsay's AIMS Telemetry Network. Using it,
farmers can program and monitor multiple center pivot systems using their
personal computer. In addition, the Network can collect, store and manipulate
valuable planting, irrigation and environmental data, making their center
pivots a powerful tool for overall farm management, supporting site-specific
farming and helping farmers conserve their resources of soil, water, chemicals
and labor. As pressure to reduce water usage and chemical inputs mounts, we
believe this data collection and reporting feature will become increasingly
valuable as more farmers will be required to not only document the amount of
water, fertilizers and pesticides they use, but also potentially record where
in their fields each was applied.
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LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
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Tech Vans are Lindsay's latest addition
to its dealer-support arsenal. These
mobile training and simulation units are
equipped with each of Zimmatics' advanced
technology features to allow for hands-on
service training as well as to promote
sales of add-ons.
By staying ahead of the technology curve, we strengthen our leadership
position. The adoption of site-specific farming is accelerating as farmers are
increasingly drawn to its potential for increasing efficiency and productivity.
We believe precision irrigation will become a necessary and integral part of
site-specific operations and can envision a future generation of Zimmatics that
would be integrated with Global Positioning Systems.
A recent product innovation offering more immediate benefits is Lindsay's
redesigned and newly patented Zimmatic Pendulum Steerable Corner System. Our
corner system swings in and out from the outer-most tower of a center pivot,
following radio frequency transmissions from underground cable to irrigate the
corners of square or rectangular fields or follow irregular boundaries.
Through the addition of corner pivots, farmers maximize the return on their
investments in land and equipment by putting more acres into production.
VALUE-ADDED DEALER NETWORK THROUGH SUPPORT AND INNOVATION
Given the increasingly sophisticated nature of farming, it's no surprise that
growers today prefer to do business with agri-equipment dealers who are capable
of providing, not only full product support, but also advice on integrating
irrigation systems into their overall operations for the best possible return
on investment. Lindsay has always provided its dealers with a full range of
sales and service training, marketing materials and cooperative advertising
programs. Additionally, through innovative dealer support and incentive
programs we seek to continually upgrade and expand the capabilities of our
dealer network.
Recently, we introduced Tech Vans into our arsenal. Tech Vans are mobile
training and simulation units, fully equipped with each of Lindsay's advanced
technology features for hands-on learning. Using the Tech Vans, Lindsay
personnel assist dealers in getting their service and technical staff
up-to-speed on AIMS, R-MAC and other Zimmatic features. Additionally, dealers
are encouraged to invite their Zimmatic customers in for instruction on routine
system operation, preventive maintenance and other topics designed to help
growers fully utilize their Zimmatic systems.
The Tech Vans also enable customers to simulate the operation and impact
of adding an advanced feature to their existing system. Such hands-on exposure
helps shorten the sales cycle for add-ons by promoting a greater comfort level
with the technology. We are excited about the potential this unique and
powerful resource represents. Through continued innovation, we maintain our
competitive advantage, help current dealers better sell and service our
systems, and expand the capabilities of our dealer network.
EFFICIENT OPERATIONS THROUGH AUTOMATION AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Over the past three years, Lindsay has invested almost $10 million in
manufacturing equipment upgrades, automation and process improvements. The
results are dramatic. In 1979 it took 500 man-hours to produce a center pivot;
in 1997 it took 140. Through continued incremental improvement, we plan to
further reduce required man-hours and believe that, with continual focus and
investment in automation, we can obtain an additional 15- to 20-percent
reduction in the number of man-hours per unit by the year 2000.
During the past fiscal year alone, we invested $3.8 million in capital
improvements. Enhanced efficiency was evident in our fiscal 1997 gross margin,
which was 25.8 percent, better than the 24.0 percent margin achieved in fiscal
1996 and above our goal of 22 to 24 percent. Lindsay's operating margin
reached 16.7 percent in fiscal 1997, up from 14.2 percent in fiscal 1996 and
higher than our goal of 10 to 13 percent.
Moreover, the investment in robotics and automation helped boost Lindsay's
manufacturing capacity by approximately 25 percent, allowing us to more readily
meet anticipated fiscal 1998 peak-season demand. Shifting demand management to
manufacturing through automation should enable Lindsay to further improve our
gross margin as well as our market share.
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1997 Annual Report
We expect fiscal 1998 capital expenditures to approximate last year's
level. Budgeted investments include completing the integration of new
management information system software. This software is a key to achieving
continuous operational improvements. It will enhance virtually every aspect of
Lindsay's business by providing access to more timely and thorough data, which
in turn will facilitate better decisions and planning. More timely information
also contributes to more responsive dealer and customer relations. As of this
writing, integration is 30 to 40 percent complete; full implementation is
expected in the last half of fiscal 1998.
MAINTAINING EXPORT LEADERSHIP
For over a decade, Lindsay has been the leading exporter of center pivot and
lateral move irrigation equipment. Our ability to succeed in the international
marketplace is a result of carefully selecting our dealers and adeptly adapting
our products and marketing to local customs, growing conditions and
agricultural policies. For instance, we recently developed a high-clearance
version of our Zimmatic system to better address the needs of sugar cane
growers in several Latin American and Southern African countries. Other
product adaptations include configurations making center pivot irrigation
systems more economical for the smaller fields typical of markets in Western
Europe.
Because the need for increased crop yields is global, the export market
represents growth potential for Lindsay. As evidence of our commitment to the
international market, as well as our belief in its revenue potential, we are
reprogramming our AIMS systems and R-MAC feature to work with the metric system
and in Spanish, French and German. In addition, we have initiated a process
that will lead to ISO 9001 Quality Certification. This designation will
further demonstrate that Lindsay adheres to the internationally recognized ISO
standards and will be additional testimony to the exceptional quality of our
products and operations.
Another recent development, which is intended to benefit all of Lindsay's
constituencies, but especially our international dealers, is the introduction
of Lindsay's Website. By logging on to "www.Zimmatic.com," prospective
customers from anywhere in the world can research information on Zimmatic
equipment prior to visiting their local dealer or supplement information they
have received from their local dealer.
OUTLOOK--FUTURE STRENGTH AND SUCCESS
Net farm income is still very healthy, land values remain strong and low
interest rates continue to prevail. With the lowest debt to asset ratio since
1962, farmers are relatively liquid and in a position to invest in capital
equipment, particularly equipment that will increase productivity and improve
operating efficiency. This indirect evidence of a favorable market for
Lindsay's irrigation equipment is supported by our North American dealers, who
are indicating higher-than-expected rates of pre-season inquiries. We believe
we have the product and offer the sales and service support that can turn that
interest into revenue.
We expect continued favorable demand in exports to Mexico and Latin
America in fiscal 1998; however, as anticipated, we are beginning to feel the
effects of a stronger U.S. dollar relative to Western European and other
currencies. To leverage global opportunities while limiting our downside risk,
Lindsay's product sales are always in U.S. dollars, so foreign currency
translation does not impact our earnings. Rather, pricing may be an issue as
our products become more expensive for our international customers. We are
currently working with our international dealers to create incentives and
programs to continue the progress we have made in these markets.
We remain confident in the growth potential of our diversified products
business; although we expect fiscal 1998 revenue growth to moderate from the 32
percent achieved this past year. By broadening the range of products Lindsay
manufactures for our existing OEM customers, we hope to leverage the stronger
product demand being experienced by Deere & Company, Caterpillar, Inc., New
Holland North America, Inc. and other customers as they too benefit from a
healthy farm economy and growing global agricultural demand.
As promising as our near-term prospects are, Lindsay's long-term outlook
is even more so. The world will have to find ways to feed its growing
population, using less water, fewer chemicals and the same amount of farmland.
Lindsay Manufacturing Co. is a leading domestic manufacturer and the number-one
exporter of one of the only pieces of capital equipment that increases yields
through higher crop production. We are in prime position to benefit from
global dynamics, and we are continually investing in our products, dealer
network and operations to maintain our leadership and ensure our future
success.
Dedicated employees, motivated dealers, loyal customers and confident
shareholders continue to be the keys to realizing our potential. Once again,
we thank each of you for helping to make fiscal 1997 a success and we look
forward to working with you to make the most of the opportunities that lie
before us.
Sincerely,
Gary D. Parker
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
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* OPERATIONS REVIEW *
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[GRAPH]
World Population/
Land in Ag Production
Year World population Square miles
in billions in Ag Production
in millions
1960 3.0 billion 5.8 million
1997 5.9 billion 5.8 million
2040 Projected 10.0 billion 5.8 million
"If we stopped the population today, we'd still have to roughly double the
world's farm output over the next 20 to 30 years as we brought all of the
consumers in China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Nigeria up to twenty-first
century living standards."
Hudson Institute
Global Food Quarterly
THE CHALLENGE
- - The world population is expected to almost double over the next 40 years,
adding another five billion people to feed.
- - Economic expansion, particularly in Latin America, China and the rest of
Southeast Asia, and Eastern and Central Europe, increases the demand, not just
for food, but for better and more diverse diets.
- - Yet, the amount of farmland is not projected to increase and, according to
some estimates, may even shrink by 1 to 2 percent annually as acreage is lost
to industrial and residential use.
- - Compounding the situation is a declining per capita water supply. According
to a report by the World Bank, projected world population growth will result
in a 650 percent rise in the demand for water over the next 30 years. As a
consumer of approximately 63 percent of the earth's fresh water supply--only
about 45 percent of which is actually used by crops--agricultural use is a
prime candidate for conservative measures.
A recipe for global disaster? Probably not, thanks in part to the ability of
modern farming techniques to dramatically increase agricultural production.
