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EX-21 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex21.htm
EX-23 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex23.htm
EX-31.1 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex31-1.htm
EX-32.1 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex32-1.htm
EX-32.2 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex32-2.htm
EX-31.2 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex31-2.htm
EX-14.2 - LCI INDUSTRIESv177000_ex14-2.htm

UNITED STATES
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, 2009
 
or
 
o    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECUTITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from                                               to ___________________

Commission file number: 
001-13646

Drew Industries Incorporated 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
13-3250533
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

    200 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY
10601           
    (Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)       

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (914) 428-9098      

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01
 
New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the securities Act.
¨ Yes  x No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
£ Yes  x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  x Yes  £ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to the Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). £ Yes  £ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K.  x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). £ Yes  x No

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $225,918,593. Registrant has no non-voting common stock.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, as of the latest practicable date (February 26, 2010) was 21,973,608 shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Proxy Statement with respect to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 19, 2010 is incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12 and 14 of Part III.
 

 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies or synergies, competitive position, growth opportunities for existing products, plans and objectives of management, markets for the Company’s Common Stock and other matters. Statements in this Form 10-K that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”).

Forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to our future business prospects, revenues, expenses, income (loss), cash flow, and financial condition, whenever they occur in this Form 10-K are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management at the time such statements were made, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. You should consider forward-looking statements, therefore, in light of various important factors, including those set forth in this Form 10-K, and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

There are a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, in addition to other matters described in this Form 10-K, pricing pressures due to domestic and foreign competition, costs and availability of raw materials (particularly steel and related components, vinyl, aluminum, glass and ABS resin), availability of credit for financing the retail and wholesale purchase of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles (“RVs”), inventory levels of dealers and manufacturers, levels of repossessed manufactured homes and RVs, the disposition into the market by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), by sale or otherwise, of RVs or manufactured homes purchased by FEMA, changes in zoning regulations for manufactured homes, sales declines in either the RV or manufactured housing industries, the financial condition of our customers, the financial condition of retail dealers of RVs and manufactured homes, retention of significant customers, interest rates, oil and gasoline prices, and the outcome of litigation. In addition, national and regional economic conditions and consumer confidence affect the retail sale of RVs and manufactured homes.

PART I

Item 1.  BUSINESS.

Summary

Drew Industries Incorporated (“Drew” or the “Company” or the “Registrant”) has two reportable operating segments: the recreational vehicle (“RV”) products segment (the “RV Segment”), and the manufactured housing products segment (the “MH Segment”). The RV Segment accounted for 79 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009, and the MH Segment accounted for 21 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009. Nearly 93 percent of the Company’s RV Segment sales were of products for travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs. The balance represents sales of components for motorhomes and mid-size buses, and sales of specialty trailers for hauling boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment, as well as axles for specialty trailers. Drew’s operations are conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kinro, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Kinro”), and Lippert Components, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Lippert”), each of which has operations in both the RV Segment and the MH Segment.

Over the last ten years, the Company acquired a number of manufacturers of products for RVs, manufactured homes, and specialty trailers, expanded its geographic market and product lines, consolidated manufacturing facilities, and integrated manufacturing, distribution and administrative functions. At December 31, 2009, the Company operated 24 manufacturing facilities in 12 states, and achieved consolidated net sales of $398 million for the year.

 
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The Company was incorporated under the laws of Delaware on March 20, 1984, and is the successor to Drew National Corporation, which was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1962. The Company's principal executive and administrative offices are located at 200 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601; telephone number (914) 428-9098; website www.drewindustries.com; e-mail drew@drewindustries.com. The Company makes available free of charge on its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K (and amendments to those reports) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed.

Recent Developments

Sales and Profits During the Recession

In Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we describe in detail the effect on our operations of the substantial decline in sales in both the RV Segment and the MH Segment during 2009 and 2008.

Briefly, during 2008, as a result of the severe economic downturn and the resulting decline in shipments by the RV and manufactured housing industries, the two industries to which we sell our products, we suffered a 24 percent decline in our sales from $669 million in 2007 to $511 million in 2008. Our net income declined 71 percent from $39.8 million in 2007 to $11.7 million in 2008, after giving effect to $4.9 million of after-tax charges related to goodwill impairment and executive retirement.

During the first six months of 2009, the economy and the industries we serve remained weak. As a result, we experienced a 45 percent decline in our sales from $310 million in the first six months of 2008 to $172 million in the first six months of 2009. In the first six months of 2009, we reported a net loss of $34.1 million, including a non-cash after-tax charge of $29.4 million related to a goodwill impairment, as compared to net income of $18.3 million in the first six months of 2008.

The decline in our results for 2008 and the first six months of 2009 would have been substantially greater had it not been for an aggressive program of cost-cutting measures and efficiency improvements implemented beginning in the latter part of 2006, as well as the introduction of a variety of new products. The benefits of these cost-cutting measures will be realized for years to come. Collectively, the fixed cost reductions since 2006 have improved our annual operating profit by nearly $25 million as compared to what our results would have been if these steps had not been taken.

During the second half of 2009, industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailer and fifth-wheel RVs, the Company’s primary RV market, increased 32 percent compared to the second half of 2008, while manufactured housing industry-wide production declined by 33 percent. As a result, our sales increased to $226 million in the second half of 2009, or 13 percent over the same period in 2008, and we reported net income of $10.1 million in the second half of 2009 as compared to a net loss of $6.6 million in the comparable period of 2008.

Our sales for the first two months of 2010 more than doubled to over $90 million, compared to less than $44 million in the same period of 2009, when most RV producers were shut down for extended periods of time. Nearly all of this increase was in sales of the Company’s RV products. Sales of manufactured housing products increased approximately 3 percent as compared to the first two months of 2009.

On February 19, 2010, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (“RVIA”) published its latest forecast of industry-wide wholesale shipments for 2010, which projects a 31 percent increase in the shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs as compared to 2009. There is no assurance that this RV industry-wide wholesale shipments level will be achieved. There are no industry forecasts for the manufactured housing industry.

Liquidity

During 2009, in large part because of inventory reduction, as well as cost-cutting and efficiency improvements, the Company generated significant cash flow. As a result, at December 31, 2009, the Company had no debt and $65 million in cash and short-term investments.

 
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The Company and its subsidiaries have a $50 million revolving line of credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which expires in December 2011, and a $125 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and its affiliates, which expires in November 2011. Aggregate borrowing availability under these facilities at December 31, 2009 was $37.8 million.

Acquisitions

On May 15, 2009, Lippert acquired the patents for the QuickBiteTM coupler, and other intellectual properties and assets. The innovative design of the QuickBiteTM automatic dual-jaw locking system eliminates several steps when coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle, while at the same time making coupling simpler through the use of an integrated alignment system. The minimum aggregate purchase price was $0.5 million, of which $0.3 million was paid at closing from available cash, with the balance to be paid on May 15, 2010. In addition, Lippert will pay an earn-out of $2.50 per unit sold, up to a maximum of $2.5 million, during the life of the patents.

On September 11, 2009, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a tool box containing a slide-out storage tray. This newly-designed product, used in pick-up trucks, tow trucks and other mobile service vehicles, is being produced at the Company’s existing manufacturing plants, with existing management, utilizing production techniques with which the Company has extensive experience. The purchase price was $0.4 million, which was paid at closing from available cash.

On September 29, 2009, Kinro acquired certain inventory and equipment used for the production of front entry doors for manufactured homes, which will increase Kinro’s content per manufactured home and add a new product category. Kinro began to manufacture entry doors at plants in Indiana and South Carolina in the 2009 fourth quarter. The purchase price was $0.9 million, which was paid at closing from available cash.

On February 18, 2010, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a six-point leveling system for fifth-wheel RVs. The purchase price was $1.4 million paid at closing with available cash, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales of the system in excess of certain sales hurdles.

On February 18, 2010, the Company reported that Lippert agreed in principle to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets from Michigan-based Schwintek, Inc. The purchase would include several products for which patents are pending, including innovative RV wall slides that are considerably lighter, more space efficient, and more reliable than previous slide-out designs. The purchase price, undisclosed at the time of the announcement, is expected to include cash payable at closing, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales. It is expected that the cash portion of the purchase price payable at closing will be funded from available cash. Closing of the transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, agreement on final terms and conditions, the execution of definitive transaction documents, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

RV Segment

Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company manufactures and markets a number of components used in the production of RVs, primarily travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, including:

Towable RV steel chassis
 
Aluminum windows and screens
Towable RV axles and suspension solutions
 
Chassis components
RV slide-out mechanisms and solutions
 
Furniture and mattresses
Thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products
 
Entry and baggage doors
Toy hauler ramp doors
 
Entry steps
Manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer
 
Other towable accessories
and lifting systems
 
Specialty trailers for hauling boats, personal
   
watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment

In 2009, the RV Segment represented 79 percent of the Company's consolidated net sales, and 84 percent of consolidated segment operating profit. Nearly 93 percent of the Company’s RV Segment sales are of products used in travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs. The balance represents sales of components for motorhomes and mid-size buses, and sales of specialty trailers, as well as axles for specialty trailers.

