UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One) 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ____________________________ to ____________________________

 

Commission File No. 001-14124

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Tennessee   62-1566286
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
8503 Hilltop Drive, Ooltewah, Tennessee   37363
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(423) 238-4171
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

None
(Title of Class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

¨ Yes  x No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

¨ Yes  x No

 

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.

x Yes  ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes  ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

  Large Accelerated Filer  ¨ Accelerated Filer  x
     
  Non-accelerated Filer  ¨ Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨ Yes x No

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (which for purposes hereof are all holders other than executive officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of the registrant’s Common Stock) as of June 30, 2015 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $152,423,865 (based on 7,640,294 shares held by non-affiliates at $19.95 per share, the last sale price reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2015).

 

At February 29, 2016 there were 11,345,560 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

The information called for by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS 2
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 8
ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 12
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 12
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 12
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 12
     
PART II
     
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 13
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 16
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 22
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 22
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 22
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 22
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 25
     
PART III
     
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 26
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 26
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 26
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 26
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 26
     
PART IV
     
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 27

 

 i

 

 

CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements in this Annual Report, including but not limited to statements made in Part II–Item 7–“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” statements made with respect to future operating results, expectations of future customer orders and the availability of resources necessary for our business may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “continue,” “future,” “potential,” “believe,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “estimate,” “predict,” “expect,” “anticipate” and similar expressions, or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on our management’s beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to, among other things: the cyclical nature of our industry and changes in consumer confidence; economic and market conditions; our customers’ access to capital and credit to fund purchases, including the ability of our customers to secure floor plan financing; our dependence on outside suppliers of raw materials; changes in the cost of aluminum, steel and related raw materials; changes in fuel and other transportation costs, insurance costs and weather conditions; changes in government regulation; foreign currency fluctuation; competitors could impede our ability to attract or retain customers; our ability to develop or acquire proprietary products and technology; assertions against us relating to intellectual property rights; problems hiring or retaining skilled labor; a disruption in our information technology systems; the effects of new regulation relating to conflict minerals; the catastrophic loss of one of our manufacturing facilities; environmental and health and safety liabilities and requirements; loss of the services of our key executives; product warranty or product liability claims in excess of our insurance coverage; an inability to acquire insurance at commercially reasonable rates; and those other risks referenced herein, including those risks referred to in this report, in Part I, Item 1A–”Risk Factors” and those risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission filed after this Annual Report. Such factors are not exclusive. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, our company.

 

1 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

 

General

 

Miller Industries is The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment®, with executive offices in Ooltewah, Tennessee, domestic manufacturing operations in Tennessee and Pennsylvania, and foreign manufacturing operations in France and the United Kingdom.

 

Since 1990, we have developed or acquired several of the most well-recognized brands in the towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry. Our strategy has been to diversify our line of products and increase our presence in the industry by combining internal growth and development with acquisitions of complementary products.

 

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “Miller Industries,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to Miller Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries or any of them.

 

Towing and Recovery Equipment

 

We offer a broad range of towing and recovery equipment products that meet most customer design, capacity and cost requirements. We manufacture the bodies of wreckers and car carriers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties. We frequently purchase the truck chassis for resale to our customers. Wreckers generally are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with rotating hydraulic booms and up to 75-ton lifting capacities. Car carriers are specialized flatbed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms that enable a towing operator to drive or winch a vehicle onto the bed for transport. Car carriers transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment and are particularly effective over longer distances. We also manufacture vehicle transport trailers.

 

Our products primarily are sold through independent distributors that serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and other foreign markets including Europe, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South America and Africa, and through prime contractors to governmental entities. Additionally, as a result of our ownership of Jige in France and Boniface in the United Kingdom, we have substantial distribution capabilities in Europe. While most of our distributor agreements do not contain exclusivity provisions, management believes that approximately 85% of our independent distributors sell our products on an exclusive basis. In addition to selling our products to towing operators, our independent distributors provide parts and service. We also utilize sales representatives to exclusively market our products and provide expertise and sales assistance to our independent distributors. Management believes the strength of our distribution network and the breadth of our product offerings are two key advantages over our competitors.

 

Product Lines

 

We manufacture a broad line of wrecker, car carrier and trailer bodies to meet a full range of customer design, capacity and cost requirements.

 

Wreckers. Wreckers are generally used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with up to 75-ton lifting capacities. Wreckers are available with specialized features, including underlifts, L-arms, crossbars and scoops, which lift disabled vehicles by the tires or front axle to minimize front end damage to the towed vehicles. Certain heavy duty wrecker models offer rotating booms, which allow heavy duty wreckers to recover vehicles from any angle, and remote control devices for operating wreckers. In addition, certain light duty wreckers are equipped with automatic wheellift hookup devices that allow operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the wrecker.

 

Our wreckers range in capacity from 4 to 75 tons, and are classified as either light duty or heavy duty, with wreckers of 16-ton or greater capacity being classified as heavy duty. Light duty wreckers are used to remove vehicles from accident scenes and vehicles illegally parked, abandoned or disabled, and for general recovery. Heavy duty wreckers are used in towing and recovery applications including overturned tractor trailers, buses, motor homes and other large vehicles.

 

2 

 

 

Car Carriers. Car carriers are specialized flat-bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms that enable a towing operator to drive or winch a vehicle onto the bed for transport. Car carriers are used to transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment and are particularly effective for transporting vehicles or other equipment over longer distances. In addition to transporting vehicles, car carriers may also be used for other purposes, including transportation of industrial equipment. Most professional towing operators have car carriers in their fleets to complement their towing capabilities.

 

Transport Trailers. Our multi-vehicle transport trailers are specialized auto transport trailers with upper and lower decks and hydraulic ramps for loading vehicles. These trailers are used for moving multiple vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies and other similar applications. These trailers are easy to load and transport 6 to 7 vehicles. The vehicles can be secured to transport quickly with ratchet and chain tie-downs that are mounted throughout the frame of the transport. Many professional towing operators have added auto transport trailers to their fleets to add to their service offerings.

 

Brand Names

 

We manufacture and market our wreckers, car carriers and trailers under ten separate brand names. Although certain brands overlap in terms of features, prices and distributors, each brand has its own distinctive image and customer base.

 

Century®. The Century® brand is our “top-of-the-line” brand and represents what management believes to be the broadest product line in the industry. The Century® line was started in 1974 and produces wreckers ranging from 8-ton light duty to 75-ton heavy duty models, and car carriers in lengths from 20 to 30 feet. Management believes that the Century® brand has a reputation as the industry’s leading product innovator.

 

Vulcan®. Our Vulcan® product line includes a range of premium light duty and heavy duty wreckers, ranging from 8-ton light duty to 50-ton heavy duty models, and car carriers. The Vulcan® line is sold through its own independent distribution network.

 

Challenger®. Our Challenger® products compete with the Century® and Vulcan® products and constitute a third premium product line. Challenger® products consist of heavy duty wreckers with capacities ranging from 25 to 75 tons. The Challenger® line was started in 1975 and is known for high performance heavy duty wreckers and aesthetic design.

 

Holmes®. Our Holmes® product line includes mid-priced wreckers with 4 to 16 ton capacities, a 16-ton rotator and a detachable towing unit (DTU). The Holmes® wrecker was first produced in 1916. Historically, the Holmes® name has been the most well-recognized and leading industry brand both domestically and internationally.

 

Champion®. The Champion® brand, which was introduced in 1991, includes car carriers which range in length from 19 to 21 feet. The Champion® product line, which is generally lower-priced, allows us to offer a full line of car carriers at various competitive price points.

 

Chevron™. Our Chevron™ product line is comprised primarily of premium car carriers. Chevron™ produces a range of premium single-car, multi-car and industrial carriers, as well as wreckers ranging from 8-ton to 16-ton models. The Chevron™ line is operated autonomously with its own independent distribution network.

 

Eagle®. Our Eagle® products consist of light duty wreckers with the “Eagle Claw®” hook-up system that allows towing operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the tow truck. The “Eagle Claw®” hook-up system was originally developed for the repossession market. Since acquiring Eagle, we have upgraded the quality and features of the Eagle® product line and expanded its recovery capability.

 

Titan®. Our Titan® product line is comprised of premium multi-vehicle transport trailers which can transport up to 7 vehicles depending on configuration.

 

Jige™. Our Jige™ product line is comprised of a broad line of premium light duty and heavy duty wreckers and car carriers marketed primarily in Europe. Jige™ is a market leader best known for its innovative designs of car carriers and light duty wreckers necessary to operate within the narrow confines of European cities, as well as heavy duty wreckers.

 

Boniface™. Our Boniface™ product line is comprised primarily of premium heavy duty wreckers marketed primarily in Europe. Boniface™ produces heavy duty wreckers specializing in the long underlift technology required to tow modern European tour buses.

 

3 

 

 

Product Development and Manufacturing

 

Our Holmes® and Century® brand names are associated with four of the major innovations in the industry: the rapid reverse winch; the tow sling; the hydraulic lifting mechanism; and the underlift with parallel linkage and L arms. Our engineering staff, in consultation with manufacturing personnel, uses computer-aided design and stress analysis systems to test new product designs and to integrate various product improvements. In addition to offering product innovations, we focus on developing or licensing new technology for our products. Research and development costs amounted to approximately $1.6 million, $1.9 million and $1.3 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

We manufacture wreckers, car carriers and trailers at seven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, France and the United Kingdom. The manufacturing process for our products consists primarily of cutting and bending sheet steel or aluminum into parts that are welded together to form the wrecker, car carrier body or trailer. In addition, during the past several years, we have also begun to produce wrecker bodies using composites and other non-metallic materials. After the frame is formed, components such as hydraulic cylinders, winches, valves and pumps, which are purchased by us from third-party suppliers, are attached to the frame to form the completed wrecker or car carrier body. The completed body is either installed by us, or shipped by common carrier to a distributor where it is then installed, on a truck chassis. Generally, the wrecker or car carrier bodies are painted and towing operators can select customized colors to coordinate with chassis colors or fleet colors. To the extent final painting is required before delivery, we either complete such painting or contract with independent paint shops for such services.

 

We purchase raw materials and component parts from a number of sources. Although we have no long-term supply contracts, management believes we have good relationships with our primary suppliers. In recent years prices have fluctuated significantly, but we have experienced no significant problems in obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials and component parts to meet the requirements of our production schedules. Management believes that the materials used in the production of our products are available at competitive prices from an adequate number of alternative suppliers. Accordingly, management does not believe that the loss of a single supplier would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Sales, Distribution and Marketing

 

The industry categorizes the towing and recovery market into three general product types: light duty wreckers; heavy duty wreckers; and car carriers. The light duty wrecker market consists primarily of professional wrecker operators, repossession towing services, local and national governmental entities and repair shop or salvage company owners. The heavy duty market includes professional wrecker operators serving the needs of commercial vehicle operators as well as governmental entities. The car carrier market has expanded to include equipment rental companies that offer delivery service and professional towing operators who desire to complement their existing towing capabilities.