Several yield-enhancing advances will play key roles in feeding the world's
growing population, including: seeds genetically engineered to resist insects
and disease; farm equipment designed to customize farming based on growing
conditions and optimize harvests; improved fertilizers and ag chemicals; and
precision irrigation developed to conserve water, energy and labor, while
allowing the precise application of chemical inputs.
THE IRRIGATION SOLUTION
According to a report by the World Bank, half the growth in food supply in the
past 30 years has come from the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Moreover,
an estimated half to two-thirds of future incremental food production will come
from irrigated land. The majority of today's irrigated land is irrigated
utilizing methods which are water inefficient. However, as water supplies are
stretched ever thinner, the preferred methods of irrigation will be those that
achieve higher crop yields while using less water. How can farmers increase
irrigation yet reduce water use? The answer is through the use of center pivot
and lateral move technology.
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Each center pivot covers approximately 135 productive acres. In many areas,
center pivot irrigation improves crop yields by up to 100% over dry land
farming.
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1997 Annual Report
Center pivot systems are comprised of sprinklers on spans of large
diameter pipe that draw water from a central supply. One center pivot
irrigates, on average, 135 acres in a circular pattern. The precise
application of water, and optionally chemicals, creates several advantages over
the oldest and most common method--traditional "surface," or "flood,"
irrigation. Center pivot and lateral move systems cut water usage by 40 to 60
percent, use 90 percent less labor and significantly reduce the risk of
environmental contamination resulting from chemical leaching and runoff. In
addition, center pivot and lateral move irrigation can double the yields
realized through dry land farming. Yields are increased through uniform and
timely water and chemical application. And, center pivots can be installed on
a variety of terrains--an advantage that opens up millions of previously
unirrigated acres. Through cost savings and better crop yields, a center pivot
system, which has a useful life of 15 to 20 years, can often pay for itself in
only four to six years.
LINDSAY --A LEADING SUPPLIER OF THE SOLUTION
As a domestic market leader and the number-one exporter of center pivot and
lateral move irrigation systems, Lindsay is poised to benefit from market
dynamics arising from the need to feed a growing world population. The
Company's Zimmatic irrigation systems are sold worldwide through a network of
over 350 independent dealer outlets. Currently, Lindsay and its dealers
support systems operating in 86 countries irrigating over 11 million acres.
DOMESTIC MARKET EVOLUTION
While global market dynamics clearly indicate significant export opportunity,
perhaps even more compelling is its effect on Lindsay's domestic sales
potential. Nowhere are farmers in a better position to incorporate leading-edge
farming techniques than in the United States. The U.S., with its exceptional
farmland, transportation and production methods, is the world's low-cost
producer of many agricultural products. Indeed, U.S. exports of agricultural
commodities are expected to grow to $80 billion by 2005 from today's $60
billion.
Fueling U.S. farming's evolution is ongoing consolidation. While the
number of farms has dropped by over 40 percent since the early 1960s, the total
acres cultivated has remained roughly constant while total farm output has
risen over 50 percent in just the last ten years. The economies of scale
inherent in larger operations not only make U.S. agricultural goods more
competitive in the world market, but put U.S. growers in a better position to
incorporate advanced farming techniques.
[NORTH AMERICAN MARKET POTENTIAL PIE CHART]
400 Million Total 60 Million Total 15 Million Center
Cultivated Acres Irrigated Acres Pivot Irrigated Acres
Conversion of an additional 20% of the 60 million irrigated acres to center
pivot irrigation represents approximately $2.5 billion in domestic sales
potential.
[SOURCE OF CENTER PIVOT SALES PIE CHART]
Conversion of Conversion of Replacement
Irrigated Land 50% Dry Land 25% Market 25%
Replacement sales provide further momentum as half of the over 120,000 existing
center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems have been in service for more
than a decade.
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1997 Annual Report
SITE-SPECIFIC FARMING FOR MAXIMUM YIELDS
The most highly publicized advanced farming technique is site-specific farming.
Also called precision farming, prescription farming and variable rate
technology, it refers to an information- and technology-based management system
allowing growers to customize farming to conditions within each field.
Site-specific farming is the marriage of several technologies, including Global
Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), yield
monitoring devices, soil, plant and pest sensors, remote sensing and variable
rate technologies for application of inputs.
The development and adoption of site-specific farming on a large scale
will be an evolutionary process. Currently, a common application entails
farmers using combines equipped with a yield recording system to collect data
as crops are harvested. At the same time, the combine interfaces with the
satellite-based Global Positioning System to correlate yield data with field
location. This data is later processed through a Geographic Information
System, which renders a series of computerized maps that might include soil
type, topography and crop cover. Farmers can analyze the maps and other
resulting information to identify variations and determine how to improve
yields throughout the field.
Eventually, through the use of site-specific farming, growers will be able
to adjust seeding rates, fertilizers, pesticides, tillage and irrigation to
maximize yields on each acre of their farm. Moreover, data will be collected
automatically, in real-time, and likely processed through a management
information system that will track and integrate each aspect of the entire farm
operation. The opportunity for precision irrigation to become an integral part
of site-specific farming is obvious.
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Lindsay's investment in robotics and automation helped boost manufacturing
capacity by approximately 25%. Moreover, thanks to Lindsay's innovative formed
outlet process, benefits of the Company's pipeline automation extend beyond
manufacturing efficiency to include superior product reliability.
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Process enhancements, such as this recently added CNC Machining Center,
enabled Lindsay to achieve a fiscal 1997 gross margin of 25.8%, surpassing the
Company's goal of 22 to 24%.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH INNOVATION
As an industry technology leader, Lindsay is again poised to benefit from
market dynamics. The Company has already taken steps toward creating a
precision farming product line with the development of several leading-edge
product features, including Lindsay's Automated Irrigation Management System
(AIMS) Advance control panels, which allow growers to tailor application rates.
In addition, the Company's AIMS Telemetry Network provides today's farmers
with the type of capability that will be central to tomorrow's precision
farming operations. The Network's Windows-based software, not only collects,
stores and manipulates irrigation and environmental data, but also is capable
of tracking a variety of other operational information for each field, such as
on planting, chemical use, fertilizer use, irrigation use and crop yield.
The type of data collection and documentation capability offered by the
Network is becoming increasingly sought after as a growing number of farmers
are required to report how much water, fertilizer and pesticides they use, as
well as where they applied them. Lindsay's Network eases the burden of data
collection and incorporates reporting functions specifically designed to meet
these documentation requirements.
The Company also continually demonstrates its ability to innovate through
product enhancements, including the industry's most efficient drive train now
backed by the industry's best drive train warranty. A recent innovation about
which the Company is particularly enthused is its redesigned and newly patented
Zimmatic Pendulum Steerable Corner System. This add-on feature allows farmers
to irrigate the majority of each corner of their fields with their Zimmatic
center pivots, adding valuable acres to irrigated crop land.
Lindsay's inventiveness does not stop with its products. The Company has
consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate its operations and dealer
network.
The growing sophistication of the business of farming is evidenced by the
proliferation of agricultural consulting services. Always in the vanguard,
Lindsay has long recognized the benefits of selling and servicing through a
dealer network that is highly professional and very
9
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LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
value-added. Through incentives, materials, seminars and an array of marketing
tools, Lindsay ensures that its dealers are kept abreast of Zimmatic technology
and are experts on optimal implementation. The Company's recently deployed
Tech Vans exemplify Lindsay's commitment to dealer excellence as well as the
Company's creative approach to its business.
Robotics, just-in-time inventory management, statistical process control,
cellular manufacturing and employee education and involvement
programs--Lindsay has harnessed and integrated each technique with impressive
results. In 1979, it took 500 man-hours to produce an average center pivot; in
1997, it took 140 man-hours. Benefits of the Company's latest engineering
feat, its formed outlet process, extend beyond manufacturing efficiency to
include superior product reliability.
Drawing on employee talent, dealer motivation and management's commitment
to maintaining a leadership position, Lindsay will continue to leverage market
dynamics and stay ahead of the technology curve.
EXPORT SUCCESS THROUGH LOCAL FLAVOR
Having experienced fiscal 1997 revenue growth of 41 percent, following fiscal
1996's 79 percent gain, Lindsay's export business has clearly thrived.
Although year-to-year performance of this segment will be affected by exchange
rates, weather, government programs, politics and other variables outside of
Lindsay's control, the long-
-----------------------------
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| PHOTO OF ZIMMATIC |
| PENDULUM STEERABLE |
| CORNER SYSTEM |
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| |
-----------------------------
Lindsay's redesigned and newly patented Zimmatic Pendulum Steerable Corner
System offers farmers the opportunity to maximize the return on their
investments in land and equipment by putting more acres into production.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
| |
| Lindsay's Zimmatic irrigation |
| systems are sold worldwide |
| through a network of over 350 |
| independent dealer outlets.
Lindsay and its dealers |
| MAP OF THE WORLD SHOWING support systems operating in |
| DEALER OUTLETS 86 countries irrigating over |
| 11 million acres. |
| |
| |
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| |
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
13
1997 Annual Report
term growth trend should be favorable given the need for farmers throughout the
world to maximize yields as they rise to the challenge of feeding a growing
population.
The same strategy that has worked so well for Lindsay domestically is also
delivering success abroad. The Company capitalizes on its superior brand
recognition, reputation for product reliability and technology leadership, as
well as a well-trained, fully supported dealer network. Though the strategy is
the same, tactics are adjusted to fit local customs and other variables for
maximum impact.
