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

FORM 10-K

     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003
    OR
 
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from ________ to __________

Commission File Number 0-2762

MAXCO, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

     
Michigan   38-1792842
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
1118 Centennial Way, Lansing, Michigan   48917
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code:   (517) 321-3130

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

     
Title of each class
NONE
  Name of each exchange on which registered
NONE

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

     
Common stock   Series Three Preferred Stock
(Title of Class)   (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all annual, quarterly and other reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of May 31, 2003: $6,174,215.

At May 31, 2003, there were 3,101,195 outstanding shares of Registrant’s common stock.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

NONE

 


 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7-MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
ITEM 9 — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 10 — DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11 — EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12 — SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13 — CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 15 — EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION
LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Subsidiaries
Consent of Independent Auditors-Ernst & Young LLP
Consent of Independent Auditors
906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer


Table of Contents

MAXCO, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
ITEM       PAGE

 
 
1   Business  
3

2   Properties  
5

3   Legal Proceedings  
5

4   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  
5

5   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters  
6

6   Selected Financial Data  
7

7   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  
8

7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  
14

8   Financial Statements and Supplemental Data  
14

9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  
14

10   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  
15

11   Executive Compensation  
16

12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management  
20

13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  
21

14   Controls and Procedures  
21

15   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K  
22

    Signatures  
24

    Certifications  
25

    List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules  
28

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PART I

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
Maxco, Inc. (“the Company”) is a Michigan corporation incorporated in 1946. Maxco currently operates in the heat-treating business segment through Atmosphere Annealing Inc., a production metal heat-treating service company. Maxco also has investments in real estate and investments representing less than majority interests in the following: a registered investor advisory firm; a registered broker-dealer of securities that is primarily focused on the trading of fixed income investments over the Internet; a company offering a business-to-business vertical web portal designed to bring solution-seekers together with solution-providers; a limited partnership that has equity investments in companies focused on the information technology, telecommunications, and medical technology markets; two technology-related businesses; and one energy-related business.

During the year ended March 31, 2003, Maxco sold its wholly owned subsidiary, Ersco Corporation and sold the business and substantially all of the assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, Pak Sak Industries, Inc. Additionally, Maxco’s unconsolidated real estate affiliate, L/M Associates II, sold a significant portion of its portfolio. The Company reduced the carrying amount of its remaining investment in real estate by $4.7 million and recorded a charge to income to recognize a $3.3 million decline in the value of certain other investments. Maxco received additional consideration as final payment from the sale of Strategic Interactive (Maxco’s former 45% owned affiliate sold to Provant, Inc. in October 1998) in the form of cash and Provant stock.

HEAT TREATING
Atmosphere Annealing, Inc.

Atmosphere Annealing, Inc. provides metal heat treating, phosphate coating and bar shearing and sawing services to the cold forming, stamping, forging and casting industries. Its services are sold through Atmosphere’s own sales personnel and outside sales representatives, primarily to automotive companies and automotive suppliers. This unit’s facilities are located in Lansing, Michigan; Canton, Ohio; and North Vernon, Indiana.

Since Atmosphere is a service business, inventory levels for this segment are traditionally small and consist mainly of steel inventory, various lubricants and other materials used in the heat treating, phosphate coating or bar shearing and sawing process. Inventories of this segment represent 100% of Maxco’s total inventories at March 31, 2003. In addition to pickup and delivery of consigned inventory by its customers, Atmosphere maintains its own trucks, which are in operation 24 hours a day throughout the Midwest to insure prompt pickup and delivery.

The heat-treating industry is competitive with over 250 heat treaters in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Atmosphere specializes in high volume, low priced, ferrous heat-treating using large furnaces. In its market niche of this type of heat-treating, Atmosphere competes with only a limited number of competitors. Much of the commercial heat treating industry is comprised of smaller companies that specialize in higher priced batch heat-treating such as carburizing, nitriding, tool and die, brazing, salt bath or induction hardening.