 

We have developed a diverse network of independent distributors, consisting of approximately 80 distributors in North America, who serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and numerous distributors that serve other foreign markets. In 2015, no single distributor accounted for more than 10% of our sales. Management believes our broad and diverse network of distributors provides us with the flexibility to adapt to market changes, lessens our dependence on particular distributors and reduces the impact of regional economic factors.

 

Our sales force services our network of independent distributors and consists of sales representatives whose responsibilities include providing administrative and sales support to the entire base of independent distributors. Sales representatives receive commissions on direct sales based on product type and brand and generally are assigned specific territories in which to promote sales of our products and to maintain customer relationships. To support sales and marketing efforts, we produce demonstrator models that are used by our sales representatives and independent distributors. In addition to providing services to our network of independent distributors, our sales force sells our products to various governmental entities, including the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, through prime contractors.

 

We routinely respond to requests for proposals or bid invitations in consultation with our local distributors. Our products have been selected by the United States General Services Administration as an approved source for certain federal and defense agencies. We intend to continue to pursue U.S. government and foreign government contracting opportunities.

 

The towing and recovery equipment industry places heavy marketing emphasis on product exhibitions at national, regional and international trade shows. In order to focus our marketing efforts and to control marketing costs, we concentrate our efforts on the major trade shows each year, and we work with our network of independent distributors to concentrate on various regional shows.

 

4 

 

 

Product Warranties and Insurance

 

We generally offer a 12-month limited manufacturer’s product and service warranty on our wrecker and car carrier products. Our warranty generally provides for repair or replacement of failed parts or components. Warranty service is usually performed by us or an authorized distributor. Management believes that we maintain adequate general liability and product liability insurance.

 

Backlog

 

We produce virtually all of our products to order. Our backlog is based upon customer purchase orders that we believe are firm. The level of backlog at any particular time, however, may not be an appropriate indicator of our future operating performance. Certain purchase orders may be subject to cancellation by the customer upon notification. Given our production and delivery schedules, management generally believes that the current backlog represents less than three months of production.

 

Competition

 

The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry is highly competitive for sales to distributors and towing operators. Management believes that competition in this industry focuses on product quality and innovation, reputation, technology, customer service, product availability and price. We compete on the basis of each of these criteria, with an emphasis on product quality and innovation and customer service. Management also believes that a manufacturer’s relationship with distributors is a key component of success in the industry. Accordingly, we have invested substantial resources and management time in building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors. Management also believes that our products are regarded as high quality within their particular price points. Our marketing strategy is to continue to compete primarily on the basis of quality and reputation rather than solely on the basis of price, and to continue to target the growing group of professional towing operators who as end-users recognize the quality of our products.

 

Traditionally, the capital requirements for entry into the towing and recovery manufacturing industry have been relatively low. Management believes a manufacturer’s capital resources and access to technological improvements have become a more integral component of success in recent years. Certain of our competitors may have greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than we do.

 

Employees

 

We employed approximately 990 people as of December 31, 2015. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, though our employees in France and the United Kingdom have certain similar rights provided by their respective government’s employment regulations. We consider our employee relations to be good.

 

Intellectual Property Rights

 

Our development of the underlift parallel linkage and L-arms is considered one of the most innovative developments in the wrecker industry. This technology is significant primarily because it allows the damage-free towing of newer aerodynamic vehicles made of lighter weight materials. This technology, particularly the L-arms, is used in a majority of commercial wreckers today. We hold a number of utility and design patents covering other of our products. We have also obtained the rights to use and develop certain technologies owned or patented by others. Management believes that, until the patents on our technology expire, utilization of our patented technology without a license is an infringement of such patents. We have successfully litigated infringement lawsuits in which the validity of our patents on our technology was upheld, and successfully settled other lawsuits,

 

Our trademarks “Century®,” “Holmes®,” “Champion®,” “Challenger®,” “Formula I®,” “Pro Star®,” “Street Runner®,” “Vulcan®,” “Right Approach®” and “Extreme Angle®,” among others, are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Management believes that our trademarks are well-recognized by dealers, distributors and end-users in their respective markets and are associated with a high level of quality and value.

 

5 

 

 

Government Regulations and Environmental Matters

 

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. Management believes that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable federal, state and local provisions relating to the protection of the environment. The costs of complying with environmental protection laws and regulations have not had a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations in the past.

 

We act as a subcontractor for certain U.S. and other government programs. As a result, we are subject to extensive regulations and requirements of the U.S. and other government agencies and entities that govern these programs, including with respect to the award, administration and performance of contracts under such programs.

 

We are also subject to the additional diligence and disclosure requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in 2012 related to certain minerals sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries in connection with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The SEC rules impose these obligations with respect to “conflict minerals,” defined as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, which are necessary to the functionality of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, by an SEC reporting company. If any “conflict minerals” that are necessary to the functionality of a product manufactured by an SEC reporting company originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or an adjoining country, the rules require the issuer to prepare and file a report addressing its efforts to exercise due diligence on the source of such “conflict minerals” and their chain of custody. We are actively working toward complying with the conflict minerals diligence and disclosure obligations required under the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

We are also subject to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act which regulates the description of warranties on products. The description and substance of our warranties are also subject to a variety of federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the manufacturing of vehicle components. Management believes that continued compliance with various government regulations will not materially affect our operations.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Information relating to our executive officers as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report is set forth below. William G. Miller, II is the son of William G. Miller. Other than Messrs. Miller and Miller II, there are no family relationships among the executive officers, directors or nominees for director, nor are there any arrangements or understandings between any of the executive officers and any other persons pursuant to which they were selected as executive officers.

 

Name   Age   Position
         
William G. Miller   69   Chairman of the Board
         
Jeffrey I. Badgley   63   Co-Chief Executive Officer
         
William G. Miller, II   37   President and Co-Chief Executive Officer
         
Frank Madonia   67   Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
         
J. Vincent Mish   65   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
         
Deborah Whitmire   50   Vice President and Corporate Controller

 

William G. Miller has served as Chairman of the Board since April 1994. Mr. Miller served as our Chief Executive Officer from April 1994 until June 1997, and as our Co-Chief Executive Officer from October 2003 until March 2011. In June 1997, he was named Co-Chief Executive Officer, a title he shared with Jeffrey I. Badgley until November 1997. Mr. Miller also served as our President from April 1994 to June 1996. He served as Chairman of Miller Group, Inc. from August 1990 through May 1994, as its President from August 1990 to March 1993, and as its Chief Executive Officer from March 1993 until May 1994. Prior to 1987, Mr. Miller served in various management positions for Bendix Corporation, Neptune International Corporation, Wheelabrator-Frye, Inc. and The Signal Companies, Inc.

 

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Jeffrey I. Badgley has served as our Co-Chief Executive Officer since December 2013, after serving as our Chief Executive Officer from March 2011 until December 2013, our President from June 1996 until March 2011, our Co-Chief Executive Officer from October 2003 until March 2011 and our Chief Executive Officer from November 1997 to October 2003. Mr. Badgley served as a director from 1996 to May 2014 and as Vice Chairman of the Board from March 2011 to May 2014. Mr. Badgley served as our Vice President from 1994 to 1996, and as our Chief Operating Officer from June 1996 to June 1997. In addition, Mr. Badgley has served as President of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. since 1996. Mr. Badgley served as Vice President—Sales of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from 1988 to 1996. He previously served as Vice President—Sales and Marketing of Challenger Wrecker Corporation from 1982 until joining Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc.

 

William G. Miller, II has served as a director since May 2014, our Co-Chief Executive Officer since December 2013 and President since March 2011, after serving as a Regional Vice President of Sales of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from November 2009 to February 2011. Mr. Miller II served as Vice President of Strategic Planning of the Company from October 2007 until November 2009. Mr. Miller II served as Light Duty General Manager from November 2004 to October 2007 and as a Sales Representative of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from 2002 to 2004.

 

Frank Madonia has served as our Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since September 1998. From April 1994 to September 1998 Mr. Madonia served as our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Madonia served as Secretary and General Counsel to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. since its acquisition by Miller Group in 1990. From July 1987 through April 1994, Mr. Madonia served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Flow Measurement. Prior to 1987, Mr. Madonia served in various legal and management positions for United States Steel Corporation, Neptune International Corporation, Wheelabrator-Frye, Inc. and The Signal Companies, Inc.

 

J. Vincent Mish is a certified public accountant and has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since June 1999, a position he also held from April 1994 through September 1996. In December 2002, Mr. Mish was appointed as our Executive Vice President. He also has served as President of the Financial Services Group since September 1996 and as a Vice President of Miller Industries since April 1994. Mr. Mish served as Vice President and Treasurer of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. since its acquisition by Miller Group in 1990. From February 1987 through April 1994, Mr. Mish served as Vice President and Treasurer of Flow Measurement. Mr. Mish worked with Touche Ross & Company (now Deloitte and Touche) for over ten years before serving as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of DNE Corporation from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Mish is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee and Michigan Certified Public Accountant societies.

 

Deborah Whitmire has served as our Vice President and Corporate Controller since January 2014, after serving as Corporate Controller to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from March 2005 to January 2014. From April 2000 to March 2005, she also served as Director of Finance – Manufacturing to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. In addition, she served as Controller to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from October 1997 to April 2000 and Accounting Manager to Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from October 1996 to October 1997.

 

Available Information

 

Our Internet website address is www.millerind.com. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are also available on our website. Other corporate governance-related documents can be found at our website as well.

 

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ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

 

There are many factors that affect our business and the results of our operations, some of which are beyond our control. The following is a description of all known material risks that may cause the actual results of our operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or desired. We encourage you to read this section carefully.

 

Our business is subject to the cyclical nature of our industry and changes in consumer confidence and in economic conditions in general. Adverse changes or continued uncertainty with respect to these factors may lead to a downturn in our business.

 

The towing and recovery industry is cyclical in nature and historically the industry has been affected by changes in consumer confidence and in economic conditions in general. Concerns over the economic recovery and continued volatility and disruption in domestic and international capital and credit markets have historically caused significant erosion in consumer confidence. As a result, the overall demand for our products from our commercial customers has been negatively affected, and the level of future sales of our products is uncertain. A prolonged economic downturn, and slow or negative growth in the domestic and global economy, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations for the foreseeable future.

 

Our demand from our customers and towing operators is affected by the availability of capital and access to credit.

 

The ability of our customers and of towing operators to purchase our products is affected by the availability of capital and credit to them. Our independent distributor customers rely on floor plan financing in connection with the purchase of our products, and the availability of that financing on acceptable terms has a direct effect on the volume of their purchases. Additionally, in many cases, a towing operator’s decision to purchase our products from one of our distributors is dependent upon their ability to obtain financing upon acceptable terms. Volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets, principally in the U.S. and Europe, has decreased the availability of capital to, and credit capacity of, our customers and towing operators. In addition, in the past, certain providers of floor plan financing have exited the market, which made floor plan financing increasingly difficult for our independent distributor customers to secure at those times. This reduced availability of capital and credit has negatively affected the ability and capacity of our customers and of towing operators to purchase towing and related equipment. This, in turn, has negatively impacted sales of our products. If customers are unable to access capital or credit, it could materially and adversely affect our ability to sell our products, and as a result, could negatively affect our business and operating results.