Key to Lindsay's adaptability and export success is its international
network of dealers, which is comprised of local firms, carefully selected for
their ability to give Lindsay the access it needs to each market. To gain a
foothold in new international markets, Lindsay frequently works through
government agencies and private groups to identify agricultural initiatives by
foreign governments seeking to modernize their farm economies. By continuing
to apply its proven strategy, seasoned for local flavor, Lindsay expects to
maintain its status as the number-one exporter of center pivot and lateral
move irrigation systems.
GLOBAL DYNAMICS STRENGTHEN DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS
International agricultural demand also bodes well for Lindsay's diversified
products segment, through which the Company produces large diameter steel
tubing and provides outsourced manufacturing services. The tubing Lindsay
produces is used by its customers to manufacture grain handling equipment,
combine reels, conveyor rolls, pneumatic tubes, hay conditioner roll cores and
other agricultural and non-agricultural equipment. The Company's outsource
manufacturing operations provide sophisticated design and engineering
capabilities and a full spectrum of manufacturing services for a customer base
that includes leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers
such as Deere & Company, Caterpillar Inc. and New Holland North America, Inc.
An outgrowth of the Company's 1987 efforts to more fully utilize its
manufacturing capacity, the Company's diversified products segment now
constitutes approximately 17 percent of Lindsay's annual revenues. The
Company's long-term goal is to expand this segment to about 25 percent of
sales, primarily by broadening the range of products manufactured for its
existing customer base.
In summary, as attention-getting as the rapidly escalating demand for food
is, agriculture around the world is evolving to meet the challenge. And
Lindsay has the product to help farmers grow more food on their existing land
and the dealer network to maximize the chances that product will bear the
Zimmatic label. By continuing to anticipate market dynamics and seize the
resulting opportunities, Lindsay expects to turn global challenges into
long-term shareholder value.
-----------------------------------
| |
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| PHOTO OF |
| ZIMMATIC AD |
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-----------------------------------
Through ongoing investment in its products and manufacturing facility, Lindsay
is able to meet the demands of farmers requiring superior reliability as well
as leading-edge irrigation technology.
11
14
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
($ in millions, except per share amounts) For the years ended August 31,
====================================================================================================================================
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues........................ $158.3 $136.2 $111.8 $112.7 $102.1 $108.9 $98.7 $102.7 $92.6 $76.1 $54.1
Gross profit.............................. 40.9 32.7 25.9 25.7 23.8 23.8 21.5 20.0 18.6 11.8 8.9
Selling, general and administrative,
and engineering and research
expenses................................. 14.4 13.4 11.9 11.6 10.7 10.9 10.5 9.6 8.2 7.0 6.7
Earnings before cumulative effect
of accounting change..................... 20.1 16.5 11.7 11.2 10.7 11.0 8.9 8.4 7.4 3.8 1.6
Net earnings.............................. 20.1 16.5 11.7 11.9 10.7 11.0 8.9 8.4 7.4 3.8 1.6
Earnings before cumulative effect
of accounting change per share(1)........ 2.01 1.63 1.10 1.03 0.98 1.01 0.85 0.80 0.70 0.35 0.15
Net earnings per share(1)................. 2.01 1.63 1.10 1.09 0.98 1.01 0.85 0.80 0.70 0.35 0.15
Cash dividends per share(1)............... 0.137 0.10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Property, plant and equipment, net........ 11.3 9.7 7.2 5.6 5.6 6.0 5.4 4.7 4.4 4.6 3.4
Total assets.............................. 108.0 96.8 86.1 88.4 79.9 71.4 60.4 46.9 31.7 24.0 19.0
Long-term obligation...................... $ 0.3 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Return on sales........................... 12.7% 12.1% 10.5% 10.6% 10.5% 10.1% 9.0% 8.2% 8.0% 5.0% 2.9%
Return on beginning assets................ 20.7% 19.2% 13.2% 14.9% 15.0% 18.2% 19.0% 26.4% 30.8% 19.9% 6.7%
====================================================================================================================================
(1) For 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 per share amounts are calculated
by dividing the earnings by the weighted average number of common and common
equivalent (stock options) shares outstanding of 9,986,397, 10,150,878,
10,622,210, 10,945,139, 10,905,527 and 10,873,031. For 1991, 1990 and 1989, per
share amounts are calculated on Lindsay's 10,459,807, 10,421,157 and 10,479,609
weighted average outstanding shares, respectively. For 1988 and 1987, per share
amounts are calculated based on Lindsay's 10,479,375 outstanding shares as of
October 12, 1988, the date of the initial public offering, since at that time
all of the outstanding shares of Lindsay were owned by DEKALB Energy Company.
Per share amounts and number of shares reflect the three-for-two stock split in
March 1997.
Quarterly Data
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) For the three months ended the last day of
====================================================================================================================================
November February May August
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL 1997...............................................................
OPERATING REVENUES....................................................... $39,467 $45,693 $41,663 $31,504
COST OF OPERATING REVENUES............................................... 30,003 33,942 30,370 23,092
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES............................................. 7,073 8,963 8,902 4,991
NET EARNINGS............................................................. 4,809 6,096 6,053 3,094
NET EARNINGS PER SHARE................................................... 0.48 0.61 0.61 0.31
MARKET PRICE (NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET)(1)
HIGH.................................................................... $ 31 $ 36-1/2 $ 36-3/4 $ 39
LOW..................................................................... 24-13/16 26-11/16 28 29
Fiscal 1996
Operating revenues....................................................... $27,326 $38,140 $41,139 $29,628
Cost of operating revenues............................................... 20,905 28,336 30,534 23,711
Earnings before income taxes............................................. 4,322 7,523 8,170 3,925
Net earnings............................................................. 3,026 5,265 5,719 2,508
Net earnings per share................................................... 0.30 0.52 0.56 0.25
Market price (Nasdaq National Market)(1)
High.................................................................... $ 16-3/16 $ 21-13/16 $ 26-1/2 $ 29-11/16
Low..................................................................... 14-3/8 15-13/16 19-1/2 22-11/16
====================================================================================================================================
1997: Fourth-quarter adjustments resulting in a net increase in pre-tax
earnings of $1,445,000 were made to inventory accounts (due to physical
inventory), the LIFO inventory reserve and the obsolete inventory reserve.
Additional fourth-quarter accrual adjustments decreased pre-tax earnings
$440,000 for compensation costs including bonus earnouts and vacation pay.
1996: Fourth-quarter adjustments resulting in a net decrease in pre-tax
earnings of $1,229,000 were made to inventory accounts (due to physical
inventory), the LIFO inventory reserve and the obsolete inventory reserve.
Additional fourth-quarter accrual adjustments decreased pre-tax earnings
$581,000 for compensation costs including bonus earnouts, vacation pay, and
retirement and $200,000 for bad debt allowance. Partially offsetting this, a
$278,000 accrual reduction was made for dealer related items and a $138,000
accrual reduction for insurance. During the fourth-quarter refunds received
with interest resulting from state economic development tax credits increased
pre-tax earnings $1,223,000 for other income and $185,000 for interest income.
Per share and market price amounts reflect the three-for-two stock split in
March 1997.
(1) Lindsay common stock began trading October 21, 1997 on the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) under the ticker symbol LNN.
12
15
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OVERVIEW
Both the North American and export center pivot and lateral move
irrigation equipment markets registered sales growth in fiscal 1997 as did
Lindsay's diversified products segment. This growth in revenues lead to a 21%
growth in net earnings for the year.
Lindsay undertook a three-for-two stock split in March, 1997 -- the
Company's fourth three-for-two stock split since 1989 -- and continued its
share repurchase program, repurchasing 312,300 shares for $9.9 million during
the year. The Company continues to have a solid balance sheet with no debt
(other than a capitalized lease for computer hardware) and strong financial
ratios.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 1997 COMPARED TO 1996
The following table provides highlights for fiscal 1997 compared with fiscal
1996.
====================================================================================================================================
For the Years Ended Percent Increase
August 31, (Decrease)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands) 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated
Operating Revenues......................... $158,327 $136,233 16.2%
Cost of Operating Revenues................. $117,407 $103,486 13.5
Gross Profit............................... $ 40,920 $ 32,747 25.0
Gross Margin............................... 25.8% 24.0%
Selling, Eng. & Research, and
G&A Expense............................... $ 14,444 $ 13,363 8.1
Operating Income........................... $ 26,476 $ 19,384 36.6
Operating Margin........................... 16.7% 14.2%
Interest Income, net....................... $ 2,998 $ 2,936 2.1
Other Income, net.......................... $ 455 $ 1,620 (71.9)
Income Tax Provision....................... $ 9,877 $ 7,422 33.1
Effective Income Tax Rate.................. 33.0% 31.0%
Net Earnings............................... $ 20,052 $ 16,518 21.4
Irrigation Equipment Segment (See Note L)
- -----------------------------------------------
Operating Revenues......................... $131,583 $115,908 13.5
Operating Income........................... $ 29,895 $ 24,013 24.5
Operating Margin........................... 22.7% 20.7%
Diversified Products Segment (See Note L)
- -----------------------------------------------
Operating Revenues......................... $ 26,744 $ 20,325 31.6
Operating Income........................... $ 6,055 $ 4,181 44.8%
Operating Margin........................... 22.6% 20.6%
====================================================================================================================================
REVENUES
Operating revenues grew 16.2% to $158.3 million in fiscal 1997, compared to
$136.2 million in fiscal 1996. Fiscal 1997 North American irrigation equipment
revenues totaled $100.6 million, an 8% increase from $93.3 million in fiscal
1996. Fiscal 1997 export irrigation equipment revenues grew 41% to $27.9
million as compared to $19.8 million in fiscal 1996. Diversified products
revenues also grew during the year, increasing 32% to $26.7 million compared to
$20.3 million in fiscal 1996. Other revenues, primarily consisting of revenues
from freight services, are included with irrigation equipment in the above
table and totaled $3.1 million in fiscal 1997.