This unit’s response time to its customer just-in-time requirements does not result in significant backlog for this segment. Growth is possible by this unit in the future due to its customers’ outsourcing of high volume heat-treating services. These services are usually outsourced by Atmosphere’s customers because of extensive storage requirements, costs, and other issues.

Sales for this unit are fairly consistent throughout the year with the exception of lower volume during model changeovers for its automotive customers in July, and during the winter holiday season. Sales to a single or a few customers are significant to this segment. This segment accounted for 100% of consolidated net sales for the years ended March 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE
Maxco has ownership interests ranging from 25-50% in primarily two LLC’s which have been involved in the development and ownership of real estate in central Michigan. Effective January 1, 2000, a Master LLC (L/M Associates II) was formed consisting of the majority of the stabilized buildings in which Maxco and others had an ownership interest. At March 31, 2003 Maxco’s ownership interest in the Master LLC was approximately 31%. The other LLC (L/M Associates) includes properties under development that are not fully leased or individual properties not included in the Master LLC.

In early 2002, Maxco, as managing member of L/M Associates, which is the managing member of L/M Associates II, began negotiations to sell substantially all of the properties in the real estate portfolio of L/M Associates II. In June 2002, L/M Associates II entered into an agreement to sell the properties within the Master LLC to an outside investor. The transaction was approved by more than 75% of the member interests in July 2002. This transaction was completed in January 2003. As

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part of this transaction, L/M Associates agreed to reinvest a portion of its distributable share of the proceeds to acquire approximately a 16% interest in the acquiring entity. By agreement, this investment may be repurchased prior to July 2004 by a member of the acquiring entity. After July 2004, L/M Associates has the ability to require the same member to repurchase the investment. Approximately $18.2 million of Maxco’s guarantees on its real estate debt were eliminated as a result of the sale of the Master LLC properties.

Impairment charges totaling $4.7 million were recognized during the year to reduce the carrying value of the Company’s investment in real estate to the estimated realizable value.

Additionally, the Company is actively pursuing the liquidation of the remaining portion of Maxco’s real estate investments.

Maxco also has an investment in Nilson Builders, a residential home builder, as well as LandEquities, which was previously engaged in the construction, leasing, and space planning for its clients including the L/M company portfolios. These entities have been discontinued and their assets are currently being liquidated.

OTHER INVESTMENTS
In addition to its investments in real estate, the Company has other investments in 50% or less owned affiliates.

Maxco’s equity interest is 20% or greater in the following companies and consequently is accounted for using the equity method: approximately a 24% interest in Integral Vision, Inc. (formerly Medar, Inc.), a company that develops, manufactures, and markets microprocessor-based process monitoring and control systems related to optical inspection for use in industrial manufacturing environments; a one-third interest in Blasen Brogan Asset Management Company, a registered investor advisory firm; approximately a 12% direct (36% indirect) interest in Phoenix Financial Group, LTD and its subsidiary Cambridge Group Investments, LTD (dba Bondpage.com), a registered broker-dealer of securities that is primarily focused on the trading of fixed income investments over the Internet; a 50% equity interest in Foresight Solutions, Inc., a developer of accounting and business software for small to medium size businesses; and a 50% interest in Robinson Oil Company, LLC, which is in the business of acquiring and developing oil and gas interests.

Maxco’s equity interest is less than 20% in the following companies and consequently is accounted for using the cost method: approximately 6% of the common stock of MYOEM.COM, a company offering a business-to-business vertical web portal designed to bring solution-seekers together with solution-providers; and a 16% interest in Vertical VC, a limited partnership that has equity investments in companies focused on the information technology, telecommunications, and medical technology markets.

The Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.3 million related to its investments in Integral Vision, Foresight Solutions, Inc., MYOEM.COM, and Vertical VC in 2003.

