Back to GetFilings.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 1997
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 NUMBER 001-13581
------------------------
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
MICHIGAN 38-3139487
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
33 BLOOMFIELD HILLS PARKWAY, SUITE 155
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN 48304
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
------------------------
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (248) 433-3093
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
NONE
------------------------
(Title of class)
------------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /x/ No / /
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/
The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock, no par value
('Common Stock') held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 20,
1998, was approximately $34.4 million based upon the average of the high and low
sales prices for the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on such date.
The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of
February 20, 1998 was 7,160,168.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: NONE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS
Noble International, Ltd. ('Noble') was incorporated on October 3, 1993 in
the State of Michigan. Since its formation in 1993, Noble has completed seven
acquisitions (the 'Acquisitions'). As used in this Annual Report (the 'Report'),
'Company' refers to Noble and its subsidiaries and their combined operations,
after consummation of all the Acquisitions.
On January 1, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Skandy Corp. ('Skandy') from Richard G. Skandalaris, the sole
shareholder of Skandy, in exchange for 133,686 shares of the Company's common
stock, no par value ('Common Stock') (the 'Skandy Acquisition'). Skandy is the
sales and marketing subsidiary of the Company.
On March 1, 1997, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Utilase
Production Processing, Inc. ('UPP'), acquired certain assets of Utilase, Inc.
('Utilase') (the 'UPP Acquisition'). The UPP Acquisition purchase price was
$850,000, evidenced by a promissory note (secured by the assets acquired). UPP
provides the Company with both laser production welding and laser cutting
capabilities, which the Company provides to customers such as GM and Chrysler,
as well as to non-automotive customers.
In July 1996, the Company acquired newly issued shares representing a 37.5%
minority interest in Noble Metal Products, Inc. ('NMP') (formerly DCT Component
Systems, Inc.) (the 'Initial NMP Acquisition') and, effective April 7, 1997, the
Company acquired an additional 7.5% interest in NMP from the former president of
NMP for an aggregate price of $1.00. The Company has also acquired the balance
of NMP's outstanding capital stock from NMP's other shareholders effective
November 24, 1997, for $1,000,000 in cash (the 'Final NMP Acquisition'). NMP
provides progressive die stamping and operates one of only a few stamping
facilities approved by Chrysler to provide extrusion stampings. Competitive
Technologies Investment Company ('CTIC'), was purchased by the Company, through
Noble Land Holdings, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of
the CTIC acquisition), concurrent with the consummation of the Final NMP
Acquisition for no additional consideration other than assumption of the debt
encumbering properties owned by CTIC aggregating approximately $4.4 million at
December 31, 1997.
On November 24, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Utilase (the 'Utilase Acquisition'). The Utilase Acquisition purchase price was
$8.2 million in cash, and an aggregate of approximately $10.1 million in
principal amount of promissory notes. Utilase provides production and prototype
laser processing services.
In November 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering of 3.3
million shares of Common Stock resulting in gross proceeds of $29.7 million (the
'Offering').
In February 1998, the Company initiated a plan for the realignment of its
seven operating subsidiaries in order to provide greater integration of
operations. Noble formed Noble Metal Technologies, Inc. ('NMT') and Noble
Components & Systems, Inc. ('NCS') as wholly-owned subsidiaries and will
contribute the capital stock of its other subsidiaries to NMT and NCS. The
Company plans to conduct its metal processing and production operations through
UPP, Utilase and NMP, as wholly-owned subsidiaries of NMT. The Company plans to
conduct its component and systems business through Cass River Coatings, Inc. dba
Vassar Industries ('Vassar'), Monroe Engineering Products, Inc. ('Monroe'),
Prestolock International, Ltd. ('Prestolock') and Skandy, as wholly-owned
subsidiaries of NCS.
2
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
See Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included
elsewhere in this Report.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Company is a full service, independent supplier of automotive
components, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive
industry. The Company's customers include original equipment manufacturers
('OEMs'), such as General Motors ('GM'), Chrysler Corporation ('Chrysler'), Ford
Motor Company ('Ford') and Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America
('Mitsubishi'), and Tier I suppliers, such as Textron Automotive Company,
GM/Delphi and United Technologies, Inc. The Company is a Tier II supplier that
provides integrated manufacturing, design, planning, engineering and other
value-added services to the automotive market.
The Company's operations include, among other things: (i) laser welding of
tailored blanks and laser welding and cutting of components; (ii) automotive
component manufacturing utilizing progressive die stamping; (iii) design,
engineering and assembly of automotive glovebox latches and other automotive
component systems; (iv) painting and coating of automotive and non-automotive
components; (v) other value-added services such as prototyping of automotive
components and die design and construction; and (vi) assembly, machining and
distribution of components used in machine tooling.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Laser Welding and Cutting of Components
The Company provides laser welding and cutting services for a variety of
automotive components. The process of laser welding involves the concentration
of a beam of light, producing energy densities of 16 to 20 million watts per
square inch, at the point where two metal pieces are to be joined. Laser welding
allows rapid weld speeds with low heat input, thus minimizing topical distortion
of the metal and resulting in ductile and formable welds that have mechanical
properties comparable to, or in some cases superior to, the metal being welded.
Laser welds provide improved visual aesthetics as well as less likelihood of the
rattling associated with multi-piece, spot-welded assemblies. The process of
laser cutting involves the same concentrated light-beam production of energy,
but uses a different wavelength and mode.
Some of the laser processes performed by UPP for the Company include the
laser welding of latch strike plates for Chrysler's B-van doors and the welding
of covers onto fuel chargers as an aftermarket part. In addition, UPP also
provides laser cutting services for the reverse transmission bands on certain
Chrysler trucks and the hydroform rails for GM's Chevrolet Corvettes.
Laser Welding of Tailored Blanks
Utilase supplies laser welded tailored blanks to the automotive industry.
Laser welding of blanks offers significant advantages over other blank welding
technologies, including cost, weight and safety benefits. Utilase has developed
a technology and production process that permits it to produce laser welded
blanks more quickly and with higher quality and tolerance levels than its
competitors. In 1995, the UltraLight Steel Auto Body Consortium, a worldwide
industry association of steel producers, commissioned a study which concluded
that laser welded tailored blanks will play a significant role in car
manufacturing in the next decade as the automotive industry is further
challenged to produce lighter cars for better fuel economy, with enhanced safety
features and lower manufacturing costs. In addition, the study identified 18
potential applications for laser welding of tailored blanks per vehicle. An
additional 13 potential applications have been identified by Utilase.
Conventional blanks are cut from a single steel coil and possess a uniform
thickness, strength, coating and alloy. In many cases, a particular product
requires a part to possess different characteristics in certain areas. When
conventional blanks are used, achieving these differences requires
reinforcements and additional processing or the use of material with the
required characteristic throughout the entire part. In
3
addition, when conventional blanks are used, blanks must be stamped separately
prior to being welded together. This results in increased design, assembly and
tooling costs, as well as increased waste associated with cutting irregularly
shaped parts for reinforcement from single sheets of steel.
Tailored blanks are combinations of flat sheet metal of varying thickness,
strength, coating and/or alloy which, when welded together prior to stamping,
result in a product that possesses the desired characteristics in the
appropriate areas of the finished stampings. The use of tailored blanks in
automotive applications results in cost, weight and safety benefits. Use of
tailored blanks frequently decreases the number of dies required to produce the
finished product and eliminates the spot welds required to fasten reinforcements
to conventional blanks. Steel utilization is also improved as a result of the
ability to assemble smaller, irregular parts into a single tailored blank. In
addition, by permitting the use of varying weights of steel and eliminating the
need for reinforcements, tailored blanks can result in decreased vehicle weight
and improved gas mileage. For each reinforcement included in a sub-assembly
produced using conventional blanks, costs are incurred for design, development,
engineering, prototyping and die tryout. The use of tailored blanks eliminates
these costs and shortens the product development cycle.
