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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

Commission File No. 0-24298

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

Tennessee
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

62-1566286
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8503 Hilltop Drive, Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share.

Name of each exchange on which registered: New York Stock Exchange.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

               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     
þ     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 10K. ¨

               Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes  
¨    No þ.

               The aggregate market value of the voting stock for non-affiliates (which for purposes hereof are all holders other than executive officers and directors) of the Registrant as of June 28, 2002 is $28,482,597 (based on 7,636,085 shares held by non-affiliates at $3.73 per share, the last sale price on the NYSE on June 28, 2002).

               At March 14, 2003 there were 9,341,436 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

PART I

ITEM 1.

 

BUSINESS

 1
 

ITEM 2.

 

PROPERTIES

 14
 

ITEM 3.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 14
 

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 15
 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND

 15
 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 
 

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 15
 

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

 17
 

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
 

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 30
 

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON

 30
 

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 
 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 30
 

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 32

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ITEM 12.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

   36
 

AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 
 

ITEM 13.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 38
 

ITEM 14.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 38
 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.

 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS

 39
 

ON FORM 8-K

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-1

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

S-1

 
SIGNATURES  

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PART I

ITEM 1.               BUSINESS

GENERAL

               Miller Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) is the world’s leading integrated provider of vehicle towing and recovery equipment, with executive offices in Ooltewah, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia and manufacturing operations in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, France and England.

               Since 1990 the Company has developed or acquired several of the most well-recognized brands in the towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry. The Company’s strategy has been to diversify its line of products and increase its market share in the industry through a combination of internal growth and development and acquisitions of complementary businesses.

               In February 1997, the Company formed its towing services division, RoadOne. RoadOne offered a broad range of towing and transportation services. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company announced plans to accelerate its efforts to aggressively reduce expenses in the towing services segment at the corporate level, as well as in the field. The Company subsequently disposed of assets and operations in a number of underperforming markets. In October 2002, the Company made the decision to sell all remaining towing services operations. In addition, the Company has made the decision to sell its distribution group. As a result of these decisions, both the towing services segment and the distribution group have been classified as discontinued operations.

               As of March 31, 2003, the Company had sold or closed 100 Road One terminals and one distributor location. Fourteen terminals and eight distributors remain to be sold.

INCLUSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

               Certain statements in this Annual Report, including but not limited to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management’s belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to, among other things, factors set forth below under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in particular, the risks associated with the wind down of the towing services segment and the risks associated with the terms of the Company’s substantial indebtedness. The Company cautions that such factors are not exclusive. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.

RISK FACTORS

               Short Term Status of Junior Credit Facility. The Company’s credit facilities include a subordinated secured facility (the “Junior Credit Facility”) with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $13.7 million as of March 31, 2003. The Junior Credit Facility matures on July 23, 2003 and all outstanding principal and accrued interest under such facility becomes due and payable on that date. The Company does not expect cash flow from operations to be sufficient to allow it to pay the principal and accrued interest on the July 23, 2003 due date and intends to seek to extend the maturity date of and/or refinance the amount outstanding under the Junior Credit Facility. The Company has engaged in preliminary discussions with its senior and junior lenders regarding such extension and/or refinancing. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to extend the maturity date or obtain such financing on terms favorable to the Company, if at all.

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               If the Company is unable to refinance the outstanding portion of the Junior Credit Facility, the failure to pay such amounts when due would constitute an event of default under both the Junior Credit Facility and the senior secured credit facility (“Senior Credit Facility”) and have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company. In the event of such a cross-default, the senior lender agent would be entitled to prevent the junior lender agent from taking any enforcement action against the Company, its subsidiaries or their respective assets until the earlier of: (i) the date which is 120 days (subject to an extension by the senior lender agent to 270 days) after the date upon which the junior lender agent gives notice of enforcement to the senior lender agent; (ii) the acceleration of the maturity of the obligations of the Company under the Senior Credit Facility; and (iii) the commencement of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding against the Company or certain of its subsidiaries. The resulting event of default under the senior facility could also result in the acceleration of the amount due under the Senior Credit Facility as well as other remedies if not waived by the senior lenders. If the Company is not successful in its efforts to refinance or extend the maturity date of the Junior Credit Facility, the Company might be required to seek bankruptcy court or other protection from its creditors upon the expiration of any applicable blockage period.

               The lenders under the Junior Credit Facility are to receive warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock equal to up to 0.5% of the outstanding shares if the facility is not repaid by July 2002, and up to an additional 1.5% of the outstanding shares if the facility is not repaid by July 23, 2003. Such issuances would be dilutive to the Company’s other shareholders. On July 23, 2002, the Company issued 47,417 warrants for the purchase of common stock in conjunction with these related provisions.