In November 1999, Maxco began accounting for its investment in Provant, Inc. common stock as securities available for sale as defined by FASB 115. Consequently, the securities are carried at market value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. In 2003 and 2002 the Company recognized previously unrealized losses on its investment in Provant as other than temporary impairments in its statement of operations of $1.4 million and $3.1 million, respectively. In 2003, Maxco received additional consideration as one of the former shareholders of Strategic Interactive (Maxco’s former 45% owned affiliate sold to Provant, Inc. in October 1998) in the form of cash and Provant stock. At March 31, 2003, the unrealized loss on Provant stock was approximately $56,000 net of tax.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Maxco’s discontinued operations include Ersco Corporation, which distributes concrete construction products and accessories, fabricates reinforcing steel and rents concrete forms used in road and commercial building construction; and Pak-Sak Industries, Inc., which extrudes polyethylene film and converts it into a variety of polyethylene bags and packaging materials.

For additional information regarding the Company’s discontinued operations, see Note 12 to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Expenditures on research activities related to development or improvement of products were not significant.

MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The nature of the Company’s services may produce sales to one or a small number of customers in excess of 10% of total sales in any one year. It is possible that the specific customers reaching this threshold may change from year to year. Loss of

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any one of these customers could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. For the year ended March 31, 2003 sales to Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. and GM Powertrain represented 27.2% and 17.3% of consolidated sales, respectively. Amounts due from these customers represented 41.8% of the respective outstanding trade receivable balance at March 31, 2003. For the year ended March 31, 2002 sales to Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. and GM Powertrain represented 20.1% and 15.7% of consolidated sales, respectively. Amounts due from these customers represented 37.5% of the respective outstanding trade receivable balance at March 31, 2002. For the year ended March 31, 2001 sales to Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. and GM Powertrain represented 14.8% and 20.7% of consolidated sales, respectively.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Compliance by Maxco and its operating subsidiaries with environmental protection laws had no material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

EMPLOYEES
At March 31, 2003, Maxco and its wholly owned subsidiaries employed approximately 280 full time employees.

EXPORT SALES AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
The Company and its operating subsidiaries had no foreign operations or material export sales during the years ended March 31, 2003, 2002, or 2001.

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
The following table provides information relative to the principal properties owned or leased by the Company and its operating subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003. The Company considers its facilities to be in good operating condition.

                 
LOCATION   APPROXIMATE SIZE   OWNED/LEASED   USE

HEAT TREATING                

Atmosphere Annealing, Inc.                
Lansing, MI   145,000   sq ft   Leased   Plant and administrative offices
Lansing, MI   58,000   sq ft   Leased   Heat treating plant
Canton, OH   160,000   sq ft on 8 acres   Owned(A)   Heat treating plant
N. Vernon, IN   88,000   sq ft on 6 acres   Owned(A)   Heat treating plant
CORPORATE                

Maxco, Inc.                
Lansing, MI   7,200   sq ft on 1.9 acres   Owned(A)   Executive offices
Thornapple Township, MI   150   acres   Owned(B)   Held for investment
Eaton Rapids, MI   9,300   sq ft on 1.5 acres   Owned   Leased to Axson, N.A.
Sparta, MI   78,000   sq ft on 2.5 acres   Owned(A)   Leased to Packaging Personified, Inc.

(A)Subject to a mortgage
(B)Property was sold subsequent to March 31, 2003

Expiration dates of leases relative to the Company’s principal properties range from 2003 to 2016. Leases expiring within 12 months are expected to be renewed at substantially the same terms as the present leases.

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None

ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None

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PART II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Maxco’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol MAXC. The approximate number of record and beneficial holders of Maxco’s common stock at May 31, 2003 was 500.

The range of high and low sales prices for the last two years as reported by NASDAQ were:

                 
YEAR   QUARTER ENDED   HIGH   LOW

2001   March 31  
9.50

  5.25
    June 30  
7.75

  5.52
    September 30  
7.03

  4.66
    December 31  
7.00

  2.70
2002   March 31  
7.37

  4.16
    June 30  
6.44

  4.84
    September 30  
6.00

  4.31
    December 31  
7.16

  4.40
2003   March 31  
6.50

  1.53

No cash dividends on common stock have been paid during any period.