Tailored blanks improve dimensional accuracy by decreasing the number of
separate components, eliminating the need for reinforcements and decreasing
required assembly operations. This results in improved fit and finish, reduced
wind noise and a quieter ride. Because tailored blanks are stamped after
welding, the welds have higher reliability than spot welds made on conventional
blanks after stamping. Weld defects on tailored blanks, if any, are likely to
become apparent upon stamping, resulting in improved quality control. Tailored
blanks can also improve the crashworthiness ratings of automobiles since their
welds are stiffer and provide continuous load-carrying ability.
Design and Engineering
The development of new automobile models generally begins two to five years
prior to the marketing of such models to the public. The Company's engineering
staff typically works with OEM and Tier I engineers early in the development
phase to design components to meet OEM or Tier I specifications on new or
redesigned models. The Company presently offers engineering services for all its
products.
The Company designs, engineers and assembles automobile glovebox latches
under the brand name Prestolock(Registered). The design and engineering of a new
Prestolock(Registered) latch begins two to three years prior to actual
production. After a new latch is designed, the Company produces prototype
latches and builds the required tooling for production parts. The Company then
contracts with manufacturers for the various component parts of the latch and
begins the assembly planning process.
Prestolock's engineers are included in the planning and design phase by
both GM and Chrysler, and remain up to date with the new body platforms under
consideration by the OEMs and Tier I instrument panel suppliers. Automotive
glovebox latches are required to comply with certain safety standards and to be
engineered to fit securely into the glovebox.
Stamping, Painting and Assembly
The Company, through NMP, manufactures a variety of automotive components
utilizing progressive die stampings. Progressive die stamping is a process in
which steel is passed through a series of dies in a stamping press in order to
form the steel into three-dimensional parts. NMP's stamping presses range in
size from 75 tons to 800 tons, providing the flexibility to stamp flat-rolled
steel and steel blanks ranging in thickness from .028 inches to .25 inches.
NMP's products are sold primarily to both OEMs and Tier I suppliers. NMP's
stamping operations also include the production of parts through extrusion
stamping, a process that involves the forcing of steel through a die opening, by
restricting movement in other directions, in order to produce a product of
uniform cross-sectional shape. NMP operates one of only a few stamping
facilities approved by Chrysler to provide extrusion stampings.
Through Vassar, the Company also provides painting and coating services to
OEMs and Tier I suppliers on automotive components consigned to the Company for
processing and re-delivery to the customer on a just-in-time basis. Since 1986,
Vassar has operated as a dedicated GM/Delphi supplier,
4
painting steering column component parts for GM/Delphi's Saginaw Steering
Division. As an extension of its relationship with GM/Delphi, the Company also
provides steering column sequencing and other assembly services.
The Company also provides other value-added services such as prototyping
and mold design and construction. The Company also designs, engineers and
produces precision tools and dies for use in its own stamping operations.
Distribution of Tooling Components
The Company, through Monroe, distributes tooling components, including
adjustable handles, hand wheels, plastic knobs, levers, handles, hydraulic
clamps, drills, jigs and permanent magnets to non-automotive customers. The
Company's primary tooling component product line is Kipp(Registered) brand
standard and heavy duty adjustable handles, representing approximately one-half
of its tooling component sales. The Company also distributes Elesa(Registered)
brand high tensile plastic hand wheels, knobs, handles and levers, representing
approximately one-quarter of tooling component sales. Although most tooling
component products are sold off the shelf, the Company does perform some light
machining of parts for custom orders.
The Company is the primary North American distributor for Kipp(Registered)
products and holds the U.S. patent rights to Kipp(Registered) adjustable
handles. The Company also holds non-exclusive rights to distribute
Elesa(Registered) products throughout North America.
MARKETING
Automotive Supply
The Company's salesmen and project managers are involved in product
planning and spend a significant amount of time consulting with OEM engineers in
order to facilitate the integration of the Company's products into future
automotive models.
Orders for tailored blanks are typically placed by OEMs directly with
producers of coiled steel. Further processing steps, such as blanking, are done
either by the steel producer or by an independent processor sub-contracted by
the steel producer. Project managers at Utilase work closely with OEMs during
the design phase to promote the specification of Utilase as the processor prior
to the placing of orders by OEMs with steel producers. Relationships with
domestic steel producers are also maintained in order to obtain sub-contracting
work for which no processor has been specified by an OEM.
Tooling Components
The Company's tooling component products are sold through catalogs as well
as through a network of regional distributors of Kipp(Registered) and
Elesa(Registered) products. There are approximately 78 wholesale distributors
located throughout the United States offering the Company's products. These
distributors sell to industrial manufacturing companies such as GM, Chrysler,
Caterpillar Inc. and Deere & Company. In addition, there are three distributors
of the Company's products in Canada and one in Mexico.
RAW MATERIALS
The raw materials required for the Company's operations include steel,
paint, plastic and gases such as carbon dioxide and argon. The Company obtains
its raw materials from a variety of suppliers. With the exception of Monroe's
purchase of tooling components from Kipp(Registered) and Elesa,(Registered) the
Company does not believe that it is dependent upon any of its suppliers despite
concentration of purchasing of certain materials from a few sources.
Approximately 65% of the paint used at Vassar is purchased from a single
supplier, although other suppliers of the same or similar materials are readily
available. The Company typically purchases its raw materials on a purchase order
basis as needed and has generally been able to obtain adequate supplies of raw
materials for its operations.
5
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
The Company holds the registered U.S. trademarks 'Presto(Registered)' and
'Prestolock(Registered)' used in connection with its glovebox latch business.
The Company also holds U.S. Patent No. 4,598,614 entitled 'Hand Lever Turning
Mechanism' which provides the Company with the exclusive right to distribute
certain Kipp(Registered) brand adjustable handles, which incorporate such
technology, in the United States. Utilase has proprietary technology and
equipment that constitute trade secrets which it has chosen not to register in
order to avoid public disclosure thereof.
SEASONALITY
The Company's business is largely dependent upon the automotive industry
which is highly cyclical and is dependent on consumer spending. In addition, the
automotive component supply industry is somewhat seasonal. Increased revenues
and operating income are generally experienced during the second calendar
quarter as a result of the automotive industry's spring selling season, the peak
sales and production period of the year. Decreased revenues and operating income
are generally experienced during July and December of each year as a result of
scheduled OEM plant shut downs for vacations and holidays, as well as
changeovers in production lines for the new model year.
CUSTOMERS
Sales to the automotive industry constitute a substantial portion of the
Company's net sales. The Company's remaining sales are primarily to the tooling
component industry. In 1997, sales to the automotive industry accounted for
approximately 72% of the consolidated net sales of the Company (91% of its pro
forma combined net sales giving effect to all of the Acquisitions) with GM,
Chrysler, Ford and Mitsubishi, including their respective Tier I suppliers,
accounting for substantially all of the Company's historical and pro forma net
sales to the automotive industry.
Historically, the Company's primary customer for
Prestolock(Registered) latches has been GM, with the Company currently supplying
approximately 58% of GM's glovebox latch requirements. Beginning in 1997, the
Company also began supplying glovebox latches to Chrysler and management
anticipates, based upon Chrysler's current production estimates, that the
Company will supply approximately 42% of Chrysler's 1998 model year
requirements.
