1
FORM 10-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
[ X ] Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
[ ] Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission file number 1-6575
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NORTH CAROLINA 56-0756067
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification
incorporation or organization) Number)
4404-G STUART ANDREW BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28217
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 704-521-2100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK ($1 PAR VALUE) AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __X__ No _____.
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant: Approximately $15,593,872.00 as of March 10,
1997.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 2,190,619 shares of
Common Stock ($1 Par Value) as of March 10, 1997.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Brad Ragan, Inc. (hereafter called the "Company" or the "Registrant,"
as appropriate for this report), is a 75%-owned subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire
& Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio ("Goodyear").
The business of the Company is the sale of new and retreaded tires,
home products and automotive services. It is functionally divided into two
industry segments: (a) commercial tire retreading and tire replacement
operations, which are generally referred to as commercial centers, and (b)
retail automotive service, new tires and home products operations.
The Company's commercial division generated 61.5% of consolidated sales
during 1996, 60.8% in 1995 and 60.2% in 1994. These commercial centers serve
both the off-the-road customers (mines, contractors and others) and
over-the-highway customers (trucking).
The Company's retail division operates primarily in the rural markets
of the southeastern United States, offering a broad line of Goodyear tires,
automotive service and home products.
For purposes of identifying revenues by division, the Company defines
each operating location as either commercial or retail. Financial information
for both of these segments is presented in Note 16 of Notes to Financial
Statements located elsewhere in this report.
COMMERCIAL
The number of the Company's commercial centers in operation at the end
of each of the last five years was as follows:
Centers in Operation
at December 31
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
49 49 48 49 51
The Company's 51 commercial centers are located in 19 states. Eight of
the centers are capable of retreading all common sizes of off-the-road tires
used on earth-moving and other similar heavy equipment by the BAND-LUG(TM)
process, the BAND-LUG(TM) "Computer Cut Tread" process or the mold cure
process. Thirteen of the commercial centers (four of which have off-the-road
retreading capability) can retread over-the-highway truck tires. The remaining
centers are sales and service outlets. From its commercial centers, the Company
operates a fleet of approximately 250 one-ton or larger service trucks.
Purchases of over-the-highway and off-the-road tires are principally
from Goodyear and are controlled from the corporate office and from individual
locations. Other merchandise and supplies required in commercial centers are
ordered by the managers of individual locations.
The commercial division has two supporting units: a rubber mixing plant
in Radford, Virginia, and a mobile equipment service unit in Spruce Pine, North
Carolina. These units service the needs of the Company in addition to
contributing revenue from sales to Goodyear and other customers.
2
3
The Company serves commercial customers from its commercial centers
through its sales force calling on existing and potential customers as well as
through its service associates who ascertain the customers' needs and
requirements on site and furnish tires and services. These service associates
constitute an important link between the Company and its customers. They are
often able to generate significant on-the-job sales as part of their customer
service.
In 1996, the Company was not dependent upon any one customer or group
of customers for as much as 10.0% of the commercial division's revenue. The
Company does not have any material long-term contracts with its commercial
customers for specific quantities of products, because customer requirements
vary widely depending on the level of activity in the customer's operations.
Tires are supplied from inventory or to the customer's order on a very short
lead-time basis, and the Company, therefore, does not consider order backlog a
material element in its business.
The Company's commercial operations are divided into two major
categories: off-the-road ("OTR") and over-the-highway.
Off-the-Road ("OTR")
The Company provides a broad range of products and services to its OTR
customers. These include new tires, various types of retreading, tire repairs
and OTR tire service. Such services are an integral part of the mix of choices
available to customers and give the Company more opportunities to serve them.
The Company relies upon its internally developed retreading techniques
to provide value to the customer and return on investment in the OTR tire
replacement market.
Its BAND-LUG(TM) process involves the application of bands of uncured
natural rubber to the prepared surfaces of OTR tire casings and the attachment
of formed bars of rubber to the bands to form raised lugs. The tire is then
cured in a pressurized steam vessel capable of containing any size tire up to
and including the largest OTR tires commonly in use. Principal advantages of the
BAND-LUG(TM) process over conventional methods include (a) diversity of tread
depth, design and composition obtainable with a single extruder and steam
vessel, (b) faster curing and processing time because heat is applied equally to
the inside and outside of the tire and (c) because tires are cured in a relaxed
state and at lower temperatures, tire casings are subjected to less stress and
possible damage. Disadvantages of the process include (a) appearance of tires,
which does not as closely approximate that of new tires, and (b) the fact that
the process is labor intensive.
The Company has developed an extension of the BAND-LUG(TM) process
known as the BAND-LUG(TM) "Computer Cut Tread" method, which provides a greater
selection of tread designs, depths and sizes as well as an improved appearance.
It utilizes a computer controlled machine, which automatically cuts the tread
pattern in built up rubber that has been applied in bands onto the carcass. The
tread pattern is uniform in depth, width and configuration on each tire.
Over-the-Highway
The over-the-highway tire market serviced by the Company consists of
truck tire replacement customers for both new and retreaded tires. Retreading
capability for truck tires exists in thirteen locations, all of which utilize a
precure retread process.
3
4
Most of the Company's commercial over-the-highway tire business is
concentrated in the "medium" commercial truck tire sizes. These tires are sold
to owners of small and large fleets for various applications including linehaul,
local delivery, mining and a variety of other commercial uses.
The Company's commercial centers also sell tires for smaller vehicles
including light-duty trucks and automobiles. These revenue sources represent
approximately 6.0% of the commercial division's sales.
RETAIL
The Company's retail stores are authorized dealers for Goodyear tires
and General Electric appliances. Forty-six of these outlets are located in North
Carolina, twenty-seven in South Carolina, sixteen in Tennessee, fourteen in
Georgia, ten in Alabama, four in Virginia and five in Mississippi. The number of
the Company's retail stores in operation at the end of each of the last five
years was as follows:
STORES IN OPERATION
at December 31
-------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
123 123 122 121 122
The selective closing, sale or consolidation of outlets is determined
through an evaluation of earnings, working capital return and operating cash
flow. The Company will continue to review marginal retail locations based on
these financial criteria along with the market potential of the area.
Market potential, competitive conditions and projected financial return
are criteria used in assessing opportunities for modernization, relocation or
new construction in both new and existing markets.