               Risks Associated with Substantial Indebtedness. As of March 31, 2003 the Company’s bank debt totaled approximately $55.7 million, including $42.0 under the Senior Credit Facility and $13.7 under the Junior Credit Facility. As a consequence of its level of indebtedness, a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations as well as from asset sales must be dedicated to debt service requirements. The terms of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments or investments in certain situations, consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, incur liens, or merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets. They also require the Company to meet certain financial tests and comply with certain other reporting, affirmative and negative covenants. The Company has experienced difficulties meeting these financial tests in the past and may continue to do so in the future.  In addition, the substantial indebtedness of the Company may make it more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions. The Company’s credit facilities are collateralized by liens on all of the Company’s assets. The liens give the lenders the right to foreclose on the assets of the Company under certain defined events of default and such foreclosure could allow the lenders to gain control of the operations of the Company.

               The Company’s independent auditors have included a “going concern” explanatory paragraph in their report primarily as a result of the Junior Credit Facility maturing in 2003. The inclusion of this paragraph in the auditor’s report could have a negative impact on the Company’s operations by causing vendors and others to be less willing to extend credit to the Company.

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               The Company is currently in default under both the Senior and Junior Credit Facilities as a result of the “going concern” explanatory paragraph as well as the failure to file this Annual Report prior to April 30, 2003. Additionally, the Company is in default of the EBITDA covenant under the Junior Credit Facility only for the first quarter of calendar 2003. The Company is currently not pursuing a waiver of these defaults or an amendment to the Credit Facilities to cure these defaults. The Company has had informal discussions with its creditors and believes based on these discussions that the creditors will not take action against the Company as a result of these defaults. However, there can be no assurance that the creditors will not pursue action in the future as a result of these defaults or any other default under the Credit Facilities. 

              In addition, the Senior Credit Facility requires that the RoadOne revolving commitment ($7.6 as of March 31, 2003) be repaid in full by March 31, 2004. Management believes that the repayment schedule can be met by expected sales of the remaining RoadOne operations over the course of 2003. However, there can be no assurance that such sales will be closed or that they will generate sufficient proceeds to repay such debt.

               If the Company was to fail to comply with the requirements under the Credit Facilities, such non-compliance would result in an event of default, which if not waived by the lending groups would result in the acceleration of the amounts due under the respective Credit Facility, as well as other remedies. Under these circumstances the Company could be required to find alternative funding sources, or to sell assets. There is no assurance that the Company would be able to obtain any such refinancing or that it would be able to sell assets on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all. If the Company were to be unsuccessful in its efforts to refinance the Credit Facility, the Company might be required to seek bankruptcy court or other protection from its creditors. For more information regarding the impact of the Company’s substantial indebtedness on the Company’s liquidity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and Notes 2 and 8 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2002.

               Risks Involved with Wind Down of Towing Services Division. The Company is in the process of selling all of its remaining towing services businesses in a relatively short period of time. The Company had substantially completed this process by December 31, 2002 and intends to fully complete this process during fiscal 2003, although there can be no assurance that this timetable can be met. The Company expects net cash proceeds from these sales to RoadOne exceed the RoadOne revolving commitment under the Senior Credit Facility associated with the sold operations (approximately $7.6 at March 31, 2003), as well as other associated liabilities. In addition, almost all of these businesses will continue to operate under new ownership and in general their customary operating liabilities will be assumed by the new owners. The Company nevertheless will be subject to some continuing liabilities with respect to the pre-sale operations of these businesses, including, for example, liabilities related to litigation, certain trade payables, parent guarantees, workers compensation and other insurance, surety bonds, and real estate. It is possible that the sale proceeds and the remaining assets of the towing services segment will not be sufficient to satisfy such liabilities. The Company may also be subject to inefficiencies, management distractions, additional expenses and uncertainties resulting from the rapid wind down of the infrastructure that was developed to provide administrative support to over 100 towing service locations. Administrative services such as insurance and surety bond coverage must be maintained for all remaining Company operations, but such services could become more expensive and difficult to maintain as the size of the remaining operations decreases. Although the Company believes that it can manage the wind down effectively, there can be no assurance that such will be the case. Even if the Company is able to manage the wind down effectively, it may nevertheless have an adverse impact on the Company’s operating results.

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               In addition, the Company has experienced difficulty in maintaining its insurance and surety bond coverage primarily as a result of disruption in these markets resulting from the events of September 11, 2001, general economic conditions and the Company’s operating results. Prospective purchasers of towing services businesses have also experienced these difficulties, which could have an adverse impact on the ability of such purchasers to effect business acquisitions at prices satisfactory to the Company.