COMPETITION
Both the automotive component supply and tooling component industries are
highly competitive. Competition in the sale of all of the Company's products is
primarily based on engineering, product design, process capability, quality,
cost, delivery and responsiveness. Many of the Company's competitors are larger
and have greater financial and other resources than the Company. The Company
believes that its performance record places it in a strong competitive position.
In addition, with respect to certain of its products, some of the Company's
competitors, such as GM/Delphi, are divisions of its OEM customers.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations concerning
emissions to the air, discharges to waterways, and generation, handling,
storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. The Company
is also subject to other Federal and state laws and regulations regarding health
and safety matters. Each of the Company's production facilities has permits and
licenses allowing and regulating air emissions and water discharges. The Company
believes that it is currently in compliance with applicable environmental and
health and safety laws and regulations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 705 employees,
including 378 production employees, 21 engineering employees, 55 sales and
clerical employees and 96 management and administrative employees, as well as
approximately 77 leased production workers at Prestolock and
6
78 leased production workers at Utilase. All of the Company's operations are
non-union except for Vassar, whose production workers are represented by the
AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO workers have been out on strike since August 1, 1997,
however, production at Vassar has not been impacted due to the hiring of
replacement workers. There has been no other recent history of labor strikes or
unrest at any of the Company's facilities. The Company believes that its
relations with its employees are satisfactory.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
All of the Company's current operations, with the exception of two assembly
plants, are conducted at facilities located in the greater Detroit area of
Michigan. The Company's existing facilities are adequate for current operations.
The following is a summary of the location, ownership status, size and
function of each of the Company's facilities:
OWNED APPROXIMATE
OR SIZE
FACILITY LOCATION LEASED (SQ.FT.) PRIMARY USE
- ------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- ----------------------------
Bloomfield Hills Pkwy, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Leased 10,145 Executive Offices,
Prestolock Sales and
Engineering
Enterprise Drive, Vassar, Michigan Owned 30,000 Painting and Assembly
Sherman Street, Vassar, Michigan Leased 14,600 Painting and Assembly
El Paso, Texas Leased 24,200 Prestolock Assembly
34683 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan Owned 9,250 Warehouse
34660 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan Owned 54,470 Stamping
34706 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan Owned 12,692 Warehouse and Engineering
34728 Centaur, Clinton Township, Michigan Owned 13,675 Warehouse
34635 Nova, Mt. Clemens, Michigan Owned 12,200 Die Maintenance
Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Leased 1,417 Tooling Component Sales
Harbor Springs, Michigan Owned 9,600 Tooling Component Warehouse
Distribution Facility
20201 Hoover Road, Detroit, Michigan Leased 11,110 Utilase Production Process
20101 Hoover Road, Detroit, Michigan Leased 210,000 Laser Welding and Tailored
Blanks
Brantford, Ontario, Canada Leased 89,330 Laser Welding and Tailored
Blanks
- ------------------
(1) Purchased pursuant to a Land Contract dated April 30, 1996 from the former
controlling shareholder of Monroe who is currently an affiliate of the
Company, for an aggregate purchase price of $500,000 payable in monthly
installments of interest only at the rate of 12% per annum with all
outstanding principal and accrued interest due April 30, 1998.
(2) The Hoover Road facilities are leased from entities controlled by an
affiliate of the Company.
7
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On May 6, 1997, Utilase filed an action in United States District Court,
Eastern District of Michigan, against Olympic Steel, Inc. for breach of
contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and tortious interference of
contract. Following the Utilase Acquisition, the former principal shareholder of
Utilase, which is controlled by James Bronce Henderson III, will continue to
have the right to control the actions of Utilase with respect to the litigation,
including decisions with respect to whether to bring actions against additional
parties, subject to the requirement of the Company's reasonable consent for any
settlement. Any cash or property recovered in connection with the litigation
will be divided equally with such former principal shareholder of Utilase and
the Company's portion will be deposited into a sinking fund to be applied
against payment of the Utilase promissory notes delivered by the Company in
connection with the Utilase Acquisition.
Except for the foregoing, the Company is not a party to any legal
proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business, none of
which is material.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
8
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange
('AMEX') under the symbol NIL. The Common Stock commenced trading on AMEX on
November 19, 1997 as a result of the Company's initial public offering. Prior to
that date there was no public market for the Common Stock. The high and low
closing sale prices for the Common Stock during the period from November 19,
1997 to December 31, 1997, as reported on AMEX, were $9.25 and $6.75,
respectively.
As of February 20, 1998 there were approximately 43 record holders and
approximately 1300 beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not declared or paid any dividends on its Common Stock
since its incorporation. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings to
support its growth strategy and operation and does not anticipate paying cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will
be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors after taking into
account various factors, including the Company's financial condition, operating
results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion. In
addition, the payment of dividends by the Company on the Common Stock is
restricted by the Company's current bank loan agreements. Further, the
promissory notes delivered by the Company in connection with the acquisition of
Utilase requires the consent of the holders of 67% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount thereof for the Company to declare or pay any dividends on the
Common Stock, other than in shares of capital stock.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
No securities of the Company that were not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 have been issued or sold by the Company during the period covered by
this report, except for the following:
DATE OF NUMBER AND CLASS OF
NAME OR CLASS OF PERSON SALE SHARES CONSIDERATION
- -------------------------------------- ------- -------------------- --------------------------------------
Richard G. Skandalaris 1/1/97 133,686 shares of Issued pursuant to a Stock Exchange
Common Stock Agreement between Noble and Skandy
Twenty-First Century Off-Shore Fund, 7/30/97 38,000 shares of $3.8 million
Ltd. Series A Preferred
Stock
Twenty-First Century Off-Shore Fund, 7/30/97 64,838 shares of Issued in connection with concurrent
Ltd. Common Stock sale of Series A Preferred for no
additional consideration
The Company believes that the foregoing transactions were exempt from the
registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2)
of such Act.
9
USE OF PROCEEDS OF OFFERING
The Company's initial public offering of 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-27149) was
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 18,
1997 (the 'Offering'). The Offering closed on November 24, 1997. The managing
underwriters of the Offering were BlueStone Capital Partners, L.P. and Rodman &
Renshaw, Inc. The 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock were offered and sold at a
price of $9.00 per share. The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale
of the 3,300,000 shares of Common Stock were $26,258,000 after deducting
underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds
as follows:
PERCENTAGE
OF NET
USE OF NET PROCEEDS DOLLAR AMOUNT PROCEEDS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ----------
Reduction of financial institution debt(1).......................................... $13,348,000 50.8%
Payments relating to Utilase Acquisition(2)......................................... 10,450,000 39.8%
Payments relating to Final NMP Acquisition(3)....................................... 1,960,000 7.5%
Payments relating to prior Acquisitions(4).......................................... 500,000 1.9%
------------- ----------
Total.......................................................................... $26,258,000 100.0%
------------- ----------
------------- ----------
- ------------------
(1) Includes: (i) $4.0 million for the repayment in full of amounts outstanding
under NMP's revolving line of credit facility with CIT Group/Credit Finance,
Inc. ('CIT'); (ii) $2.89 million for the repayment in full of the Company's
term loan with Comerica Bank ('Comerica'); (iii) $2.2 million for the
repayment in full of NMP's term loan with CIT; and (iv) $4.26 million for
the partial repayment of amounts outstanding under Utilase's equipment
purchase credit facility with Comerica.