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ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                         
    Year Ended March 31,
    2003   2002   2001   2000   1999

    (in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net sales (3)
  $ 36,827     $ 34,696     $ 39,560     $ 40,700     $ 36,042  
Loss on investment (1)
    (9,320 )     (3,103 )     (1,362 )     (860 )      
Income (loss) before equity in net income (loss) of affiliates and discontinued operations (3)
    (10,474 )     (1,299 )     (1,697 )     (508 )     822  
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates, net of tax
    (614 )     (528 )     (2,098 )     278       (395 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (3)
    (1,737 )     (2,674 )     (1,010 )     546       361  

Net income (loss)
    (12,825 )     (4,501 )     (4,805 )     316       788  

Net income (loss) per share—diluted Continuing operations
    (3.71 )     (0.72 )     (1.35 )     (0.20 )     0.01  
Discontinued operations (3)
    (0.56 )     (0.86 )     (0.33 )     0.17       0.11  

Net income (loss) per share (2)
  $ (4.27 )   $ (1.58 )   $ (1.68 )   $ (0.03 )   $ 0.12  

                                           
      At March 31:
      2003   2002   2001   2000   1999

      (in thousands)
 
Total assets
  $ 38,422     $ 87,038     $ 97,450     $ 102,222     $ 85,430  
Assets of discontinued operations (3)
    474       29,252       38,428       39,786       29,035  
Long-term obligations (net of
    1,113       11,380       10,606       18,004       20,021  
 
current obligations)
                                       
Working capital (deficit)
    (19,306 )     (16,846 )     (15,250 )     (10,695 )     8,550  

NOTES

(1)   Includes the following charges for impairment of the Company’s investments:

                                 
    Year Ended March 31,
    2003   2002   2001   2000

    (in thousands)
 
Provant
  $ 1,360     $ 3,103     $     $  
Real estate
    4,698                    
Foresight Solutions
    2,790                    
Integral Vision
    122             1,362        
Vertical VC
    250                    
MYOEM.COM
    100                    
Axson
                      860  

 
  $ 9,320     $ 3,103     $ 1,362     $ 860  

(2)   Net income (loss) per share amounts assume dilution for all years presented.

(3)   In accordance with FASB Statement No. 144, the Company reclassified its results from operations for discontinued operations. See Note 12 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

No cash dividends on common stock have been paid during any period.

The above selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, which appear in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

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ITEM 7-MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. When more than one accounting method or its application is generally accepted, management selects the principle or method that is appropriate in the specific circumstances. Application of these accounting principles requires the Company’s management to make estimates about the future resolution of existing uncertainties; as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of the amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements, giving due regard to materiality. The Company does not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions pertaining to the accounting policies described below.

Principles of Consolidation and Transactions With Affiliates
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maxco, Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries. Upon consolidation, all intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Investments in greater than 20% owned unconsolidated investments are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in less than 20% owned affiliates are accounted for under the cost method. Transactions with equity affiliates are in the ordinary course of business and are conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Certain investments in equity affiliates and other activities may be between related parties and are conducted on an arm’s-length basis.

On December 20, 2001 the Company sold its 50% equity interest in Mid-State Industrial Services, Inc. to Maxco President, Max A. Coon, for $1.75 million, of which $750,000 was paid in cash with the remainder being applied to amounts due Mr. Coon for advances he had made to the Company and its affiliates. Additionally, Mid-State retired the $0.5 million obligation it had with Maxco. A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to retire certain obligations not related to Mid-State which were guaranteed by the Company.

On August 17, 2001 the Company’s previously wholly owned subsidiary, Ersco Corporation, entered into a sale-leaseback agreement involving some of its concrete forming products with a limited liability company in which Mr. Coon is a member. Ersco sold approximately $3.0 million in assets to the LLC that are now being leased back to Ersco for a period of 60 months.