 
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Raw materials used by the Company's RV Segment, consisting primarily of fabricated steel (coil, sheet, tube and I-beam), extruded aluminum, glass, fabric and polyfoam are available from a number of sources, both domestic and foreign.

Operations of the Company's RV Segment consist primarily of fabricating, welding, painting and assembling components into finished products, and tempering glass. The Company's RV Segment operations are conducted at 15 manufacturing and warehouse facilities throughout the United States, strategically located in proximity to the customers they serve. Of these facilities, 6 also conduct operations in the Company's MH Segment. See Item 2. “Properties.”

The Company's RV Segment products are sold primarily to major manufacturers of RVs such as Thor Industries (symbol: THO), Forest River (a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, symbol: BRKA), and Heartland Recreational Vehicles.

The Company's RV Segment operations compete on the basis of price, customer service, product quality, and reliability. Although definitive information is not readily available, the Company believes that (i) its market share for most of its towable RV window and door products exceeds 75 percent; (ii) the two leading suppliers of RV chassis and chassis parts are the Company and Dexter, a division of Tomkins plc, and the Company's market share for RV chassis, chassis parts and slide-out mechanisms for travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs is approximately 70 percent; (iii) the leading suppliers of axles for towable RVs are the Company, Al-Ko Kober and Dexter, and the Company’s market share for axles for towable RVs is approximately 50 percent; and (iv) its market share for upholstered furniture for RVs is approximately 30 percent, and the Company competes with several other manufacturers. See Item 1. “Business – Intellectual Property” for a description of the patent license agreement applicable to certain of the Company’s slide-out mechanisms.

Detailed narrative information about the results of operations of the RV Segment is included in Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

MH Segment

Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company manufactures and markets a number of components for new and aftermarket manufactured homes and, to a lesser extent, modular housing and office units, including:

Vinyl and aluminum windows and screens
 
Steel chassis
Thermoformed bath and kitchen products
 
Steel chassis parts
Axles
 
Entry doors

In 2009, the MH Segment represented 21 percent of the Company's consolidated net sales, and 16 percent of consolidated segment operating profit. Certain of the Company’s MH Segment customers manufacture both manufactured homes and modular homes, and certain of the products manufactured by the Company are suitable for both manufactured homes and modular homes. As a result, the Company is not always able to determine in which type of home its products are installed. The MH Segment also supplies related products to other industries, representing less than 5 percent of sales of this segment.

Raw materials used by the Company's MH Segment, consisting of fabricated steel (coil, sheet, and I-beam), extruded aluminum and vinyl, glass, and ABS resin, are available from a number of sources, both domestic and foreign.

Operations of the Company's MH Segment consist primarily of fabricating, welding, thermoforming, painting and assembling components into finished products. The Company's MH Segment operations are conducted at 15 manufacturing and warehouse facilities throughout the United States, strategically located in proximity to the customers they serve. Of these facilities, 6 also conduct operations in the Company's RV Segment. See Item 2. “Properties.”

 
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The Company's manufactured housing products are sold primarily to major builders of manufactured homes such as Clayton Homes (a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, symbol: BRKA) and Skyline Corporation (symbol: SKY) and, to a lesser extent, to distributors of aftermarket products.

The Company's MH Segment competes on the basis of price, customer service, product quality, and reliability. Although definitive information is not readily available, the Company believes that (i) it is the leading supplier of windows for manufactured homes, and the Company's market share for windows and screens exceeds 75 percent; (ii) the Company's manufactured housing chassis and chassis parts operations compete with several other manufacturers of chassis and chassis parts, as well as with builders of manufactured homes, most of which produce their own chassis and chassis parts, and the Company’s market share for chassis and chassis parts for manufactured homes is approximately 25 percent; (iii) the Company’s thermoformed bath and kitchen unit operation competes with three other manufacturers of bath and kitchen units and the Company’s market share for bath and kitchen products in the product lines the Company supplies exceeds 50 percent.

Detailed narrative information about the results of operations of the MH Segment is included in Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Sales and Marketing

Other than the activities of its sales personnel and maintenance of customer relationships through price, quality of its products, service, and customer satisfaction, the Company does not engage in significant marketing efforts, and does not incur significant marketing or advertising expenditures.

The Company has several supply agreements or other arrangements with certain of its customers that provide for prices of various products to be fixed for periods generally not in excess of eighteen months; however, in certain cases the Company has the right to renegotiate the prices on sixty-days’ notice. Both the RV Segment and the MH Segment typically ship products on average within one to two weeks of receipt of orders from their customers and, as a result, neither segment has any significant backlog.

The Company’s operations are somewhat seasonal, as sales are typically slower in the first and fourth quarters, consistent with the industries which the Company supplies.

Capacity

In 2009, the Company’s facilities operated at an average of approximately 45 percent of their practical capacity, and typically ran one shift of production per day. Therefore, when demand increased in the RV industry in the latter part of 2009, the Company had the ability to increase production, and could substantially increase production should demand increase further in the RV or manufactured housing industries. Due to seasonal demand, capacity utilization varies during the year. Capacity utilization also varies significantly by product line and geographic region. At December 31, 2009, the Company operated 24 facilities, and for most products has the ability to fill demand in excess of capacity at individual facilities by shifting production to other facilities, but the Company would incur additional freight costs. Capital expenditures for 2009 were $3.1 million. The ability to expand capacity in certain product areas, if necessary, as well as the potential to reallocate existing resources, is monitored regularly by management.

Intellectual Property

The Company manufactures and sells certain of its slide-out mechanisms pursuant to a non-exclusive license granted by the exclusive licensee and owner of three patents until October 24, 2017, the date of the last to expire of the patents. Pursuant to the license, remaining royalties are payable by the Company on an annual basis until expiration of the patents at the rate of one percent of sales of certain slide-out mechanisms produced by the Company. For 2009, the Company paid royalties of $0.2 million on sales of applicable slide-out systems. Pursuant to the license, aggregate royalty payments subsequent to December 31, 2009 through the expiration of the patents cannot exceed $4.3 million.

 
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The Company holds several United States patents and patent applications that relate to various products sold by the Company, and has granted certain licenses that permit third parties to manufacture and sell products in consideration for royalty payments. While the Company believes that its patents are valuable, and vigorously protects its patents when appropriate, none of the individual patent rights is essential to the Company or its business segments.

From time to time, the Company has received notices that it may be infringing certain patent rights of others, and the Company has given notices to others that they may be infringing certain patent rights of the Company. Although the Company has asserted patent infringement claims against others, no material litigation is currently pending as a result of these claims.

Regulatory Matters

Windows and entry doors produced by the Company for manufactured homes must comply with performance and construction regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association relating to air and water infiltration, structural integrity, thermal performance, emergency exit conformance, and hurricane resistance. Certain of the Company’s products must also comply with the International Code Council standards, such as the IRC (International Residential Code), the IBC (International Building Code), and the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) as well as state and local building codes. Thermoformed bath products manufactured by the Company for manufactured homes must comply with performance and construction regulations promulgated by HUD.

Windows and doors produced by the Company for the RV industry are regulated by The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (“DOT”) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) division of the DOT governing safety glass performance, egressability, door hinge and lock systems, egress window retention hardware, and baggage door ventilation.

New tires distributed by the Company are subject to regulations promulgated by DOT and by HUD relating to weight tolerance, maximum speed, size and components.

Trailers produced by the Company for hauling boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment must comply with regulations promulgated by the NHTSA and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards relating to lighting, breaking, wheels, tires and other vehicle systems.

Rules promulgated under the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (the “Tread Act”) require manufacturers of motor vehicles and certain motor vehicle related equipment to regularly make reports and submit documents and certain historical data to NHTSA to enhance motor vehicle safety, and to respond to requests for information relating to specific complaints or incidents.

Upholstered products and mattresses produced by the Company for motorized RVs must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards promulgated by NHTSA and regulations promulgated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission regarding flammability. Plywood, particleboard and fiberboard used in these products are required to comply with standards for formaldehyde emission levels promulgated by the California Air Resources Board and adopted by the RVIA.