(2) Includes: (i) the $8.2 million cash portion of the Utilase stock purchase
price; (ii) $1.4 million payable to various employees and shareholders of
Utilase and its parent company, DCTI, in consideration of their covenants
not to compete; and (iii) $850,000 for the final payment due to the former
shareholders of Utilase in connection with the UPP Acquisition.
(3) Includes: (i) $1.0 million for the purchase of the 55% interest in NMP and
(ii) $960,000 to repay NMP's loan from DCTI assumed by the Company in
connection with the Final NMP Acquisition, which loan bears interest at the
rate of 10% per annum and which matured on the consummation of the Final NMP
Acquisition.
(4) Includes $500,000 payable in connection with the Monroe Acquisition.
10
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following selected historical financial data as of and for each of the
four fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 1997 is derived from the
audited financial statements of Noble and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.'
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:
Net sales............................................... $ 3,305 $ 4,442 $ 16,187 $ 24,363
Cost of goods sold...................................... 2,261 2,911 10,587 16,777
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit............................................ 1,044 1,531 5,600 7,586
Selling, general and administrative expense............. 915 1,030 5,088 5,698
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating profit........................................ 129 501 512 1,888
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary............. -- -- 95 126
Interest income......................................... -- -- (5) (49)
Interest expense........................................ 24 24 555 755
Sundry, net............................................. (1) (29) (64) (63)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority
interest............................................. 106 506 (69) 1,119
Minority interest....................................... 38 67 -- 23
Income tax expense...................................... 8 30 7 379
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) $ 60 $ 409 $ (76) $ 717
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Preferred dividend -- -- $ 144
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) on common shares.................... $ 60 $ 409 $ (76) $ 573
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) per common share(1)................. $ .03 $ .10 $ (.02) $ .13
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Weighted average common shares outstanding.............. 1,535,170 2,807,390 3,820,390 4,285,134
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
EBITDA(2)............................................... $ 121 $ 566 $ 999 $ 2,830
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense..................... 5.0x 23.6x 1.8x 3.7x
Cash flow from:
Operating............................................ $ (214) 392 913 264
Investing............................................ (429) (203) 270 (12,519)
Financing............................................ 645 (191) (713) 14,136
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash flow........................................... $ 2 $ (2) $ 470 $ 1,881
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............................................ $ 1,189 $ 1,785 $ 11,533 $ 67,101
Working capital (deficiency)............................ 295 349 (817) 5,564
Total debt.............................................. 213 218 8,675 28,264
Shareholders' equity.................................... 355 624 729 27,610
- ------------------
(1) Net earnings (loss) per common share data for 1994 and 1995 have been
presented to reflect the pro forma tax effects attributable to Prestolock
being taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code through December
31, 1995.
(2) EBITDA represents income before income taxes, plus interest expense and
depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA is not presented as, and
should not be considered, an alternative measure of operating results or
cash flows from operations (as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles), but is presented because it is a widely
accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to incur and service
debt. While commonly used, however, EBITDA is not identically calculated by
companies presenting EBITDA and is, therefore, not necessarily an accurate
means of comparison and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
disclosed by the Company's competitors.
11
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
The information set forth in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations' below includes 'forward looking
statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and
is subject to the safe harbor created by that section. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking
statements are set forth in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.'
OVERVIEW
The Company is a full service, independent supplier of automotive
components, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive
industry. Pursuant to its strategic acquisition program, the Company has, since
its formation in 1993, completed seven acquisitions. The Company completed its
first acquisition in February 1994 by acquiring the assets of Prestolock. In
January 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding
shares of Vassar and Monroe. In July 1996, the Company acquired a minority
interest in NMP. In January 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Skandy. In March 1997, the Company, through UPP, acquired
certain assets of Utilase. Concurrently with the consummation of the Offering on
November 24, 1997, the Company also acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Utilase and the balance of the shares of NMP.
Prestolock commenced operations in February 1994, and subsequently incurred
significant engineering and other start-up costs to improve its market position
as a provider of glovebox latches to the automotive industry. The historical
operating results which include these costs are not necessarily indicative of
future operating results. As a result of the acquisition of Vassar, in January
1996, the Company enhanced its relationship with GM/Delphi, which the Company
regards as a first step in realizing its strategy of providing multiple,
integrated services to its automotive customers. NMP has experienced continued
improvement in its operating results over the past three years. As a result of
changes in NMP and the affiliation with Skandy, UPP and Utilase, it is
anticipated that NMP's operating results in the future will vary from historical
operating results due to strengthened sales efforts and the ability to provide
assembled products using production laser welding processes. The results of UPP
and Utilase are also expected to be impacted by the addition of a dedicated
sales force. Management believes Utilase's growth has been limited by the funds
available for both working capital requirements and capital expenditures for
expanding capacity. The proceeds of the Offering, the increased availability
created under the Company's new $35 million revolving line of credit and the
cash generated from operations are expected to cause Utilase's future operating
results to differ from its historical operating results.
The following analysis of the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company should be read in conjunction with 'Selected Financial Data' and
the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, of the
Company included elsewhere in this Report. Except for the historical information
contained herein, the discussion in this Report contains or may contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's
actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to,
those discussed herein and elsewhere in this Report. Historical results are not
necessarily indicative of trends in operating results for any future periods.
For example, labor interruptions at customers' plants during 1997 have resulted
in lost sales and earnings before income taxes for the Company of $1.5 million
and $0.5 million, respectively. In addition, a recent strike at Vassar has
resulted in an estimated $0.3 million in increased costs bringing the total
strike related reduction in earnings before income taxes to $0.8 million over
the 1997 fiscal year.
12
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996
(Pro Forma and Historical)
The following table sets forth certain financial data for the Company both
on a pro forma basis (giving effect to the Acquisitions) and on a historical
basis. The pro forma information may not be indicative of actual results that
would have been achieved if the Acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of
the periods. See 'Pro Forma Financial Data' included as Exhibit 99.1 to this
Report and the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this Report.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
HISTORICAL
PRO FORMA COMBINED YEAR ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 31, ------------------
1997 1996 1997
------------------ ------- -------
Net sales.......................................................... $ 61,632 $16,187 $24,363
Cost of goods sold................................................. 44,743 10,587 16,777
------------------ ------- -------
Gross profit....................................................... 16,889 5,600 7,586
Selling, general, and administrative expense....................... 11,225 5,088 5,698
------------------ ------- -------
Operating profit................................................... 5,664 512 1,888
Interest expense................................................... 1,333 555 755
Sundry, net........................................................ (376) (64) (14)
------------------ ------- -------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest.......... 4,707 (69) 1,119
Minority interest................................................ 23 -- 23
Income tax expense................................................. 1,592 7 379
------------------ ------- -------
Net earnings (loss)................................................ $ 3,092 $ (76) $ 717
------------------ ------- -------
------------------ ------- -------
Net Sales. The Company's pro forma combined net sales increased by $45.4
million, or 280.8%, to $61.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$16.2 million on a historical basis for the year ended December 31, 1996. The
increase in sales is primarily a result of the acquisition of Utilase which
contributed sales of $17.4 million, or 107.4%, and the acquisition of NMP which
contributed sales of $24.8 million, or 153.1%.
The Company's historical net sales increased by $8.2 million, or 50.5%, to
$24.4 million from $16.2 million. The increase in sales is due to the
acquisition of Utilase increasing sales $2.5 million, or 15.4%, the acquisition
of NMP increasing sales $2.5 million, or 15.4%, the acquisition of UPP
increasing sales $1.1 million, or 6.8%, and an increase in Prestolock's sales of
$1.2 million, or 7.4%, to $6.7 million from $5.5 million, which was primarily
attributable to new business for the GM and Chrysler glovebox latches.