The market for center pivot and lateral move irrigation equipment in North
America continued to grow in fiscal 1997, but at a rate somewhat lower than in
fiscal 1996 when Lindsay recorded a 25% increase in North American irrigation
equipment revenues. Through expanded automation and process improvements,
Lindsay was able to increase its manufacturing productivity and capacity. These
factors along with the Company's use of creative sales and marketing programs
enabled Lindsay to continue to grow the revenues and profitability of its North
American irrigation equipment business.
Fiscal 1997 export irrigation equipment revenues grew by 41% over fiscal
1996. The Mexican and Latin American, African and Australian markets each
continued their growth during the year. The Company expects several of these
export markets to continue to grow during fiscal 1998. However, we expect that
the strong value of the U.S. dollar may negatively impact pricing and/or volume
in the Western European market.
At August 31, 1997, Lindsay had a $17.1 million order backlog for
irrigation equipment, a slight increase from fiscal 1996's year end irrigation
equipment order backlog of $16.6 million.
Diversified product revenues resumed their growth during fiscal 1997. The
Company recorded increased revenues from both the large diameter steel tubing
and the outsource manufacturing components of its diversified products segment.
Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Company, and New Holland North America, Inc. each
contributed to the outsource manufacturing revenue growth. At year end fiscal
1997, Lindsay's order backlog for diversified products totaled $10.2 million,
up 12% from $9.1 million at the end of fiscal 1996.
GROSS MARGIN
Fiscal 1997 gross margin of 25.8% was up from 24.0% in fiscal 1996 and 23.1% in
fiscal 1995. Gross margin for fiscal 1997 was favorably impacted by continued
improvements in manufacturing productivity and efficiencies and by continued
strong demand in both the North American and export markets for irrigation
equipment.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, engineering and research, and general administrative expenses grew
8.1% in fiscal 1997, totaling $14.4 million as compared to $13.4 million in
fiscal 1996. The increase is primarily due to increases in professional fees,
travel, advertising and salary and benefit costs partially offset by lower bad
debt expenses.
INTEREST INCOME, OTHER INCOME AND TAXES
Lindsay's interest income is primarily generated from its investments in
short-term (0 to 12 months) and intermediate-term (12 to 36 months) investment
grade municipal bonds, on which interest earnings are exempt from federal
taxes, and short term investment grade commercial paper. Fiscal 1997 interest
income of $3.0 million is up slightly from $2.9 million in fiscal 1996. Fiscal
1997 other income of $0.5 million is down significantly from $1.6 million in
fiscal 1996 which included $1.4 million from the State of Nebraska for the
growth of jobs and investment at the Lindsay facility during the years 1989
through 1994.
Lindsay's fiscal 1997 effective tax rate grew to 33% from 31% for fiscal
1996. The Company currently benefits, and expects to continue to benefit from
the foreign sales corporation federal tax provisions as they relate to export
sales, the federal tax free status of interest earned from its municipal
investments and State of Nebraska economic development tax credits.
13
16
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 1996 COMPARED TO 1995
The following table provides highlights for fiscal 1996 compared with fiscal
1995.
==========================================================================================================
For the Years Ended Percent Increase
August 31, (Decrease)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in thousands) 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated
Operating Revenues......................... $136,233 $111,843 21.8%
Cost of Operating Revenues................. $103,486 $ 85,986 20.4
Gross Profit............................... $ 32,747 $ 25,857 26.7
Gross Margin............................... 24.0% 23.1%
Selling, Eng. & Research, and
G&A Expense............................... $ 13,363 $ 11,937 12.0
Operating Income........................... $ 19,384 $ 13,920 39.3
Operating Margin........................... 14.2% 12.5%
Interest Income, net....................... $ 2,936 $ 2,728 7.6
Other Income, net.......................... $ 1,620 $ 438 269.9
Income Tax Provision....................... $ 7,422 $ 5,382 37.9
Effective Income Tax Rate.................. 31.0% 31.5%
Net Earnings............................... $ 16,518 $ 11,704 41.1
Irrigation Equipment Segment (See Note L)
Operating Revenues......................... $115,908 $ 88,837 30.5
Operating Income........................... $ 24,013 $ 16,386 46.6
Operating Margin........................... 20.7% 18.4%
Diversified Products Segment (See Note L)
Operating Revenues......................... $ 20,325 $ 23,006 (11.7)
Operating Income........................... $ 4,181 $ 5,181 (19.3)%
Operating Margin........................... 20.6% 22.5%
====================================================================================================================================
REVENUES
Operating revenues grew 22% to $136.2 million in fiscal 1996, compared to
$111.8 million in fiscal 1995. Fiscal 1996 North American irrigation equipment
revenues totaled $93.3 million, a 25% increase from $74.8 million in fiscal
1995. Fiscal 1996 export irrigation equipment revenues were also up, totaling
$19.8 million as compared to $11.1 million in fiscal 1995. Revenues from
diversified products were off 12% in fiscal 1996, totaling $20.3 million
compared to $23.0 million in fiscal 1995.
Total demand for irrigation equipment grew in the North American market in
fiscal 1996. Lindsay was able to capitalize on this growth and increase both
revenues and gross margin by using creative sales and marketing programs to
encourage dealers and growers to order equipment early and by further improving
the Company's manufacturing productivity through automation and process
improvements.
Fiscal 1996 export irrigation equipment revenues grew by 79% over fiscal
1995. The Western European, Mexican and Latin American, Australian, and South
African markets each grew during the year. Lindsay expects these same markets
to continue to grow during fiscal 1997.
At the year end fiscal 1996, Lindsay had a $16.6 million order backlog for
irrigation equipment, an increase of almost 125% from fiscal 1995's year end
irrigation equipment order backlog of $7.4 million. Lindsay believes that the
farmers' confidence level during July and August of 1996 was higher than in
1995 -- due to stronger agricultural commodity prices -- resulting in the
increase in order backlog.
Diversified product revenues contracted during fiscal 1996, primarily due
to a reduction in demand for and sales of large diameter steel tubing, but also
due to a slight decrease (less then 5%) in Lindsay's outsource manufacturing
sales. Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Company, and New Holland North American, Inc.
continue to be Lindsay's major outsource manufacturing customers. At year end
fiscal 1996, Lindsay's order backlog for diversified products totaled $9.1
million, up 28% from $7.1 million at the end of fiscal 1995.
GROSS MARGIN
Fiscal 1996 gross margin of 24.0% was up from 23.1% in fiscal 1995 and 22.9% in
fiscal 1994. 1996 gross margin was favorably impacted by continued improvements
made in manufacturing productivity and efficiencies and by a strong pricing
environment in both the North American and export markets for irrigation
equipment.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, engineering and research, and general and administrative expenses
increased 12% in fiscal 1996 to $13.4 million as compared to $11.9 million in
fiscal 1995. The increase is primarily due to increases in advertising and
salaries and benefit costs partially offset by lower office rental,
professional and legal fees and insurance costs.
INTEREST INCOME, OTHER INCOME AND TAXES
Fiscal 1996 interest income of $2.9 million was up slightly from
$2.7 million in fiscal 1995. Fiscal 1996 other income of $1.6 million was up
significantly from $0.4 million in fiscal 1995, primarily due to the Company's
receipt of $1.4 million in benefits during fiscal 1996 from the State of
Nebraska for the growth of jobs and investment at Lindsay's manufacturing plant
during the years 1989 through 1994.
Lindsay's effective tax rate of 31% for fiscal 1996 compares to an
effective tax rate of 31.5% for fiscal 1995.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY
The discussion of financial position and liquidity focuses on the balance sheet
and statement of cash flows. Lindsay requires cash for financing its
receivables, inventories, capital expenditures, stock repurchases and
dividends. Over the years, Lindsay has financed its growth through funds
provided by operations. Cash flows provided by operations of $21.3 million for
fiscal 1997 increased from $9.8 million in fiscal 1996. The increase in cash
flows provided by operating activities in fiscal 1997 was primarily due to net
earnings. Fiscal 1996 cash flows provided by operating activities was
principally due to net earnings partially offset by increased receivables.
Receivables of $18.9 million at August 31, 1997, were comparable to $20.1
million at August 31, 1996. Inventories at August 31, 1997 totaled $10.0
million, higher than their $7.8 million balance at August 31, 1996. May and
June 1997 North American irrigation sales did not develop to the degree
anticipated, resulting in increased inventory at August 31, 1997.
Current liabilities of $19.5 million at August 31, 1997, are higher than
their $18.7 million balance at August 31, 1996. The increase
from August 31, 1996, is principally due to higher accruals for payroll and
vacation, insurance and current state and federal income taxes, partially
offset by decreased trade payables.
Cash flows used in investing activities of $9.2 million for fiscal 1997
increased from $3.5 million in fiscal 1996 and for both periods was primarily
attributable to purchases of marketable securities and capital expenditures,
partially offset by proceeds from marketable securities.