               Risks Of Entering New Lines Of Business. Historically, the Company’s expertise has been in the manufacture of towing and recovery equipment and the Company had no prior operating experience in other lines of business. Commencing during fiscal 1997, the Company entered three new lines of business through the acquisition of towing and recovery equipment distributors and towing services companies, and the establishment of the Company’s Financial Services Group. The Company’s operation of these businesses has been subject to all of the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. Such acquisitions present the additional risk that newly-acquired businesses could be viewed as being in competition with other customers of the Company. Although the new businesses are closely related to the Company’s towing and recovery equipment manufacturing business, the Company has experienced difficulties and unexpected expenses establishing and operating these new businesses, and may continue to experience such difficulties and expenses as it winds down the towing services segment and the distribution group.

               Cyclical Nature Of Industry, General Economic Conditions And Weather. The towing and recovery industry is cyclical in nature and has been affected historically by high interest rates, insurance costs, and economic conditions in general. Accordingly, a downturn in the economy could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations, as has been the case during the current general economic downturn. The industry is also influenced by consumer confidence and general credit availability, and by weather conditions, none of which is within the control of the Company.

               Fluctuations In Price And Supply Of Materials And Component Parts. The Company is dependent upon outside suppliers for its raw material needs and other purchased component parts and, therefore, is subject to price increases and delays in receiving supplies of such materials and component parts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to pass any price increase on to its customers. Although the Company believes that sources of its materials and component parts will continue to be adequate to meet its requirements and that alternative sources are available, events beyond the Company’s control could have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of such materials and component parts. Additionally, demand for the Company’s products could be negatively affected by the unavailability of truck chassis, which are manufactured by third parties and are typically purchased separately by the Company’s distributors or by towing operators and are sometimes supplied by the Company.

               Competition. The towing and recovery equipment manufacturing industry is highly competitive. Competition for sales exists at both the distributor and towing-operator levels and is based primarily on product quality and innovation, reputation, technology, customer service, product availability and price. In addition, sales of the Company’s products are affected by the market for used towing and recovery equipment. Certain of the Company’s competitors may have substantially greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than the Company. The Company may also face significant competition from large competitors as it enters other new lines of business, including financial services.

               Dependence On Proprietary Technology. Historically, the Company has been able to develop or acquire patented and other proprietary product innovations which have allowed it to produce what management believes to be technologically advanced products relative to most of its competition. Certain of the Company’s patents expire in 2004 at which time the Company may not have a continuing competitive advantage through proprietary products and technology. In addition, pursuant to the terms of a consent judgment entered into in 2000 with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company is required to offer non-exclusive royalty-bearing licenses to certain of the Company’s key patents to all wrecker and car carrier manufacturers. The Company’s historical market position has been a result, in part, of its continuous efforts to develop new products. The Company’s future success and ability to maintain market share will depend, to an extent, on new product development.

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               Labor Availability and Union Activity. The timely production of the Company’s wreckers and car carriers requires an adequate supply of skilled labor. In addition, the operating costs of each manufacturing and towing services facility can be adversely affected by high turnover in skilled positions. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to increase sales, productivity and net earnings will be limited to a degree by its ability to employ the skilled laborers necessary to meet the Company’s requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force necessary to efficiently operate its facilities. The United Auto Workers Union filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board for the employees at the Company’s Ooltewah, Tennessee manufacturing plant. A vote was held on such union representation on April 11, 2002. The employees of the Ooltewah manufacturing plant voted against joining the United Auto Workers Union. There can be no assurance that the employees at the Ooltewah manufacturing plant or other Company employees may not choose to become unionized in the future.

               The Company’s Common Stock May be Delisted from The New York Stock Exchange if the Company Does Not Maintain Certain Listing Standards. To remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the average closing price of the Company’s stock must not drop below $1.00 per share for 30 days or more. The Company’s common stock price was below $1.00 per share for an extended period during 2001 and the common stock was in danger of being delisted. A one-for-five reverse stock split was effected on October 1, 2001, and the price of the common stock has not been below $2.10 since that time. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange requires a listed company to maintain shareholders equity of at least $50.0 million (or a market capitalization of at least $50.0 million, which the Company has not achieved in  over a year). The Company’s shareholders equity as of December 31, 2002 is $39.6 million. As a result, the Company expects to receive notice from the New York Stock Exchange that the Company is out of compliance with the New York Stock Exchange’s continued listing standards. The Company will attempt to formulate a plan to regain compliance in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s rules, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to formulate a plan acceptable to the New York Stock Exchange or comply with any such plan that may be formulated.

               If the Company’s common stock were to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, it is likely that the trading market for its common stock would be substantially less active, and the ability of shareholders to buy and sell shares of the Company’s common stock would be materially impaired. In addition, the delisting of the Company’s stock could adversely affect the Company’s ability to enter into future equity financing transactions. In the event that the Company’s stock is delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, the Company would pursue listing on an alternative national securities exchange or association.