Cost of Goods Sold. The Company's pro forma combined cost of goods sold
increased $34.2 million, or 322.6%, to $44.7 million for the year ended December
31, 1997 from $10.6 million on a historical basis for the year ended December
31, 1996. As a percent of net sales, pro forma combined cost of goods sold
increased to 72.6% from 65.4% of pro forma net sales primarily due to the
acquisition of NMP which had a cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales of
87.3% for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The Company's historical cost of goods sold increased $6.2 million, or
58.5%, to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $10.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996. As a percent of net sales, cost of goods
sold increased to 68.9% from 65.4% of net sales primarily due to the acquisition
of NMP which had a cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales of 88.9% for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
13
Gross Profit. As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined gross profit increased $11.3 million, or 201.8%, to $16.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
The Company's gross profit increased by $2.0 million, or 35.7%, to $7.6
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.6 million for the prior
year period.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Pro forma combined selling,
general and administrative expenses increased $6.1 million, or 119.6%, to $11.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $5.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996. For the period ended December 31, 1997, selling,
general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales was 18.2%, as
compared to 31.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased due to the acquisition of Utilase by $3.9
million, or 87.2%, and due to the acquisition of NMP by $2.1 million, or 41.2%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Company increased by
$0.6 million, or 12.0%, for the year ended December 31, 1997 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 1996, due to the acquisitions of Utilase and NMP.
Operating Profit. As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined operating profit increased by $5.2 million, or 1,040%, to $5.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.5 million for the prior
year.
The Company's operating profit increased by $1.4 million, or 280.0%, to
$1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
Interest Expense. Pro forma combined interest expense increased $0.8
million, or 160.0%, to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
$0.5 million for the year ending December 31, 1996. The increase was primarily
due to the acquisition of Utilase.
The Company's interest expense increased $0.2 million, or 36.0%, to $0.8
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $0.6 million for the prior
year period, primarily due to the financing obtained to support increased sales
as well as the financing of the Utilase and NMP acquisitions.
Net Earnings. As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company's pro
forma combined net earnings increased by $3.2 million to $3.1 million for the
period ended December 31, 1997 from $(0.1) million for the period ended December
31, 1996, after providing for income tax.
The Company's consolidated net earnings increased by $0.8 million to $0.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $(0.1) million for the year
ended December 31, 1996, primarily due to the acquisitions of Utilase, NMP and
UPP.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
1995 (Historical)
Net Sales. Net sales increased $11.8 million, or 264%, to $16.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $4.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisitions
of Monroe and Vassar and new business at Prestolock relating to glovebox latches
for GM. The acquisition of Monroe increased sales by $5.1 million, or 114.8%,
for the year ended December 31, 1996. The acquisition of Vassar increased sales
by $5.5 million, or 122.9%, for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Prestolock
sales increased the Company's net sales by $1.1 million, or 24.7%, to $5.5
million for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold increased $7.7 million, or 263.7%,
to $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $2.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 1995. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold
decreased to 65.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996 from 65.5% for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The increase in cost of goods sold was primarily
attributable to the acquisitions of Monroe and Vassar which increased the
Company's cost of goods sold by $2.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively, for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and the increased expenses at Prestolock
related to the Company's investment in developing future glovebox latches.
14
Gross Profit. As a result of the foregoing factors, gross profit increased
$4.1 million, or 265.6%, to $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996
from $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Selling General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $4.1 million, or 393.8%, to $5.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 from $1.0 million for the year ended December
31, 1995. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was
primarily attributable to: (i) the Monroe and Vassar acquisitions, which
increased such expenses by $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 1996; (ii) an increase of $1.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996, due to the establishment of Noble as a holding company
and a bonus to Robert J. Skandalaris; and (iii) an increase of $0.3 million, or
34.4%, at Prestolock due to increased commissions on net sales, increased
personnel and expenses incurred to move administration and engineering to
Michigan.
Operating Profit. As a result of the foregoing factors, operating profit
increased $10,849, or 2.2%, to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1996.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $0.5 million, to $0.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $23,836 for the year ended December
31, 1995. This increase was primarily attributable to the financing of the
acquisitions of Monroe and Vassar. Included in the interest expense for 1996 is
imputed interest of $0.12 million on a related party note arising from the
acquisition of Monroe.
Net Earnings (Loss). As a result of the foregoing factors, net earnings
decreased $0.5 million to a net loss of $76,363 for the year ended December 31,
1996 from net earnings of $0.4 million for the prior year after providing for
the income tax effect.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's cash requirements have historically been satisfied through a
combination of cash flow from operations, equipment financing, bank financing
and loans from shareholders. The Company's working capital needs and capital
equipment requirements have increased as a result of the growth of the Company
and are expected to continue to increase as a result of anticipated growth in
laser welded blanks, glovebox latch, and assembly operations. The anticipated
increase in required working capital and capital equipment requirements, are
expected to be met from the cash flow from operations, equipment financing and
revolving credit borrowings. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had working
capital of approximately $5.6 million.
The Company generated cash flow from operations of $0.2 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Cash flow from operating activities in the period
was primarily the result of net earnings, depreciation and amortization offset
by changes in working capital necessary to support increased sales. The Company
used cash in investing activities of $(12.5) million for the year ended December
31, 1997. Cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31,
1997 was primarily the result of the purchase of NMP and Utilase and the
purchase of property, plant and equipment. The Company generated $14.2 million
in cash flow from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 1997. The
financing activities in the period were primarily the result of net repayments
of bank debt used to finance the Company's operations, long term debt incurred
for the purchase of Utilase, and the proceeds from the Offering.
On December 30, 1997, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement with Comerica Bank which provides the Company with a $35 million
revolving line of credit facility (the 'New Comerica Line'). The New Comerica
Line has a term of three years, is secured by a first priority security interest
in the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and provides for the issuance
of up to $1 million in standby or documentary letters of credit. The New
Comerica Line replaces the Company's and its subsidiaries' approximately $3.5
million of prior existing revolving credit facilities and approximately $3.7
million in original principal amount of term debt ($2.9 of which was still
outstanding at December 30, 1997). The Company paid an up front fee of 25 basis
points ($87,500) to Comerica in connection with the New Comerica Line.
15
The New Comerica Line may be utilized for general corporate purposes,
including working capital and acquisition financing. The New Comerica Line
provides the Company with borrowing options for advances under the facility of
either a 'Eurocurrency Rate' (Comerica's Eurodollar rate as adjusted for
reserves and other regulatory requirements) or a 'Base Rate' (the higher of
Comerica's prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 200 basis points), plus an
applicable margin (ranging from 0% to 2.25%) based upon the Company's ratio of
funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization expense). The New Comerica Line is subject to
customary financial and other covenants including, but not limited to,
limitations on payment of dividends, limitations on consolidations, mergers, and
sales of assets, and bank approval on acquisitions over $20 million.