14
17
Lindsay's cash and short-term marketable securities totaled $16.3 million
at August 31, 1997, as compared to $26.3 million at August 31, 1996. At August
31, 1997, Lindsay had $45.8 million invested in long-term marketable securities
which represent intermediate term (one to three and one-third year maturities)
municipal debt, as compared to $28.1 million at August 31, 1996
Cash flows used in financing activities of $10.2 million for fiscal 1997
increased from $8.5 million in fiscal 1996 and for both periods was primarily
attributable to dividends paid and to purchases of treasury stock partially
offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the Company's stock
option plan.
Capital expenditures of $3.3 million (excluding a capitalized lease of
$0.5 million) during fiscal 1997 decreased from $4.0 in fiscal 1996 and were
used primarily for upgrading manufacturing plant and computer equipment.
Lindsay expects its fiscal 1998 capital expenditures to be approximately $3.5
to $4.0 million which will be used primarily to improve Lindsay's existing
facilities and expand its manufacturing capabilities. Depreciation totaled $2.0
million in fiscal 1997 and is expected to increase to the $2.5 million range in
fiscal 1998.
Lindsay expended $9.9 million in fiscal 1997 to repurchase 312,300 shares
of its common stock. In fiscal 1996, Lindsay repurchased 413,250 shares of its
common stock using $8.5 million.
Lindsay believes its capitalization (including cash and marketable
securities balances) and operating cash flow are sufficient to cover expected
working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, dividends and repurchases
of common stock.
FISCAL 1998 OUTLOOK
IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT
The North American market for irrigation equipment continued its growth in
fiscal 1997, but at a more modest pace than the 25% growth of fiscal 1996.
Lindsay believes that the desire of North American farmers to reduce variable
input costs, increase or stabilize crop yields, reduce labor input and conserve
water and energy will continue to drive demand for center pivot and lateral
move irrigation equipment. The Company believes that these demand drivers will
result in long-term growth in North American demand for its irrigation
equipment to average in the 6% to 8% per annum range.
Our current outlook for the fiscal 1998 North American center pivot and
lateral move irrigation equipment market is for growth at this 6% to 8% per
annum range. Grain prices, although on average lower than their peaks of last
year, have stabilized at levels which still generate profits for farmers. Net
cash farm income for 1997 is currently projected at $54 billion as compared to
$57 billion in 1996 and $49 billion in 1995. Farmers continue to be in a strong
financial condition with an average debt to asset ratio of under 15%.
Additionally, prevailing interest rates are relatively low and are stable.
Lindsay believes these factors will lead to continued demand growth in fiscal
1998.
Export sales of center pivot and lateral move irrigation equipment should
increase again in fiscal 1998, but at a rate less than the 41% increase
recorded in fiscal 1997. The Mexican and Latin American, Australian and African
markets should continue to expand during the year. Lindsay believes that the
Western European market could be negatively impacted by the strength of the
U.S. dollar.
Lindsay's domestic and international irrigation equipment
sales are highly dependent upon the need for irrigated agricultural production
which, in turn, depends upon many factors including total worldwide crop
production, the profitability of agricultural production, commodity prices,
aggregate net farm income, governmental policies regarding the agricultural
sector, water and energy conservation policies and the regularity of rainfall.
Approximately 18%, 15% and 10% of Lindsay's revenues were generated from
export sales in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Lindsay does not
believe it has significant exposure to foreign currency translation risks
because its export sales are all in U.S. dollars and are generally all
shipped against prepayments or irrevocable letters of credit which are
confirmed by a U.S. bank or other secured means.
DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS
Lindsay's diversified products segment consists of two major products:
large-diameter thin-wall round steel tubing and outsource manufacturing
services.Diversified products customers for both products primarily consist of
agricultural and industrial capital goods manufacturers. The Company expects
diversified products revenue to grow in excess of 10% in fiscal 1998. Lindsay's
long-term goal has been, and continues to be to build its diversified products
segment to total 25% of total annual revenues.
SEASONALITY
Irrigation equipment sales are seasonal by nature. Farmers generally order
systems to be delivered and installed before the growing season. Shipments to
North American customers usually peak during Lindsay's second and third
quarters for the spring planting period. Lindsay's expansion into diversified
products complements its irrigation operations by using available capacity and
reducing seasonality.
OTHER FACTORS
Environmental contamination at Lindsay's manufacturing facility occurred in
1982 when a drill, operated by a sub-contractor installing groundwater
monitoring wells, punctured a silt and sand lens and an underlying clay layer
beneath a clay-lined waste lagoon. The 1982 puncture of the clay layer caused
acid and solvent leachate to enter the sand and gravel aquifer.
Since 1983, Lindsay has worked actively with the Nebraska Department of
Environmental Control (NDEC) to remediate this contamination by purging and
treating the aquifer. In October 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) added Lindsay to the list of priority Superfund sites. In 1988, a
sampling which was performed in connection with an investigation of the extent
of aquifer groundwater contamination, revealed solvent contamination (volatile
organic compounds) in the soil and shallow groundwater in three locations at
and in the vicinity of the plant. Under a 1988 agreement with the EPA and NDEC,
Lindsay conducted a Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study (RI/FS). This
study was completed in June 1990. Lindsay does not believe that there is any
other soil or groundwater contamination at the manufacturing facility.
In September 1990, the EPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) selecting
a plan for completing the remediation of both contaminations. The selected
plan implementation was delayed until finalization of the Consent Decree in
April 1992. The final remediation
15
18
plans were approved in 1993 and 1994 and the remediation plans were fully
implemented during fiscal 1995.
The balance sheet reserve for this remediation was $0.3 million at August
31, 1997 and 1996.
Lindsay believes that the current reserve is sufficient to cover the
estimated cost for complete remediation of both the aquifer and soil and
shallow groundwater contaminations under the final plans. Lindsay believes that
its insurer should cover costs associated with the contamination of the aquifer
that was caused by the puncture of the clay layer in 1982. However, Lindsay and
the insurer are in litigation over the extent of the insurance coverage. In
1987, the insurer agreed to reimburse Lindsay for remediation costs incurred by
Lindsay. The insurer reduced its reimbursement of remediation costs in early
1990. In late 1990, Lindsay filed suit against the insurer. The insurer
completely stopped reimbursement of remediation costs in 1991 and in 1992 the
insurer filed a counterclaim against Lindsay for previously reimbursed
remediation costs. In December 1995, the court dismissed Lindsay's suit against
the insurer and entered a judgment in the amount of $2.4 million in favor of
the insurer. During July 1997 the United States Court of Appeals reversed the
judgment of $2.4 million and remanded the case to the district court for
further proceedings. The Company has not made a provision for the previously
reimbursed remediation costs. If the EPA or NDEC require remediation which is
in addition to or different from the current plan and depending on the success
of Lindsay's litigation against the insurer, this reserve could increase or
decrease, depending on the nature of the change in events.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING
PRONOUNCEMENTS
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share" which,
when adopted, will replace the current methodology for calculating and
presenting earnings per share. Under SFAS No. 128, primary and fully diluted
earnings per share will be replaced with basic and diluted earnings per share.
The statement will be effective beginning in the Company's second quarter
ending February 28, 1998, and accordingly, the financial statements for such
quarter will include a restatement of historical earnings per share to conform
to the requirements of SFAS No. 128. The impact of implementation of SFAS No.
128 is not expected to be material.
STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
The consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial
statements of Lindsay Manufacturing Co. have been prepared by management, which
has the responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to
reflect, in all material aspects, the substance of financial events and
transactions occurring during the respective periods.