The Company's operations are also subject to certain Federal, state and local regulatory requirements relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals used during their manufacturing processes.

The Company believes that it is currently operating in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and has made reports and submitted information as required. The Company does not believe that the expense of compliance with these laws and regulations, as currently in effect, will have a material effect on the Company's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

 
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Employees

The number of persons employed full-time by the Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 was 3,054, compared to 2,223 at December 31, 2008 and 3,499 at December 31, 2007. Of the total at December 31, 2009, 2,675 were in manufacturing and product research and development, 102 in transportation, 23 in sales, 61 in customer support and servicing, and 193 in administration. None of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to collective bargaining agreements. The Company and its subsidiaries believe that relations with its employees are good.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

Industry Risk Factors

Economic and business conditions beyond our control have had a significant adverse impact on our earnings, and these conditions may continue.

Our net sales in 2009 fell 22 percent compared to 2008, which adversely impacted our operating results. We attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including the weak economy and resulting recession, tight credit, low consumer confidence, and the deterioration in the real estate and mortgage markets. As a result of these conditions, which may continue, dealers reduced inventories and consumers have been cautious about making purchases of discretionary “big-ticket” items such as RVs and manufactured homes. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

The severe decline in the retail demand and wholesale production of RVs and manufactured homes has reduced the demand for our products. Our annual results of operations could decline if industry conditions worsen.

Reductions in the availability of wholesale financing limits the inventories carried by retail dealers of RVs and manufactured homes, which causes reduced production of RVs and manufactured homes and reduced demand for our products.

Retail dealers of RVs and manufactured homes generally finance their purchases of inventory with financing known as floor-plan financing provided by lending institutions. Reduction in the availability of floor-plan financing would cause many dealers to reduce inventories of RVs and manufactured homes, which would result in reduced production of RVs and manufactured homes, resulting in reduced demand for our products.

Moreover, dealers which are unable to obtain adequate financing could cease operations. Their remaining inventories would likely be sold at deep discounts. Such sales would cause a decline in orders for new inventory, which would reduce demand for our products.

The recession and conditions in the credit market have limited, and could continue to limit, the ability of consumers to obtain financing for RVs and manufactured homes, resulting in reduced demand for our products.

As a result of the recession and the factors leading to it, there have been significant changes in the lending practices of financial institutions, and many lenders have severely restricted loan availability. Limitations on the availability of financing for RVs and manufactured homes limit the ability of consumers to purchase RVs and manufactured homes, resulting in reduced production, and reduced demand for our products.

Limited availability of financing for manufactured homes and higher costs of this financing limits the ability of consumers to purchase manufactured homes, which would result in reduced demand for our products.

Loans used to finance the purchase of manufactured homes usually have shorter terms and higher interest rates, and are more difficult to obtain than mortgages for site-built homes. Historically, lenders required higher down payment, higher credit scores and other criteria for these loans. Current lending criteria are even higher, and many potential buyers of manufactured homes may not qualify.

 
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The availability, cost, and terms of these loans are also dependent on economic conditions, lending practices of financial institutions, governmental policies, and other factors, all of which are beyond our control. Reductions in the availability of financing for manufactured homes and increases in the costs of this financing have limited, and could continue to limit, the ability of consumers to purchase manufactured homes, resulting in reduced production of manufactured homes and reduced demand for our products.

Excess inventories at dealers and manufacturers can cause a decline in the demand for our products.

As a result of the severe decline in sales of RVs and manufactured homes, dealers and manufacturers of RVs and manufactured homes carried excess unsold inventory. Existence of excess inventory can cause a reduction in orders for new RVs and manufactured homes, which would cause a decline in demand for our products.

High levels of repossessions of manufactured homes and RVs could cause manufacturers to reduce production of new manufactured homes and RVs, resulting in reduced demand for our products.

Repossessed manufactured homes and RVs are resold by lenders, often at substantially reduced prices, which reduces the demand for new manufactured homes and RVs. Economic conditions could result in loan defaults and cause high levels of repossessions, which would cause manufacturers to reduce production of new manufactured homes and RVs, resulting in reduced demand for our products.

Gasoline shortages, or high prices for gasoline, could lead to reduced demand for our products.

Travel trailer and fifth-wheel RVs, components for which represent nearly 93 percent of our RV Segment sales, are usually towed by light trucks or SUVs. Generally, these vehicles use more fuel than automobiles, particularly while towing RVs. High prices for gasoline, or anticipation of potential fuel shortages, can affect consumer use and purchase of light trucks and SUVs, which would result in reduced demand for fifth-wheel RVs and travel trailers, and therefore reduced demand for our products.

Disposition into the market by FEMA of RVs or manufactured homes could result in reduced demand for our products.

From time to time, FEMA purchases RVs or manufactured homes for use in connection with natural disasters or other circumstances resulting in home displacements. Used or unused RVs or manufactured homes may later be disposed of by FEMA by sale or otherwise. Disposition of these RVs and manufactured homes in the market could reduce demand for new RVs and manufactured homes causing manufacturers to reduce production, which would result in reduced demand for our products.

The manufactured housing industry has been experiencing a significant decline in shipments, which may continue.

Our MH Segment, which accounted for 21 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009, operates in an industry which has been experiencing a decline in production of new homes since 1998. The downturn was caused, in part, by limited availability of financing, and has been exacerbated by economic conditions.

Moreover, because of the weak market for conventional housing, retirees may not be able to sell their primary residences, or may be unwilling to sell at currently depressed prices, and purchase less expensive manufactured homes. In addition, the availability of foreclosed site-built homes at reduced prices could impact the demand for manufactured homes.

If these conditions persist, it is not likely that the manufactured housing industry will improve in the short-term, and certain of our customers could experience financial difficulties. These factors could result in reduced demand for products from our MH Segment, as well as difficulties in collecting accounts receivable.

 
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Changes in zoning regulations for manufactured homes could lead to reduced demand for our products.

Manufactured housing communities and individual home placements are subject to local zoning regulations. In the past, there has been resistance by local property owners and zoning officials to zoning ordinances allowing the location of manufactured homes in certain areas comprised of conventional residences. Continued resistance to these zoning ordinances could have an adverse impact on sales and production of manufactured homes, which would reduce demand for our products.

Recently enacted legislation and regulatory changes relating to the financial services industry could impact the industries we serve which could result in reduced demand for our products.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (“SAFE Act”) was signed into law in July, 2008. The SAFE Act is intended to establish, within one year from its passage, minimum state standards for licensing and registration of mortgage lenders, brokers and originators. According to the RVIA and the Manufactured Housing Institute, this legislation could make loans for RVs and manufactured homes more difficult to obtain, resulting in fewer sales of RVs and manufactured homes, and less demand for our products.

Company-specific Risk Factors

Volatile raw material costs could adversely impact our financial condition and operating results.

The prices we pay for steel, which represents about 50 percent of our raw material costs, and other key raw materials, have been volatile.

Because competition and business conditions may limit the amount or timing of increases in raw material costs that can be passed through to customers in the form of price increases, future increases in raw material costs could adversely impact our financial condition and operating results. Conversely, as raw material costs decline, we may not be able to maintain selling prices consistent with higher cost raw materials in our inventory, which could adversely affect our operating results.

Inadequate supply of raw materials used to make our products could adversely impact our financial condition and operating results.

If raw materials or components that are used in manufacturing our products, particularly those which we import, become unavailable, or if the supply of these raw materials and components is interrupted, our manufacturing operations could be adversely affected. The Company currently imports approximately 15 percent of its raw materials and components.

We are involved in certain litigation, which, if decided against us, could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition.

A case is pending against Kinro, purporting to be a class action, in which it is alleged that certain bathtubs manufactured by Kinro for use in manufactured homes fail to comply with certain safety standards relating to flame spread. Kinro denies the allegations, is vigorously defending against the claims, and based on extensive investigation, believes that the bathtubs are in compliance with applicable regulations. Further detail regarding the litigation is provided in this Form 10-K in Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.”

The loss of any customer accounting for more than 10 percent of our consolidated net sales, and the consolidation of customers in our industry, could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

One customer of the RV Segment accounted for 25 percent, and another customer of both the RV Segment and the MH Segment accounted for 24 percent, of our consolidated net sales in 2009. The loss of either of these customers could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

In addition, the concentration of sales of our products to fewer customers as a result of consolidation of manufacturers in the industries we serve could adversely impact our operating results.

 
10

 

The financial condition of several of our significant customers could adversely impact our financial condition and operating results.

Financial difficulties experienced by certain of our significant customers as a result of the sharp decline in sales of RVs and manufactured homes could result in reduced demand for our products, as well as losses due to the inability to collect accounts receivable.