The typical retail store has approximately 7,500 square feet of space,
with individual stores ranging from 3,150 to 16,000 square feet. All are air
conditioned and well maintained. The retail stores in North Carolina and South
Carolina operate under the name "Carolina Tire Company," and the stores in other
states operate under the name "Brad Ragan Tire and Appliance." The name is
prominently displayed on the storefront. The stores also display the Goodyear
name and logo. No single store presently accounts for more than three percent of
total retail store sales.
Sales of new and retreaded tires account for approximately 26.1% of the
Company's retail sales. Approximately 44.5% is derived from sales of home
products, including refrigerators, air conditioners, ranges, freezers and
washer-dryers and from mowers, tillers, televisions and home entertainment
products. The balance of retail sales is generated from providing automotive
service, including automobile brake and alignment services and engine tune-ups.
Approximately 51% of the retail division's sales are made on credit
under installment sale security agreements between the Company and the customer.
The Company considers its installment credit polices to be an important factor
in the retail division sales strategy. Credit terms may be extended up to 36
months, although 24 months is the maximum on most sales. Down payments of at
least 10% are encouraged but not required. The Company operates a credit
administration center in Charlotte, NC, for the purpose of establishing credit
limits on individual accounts, approving new accounts and initiating collection
activities when accounts become past
4
5
due. During 1996, finance charge revenues amounted to approximately $11,383,000
or 11% of retail division revenues. Property and life insurance is offered, but
not required, on installment credit sales.
The Company advertises in local newspapers and over local radio stations
through cooperative efforts with Goodyear, General Electric and others. The
Company also utilizes direct mailing efforts to promote retail sales.
The Company's Vice President and General Manager-Retail Division and
staff, along with each individual store manager, plan and maintain purchasing
and inventory controls and product marketing. A 64,000 square foot retail
warehouse located in Salisbury, North Carolina, permits the Company to
consolidate the majority of its home products purchasing.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
The Company has approximately 1,750 employees. Approximately 855 of the
employees are engaged primarily in commercial operations, 855 employees are in
retail operations and 40 are engaged in other operations, primarily in
administrative and management capacities.
Approximately 69 employees are members of labor unions. The Company
considers that the relations between it and its employees are good.
COMPETITION AND REGULATION
In its commercial activities the Company competes primarily with the
major rubber companies and with regional and local independent companies that
sell new and retreaded tires.
The Company's retail stores are engaged in competition with chain stores
in certain markets and other local tire and appliance outlets. Accurate figures
with respect to the size of the markets served by the Company are not readily
available. Management believes that the Company is a minor factor in the overall
retail markets served, although it is frequently a significant factor in the
relatively small communities in which its stores are generally located.
The Company has no formal established program whereby professional
employees are engaged full time on material research activities relating to the
development of new products or the improvement of existing products.
All of the Company's operations must meet extensive federal, state and
local regulatory standards, primarily in the areas of safety, health and
environmental pollution. In general, the Company has experienced no difficulty
in complying with these standards, and it believes that they have not had any
material adverse effect on its sales or operations. Additional governmental
standards and regulations may be prescribed in the future; however, the Company
is unable to predict what effect, if any, such standards and regulations will
have on its sales or results of operations. Management of the Company believes
that the operation of its facilities and its disposal of waste materials are in
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, but compliance with future
requirements regarding environmental quality may necessitate capital outlays. It
is not anticipated that any such capital outlays would materially affect the
earning power of the business or cause material changes in the Company's
business or intended business.
5
6
Various federal and state authorities have the power to adopt safety
regulations with respect to motor vehicles and the tires with which they are
equipped. Management believes that the Company is presently in compliance with
all published state and federal statutes and regulations (including those of the
United States Department of Transportation) relative to retreading of tires. The
Company cannot predict, however, what other laws and regulations might be
adopted in the future or what their effect on its business might be.
SUPPLIERS
Goodyear supplies a majority of the new tires sold by the Company, and
nearly all Company locations are franchised dealers of Goodyear. Goodyear
provides the Company with an open, unsecured short-term line of credit to fund
working capital requirements.
On December 31, 1996, the Company issued a one-year $5.5 million
promissory note to Goodyear that may be renewable on December 31, 1997,
depending on business conditions. The note represented an extension of a
previous inventory ledger balance financing arrangement dated November 30, 1989,
with an outstanding balance due on December 31, 1996, of $5.5 million. The note
is interest-bearing at 120% of the prime rate as announced by Citibank, N.A.,
New York, on the first day of each quarter during the term of the note.
According to the agreement, Goodyear will fully waive any interest due under the
note, provided the ratio of the Company's annual purchases of off-the-road tires
from Goodyear to the average outstanding balance of the note equals or exceeds
two and one half to one (2.5:1). Interest will be prorated if the ratio is less
than 2.5:1. In 1996, the ratio exceeded 2.5:1, and, therefore, interest charges
related to this agreement were waved.
The Company's rubber processing plant in Radford, Virginia, supplies
substantially all of the Company's rubber needs for the BAND-LUG(TM) and
BAND-LUG(TM) "Computer Cut Tread" processes and most of its needs for
conventional mold processes. With this plant, the Company can compound rubber
to meet the specialized needs of its customers and obtain better control over
inventories of rubber supplies and the quality of the rubber compounds it uses.
The plant currently operates on one shift.
With respect to appliance sales, stores operate under dealer
arrangements with General Electric and other suppliers. These arrangements may
be terminated on short notice by either party. General Electric Capital provides
financing for certain inventories of General Electric products.
In management's opinion, while the termination of any of these supply
arrangements would have some temporary impact upon the directly affected portion
of the Company's business, it would not adversely affect its overall business
for any significant period of time, inasmuch as alternative sources of supply
are believed to be readily available.
The Company is not dependent upon any single outside source for any
other supplies or services used.
6
7
SEASONALITY
The second and third quarters normally produce stronger sales and
revenues for the Company. The retail division experiences increased sales of
home products and powered equipment, while the commercial division's sales of
off-the-road and farm tires are greater during the spring and summer months.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The following table summarizes the Company's present use of properties:
APPROXIMATE SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR SPACE
PRINCIPAL USE LEASED OWNED
------------- ------ -----
Commercial 693,992 227,942
Retail 921,324 96,690
Corporate 24,384 - 0 -
At December 31, 1996, the Company operated 122 retail centers, 49
commercial centers, one commercial support facility, one retail warehouse and
one manufacturing plant in the United States as described in Item 1 hereof.