The Company has, on a pro forma combined basis, from time to time been in
violation of certain of its financial debt ratio covenants and covenants
relating to the issuance of preferred stock and the payment of preferred stock
dividends, requiring it to obtain waivers of default from its lenders. In
addition, the Company has from time to time had to negotiate extensions relating
to the payment of several of its debt obligations. As of the date of this
Report, however, the Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
The liquidity provided by the reduction of the Company's existing credit
facilities, combined with cash flow from operations is expected to be sufficient
to meet the Company's currently anticipated working capital and capital
expenditure needs for existing debt service and operations, for at least 12
months. There can be no assurance, however, that such funds will not be expended
prior thereto due to changes in economic conditions or other unforeseen
circumstances, requiring the Company to obtain additional financing prior to the
end of such 12-month period. In addition, the Company intends to pursue, as part
of its business strategy, future growth through opportunistic acquisitions of
assets or companies involved in the automotive component supply industry, which
acquisitions may involve the expenditure of significant funds. Depending upon
the nature, size and timing of future acquisitions, the Company may be required
to obtain additional debt or equity financing in connection with such future
acquisitions. There can be no assurance, however, that additional financing will
be available to the Company, when and if needed, on acceptable terms or at all.
INFLATION
Inflation generally affects the Company by increasing the interest expense
of floating rate indebtedness and by increasing the cost of labor, equipment and
raw materials. The Company does not believe that inflation has had any material
effect on its business over the past three years.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..................................... 17
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1997 and 1996................................ 18
Consolidated Statements of Operations--For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995................................................................................. 20
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity--For the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995........................................................................ 21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995................................................................................. 22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................. 24
16
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Noble International, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Noble
International, Ltd. (a Michigan corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe 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 consolidated financial position of
Noble International, Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 12, 1998
17
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................... $ 471,412 $ 2,352,814
Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,148
and $168,932 at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.................... 1,566,551 11,507,622
Due from shareholder........................................................... 60,000 --
Inventories.................................................................... 2,285,361 5,276,420
Prepaid expenses and other assets.............................................. 177,012 290,832
Deferred income taxes.......................................................... -- 158,000
----------- -----------
Total current assets................................................... 4,560,336 19,585,688
Property, plant and equipment, net............................................... 1,848,759 20,891,089
Other assets:
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $272,007 and $645,307 at December
31, 1996 and 1997, respectively............................................. 5,026,254 24,822,746
Covenants not to compete, net of accumulated amortization of $16,667 at
December 31, 1997........................................................... -- 1,383,333
Sundry......................................................................... 97,164 418,305
----------- -----------
5,123,418 26,624,384
----------- -----------
$11,532,513 $67,101,161
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
18
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Note payable to bank........................................................... $ 1,402,708 $ --
Current maturities of long-term debt........................................... 1,059,021 717,285
Current maturities of notes payable--related parties........................... 882,613 2,386,792
Current maturities of capital lease obligations -- 74,891
Accounts payable............................................................... 1,359,127 7,055,130
Accrued liabilities............................................................ 666,673 3,495,552
Income taxes payable........................................................... 7,200 291,848
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities................................................. 5,377,342 14,021,498
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities..................................... 3,830,477 13,766,144
Notes payable--related parties, excluding current maturities..................... 1,500,000 10,286,281
Capital lease obligations, excluding current maturities.......................... -- 183,150
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary.......................................... 95,239 --
Deferred income taxes............................................................ -- 384,000
Commitments and contingencies (Note I)........................................... -- --
Preferred stock of subsidiary.................................................... -- 850,000
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $100 par value, 10% cumulative, authorized 150,000 shares..... -- --
Common stock, no par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and
outstanding 3,726,482 and 7,160,168 shares in 1996 and 1997, respectively... 1,036,634 27,344,242
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)........................................ (307,179) 265,846
----------- -----------
729,455 27,610,088
----------- -----------
$11,532,513 $67,101,161
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
19
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------- ----------- -----------
Net sales........................................................ $4,442,225 $16,186,811 $24,363,138
Cost of goods sold............................................... 2,910,696 10,587,175 16,776,942
Gross profit.............................................. 1,531,529 5,599,636 7,586,196
Selling, general and administrative expenses..................... 1,030,263 5,087,521 5,698,331
---------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit.......................................... 501,266 512,115 1,887,865
Other income (expense):
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary.................... -- (95,239) (125,884)
Interest income................................................ -- 4,632 48,852
Interest expense............................................... (23,836) (555,058) (754,800)
Sundry, net.................................................... 29,036 64,387 62,853
---------- ----------- -----------
5,200 (581,278) (768,979)
---------- ----------- -----------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority
interest............................................... 506,466 (69,163) 1,118,886
Minority interest................................................ 67,195 -- 22,961
---------- ----------- -----------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes.............................. 439,271 (69,163) 1,095,925
Income tax expense............................................. 30,562 7,200 378,900
---------- ----------- -----------
Net earnings (loss)....................................... 408,709 (76,363) 717,025
Preferred stock dividends........................................ -- -- 144,000
---------- ----------- -----------
Earnings (loss) on common shares................................. $ 408,709 $ 76,363 $ 573,025
---------- ----------- -----------
---------- ----------- -----------
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share............... $ (.02) $ .13
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Proforma earnings data:
Earnings before income taxes as reported....................... $ 439,271
Pro forma income tax expense................................... 169,000
----------
Pro forma net earnings......................................... $ 270,271
----------
----------
Pro forma net earnings per share............................... $ .10
----------
----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
20
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
RETAINED
EARNINGS
PREFERRED COMMON (ACCUMULATED
STOCK STOCK DEFICIT) TOTAL
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Balance at January 1, 1995 (2,673,704 shares)... $ -- $ 341,909 $ 12,817 $ 354,726
Dividend payable to Prestolock shareholders..... -- -- (139,067) (139,067)
Net earnings.................................... -- -- 408,709 408,709
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31, 1995.................... -- 341,909 282,459 624,368
Transfer of capital attributable to termination
of Prestolock S-Corporation election.......... -- 513,275 (513,275) --
Net loss........................................ -- -- (76,363) (76,363)
Issuance of 1,052,778 shares of common stock.... -- 181,450 -- 181,450
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31, 1996.................... -- 1,036,634 (307,179) 729,455
Issuance of 38,000 shares of preferred stock.... 3,446,600 -- -- 3,446,600
Issuance of 198,524 shares of common stock...... -- 402,900 -- 402,900
Issuance of 3,300,000 shares of common stock.... -- 26,258,108 -- 26,258,108
Dividends paid on preferred stock............... -- -- (144,000) (144,000)
Redemption of 38,000 shares of preferred
stock......................................... (3,446,600) -- -- (3,446,600)
Redemption of 64,838 shares of common stock..... -- (353,400) -- (353,400)
Net earnings.................................... -- -- 717,025 717,025
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31, 1997.................... $ -- $27,344,242 $ 265,846 $27,610,088
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
21
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)............................................ $ 408,709 $ (76,363) $ 717,025
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
operations
Loss on disposal of asset................................. -- 1,571 --
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment............. 103,040 247,339 588,878
Provision for doubtful accounts........................... 8,205 -- 200,715
Amortization of goodwill.................................. -- 265,885 389,967
Deferred income taxes..................................... -- -- 71,900
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary -- 95,239 125,884