Competitive pressures could reduce demand for our products.

Domestic and foreign competitors may lower prices on products which currently compete with our products, or develop product improvements, which could reduce demand for our products. In addition, the manufacture by our customers of products supplied by us could reduce demand for our products.

Non-cash charges for impairment of long-lived other intangible assets may be required.

The declines in the industries to which we sell our products have been severe, and demand for our products has declined. Continuation of the decline in these industries could result in non-cash impairment charges.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES.

The Company’s manufacturing operations are conducted at facilities that are used for both manufacturing and warehousing. In addition, the Company maintains administrative facilities used for corporate and administrative functions. At December 31, 2009, the Company's properties were as follows:

RV SEGMENT
 
                       
City
 
State
 
Square Feet
   
Owned
   
Leased
 
Rialto (1)
 
California
    56,430      
P
       
Fitzgerald (1)
 
Georgia
    15,800      
P
       
Burley
 
Idaho
    17,000              
P
 
Goshen (1)
 
Indiana
    385,000      
P
         
Goshen
 
Indiana
    171,000      
P
         
Goshen
 
Indiana
    134,500      
P
         
Goshen
 
Indiana
    87,800      
P
         
Goshen (1)
 
Indiana
    81,200      
P
         
Topeka
 
Indiana
    67,560              
P
 
Goshen
 
Indiana
    65,000              
P
 
Goshen
 
Indiana
    53,500    
 
P
         
Pendleton
 
Oregon
    56,800      
P
         
McMinnville (1)
 
Oregon
    17,850      
P
         
Waxahachie (1)
 
Texas
    43,050      
P
         
Kaysville
 
Utah
    75,000              
P
 
          1,327,490 (2)                

(1)
These plants also produce products for manufactured homes. The square footage indicated above represents that portion of the building that is utilized for manufacture of products for RVs.
     
(2)
At December 31, 2008, the Company’s RV Segment used an aggregate of 1,466,379 square feet for manufacturing and warehousing.

 
11

 

MH SEGMENT
 
                       
City
 
State
 
Square Feet
   
Owned
   
Leased
 
Double Springs
 
Alabama
    109,000      
P
       
Rialto (1)
 
California
    6,270      
P
       
Ocala
 
Florida
    47,100      
P
       
Cairo
 
Georgia
    105,000      
P
       
Fitzgerald (1)
 
Georgia
    63,200      
P
       
Nampa
 
Idaho
    83,500      
P
       
Goshen
 
Indiana
    110,000      
P
       
Middlebury
 
Indiana
    61,113      
P
       
Goshen (1)
 
Indiana
    25,000      
P
       
Goshen (1)
 
Indiana
    14,500      
P
       
Arkansas City
 
Kansas
    7,800              
P
 
McMinnville (1)
 
Oregon
    17,850      
P
         
Denver
 
Pennsylvania
    40,200              
P
 
Chester
 
South Carolina
    78,579              
P
 
Waxahachie (1)
 
Texas
    156,950      
P
         
          926,062 (2)                

(1)
These plants also produce products for RVs. The square footage indicated above represents that portion of the building that is utilized for manufacture of products for manufactured homes.
     
(2)
At December 31, 2008, the Company’s MH Segment used an aggregate of 1,092,283 square feet for manufacturing and warehousing.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE
 
   
City
 
State
 
Square Feet
   
Owned
   
Leased
 
White Plains
 
New York
    4,059            
P
 
Goshen
 
Indiana
    22,000            
P
 
Goshen
 
Indiana
    15,500      
P
         
Arlington
 
Texas
    10,473              
P
 
Phoenix
 
Arizona
     1,000              
P
 
          53,032                  

At December 31, 2009, the Company owned the following facilities and vacant land not currently used in production, having an aggregate book value of $12.2 million:

City
 
State
 
Square Feet
 
Boaz
 
Alabama
    86,600  
Phoenix *
 
Arizona
    61,000  
Fontana *
 
California
    108,800  
Elkhart *
 
Indiana
    100,000  
Bristol
 
Indiana
    97,500  
Howe
 
Indiana
    60,000  
Elkhart
 
Indiana
    42,000  
Dayton
 
Tennessee
    100,000  
Middlebury
 
Indiana
 
12 acres of land
 
Arkansas City
 
Kansas
 
5 acres of land
 

* Currently leased to a third party.

 
12

 

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On or about January 3, 2007, an action was commenced in the United States District Court, Central District of California, entitled Gonzalez vs. Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership d/b/a Better Bath Components; Skyline Corporation, and Skylines Homes, Inc. (Case No. CV06-08233). The case purports to be a class action on behalf of the named plaintiff and all others similarly situated in California. Plaintiff initially alleged, but has not sought certification of, a national class.

On April 1, 2008, the Court issued an order granting Drew’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, resulting in the dismissal of Drew Industries Incorporated as one of the defendants in the case.

Plaintiff alleges that certain bathtubs manufactured by Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Kinro, and sold under the name “Better Bath” for use in manufactured homes, fail to comply with certain safety standards relating to flame spread established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). Plaintiff alleges, among other things, that sale of these products is in violation of various provisions of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1770 et seq.), the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2301 et seq.), the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1790 et seq.), and the California Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 17200 et seq.).

Plaintiff seeks to require defendants to notify members of the class of the allegations in the proceeding and the claims made, to repair or replace the allegedly defective products, to reimburse members of the class for repair, replacement and consequential costs, to cease the sale and distribution of the allegedly defective products, and to pay actual and punitive damages and plaintiff’s attorneys fees.

On January 29, 2008, the Court issued an Order denying certification of a class with plaintiff Gonzalez as the class representative because she no longer owned the bathtub. On March 10, 2008, plaintiff amended her complaint to include an additional plaintiff, Robert Royalty. Plaintiff Royalty states that his bathtub was not tested to determine whether it complies with HUD standards. Rather, his allegations are based on “information and belief”, including the testing of plaintiff Gonzalez’s bathtub and other evidence. Kinro denies plaintiff Royalty’s allegations.

On June 25, 2008, plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification and the Court again denied certification of a class. Plaintiffs filed a third motion for class certification on December 23, 2008, and Defendants’ filed a motion seeking summary judgment against plaintiffs’ case.

On May 18, 2009, the Court issued an Order granting partial summary judgment in favor of defendants, dismissing five of the six claims asserted by plaintiffs, except for plaintiffs’ claim for violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law (the “UCL”). The Court also granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification as to that one claim. The Court denied Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the UCL claim on the ground that there was a triable issue of fact as to whether the alleged misrepresentation on defendants’ labels regarding testing for flame spread rate caused plaintiffs to purchase the manufactured homes containing bathtubs manufactured by Kinro.

On August 26, 2009, as a result of a decision by the California Supreme Court in an unrelated case dealing with a similar UCL claim, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ remaining UCL claim because plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendants’ labels when they bought the homes containing the bathtubs. However, the Court concluded that simply selling bathtubs which may fail to satisfy Federal standards may violate the “unfair prong” of the UCL, even if plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendant’s labels.

On September 11, 2009, defendants filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a Petition for Permission to Appeal, on an interlocutory basis, that part of the District Court’s ruling that certified a class to pursue a claim under the “unfair prong” of the UCL. On December 11, 2009, the Appeals Court issued an Order denying defendants’ permission to appeal the District Court’s ruling at this point in the case, but the Appeals Court did not address the merits of the case.

 
13

 

Defendant Kinro has conducted a comprehensive investigation of the allegations made in connection with the claims, including with respect to the HUD safety standards, prior test results, testing procedures, and the use of labels. In addition, at Kinro’s initiative, independent laboratories conducted multiple tests on materials used by Kinro in the manufacture of bathtubs, the results of which tests indicate that Kinro’s bathtubs are in compliance with HUD regulations.

Based on the foregoing investigation and testing, the District Court’s rulings dismissing plaintiffs’ six claims, and the ruling on “reliance” by the California Supreme Court, Kinro believes that, notwithstanding the District Court’s finding that plaintiffs may proceed with their claim that defendants may have violated the “unfair prong” of the UCL, plaintiffs may not be able to prove the essential elements of their claim. Defendants intend to vigorously defend against the claim, and intend to move for summary judgment dismissing the claim. In addition, Kinro believes that no remedial action is required or appropriate under HUD safety standards.

If the District Court maintains its rulings, denies defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to the claim based on the “unfair prong” of the UCL, and maintains its ruling granting plaintiffs’ motion for class certification with respect to that claim, and if plaintiffs pursue their claim, protracted litigation could result. Although the outcome of such litigation cannot be predicted, if certain essential findings are ultimately unfavorable to Kinro, the Company could sustain a material liability. The Company’s liability insurer denied coverage on the ground that plaintiffs did not sustain any personal injury or property damage.