/s/ Gary D. Parker /s/ Bruce C. Karsk
- ----------------------- -----------------------
Gary D. Parker Bruce C. Karsk
Chairman, President and Vice President-Finance,
Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Secretary
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lindsay
Manufacturing Co. as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended August 31, 1997. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements 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 misstatements. 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 consolidated financial position of Lindsay
Manufacturing Co. as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended August 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
-----------------------------
Omaha, Nebraska Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
October 2, 1997
16
19
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) Years ended August 31,
====================================================================================================================================
1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues .................................................................. $158,327 $136,233 $111,843
Cost of operating revenues .......................................................... 117,407 103,486 85,986
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit ........................................................................ 40,920 32,747 25,857
-------- -------- --------
Operating expenses:
Selling expense .................................................................... 4,970 4,553 4,290
General and administrative expense ................................................. 7,898 7,380 6,264
Engineering and research expense ................................................... 1,576 1,430 1,383
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses ............................................................ 14,444 13,363 11,937
-------- -------- --------
Operating income .................................................................... 26,476 19,384 13,920
Interest income, net ................................................................ 2,998 2,936 2,728
Other income, net ................................................................... 455 1,620 438
-------- -------- --------
Earnings before income taxes ........................................................ 29,929 23,940 17,086
Income tax provision ................................................................ 9,877 7,422 5,382
-------- -------- --------
Net earnings ........................................................................ $ 20,052 $ 16,518 $ 11,704
======== ======== ========
Net earnings per share:
Primary ............................................................................ $ 2.01 $ 1.63 $ 1.10
======== ======== ========
Fully diluted ...................................................................... $ 2.01 $ 1.62 $ 1.10
======== ======== ========
Cash dividends per share ........................................................... $ 0.137 $ 0.10 $ 0.00
======== ======== ========
====================================================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
($ in thousands)
===================================================================================================================================
Shares of Capital
------------------------------ in excess Total
Common Treasury Common of stated Retained Treasury stockholders'
stock stock stock value earnings stock equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1994 4,819,358 105,630 $ 4,819 $ 3,841 $ 60,743 $ (1,319) $68,084
Net earnings -- -- -- -- 11,704 -- 11,704
Net shares issued under stock option
plan 23,447 -- 24 550 -- -- 574
Stock option tax benefits -- -- -- 21 -- -- 21
Acquisitions of common stock -- 369,250 -- -- -- (11,640) (11,640)
----------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1995 4,842,805 474,880 4,843 4,412 72,447 (12,959) 68,743
Net earnings -- -- -- -- 16,518 -- 16,518
Cash dividends ($.10 per share) -- -- -- -- (963) -- (963)
Net shares issued under stock option
plan 58,170 -- 58 934 -- -- 992
Stock option tax benefits -- -- -- 35 -- -- 35
Acquisitions of common stock -- 230,200 -- -- -- (8,489) (8,489)
Three-for-two stock split 2,427,038 282,740 2,427 (2,427) -- -- --
Fractional shares paid in cash in
conjunction with the three-for-two
stock split (52) -- -- (2) -- -- (2)
----------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1996 7,327,961 987,820 7,328 2,952 88,002 (21,448) 76,834
NET EARNINGS -- -- -- -- 20,052 -- 20,052
CASH DIVIDENDS ($0.137 PER SHARE) -- -- -- -- (1,298) -- (1,298)
NET SHARES ISSUED UNDER STOCK
OPTION PLAN 147,790 -- 148 855 -- -- 1,003
STOCK OPTION TAX BENEFITS -- -- -- 255 -- -- 255
ACQUISITIONS OF COMMON STOCK -- 280,000 -- -- -- (9,876) (9,876)
THREE-FOR-TWO STOCK SPLIT 3,727,560 526,210 3,727 (3,610) (117) -- --
FRACTIONAL SHARES PAID IN
CASH IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE THREE-FOR-TWO STOCK SPLIT (55) -- -- (2) -- -- (2)
----------- ----------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1997 11,203,256 1,794,030 $ 11,203 $ 450 $106,639 $ (31,324) $86,968
=========== =========== ======== ======== ======== ========= =======
====================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17
20
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands, except par values) At August 31,
=======================================================================================================
1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ....................................................... $ 4,231 $ 2,362
Marketable securities ........................................................... 12,077 23,926
Receivables ..................................................................... 18,900 20,128
Inventories ..................................................................... 9,995 7,800
Deferred income taxes ........................................................... 4,547 3,369
Other current assets ............................................................ 77 270
-------- --------
Total current assets ........................................................... 49,827 57,855
Long-term marketable securities .................................................. 45,802 28,146
Property, plant and equipment, net ............................................... 11,294 9,691
Other noncurrent assets .......................................................... 1,060 1,131
-------- --------
Total assets ..................................................................... $107,983 $96,823
======== =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, trade ......................................................... $ 4,993 $ 5,915
Other current liabilities ....................................................... 14,337 12,782
Current portion of capital lease obligation ..................................... 149 0
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ...................................................... 19,479 18,697
Other noncurrent liabilities ..................................................... 1,274 1,292
Obligation under capital lease less current portion .............................. 262 0
-------- --------
Total liabilities ................................................................ 21,015 19,989
-------- --------
Contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, ($1 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
outstanding in 1997 and 1996)
Common stock, ($1 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 11,203,256 and
7,327,961 shares issued in 1997 and 1996) ...................................... 11,203 7,328
Capital in excess of stated value ............................................... 450 2,952
Retained earnings ............................................................... 106,639 88,002
Less treasury stock, (at cost, 1,794,030 shares in 1997 and
987,820 shares in 1996) ........................................................ (31,324) (21,448)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity ....................................................... 86,968 76,834
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ....................................... $107,983 $96,823
======== =======
====================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18
21
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($in thousands) Years ended August 31,
================================================================================================================
1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings .......................................................... $20,052 $16,518 $11,704
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ........................................ 2,015 1,486 1,254
Amortization of marketable securities premiums, net .................. 213 325 390
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets .................................. 13 (83) (101)
Loss on sale of marketable securities held-to-maturity ............... 0 0 2
Gain on maturities of marketable securities held-to-maturity ......... (14) (14) 0
Gain on sale of marketable securities available-for-sale ............. 0 (8) 0
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable ...................... 20 150 60
Deferred income taxes ................................................ (1,178) (565) 739
Stock option tax benefits ............................................ 255 35 21
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables .......................................................... 1,208 (9,925) 667
Inventories .......................................................... (2,195) (2,416) 864
Other current assets ................................................. 193 1,621 (20)
Accounts payable ..................................................... (922) 1,620 7
Other current liabilities ............................................ 1,891 1,808 (3,192)
Current taxes payable ................................................ (336) (662) 131
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities .............................. 53 (70) (55)
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows provided by operating activities ....................... 21,268 9,820 12,471
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment ............................ (3,335) (4,038) (2,840)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment ................... 162 108 119
Purchases of marketable securities held-to-maturity ................... (30,910) (19,880) (10,260)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities held-to-maturity .......... 0 0 2,998
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities held-to-maturity .... 24,904 16,775 7,630
Purchases of marketable securities available-for-sale ................. 0 0 (2,500)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities available-for-sale ........ 0 3,525 3,500
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities available-for-sale .. 0 0 2,750
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities ............. (9,179) (3,510) 1,397
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Principal payments under capital lease obligation ..................... (47) 0 0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plan ........ 1,003 992 574
Three-for-two stock split fractional shares paid in cash .............. (2) (2) 0
Dividends paid ........................................................ (1,298) (963) 0
Purchases of treasury stock ........................................... (9,876) (8,489) (11,640)
------- ------- -------
Net cash flows (used in) financing activities ......................... (10,220) (8,462) (11,066)
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .................. 1,869 (2,152) 2,802
Cash and cash equivalents, prior year ................................. 2,362 4,514 1,712
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, current year ............................... $ 4,231 $ 2,362 $ 4,514
======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Income taxes paid ..................................................... $11,421 $ 8,649 $ 4,608
Interest paid ......................................................... $ 17 $91 $8
================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
19
22
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Lindsay Manufacturing Co. (the "Company" or "Lindsay") manufactures and
distributes irrigation systems and manufactures other special metal products
serving both domestic and international markets. Principal facilities are
located within the United States. The principal accounting policies of the
Company are as follows:
(1) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are
eliminated in consolidation.
(2) REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues and related cost of revenues for all irrigation and diversified
products are recognized when title passes. Generally this occurs at the time of
shipment of product to dealers or customers.
(3) WARRANTY COSTS
Cost of operating revenues included warranty costs of $796,000, $1,073,000 and
$538,000 for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Provision for the estimated warranty costs is made in the period in which such
costs become probable and is periodically adjusted to reflect actual
experience.
(4) CASH EQUIVALENTS, MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND LONG-TERM MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Cash equivalents are included at cost, which approximates market. At
August 31, 1997, Lindsay's cash equivalents were held primarily by one
financial institution. Marketable securities and long-term marketable
securities are categorized as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale.
Investments in the held-to-maturity category are carried at amortized cost.
Investments in the available-for-sale category are carried at fair value with
unrealized gains and losses as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
The carrying amounts of the securities used in computing unrealized and
realized gains and losses are determined by specific identification. Lindsay
considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three
months or less to be cash equivalents, while those having maturities in excess
of three months are classified as marketable securities or as long-term
marketable securities when maturities are in excess of one year. Marketable
securities and long-term marketable securities consist of investment-grade
municipal bonds.
On November 15, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
Staff issued a special report on statement 115 "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" that includes special transition
provisions for the one-time reassessment and reclassification of securities
from the held-to-maturity category during the period November 15, 1995 to
December 31, 1995. Lindsay transferred securities maturing July 1, 1996 and
August 1, 1996 from the held-to-maturity classification to the
available-for-sale classification on December 20, 1995. The total amortized
cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and the
aggregate fair value for the securities transferred are $3,518,687, $8,233,
$0.0 and $3,526,920, respectively.
There are no investments in the available-for-sale category included in
marketable securities at August 31, 1997.
Investments in the held-to-maturity category are included in marketable
securities ($12,077,000) and long-term marketable securities ($45,802,000). The
total amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding
losses, and aggregate fair value for held-to-maturity securities are
$57,879,000, $284,000, $22,000 and $58,141,000, respectively. In the
held-to-maturity category, $12,077,000 in securities mature within one year and
$45,802,000 have maturities ranging from one to three and one-third years.
(5) INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by
the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for all inventories.
(6) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, equipment and capitalized lease assets are stated at cost. The
Company's policy is to capitalize expenditures for major renewals and
betterments and to charge to operating expenses the cost of current maintenance
and repairs. Provisions for depreciation and amortization have been computed
principally on the straight-line method for buildings and equipment. Rates used
for depreciation are based principally on the following expected lives:
buildings -- 20 to 30 years; equipment -- three to 10 years; other -- two to 20
years; and leasehold improvements -- term of lease.
All of the Company's long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less
than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized.
The cost and accumulated depreciation relating to assets retired or
otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts at the time
of disposition. The resultant gain or loss is included in the consolidated
statements of operations.
(7) EXPORT SALES
Revenues included export sales of $27,847,000, $19,736,000, and $11,098,000 for
the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Lindsay's export
sales are all in U.S. dollars and are essentially all shipped against
prepayments or backed by irrevocable letters of credit which are confirmed by
U.S. banks or other secured means.