Minority interest......................................... 67,195 -- --
Stock issued in exchange for services..................... -- 32,000 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of
acquisitions
Increase in accounts receivable........................... (208,401) (63,963) (565,177)
(Increase) decrease in inventories........................ (220,874) (14,760) 81,949
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses................... 26,379 (173,020) (60,948)
Decrease (increase) in other assets....................... 5,544 -- (88,833)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable................... 185,872 488,947 (1,818,435)
Increase in income taxes payable.......................... -- 7,200 284,648
Increase in accrued liabilities........................... 16,170 102,427 235,512
---------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities............ 391,839 912,502 163,085
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment...................... (202,451) (362,801) (1,867,803)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired............... -- 632,947 (9,251,567)
Payment for covenants not-to-compete........................... -- -- (1,400,000)
---------- ----------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities........................................ (202,451) 270,146 (12,519,370)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable--related parties................... -- 1,310,000 --
Repayments of notes payable--related parties................... (60,348) (26,499) (2,315,000)
Capital lease payments......................................... (49,600) -- (6,873)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock......................... -- -- 26,611,508
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock...................... -- -- 3,446,600
Redemption of preferred stock.................................. -- -- (3,446,600)
Acquisition of common stock.................................... -- -- (353,400)
Prestolock shares acquired by minority shareholders............ 10,000 -- --
Redemption of preferred stock of subsidiary.................... -- -- (75,000)
22
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL LTD., AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
--------- ----------- ------------
Cash flows From financing activities--(Continued)
Dividends paid................................................... -- -- (144,000)
Distributions to shareholders of acquired entities............... (62,009) (1,282,859) --
Proceeds from long-term debt..................................... -- 4,213,151 --
Payments on long-term debt....................................... (20,348) (6,164,034) (11,764,018)
Net proceeds from note payable to bank........................... (9,081) 1,237,708 2,284,470
--------- ----------- ------------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.... (191,386) (712,533) 14,237,687
--------- ----------- ------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash........................ (1,998) 470,115 1,881,402
Cash at beginning of period........................................ 3,295 1,297 471,412
--------- ----------- ------------
Cash at end of period.............................................. $ 1,297 $ 471,412 $ 2,352,814
--------- ----------- ------------
--------- ----------- ------------
Supplemental cash flow disclosure
Cash paid for:
Interest...................................................... $ 22,000 $ 21,000 $ 843,292
--------- ----------- ------------
--------- ----------- ------------
Taxes......................................................... $ -- $ 8,000 $ 30,000
--------- ----------- ------------
--------- ----------- ------------
Fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill.................. $ 6,207,434 $ 50,238,224
Liabilities assumed................................................ (907,436) (30,852,103)
Debt issued........................................................ (6,221,719) (10,134,554)
Cash paid.......................................................... 288,774 --
----------- ------------
Net cash (acquired) paid........................................... $ (632,947) $ 9,251,567
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Financing Activity:
During 1995, the Company entered into capital lease transactions for
equipment aggregating $109,491.
During 1996, the Company borrowed $500,000 under a land contract to
purchase land and a building owned by a former shareholder of Monroe.
During 1996, the Company financed the $6,350,000 acquisition price of
a subsidiary, of which, through December 31, 1996, $5,850,000 had been
paid.
During 1996, notes payable--related party of $61,040 were retired by
the issuance of 50,132 shares of the Company's common stock.
During 1997, the Company acquired Skandy Corp. by issuance of 133,686
shares of common stock valued at $49,500.
During 1997, the Company financed the purchase of $883,293 of
machinery and equipment by the issuance of notes payable.
During 1997, the Company financed $10,134,554 of the $18,334,554
acquisition price of Utilase.
During 1997, the Company converted $596,551 of accounts payable to
notes payable related party.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
23
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year
ended December 31, 1996, include Noble International, Ltd and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Prestolock International, Ltd. ('Prestolock'); Monroe Engineering
Products, Inc. ('Monroe') and Cass River Coating, Inc. (dba Vassar Industries,
'Vassar'). ('Noble' or collectively the 'Company'). At December 31, 1997, and
for the year then ended, the consolidated financial statements also include
Skandy Corp. ('Skandy'), Utilase Production Process, Inc. ('UPP'), Noble Metal
Products, Inc. (formerly DCT Component Systems, Inc. 'NMP'), Utilase, Inc.
('Utilase') and Noble Land Holdings, Inc.
The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1995 and for year
then ended include Noble and Prestolock. Prior to January 1, 1996, Noble and
Prestolock had a common controlling shareholder. Effective January 1, 1996,
Noble acquired Prestolock by issuing 2,673,704 shares of Noble common stock in
exchange for all of the issued and outstanding stock of Prestolock. This
transaction has been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests
due to the common control.
The effect of the Prestolock consolidation on net earnings and related per
share amounts for the year ended December 31, 1995 were as follows:
1995
--------
Increase in net earnings............................................... $348,924
Increase in earnings per share......................................... $ .12
The assets of Prestolock were recorded at their historical cost basis and
no goodwill was recorded.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Noble is a holding company which through its subsidiaries manufactures a
variety of components and provides design, engineering, painting, assembly and
other services primarily for the automotive industry. One of its subsidiaries is
a distributor of tooling components. (see Note L) The principal market for its
products is the United States.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in
the preparation of the accompanying financial statements follows.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, all investments with a
maturity of less than three months are considered to be cash equivalents.
24
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market.
UNBILLED CUSTOMER TOOLING
The costs to manufacture and supply customer-owned tooling are recorded as
unbilled tooling costs when incurred. Amounts incurred are charged to cost of
sales and revenue is recognized when the tooling is shipped and billed to
customers.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided for
using the straight line and various accelerated methods over the estimated
useful lives of the assets which range from 5 to 39 years for buildings and
improvements and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
GOODWILL
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired
and is amortized over a 20 year period on the straight line method. On an
ongoing basis, management reviews the valuation and amortization of goodwill. As
part of the review, the Company estimates the value of and the estimated
undiscounted future net earnings expected to be generated by the related
subsidiary to determine that no impairment has occurred.
INCOME TAXES
Through December 31, 1995, Prestolock was taxed under Subchapter S of the
Internal Revenue Code. As a result, federal income taxes were payable personally
by the shareholders of Prestolock. Accordingly, the financial statements for
1995 do not provide for federal income taxes attributable to Prestolock's
earnings.
The Company records the provision for federal and state income taxes
pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, 'Accounting for
Income Taxes.' ('Statement 109')
Under the asset and liability method mandated by Statement 109, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and the effect
of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. Under Statement 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes
the enactment date.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's financial instruments include long-term debt. The carrying
value of the debt approximates its estimated fair value based upon rates and
terms available for loans with similar characteristics.
25
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
MINORITY INTEREST
Minority interest at 1995 represents the minority shareholders' interest in
Prestolock. Minority interest amounted to 12% at December 31, 1995. Dividends
paid on preferred stock issued by NMP in 1997 are reflected as minority
interest.
USE OF ESTIMATES
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during each year. The 133,686 shares issued in January 1997
in connection with the Skandy transaction (Note I) have been deemed outstanding
for all periods presented for purposes of computing earnings per share. The
weighted average number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted
earnings per share during 1995, 1996 and 1997 was 2,807,390, 3,820,390,
4,285,134, respectively. The warrants issued to the Company's underwriters in
connection with its initial public offering (Note K) were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for 1997 as the effect would be
antidilutive.
During 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the 'FASB') issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ('SFAS') No. 128, 'Earnings Per
Share', which is effective for financial statements issued after December 15,
1997. The new standard eliminates primary and fully diluted earnings per share
and requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share together with
disclosure of how the per share amounts were computed. Basic earnings per share
excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common
shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted
into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared
in the earnings of the entity. The Company adopted this pronouncement at
December 31, 1997. All per share data in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements has been restated to reflect application of this new pronouncement.