 

Our dependence upon outside suppliers for our raw materials, including aluminum, steel, petroleum-related products and other purchased component parts, leaves us subject to changes in price and delays in receiving supplies of such materials or parts.

 

We are dependent upon outside suppliers for our raw material needs and other purchased component parts, and although we believe that these suppliers will continue to meet our requirements and specifications, and that alternative sources of supply are available, events beyond our control could have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of raw materials and component parts. Steel, aluminum, fuel and other commodity prices have historically been highly volatile. Shipment delays, unexpected price increases or changes in payment terms from our suppliers of raw materials or component parts could impact our ability to secure necessary raw materials or component parts, or to secure such materials and parts at favorable prices. To partially offset price increases for raw materials and component parts, we have, from time to time, implemented general price increases and cost surcharges. While we have attempted to pass these increased costs on to our customers, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so. Additionally, demand for our products could be negatively affected by the unavailability of truck chassis, which are manufactured by third parties and are frequently supplied by us, or are purchased separately by our distributors or by towing operators. Although we believe that sources of our raw materials and component parts will continue to be adequate to meet our requirements and that alternative sources are available, shortages, price increases or delays in shipments of our raw materials and component parts could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance, competitive position and reputation.

 

Overall demand from our customers may be affected by increases in their fuel and insurance costs and changes in weather conditions.

 

In the past, our customers have experienced substantial increases in fuel and other transportation costs, and in the cost of insurance, and while many of these costs have fluctuated and, in the case of fuel, decreased in the past year, there can be no assurance that these costs will not continue to be volatile, or again increase, for our customers in the future. Additionally, our customers also have, from time to time, been subject to unpredictable and varying weather conditions which could, among other things, impact the cost and availability of fuel and other materials. Any of these factors could negatively affect the ability of our customers to purchase, and their capacity for purchasing, towing and related equipment, and, consequently, have a material negative effect upon our business and operating results.

 

8 

 

 

Our international operations are subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties that could adversely affect our business results, including by restrictive taxation or other government regulation and by foreign currency fluctuation.

 

Historically, a significant portion of our net sales and production were outside the United States, primarily in Europe. As a result, our operations are subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties, including risks of restrictive taxation policies, changing political conditions and governmental regulations. Also, a substantial portion of our net sales derived outside the United States, as well as salaries of employees located outside the United States and certain other expenses, are denominated in foreign currencies, including the British pound and the Euro. We are, therefore, subject to risk of financial loss resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates of these currencies against the U.S. dollar.

 

Our competitors could impede our ability to attract or retain customers.

 

The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry is highly competitive. Capital requirements for entry into the towing and recovery manufacturing industry have been relatively low, which could result in an increase in the number of competitors entering the industry. Competition for sales exists domestically and internationally at the manufacturer, distributor and towing-operator levels and is based primarily on product quality and innovation, reputation, technology, customer service, product availability and price. Competition for sales also comes from the market for used towing and recovery equipment. Certain of our competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than us. If these competitors are able to make it more difficult for us to attract or retain customers, it could have a negative impact on our sales, revenue and financial performance.

 

Our future success depends upon our ability to develop or acquire proprietary products and technology and assertions against us relating to intellectual property rights could harm our business.

 

Historically, we have been able to develop or acquire patented and other proprietary product innovations which have allowed us to produce what management believes to be technologically advanced products relative to most of our competition. However, certain of our patents have expired, and others will expire in the next few years, and as a result, we may not have a continuing competitive advantage through proprietary products and technology. If we are unable to develop or acquire new products and technology in the future, our ability to maintain market share, and, consequently, our revenues and operating results, may be negatively affected.

 

Third parties may claim that our products infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights. If a competitor were to challenge our patents, or assert that our products or processes infringe its patent or other intellectual property rights, we could incur substantial litigation costs, be forced to design around their patents, pay substantial damages or even be forced to cease our operations, any of which could be expensive and/or have an adverse effect on our operating results. Third party infringement claims, regardless of their outcome, would not only consume our financial resources, but also would divert the time and effort of our management and could result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of the affected products or services until resolution of the litigation.

 

We depend upon skilled labor to manufacture our products, and if we experience problems hiring and retaining skilled labor, our business may be negatively affected.

 

The timely manufacture and delivery of our products requires an adequate supply of skilled labor, and the operating costs of our manufacturing facilities can be adversely affected by high turnover in skilled positions. Accordingly, our ability to increase sales, productivity and net earnings will be limited to a degree by our ability to employ the skilled laborers necessary to meet our requirements. We must attract, train and retain skilled employees while controlling related labor costs and maintaining our core values. Our ability to control labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including prevailing wage rates and increases in healthcare and other insurance costs. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force necessary to efficiently operate our facilities. In addition, while our employees are not currently members of a union, there can be no assurance that the employees at any of our facilities will not choose to become unionized in the future.

 

9 

 

 

A disruption in our information technology ("IT") systems could adversely impact our business and operations.

 

We rely on the accuracy, capacity and security of our IT systems and our ability to update these systems in response to the changing needs of our business. We use our IT systems to collect and store confidential and sensitive data, including information about our business, our customers and our employees. As technology continues to evolve, we anticipate that we will collect and store even more data in the future and that our systems will increasingly use remote communication features that are susceptible to both willful and unintentional security breaches. We have incurred costs and expect to incur significant additional costs in order to implement security measures that we feel are appropriate to protect our IT systems. Nevertheless, future attacks could result in our systems or data being breached and/or damaged by computer viruses or unauthorized physical or electronic access. Such a breach could result in not only business disruption, but also theft of our intellectual property or trade secrets and/or unauthorized access to controlled data and personal information stored in connection with our human resources function. In the event of a breach in security that allows third parties access to personal information, we are subject to a variety of ever-changing laws on a global basis that may require us to provide notification to the data owners, and that may subject us to lawsuits, fines and other means of regulatory enforcement or harm employee morale. Any interruption, outage or breach of our IT systems could adversely affect our business operations. To the extent that any data is lost or destroyed or any confidential information is inappropriately disclosed or used, it could adversely affect our competitive position or customer relationships, harm our business and possibly lead to claims, liability, or fines based upon alleged breaches of contract or applicable laws.

 

The effects of new regulations relating to conflict minerals may adversely affect our business.

 

On August 22, 2012, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC adopted new requirements for companies that use certain minerals and metals, known as conflict minerals, in their products, whether or not these products are manufactured by third parties. These requirements will require companies to perform due diligence, and disclose and report whether or not such minerals originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. We will have to perform due diligence to determine whether such minerals are used in the manufacture of our products. However, the implementation of these new requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of such minerals if they are found to be used in the manufacture of our products. In addition, we have incurred and expect to incur additional costs to comply with the disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of any of the relevant minerals and metals used in our products. The Company's supply chain is complex. As a result, we expect significant difficulty in determining the country of origin or the source and chain of custody for all “conflict minerals” used in our products and disclosing that our products are “conflict free” (meaning that they do not contain “conflict minerals” that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country). Implementation of these rules may also affect the sourcing and availability of some minerals necessary to the manufacture of our products and may affect the availability and price of “conflict minerals” capable of certification as “conflict free.” We may face reputational challenges from customers, investors or others if we are unable to verify the origins for all “conflict minerals” used in our products. In such event, we may also face difficulties in satisfying customers who require that all of the components of our products are certified as conflict mineral free.

 

Our sales to U.S. and other governmental entities through prime contractors are subject to special risks.

 

We act as a subcontractor for certain U.S. and other government programs. As a result, we are subject to extensive regulations and requirements of the U.S. and other government agencies and entities that govern these programs, including with respect to the award, administration and performance of contracts under such programs. Our U.S. and other government business is subject to the following risks, among others: (i) this business is susceptible to changes in government spending, which may reduce future revenues; (ii) most of our contracts with governmental entities through prime contractors are fixed-price contracts, and our actual costs on any of these contracts could exceed our projected costs, (iii) competition for the award of these contracts is intense, and we may not be successful in bidding on future contracts, and (iv) the products we sell to governmental entities are subject to highly technical requirements, and any failure to comply with these requirements could result in unanticipated retrofit costs, delayed acceptance of products, late or reduced payment or cancellation of the contract. We continue to work to secure additional U.S. and other governmental orders, but we cannot predict the success or timing of any such efforts.

 

10 

 

 

The catastrophic loss of one of our manufacturing facilities could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

While we manufacture our products in several facilities and maintain insurance covering our facilities, including business interruption insurance, a catastrophic loss of the use of all or a portion of one of our manufacturing facilities due to accident, labor issues, weather conditions, natural disaster, civil unrest or otherwise, whether short or long-term, could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Environmental and health and safety liabilities and requirements could require us to incur material costs.

 

We are subject to various U.S. and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and worker health and safety, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the ground, air and water; the generation, handling, use, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials; and the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties. In certain cases, these regulatory requirements may limit the productive capacity of our operations.

 

Environmental and health-related requirements are complex, subject to change and have tended to become more and more stringent. Future developments could cause us to incur various expenditures and could also subject us to fines or sanctions, obligations to investigate or remediate contamination or restore natural resources, liability for third party property damage or personal injury claims and the imposition of new permitting requirements and/or the modification or revocation of our existing operating permits, among other effects. These and other developments could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

Any loss of the services of our key executives could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

 

Our success is highly dependent on the continued services of our management team. The loss of services of one or more key members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

A product warranty or product liability claim in excess of our insurance coverage, or an inability to acquire or maintain insurance at commercially reasonable rates, could have a material adverse effect upon our business.

 

We are subject to various claims, including product warranty and product liability claims arising in the ordinary course of business, and may at times be a party to various legal proceedings incidental to our business. We maintain reserves and liability insurance coverage at levels based upon commercial norms and our historical claims experience. If we manufacture poor quality products or receive defective materials, we may incur unforeseen costs in excess of what we have reserved in our financial statements. A successful product warranty, product liability or other claim brought against us in excess of our insurance coverage, or the inability of us to acquire or maintain insurance at commercially reasonable rates, could have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Our stock price may fluctuate greatly as a result of the general volatility of the stock market.

 

From time to time, there may be significant volatility in the market price for our common stock. Our quarterly operating results, changes in earnings estimated by analysts, if any, changes in general conditions in our industry or the economy or the financial markets or other developments affecting us, including our ability to pay dividends, could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.

 

11 

 

 

Our charter and bylaws contain anti-takeover provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive to acquire us in the future or may negatively affect our stock price.

