CHARLOTTE, Mich., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Spartan Motors, Inc.
(Nasdaq: SPAR) today announced results for the fourth quarter and 2003 year-
end, highlighted by continued momentum in motorhome and fire truck chassis
sales and the completion of key operating initiatives.
The Charlotte, Mich.-based manufacturer of custom motorhome chassis, fire
truck chassis and emergency-rescue vehicles reported net earnings of $1.3
million, or $0.10 per diluted share, on net sales of $61.1 million for the
fourth quarter of 2003, versus net earnings of $2.2 million, or $0.18 per
diluted share, on net sales of $63.4 million for the same quarter of last
year.
For the full year, Spartan reported net earnings of $6.0 million, or $0.49
per diluted share, on net sales of $237.4 million in 2003, compared with net
earnings of $11.7 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, on net sales of $259.5
million in 2002.
“From a pure financial perspective, 2003 was not a great year, just a good
year. However, it was critical for us to focus on building the foundation and
improving our operations from a long-term perspective,” said John Sztykiel,
chief executive officer of Spartan Motors. “Based on these priorities, we are
pleased to report that 2003 was not only necessary, but a success.”
Sztykiel continued: “Last year we merged our two fire truck businesses
into one, forming Crimson Fire(R); we consolidated our Road Rescue ambulance
facilities into one plant; we began upgrading and expanding the dealer
networks for Crimson Fire and Road Rescue; and we invested in key leadership
and R&D at Crimson to launch an aerial fire truck product line.
“By accomplishing these initiatives and making the necessary investments
in 2003, we are in a stronger position now than we have been in the last three
years. More importantly, we are well positioned for future growth, especially
in the emergency-rescue marketplace.”
Spartan said the merger of its fire truck operations under the Crimson
Fire(R) brand and the consolidation of its ambulance operations resulted in
approximately $1.4 million in non-recurring costs in 2003. Despite these
investments and a significant increase in new product development at both
Spartan Chassis and Crimson Fire, the Company generated $11.9 million in cash
flow from continuing operations in 2003 and ended the year with no long-term
debt. Cash reserves increased to $18.5 million for the fourth quarter of
2003, compared to $15.4 million in the prior quarter.
During 2003, Spartan Motors issued its first annual regular cash dividend
of $0.10 per share and increased its special cash dividend to $0.10 per share.
The combined dividends represent a 25.0 percent increase over the amount paid
out in 2002 and a 185.7 percent increase over the $0.07 per share paid out in
2001.
Fourth Quarter Operating Highlights
During the fourth quarter, consolidated sales were essentially flat versus
the third quarter of 2003, and down 3.7 percent compared to the fourth quarter
of 2002. Spartan reported net sales of $61.1 million in the fourth quarter of
2003 versus net sales of $63.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. Spartan
said stronger fire truck chassis sales partially offset declines in motorhome
chassis and emergency vehicle team (EVTeam) sales.
Consolidated gross margin decreased to 14.9 percent in the fourth quarter
of 2003, compared to 16.9 percent for the same period in 2002. Operating
margin declined to 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter from 5.0 percent in the
prior-year period. Margins were impacted by lower overhead absorption due to
the sales decline, as well as start-up costs related to Crimson Fire’s Aerial
initiative. Spartan’s EVTeam profitability was also negatively impacted by
the continuing ramp-up of Road Rescue’s Marion, S.C. facility. Spartan
implemented changes in the fourth quarter which will allow targeted production
rates to be achieved early in the second quarter of 2004.
“The core demographics for both RV and emergency rescue vehicles are very
strong as we move into 2004,” said Sztykiel. “From 1990 to 2000, the RV
industry grew at an annual rate of 6.2 percent. More importantly, the prime
buying audience for RVs, the 50 to 70 age bracket, is expected to expand by 35
percent from 2000 to 2010 versus the previous decade. Elevated consumer
confidence, which stands at its highest point in 18 months, is also a positive
indicator for the market.
“In emergency vehicles, Crimson Fire’s order intake grew consistently
throughout 2003, culminating in near record orders for the fourth quarter, and
orders for Road Rescue products were up 27.3 percent in 2003 compared with
2002.”
Spartan Chassis
Sales of Spartan’s motorhome chassis increased for the third consecutive
quarter, growing 4.0 percent from the third quarter of 2003, but declining
from last year’s near-record fourth-quarter levels. The Class A RV market was
up slightly in the fourth quarter, and projections are for continued growth in
2004 spurred by improving consumer confidence and economic conditions, coupled
with favorable demographics. Spartan said it expects to keep pace with or
exceed industry growth in 2004 based on its strong showing at the Recreational
Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) show in December 2003.