               Dependence On Key Management. The success of the Company is highly dependent on the continued services of the Company’s management team. The loss of services of one or more key members of the Company’s senior management team could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

               Automobile And Product Liability Insurance. The Company is subject to various claims, including automobile and product liability claims arising in the ordinary course of business, and may at times be a party to various legal proceedings incidental to the Company’s business. The Company maintains reserves and liability insurance coverage at levels based upon commercial norms and the Company’s historical claims experience. A successful product liability or other claim brought against the Company in excess of its insurance coverage or the inability of the Company to acquire insurance at commercially reasonable rates could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

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               Increased Insurance and Fuel Costs. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001 and other general economic factors, the Company has experienced a substantial increase in its insurance costs and has experienced fluctuations in fuel and other transportation costs. Its customers have also experienced reduced availability of credit for purchasing equipment. There can be no assurance that these costs will not continue to increase for the Company. Such increases have had, and may continue to have, a material effect upon the Company’s business and operating results.

               Volatility Of Market Price. From time to time, there may be significant volatility in the market price for the Common Stock. Quarterly operating results of the Company, changes in earnings estimated by analysts, changes in general conditions in the Company’s industry or the economy or the financial markets or other developments affecting the Company could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, in recent years the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance.

               Control By Principal Shareholder. William G. Miller, the Chairman of the Company, beneficially owns approximately 17.4% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, Mr. Miller has the ability to exert significant influence over the business affairs of the Company, including the ability to influence the election of directors and the result of voting on all matters requiring shareholder approval.

               Anti-Takeover Provisions Of Charter And Bylaws; Preferred Stock. The Company’s Charter and Bylaws contain restrictions that may discourage other persons from attempting to acquire control of the Company, including, without limitation, prohibitions on shareholder action by written consent and advance notice requirements respecting amendments to certain provisions of the Company’s Charter and Bylaws. In addition, the Company’s Charter authorizes the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The rights and preferences for any series of preferred stock may be set by the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion and without shareholder approval, and the rights and preferences of any such preferred stock may be superior to those of Common Stock and thus may adversely affect the rights of holders of Common Stock.

TOWING AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

               The Company offers a broad range of towing and recovery equipment products that meet most customer design, capacity and cost requirements. The Company manufactures the bodies of wreckers and car carriers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties. Wreckers generally are used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with rotating hydraulic booms and 70-ton lifting capacities. Car carriers are specialized flat bed vehicles with hydraulic tilt mechanisms that enable a towing operator to drive or winch a vehicle onto the bed for transport. Car carriers transport new or disabled vehicles and other equipment and are particularly effective over longer distances.

               The Company’s products are sold primarily through independent distributors that serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and other foreign markets including Europe, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East. As a result of its ownership of Jige in France and Boniface in the United Kingdom, the Company has substantial distribution capabilities in Europe. While most of the Company’s distributor agreements do not contain exclusivity provisions, management believes that approximately 65% of the Company’s independent distributors sell the Company’s products on an exclusive basis. In addition to selling the Company’s products to towing operators, the distributors provide parts and service. The Company also has independent sales representatives that exclusively market the Company’s products and provide expertise and sales assistance to distributors. Management believes the strength of the Company’s distribution network and the breadth of its product offerings are two key advantages over its competitors.

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               Product Line

               The Company manufactures a broad line of wrecker, car carrier and trailer bodies to meet a full range of customer design, capacity and cost requirements. The products are marketed under the Century, Vulcan, Challenger, Holmes, Champion, Chevron, Eagle, Titan, Jige, and Boniface brand names.

               Wreckers. Wreckers are generally used to recover and tow disabled vehicles and other equipment and range in type from the conventional tow truck to large recovery vehicles with 70-ton lifting capacities. Wreckers are available with specialized features, including underlifts, L-arms and scoops, which lift disabled vehicles by the tires or front axle to minimize front end damage to the towed vehicles. Certain heavy duty wrecker models offer rotating booms, which allow heavy duty wreckers to recover vehicles from any angle, and proprietary remote control devices for operating wreckers. In addition, certain light duty wreckers are equipped with the patented “Express” automatic wheellift hookup device that allow operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the wrecker.

               The Company’s wreckers range in capacity from 8 to 70 tons, and are characterized as light duty and heavy duty, with wreckers of 16-ton or greater capacity being classified as heavy duty. Light duty wreckers are used to remove vehicles from accident scenes and vehicles illegally parked, abandoned or disabled, and for general recovery. Heavy duty wreckers are used in commercial towing and recovery applications including overturned tractor trailers, buses, motor homes and other vehicles.