Three retail stores, five commercial centers, the support facility, the retail
warehouse and the manufacturing plant are Company-owned, and the balance are
rented under leases expiring at various dates through the year 2007. The Company
believes that the activities carried out in rented properties can be readily
transferred to other locations should the need to do so arise. In the Company's
opinion, all of its properties are suitable and adequate for the activities
conducted by the Company therein.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
During 1996 the Company was involved in two civil proceedings relating
to certain installment credit sales transactions as follows:
(1) Ricks, et al. vs. Brad Ragan, Inc. et al., was a class action lawsuit,
containing allegations concerning Alabama fraud and consumer protection laws in
connection with credit sales transactions. After having been removed to Federal
Court, on September 28, 1995, the case was remanded to the Circuit Court for
Jefferson County, Alabama, and was later dismissed.
(2) Jordan, et al vs. Avco Financial, et al., was filed in April, 1995, in the
United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Columbus
Division, against the Company and several other defendants on behalf of a
purported class of plaintiffs consisting of all persons nationwide who were
charged for non-filing insurance by the defendants. The complaint alleged that
the defendants, in the course of charging and collecting non-filing insurance
fees in respect of certain retail installment credit sales transactions,
violated the federal Truth in Lending Act, the federal Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations Act and that the defendants' activities constituted common
law fraud, breach of contract and conversion. The plaintiffs were seeking
statutory remedies, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys'
fees and costs. The Company has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Nevertheless, the Company has decided to enter into a settlement to avoid the
burden, disruption, time, expense and uncertainty of continued
7
8
litigation. A settlement agreement was preliminarily approved by the court on
October 10, 1996, and the Company deposited $3.3 million into escrow in
accordance with the terms of the settlement. The Jordan action was subsequently
transferred to the United States District Court for the Middle District of
Alabama for consolidation with another class action pending in that Court. The
consolidated case was designated In Re: American Security Insurance Company
"Non-Filing Insurance" Fee Litigation. On February 4, 1997, an amended
settlement agreement was preliminarily approved by the court, and a settlement
class was conditionally certified.
A $4.8 million second quarter unusual charge was recorded in 1996 which
included the $3.3 million paid into escrow and related costs and expenses
associated with this litigation.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol BRD. There were approximately 150 shareholders of record as of
March 10, 1997.
Information regarding stock prices during the past two years follows:
Quarter Ended Stock Prices
------------- -------------------------
Low High
--- ----
March 31, 1995 $27 $32
June 30, 1995 27 1/2 30 1/4
September 30, 1995 27 34
December 31, 1995 32 34
For Year 1995 27 34
March 31, 1996 $34 $36 1/2
June 30, 1996 30 1/4 36
September 30, 1996 29 3/4 31 3/4
December 31, 1996 30 31 1/2
For Year 1996 29 3/4 36 1/2
The Company has not paid a cash dividend since 1991.
8
9
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
See "Five Year Highlights" under Item 14 of this report.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
REVIEW OF 1996 RESULTS
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996, increased $1.5 million
or .6% to $238,473,000 compared to $236,975,000 for 1995. On a same location
basis, net sales increased 3.6% for the commercial segment and decreased 1.0%
for the retail segment.
Miscellaneous income decreased $641,000 for 1996 compared to 1995
primarily due to lower revenues derived from charges in respect of certain
credit sales transactions.
The gross margin rate increased slightly to 30.4% for 1996 compared to
30.0% for 1995.
Selling, administrative and general expenses increased $3.0 million for
1996 compared to 1995 primarily due to increased expense for compensation and
benefits and also expenses associated with an adverse court decision and related
litigation costs in a general liability case against the Company.
Interest expense increased slightly due to an increase in the average
outstanding short-term borrowings for 1996 compared to 1995.
The Company's effective tax rate was 37.4% in 1996 compared to 43.7% in
1995. The 1996 tax benefit includes adjustments for the difference between the
income tax provision recorded in 1995 and the actual liability on the 1995 tax
return filed in 1996.
The Company recorded a net loss of $2,909,000 ($1.33 per share) for the
year ended December 31, 1996, compared to net income of $1,356,000 ($.62 per
share) for 1995. The earnings decrease is primarily attributable to a $4.8
million unusual charge recorded in 1996 associated with the tentative settlement
of two class action lawsuits related to retail installment credit sales.
REVIEW OF 1995 RESULTS
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995, increased $2.9 million
or 1.3% to $236,975,000 compared to $234,037,000 for 1994. On a same location
basis, net sales were up for the commercial and retail divisions 1.1% and .1%,
respectively.
Miscellaneous income decreased $803,000 for 1995 compared to 1994
primarily due to lower finance charge income resulting from decreased consumer
credit sales and the discontinuance of certain charges in connection with retail
installment sales. It is anticipated that miscellaneous income will be lower in
future periods due in substantial part to a reduction in anticipated net
revenues derived from charges in respect of certain retail credit sales
transactions.
The gross margin rate decreased slightly to 30.0% for 1995 compared to
30.3% for 1994.
9
10
Selling, administrative and general expenses increased 1.2% during 1995
due to expense associated with increased sales. Such expenses remained constant
as a percentage of sales at 33.9% for both 1995 and 1994.
Interest expense increased $612,000 for 1995 compared to 1994 due to
higher short-term borrowing rates. The Company's average short-term borrowing
rate increased to 7.5% for 1995 compared to 5.86% for 1994.
The Company's effective income tax rate was 43.7% in 1995 as compared
to 15.0% in 1994. The 1994 provision for income taxes was reduced by
approximately $1.2 million (26% of pre-tax income) due primarily to a reduction
in the Company's deferred income tax asset valuation allowance. The Company had
net deferred income tax assets of approximately $4.8 million as of December 31,
1995. For further discussion refer to Note 14 of Notes to Financial Statements
included elsewhere in this report.
The Company recorded net income of $1,356,000 ($.62 per share) for the
year ended December 31, 1995, compared to $3,836,000 ($1.75 per share) for 1994.