“With the addition of our new entry-level RV chassis, the Competitor,
Spartan now has the broadest line of diesel chassis and a formidable
challenger to the gas chassis market. We also launched our premium-level RV
chassis, providing the ultimate performance chassis to meet the growing super-
premium segment of the Class A market,” Sztykiel said. “We are already seeing
these products open new doors for us and extending our penetration with
existing OEMs. We expect that our motorhome chassis sales will benefit from
these add-on products in the second half of 2004.”
Spartan fire truck chassis sales grew 12.6 percent in the quarter compared
with the fourth quarter of 2002 and grew 6.0 percent over the third quarter of
2003. During 2003, Spartan sold more than 500 fire truck chassis, the most
ever in a single year.
“We continue to see strong momentum in our fire truck chassis sales, as
well as in the overall Emergency Rescue market,” Sztykiel said. “Increased
federal funding, coupled with increasing safety standards and a general
awareness of the importance of equipping first responders with the right tools
to do their job, has created favorable market conditions. In fact, the
Homeland Security Department’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP)
paid for 1,294 new fire apparatus vehicles in 2003 and the AFGP is expected to
fund even more units in 2004.”
Emergency Vehicle Team (EVTeam)
For the fourth quarter, Spartan Motors said sales in its EVTeam segment,
comprised of Crimson Fire and Road Rescue, decreased 9.1 percent versus the
same quarter of last year. Increased sales at Crimson Fire were offset by
lower production rates and the resulting lower sales at Road Rescue due to the
ramp-up of the Marion, S.C. facility.
“In 2003, 33 percent of Crimson Fire’s orders came from past
Quality/Luverne customers, meaning two-thirds of its sales were from new fire
districts, a testament to their product momentum and to their proprietary
tubular stainless steel body design, which is proving to be a strong market
advantage,” said Sztykiel.
“At Road Rescue, we did not achieve full production rates in the fourth
quarter as planned, which impacted revenues. We made staffing and process
changes in the fourth quarter, and we are already seeing improvements. We
have a strong order book at both Crimson Fire and Road Rescue, and anticipate
the EVTeam will perform at a much higher level in 2004. We have the toughest
part of our transition behind us, we have favorable industry conditions, and
we look forward to reaping the rewards of our investments in new plants, new
products and vehicle innovations.”
In June 2003, Crimson Fire also announced the opening of a new facility in
Lancaster, Penn. to build its new aerial ladder product line. Crimson Fire is
investing $1.7 million in the new Crimson aerial business, including $1.0
million in capital investments and $700,000 in start-up expenses spanning 2003
and 2004. Crimson Fire Aerials is expected to employ more than 30 people in
Lancaster by the end of 2004. Crimson said it received financial incentives
from the state of Pennsylvania including $170,000 in job creation tax credits
and customized job training, as well as a $500,000 low-interest equipment
loan. Crimson Fire Aerials has already received orders in advance of
introducing its new aerial product at the Fire Department Instructors’
Conference (FDIC) in late April 2004.
Spartan Profit and Return (SPAR)/Backlog
On a consolidated basis, Spartan posted a return on invested capital(1) of
8.0 percent in the 2003 year. The decline from its target of 15-20 percent
ROIC reflects the impact of the operational investments made in 2003.
Spartan reported its consolidated backlog was $95.4 million as of December
31, 2003, an increase of 26.8 percent over the backlog level at December 31,
2002. The Company said the backlog increase was driven by orders for Road
Rescue ambulances and motorhome chassis. Spartan Motors reported that Crimson
Fire saw its orders grow throughout 2003 and both Crimson and Road Rescue have
strong backlogs.
“Spartan Motors is stronger now than at any time during the last three
years. We are filling out our product line for RV and fire truck chassis,
adding an aerial offering and increasing dealer distribution for Crimson Fire.
Road Rescue continues to show operational improvement to go along with its
strong order backlog. And we look forward to growth in all our divisions in
2004, as our focus shifts towards driving top-line growth,” Sztykiel said.
“As evidenced by our backlog, which grew 26.0 percent during 2003, our product
portfolio gives us the opportunity for sales growth in the coming year.”
Fourth Quarter Earnings Web Cast
Spartan Motors will host a conference call at 10 a.m. Eastern Time today
to discuss these results and current business trends. To listen to the call,
please click on the following link or go to
https://theshyftgroup.com/webcasts.asp . A replay of the call will be
available through 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, February 26, 2004.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. (theshyftgroup.com ) designs, engineers and
manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire
truck, ambulance and emergency-rescue markets. The company’s brand names —
Spartan(R), Crimson Fire(R) and Road Rescue(R) — are known in their market
niches for quality, value, service and being the first to market with
innovative products. Spartan Motors employs approximately 700 at facilities
in Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota is
publicly traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.