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

               Multi-Vehicle Transport Trailers. Multi-vehicle transport trailers are specialized auto transport trailers with upper and lower decks and hydraulic ramps for loading vehicles. The trailers are used for moving multiple vehicles for auto auctions, car dealerships, leasing companies, and other similar applications. The trailers are easy to load with 6 to 7 vehicles, and with the optional cab rack, can haul up to 8 vehicles.  The vehicles can be secured to the transport quickly with ratchet and chain tie-downs that are mounted throughout the frame of the transport. In recent years, professional towing operators have added auto transport trailers to their fleets to add to their towing capabilities.

               Brand Names

               The Company manufactures and markets its wreckers, car carriers and trailers under ten separate brand names. Although certain of the brands overlap in terms of features, prices and distributors, each brand has its own distinctive image and customer base.

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               Century®. The Century brand is the Company’s ‘‘top-of-the-line’’ brand and represents what management believes to be the broadest product line in the industry. The Century line was started in 1974 and produces wreckers ranging from the 8-ton light duty to the 70-ton heavy duty models and car carriers in lengths from 17½ to 26 feet. Management believes that the Century brand has a reputation as the industry’s leading product innovator.

               Vulcan®. The Company’s Vulcan product line includes a range of premium light and heavy duty wreckers, car carriers and other towing and recovery equipment. The Vulcan line is operated autonomously with its own independent distribution network.

               Challenger®. The Company’s Challenger products compete with the Century and Vulcan products and constitute a third premium product line. Challenger products consist of light to heavy duty wreckers with capacities ranging from 8 to 70 tons, and car carriers with lengths ranging from 17½ to 26 feet. The Challenger line was started in 1975 and is known for high performance heavy duty wreckers and aesthetic design.

               Holmes®. The Company’s Holmes product line includes mid-priced wreckers with 8 to 16 ton capacities and car carriers in 17½ to 21 foot lengths. The Holmes wrecker was first produced in 1916. The Holmes name has been the most well-recognized and leading industry brand both domestically and internationally through most of this century.

               Champion®. The Champion brand, which was introduced in 1991, includes car carriers which range in length from 17½ to 21 feet. The Champion product line, which is generally lower-priced, allows the Company to offer a full line of car carriers at various competitive price points. In 1993, the Champion line was expanded to include a line of economy tow trucks with integrated boom and underlift.

               Chevron™. The Company’s Chevron product line is comprised primarily of premium car carriers. Chevron produces a range of premium single-car, multi-car and industrial carriers, light duty wreckers and other towing and recovery equipment. The Chevron line is operated autonomously with its own independent distribution network that focuses on the salvage industry.

               Eagle®. The Company’s Eagle products consist of light duty wreckers with the ‘‘Eagle Claw’’ hook-up system that allows towing operators to engage a disabled or unattended vehicle without leaving the cab of the tow truck. The ‘‘Eagle Claw’’ hook-up system, which was patented in 1984, was originally developed for the repossession market. Since acquiring Eagle, the Company has upgraded the quality and features of the Eagle product line and expanded its recovery capability.

               Titan™. The Company’s Titan product line is comprised of premium multi-vehicle transport trailers which can transport up to 8 vehicles depending on configuration.

               Jige. The Company’s Jige product line is comprised of a broad line of light and heavy duty wreckers and car carriers marketed primarily in Europe. Jige is a market leader best known for its innovative designs of car carriers and light wreckers necessary to operate within the narrow confines of European cities.

               Boniface. The Company’s Boniface product line is comprised primarily of heavy duty wreckers marketed primarily in Europe. Boniface produces a wide range of heavy duty wreckers specializing in the long underlift technology required to tow modern European tour buses.

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               The Company’s Holmes and Century brand names are associated with four of the major innovations in the industry: the rapid reverse winch, the tow sling, the hydraulic lifting mechanism, and the underlift with parallel linkage and L-arms. The Company’s engineering staff, in consultation with manufacturing personnel, uses computer-aided design and stress analysis systems to test new product designs and to integrate various product improvements. In addition to offering product innovations, the Company focuses on developing or licensing new technology for its products.

               Manufacturing Process

               The Company manufactures wreckers, car carriers and trailers at six manufacturing facilities located in the United States, France and England. The manufacturing process for the Company’s products consists primarily of cutting and bending sheet steel or aluminum into parts that are welded together to form the wrecker, car carrier body or trailer. Components such as hydraulic cylinders, winches, valves and pumps, which are purchased by the Company from third-party suppliers, are then attached to the frame to form the completed wrecker or car carrier body. The completed body is either installed by the Company or shipped by common carrier to a distributor where it is then installed on a truck chassis. Generally, the wrecker or car carrier bodies are painted by the Company with a primer coat only, so that towing operators can select customized colors to coordinate with chassis colors or fleet colors. To the extent final painting is required before delivery, the Company contracts with independent paint shops for such services.