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. All such matters are subject to uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. While these matters could materially affect operating results when resolved in future periods, it is management’s opinion that after final disposition, including anticipated insurance recoveries, any monetary liability or financial impact to the Company beyond that provided in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009, would not be material to the Company’s financial position or annual results of operations.
 
 
14

 
 
Item 4.  RESERVED.
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as of January 1, 2010. Additional information with respect to the Company’s Directors is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 19, 2010.

Name
 
Position
     
Edward W. Rose, III
(Age 68)
 
Lead Director of the Board of Directors since January 2009. Director since March 1984.
   
 
Leigh J. Abrams
(Age 67)
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2009. Director since March 1984.
     
Fredric M. Zinn
(Age 58)
 
Chief Executive Officer since January 2009, President and Director since May 2008.
     
James F. Gero
(Age 64)
 
Director since May 1992.
     
Frederick B. Hegi, Jr.
(Age 66)
 
Director since May 2002.
     
David A. Reed  
(Age 62)
 
Director since May 2003.
     
John B. Lowe, Jr.
(Age 70)
 
Director since May 2005.
 
   
Jason D. Lippert  
(Age 37)
 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Lippert Components, Inc. since February  2003, and  President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinro, Inc. since January 2009. Director since May 2007.
   
 
Joseph S. Giordano III
(Age 40)
 
Chief Financial Officer since May 2008, Treasurer since May 2003.
 
   
Scott T. Mereness
(Age 38)
  
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lippert Components, Inc. since February 2003, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kinro, Inc. since February 2010.

EDWARD W. ROSE, III, was Chairman of the Board of Directors from March 1984 to December 31, 2008. For more than the past five years, Mr. Rose has been President and sole stockholder of Cardinal Investment Company, Inc., an investment firm. Mr. Rose also served as a director of ACE Cash Express, Inc., a publicly-owned company engaged in check cashing services, until its sale in October 2006. From April 1999 to January 2003, Mr. Rose was a director of TX C.C., Inc., a privately-owned restaurant chain, against which an involuntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code was filed on February 21, 2003 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. A plan of reorganization was confirmed on January 28, 2004. Cardinal Investment Company, Inc., of which Mr. Rose is the sole stockholder, was an indirect General Partner of MJ Designs, L.P., a privately-owned retailer of arts and crafts products, which filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in January 2003 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, later converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation.

LEIGH J. ABRAMS, was Chief Executive Officer from March 1984 to December 31, 2008 and President until May 2008. Since April 2001, Mr. Abrams has also been a director of Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc., a publicly-owned specialty finance company organized as a real estate investment trust, and Lead Director of Impac Mortgage Holdings, Inc. since June 2004. Mr. Abrams is a Certified Public Accountant.

FREDRIC M. ZINN, was Executive Vice President from February 2001 to May 2008 and Chief Financial Officer from March 1984 to May 2008. Mr. Zinn is a Certified Public Accountant.

 
15

 

JAMES F. GERO, is a private investor. Mr. Gero also serves as Chairman of the Board of Orthofix International, N.V., a publicly-owned international supplier of orthopedic devices for bone fixation and stimulation, and as a director of Intrusion.com, Inc., a publicly-owned supplier of security software.

FREDERICK B. HEGI, JR., is a founding partner of Wingate Partners, a private equity firm, including the indirect general partner of each of Wingate Partners L.P. and Wingate Partners II, L.P. Since May 1982, Mr. Hegi has served as President of Valley View Capital Corporation, a private investment firm. Mr. Hegi is a director of Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc., a publicly-owned regional bank; and is Chairman of the Board of United Stationers, Inc., a publicly-owned wholesale distributor of business products. From 1986 until its acquisition in 2007, Mr. Hegi was a director of Lone Star Technologies, Inc., a diversified publicly-owned company engaged in the manufacture of tubular products. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Hegi was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kevco, Inc., a publicly-owned distributor of building products to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, which filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on February 5, 2001, later converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation.

DAVID A. REED, is President of Causeway Capital Management LLC, manager of a family investment partnership. Mr. Reed retired as Senior Vice Chair for Ernst & Young LLP in 2000 where he held several senior U.S. and global operating, administrative and marketing roles in his 26-year tenure with the firm. He served on Ernst & Young LLP’s Management Committee and Global Executive Council from 1991-2000. Mr. Reed is a director of Penson Worldwide, Inc., a publicly-owned company engaged in providing flexible technology-based processing solutions to the investment industry. From 2005 until its acquisition in 2007, Mr. Reed was a director of Lone Star Technologies, Inc., a diversified publicly-owned company engaged in the manufacture of tubular products.

JOHN B. LOWE, JR., has been Chairman of TDIndustries, Inc., a national mechanical/electrical/plumbing construction and facility service company, since 1981. From January 1981 to January 2005, Mr. Lowe also served as Chief Executive Officer of TDIndustries. Mr. Lowe is Chairman of the Board of Zale Corporation, a publicly-owned specialty retailer of fine jewelry, and is a director of KDC Platform, LLC, engaged in real estate development. Mr. Lowe also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Dallas Independent School District.

JASON D. LIPPERT, was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lippert Components, Inc., from May 2000 until February 2003, and served as Regional Director of Operations of Lippert Components, Inc. from 1998 until 2000. Mr. Lippert has been Chairman of Lippert Components, Inc. since January 2007, and Chairman of Kinro, Inc. since January 2009.

JOSEPH S. GIORDANO III, was Corporate Controller from May 2003 to May 2008. From July 1998 to August 2002, Mr. Giordano was a Senior Manager at KPMG LLP, and from August 2002 to April 2003, Mr. Giordano was a Senior Manager at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Giordano is a Certified Public Accountant.

SCOTT T. MERENESS, was Vice President of Operations of Lippert Components, Inc., from February 2001 to 2003, and was Vice President of Kinro, Inc., from January 2009 until February 2010. Mr. Mereness was Regional Vice President for Manufactured Housing for Lippert Components, Inc., from 1999 to 2001.

Other Officers

HARVEY F. MILMAN, has been Vice President-Chief Legal Officer of the Company since March 2005. Prior thereto, Mr. Milman was a partner of the firm of Phillips Nizer LLP, counsel to the Company. Mr. Milman has served as Secretary of the Company since May 2007, and as Assistant Secretary of the Company for more than five years prior thereto.

CHRISTOPHER L. SMITH, was Assistant Controller of the Company from August 2005 to May 2008, and has been Corporate Controller since May 2008. From January 2000 to June 2005, Mr. Smith served as Assistant Controller of Key Components, LLC, and from August 1997 to January 2000, Mr. Smith was Senior Associate at Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Smith is a Certified Public Accountant.

 
16

 

PART II

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

As of February 26, 2010, there were 558 holders of the Company’s Common Stock, in addition to beneficial owners of shares held in broker and nominee names. The Company’s Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DW”.

Information concerning the high and low closing prices of the Company’s Common Stock for each quarter during 2009 and 2008 is set forth in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Report.

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2009

   
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
   
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
 
Plan category
 
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,891,053     $ 22.67       1,090,019  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
Total
    1,891,053     $ 22.67       1,090,019  

Pursuant to the Drew Industries Incorporated 2002 Equity Award and Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2002 Equity Plan”), which was approved by stockholders in May 2002, the Company may grant to its directors, employees, and consultants Common Stock-based awards, such as stock options, restricted or deferred stock, and deferred stock units. The number of shares available for granting awards under the 2002 Equity Plan was 1,090,019 and 346,921 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in May 2009, stockholders approved an amendment to the 2002 Equity Plan to increase the number of shares available for awards by 900,000 shares. The 2002 Equity Plan is the Company’s only equity compensation plan.