The statements contained in this news release include certain predictions
and projections that may be considered “forward-looking statements” under the
securities laws. These forward-looking statements are identifiable by words
or phrases indicating that the Company or management “expects,” “believes” or
is “confident” that a particular result “may” or “should” occur, that a
particular item “bodes well,” that the Company “looks forward” to a particular
result, or similar statements. These statements involve many risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including
but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological
factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services and
prices. Accounting estimates are inherently forward-looking. Additional
information about these and other factors that may adversely affect these
forward-looking statements are contained in the Company’s reports and filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect
developments or information obtained after the date of this news release.
(1) The Company defines return on invested capital by calculating
operating income, less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total
shareholders’ equity.
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, December 31,
2003 2002
$-000- $-000-
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $18,481 $8,082
Accounts receivable, net 19,604 28,823
Inventories 26,588 25,205
Taxes receivable 958 -
Other current assets 4,767 4,751
Current assets of discontinued
operations - 307
Total current assets 70,398 67,168
Property, plant and equipment, net 14,784 15,155
Goodwill, net 4,543 4,543
Other assets 1,657 1,446
Total assets $91,382 $88,312
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $15,066 $15,940
Other current liabilities and
accrued expenses 2,094 2,202
Accrued warranty 2,538 2,768
Taxes on income - 1,412
Accrued vacation, compensation
and related taxes 3,767 5,449
Deposits from customers 6,797 4,098
Current liabilities of discontinued
operations - 9
Total current liabilities 30,262 31,878
Long-term debt, less current portion - -
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock - -
Common stock 122 120
Additional paid in capital 32,229 30,776
Retained earnings 28,769 25,538
Total shareholders' equity 61,120 56,434
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $91,382 $88,312
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
$-000- % $-000- %
Sales 61,057 63,428
Cost of Sales 51,973 52,701
Gross Profit 9,084 14.9 10,727 16.9
Operating Expenses:
Research and Development 1,667 2.7 1,747 2.8
Selling, General and
Administrative 5,568 9.2 5,799 9.1
Total Operating Expenses 7,235 11.9 7,546 11.9
Operating Income 1,849 3.0 3,181 5.0
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense (99) (0.2) (47) (0.1)
Interest and Other Income (436) (0.6) 99 0.2
Total Other Income (Expense) (535) (0.8) 52 0.1
Earnings before Equity
Investment and Taxes 1,314 2.2 3,233 5.1
Taxes 205 0.4 1,012 1.6
Net Earnings from Continuing Ops. 1,109 1.8 2,221 3.5
Discontinued Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 144 0.3 - 0.0
Net Earnings 1,253 2.1 2,221 3.5
Basic Net Earnings per Share:
Net Earnings from Continuing
Operations 0.09 0.18
Discontinued Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 0.01 -
Basic Net Earnings per Share 0.10 0.18
Diluted Net Earnings per Share:
Net Earnings from Continuing
Operations 0.09 0.18
Gain from Discontinued
Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 0.01 -
Diluted Net Earnings per Share 0.10 0.18
Basic Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 12,171 12,013
Diluted Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 12,461 12,505
Spartan Motors, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
$-000- % $-000- %
Sales 237,372 259,527
Cost of Sales 202,524 213,530
Gross Profit 34,848 14.7 45,997 17.7
Operating Expenses:
Research and Development 7,070 3.0 7,152 2.8
Selling, General and
Administrative 21,604 9.1 21,531 8.2
Total Operating Expenses 28,674 12.1 28,683 11.0
Operating Income 6,174 2.6 17,314 6.7
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense (330) (0.1) (348) (0.1)
Interest and Other Income (99) (0.1) 438 0.1
Total Other Income (Expense) (429) (0.2) 90 0.0
Earnings before Equity Investment
and Taxes 5,745 2.4 17,404 6.7
Taxes 1,305 0.5 5,969 2.3
Net Earnings from Continuing Ops. 4,440 1.9 11,435 4.4
Discontinued Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 1,609 0.6 270 0.1
Net Earnings 6,049 2.5 11,705 4.5
Basic Net Earnings per Share:
Net Earnings from Continuing
Operations 0.37 1.00
Discontinued Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 0.13 0.02
Basic Net Earnings per Share 0.50 1.02
Diluted Net Earnings per Share:
Net Earnings from Continuing
Operations 0.36 0.95
Gain from Discontinued Operations:
Gain on Disposal of
Carpenter 0.13 0.02
Diluted Net Earnings per Share 0.49 0.97
Basic Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 12,123 11,525
Diluted Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding 12,434 12,013
SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.