 

Our charter and bylaws contain restrictions that may discourage other persons from attempting to acquire control of us, including, without limitation, prohibitions on shareholder action by written consent and advance notice requirements regarding amendments to certain provisions of our charter and bylaws. In addition, our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The rights and preferences for any series of preferred stock may be set by the board of directors, in its sole discretion and without shareholder approval, and the rights and preferences of any such preferred stock may be superior to those of common stock and thus may adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock.

 

The requirements and restrictions imposed by our current credit facility could restrict our ability to operate our business and failure to comply with these requirements and restrictions could adversely affect our business.

 

Our current credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and financial, affirmative and negative covenants for loan agreements of this kind. In addition, covenants under our current credit facility restrict our ability to pay cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various restrictions. If we fail to comply with the requirements of our current credit facility, such non-compliance would result in an event of default. If not waived by the bank, such event of default would result in the acceleration of any amounts due under the current credit facility.

 

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

 

We operate four manufacturing facilities in the United States. The facilities are located in Ooltewah (Chattanooga), Tennessee; Hermitage, Pennsylvania; Mercer, Pennsylvania; and Greeneville, Tennessee. The Ooltewah plant, containing approximately 299,000 square feet, produces light and heavy duty wreckers; the Hermitage plant, containing approximately 147,000 square feet, produces car carriers; the Mercer plant, containing approximately 110,000 square feet, produces car carriers and light duty wreckers; and the Greeneville plant, containing approximately 135,000 square feet (plus 50,000 square feet of leased property), produces car carriers, heavy duty wreckers and trailers. The Company is in the process of consolidating and expanding its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to increase capacity and improve operating efficiencies.

 

We also have manufacturing operations at two facilities located in the Lorraine region of France, which have, in the aggregate, approximately 180,000 square feet, and manufacturing operations in Norfolk, England, with approximately 48,000 square feet.

 

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of our business. Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to us, which could result in substantial damages against us. We have established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintain product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate. Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

12 

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MLR.” The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices for the common stock for the periods indicated.

 

   Price Range of Common Stock 
Period  High   Low 
Year Ended December 31, 2014          
First Quarter  $20.00   $16.89 
Second Quarter   20.67    18.42 
Third Quarter   21.44    16.86 
Fourth Quarter   21.36    16.19 
Year Ending December 31, 2015          
First Quarter  $24.98   $19.67 
Second Quarter   25.28    19.41 
Third Quarter   21.80    17.33 
Fourth Quarter   23.60    19.60 
Year Ending December 31, 2016          
First Quarter (through February 28, 2016)  $21.77   $19.27 

 

The approximate number of holders of record and beneficial owners of common stock as of December 31, 2015 was 509 and 1,435 respectively.

 

The Company has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends since May 2011. Dividend payments made for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Payment  Record Date  Payment Date  Dividend
(per share)
   Amount
(in thousands)
 
               
Q1 2013  March 18, 2013  March 24, 2013  $0.14   $1,569 
Q2 2013  June 17, 2013  June 24, 2013   0.14    1,573 
Q3 2013  September 16, 2013  September 23, 2013   0.14    1,575 
Q4 2013  December 9, 2013  December 16, 2013   0.14    1,577 
Total for 2013        $0.56   $6,294 
                 
Q1 2014  March 17, 2014  March 24, 2014  $0.15   $1,692 
Q2 2014  June 16, 2014  June 23, 2014   0.15    1,695 
Q3 2014  September 15, 2014  September 22, 2014   0.15    1,696 
Q4 2014  December 8, 2014  December 15, 2014   0.15    1,695 
Total for 2014        $0.60   $6,778 
                 
Q1 2015  March 20, 2015  March 23, 2015  $0.16   $1,809 
Q2 2015  June 15, 2015  June 19, 2015   0.16    1,814 
Q3 2015  September 14, 2015  September 21, 2015   0.16    1,815 
Q4 2015  December 7, 2015  December 11, 2015   0.16    1,815 
Total for 2015        $0.64   $7,253 

 

13 

 

 

Any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends will depend upon such factors as earnings, capital requirements, our financial condition, restrictions in financing agreements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Covenants under our current credit facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various other restrictions.

 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

 We did not sell any unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Performance Graph

 

The following line graph compares the percentage change in the cumulative shareholder return of our common stock with The New York Stock Exchange Composite Index and the Standard & Poor’s Construction Index over the period of time from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2015. The respective returns assume reinvestment of dividends paid.

 

 

   12/31/2010   12/31/2011   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2014   12/31/2015 
Miller Industries, Inc.   100    111    107    131    146    153 
NYSE Composite Index   100    94    112    131    136    127 
S&P Construction Index   100    88    102    100    96    71 

 

14 

 

 

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table presents selected statements of income data and selected balance sheet data on a consolidated basis. We derived the selected historical consolidated financial data from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes. You should read this data together with Item 7–“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes that are a part of this Annual Report on Form 10 K.

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
   (In thousands except per share data) 
Statements of Income Data:                         
                          
Net Sales  $540,966   $492,776   $404,170   $342,663   $412,659 
Costs of operations   483,353    439,791    361,734    302,606    342,557 
Gross Profit   57,613    52,985    42,436    40,057    70,102 
Operating Expenses:                         
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   31,491    28,496    28,323    27,507    31,407 
Interest expense, net   919    554    369    712    728 
Other expense (income)   340    437    (119)   (815)   (161)
Total operating expenses   32,750    29,487    28,573    27,404    31,974 
                          
Income before income taxes   24,863    23,498    13,863    12,653    38,128 
Income tax provision   8,887    8,660    5,175    3,531    15,120 
Net income   15,976    14,838    8,688    9,122    23,008 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   –‒    66    542    –‒    –‒ 
Net income attributable to Miller Industries, Inc.  $15,976   $14,904   $9,230   $9,122   $23,008 
                          
Basic income per common share  $1.41   $1.32   $0.82   $0.82   $1.98 
Diluted income per common share  $1.41   $1.31   $0.82   $0.82   $1.92 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                         
Basic   11,324    11,297    11,233    11,068    11,600 
Diluted   11,360    11,354    11,324    11,258    11,984 

 

   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Balance Sheet Data:                         
Working capital  $124,771   $126,713   $120,821   $115,178   $109,760 
Total assets   270,855    262,355    226,669    202,351    211,842 
Common shareholders’ equity   173,862    168,454    161,713    157,490    152,651 

 

   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011 
Other Data:                         
Cash dividend per common share  $0.64   $0.60   $0.56   $0.52   $0.48 

 

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ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all dollar amounts in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are in thousands.

 

Executive Overview

 

Miller Industries, Inc. is The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment®, with domestic manufacturing subsidiaries in Tennessee and Pennsylvania, and foreign manufacturing subsidiaries in France and the United Kingdom. We offer a broad range of equipment to meet our customers’ design, capacity and cost requirements under our Century®, Vulcan®, Challenger®, Holmes®, Champion®, Chevron™, Eagle®, Titan®, Jige™ and Boniface™ brand names.

 

Our management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor our overall operating and financial performance. These indicators include measurements of revenue, operating income, gross margin, net income, earnings per share, capital expenditures and cash flow.

 

We derive revenues primarily from product sales made through our network of domestic and foreign independent distributors. Our revenues are sensitive to a variety of factors including general economic conditions as well as demand for, and price of, our products, our technological competitiveness, our reputation for providing quality products and reliable service, competition within our industry, and the cost of raw materials (including aluminum, steel and petroleum-related products).

 

Our industry is cyclical in nature. In recent years, the overall demand for our products and resulting revenues have been positively affected by recovering economic conditions and improving consumer sentiment. However, historically, the overall demand for our products and our resulting revenues have at times been negatively affected by:

 

wavering levels of consumer confidence;

 

volatility and disruption in domestic and international capital and credit markets and the resulting decrease in the availability of financing, including floor plan financing, for our customers and towing operators;

 

significant periodic increases in fuel and insurance costs and their negative effect on the ability of our customers to purchase towing and related equipment; and

 

the overall effects of the global economic downturn.

 

We remain concerned about the continuing effects of these factors on the towing and recovery industry, and we continue to monitor our overall cost structure to see that it remains in line with business conditions.

 

In addition, we have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the prices that we pay for raw materials, particularly aluminum, steel, petroleum-related products and other raw materials, which represent a substantial part of our total cost of operations. In the past, as we have determined necessary, we have implemented price increases to offset higher costs. We also developed alternatives to some of the components used in our production process that incorporate these raw materials, and our suppliers have implemented these alternatives in the production of our component parts. We continue to monitor raw material prices and availability in order to more favorably position the Company in this dynamic market.

 

As previously announced, our financial results through March 31, 2014 were negatively impacted by the Delavan joint venture. Losses before income taxes that are directly attributable to the Delavan joint venture were approximately $1,300 and $152 (including the loss on deconsolidation of the subsidiary) for 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, respectively. The Company also generated additional indirect losses associated with the Greeneville, Tennessee facility in connection with its manufacturing and supply agreement for the joint venture. Following a review and evaluation of operations related to the Delavan joint venture, the Company made the decision to consider strategic alternatives with regard to the venture. On February 28, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of its interest in the Delavan joint venture to its joint venture partner, which closed on March 31, 2014. Our Greeneville facility after that date ceased the manufacturing of Delavan products as of the end of the first quarter of 2014 and no further losses from the venture were incurred.

 

There were no borrowings under our current credit facility at December 31, 2015. As of February 29, 2016, the Company had borrowed $10 million under the credit facility.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates. Certain accounting policies are deemed “critical,” as they require management’s highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions. A discussion of critical accounting policies, the judgments and uncertainties affecting their application and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions follows:

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We extend credit to customers in the normal course of business. Collections from customers are continuously monitored and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues. While such bad debt expenses have historically been within expectations and the allowance established, there can be no assurance that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value), determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, valuation and other factors in determining net realizable value. Revisions of these estimates could result in the need for adjustments.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be fully recoverable. When a determination has been made that the carrying amount of long-lived asset may not be fully recovered, the amount of impairment is measured by comparing an asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value. The determination of fair value is based on projected future cash flows discounted at a rate determined by management, or if available independent appraisals or sales price negotiations. The estimation of fair value includes significant judgment regarding assumptions of revenue, operating costs, interest rates, property and equipment additions, and industry competition and general economic and business conditions among other factors. We believe that these estimates are reasonable; however, changes in any of these factors could affect these evaluations. Based on these estimates, we believe that our long-lived assets are appropriately valued.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or if an event or circumstance occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below the carrying amount. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. If we choose to perform a qualitative analysis of goodwill and determine that fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is needed. If we choose the two-step approach, the first step identifies potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value is more than the fair value, the second step of testing is performed to compare the fair value of the goodwill with its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value. We cannot predict the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances that might adversely affect the carrying value of goodwill. Such events might include, but are not limited to, the impact of the economic environment or a material change in a relationship with significant customers.

 

Warranty Reserves

 

We estimate expense for product warranty claims at the time products are sold. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. We review trends of warranty claims and take actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. We believe the warranty reserve is adequate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the accrual.