The earnings decrease is primarily attributed to the items discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company maintains an open, unsecured line of credit with The
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, its major shareholder, to fund working capital
requirements. The borrowing rate on the line of credit is based on the 30-day
LIBOR plus 1.5% as reported on the Reuter's Money Service Monitor System
effective the first day of each calendar month. Although Goodyear retains the
right to require payment or discontinue additional advances on the line of
credit at its discretion, management believes that Goodyear will continue to
provide funding. The Company believes that Goodyear has the financial capacity
to fund any anticipated request by the Company to expand this line of credit. At
December 31, 1996, the level of this debt was $34,766,000, or $9.4 million
higher than the December 31, 1995, level.
An outstanding note balance of $5,500,000 payable to Goodyear on
December 31, 1996, pursuant to an inventory ledger balance financing agreement,
was extended for one year and becomes due and payable on December 31, 1997. For
further discussion, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements included
elsewhere in this report.
Working capital decreased 5.7% during 1996 to $39.6 million compared to
$41.9 million for 1995. Net cash used in operating activities was $7.4 million
in 1996. The negative cash flow impact of net loss, before depreciation and
amortization, was $812,000. Additional cash was used principally by increases in
inventory and decreases in related accounts payable balances, partially offset
by an increase in other accrued liabilities. Financing activities reflect a net
increase in the short-term credit facility provided by Goodyear of $9.4 million,
which was principally used to fund increased inventory and receivable balances,
capital expenditures and payment of a tentative litigation settlement.
The Company is self-insured for substantial portions of liabilities
related to casualty losses, disability, workers' compensation and health care
benefits. Payments of $7.1 million were made during 1996 for this purpose
compared to $5.6 million in 1995. It is expected that cash flows generated from
operations will continue to be sufficient to fund these programs.
10
11
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The following financial statements of the Company appear under Item 14
of this report:
Page No.
--------
Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 16
Statements of Financial Position -
December 31, 1996, and December 31, 1995 17
Statements of Cash Flows -
Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 18
Notes to Financial Statements 19
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
and Reserves 25
Report of Independent Accountants 26
The supplementary financial information required by Item 8 of Form 10-K appears
under Item 14 of this report. All other schedules for which provision is made in
the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission
are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and,
therefore, have been omitted.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following persons are members of the Company's Board of Directors:
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ----------------------------------
Eugene R. Culler Executive Vice President of Goodyear
Michael R. Thomann President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company
Ronald J. Carr Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company
11
12
Charles A. Bethel, Jr. Retired, Formerly Vice President
(Original Equipment Tire Sales) of Goodyear
Richard D. Pearson Owner and manager of companies involved
in selling and leasing heavy duty trucks and
other heavy equipment
Richard E. Sorensen Dean of the College of Business, Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University
Additional information regarding Directors required by Item 10 of Form
10-K appears in the Company's proxy statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Beneficial
Ownership of Common Stock" reference to which is hereby made, and the
information there is incorporated herein by reference.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth information regarding the present
executive officers of the Company:
NAME AND AGE POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH THE COMPANY
------------ --------------------------------------
Eugene R. Culler (58) Chairman of the Board
Michael R. Thomann (48) President and Chief Executive Officer
Ronald J. Carr (52) Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial
Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
James E. Owens (62) Vice President and General Manager -
Retail Division
Ronald P. Rumble (52) Vice President and General Manager -
Commercial Division
There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers
or Directors.
Mr. Eugene R. Culler, Jr. has been employed by Goodyear for 35 years.
He has been Executive Vice President responsible for North American Tires since
April, 1995. Prior to that he was President and CEO of Goodyear's Canadian
subsidiary. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company from August, 1988 to October, 1991. He was most recently elected a
Director and Chairman of the Board of the Company on July 27, 1995.
Mr. Thomann has more than 20 years service with the Company and
Goodyear. Most recently he was General Manager, Farm, Terra, and Off-the-Road
Tires for Goodyear. From 1987 to 1993 he was Vice President and General Manager
- - Commercial Division for the Company. He was elected President and CEO of the
Company effective April 16, 1996.
12
13
Mr. Carr joined the Company on May 1, 1992. He has been employed by the
Company and Goodyear for more than 25 years, most recently as Manager, Financial
Information for Goodyear's North American Tire Division (September, 1989 through
April, 1992). Prior to that he held various positions in Goodyear's General
Products and Tire Divisions and at Motor Wheel Corporation, a former Goodyear
subsidiary. He was elected Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer on May 1, 1992.
Mr. Owens has been employed by the Company and Goodyear for more than
40 years. Most recently, he was District Manager for Goodyear in Birmingham,
Alabama, for three years and District Manager in Atlanta, Georgia, for five
years. He was elected Vice President and General Manager-Retail Division on
February 8, 1988.
Mr. Rumble joined the Company on March 1, 1993. He has been employed by
the Company and Goodyear for more than 25 years, most recently as Marketing
Manager, Commercial Truck Tires for the Replacement Tire Division. Prior to
that, he held various positions in Goodyear's Replacement Tire, Original
Equipment and General Products Divisions. Effective March 1, 1993, he was
elected Vice President and General Manager - Commercial Division.
Officers serve for a term of one year or until their successors are
elected and qualify. The next meeting of the Board of Directors at which
officers will be elected is scheduled for May 23, 1997.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K appears in the
Company's proxy statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
caption "Executive Compensation," reference to which is hereby made, and the
information there is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K appears in the
Company's proxy statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
caption "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" reference to which is hereby
made, and the information there is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K appears in the
Company's proxy statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
caption "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," reference
to which is hereby made, and the information there is incorporated herein by
reference.
13
14
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) The listing of financial statements and financial statement schedules
required by Item 14 of Form 10-K appears on page 11 under Item 8 of
this report. The listing of exhibits appears on the Exhibit Index.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. None filed during the last quarter of the fiscal
year covered by this report.
(c) Exhibits Filed. See Exhibit Index.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules. See Schedule II, which follows Notes to
Financial Statements.