 
17

 

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
The following table summarizes certain selected historical financial and operating information of the Company and is derived from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Historical financial data may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 7 and Item 8 of this Report, respectively.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
Operating Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 397,839     $ 510,506     $ 668,625     $ 729,232     $ 669,147  
Goodwill impairment
  $ 45,040     $ 5,487     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Executive retirement
  $ -     $ 2,667     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Operating (loss) profit
  $ (35,581 )   $ 19,898     $ 65,959     $ 55,295     $ 57,729  
(Loss) income before income taxes
  $ (36,370 )   $ 19,021     $ 63,344     $ 50,694     $ 54,063  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
  $ (12,317 )   $ 7,343     $ 23,577     $ 19,671     $ 20,461  
Net (loss) income
  $ (24,053 )   $ 11,678     $ 39,767     $ 31,023     $ 33,602  
                                         
Net (loss) income per common share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (1.10 )   $ 0.54     $ 1.82     $ 1.43     $ 1.60  
Diluted
  $ (1.10 )   $ 0.53     $ 1.80     $ 1.42     $ 1.56  
                                         
Financial Data:
                                       
Working capital
  $ 113,744     $ 84,378     $ 89,861     $ 61,979     $ 76,146  
Total assets
  $ 288,065     $ 311,358     $ 345,737     $ 311,276     $ 307,428  
Long-term obligations
  $ 8,243     $ 9,763     $ 23,128     $ 47,327     $ 64,768  
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 244,115     $ 258,878     $ 251,536     $ 204,888     $ 167,709  

Dividend Information

The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its outstanding shares of Common Stock. Future dividend policy with respect to the Common Stock will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in light of prevailing financial needs and earnings of the Company and other relevant factors. The Company’s dividend policy is not subject to restrictions in its financing agreements.
 
 
18

 

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Report.

The Company has two reportable segments, the recreational vehicle (“RV”) products segment (the “RV Segment”) and the manufactured housing products segment (the “MH Segment”). The Company’s operations are conducted through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Kinro, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Kinro”) and Lippert Components, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Lippert”). Each has operations in both the RV and MH Segments. At December 31, 2009, the Company operated 24 plants in 12 states.

The RV Segment accounted for 79 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009 and 72 percent for 2008. The RV Segment manufactures a variety of products used primarily in the production of RVs, including:

Towable RV steel chassis
 
Aluminum windows and screens
Towable RV axles and suspension solutions
 
Chassis components
RV slide-out mechanisms and solutions
 
Furniture and mattresses
Thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products
 
Entry and baggage doors
Toy hauler ramp doors
 
Entry steps
Manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer
 
Other towable accessories
and lifting systems
 
Specialty trailers for hauling boats, personal
 
  
watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment

Nearly 93 percent of the Company’s RV Segment sales are of products used in travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs. The balance represents sales of components for motorhomes and mid-size buses, and sales of specialty trailers, as well as axles for specialty trailers. Travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs accounted for 83 percent and 78 percent of all RVs shipped by the industry in 2009 and 2008, respectively, up from 61 percent in 2001.

The MH Segment, which accounted for 21 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009, and 28 percent for 2008, manufactures a variety of products used in the production of manufactured homes and to a lesser extent, modular housing and office units, including:

Vinyl and aluminum windows and screens
 
Steel chassis
Thermoformed bath and kitchen products
 
Steel chassis parts
Axles
  
Entry doors

The Company also supplies replacement windows, doors, and thermoformed bath products for existing manufactured homes.

Sales of products other than components for RVs and manufactured homes are not considered significant. However, certain of the Company’s MH Segment customers manufacture both manufactured homes and modular homes, and certain of the products manufactured by the Company are suitable for both manufactured homes and modular homes. As a result, the Company is not always able to determine in which type of home its products are installed. Intersegment sales are insignificant.

The Company’s operations are somewhat seasonal, as sales are typically slower in the first and fourth quarters, consistent with the industries which the Company supplies.

 
19

 

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

Recreational Vehicle Industry

An RV is a vehicle designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use. RVs may be motorized (motorhomes) or towable (travel trailers, fifth-wheel travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers). 

During 2008, and continuing into the first six months of 2009, retail sales of RVs declined because of severe economic conditions, including low consumer confidence, limited credit availability for both dealers and consumers, and continued weakness in the real estate and mortgage markets. As a result, RV dealers reduced their inventory levels, and RV manufacturers significantly reduced their output. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, the Companys primary RV markets, declined 53 percent to 59,400 units for the first six months of 2009, which reduced sales by the Company of components for new RVs. However, during the second half of 2009, industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs increased 32 percent compared to the second half of 2008, to 78,900 units. This year over year increase in industry-wide wholesale shipments during the second half of 2009 was reportedly due to a modest restocking of inventory by dealers, as compared to a significant inventory reduction by RV dealers in the comparable period of 2008, as well as a modest improvement in retail demand in November and December 2009.

While the Company measures its RV sales against industry-wide wholesale shipment statistics, it believes the underlying health of the RV industry is determined by retail demand. Through the first 10 months of 2009 and all of 2008, retail sales remained below prior year levels. However, in November and December 2009, monthly retail sales of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs exceeded the comparable period in the prior year, the first increases in 24 months. A comparison of the year over year percentage change in industry-wide wholesale shipments and retail sales of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, as reported by Statistical Surveys, Inc., is as follows:

   
Wholesale
   
Retail
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2008
    (8 )%     (17 )%
Quarter ended June 30, 2008
    (18 )%     (19 )%
Quarter ended September 30, 2008
    (38 )%     (26 )%
Quarter ended December 31, 2008
    (63 )%     (34 )%
Quarter ended March 31, 2009
    (61 )%     (37 )%
Quarter ended June 30, 2009
    (44 )%     (29 )%
Quarter ended September 30, 2009
    5 %     (19 )%
Quarter ended December 31, 2009
    88 %     (8 )%
                 
Year ended December 31, 2009
    (25 )%     (26 )%
Year ended December 31, 2008
    (29 )%     (23 )%
Year ended December 31, 2007
    (10 )%     4 %

Retail statistics, reported by Statistical Surveys, Inc., do not include sales of RVs in Canada. The RVIA reported that over one in five wholesale towable RV shipments were to dealers in Canada in 2008. Statistics for wholesale towable RV shipments to Canada for 2009 are not yet available.

During 2008 and the first eight months of 2009, RV dealers and their lenders focused on reducing inventories, resulting in a decline of an estimated 70,000 units. In 2009 alone, dealer inventories of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs declined by an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 units, implying that retail demand significantly exceeded industry-wide wholesale shipments. Over the past few months, it appears that dealer inventories have stopped declining, and as a result, production levels have increased in order to meet demand. Recent dealer surveys and analysts report a slight improvement in the availability of wholesale financing. In addition, reports of increased consumer traffic and consumer purchases from January and February 2010 RV tradeshows, as well as the reported increase in backlog by the leading producer of RVs, have been encouraging. While these positive factors may indicate the beginning of a trend, there are still uncertainties relating to high unemployment, tight credit and a weak economy. Retail sales in the traditionally strong spring selling season will be a key indicator of consumer demand for RVs.

 
20

 

The RVIA has projected a 31 percent increase in industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs for 2010, to 181,800 units. Following the last three recessions, industry-wide wholesale shipments of RVs grew by more than 20 percent in the first year of the recovery. However, consumer confidence and the availability of financing have historically been important factors in the overall growth in the RV industry, and there can be no assurance these factors will improve.

In the long-term, the Company expects RV industry sales to be driven by positive demographics, as demand for RVs is strongest from the over 50 age group, which is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. U.S. Census Bureau projections released in March 2004 project that there will be in excess of 20 million more people over the age of 50 by 2014.

In 1997, the RVIA began a generic advertising campaign promoting the RV lifestyle. The current phase is targeted at both parents aged 30-49 with children at home, as well as couples aged 50-64 with no children at home. The popularity of traveling in RVs to NASCAR and other sporting events, and using RVs as second homes, also appears to motivate consumer demand for RVs.

Manufactured Housing Industry

Manufactured homes are built entirely in a factory on permanent steel undercarriages or chassis, transported to a home site, and installed pursuant to a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The federal standards regulate manufactured housing design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, energy efficiency and quality. The HUD Code also sets performance standards for the heating, plumbing, air conditioning, thermal and electrical systems. It is the only federally regulated national building code. On-site additions, such as garages, decks and porches, often add to the attractiveness of manufactured homes and must be built to local, state or regional building codes. A manufactured home may be sited on owned or leased land.

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (“IBTS”) reported that for 2009, industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes were 49,700 units, a decline of 39 percent compared to 2008. However, estimates are that in 2009, manufactured housing dealers reduced inventory by approximately 10,000 units, implying that retail demand in 2009 was higher than wholesale shipments.

Since 1998, industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes have declined 87 percent. This decade-plus decline was primarily the result of limited credit availability because of high credit standards applied to purchases of manufactured homes, high down payment requirements, and high interest rate spreads between conventional mortgages for site-built homes and loans for manufactured homes. In addition, in the several years leading up to 2008, many traditional buyers of manufactured homes were able to purchase site-built homes instead of manufactured homes, as subprime mortgages were readily available at unrealistic terms.