 

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Income Taxes

 

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We consider the need to record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We consider tax loss carryforwards, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning and estimates of future taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. If uncertain tax positions exist, we record interest and penalties related to the uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Revenues

 

Under our accounting policies, revenues are recorded when the risk of ownership for products has transferred to independent distributors or other customers, which generally occurs on shipment. From time to time, revenue is recognized under a bill and hold arrangement. Recognition of revenue on bill and hold arrangements occurs when risk of ownership has passed to the customer, a fixed written commitment has been provided by the customer, the goods are complete and ready for shipment, the goods are segregated from inventory, no performance obligation remains, and a schedule for delivery has been established. While we manufacture only the bodies of wreckers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties, we frequently purchase the truck chassis for resale to our customers. Sales of company-purchased truck chassis are included in net sales. Margin percentages are substantially lower on completed recovery vehicles containing company-purchased chassis because the markup over the cost of the chassis is nominal.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency for our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, historical rates for equity and the weighted average exchange rate during the period for revenue and expense accounts. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in shareholders’ equity. Intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income and expense in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the components of the consolidated statements of income expressed as a percentage of net sales.

 

   2015   2014   2013 
Net Sales   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Costs of operations   89.4%   89.3%   89.5%
Gross Profit   10.6%   10.7%   10.5%
Operating Expenses:               
Selling, general and administrative   5.8%   5.8%   7.0%
Interest expense   0.1%   0.1%   0.1%
Other expense (income)   0.1%   0.1%   0.0%
Total operating expenses   6.0%   6.0%   7.1%
Income before income taxes   4.6%   4.7%   3.4%

 

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Net sales were $540,966 for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $492,776 for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 9.8%. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to increased demand levels in our domestic and international markets and corresponding increases in production levels based on the continued recovery of economic conditions and improving consumer sentiment.

 

Cost of operations increased 9.9% to $483,353 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $439,791 for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was attributable to higher sales volumes. Overall, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales increased slightly from 89.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 89.4% for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased to $31,491 from $28,496 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to higher sales and production levels. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses remained the same at 5.8% due to the continued focus on cost control efforts.

 

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Interest expense increased to $919 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $554 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Increases were primarily due to increases in interest on distributor floor planning and on chassis purchases.

 

Other expense (income) relates to foreign currency transaction gains and losses. During 2015, the net loss was $340 compared to a net loss of $437 for 2014.

 

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 reflects a combined federal, state and foreign tax rate of 35.7% and 36.9%, respectively.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Net sales were $492,776 for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $404,170 for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 21.9%. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to increased demand levels in our domestic and international markets and corresponding increases in production levels based on recovering economic conditions and improving consumer sentiment.

 

Costs of operations increased 21.6% to $439,791 for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $361,734 for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was attributable to higher sales volumes. Overall, costs of operations as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly from 89.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 89.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased to $28,496 from $28,323 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to higher sales and production levels. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 5.8% for 2014 from 7.0% for 2013 due to the fixed nature of certain of these expenses and continued focus on cost control efforts.

 

Interest expense increased to $554 for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $369 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Increases were primarily due to increases in interest on distributor floor planning and on chassis purchases.

 

Other expense (income) relates to foreign currency transaction gains and losses. During 2014, the net loss was $437 compared to a net gain of $119 for 2013.

 

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 reflects a combined federal, state and foreign tax rate of 36.9% and 37.3%, respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $20,059 for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $9,913 for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $1,192 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The cash provided by operating activities for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was primarily attributed to consolidated net income. For 2015, cash provided by operating activities reflects decreases in accounts receivable and increases in accounts payables and accrued liabilities, offset by increases in other components of working capital including inventory. For 2014 and 2013, cash provided by operating activities reflects increases in accounts payables and accrued liabilities, offset by increases in other components of working capital including accounts receivable and inventory. Certain components of accounts receivable and accounts payable have extended collection and payment terms.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $11,899 for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $5,301 for the years ended December 31, 2014, and $2,335 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The cash used in investing activities for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was primarily for the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $6,961 for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $6,565 for the year ended December 31, 2014, and $5,448 for the year ended December 31, 2013. The cash used in financing activities in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was primarily to pay cash dividends, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

 

Over the past year, we generally have used available cash flow from operations to pay dividends and to pay for capital expenditures.

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $38,449 exclusive of unused availability under our current credit facility. Our primary cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures and the funding of any declared cash dividends. At December 31, 2015, we had commitments of approximately $13,945 for construction and acquisition of property and equipment. We expect our primary sources of cash to be cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand at December 31, 2015, and borrowings under our current credit facility as needed. We expect these sources to be sufficient to satisfy our cash needs during 2016 and for the next several years. However, our ability to satisfy our cash needs will substantially depend upon a number of factors including our future operating performance, taking into account the economic and other factors discussed above and elsewhere in this Annual Report, as well as financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

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At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $18,145 and $15,701, respectively, of the Company’s cash and temporary investments were held by foreign subsidiaries and their holdings based in the local currency. Amounts held by foreign subsidiaries are generally subject to U.S. income taxation on repatriation to the U.S.

 

The Company is in the process of consolidating and expanding its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to increase capacity and improve operating efficiencies. The plan includes consolidating primary manufacturing operations at one location while plans for the remaining plant location continue to be evaluated. The current estimated costs of this project are approximately $22,700, including machinery and equipment, buildings and improvements and land. Approximately $9,011 of these costs were incurred as of December 31, 2015 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs is expected to be incurred during 2016. The timing and costs of the project are subject to change. We do not anticipate any employee severance costs or any material relocation expense associated with the consolidation since the two existing facilities are very close to each other.

 

The Company also recently began several capital projects involving machinery and equipment and building improvements at its Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities that it estimates will cost in total approximately $15,000 through the end of 2016. Approximately $100 of these costs were incurred as of December 31, 2015.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015.

 

   Payment Due By Period (in thousands) 
Contractual Obligations (1)  Total   Less than
1 year
   1-3 years   3-5 years   More than
5 years
 
Operating Lease Obligations  $1,553   $504   $498   $169   $382 
Purchase Obligations (2)   26,876    26,876             
Commitments for construction and acquisition of plant and equipment (3)   13,945    13,945             
Total  $42,374   $41,325   $498   $169   $382 

 

 

 

(1)Amounts do not include potential contingent obligations of $38.3 million under repurchase commitments with third-party lenders in the event of independent distributor customer default.

 

(2)Purchase obligations represent open purchase orders for raw materials and other components issued in the normal course of business.

 

(3)Primarily increased due to the consolidation and expansion commitments for the Company’s Pennsylvania manufacturing operations, as described above.

 

Credit Facility and Other Obligations

 

Credit Facility

 

On April 6, 2010 we entered into a Loan Agreement with First Tennessee Bank National Association for a $20.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. On December 21, 2011, the credit facility was renewed and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $25.0 million. On December 30, 2014, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2017. On June 11, 2015, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $30.0 million to give the Company greater flexibility to finance current capital expenditure projects. The current credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and financial, affirmative and negative covenants for loan agreements of this kind. Covenants under the current credit facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various restrictions.

 

In the absence of a default, all borrowings under the current credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.50% per annum. The Company will pay a non-usage fee under the current loan agreement at a rate per annum equal to between 0.15% and 0.35% of the unused amount of the current credit facility, which fee shall be paid quarterly.

 

20 

 

 

Outstanding Borrowings

 

There were no outstanding borrowings under the current credit facility as of December 31, 2015. As of February 29, 2016, the Company had borrowed $10 million under the credit facility.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under our credit facility because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under our current credit facility are subject to variable interest rates. Under our credit facility, the non-default rate of interest is equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 1.93% at December 31, 2015). Because there were no amounts outstanding under our credit facility, a one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have materially impacted our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Other Long-Term Obligations

 

We had approximately $1,553 in non-cancellable operating lease obligations at December 31, 2015.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Issued Standards

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued amendments to the Inventory topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to require inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Other than the change in the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value for inventory, there are no other substantive changes to the guidance on measurement of inventory. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company will apply the guidance retrospectively. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB's new leases standard Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) was issued on February 25, 2016 and is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The standard affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The standard will require organizations that lease assets referred to as “Lessees” to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. An organization is to provide disclosures designed to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements concerning additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet the new standard will require both types of leases (i.e. operating and capital) to be recognized on the balance sheet. The FASB lessee accounting model will continue to account for both types of leases. The capital lease will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under existing GAAP. The operating lease will be accounted for in a manner similar to operating leases under existing GAAP, except that lessees will recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all of those leases.

 

21 

 

 

The standard will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods, and interim periods within these annual periods, beginning December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. See Note 5 for the Company’s current lease commitments. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new leasing standard will have on its financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

In the normal course of our business, we are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our results of operations and financial position.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under our current credit facility because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under our current credit facility are subject to variable interest rates. Under our current credit facility, the non-default rate of interest is equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 1.93% at December 31, 2015). Because there were no amounts outstanding under our current credit facility, a one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have materially impacted our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

We are subject to risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our international operations in Europe. We manage our exposure to our foreign currency exchange rate risk through our regular operating and financing activities. Additionally, from time to time, we enter into certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Because we report in U.S. dollars on a consolidated basis, foreign currency exchange fluctuations could have a translation impact on our financial position. At December 31, 2015, we recognized a $3,703 decrease in our foreign currency translation adjustment account compared with December 31, 2014. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on our results of operations and cash flows was a $340 loss, $437 loss and $119 gain, respectively.

 

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The response to this item is included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Report.

 

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive and chief financial officers, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, our Co-Chief Executive Officers and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

22 

 

 

Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Management of Miller Industries, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management, including our principal executive officers and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” (2013). Based on our assessment under those criteria, we concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

 

Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this report, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, which appears herein.

 

March 9, 2016

 

23 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Miller Industries, Inc.
Ooltewah, Tennessee

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and our report dated March 9, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/ Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 9, 2016

 

24 

 

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

25 

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain information relating to our directors and audit committee, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, and our code of ethics applicable to our chief executive, financial and accounting officers, which information is incorporated by reference herein. Information relating to our executive officers is included in Item 1 of this report.

 

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain information relating to director and executive officer compensation, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

 

The Proxy Statement will also contain information relating to our equity compensation plans, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain information relating to certain relationships and related transactions between us and certain of our directors and executive officers, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

 

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will contain information relating to the fees charged and services provided by Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC and Joseph Decosimo and Company, PLLC, our principal accountants during the last three fiscal years, and our pre-approval policy and procedures for audit and non-audit services, which information is incorporated by reference into this report.

 

26 

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

 

1.Financial Statements

 

Description   Page
Number
in Report
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-2
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014   F-3
     
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013   F-4
     
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013   F-5
     
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013   F-6
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013   F-7
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

 

2.Financial Statement Schedules

 

The following Financial Statement Schedule for the Registrant is filed as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

Description   Page
Number
in Report
     
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts   F-20

 

All schedules, except those set forth above, have been omitted since the information required is included in the financial statements or notes or have been omitted as not applicable or not required.