14
15
FIVE YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUES 1ST QTR $ 53,224 $ 55,923 $ 52,417 $ 50,808 $ 48,687
2ND 67,852 66,872 66,262 66,837 61,104
3RD 66,941 67,003 67,045 64,500 59,891
4TH 63,982 61,344 63,283 60,554 57,862
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ 251,999 $ 251,142 $249,007 $ 242,699 $227,544
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSTS OF PRODUCTS SOLD 1ST QTR $ 35,000 $ 36,469 $ 33,767 $ 33,038 $ 31,203
2ND 43,881 43,485 42,994 43,924 39,676
3RD 44,300 44,432 44,422 42,775 39,586
4TH 42,740 41,464 41,985 40,235 38,962
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ 165,921 $ 165,850 $163,168 $ 159,972 $149,427
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELLING, ADMINISTRATIVE AND 1ST QTR $ 19,115 $ 18,976 $ 18,191 $ 17,672 $ 17,802
GENERAL EXPENSES 2ND 25,830 20,257 20,169 19,901 19,759
3RD 21,989 20,441 20,210 19,581 19,183
4TH 16,452 20,723 20,885 19,828 19,355
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ 83,386 $ 80,397 $ 79,455 $ 76,982 $ 76,099
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME 1ST QTR $ (1,448) $ (129) $ 77 $ (333) $ (842)
TAX AND EFFECT OF CHANGE IN 2ND (2,449) 2,503 2,678 2,567 1,121
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 3RD (12) 1,477 1,914 1,723 661
4TH (735) (1,441) (158) 110 (916)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (4,644) $ 2,410 $ 4,511 $ 4,067 $ 24
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR 1ST QTR (620) $ (55) $ 30 $ - $ -
INCOME TAXES 2ND (884) 1,031 323 - (592)
3RD (59) 676 406 - (321)
4TH (172) (598) (84) - -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (1,735) $ 1,054 $ 675 $ - $ (913)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EFFECT OF 1ST QTR $ (828) $ (74) $ 47 $ (333) $ (842)
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 2ND (1,565) 1,472 2,355 2,567 1,713
3RD 47 801 1,508 1,723 982
4TH (563) (843) (74) 110 (916)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (2,909) $ 1,356 $ 3,836 $ 4,067 $ 937
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING 1ST QTR $ - $ - $ - $ 1,253 $ 909
PRINCIPLE 2ND - - - - -
3RD - - - - -
4TH - - - - -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ - $ - $ - $ 1,253 $ 909
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) 1ST QTR $ (828) $ (74) $ 47 $ (1,586) $(1,751)
2ND (1,565) 1,472 2,355 2,567 1,713
3RD 47 801 1,508 1,723 982
4TH (563) (843) (74) 110 (916)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (2,909) $ 1,356 $ 3,836 $ 2,814 $ 28
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND 1ST QTR $ (0.38) $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ (0.15) $ (0.39)
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE: INCOME 2ND (0.71) 0.67 1.00 1.12 0.78
(LOSS) BEFORE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN 3RD 0.02 0.37 0.65 0.76 0.45
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE. (NOTE 1) 4TH (0.26) (0.39) (0.03) 0.05 (0.42)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (1.33) $ 0.62 $ 1.75 $ 1.85 $ 0.42
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND 1ST QTR $ - $ - $ - $ (0.57) $ (0.41)
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE: 2ND - - - - -
EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING 3RD - - - - -
PRINCIPLE. (NOTE 1) 4TH - - - - -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ - $ - $ - $ (0.57) $ (0.41)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND 1ST QTR $ (0.38) $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ (0.72) $ (0.80)
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE: 2ND (0.71) 0.67 1.00 1.12 0.78
NET INCOME (LOSS) (NOTE 1) 3RD 0.02 0.37 0.65 0.76 0.45
4TH (0.26) (0.39) (0.03) 0.05 (0.42)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (1.33) $ 0.62 $ 1.75 $ 1.28 $ 0.01
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE - $ - $ - $ - $ -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 2,190,619 2,190,619 2,190,619 2,190,619 2,190,619
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 127,330 $ 122,013 $118,823 $ 114,037 $109,933
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT $ - $ - $ 4 $ 17 $ 6,030
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORKING CAPITAL $ 39,560 $ 41,942 $ 42,010 $ 40,231 $ 42,401
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 46,738 $ 49,647 $ 48,291 $ 44,454 $ 41,640
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOK VALUE PER SHARE $ 21.34 $ 22.66 $ 22.04 $ 20.29 $ 19.01
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE COMPANY ADOPTED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 112 DURING
THE 1993 FOURTH QUARTER, RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 1, 1993. ACCORDINGLY, THE
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED RESULTS OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 HAVE BEEN RESTATED.
15
16
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES $ 238,473 $ 236,975 $ 234,037
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME - NET (NOTE 3) 13,526 14,167 14,970
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251,999 251,142 249,007
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COST AND EXPENSES:
COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD 165,921 165,850 163,168
SELLING, ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL EXPENSES 83,386 80,397 79,455
UNUSUAL CHARGE 4,832
INTEREST EXPENSE 2,504 2,485 1,873
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256,643 248,732 244,496
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (4,644) 2,410 4,511
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES (NOTE 13) (1,735) 1,054 675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) (2,909) 1,356 3,836
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAINED EARNINGS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 38,285 36,929 33,093
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAINED EARNINGS AT END OF YEAR $ 35,376 $ 38,285 $ 36,929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK $ (1.33) $ 0.62 $ 1.75
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
16
17
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA.