The Company’s policy has been to advance funds to its equity holdings as operating cash is required. As of March 31, 2003, the Company has advances to its affiliates totaling $3.0 million.

In addition, the Company has provided the guarantee of various debt obligations of certain real estate and other investments in an aggregate amount of approximately $5.1 million as of May 31, 2003 ($40.0 million at May 31, 2002). Certain of the debt agreements related to its real estate investments, which Maxco and other guarantors have guaranteed, are in default at March 31, 2003. Extensions or forbearance agreements have been issued by some of the respective banks and the applicable entities are currently working to liquidate the properties to satisfy the requirements of the lenders. L/M Associates and Maxco, and other interested parties, have reached an agreement with the lender for final resolution of the matter. As a result, Maxco’s guarantee exposure under the issue is limited to $100,000. The Company is hopeful that the properties will be sold or refinanced prior to the completion of any foreclosure action. The Company does not believe that there is any unusual degree of risk related to these guarantees because of sufficient underlying asset values supporting the respective debt obligations.

Investments and Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for certain of its investments under FASB 115 as securities available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The amortized cost of securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in investment income or loss. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income. The fair value of marketable securities is based on quoted market value.

The Company reviews its investments to determine if the value shows a decline that has been deemed other than temporary. Maxco’s investment in real estate was reduced by $4.7 million in 2003 related to other than temporary impairment. Investments in Integral Vision, Foresight Solutions, Inc., MYOEM.COM, and Vertical VC were impaired in 2003 resulting in a charge of $3.3 million. Maxco’s investment in Provant was impaired by $1.4 million in 2003 and $3.1 million in fiscal 2002 as a result of the fair value of Provant’s common stock being less than the Company’s investment. Additionally, the Company recorded a charge of $1.4 million in 2001 to recognize a decline in the value of its investment in Integral Vision that had been deemed other than temporary.

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Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from product sales upon transfer of title, which is upon shipment. An estimate of reserves is recorded for anticipated returns and credit memos which will be issued on sales recognized to date. The SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition,” provides guidance on the application of generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition issues. The Company has concluded its revenue recognition policy is appropriate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and SAB No. 101.

Goodwill, Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets
Property, plant, and equipment, and certain other definite-lived assets are amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on management’s estimates of the period that the asset will be useful to the Company.

Effective April 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, (“SFAS No. 142”) which resulted in the discontinuance of amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets that were recorded in connection with previous business combinations. Goodwill, intangible, and other long-lived assets are reviewed by management for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If management believes impairment may exist, an assessment is performed. This assessment consists of comparing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows with the carrying amount of the long-lived assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets, the Company adjusts the carrying amount of the long-lived assets to their estimated fair value. Fair value is determined by anticipated future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. All of the Company’s goodwill is related to the heat treating segment. Goodwill totaled approximately $1.4 million at March 31, 2003 and represented 3% of total assets. Amortization expense for the years ended March 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 was $30,000, $277,000, and $434,000, respectively.

During 2003, the Company performed the impairment tests of its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets required by SFAS No. 142. The Company’s tests indicated that the fair value of its heat treating segment, which was determined by using discounted cash flows and market multiples, exceeded the carrying value. As a result, the Company did not record an impairment charge for this segment in the accompanying financial statements. The Company will continue to perform an impairment review on an annual basis (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise).