 

3.Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are required to be filed with this Report by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

 

  Description   Incorporated
by Reference
to Registration
File Number
  Form or
Report
  Date of
Report
  Exhibit
Number in
Report
                   
3.1 Charter, as amended, of the Registrant     Form 10-K   December 31, 2001   3.1
                   
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant     Form 10-Q   November 8, 2007   3.2
                   
10.1 Form of Noncompetition Agreement between the Registrant and certain officers of the Registrant   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.28
                   
10.2 Form of Nonexclusive Distributor Agreement   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.31

 

27 

 

 

  Description   Incorporated
by Reference
to Registration
File Number
  Form or
Report
  Date of
Report
  Exhibit
Number in
Report
                   
10.3 Miller Industries, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan**   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.1
                   
10.4 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under Miller Industries, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan**   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.2
                   
10.5 Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.4
                   
10.6 Form of Director Stock Option Agreement**   33-79430   S-1   August 1994   10.5
                   
10.7 First Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**     Form 10-K   April 30, 1995   10.38
                   
10.8 Second Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan**     Form 10-K   April 30, 1996   10.39
                   
10.9 Second Amendment to Miller Industries, Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan**     Form 10-K   April 30, 1996   10.40
                   
10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2008 between the Registrant and William G. Miller**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.1
                   
10.11 Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between the Registrant and each of William G. Miller, Jeffrey I. Badgley, A. Russell Chandler, Frank Madonia, J. Vincent Mish, Richard H. Roberts and Theodore H. Ashford **     Form 10-Q   September 14, 1998   10
                   
10.12 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008, between the Registrant and Jeffrey I. Badgley**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.2
                   
10.13 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008 between the Registrant and Frank Madonia**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.3
                   
10.14 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2008 between the Registrant and J. Vincent Mish**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.4
                   
10.15 Agreement between the Registrant and Jeffrey I. Badgley, effective December 30, 2008**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.5
                   
10.16 Agreement between the Registrant and Frank Madonia, effective December 30, 2008**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.6

 

28 

 

 

  Description   Incorporated
by Reference
to Registration
File Number
  Form or
Report
  Date of Report   Exhibit
Number in
Report
                   
10.17 Agreement between the Registrant and J. Vincent Mish, effective December 30, 2008**     Form 10-Q   May 6, 2009   10.7
                   
10.18 Letter Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2013 between the Registrant and William G. Miller, effective as of December 31, 2013, amending the Employment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2008**     Form 10-K   March 5, 2014   10.18
                   
10.19 Letter Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2013 between the Registrant and Jeffrey I. Badgley, effective as of December 31, 2013, amending the Employment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2008 and the Change in Control Agreement effective December 30, 2008**     Form 10-K   March 5, 2014   10.19
                   
10.20 Letter Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2013 between the Registrant and J. Vincent Mish, effective as of December 31, 2013, amending the Employment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2008 and the Change in Control Agreement effective December 30, 2008**     Form 10-K   March 5, 2014   10.20
                   
10.21 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan**     Schedule 14A   January 23, 2004   Annex A
                   
10.22 Miller Industries, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan**     Schedule 14A   May 2, 2005   Annex B
                   
10.23 Agreement, dated April 6, 2010, by and between the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and First Tennessee Bank National Association     Form 8-K   April 12, 2010   10.2
                   
10.24 Agreement, dated April 6, 2010, by and between the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and First Tennessee Bank National Association     Form 8-K   April 12, 2010   10.3
                   
10.25 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated December 30, 2014, by and among the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and First Tennessee Bank National Association     Form 10-K   March 4, 2015   10.25
                   
10.26 First Amendment  to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2015, by and among the Registrant, certain of the Registrant’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, and First Tennessee Bank National Association     Form 8-K   June 17, 2015   10.1
                   
10.27 Master Revolving Credit Note dated as of June 11, 2015 from the Registrant payable to First Tennessee Bank National Association     Form 8-K   June 17, 2015   10.2

 

29 

 

 

21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant*                
                   
23.1 Consent of Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC*                
                   
24 Power of Attorney (see signature page)*                
                   
31.1 Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer*                
                   
31.2 Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer*                
                   
31.3 Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Chief Financial Officer*                
                   
32.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer±                
                   
32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer±                
                   
32.3 Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Chief Financial Officer±                

 

30 

 

 

  Description   Incorporated
by Reference
to Registration
File Number
  Form or
Report
  Date of Report   Exhibit
Number in
Report
                   
101 The following financial information from Miller Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*                

 

 

 

*Filed herewith.

 

±Exhibit is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subjected to the liabilities of that Section. This exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any given registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

**Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

(b)The Registrant hereby files as exhibits to this Report the exhibits set forth in Item 15(a)3 hereof.

 

IThe Registrant hereby files as financial statement schedules to this Report the financial statement schedules set forth in Item 15(a)2 hereof.

 

31 

 

 

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM F-2
   
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014 F-3
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 F-4
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 F-5
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 F-6
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 F-7
   
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-8
   
SCHEDULE II –VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS F-20

 

F-1 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Miller Industries, Inc.
Ooltewah, Tennessee

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 9, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 9, 2016

 

F-2 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

   2015   2014 
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS:          
Cash and temporary investments  $38,449   $39,597 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,864 and $1,850, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively   109,170    116,498 
Inventories   66,232    56,460 
Prepaid expenses   1,689    1,792 
Current deferred income taxes   3,725    4,083 
Total current assets   219,265    218,430 
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, net   39,475    32,050 
GOODWILL   11,619    11,619 
OTHER ASSETS   496    256 
   $270,855   $262,355 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Accounts payable  $73,405   $70,618 
Accrued liabilities   21,089    21,099 
Total current liabilities   94,494    91,717 
           
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES   2,499    2,184 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 3 and 5)          
           
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:          
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding        
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 11,341,150 and 11,302,530, outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively   113    113 
Additional paid-in capital   150,305    149,917 
Accumulated surplus   28,545    19,822 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (5,101)   (1,398)
Total shareholders’ equity   173,862    168,454 
   $270,855   $262,355 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

F-3 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   2015   2014   2013 
NET SALES  $540,966   $492,776   $404,170 
Costs of operations   483,353    439,791    361,734 
Gross Profit   57,613    52,985    42,436 
                
OPERATING EXPENSES:               
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   31,491    28,496    28,323 
Interest expense, net   919    554    369 
Other expense (income)   340    437    (119)
Total operating expenses   32,750    29,487    28,573 
                
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   24,863    23,498    13,863 
INCOME TAX PROVISION   8,887    8,660    5,175 
NET INCOME   15,976    14,838    8,688 
                

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

       66    542 
Net Income Attributable to Miller Industries, Inc.  $15,976   $14,904   $9,230 
                
BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE  $1.41   $1.32   $0.82 
                
DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE  $1.41   $1.31   $0.82 
                
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE  $0.64   $0.60   $0.56 
                
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:               
Basic   11,324    11,297    11,233 
Diluted   11,360    11,354    11,324 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

F-4 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

 

(In thousands)

 

   2015   2014   2013 
Net income  $15,976   $14,838   $8,688 
Other comprehensive income:               
Foreign currency translation adjustment   (3,703)   (2,503)   1,175 
Derivative instrument and hedging activities       126    (216)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)       165    (75)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   (3,703)   (2,212)   884 
                
Comprehensive income   12,273    12,626    9,572 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests       66    542 
Comprehensive income attributable to Miller Industries, Inc.  $12,273   $12,692   $10,114 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

F-5 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   Accumulated
Surplus
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   Total Miller
Industries, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
   Noncontrolling
Interests
   Total 
BALANCE, December 31, 2012  $112   $148,688   $8,760   $(70)  $157,490   $   $157,490 
Components of comprehensive income:                                   
Net income           9,230        9,230    (542)   8,688 
Foreign currency translation adjustments               1,175)   1,175        1,175 
Derivative instrument and hedging activities               (291)   (291)       (291)
Total comprehensive income           9,230    884   10,114    (542)   9,572 
Capital Contribution from non controlling interest holder                       24    24 
Issuance of common stock to non-employee directors (4,734)       75            75        75 
Exercise of stock options (102,314)   1    620            621        621 
Excess tax effect for stock-based compensation       225            225        225 
Dividends paid, $0.56 per share           (6,294)       (6,294)       (6,294)
BALANCE, December 31, 2013   113    149,608    11,696    814    162,231    (518)   161,713 
Components of comprehensive income:                                   
Net income           14,904        14,904    (66)   14,838 
Foreign currency translation adjustments               (2,503)   (2,503)       (2,503)
Derivative instrument and hedging activities               291    291        291 
Total comprehensive income           14,904    (2,212)   12,692    (66)   12,626 
Disposition of noncontrolling interest                       584    584 
Issuance of common stock to non-employee directors (5,154)       96            96        96 
Exercise of stock options (31,697)       186            186        186 
Excess tax effect for stock-based compensation       27            27        27 
Dividends paid, $0.60 per share           (6,778)       (6,778)       (6,778)
BALANCE, December 31, 2014   113    149,917    19,822    (1,398)   168,454        168,454 
Components of comprehensive income:                                   
Net income           15,976        15,976        15,976 
Foreign currency translation adjustments               (3,703)   (3,703)       (3,703)
Derivative instrument and hedging activities                            
Total comprehensive income           15,976    (3,703)   12,273        12,273 
Issuance of common stock to non-employee directors (4,620)       96            96        96 
Exercise of stock options (34,000)       186            186        186 
Excess tax effect for stock-based compensation       106            106        106 
Dividends paid, $0.64 per share           (7,253)       (7,253)       (7,253)
BALANCE, December 31, 2015  $113   $150,305   $28,545   $(5,101)  $173,862   $   $173,862 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

F-6 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014 AND 2013

 

(In thousands)

 

   2015   2014   2013 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:               
Net income  $15,976   $14,838   $8,688 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:               
Depreciation and amortization   4,317    4,015    3,763 
Loss on the deconsolidation of subsidiary       83     
(Gain) Loss on disposals of equipment   74    (39)   (2)
Deferred tax provision   573    147    (225)
Provision for doubtful accounts   282    243    211 
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation   (106)   (27)   (225)
Issuance of non-employee director shares   96    96    75 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
Accounts receivable   5,736    (36,366)   (21,993)
Inventories   (11,015)   (3,284)   (8,506)
Prepaid expenses   (31)   151    (173)
Accounts payable   3,819    24,662    16,164 
Accrued liabilities   338    5,394    3,415 
Net cash flows from operating activities   20,059    9,913    1,192 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:               
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment   (11,900)   (5,345)   (2,430)
Proceeds from sale of equipment   1    20    19 
Payments received on notes receivables       24    76 
Net cash flows from investing activities   (11,899)   (5,301)   (2,335)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:               
Payments of cash dividends   (7,253)   (6,778)   (6,294)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   186    186    621 
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation   106    27    225 
Net cash flows from financing activities   (6,961)   (6,565)   (5,448)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS   (2,347)   (1,314)   864 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS   (1,148)   (3,267)   (5,727)
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, beginning of year   39,597    42,864    48,591 
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, end of year  $38,449   $39,597   $42,864 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:               
Cash payments for interest  $1,432   $1,015   $912 
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds  $8,566   $6,454   $2,419 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

 

F-7 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(in thousands, except share data and except as otherwise noted)

 

1.ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is The World’s Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment.® The principal markets for the Company’s towing and recovery equipment are approximately 80 independent distributors and the users of towing and recovery equipment located primarily throughout North America, and other customers throughout the world. The Company’s products are marketed under the brand names of Century®, Challenger®, Holmes®, Champion®, Eagle®, Titan®, JigeTM, BonifaceTM, Vulcan®, and ChevronTM.