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------
ASSETS 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 682 $ 478
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, LESS UNEARNED INTEREST INCOME
OF $5,105 AND $4,319 AND ALLOWANCE FOR
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS OF $2,050 AND $1,907 (NOTE 4) 69,771 68,235
INVENTORIES (NOTE 5)
MERCHANDISE 36,911 35,021
MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING SUPPLIES 2,781 2,363
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39,692 37,384
PREPAID EXPENSES 1,622 730
OTHER CURRENT ASSETS 3,249 2,581
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 115,016 109,408
OTHER ASSETS 2,921 3,029
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (NOTE 6) 8,887 9,033
COST IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF BUSINESSES ACQUIRED, LESS
ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION OF $924 AND $887 506 543
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$127,330 $122,013
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
SHORT-TERM DEBT - MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER $ 34,766 $ 25,323
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
TRADE 12,728 14,087
MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER 9,983 11,623
SALARIES, WAGES AND COMMISSIONS 7,469 7,327
TAXES, OTHER THAN INCOME 1,097 1,046
CURRENT PORTION OF DEFERRED REVENUE 2,466 2,499
NOTE PAYABLE - MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER (NOTE 2) 5,500 5,500
OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES 1,364 --
CURRENT PORTION OF OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 83 61
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $ 75,456 $ 67,466
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES, LESS CURRENT PORTION 3,346 3,019
LONG-TERM DEFERRED REVENUE 1,790 1,881
CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $1 PER SHARE:
AUTHORIZED 10,000,000 SHARES: ISSUED 2,190,619 SHARES 2,191 2,191
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL 9,171 9,171
RETAINED EARNINGS 35,376 38,285
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 46,738 49,647
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$127,330 $122,013
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
17
18
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(2,909) $ 1,356 $ 3,836
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME (LOSS)
TO NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 2,097 1,670 1,296
(GAIN) LOSS ON SALE OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (46) (223) (30)
DEFERRED TAX ASSET (626) (291) (1,383)
CHANGES IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (1,536) 2,826 877
INVENTORY (2,308) (3,298) (2,277)
PREPAID EXPENSES (892) (454) (161)
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (2,999) 2,144 (721)
SALARIES, WAGES AND COMMISSIONS 142 97 173
TAXES, OTHER THAN INCOME TAX 51 (82) 315
FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES ON INCOME -- (369) 203
DEFERRED REVENUE (124) 27 70
OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES 1,364 -- --
OTHER 407 359 (231)
------- ------- -------
TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS (4,470) 2,406 (1,869)
------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES (7,379) 3,762 1,967
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (1,950) (3,689) (2,789)
PROCEEDS FROM DISPOSALS OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 90 421 138
------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (1,859) (3,268) (2,651)
------- ------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
LONG-TERM DEBT PAID -- (3) (15)
SHORT-TERM DEBT - MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER 9,443 (253) 792
------- ------- -------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES 9,442 (256) 777
------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 204 238 93
BEGINNING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 478 240 147
------- ------- -------
ENDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 682 $ 478 $ 240
======= ======= =======
THE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STATEMENTS.
18
19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands except share and per share amounts) BRAD RAGAN, INC.
NOTE 1: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization: The Company is a 75%-owned subsidiary of The Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company ("Goodyear").
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash
in banks and cash equivalents, which are highly liquid debt instruments with
maturities of less than 90 days.
Accrued Insurance Reserves: Substantial portions of liabilities related to
casualty losses, disability, workers' compensation and health care benefits are
self-insured. The expected cost of casualty and workers' compensation claims is
recognized at the time a claim is asserted and also includes an estimate of
incurred but not reported claims.
Earnings Per Share: Earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income
by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares
outstanding during each period. An option to acquire 650,000 shares of the
Company's common stock by Goodyear expired on November 10, 1994, and is
considered a common stock equivalent only in the periods that its inclusion,
using the treasury stock method, would have had a dilutive effect on earnings
per share.
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost
determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for substantially all
inventories.
Accounts Receivable: Included in accounts receivable are amounts relating to
installment sales, which amounts are payable over periods in excess of one year.
In accordance with normal trade practice, these amounts are classified as
current assets. Gross profit on installment sales is recognized in the year of
sale, and interest income is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.
Extended Warranty Contracts: The Company sells extended warranty contracts on
certain tires and home products. Under tire warranty contracts, the Company
provides certain services when the contract is sold. The Company recognizes the
portion of contract revenue attributable to such services when the contract is
sold and the services are performed; the balance of the revenue is deferred and
amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the contracts.
Revenues for all other extended warranty contracts are deferred and amortized
over the lives of the contracts.
Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation is computed principally by the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset. Ranges of the
estimated lives used in computing depreciation and amortization are as follows:
buildings, 15 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 3 to 10 years; vehicles, 3
to 5 years; and leasehold improvements, over life of lease.
Amortization of Intangibles: Amortization of intangibles is computed using the
straight-line method over the estimated period benefited ranging from five to
forty years.
Location Start-Up Costs: Location start-up costs incurred during preoperation
periods are charged against current operations.
Income Taxes: The Company provides for income taxes currently payable and
records deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the temporary
differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax assets are reduced, if
necessary, through a valuation allowance to the amount which management believes
is more likely than not to be realized.
Impairment of long lived assets: The Company continually monitors conditions
that may affect the carrying value of its long-term assets. When conditions
indicate potential impairment of a long-term asset, the Company will undertake
necessary market studies and re-evaluate projected future cash flows associated
with the asset. When projected future cash flows, not discounted for the time
value of money, are less than the carrying value of the asset, the impaired
asset is written down to its net realizable value.
Pervasiveness 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.
NOTE 2: AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodyear is the Company's principal supplier of new tires and is the Company's
majority shareholder. As one of Goodyear's largest dealers, the Company has a
continuing relationship with Goodyear that includes sales assistance,
cooperative advertising, training of employees, leasing of facilities and other
matters. Purchases from Goodyear were $59,078, $63,811 and $63,766 for the years
ended
19
20
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Sales of product and services to
Goodyear were $7,713, $9,167 and $7,181 for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company also leases certain equipment and
facilities from Goodyear. Rents paid pursuant to such leases amounted to $1,346,
$1,439 and $1,516 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company began
providing various credit related administrative services to Goodyear's company -
owned outlets during 1996.
On December 31, 1996, the Company issued a one-year $5.5 million promissory note
to Goodyear that may be renewable on December 31, 1997, depending upon business
conditions. The note represented an extension of a previous inventory ledger
balance financing arrangement dated November 30, 1989, with an outstanding
balance due on December 31, 1995, of $5.5 million. The note is interest-bearing
at 120% of the prime rate as announced by Citibank, N.A., New York, NY, on the
first day of each quarter during the term of the note. Interest due under the
note will be fully waived provided the ratio of the Company's annual purchases
of off-the-road tires from Goodyear to the average outstanding balance of the
note equals or exceeds two and one half to one (2.5:1). Interest will be
prorated if the ratio is less than 2.5:1. In 1996, 1995, and 1994 the ratio
exceeded 2.5:1, and interest was fully waived.