               The Company purchases raw materials and component parts from a number of sources. Although the Company has no long-term supply contracts, management believes the Company has good relationships with its primary suppliers. The Company has experienced no significant problems in obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials and component parts to meet the requirements of its production schedules. Management believes that the materials used in the production of the Company’s products are available at competitive prices from an adequate number of alternative suppliers. Accordingly, management does not believe that the loss of a single supplier would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

               Towing and Recovery Equipment Sales and Distribution

               Company-owned Distributors

               During 2002, the Company’s board of directors and management made the decision to sell the distributors owned by the Company. The Company’s distribution group as of March 31, 2003 owned 8 towing and recovery equipment distributors located in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana and British Columbia and Ontario, Canada and has sold one distributor. The Company intends to sell all of its distributors by December 2003. There can be no assurance that this timetable can be met. All assets, liabilities and results of operations of the distribution group are now presented separately as discontinued operations and all prior period financial information is presented to conform to this treatment.

               Independent Distributors and Sales

               Management categorizes the towing and recovery market into three general product types: light duty wreckers, heavy duty wreckers and car carriers. The light duty wrecker market consists primarily of professional wrecker operators, repossession towing services, municipal and federal governmental agencies, and repair shop or salvage company owners. The heavy duty market is dominated by professional wrecker operators serving the needs of commercial vehicle operators. The car carrier market, historically dominated by automobile salvage companies, has expanded to include equipment rental companies that offer delivery service and professional towing operators who desire to complement their existing towing capabilities. Management estimates that there are approximately 30,000 professional towing operators and 80,000 service station, repair shop and salvage operators comprising the overall towing and recovery market.

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               The Company’s sales force, which services the Company’s distribution network, consists of sales representatives whose responsibilities include providing administrative and sales support to the entire distributor base. Sales representatives receive commissions on direct sales based on product type and brand and generally are assigned specific territories in which to promote sales of the Company’s products and to maintain customer relationships.

               The Company has developed a diverse customer base consisting of approximately 175 distributors in North America, who serve all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and approximately 50 distributors that serve other foreign markets. During the year ended December 31, 2002, no single distributor accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s sales. Management believes the Company’s broad and diverse customer base provides it with the flexibility to adapt to market changes, lessens its dependence on particular distributors and reduces the impact of regional economic factors.

               To support sales and marketing efforts, the Company produces demonstrator models that are used by the Company’s sales representatives and distributors. To increase exposure to its products, the Company also has served as the official recovery team for many automobile racing events, including the Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta and Darlington NASCAR races, the Grand Prix in Miami, the Suzuka in Japan, the IMSA ‘‘24 Hours at Daytona,’’ Molson Indy, the Brickyard, and the Indy 500 races, among others.

               The Company routinely responds to requests for proposals or bid invitations in consultation with its local distributors. The Company’s products have been selected by the United States General Services Administration as an approved source for certain federal and defense agencies. The Company intends to continue to pursue government contracting opportunities.

               The towing and recovery equipment industry places heavy marketing emphasis on product exhibitions at national and regional trade shows. In order to focus its marketing efforts and to control marketing costs, the Company has reduced its participation in regional trade shows and now concentrates its efforts on five of the major trade shows each year. The Company works with its distributor network to concentrate on various regional shows.

               Product Warranties and Insurance

               The Company offers a 12-month limited manufacturer’s product and service warranty on its wrecker and car carrier products. The Company’s warranty generally provides for repair or replacement of failed parts or components. Warranty service is usually performed by the Company or an authorized distributor. Management believes that the Company maintains adequate general liability and product liability insurance.

               Backlog

               The Company produces virtually all of its products to order. The Company’s backlog is based upon customer purchase orders that the Company believes are firm. The level of backlog at any particular time, however, is not an appropriate indicator of the future operating performance of the Company. Certain purchase orders are subject to cancellation by the customer upon notification. Given the Company’s production and delivery schedules management believes that the current backlog represents less than three months of production.

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               Competition

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

               Traditionally, the capital requirements for entry into the towing and recovery manufacturing industry have been relatively low. Management believes a manufacturer’s capital resources and access to technological improvements have become a more integral component of success in recent years. Accordingly, management believes that the Company’s ownership of patents on certain of the industry’s leading technologies has given it a competitive advantage. Certain of the Company’s competitors may have greater financial and other resources and may provide more attractive dealer and retail customer financing alternatives than the Company.