The following table presents net loss and net loss per share information as if goodwill were no longer amortized as of April 1, 2000:

                         
    Year Ended March 31,
    2003   2002   2001

    (in thousands, except per share data)
Net loss
  $ (12,825 )   $ (4,342 )   $ (4,568 )
Net loss per common share—basic and diluted
  $ (4.27 )     (1.53 )   $ (1.60 )

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the major elements relating to Maxco’s financial and operating results for 2003 compared with 2002, and 2002 compared with 2001. The comments that follow should be read in conjunction with Maxco’s Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this report are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the securities Act of 1933 and Section 21 E of the Securities Act of 1934. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent the company’s best estimates as of the date of this report. The company assumes no obligation to update such estimates except as required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2003 versus 2002
Net sales increased to $36.8 million in 2003 compared to $34.7 million in 2002. Operating loss was $534,000 in 2003 compared to a loss of $9,000 for the comparable period in 2002. Net loss was $12.8 million, a loss of $13.2 million after preferred dividends, or a loss of $4.27 per share assuming dilution compared to last year’s net loss of $4.5 million, a loss of $4.9 million after preferred dividends, or a loss of $1.58 per share assuming dilution.

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Sales and operating earnings for the years ending March 31, 2003 and 2002 by the Company’s heat treating and corporate and other segments were as follows:

                                 
    Year Ended   Year Ended
    March 31, 2003   March 31, 2002

            Operating           Operating
            Earnings           Earnings
    Net Sales   (Loss)   Net Sales   (Loss)
   
 
 
 
    (in thousands)
Heat treating
  $ 36,740     $ 2,147     $ 34,364     $ 2,482  
Corporate and other
    87       (2,681 )     332       (2,491 )

The increase in net sales at the heat treating segment was due to increased business with Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc. Offsetting this increase was a decrease in sales to a customer who moved a portion of their heat treating requirements in-house or to another vendor. The decrease in revenue at corporate was due to a reduction in rental income of $257,000 from the prior year as a result of the sale of two buildings in the first quarter.

Consolidated gross profit (net sales less cost of sales and operating expenses) decreased $660,000 to $13.5 million from $14.2 million. Consolidated gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 36.7% from 40.9%. The decrease in heat treating sales to a customer who moved a portion of their heat treating requirements in-house or to another vendor was the primary reason that gross profit declined in 2003. Reductions in the costs of labor, natural gas, and shipping totaling $788,000 were offset by higher maintenance costs of $559,000. Gross margin decreased primarily as a result of the increased sales to Honda. By agreement, the Company is required to purchase and bill Honda for the steel used in the heat treating process resulting in lower margins. Contributing to the decline in gross profit and gross margin was the reduction in rental income of $257,000 described above.

Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $277,000 or 2.5% to $11.3 million from $11.0 million. Fees charged by a primary lender of approximately $138,000 and costs associated with efforts to secure alternative financing totaling $248,000 were the principal reasons for the increase in SG&A. Corporate expenses for outside services were reduced by $93,000. SG&A expenses for the Company’s heat-treating segment were comparable to the prior year.

The Company recognized gains totaling $149,000 from the sale of two of the Company’s buildings.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $263,000 to $2.9 million from $3.2 million primarily due to the discontinuation of the amortization of goodwill and the reduced depreciation resulting from the sale of the two buildings.

Investment and interest income was higher in the prior year primarily due to the Company receiving $273,000 from a fund demutualization in that period.

Gains on the sale of investments decreased $2.7 million from a gain in 2002 of $2.4 million to a loss of $265,000 in 2003. In 2003, the Company recorded a charge of $265,000 to adjust a note receivable to a realizable amount. In fiscal 2002 the Company recognized income of $2.0 million representing Maxco’s remaining share of the additional consideration to be received as one of the former shareholders of Strategic Interactive, Inc. (Maxco’s former 45% owned affiliate sold to Provant, Inc. in October 1998). The payment was made to the Company in cash and common stock in fiscal 2003. The Company also recognized a gain of approximately $422,000 on the sale of its investment in Mid-State Industrial Services, Inc. in 2002.

Interest expense decreased 9% to $1.9 million from $2.1 million. A reduction in interest expense due to lower borrowing levels was partially offset by penalty interest charged by a primary lender.