Manufactured homes contain one or more “floors” or sections which can be joined to make larger homes. For 2009, larger multi-section manufactured homes represented 63 percent of the total manufactured homes produced, consistent with 2008, but down significantly from the 80 percent in 2003. Multi-section manufactured homes contain more of the Company’s products than single-section manufactured homes. The decline in multi-section homes over the past few years may be partly due to the weak site-built housing market, as a result of which many retirees have not been able to sell their primary residence, or may have been unwilling to sell at currently depressed prices, and purchase a more affordable manufactured home as many retirees had done historically.

Legislation enacted in July 2008 increased Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) insured lending limits for chattel mortgages for manufactured homes (chattel loans are loans secured only by the home which is sited on leased rather than owned land) from less than $49,000 to nearly $70,000, subject to future adjustments based on inflation. The final regulations for the insured lending limits were put into place in March 2009. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 also authorized a tax credit of the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price, or $8,000, for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence during 2009, which applies to manufactured housing. The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the tax credit until April 30, 2010, and also authorized a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers. The impact of these programs on manufactured housing has been modest so far, and any future impact on demand for new manufactured homes cannot be determined at this time.

 
21

 

The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (“SAFE Act”) was signed into law in July, 2008. The SAFE Act is intended to establish, within one year from its passage, minimum state standards for licensing and registration of mortgage lenders, brokers and originators. According to the RVIA and the Manufactured Housing Institute, that legislation could make loans for RVs and manufactured homes more difficult to obtain, resulting in fewer sales of RVs and manufactured homes.

The Company believes the manufactured housing industry may begin to experience a modest recovery once the recession ends and home buyers begin to look for affordable housing. However, because of the current real estate and economic environment, volatile consumer confidence, and tight retail and wholesale credit markets, the Company currently expects industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes to remain low for at least the first half of 2010. There are no industry forecasts for the manufactured housing industry.

The Company also believes that long-term growth prospects for manufactured housing may be positive because of (i) the quality and affordability of the home, (ii) the favorable demographic trends, including the increasing number of retirees who, in the past, had represented a significant market for manufactured homes, (iii) pent-up demand by retirees who have been unable or unwilling to sell their primary residence and purchase a manufactured home, and (iv) the unavailability of subprime mortgages for site-built homes.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales and operating (loss) profit were as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales:
                 
RV Segment
  $ 312,535     $ 368,092     $ 491,830  
MH Segment
    85,304       142,414       176,795  
Total net sales
  $ 397,839     $ 510,506     $ 668,625  
Operating (loss) profit:
                       
RV Segment
  $ 20,459     $ 28,725     $ 63,132  
MH Segment
    3,847       11,016       15,061  
Total segment operating profit
    24,306       39,741       78,193  
Amortization of intangibles
    (5,561 )     (5,055 )     (4,178 )
Corporate
    (6,411 )     (7,217 )     (7,583 )
Goodwill impairment
    (45,040 )     (5,487 )     -  
Other items
    (2,875 )     (2,084 )     (473 )
Total operating (loss) profit
  $ (35,581 )   $ 19,898     $ 65,959  

Net sales and operating profit by segment, as a percent of the total, were as follows for the years ended December 31,:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales:
                 
RV Segment
    79 %     72 %     74 %
MH Segment
    21 %     28 %     26 %
Total net sales
    100 %     100 %     100 %
Operating profit:
                       
RV Segment
    84 %     72 %     81 %
MH Segment
    16 %     28 %     19 %
Total segment operating profit
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
 
22

 

Operating profit margin by segment was as follows for the years ended December 31,:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
RV Segment
    6.5 %     7.8 %     12.8 %
MH Segment
    4.5 %     7.7 %     8.5 %

During 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded “extra” expenses resulting primarily from plant closings and start-ups, staff reductions and relocations, increased bad debts and obsolete inventory and tooling. These expenses were largely due to the unprecedented conditions in the RV and manufactured housing industries. In addition, the Company recorded charges for goodwill impairment during 2009 and 2008, and charges for executive retirement in 2008.

The following tables reconcile cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, goodwill impairment, executive retirement, operating (loss) profit, net (loss) income and net (loss) income per diluted share for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 to these same items before the “extra” expenses and charges for goodwill impairment and executive retirement. The Company finds this information useful in analyzing and reviewing the results of operations. These tables are intended to provide investors with this useful information on the Company’s results of operations before the “extra” expenses and charges for goodwill impairment and executive retirement to provide comparability between the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
(In thousands)
 
GAAP
   
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
   
GAAP
   
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
 
Cost of sales
  $ 319,129     $ 4,786     $ 314,343     $ 403,000     $ 164     $ 402,836  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 69,489     $ 4,180     $ 65,309     $ 80,129     $ (460 )   $ 80,589  
Goodwill impairment
  $ 45,040     $ 45,040     $ -     $ 5,487     $ 5,487     $ -  
Executive retirement
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,667     $ 2,667     $ -  
Operating (loss) profit
  $ (35,581 )   $ 54,006     $ 18,425     $ 19,898     $ 7,858     $ 27,756  
Net (loss) income
  $ (24,053 )   $ 34,891     $ 10,838     $ 11,678     $ 4,825     $ 16,503  
Net (loss) income per  diluted share
  $ (1.10 )   $ 1.60     $ 0.50     $ 0.53     $ 0.22     $ 0.75  

The following tables reconcile RV Segment and MH Segment operating profit, goodwill impairment, other items, and operating (loss) profit for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 to these same items before the “extra” expenses and charges for goodwill impairment and executive retirement. The Company finds this information useful in analyzing and reviewing the results of operations. These tables are intended to provide investors with this useful information on the Company’s results of operations before the “extra” expenses and charges for goodwill impairment and executive retirement to provide comparability between the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
(In thousands)
 
GAAP
   
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
   
GAAP
   
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
 
RV Segment operating profit
  $ 20,459     $ 5,277     $ 25,736     $ 28,725     $ 825     $ 29,550  
MH Segment operating profit
  $ 3,847     $ 931     $ 4,778     $ 11,016     $ 404     $ 11,420  
Goodwill impairment
  $ (45,040 )   $ 45,040     $ -     $ (5,487 )   $ 5,487     $ -  
Other items
  $ (2,875 )   $ 2,758     $ (117 )   $ (2,084 )   $ 1,142     $ (942 )
Operating (loss) profit
  $ (35,581 )   $ 54,006     $ 18,425     $ 19,898     $ 7,858     $ 27,756  

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

Consolidated Highlights

 
§
During the first six months of 2009, as a result of the economic downturn and the resulting severe declines in industry-wide wholesale shipments by the RV and manufactured housing industries, the Company experienced a 45 percent decline in net sales, from $310 million in the first six months of 2008 to $172 million in the first six months of 2009. As a result, in the first six months of 2009, the Company reported a net loss of $34.1 million, including an after-tax charge of $29.4 million for goodwill impairment, as compared to net income of $18.3 million in the first six months of 2008.

 
23

 

During the second half of 2009, industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailer and fifth-wheel RVs, the Company’s primary RV market, increased 32 percent compared to the second half of 2008, offset by a decline in manufactured housing industry-wide wholesale shipments of 33 percent. As a result, the Company’s net sales increased to $226 million in the second half of 2009, 13 percent more than in the comparable period of 2008. The Company reported net income of $10.1 million in the second half of 2009 as compared to a net loss of $6.6 million in the comparable period of 2008, which included an after-tax charge of $3.3 million for goodwill impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The Company’s net sales for the first two months of 2010 more than doubled to over $90 million, compared to less than $44 million in the same period of 2009, when most RV producers were shut down for extended periods of time. Nearly all of this increase was in sales of the Company’s RV products. Sales of manufactured housing products increased approximately 3 percent as compared to the first two months of 2009.

 
§
On February 19, 2010, the RVIA published its latest forecast of industry-wide wholesale shipments for 2010, which projects a 31 percent increase in the shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs as compared to 2009. There is no assurance that this RV industry-wide wholesale shipments level will be achieved. There are no industry forecasts for the manufactured housing industry.

 
§
In response to the impact of the recession, the Company focused on increasing market share for existing products, introducing new products, reducing fixed costs, improving efficiencies, and strengthening its financial condition.

 
·
In 2009, the Company identified and introduced new and improved RV products that focused on consumer safety and convenience, including the Quick-BiteTM coupler, an improved suspension system, entry doors with alarm systems and keyless entry, and a “new-look” line of windows. As a result, the Company’s RV Segment continued to achieve market share gains.

The Company’s furniture products continued to gain market share. The Company’s average furniture content per travel trailer and fifth-wheel produced by the RV industry for 2009 was $211 per unit, an increase of $46 per unit, or 28 percent, from the average content when Seating Technology, Inc. and its affiliates (“Seating Technology”) was acquired in July 2008.