 

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

 

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.

 

Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Miller Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. We consolidated our majority-owned and controlled Delavan joint venture, and our joint venturer’s interests in the Delavan joint venture were reported as noncontrolling interests through March 31, 2014, the deconsolidation date. Losses before income taxes that are directly attributable to the Delavan joint venture were approximately $152 (including the loss on deconsolidation of the subsidiary) for the first quarter of 2014 and $1,300 for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

The consolidated financial statements include accounts of certain subsidiaries whose fiscal closing dates differ from December 31st by 31 days (or less) to facilitate timely reporting.

 

Cash and Temporary Investments

 

Cash and temporary investments include all cash and cash equivalent investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers. The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business. Collections from customers are continuously monitored and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, a three-level hierarchy of measurements based upon observable and unobservable inputs is used to arrive at fair value. Observable inputs are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions about valuation based on the best information available in the circumstances. Depending on the inputs, we classify each fair value measurement as follows:

 

Level 1—based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets,

 

Level 2—based upon quoted prices for similar instruments, prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations, all of whose significant inputs are observable, and

 

Level 3—based upon one or more significant unobservable inputs

 

The carrying values of cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying values of long-term obligations are reasonable estimates of their fair values based on the rates available for obligations with similar terms and maturities.

 

The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities are measured assuming that the unit of account is an individual derivative transaction and that each derivative could be sold or transferred on a stand-alone basis. We classify within Level 2 our forward foreign currency exchange contracts based upon quoted prices for similar instruments that are actively traded. For more information regarding derivatives, see Note 11, Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

F-8 

 

 

Inventories

 

Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value), determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, valuation and other factors in determining net realizable value. Revisions of these estimates could result in the need for adjustments. Inventories, net of reserves, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

 

   2015   2014 
Chassis  $8,048   $4,700 
Raw materials   28,328    24,291 
Work in process   10,850    10,477 
Finished goods   19,006    16,992 
   $66,232   $56,460 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax reporting purposes. Estimated useful lives range from 20 to 30 years for buildings and improvements and 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and software costs. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Internal labor is used in certain capital projects.

 

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

 

   2015   2014 
Land and improvements  $5,812   $5,223 
Buildings and improvements   42,230    34,478 
Machinery and equipment   30,821    30,143 
Furniture and fixtures   8,978    8,590 
Software costs   10,066    8,921 
    97,907    87,355 
Less accumulated depreciation   (58,432)   (55,305)
   $39,475   $32,050 

 

The Company recognized $4,317, $4,014 and $3,757 in depreciation expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The Company capitalizes costs related to software development in accordance with established criteria, and amortizes those costs to expense on a straight-line basis over five years. System development costs not meeting proper criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.

 

Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share

 

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding. Diluted income per common share takes into consideration the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options resulting in approximately 36,000, 57,000, and 91,000 potential dilutive common shares in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For 2015, 2014 and 2013, none of the outstanding stock options would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of its long-lived assets to determine if those assets may not be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets. Management believes that its long-lived assets are appropriately valued.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill consists of the excess of cost of acquired entities over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized. However, the Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at least annually or if an event or circumstance occurs that would indicate that the carrying amount had been impaired. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. If the qualitative analysis of goodwill is utilized and it is determined that fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is needed. If the two-step approach is chosen, first, the carrying value of the entity is compared to the fair value. If the fair value is less, a comparison of the carrying value of goodwill to the fair value of goodwill is performed to determine if a writedown is required.

 

F-9 

 

 

Patents, Trademarks and Other Purchased Product Rights

 

The cost of acquired patents, trademarks and other purchased product rights is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over various periods not exceeding 20 years. Total accumulated amortization of these assets was $1,547 at December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized. As acquisitions and dispositions of intangible assets occur in the future, the amortization amounts may vary.

 

Deferred Financing Costs

 

All deferred financing costs are included in other assets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the respective obligations. Total accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $0 and $0, respectively. Amortization expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0, $2 and $6, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Deferred financing costs were fully amortized at December 31, 2015.

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   2015   2014 
Accrued wages, commissions, bonuses and benefits  $6,482   $5,956 
Accrued products warranty   3,140    2,622 
Accrued income taxes   4,747    7,416 
Other   6,720    5,105 
   $21,089   $21,099 

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes as deferred income tax assets and liabilities the future tax consequences of the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The Company considers the need to record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Tax loss carryforwards, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning and estimates of future taxable income are considered in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. 

 

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, disclosure and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with ASC Topic 740 is a two-step process. The first step is recognition, where the Company evaluates whether an individual tax position has a likelihood of greater than 50% of being sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions that are currently estimated to have a less than 50% likelihood of being sustained, zero tax benefit is recorded. For tax positions that have met the recognition threshold in the first step, the Company performs the second step of measuring the benefit to be recorded. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from the Company’s estimates. In future periods, changes in facts and circumstances and new information may require the Company to change the recognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recorded in results of operations and financial position in the period in which such changes occur. As of December 31 2015, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock compensation expense was $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

 

No options were granted during 2015 or 2014. The fair value of options granted in 2008 has been estimated as of the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 44%; risk-free interest rate of 1.71%; and expected life of four years. Using these assumptions, the fair value of options granted in 2008 was $1,596, which was amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company had no unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options. The Company issued approximately 34,000 and 32,000 shares of common stock during 2015 and 2014, respectively, from the exercise of stock options.

 

F-10 

 

 

Product Warranty

 

The Company generally provides a one-year limited product and service warranty on certain of its products. The Company provides for the estimated cost of this warranty at the time of sale. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims. Warranty expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, was $3,076, $1,958 and $1,086, respectively.

 

The table below provides a summary of the warranty liability for December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   2015   2014 
Accrual at beginning of the year  $2,622   $3,084 
Provision   3,076    1,958 
Settlement and Other   (2,558)   (2,420)
Accrual at end of year  $3,140   $2,622 

 

Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash investments with high-quality financial institutions. In addition, the Company limits the amount of credit exposure through the use of accounts and funds backed by the U.S. Government and its agencies. Trade accounts receivable are generally diversified due to the number of entities comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across many geographic regions and by frequent monitoring of the creditworthiness of the customers to whom the credit is granted in the normal course of business.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recorded by the Company when the risk of ownership for products has transferred to the independent distributors or other customers, which is generally upon shipment. From time to time, revenue is recognized under a bill and hold arrangement. Recognition of revenue on bill and hold arrangements occurs when risk of ownership has passed to the customer, a fixed written commitment has been provided by the customer, the goods are complete and ready for shipment, the goods are segregated from inventory, no performance obligation remains, and a schedule for delivery has been established.

 

Shipping and Handling Fees and Cost

 

The Company records revenues earned for shipping and handling as revenue, while the cost of shipping and handling is classified as cost of operations.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in cost of operations and to a lesser extent in selling, general and administrative expenses. Research and development costs amounted to $1,595, $1,899 and $1,304 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, historical rates for equity and the weighted average exchange rate during the period for revenue and expense accounts. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from such translations are included in shareholders’ equity. Intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other (income) expense in our consolidated statements of income.

 

F-11 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company periodically enters into certain forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are designed to mitigate foreign currency risk.

 

Prior to November 2012, the Company had not instituted a formal foreign exchange policy. Any foreign currency exchange contracts entered into did not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in fair value of these instruments were recognized each period in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income.

 

In November 2012, the Company adopted a formal foreign exchange policy. Under this policy, at inception of each hedge relationship, the Company documents its risk management objectives, procedures and accounting treatment. For those foreign currency exchange contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value of such instruments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company also assesses, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. For those foreign currency exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized each period in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Issued Standards

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued amendments to the Inventory topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to require inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Other than the change in the subsequent measurement guidance from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value for inventory, there are no other substantive changes to the guidance on measurement of inventory. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company will apply the guidance retrospectively. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The FASB's new leases standard Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842) was issued on February 25, 2016 and is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The standard affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The standard will require organizations that lease assets referred to as “Lessees” to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. An organization is to provide disclosures designed to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements concerning additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet the new standard will require both types of leases (i.e. operating and capital) to be recognized on the balance sheet. The FASB lessee accounting model will continue to account for both types of leases. The capital lease will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under existing GAAP. The operating lease will be accounted for in a manner similar to operating leases under existing GAAP, except that lessees will recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all of those leases.

 

The standard will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods, and interim periods within these annual periods, beginning December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. See Note 5 for the Company’s current lease commitments. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this new leasing standard will have on its financial statements.

 

F-12 

 

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation, with no impact on previously reported shareholders’ equity or net income.

 

3.LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

Long-Term Obligations

 

Credit Facility. On April 6, 2010 we entered into a Loan Agreement with First Tennessee Bank National Association for a $20.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility, and on December 21, 2011 the credit facility was renewed and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $25.0 million (the “Credit Facility”). On December 30, 2014 the Credit Facility was further renewed, which extended the maturity date to March 31, 2017. On June 11, 2015, the credit facility was further renewed to extend the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and our unsecured revolving credit facility was increased to $30.0 million to give the Company greater flexibility to finance current capital expenditure projects. The Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and financial, affirmative and negative covenants for loan agreements of this kind. Covenants under the Credit Facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if the Company would be in violation of the minimum tangible net worth test or the leverage ratio test in the current loan agreement as a result of the dividend, among various restrictions.

 

In the absence of a default, all borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.50% per annum. The Company will pay a non-usage fee under the current loan agreement at a rate per annum equal to between 0.15% and 0.35% of the unused amount of the Credit Facility, which fee shall be paid quarterly.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. As of February 29, 2016, the Company had borrowed $10 million under the credit facility.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity. Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under our Credit Facility because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under our Credit Facility are subject to variable interest rates. Under our Credit Facility, the non-default rate of interest is equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 1.93% at December 31, 2015). A one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have materially impacted our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

4.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

In accordance with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options as well as non-qualified and other stock-related incentives to officers, employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Options vest ratably over a two to four-year period beginning on the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant. Shares available for granting options at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were 0, 600,000 and 600,000, respectively. Equity incentive awards were previously granted under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan; however this plan expired on April 27, 2015.