NEW PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, 'Reporting of Comprehensive
Income' ('SFAS 130'), which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expense, gains, and losses)
in a full set of financial statements. This statement also requires that all
items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. This statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Earlier
application is permitted. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier
periods provided for comparative purposes is required. The Company does not
anticipate that adoption of SFAS 130 will have material effect on the
consolidated financial statements.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, 'Disclosure about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information' ('SFAS 131'), which establishes standards
for the way that public business
26
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE A-- BASIS OF PRESENTATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial
statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about
operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. This
statement also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas, and major customers. This statement requires the
reporting of financial and descriptive information about an enterprise's
reportable operating segments. This statement is effective for financial
statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. In the initial year of
adoption, comparative information for earlier years is to be restated. The
Company does not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS 131 will have a material
effect on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE B--INVENTORIES
The major components of inventories were as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1996 1997
---------- ----------
Raw materials and purchased parts.............................. $ 434,776 $1,116,708
Work in process................................................ 4,987 383,069
Finished goods................................................. 1,565,427 2,765,339
Unbilled customer tooling...................................... 280,171 1,011,304
---------- ----------
$2,285,361 $5,276,420
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
NOTE C--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1997
---------- -----------
Buildings and improvements.................................... $1,199,077 $ 5,556,196
Machinery and equipment....................................... 881,813 11,477,983
Furniture and fixtures........................................ 93,445 798,984
---------- -----------
2,174,335 17,833,163
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization................ 379,376 962,858
---------- -----------
1,794,959 16,870,305
Land.......................................................... 53,800 753,800
Equipment in process.......................................... -- 3,266,984
---------- -----------
$1,848,759 $20,891,089
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
At December 31, 1996, the Company, had a secured line of credit facility
with a bank, which allowed it to borrow up to $3,000,000 subject to qualified
accounts receivable and inventory. At December 31, 1996 the outstanding balance
was $1,402,708 and availability was $2,163,000. Interest was payable monthly at
one percent over the bank's prime lending rate. The facility expired on April
30, 1997. Subsequent amendments to the agreement increased the borrowing base to
$3,500,000. At December 30, 1997, the Agreement was amended and the line of
credit was replaced with a revolving credit facility.
27
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1996 1997
---------- -----------
Revolving credit facility dated December 30, 1997 with interest at prime less 1%
or a Eurodollar based rate, elected by the Company at the time of each advance,
(effective rate of 7.5% as December 31, 1997). The facility provides for
borrowings up to $35,000,000. Interest is payable monthly on prime rate based
advances and no less frequently than quarterly on Eurodollar rate based
advances. The agreement contains covenants that require the Company to maintain
certain financial ratios, limits the dollar value of annual capital expenditures
and restricts the payment of dividends. The facility is collateralized by
substantially all of the Company's assets and matures on December 31, 2000...... $ -- $11,810,997
Term note, payable in monthly installments of $78,125 commencing on January 1,
1997, plus interest at 1.5% above the bank's prime lending rate. The note was
collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and the issued and
outstanding common stock of the company and the Company's subsidiaries. The note
is due December 2000............................................................ 3,750,000 --
Term note, payable in monthly installments, of $5,600, including interest at one
percent above the bank's prime lending rate (effective rate of 8.5% at December
31, 1997). The note is secured by real estate and is due September 2001......... 463,151 439,137
Unsecured term note, payable in monthly installments of $2,500 plus interest at a
rate of 5%. The note is due September 2001...................................... 141,750 111,750
Land contract, payable in monthly installments of $7,280, including interest at a
rate of 8%. The note is secured by a building and is due September 2004......... 503,331 454,476
Term loans, payable in monthly installments of $15,000, including interest at a
rate of 8%, increasing to $20,000 in August, 1998............................... -- 185,175
Unsecured term loan, calling for monthly interest payments at a rate of 12%,
through July 1, 1998, thereafter principal payments of $6,879 plus interest at a
rate of 8% through June 1, 2003................................................. -- 412,763
Term loans, payable in monthly installments of $31,542, including interest at a
rate of 8.25%. The loans are collateralized by various property and equipment
and are due in November, 2000................................................... -- 919,365
Other............................................................................. 31,266 149,941
---------- -----------
4,889,498 14,483,604
Less current maturities........................................................... 1,059,021 717,285
---------- -----------
$3,830,477 $13,766,319
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
28
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE D--LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
The aggregate maturities of long-term debt by year as of December 31, 1997
are as follows:
1998................................................................ $ 717,285
1999................................................................ 546,003
2000................................................................ 12,349,029
2001................................................................ 518,703
2002................................................................ 155,339
Thereafter.......................................................... 197,245
-----------
$14,483,604
-----------
-----------
NOTE E--LEASES
The Company leases buildings and equipment under operating leases with
unexpired terms ranging from a month to month basis to eight years. Rent expense
for all operating leases was approximately $69,900, $193,000 and $355,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
The future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as
follows:
YEARS ENDED RELATED NON-RELATED
DECEMBER 31, PARTY PARTY TOTAL
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------- ----------
1998...................................................... $ 391,372 $ 278,667 $ 670,039
1999...................................................... 403,114 268,040 671,154
2000...................................................... 415,207 257,412 672,619
2001...................................................... 427,835 257,412 685,247
2002...................................................... 144,404 278,236 422,640
Thereafter................................................ -- 655,200 655,200
---------- ----------- ----------
$1,781,932 $ 1,994,967 $3,776,899
---------- ----------- ----------
---------- ----------- ----------
The Company has capital lease agreements for computer equipment and
machinery. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, property and equipment recorded under
capital lease includes $125,529 and $303,646, respectively and accumulated
depreciation includes $50,004 and $18,922, respectively.
The future minimum lease payments under these capital leases are as
follows:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
1998................................................................... $ 96,433
1999................................................................... 69,748
2000................................................................... 58,149
2001................................................................... 56,302
2002................................................................... 25,221
--------
Total.................................................................. 305,853
Less amount representing interest...................................... (47,812)
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments............................ 258,041
Less amount representing current portion............................... (74,891)
--------
Non-current portion.................................................... $183,150
--------
--------
29
NOBLE INTERNATIONAL, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES
Income taxes have been charged to operations as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996 1997
------- ------------ --------
Current:
Federal..................................................... $ -- $7,200 $307,000
State and local............................................. 30,562 -- --
------- ------------ --------
30,562 7,200 307,000
Deferred:
Federal..................................................... -- -- 71,900
------- ------------ --------
$30,562 $7,200 $378,900
------- ------------ --------
------- ------------ --------
A reconciliation of the actual federal income tax expense to the expected
amounts computed by applying the statutory tax rate percent to earnings or
losses before income taxes is as follows:
DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996 1997
--------- ------------ ---------
Expected federal income tax (benefit)...................... $ 149,350 $(23,500) $ 373,000
Prestolock earnings not subject to tax..................... (118,630) -- --
Nondeductible items........................................ -- 10,200 20,000
Utilization of net operating loss.......................... (20,900) -- --
State taxes................................................ (10,391) -- --
Increase in valuation allowance............................ -- 15,000 43,000
Surtax exemption and other, net............................ 571 5,500 (57,100)
--------- ------------ ---------
Actual income tax expense.................................. $ -- $ 7,200 $ 378,900
--------- ------------ ---------
--------- ------------ ---------
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1996 are not
significant. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to
significant deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997 are as
follows:
DEFERRED DEFERRED TAX
TAX ASSETS LIABILITIES
---------- ------------
Depreciation and amortization...................................... $ -- $384,000
Accrued expenses not currently deductible.......................... 158,000 --
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary............................ 75,000 --
Net operating loss carryovers...................................... 144,000 --
---------- ------------
377,000 384,000
Less: valuation allowance.......................................... (219,000) --
---------- ------------
$158,000 $384,000
---------- ------------