GEOGRAPHIC AREA EXPORT REVENUES
----------------------------------------------------------
Mexico
Europe & Latin Other Totals
$ in thousands & Africa America
----------------------------------------------------------
August 31, 1997 .... $9,781 $15,108 $2,958 $27,847
August 31, 1996 .... 9,364 8,168 2,204 19,736
August 31, 1995 .... $3,654 $ 4,470 $2,974 $11,098
----------------------------------------------------------
(8) EARNINGS PER SHARE
Primary earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings by the
weighted average number of common and common equivalent (stock options) shares
outstanding of 9,986,397, 10,150,878 and 10,622,210 for the years ended August
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995. The difference between shares for primary and fully
diluted earnings per share was not significant in any period.
20
23
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per
Share" which, when adopted, will replace the current methodology for
calculating and presenting earnings per share. Under SFAS No. 128, primary and
fully diluted earnings per share will be replaced with basic and diluted
earnings per share. The statement will be effective beginning in the Company's
second quarter ending February 28, 1998, and accordingly, the financial
statements for such quarter will include a restatement of historical earnings
per share to conform to the requirements of SFAS No. 128. The impact of
implementation of SFAS No. 128 is not expected to be material.
(9) STOCK SPLIT
On February 7, 1997, the Board of Directors declared a three-for-two split of
Lindsay's common stock effective March 10, 1997, to stockholders of record on
March 3, 1997. Accordingly, the average number of shares outstanding, per share
information and stock option data have been adjusted to reflect the stock
split.
(10) USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
B. NON-OPERATING ITEMS
================================================================================
For the years ended August 31,
------------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996 1995
================================================================================
Other income, net:
Royalty income ..................... $ 0 $ 0 $272
(Loss) gain on sales of fixed assets (13) 83 101
State economic development
tax credits ....................... 387 1,433 0
Finance charges .................... 24 77 45
All other, net ..................... 57 27 20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income, net ............. $455 $1,620 $438
================================================================================
C. INCOME TAX PROVISION
================================================================================
For the years ended August 31,
-------------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996 1995
================================================================================
Current taxes ..................... $11,055 $7,987 $4,643
Deferred taxes .................... (1,178) (565) 739
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income tax provision ........ $ 9,877 $7,422 $5,382
================================================================================
Total tax provisions resulted in effective tax rates differing from that of the
statutory federal income tax rates. The reasons for these differences are:
================================================================================
For the years ended August 31,
-------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
================================================================================
$in thousands AMOUNT % Amount % Amount %
================================================================================
U.S. statutory rate ........ $10,475 35.0 $8,379 35.0 $5,860 34.3
State and local taxes ...... 292 1.0 157 0.7 594 3.5
Qualified export activity... (347) (1.2) (195) (0.8) (86) (0.5)
Municipal bonds ............ (806) (2.7) (793) (3.3) (822) (4.8)
Other ...................... 263 0.9 (126) (0.6) (164) (1.0)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ...................... $9,877 33.0 $7,422 31.0 $5,382 31.5
================================================================================
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are
as follows:
================================================================================
For the years ended August 31,
----------------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996
================================================================================
Book depreciation in excess of tax ......... $ 131 $ 89
Employee benefits .......................... 2,092 1,412
Inventory adjustments ...................... 161 158
Changes in accruals not currently deductible
for taxes ................................ 2,163 1,710
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax assets .................... $4,547 $3,369
================================================================================
Management does not believe there are uncertainties surrounding realization of
the net deferred tax assets.
D. RECEIVABLES
================================================================================
August 31,
---------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996
================================================================================
Trade accounts and notes ................................ $19,643 $20,851
Less allowance for doubtful accounts .................... 743 723
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net receivables ......................................... $18,900 $20,128
================================================================================
E. INVENTORIES
================================================================================
August 31,
---------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996
================================================================================
First-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory .. $14,164 $12,060
LIFO reserves .......................... (3,500) (3,570)
Obsolescence reserve .................. (669) (690)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Inventories ..................... $9,995 $7,800
================================================================================
The estimated percentage distribution between major classes of inventory before
reserves is as follows:
================================================================================
August 31,
----------------------
1997 1996
================================================================================
Raw materials ............................... 19% 16%
Work in process ............................. 6% 8%
Purchased parts ............................. 30% 32%
Finished goods .............................. 45% 44%
================================================================================
F. PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
================================================================================
August 31,
-------------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996
================================================================================
Plant and equipment:
Land ..................................... $ 70 $ 70
Buildings ................................ 5,033 4,756
Equipment ................................ 23,769 22,563
Other .................................... 2,135 1,859
Capital lease:
Equipment ................................ 458 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total plant, equipment and capital lease ... 31,465 29,248
Accumulated depreciation and amortization:
Plant and equipment ...................... (20,145) (19,557)
Capital lease ............................ (26) 0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment, net ......... $11,294 $9,691
================================================================================
21
24
G. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
=======================================================================
August 31,
---------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996
=======================================================================
Current state and federal income taxes ..... $ 342 $ 707
Payroll and vacation ....................... 3,858 3,150
Retirement plans ........................... 1,635 1,442
Taxes, other than income ................... 238 209
Insurance .................................. 1,997 1,557
Dealer service, commission and related
items....................................... 2,660 2,913
Export freight ............................. 222 237
Warranty ................................... 607 580
Legal settlements .......................... 350 300
Environmental .............................. 322 322
Other ...................................... 2,106 1,365
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other current liabilities ............ $14,337 $12,782
=======================================================================
H. LEASE
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recorded a three year
capital lease for computer equipment in the amount of $457,850, at interest of
approximately 4% with a one dollar end-of-lease purchase option.
Future minimum lease payments at August 31, 1997, under this capital lease
together with the present value of the minimum lease payments are as follows:
=======================================================================
Twelve months ending August 31 $in thousands
=======================================================================
1998 ............................... $162
1999 ............................... 162
2000 ............................... 109
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total miminum payments ............. 433
Amount representing interest ....... (22)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Present value of minimum payments .. 411
Current portion .................... (149)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total .............................. $262
=======================================================================
I. CONTINGENCIES
The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various legal actions
arising in the course of their business activities. During fiscal 1996, Lindsay
substantially completed certain environmental remediation efforts at its
manufacturing facility. Lindsay believes that its insurer should cover the
costs of remediation. The insurer reduced its reimbursement of remediation
costs in early 1990. In late 1990, Lindsay filed suit against the insurer. The
insurer completely stopped reimbursement of remediation costs in 1991 and in
1992, the insurer filed a counterclaim against Lindsay for previously
reimbursed remediation costs. In December 1995, the district court dismissed
Lindsay's suit against the insurer and entered a judgment in the amount of $2.4
million in favor of the insurer. During July 1997, the United States Court of
Appeals reversed the judgment of $2.4 million and remanded the case to the
district court for further proceedings. The Company has not made a provision
for the previously reimbursed remediation costs. In the opinion of management,
an unfavorable outcome with respect to any or all of these matters will not
result in a material adverse effect on Lindsay's consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
J. RETIREMENT PLANS
During 1996, Lindsay adopted an amended and restated defined contribution
profit-sharing plan to include a 401(k) provision covering all employees.
Participants may voluntarily contribute a percentage of compensation, but not
in excess of the maximum allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. The plan
provides for a matching contribution by Lindsay. Additionally, the plan
provides for Lindsay to contribute a discretionary amount when warranted by
results of operations. The contribution is allocated to participants based upon
their respective percentage of wages to total wages of all participants in the
plan. Lindsay's total contributions charged to expense under this plan were
$800,000 for the year ended August 1997 and $750,000 for each of the years
ended August 1996 and 1995.
A supplementary non-qualified, non-funded retirement plan for certain key
executives is also maintained. Plan benefits are based on the executive's
average total compensation during the three highest compensation years of
employment. This unfunded supplemental retirement plan is not subject to the
minimum funding requirements of ERISA.
Cost and the assumptions for the Company's supplemental retirement plan
includes the following components:
=======================================================================
For the year ended August 31,
$in thousands 1997 1996 1995
=======================================================================
Service cost ............................ $ 74 $ 69 $ 66
Interest cost ........................... 113 101 100
Net amortization and deferral ........... 69 69 69
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cost ................................ $ 256 $ 239 $ 235
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate ........................... 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Assumed rates of compensation increases 3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
=======================================================================
The funded status and the amounts recognized in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
=======================================================================
August 31,
---------------------------
$in thousands 1997 1996 1995
=======================================================================
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations
Vested benefit obligation .............. $1,179 $1,021 $ 950
Non-vested benefit obligation .......... 147 123 108
Accumulated benefit obligation ......... 1,326 1,144 1,058
Projected benefit obligation ............. 1,820 1,612 1,438
Fair value of plan assets ................ 0 0 0
Unrecognized net gain (loss) ............. (15) 6 10
Unrecognized prior year service cost ..... 0 0 0
Unrecognized net obligation/(asset)
at transition 857 926 995
Adjustment to recognize minimum
liability ............................... 378 452 605
Liability recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet ........................... $1,326 $1,144 $1,058
=======================================================================
K. STOCK OPTIONS
The Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan in October 1988, (1988 Plan)
which provides for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock
indemnification rights and restricted stock (collectively stock awards) to
officers and key employees. Options may be granted at, above or below the fair
market value of the stock at the date of the grant and are exercisable within
periods specified by the Company's Compensation Committee.
In February 1992, the shareholders approved the 1991 Long-Term Incentive
Plan (1991 Plan) which is similar in most material respects to the 1988 Plan.
Additionally, the 1991 Plan provides for non-qualified stock options to
directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.
Options currently vest ratably over five years and expire ten years from
the grant dates.
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No.