The Company recorded the following charges to recognize declines in the value of its investments that were deemed other than temporary:

                 
    Year Ended March 31,
    2003   2002

    (in thousands)
Provant
  $ 1,360     $ 3,103  
Real estate
    4,698        
Foresight Solutions
    2,790        
Integral Vision
    122        
Vertical VC
    250        
MYOEM.COM
    100        

 
  $ 9,320     $ 3,103  

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Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates consists of Maxco’s share of the operating results of 50% or less owned entities accounted for under the equity method. On a consolidated basis, equity in net loss of affiliates was $614,000, net of tax, for the year ended March 31, 2003, compared to a loss of $528,000, net of tax, for the prior year comparable period.

Due to the uncertainty of future realization of deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance of $3.0 million was recorded in 2003 resulting in a variation from the statutory rate of 34%.

2002 versus 2001
Net sales decreased to $34.7 million in 2002 compared to $39.6 million in 2001. Operating loss was $9,000 in 2002 compared to earnings of $382,000 for the comparable period in 2001. Net loss was $4.5 million, a loss of $4.9 million after preferred dividends, or a loss of $1.58 per share assuming dilution compared to the prior year’s net loss of $4.8 million, a loss of $5.2 million after preferred dividends, or a loss of $1.68 per share assuming dilution.

Sales and operating earnings for the years ending March 31, 2002 and 2001 by the Company’s heat treating and corporate and other segments were as follows:

                                 
    March 31, 2002   March 31, 2001

            Operating           Operating
            Earnings           Earnings
    Net Sales   (Loss)   Net Sales   (Loss)
   
 
 
 
    (in thousands)
Heat treating
  $ 34,364     $ 2,482     $ 39,229     $ 3,670  
Corporate and other
    332       (2,491 )     331       (3,289 )

The decrease in net sales at the heat treating segment was due to a slowdown in production experienced by its automotive customers.

Consolidated gross profit (net sales less cost of sales and operating expenses) decreased $909,000 to $14.2 million from $15.1 million. Consolidated gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) increased to 40.9% from 38.1%. Although gross margin improved for the Company’s heat treating segment as a result of cost cutting measures, gross profit decreased primarily due to the lower sales volume.

Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses decreased $940,000 or 7.9% to $11.0 million from $11.9 million. SG&A expenses for the corporate segment decreased approximately $215,000 as a result of reduced employee costs. Additionally, the Company took charges amounting to approximately $456,000 in the prior year to adjust certain notes receivable and the carrying value of a building held for sale to realizable amounts. SG&A expenses for the Company’s heat-treating segment decreased $230,000 as a result of reduced employee levels.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $422,000 to $3.2 million from $2.8 million primarily due to additions of property and equipment at the Company’s heat treating segment.

As a result of the facts discussed above, operating profit decreased $391,000 to a loss of $9,000 from profit of $382,000.

Investment and interest income was higher in the current year primarily due to the Company receiving $273,000 from a mutual fund demutualization.

Gains on the sale of investments increased $1.8 million from $675,000 to $2.4 million. In fiscal 2002 the Company recognized income of $2.0 million representing Maxco’s remaining share of the additional consideration to be received as one of the former shareholders of Strategic Interactive, Inc. (Maxco’s former 45% owned affiliate sold to Provant, Inc. in October 1998). The payment was made to the Company in cash and common stock in fiscal 2003. The Company also recognized a gain of approximately $422,000 on the sale of its investment in Mid-State Industrial Services, Inc. in 2002. In fiscal 2001 the Company recognized income of $675,000 representing Maxco’s guaranteed share of the additional consideration to be received as one of the former shareholders of Strategic Interactive, Inc.

Interest expense decreased 27% to $2.1 million from $2.9 million. This was primarily the result of reduced borrowing levels.

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The Company recorded the following charges to recognize declines in the value of its investments that were deemed other than temporary:

                 
    Year Ended March 31,
    2002   2001

    (in thousands)
Provant
  $ 3,103     $  
Integral Vision
          1,362  

 
  $ 3,103     $ 1,362  

Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates consists of Maxco’s share of the operating results of 50% or less owned entities accounted for under the equity met