On November 13, 1989, the Company entered into an option agreement granting
Goodyear the non-transferable right to purchase up to 650,000 additional shares
of the Company's Common Stock. Goodyear paid $162 to the Company for the option
rights. The exercise price per share was based on the higher of the five-day
average market price of the stock prior to the date of exercise or the book
value at the end of the previous fiscal quarter; but in no event higher than
$75.00 per share or lower than $25.00 per share. The option agreement expired
unexercised on November 10, 1994.
NOTE 3: MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous income consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
Finance charge revenue $11,383 $11,902 $12,919
Delivery commissions 1,041 996 1,101
Interest on short-term investments 705 787 820
Other - net 397 482 130
------- ------- -------
$13,526 $14,167 $14,970
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 4: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
December 31,
1996 1995
------- -------
Installment receivables $60,082 $57,587
Commercial receivables 15,362 15,078
All other 1,482 1,796
------- -------
76,926 74,461
Less: Unearned interest income 5,105 4,319
Allowance for doubtful accounts 2,050 1,907
------- -------
$69,771 $68,235
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installment receivables are due from individuals who reside in markets served by
the Company's retail outlets. Commercial receivables are due from customers
primarily in the trucking and mining industries.
Amounts included in accounts receivable having balances due after one year were
approximately $18.3 million at December 31, 1996, and $17.3 million at December
31, 1995.
NOTE 5: INVENTORIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current cost exceeded the LIFO value of inventories by approximately $4,853 at
December 31, 1996, and $4,717 at December 31, 1995.
NOTE 6: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, Plant and Equipment consisted of the following:
December 31,
1996 1995
------- --------
Land $ 574 $ 585
Buildings 4,280 4,244
Machinery and equipment 19,393 18,301
Vehicles 3,392 3,903
Leasehold improvements 3,316 3,285
------- --------
30,955 30,318
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 22,068 21,285
------- --------
$ 8,887 $ 9,033
20
21
NOTE 7: LEASES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company uses leasing extensively for store facilities, vehicles and other
equipment. Certain facility leases have ordinary renewal options, generally for
five years at escalating rates based on the lessor's operating costs. Total
rental expense for all leases amounted to $9,771, $9,756 and $9,194 for years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
At December 31, 1996, obligations to make future minimum rental payments for all
noncancellable operating leases were as follows: 1997 - $6,849; 1998 - $5,308;
1999 - $3,495; 2000 - $1,915; 2001 - $1,073 and thereafter - $1,470.
NOTE 8: CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1996, the Company had an unsecured short-term line of credit
with Goodyear. The interest rate on the credit line is equal to the 30-day LIBOR
plus 1.5%. This rate is fixed for a 30-day period and is reset monthly.
The average month-end balance outstanding under credit line arrangements was
$35,624, $31,721 and $30,814 at an average interest rate, computed by dividing
interest expense on the credit lines by the weighted average borrowings
outstanding, of 6.94%, 7.5%, and 5.86% for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end
during these periods was $43,179 at October 31, 1996, $39,407 at July 31, 1995,
and $37,967 at October 31, 1994. The interest rate was 6.88% at December 31,
1996, 7.47% at December 31, 1995, and 7.56% at December 31, 1994.
The Company made cash interest payments of $2,456, $2,520 and $1,806 in the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
NOTE 9: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At December 31, 1996, and 1995, the carrying amounts of the Company's financial
assets and liabilities reported in the statements of financial position
approximated their fair values.
NOTE 10: RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Substantially all employees of the Company are covered by a salary deferral
thrift plan after a qualifying year of service. Company contributions to the
plan are based primarily on a matching percentage of employee deferrals and
amounted to $552 in 1996, $538 in 1995 and $541 in 1994.
NOTE 11: POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company provides life insurance and health care benefits to certain of its
retired employees. Substantial portions of these insurance benefits are not
insured by a third party, but are paid by the Company. The Company recognizes
the cost of providing health care and other benefits to retirees over the term
of employee service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Service cost - benefit earned during the period $ 121 $ 84 $ 96
Interest cost on expected benefit obligation 168 122 114
Net amortization and deferrals 38 -- 11
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 327 $ 206 $ 221
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the
Company's statements of financial position:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actuarial present value of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: 1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
Retirees $ (559) $ (409) $ (347)
Vested active plan participants (875) (586) (427)
Other active plan participants (859) (692) (602)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2,293) (1,687) (1,376)
Plan assets -- -- --
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (2,293) (1,687) (1,376)
Unrecognized net loss 615 253 114
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued and deferred postretirement benefit cost recognized in the statement
of financial position $(1,678) $(1,434) $(1,262)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21
22
An 8.25% annual rate of increase in the cost of health care benefits is assumed
in 1997. This rate gradually decreases to 5% in 2010 and remains at that level
thereafter. A 1.0% change in the assumption would have minimal impact on the
Company's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, because, under the
terms of the plan, the retiree would assume the increased cost. The weighted
average discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation was 7.75% for 1996 and 1995, and 8.5% for 1994.
Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 112, the Company recognized the accumulated
postemployment benefit obligation at January 1, 1993, as a one-time charge of
$1,253 ($.57 per share) in the first quarter of 1993. This amount was recorded
as the effect of change in accounting principle.
NOTE 12: ADVERTISING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company expenses the production cost of advertising the first time the
advertising takes place, except for direct-response advertising, which is
capitalized and amortized over its expected period of future benefits.
Direct response advertising consists primarily of coupon books for the Company's
products and services. The capitalized costs of the advertising are amortized
over the period during which the coupons are valid.
At December 31, 1996, and 1995, $81 and $86 of advertising expense was reported
as assets, respectively. Advertising expense was $2,754, $3,076 and $3,172 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax income from continuing operations has been taxed by various domestic
federal and state authorities. Sales subject to foreign taxation are not
material.