22
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123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation
cost has been recognized for the stock option shares. Had compensation cost for
the Company's stock option shares been determined based on the fair value at
the grant date for awards in fiscal 1997 and 1996 consistent with the
provisions of SFAS No. 123, net income and net income per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
=======================================================================
August 31,
------------------
$ in thousands, except per share amounts 1997 1996
=======================================================================
Net income - as reported .............. $20,052 $16,518
Net income - pro forma ................ $19,996 $16,486
Net income per share - as reported .... 2.01 1.63
Net income per share - pro forma ...... 2.00 1.62
=======================================================================
The pro forma effect on net income for fiscal 1997 and 1996 is
not fully representative of the pro forma effect on net income in
future years because it does not take into consideration pro forma compensation
expense related to the vesting of grants made prior to fiscal 1996.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions used for all grants in fiscal 1997 and 1996;
dividend yield of 0.5%; expected volatility of 34.5% to 36.6%; risk-free
interest rates ranging from 6.3% to 6.9%; and expected lives of the options of
8 years.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock plans is presented below:
============================================================================
Restricted shares For the years ended August 31,
---------------------------------
$ in thousands, except per share amounts 1997 1996 1995
============================================================================
Number of shares issued ................... 44,850 42,750 42,750
Average price ............................. $27.87 $12.47 $13.01
Total value of shares issued .............. $1,250 $ 747 $ 556
Total compensation cost recognized in the
statements of operations ................ $1,749 $1,101 $ 643
============================================================================
============================================================================
Option shares Number of Shares Average Price
============================================================================
Officers, Directors and Key Employees:
Outstanding at August 31, 1994 ......... 785,626 $ 7.58
Granted .............................. 96,750 12.59
Exercised ............................ (13,815) 4.96
Outstanding at August 31, 1995 ......... 868,561 8.18
Exercisable at August 31, 1995 ......... 567,398 6.70
Outstanding at August 31, 1995 ......... 868,561 8.18
Granted .............................. 30,375 15.33
Exercised ............................ (69,897) 8.53
Cancelled ............................ (24,187) 13.43
Outstanding at August 31, 1996 ......... 804,852 8.26
Exercisable at August 31, 1996 ......... 651,402 7.04
Weighted average fair value of options
granted during fiscal 1996 ............ 17.74
Outstanding at August 31, 1996 ......... 804,852 8.26
Granted .............................. 13,500 25.83
Exercised ............................ (216,193) 6.11
Cancelled ............................ (10,125) 18.08
Outstanding at August 31, 1997 ......... 592,034 9.28
Exercisable at August 31, 1997 ......... 486,959 8.16
Weighted average fair value of options
granted during fiscal 1997............. $19.96
============================================================================
The number of stock awards available for grant under the 1988 and 1991 plans
are 332,472, 399,912 and 501,622 shares as of August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The following table summarizes information about the Company's Common
Stock options outstanding at August 31, 1997:
================================================================================
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
Average
Range of Number Remaining Weighted Number Weighted
Exercise Outstanding Contractural Average Exercisable Average
Prices at 8/31/97 Life Price at 8/31/97 Price
================================================================================
$ 2.08- 4.37 256,554 3.01 years $4.12 256,554 $4.12
6.89- 9.26 55,755 3.52 years 8.25 55,755 8.25
12.56-15.78 269,600 6.04 years 13.77 174,650 14.06
25.83-25.83 10,125 9.01 years 25.83 0 25.83
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
592,034 486,959
================================================================================
L. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
================================================================================
For the years ended August 31,
------------------------------
$ in millions 1997 1996 1995
================================================================================
Operating revenues:
Irrigation ............................ $131.6 $115.9 $ 88.8
Diversified products .................. 26.7 20.3 23.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues ................ $158.3 $136.2 $111.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating earnings:
Irrigation ............................ $ 29.9 $ 24.0 $ 16.4
Diversified products .................. 6.1 4.2 5.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment operating earnings .............. 36.0 28.2 21.6
Unallocated general & administrative and
engineering & research expenses ....... (9.5) (8.8) (7.7)
Interest and other income, net .......... 3.4 4.5 3.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes............. $ 29.9 $ 23.9 $ 17.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identifiable assets:
Irrigation ............................ $ 33.1 $ 32.1 $ 18.8
Diversified products .................. 5.8 4.9 5.2
Corporate ............................. 69.0 59.8 62.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total identifiable assets ............. $107.9 $ 96.8 $ 86.1
================================================================================
Segment operating earnings are based on net sales less identifiable
operating expenses. Identifiable operating expenses do not include general and
administrative expenses (which include corporate expenses) or engineering and
research expenses. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents,
short- and long-term marketable securities, deferred income taxes and certain
property, plant and equipment.
Capital expenditures and depreciation have not been allocated to industry
segments due to the arbitrary and inexact nature of the allocation process for
Lindsay which operates out of a single manufacturing facility. For the same
reasons, general and administrative and engineering and research expenses, and
interest and other income, net have not been allocated.
23
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DIRECTORS
VAUGHN L. BEALS, JR.
Director since 1997
Chairman - Emeritus Harley-Davidson, Inc.
HOWARD G. BUFFETT
Director since 1995
Chairman of the Board, The GSI Group;
Director: The GSI Group; Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.;
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
JOHN W. CROGHAN
Director since 1989
President of Lincoln Partners,
A partnership of Lincoln Capital Management Company;
Director: St. Paul Bancorp, Inc.;
Morgan Stanley public closed end funds (13 funds)
GARY D. PARKER
Director since 1978
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
Joined Lindsay in 1971; Vice President-Marketing 1975;
Executive Vice President 1978; President & CEO 1984;
Chairman of the Board 1989
GEORGE W. PLOSSL
Director since 1989
President, G.W. Plossl & Co., Inc.
OFFICERS
EDUARDO R. ENRIQUEZ
Vice President-International
Joined Lindsay in 1981; Vice President-International 1986
BRUCE C. KARSK
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary
Joined Lindsay in 1979 as Corporate Accounting Manager;
Controller 1981; Vice President-Finance,
Treasurer and Secretary 1984
CLIFFORD P. LOSEKE
Vice President-Manufacturing
Joined Lindsay in 1971 as Plant Manager;
Vice President-Manufacturing 1975
CHARLES H. MEIS
Vice President-Engineering
Joined Lindsay in 1971 as a Product Engineer;
Director of Engineering 1972;
Vice President-Engineering 1975
ROBERT S. SNOOZY
Vice President-Sales and Marketing
Joined Lindsay in 1973 as a Research Engineer;
Vice President-Marketing 1978;
Vice President-Sales and Marketing 1986
24
27
INVESTOR INFORMATION
ANNUAL MEETING
All shareholders are invited to attend our annual meeting, which will
be held on January 23, 1998, at 1:00 p.m. at The Cornhusker Hotel 333 South
13th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. We look forward to meeting shareholders and
answering questions at the meeting. Any shareholder who will be unable to
attend is encouraged to send questions and comments, in writing, to Gary D.
Parker, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, at
Lindsay's corporate offices.
QUARTERLY CALENDAR
The Company operates on a fiscal year ending August 31. Fiscal 1998 quarter-end
dates are November 30, 1997, February 28, 1998, May 31, 1998 and August 31,
1998. Quarterly earnings are announced approximately three weeks after the end
of each quarter and audited results are announced four to five weeks after year
end.
FORM 10-K
Shareholders who wish to obtain, free of charge, a copy of Lindsay
Manufacturing Co.'s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31,
1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may do so by
writing Bruce C. Karsk, Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary, at
Lindsay's corporate offices.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Norwest Bank Minnesota N.A.
Shareowner Services
Post Office Box 64854
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0854
Phone: (612) 450-4064
FAX: (612) 450-4033
RESEARCH REPORTS ISSUED BY
Barrington Research Associates
George K. Baum & Company
Dain Bosworth Incorporated
Standard & Poors
Value Line Investment Survey
STOCK MARKET INFORMATION
Lindsay's common stock began trading October, 21, 1997, on the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (NYSE) under the ticker symbol LNN. Prior to
trading on the NYSE Lindsay common stock traded on the Nasdaq National Market.
Stock price quotations are printed daily in major newspapers.
As of August 31, 1997, there were 9,409,226 shares of common stock
outstanding, held by approximately 250 shareholders of record and an estimated
2,500 shareholders for whom securities firms acted as nominees.
CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report, including the President's letter, Management's
Discussion and Analysis and other sections, contains forward-looking statements
that are subject to risks and uncertainties and which reflect management's
current beliefs and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry
conditions, Company performance and financial results. Forward-looking
statements include the information concerning possible or assumed future
results of operations of our Company and those statements preceded by, followed
by or include the words "future," "position," "anticipate(s)," "expect,"
"believe(s)," "see," "plan," "further improve," "outlook," "should" or similar
expressions. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor
for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that the following important factors,
in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this document, could affect the
future results of the Company and could cause those results to differ
materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements; availability
of and price of raw materials, product pricing, competitive environment and
related domestic and international market conditions, operating efficiencies
and actions of domestic and foreign governments. Any changes in such factors
could result in significantly different results.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Omaha, Nebraska
EMPLOYEES
Linsday had 553 employees at the end of fiscal 1997, the majority of whom work
at the Company's facility in Lindsay, Nebraska.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Shareholders and prospective investors are welcome to call or write Lindsay
Manufacturing Co. with questions or requests for additional information. Please
direct inquiries to:
Bruce C. Karsk
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Secretary
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
East Highway 91
P.O. Box 156
Lindsay, Nebraska 68644
(402) 428-2131
28
LINDSAY
LINDSAY MANUFACTURING CO.
Eash Highway 91
Lindsay, Nebraska 68644
(402) 428-2131