 

A summary of the activity of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, is presented below (shares in thousands):

 

   2015   2014   2013 
   Shares
Under
Option
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Shares
Under
Option
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Shares
Under
Option
   Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding at Beginning of Period   72   $5.49    104   $5.60    206   $5.83 
Granted                        
Exercised   (34)   5.49    (32)   5.86    (102)   6.07 
Forfeited and cancelled                        
Outstanding at End of Period   38   $5.49    72   $5.49    104   $5.60 
Options exercisable at year end   38   $5.49    72   $5.49    104   $5.60 

 

F-13 

 

 

A summary of options outstanding under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans at December 31, 2015 is presented below (in thousands):

 

Exercise Price   Shares
Under
Option
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
of
Options
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
   Options
Exercisable
   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
of
Shares
Exercisable
  

Aggregate
Intrinsic

Value

 
                          
$5.49    38   $5.49    2.85    38   $5.49   $619 

 

5.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Commitments

 

The Company has entered into various operating leases for buildings and for office and computer equipment. Rental expense under these leases was $1,533, $1,230 and $1,126 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2015 future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases for the next five years and in the aggregate are as follows:

 

2016  $504 
2017   329 
2018   169 
2019   85 
2020   84 
Thereafter   382 
   $1,553 

 

The Company has also entered into arrangements with third-party lenders where it has agreed, in the event of a default by the independent distributor customer, to repurchase from the third-party lender Company products repossessed from the independent distributor customer. These arrangements are typically subject to a maximum repurchase amount. The Company’s risk under these arrangements is mitigated by the value of the products repurchased as part of the transaction. The maximum amount of collateral the Company could be required to purchase was approximately $38,334 and $31,458 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No repurchases of products were required during 2015 or 2014.

 

The Company is in the process of consolidating and expanding its Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to increase capacity and improve operating efficiencies. The plan includes consolidating primary manufacturing operations at one location while plans for the remaining plant location continue to be evaluated. The current estimated costs of this project are approximately $22,700, including machinery and equipment, buildings and improvements and land. Approximately $9,011 of these costs were incurred as of December 31, 2015 and are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of these costs is expected to be incurred during 2016. The timing and costs of the project are subject to change. We do not anticipate any employee severance costs or any material relocation expense associated with the consolidation since the two existing facilities are very close to each other.

The Company also recently began several capital projects involving machinery and equipment and building improvements at its Ooltewah, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee facilities that it estimates will cost in total approximately $15,000 through the end of 2016. Approximately $100 of these costs were incurred as of December 31, 2015. 

Contingencies

 

The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business. Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to the Company, which could result in substantial damages against the Company. The Company has established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintains product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate. Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

6.INCOME TAXES

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities using the currently enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

 

F-14 

 

 

The provision for income taxes on income consisted of the following in 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

   2015   2014   2013 
Current:               
Federal  $5,778   $5,953   $3,960 
State   913    707    415 
Foreign   1,623    1,853    1,025 
    8,314    8,513    5,400 
Deferred:               
Federal   548    283    (238)
State   47    32    (28)
Foreign   (22)   (168)   41 
    573    147    (225)
   $8,887   $8,660   $5,175 

 

The principal differences between the federal statutory tax rate and the income tax expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

   2015   2014   2013 
Federal statutory tax rate   35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit   3.0%   3.7%   3.7%
Excess of (decreases in) foreign tax over US tax on foreign income   (1.1)%   0.1%   0.3%
Domestic Tax Credits   (1.2)%   (1.4)%   (1.5)%
Other   0.0%   (0.5)%   (0.2)%
Effective tax rate   35.7%   36.9%   37.3%

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. Temporary differences and carry forwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

   2015   2014 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $78   $94 
Accruals and reserves   3,468    3,767 
Other   179    222 
Total deferred tax assets   3,725    4,083 
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Property, plant, and equipment   2,499    2,184 
Total deferred tax liabilities   2,499    2,184 
Net deferred tax asset  $1,226   $1,899 

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has no federal or state net operating loss carryforwards.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no unrecognized tax positions. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax positions to change significantly in the next twelve months. If unrecognized tax positions existed, the interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax positions would be recorded as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

F-15 

 

 

The Company is subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s tax years 2012 through 2014 remain open to examination for U.S. Federal and state income taxes.

 

7.SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock which can be issued in one or more series. The terms, price and conditions of the preferred shares will be set by the board of directors. No shares have been issued.

 

Dividends

 

The Company has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends since May 2011. Dividend payments made for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Payment  Record Date  Payment Date  Dividend
(per share)
   Amount 
                 
Q1 2013  March 18, 2013  March 25, 2013  $0.14   $1,569 
Q2 2013  June 17, 2013  June 24, 2013   0.14    1,573 
Q3 2013  September 16, 2013  September 23, 2013   0.14    1,575 
Q4 2013  December 9, 2013  December 16, 2013   0.14    1,577 
Total for 2013        $0.56   $6,294 
                 
Q1 2014  March 17, 2014  March 24, 2014  $0.15   $1,692 
Q2 2014  June 16, 2014  June 23, 2014   0.15    1,695 
Q3 2014  September 15, 2014  September 22, 2014   0.15    1,696 
Q4 2014  December 8, 2014  December 15, 2014   0.15    1,695 
Total for 2014        $0.60   $6,778 
                 
Q1 2015  March 20, 2015  March 23, 2015  $0.16   $1,809 
Q2 2015   June 15, 2015  June 19, 2015   0.16    1,814 
Q3 2015   September 14, 2015  September 21, 2015   0.16    1,815 
Q4 2015  December 7, 2015  December 11, 2015   0.16    1,815 
Total for 2015        $0.64   $7,253 

 

8.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company maintains a contributory retirement plan for all full-time employees with at least 90 days of service. The plan is designed to provide tax-deferred income to the Company’s employees in accordance with the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The plan provides that each participant may contribute the maximum allowable under Internal Revenue Service regulations. For 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company matched 50% of the first 5% of participant contributions. Matching contributions vest over the first five years of employment. Company contributions to the plan were $619, $522, and $472 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

F-16 

 

 

9.GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

Net sales and long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and goodwill and intangible assets) by region were as follows (net sales are attributed to regions based on the locations of customers):

 

   2015   2014   2013 
   Net Sales   Long-
Lived
Assets
   Net Sales   Long-
Lived
Assets
   Net Sales   Long-
Lived
Assets
 
North America  $467,161   $48,589   $399,434   $41,176   $335,969   $39,832 
                               
Foreign   73,805    2,505    93,342    2,493    68,201    2,645 
                               
   $540,966   $51,094   $492,776   $43,669   $404,170   $42,477 

 

10.CUSTOMER INFORMATION

 

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales for 2015, 2014 or 2013.

 

F-17 

 

 

11.DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company periodically enters into foreign currency exchange contracts designed to mitigate the impact of foreign currency risk. Prior to November 2012, the Company had not instituted a formal foreign exchange policy. All contracts entered into prior to this date are accounted for as undesignated hedges and, therefore changes in fair value are recognized each period in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income. The fair value of the contracts is presented in accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

In November 2012, the Company adopted a formal foreign currency exchange policy. Under this policy, for those foreign currency exchange contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value of such instruments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company also assesses, both at inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. For those foreign currency exchange contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized each period in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of income. In December 2012, the Company entered into foreign exchange currency contracts with notional values of $10,637 at December 31, 2013 and $12,950 at December 31, 2012 maturing from September 2013 to October 2014 that were considered cash flow hedges. Changes in fair value of such cash flow hedges were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent that the hedges are considered effective. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the net fair values of foreign currency exchange contracts were $0.

 

F-18 

 

 

12.QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

   Net Sales   Operating
Income
   Net
Income
Attributable to
Miller
Industries, Inc.
   Basic 
Income
Per Share
   Diluted 
Income Per
Share
   Cash 
Dividends
Declared
Per Share
 
                         
2015                              
First Quarter  $126,788   $4,512   $3,064   $0.27   $0.27   $0.16 
Second Quarter   151,537    9,894    5,866    0.52    0.52    0.16 
Third Quarter   126,205    5,271    3,168    0.28    0.28    0.16 
Fourth Quarter   136,436    6,445    3,878    0.34    0.34    0.16 
Total  $540,966   $26,122   $15,976   $1.41   $1.41   $0.64 
                               
2014                              
First Quarter  $104,168   $3,772   $2,366   $0.21   $0.20   $0.15 
Second Quarter   122,432    5,547    3,387    0.30    0.30    0.15 
Third Quarter   118,398    5,736    3,494    0.31    0.31    0.15 
Fourth Quarter   147,778    9,434    5,657    0.50    0.50    0.15 
Total  $492,776   $24,489   $14,904   $1.32   $1.31   $0.60 

 

13.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On March 7, 2016, the Company's board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share. The dividend is payable March 28, 2016 to shareholders of record as of March 21, 2016.

 

F-19 

 

 

MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SCHEDULE II –VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

(in thousands)

 

   Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   Charged to
Expense
   Accounts
Written
Off
   Balance at
End of
Period
 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2013                    
Deduction from asset accounts:                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $1,614    211    (111)  $1,714 
                     
Year ended December 31, 2014                    
Deduction from asset accounts:                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $1,714    243    (107)  $1,850 
                     
Year ended December 31, 2015                    
Deduction from asset accounts:                    
Allowance for doubtful accounts  $1,850    282    (268)  $1,864 

 

F-20 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 9th day of March, 2016.

 

  MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Jeffrey I. Badgley
  Jeffrey I. Badgley
  Co-Chief Executive Officer

 

Know all men by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Jeffrey I. Badgley as attorney in fact, with power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10 K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney in fact may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

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 in the capacities indicated on the 9th day of March, 2016.

 

Signature   Title
     
/s/ William G. Miller   Chairman of the Board of Directors
William G. Miller    
     
/s/ Jeffrey I. Badgley   Co-Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey I. Badgley    
     
/s/ William G. Miller, II   President, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director
William G. Miller, II    
     
/s/ J. Vincent Mish   Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
J. Vincent Mish   Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
     
/s/ Theodore H. Ashford, III   Director
Theodore H. Ashford, III    
     
/s/ A. Russell Chandler, III   Director
A. Russell Chandler, III    
     
/s/ Richard H. Roberts   Director
Richard H. Roberts    

 

S-1 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number   Description
     
21*   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
     
23.1*   Consent of Elliott Davis Decosimo, LLC
     
24*   Power of Attorney (see signature page)
     
31.1*   Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2*   Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer
     
31.3*   Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Chief Financial Officer
     
32.1±   Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer
     
32.2±   Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer
     
32.3±   Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Chief Financial Officer
     
101   The following financial information from Miller Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

*Filed herewith.

 

±Exhibit is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subjected to the liabilities of that Section. This exhibit shall not be incorporated by reference into any given registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.