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
Current Tax Expense (Benefit)
Federal $(1,011) $ 1,085 $ 1,827
State (98) 259 230
------- ------- -------
Total current tax expense (benefit) $(1,109) $ 1,344 $ 2,057
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit)
Federal $ (520) $ (241) $(1,148)
State (106) (49) (234)
------- ------- -------
Total deferred tax expense (benefit) $ (626) $ (290) $(1,382)
------- ------- -------
Total provision (benefit) $(1,735) $ 1,054 $ 675
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A reconciliation between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and the amount
of income tax computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to
pretax income from continuing operations is as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
------- ------ -------
Computed tax provision (benefit) - Statutory rate $(1,579) $ 819 $ 1,534
State income taxes (199) 104 194
Non-deductible items 75 86 95
Change in valuation allowance -- -- (1,192)
Other - net (32) 45 44
------- ------ -------
$(1,735) $1,054 $ 675
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22
23
Income tax payments (refunds), were $(208), $2,166 and $1,860 for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Upon applying the "more likely than not" asset realization criteria prescribed
in SFAS 109, there was sufficient positive evidence to support recognition of
net deferred assets, and a valuation allowance has not been required at December
31, 1996, and 1995. A net deferred tax asset of $5,464 and $4,838 was recorded
at December 31, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The realization of the net
deferred asset value is dependent upon the generation of taxable income in
future periods.
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following :
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
1996 1995
------- -------
Deferred Tax Assets
Bad debt reserve $ 785 $ 730
Accrued vacation pay 287 290
Insurance reserve - general liability 993 893
Insurance reserve - medical & dental 81 323
Deferred warranty revenue 1,580 1,677
Accrued postretirement cost other than pensions 643 549
Accrued postemployment benefits 464 463
Other - net -- 349
------- -------
Gross deferred tax assets $ 6,005 $ 5,274
------- -------
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Depreciation $ (540) $ (433)
Other (1) (3)
------- -------
Gross deferred tax liabilities $ (541) $ (436)
------- -------
Net deferred tax assets $ 5,464 $ 4,838
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 14: CONTINGENCIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company is a defendant in a number of legal actions generally incidental to
the normal course of business. It is management's opinion, after consulting with
legal counsel, that it is not reasonably possible that the amount of loss, if
any, that may ultimately arise upon the resolution of such actions will have a
material effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
However, in the event of an unanticipated adverse final determination in respect
of certain matters, the Company's financial position or results of operations
for the period in which such determination occurs, could be materially affected.
The Company elected to purchase only catastrophe insurance and is partially
self-insured for casualty losses. Self insurance retentions for workers'
compensation are up to the statutory benefit for individual states, general
liability and automobile liability up to $3,000 and product liability up to
$7,000.
23
24
NOTE 15: BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad Ragan, Inc.'s business is functionally divided into two segments,
commercial operations and retail operations. Commercial operations include the
sale of new tires and the manufacture and sale of retreaded off-the-road,
over-the-highway and farm and industrial tires. Retail stores distribute tires,
major brand appliances, consumer electronics and power equipment and offer
automotive repair services. Identifiable assets, depreciation expense and
capital expenditures by segment include both items directly identified with
those operations and an allocable share of jointly used assets. Intersegment
sales and transfers for each of the three years presented are immaterial and,
therefore, have not been separately reported.
Commercial Retail
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31 Year Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994
-------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 146,683 $ 144,018 $ 140,943 $ 91,790 $92,957 $93,094
Miscellaneous income - net 1,084 1,259 979 12,163 12,756 13,816
Cost of products sold 108,233 106,728 103,562 57,687 59,122 59,606
Selling, administrative
and general expenses 38,915 36,591 35,823 48,990 43,571 43,385
Operating profit 619 1,958 2,537 (2,724) 3,020 3,919
Identifiable assets 48,089 46,827 43,515 79,241 75,185 75,308
Capital expenditures 1,693 2,075 1,889 249 1,545 900
Depreciation expense 1,276 978 730 710 564 414
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate revenues, net $ 279 $ 152 $ 175
Corporate operating profit (loss) (34) (83) (72)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 16: UNUSUAL CHARGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company recorded a $4.8 million unusual charge in 1996 associated with the
tentative settlement of two class action lawsuits related to retail installment
credit sales.
24
25
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
Amounts in thousands.
Additions
Balance at Beginning Charged to Costs Balance at End
Description of Period & Expenses Deductions of Period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1996 $1,907 $1,648 $1,505(A) $2,050
Year ended December 31, 1995 $1,637 $1,737 $1,467(A) $1,907
Year ended December 31, 1994 $1,672 $1,601 $1,636(A) $1,637
(A) Uncollected accounts charged to allowance, less recoveries of accounts
previously written off.
25
26
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Brad Ragan, Inc.
In our opinion, the financial statements listed in the accompanying index
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Brad Ragan,
Inc. at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
January 22, 1997
26
27
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BRAD RAGAN, INC.
March 13, 1997 By: /s/ M. R. Thomann
------------------------------
M. R. Thomann
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
NAME AND SIGNATURE POSITION(S) DATE
- ------------------ ----------- ----
/s/ EUGENE R. CULLER Chairman of the Board March 13, 1997
- ---------------------------
EUGENE R. CULLER
/s/ MICHAEL R. THOMANN President and Chief Executive March 13, 1997
- --------------------------- Officer
MICHAEL R. THOMANN
/s/ RONALD J. CARR Vice President - Finance March 13, 1997
- --------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer,
RONALD J. CARR Secretary, Treasurer and a
Director
/s/ CHARLES A. BETHEL, JR. Director March 13, 1997
- ---------------------------
CHARLES A. BETHEL, JR.
/s/ RICHARD D. PEARSON Director March 13, 1997
- ---------------------------
RICHARD D. PEARSON
/s/ RICHARD E. SORENSEN Director March 13, 1997
- ---------------------------
RICHARD E. SORENSEN
27
28
EXHIBIT INDEX
to
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brad Ragan, Inc., for
Year Ended December 31, 1996
Exhibit No. Description
----------- -----------
3.1 Restated articles of incorporation of Brad Ragan, Inc., as
last amended May 25, 1988 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1988).
3.2 Bylaws of Brad Ragan, Inc., as last amended October 25, 1990
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1990).
4.1 Form of Certificate of the Company's Common Stock ($1 par
value) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
2-38082).
10.1 Performance Recognition Plan of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company, effective January 1, 1995, which the Company has
adopted for its officers (excluding the Chairman of the Board)
and other selected key employees. (Incorporated by reference
to the exhibit of the same number contained in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994)
10.2 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Retirement Benefit Plan For
Employees With Service With Designated Subsidiaries, effective
November 1, 1994, which the Company has adopted for its
officers (excluding the Chairman of the Board) and other
selected key employees is filed as a part of this report.
(Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number
contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1994)
27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
28