               Employees

               At December 31, 2002, the Company employed approximately 1000 people in its towing and recovery equipment manufacturing and distribution operations. None of the Company’s employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, though its employees in France and England have certain similar rights provided by their respective government’s employment regulations. The United Auto Workers Union filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board for the employees at the Company’s Ooltewah, Tennessee plant. A vote on such representation took place on April 11, 2002. The Ooltewah manufacturing plant employees voted against joining the United Auto Workers Union. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

TOWING SERVICES - ROADONE

               In February 1997, the Company formed its towing services division, RoadOne, to build a national towing services network. During April 2000, the Company announced plans to accelerate its efforts to aggressively reduce expenses in the towing services segment at the corporate level, as well as in the field. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002 the Company’s management and board of directors approved a plan to dispose of certain identified assets, which primarily consisted of underperforming markets of the towing services segment. In October 2002, the Company made the decision to sell all remaining towing services operations. The Company substantially completed this process by December 31, 2002 and intends to fully complete this process during fiscal 2003, although there can be no assurance that this timetable can be met.

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               In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Company began reporting the entire towing services segment as discontinued operations as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2002. Accordingly, the depreciation of fixed assets ceased on October 1, 2002. As of such date, all assets, liabilities, and results of operations are separately presented as discontinued operations and all prior period financial information is presented to conform with this treatment.

               As of March 31, 2003, the Company had sold or closed 100 RoadOne terminals and had 14 terminals remaining to be sold. The Company expects to complete the sale of the remaining 14 terminals during 2003.

               Employees

               At December 31, 2002, the Company employed approximately 600 people at RoadOne. As of March 31, 2003 the Company employed approximately 450 people at RoadOne. The Company expects that the number of people employed at RoadOne will continue to decline as the towing services business is wound down. None of the Company’s RoadOne employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its employee relations to be good.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

               The development of the underlift parallel linkage and L-arms in 1982 is considered one of the most innovative developments in the wrecker industry in the last 25 years. This technology is significant primarily because it allows the damage-free towing of newer aerodynamic vehicles made of lighter weight materials. Patents for this technology were granted to an operating subsidiary of the Company in 1987 and 1989. These patents expire in mid-year 2004. This technology, particularly the L-arms, is used in a majority of the commercial wreckers today. Management believes that utilization of such devices without a license is an infringement of the Company’s patents. The Company has successfully litigated infringement lawsuits in which the validity of the Company’s patents on this technology was upheld, and successfully settled other lawsuits. The Company also holds a number of other utility and design patents covering other products, the Vulcan ‘‘scoop’’ wheel-retainer and the car carrier anti-tilt device. Company has also obtained the rights to use and develop certain technologies owned or patented by others. Pursuant to the terms of a consent judgment entered into in 2000 with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Company is required to offer non-exclusive royalty-bearing licenses to certain of the Company’s key patents to all tow truck and car carrier manufacturers.

               The Company’s trademarks ‘‘Century,’’ ‘‘Holmes,’’ ‘‘Champion,’’ “Challenger,” ‘‘Formula I,’’ ‘‘Eagle Claw Self-Loading Wheellift,’’ ‘‘Pro Star,’’ ‘‘Street Runner,’’ ‘‘Vulcan,’’ and ‘‘RoadOne,’’ among others, are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Management believes that the Company’s trademarks are well-recognized by dealers, distributors and end-users in their respective markets and are associated with a high level of quality and value.

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

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

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

               The Financial Services Group is subject to regulation under various federal, state and local laws which limit the interest rates, fees and other charges that may be charged by it or prescribe certain other terms of the financing documents that it enters into with its customers. Management believes that the additional administrative costs of complying with these regulations will not materially affect the operations of the Company.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Name

Age

Position with the Company

William G. Miller

56

Chairman of the Board

Jeffrey I. Badgley

50

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Frank Madonia

54

Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel

J. Vincent Mish

52

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
            President of Financial Services Group

               William G. Miller has served as Chairman of the Board since April 1994. From January 2002 to August 2002, Mr. Miller served as the Chief Executive Officer of Team Sports Entertainment, Inc., an OTC Bulletin Board company engaged in the business of sports and entertainment marketing and management, as well as Team Sports Entertainment’s subsidiary, Team Racing Auto Circuit. Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from April 1994 to June 1997, as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1997 to November 1997, and as President of the Company from April 1994 to June 1996. He served as Chairman of Miller Group, Inc., from August 1990 through May 1994, as its President from August 1990 to March 1993, and as its Chief Executive Officer from March 1993 until May 1994. Prior to 1987, Mr. Miller served in various management positions for Bendix Corporation, Neptune International Corporation, Wheelabrator-Frye Inc. and The Signal Companies, Inc.

               Jeffrey I. Badgley has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1997, as President since June 1996, and as a director since January 1996. Mr. Badgley served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company from June 1997 to November 1997, as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from June 1996 to June 1997 and as Vice-President of the Company from April 1994 to June 1996. In addition, Mr. Badgley serves as President of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. Mr. Badgley served as Vice President - Sales of Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. from 1988 to 1996. Mr. Badgley served as Vice President - Sales and Marketing of Challenger Wrecker Mfg., Inc., from 1982 until joining Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc.

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

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

ITEM 2.               PROPERTIES

               The Company operates four manufacturing facilities in the United States. The facilities are located in (i) Ooltewah, Tennessee, (ii) Hermitage, Pennsylvania, (iii) Mercer, Pennsylvania, and (iv) Greeneville, Tennessee. The Ooltewah plant, containing approximately 242,000 square feet, produces light and heavy duty wreckers; the Hermitage plant, containing approximately 95,000 square feet, produces car carriers; the Mercer plant, which was acquired in December 1997, contains approximately 110,000 square feet, produces car carriers and light duty wreckers; and the Greeneville plant, containing approximately 112,000 square feet, primarily produces car carriers and trailers.

               The Company operates two foreign manufacturing facilities located in the Lorraine region of France, which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 180,000 square feet, and one in Norfolk, England, which contains approximately 30,000 square feet.

               Management believes that its existing manufacturing facilities will allow the Company to meet anticipated demand for its products.

               In connection with its towing service companies, the Company owns property or has entered into leases for property for 14 towing services companies in four states. The Company has sold or is in the process of selling substantially all of these facilities. These facilities are utilized as offices for administrative and dispatch operations, garages for repair and upkeep of towing vehicles, and lots for storage and impounding of towed cars. RoadOne’s corporate offices are housed in the manufacturing plant in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

ITEM 3.               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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ITEM 4.               SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

               No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Registrant during the last three months of the period covered by this Annual Report.

PART II

ITEM 5.               MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

               The Registrant’s Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MLR.” The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for the period from May 1, 2000 through December 31, 2002, adjusted for the one-for-five reverse stock split that was effected October 1, 2001.

 

High

Low

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2001

   

     First Quarter

$ 19.38

$ 6.25

     Second Quarter

$ 10.00

$ 4.38

     Third Quarter

$  8.75

$ 2.19

     Fourth Quarter

$  7.50

$ 3.50

     

Eight Months Ended December 31, 2001

   

     May 1, 2001 to July 31, 2001

$  5.60

$ 3.10

     August 1, 2001 to October 31, 2001

$  7.05

$ 2.45

     November 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001

$  3.35

$ 2.10

     

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2002

   

     First Quarter

$  4.20

$ 2.30

     Second Quarter

$  3.95

$ 3.02

     Third Quarter

$  4.18

$ 2.31

     Fourth Quarter

$  3.65

$ 2.60

               The approximate number of holders of record and beneficial owners of Common Stock as of March 15, 2003 was 1,851 and 10,000, respectively.

               The Company has never declared cash dividends on the Common Stock. The Company intends to retain its earnings and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the payment of cash dividends will depend upon such factors as earnings, capital requirements, the Company’s financial condition, restrictions in financing agreements and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The payment of dividends by the Company is restricted by its revolving credit facility.

ITEM 6.               SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

               The following table presents selected statement of operations data and selected balance sheet data on a consolidated basis. We derived the selected historical consolidated financial data presented below from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes. You should read this data together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes.

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MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands except per share data)

 

Year Ended

Eight Months
Ended

Years Ended April 30,

 

December 31, 2002

December 31,
2001


2001


2000


1999


1998

Net sales

$ 203,059 

$ 142,445 

$ 212,885 

$ 261,907 

$ 231,691 

$ 192,705

Costs and expenses:

           

     Costs of operations

174,516 

122,753 

181,517 

220,602 

193,855 

156,250

Selling, general, and

           

     administrative expenses

17,434 

12,547 

20,663 

22,791 

22,463 

13,039

Special charges (1)

-- 

1,794 

--

2,770 

--

4,100

Interest expense, net

4,368 

1,055 

2,137 

6,036 

4,579 

2,834

Total costs and expenses

196,318 

138,149 

204,317 

252,199 

220,897 

176,223

Income (loss) from continuing operations
     before income taxes

6,741 

4,296 

8,568 

9,708 

10,794 

16,482

Income tax (benefit) provision

3,217 

2,419 

2,533 

6,505 

4,318 

6,593

Income (loss) from continuing operations

3,524 

1,877 

6,035 

3,203 

6,476 

9,889

Discontinued operations:

           

     Income (Loss) from discontinued operations

(26,146)

(24,041)

(18,176)

(96,159)

(6,361)

4,177

          operations, before income taxes

           

     Income tax (benefit) provision

1,260 

(577)

(5,707)

(19,813)

(2,092)

1,400

     Loss from discontinued operations
          net of taxes

(27,406)

(23,464)

(12,469)

(76,346)

(4,269)

2,777

Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of

(23,882)

(21,587)

(6,434)

(73,143)

2,207 

12,666

     change in accounting principle

           

     Cumulative effect of change in accounting
           principle

(21,812)

       -  

-

Net income (loss)

$ (45,694)

$ (21,587)

$ (6,434)