In July 2009, a supplier of manufactured housing windows and doors exited the market. Since then, the Company has gained new window business of more than $7 million on an annualized basis. In addition, in September 2009, the Company purchased production equipment and inventory for manufactured housing entry doors from the same supplier, entering a new $25 million to $30 million market. Approximately half of this new potential is in aftermarket replacement entry doors for manufactured homes. The Company began production of manufactured housing entry doors during the fourth quarter of 2009, and is gaining market share. The Company’s MH Segment aftermarket sales, primarily comprised of windows and thermoformed bath products, were approximately $12 million to $13 million for 2009, consistent with 2008, and could increase as a result of the Company’s increased effort to gain market share in aftermarket products.

 
24

 

On February 18, 2010 the Company reported that Lippert agreed in principle to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets from Michigan-based Schwintek, Inc. The purchase would include several products for which patents are pending, including innovative RV wall slides that are considerably lighter, more space efficient, and more reliable than previous slide-out designs. The purchase price, undisclosed at the time of the announcement, is expected to include cash payable at closing, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales. It is expected that the cash portion of the purchase price payable at closing will be funded from available cash. Closing of the transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, agreement on final terms and conditions, the execution of definitive transaction documents, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 
·
The decline in the Company’s results for 2009 would have been substantially greater had it not been for an aggressive program of cost-cutting measures and efficiency improvements implemented beginning in the latter part of 2006. Cost reduction measures benefitted the Company’s operating results in 2009 by $9 million, compared to 2008, and will further benefit 2010 operating results by $3 million. Collectively, the fixed cost reductions since 2006 have improved the Company’s annual operating profit by nearly $25 million compared to results if these steps had not been taken. The Company anticipates that a significant portion of the fixed cost reductions and production efficiencies implemented will continue even as sales increase.

During 2009 and 2008, as a result of the unprecedented conditions in the RV and manufactured housing industries, and the cost cutting measures taken by management, the Company recorded $9.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of “extra” expenses. These “extra” expenses resulted primarily from the following (in millions):

   
2009
   
2008
 
Plant closings and start-ups
  $ 4.4     $ (1.5 )
Obsolete equipment, inventory and tooling
    3.1       0.2  
Staff reductions and relocations
    1.1       0.6  
Executive retirement
    -       2.7  
Other
    0.4       0.4  
 
  $ 9.0     $ 2.4  
 
 
·
During 2009, the Company continued to generate significant cash flow, increasing cash and short-term investments by nearly $57 million, to over $65 million, and paying off the entire $9 million debt balance that existed at December 31, 2008. This was largely accomplished by cash flows provided by operating activities of $63 million, including a reduction in inventory of more than $37 million.

 
§
Steel and aluminum are among the Company’s principal raw materials. Since late 2007, the costs of steel and aluminum have been volatile. During the first half of 2009, raw material costs temporarily declined, but subsequently increased 10 percent to 30 percent in the second half of 2009, depending upon the type of raw material. The Company anticipates that these cost increases will reduce operating profit in 2010, although the impact is expected to be modest.

While the Company has historically been able to obtain sales price increases to offset the majority of raw material cost increases, there can be no assurance that future cost increases, if any, can be partially or fully passed on to customers. The Company also continues to explore improved product design, efficiency improvements, and alternative sources of raw materials and components, both domestic and imported.
 
 
25

 

RV Segment

Net sales of the RV Segment in 2009 decreased 15 percent, or $56 million, compared to 2008 due to:
 
 
·
An ‘organic’ sales decline (excluding the impact of acquisitions and sales price changes) of approximately $68 million. This 19 percent ‘organic’ sales decline during 2009 was due to the 25 percent decrease in industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, the Company’s primary RV market. During the first six months of 2009 the ‘organic’ sales decline of RV-related products was approximately $118 million, or 52 percent. However, this was partially offset by an ‘organic’ sales increase of approximately $50 million, or 40 percent, of RV-related products in the second half of 2009.
 
 
·
An ‘organic’ sales decline of approximately 52 percent or $7 million in specialty trailers due primarily to a severe industry-wide decline in sales of small and medium size boats, particularly on the West Coast, the Company’s primary specialty trailer market.
 
Partially offset by:
 
 
·
Full year impact in 2009 of acquisitions completed in 2008, aggregating approximately $13 million.
 
 
·
Sales price increases of approximately $7 million, primarily due to raw material cost increases in 2008.

The Company’s RV Segment aftermarket sales were approximately $5 million for 2009, consistent with 2008, and could increase as a result of the Company’s increased effort to gain market share in new aftermarket products.

The trend in the Company’s average product content per RV is an indicator of the Company’s overall market share. Content per RV is also impacted by changes in selling prices for the Company’s products. The Company’s average product content per type of RV, calculated based upon the Company’s net sales of components for the different types of RVs, for the years ended December 31, divided by the industry-wide wholesale shipments of the different types of RVs for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

 
 
2009
   
2008
   
Percent Change
 
Content per Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel RV
  $ 2,101     $ 1,902       10 %
Content per Motorhome
  $ 523     $ 574       (9 )%
Content per all RVs
  $ 1,795     $ 1,554       16 %

The above product content per RV for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes historical sales results for acquisitions, under the assumption the acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of that yearly period. The Company’s average product content per type of RV does not include sales of replacement parts to aftermarket customers. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

According to the RVIA, industry-wide wholesale shipments for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
Percent Change
 
Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel RVs
    138,300       185,100       (25 )%
Motorhomes
    13,200       28,300       (53 )%
All RVs
    165,700       237,000       (30 )%

Operating profit of the RV Segment in 2009 decreased $8.3 million compared to 2008, largely due to the $56 million decline in sales, and $5.3 million of “extra” expenses in 2009 related to plant closings and start-ups, staff reductions and relocations, increased bad debts, and obsolete inventory and tooling, compared to $0.8 million of “extra” expenses in 2008. Excluding “extra” expenses, the Company’s RV Segment had an operating profit of $25.7 million in 2009, a decrease of $3.8 million from the segment operating profit of $29.6 million in 2008. This adjusted decline in RV Segment operating profit was 6 percent of the ‘organic’ decline in net sales, a smaller percentage decline than the Company would typically expect.

 
26

 

The operating margin of the RV Segment in 2009 was positively impacted by:
 
 
·
Implementation of cost-cutting measures which reduced cost of sales.
 
·
Lower health insurance costs largely due to the implementation of a new plan.
 
·
Lower warranty costs.
 
·
Lower raw material costs in the second half of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 when raw material costs were unusually high, partially offset by higher raw material costs during the first six months of 2009. Depending upon the type of raw material, costs have recently risen 10 percent to 30 percent.
Partially offset by:
 
·
The spreading of fixed manufacturing costs over a smaller sales base.
 
·
Higher overtime and labor inefficiencies due to rapid changes in sales volumes.
 
·
Excluding the “extra” expenses, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses to 12.3 percent of net sales in 2009 from 12.2 percent of net sales in 2008, largely due to the spreading of fixed administrative costs over a smaller sales base, partially offset by the implementation of fixed cost reductions. In addition, incentive compensation was lower as a percent of sales in 2009 because incentive compensation is only recorded on operating profit in excess of pre-established hurdles.

MH Segment

Net sales of the MH Segment in 2009 decreased 40 percent, or $57 million, from 2008. Excluding $2 million in sales price increases, net sales of the MH Segment declined 41 percent compared to the 39 percent decrease in industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes. The Company’s sales decline was greater than the manufactured housing industry decline due partly to a decline in modular and office units. In addition, changes in market share by certain producers of manufactured homes have had a negative impact on sales of the Company’s products.

In July 2009, a supplier of manufactured housing windows and doors exited the market. Since then, the Company has gained new window business of more than $7 million annually, partially offsetting the other declines. In addition, in September 2009, the Company purchased production equipment and inventory for manufactured housing entry doors from the same supplier, entering a new $25 million to $30 million market. Approximately half of this new potential is in aftermarket replacement entry doors for manufactured homes. The Company began production of manufactured housing entry doors during the fourth quarter of 2009, and is gaining market share. The Company’s MH Segment aftermarket sales, primarily comprised of windows and thermoformed bath products, were approximately $12 million to $13 million for 2009, consistent with 2008, and could increase as a result of the Company’s increased effort to gain market share in aftermarket products.

The trend in the Company’s average product content per manufactured home produced is an indicator of the Company’s overall market share. Manufactured homes contain one or more “floors” or sections which can be joined to make larger homes. Content per manufactured home and content per floor is also impacted by changes in selling prices for the Company’s products. The Company’s average product content per manufactured home produced by the industry and total manufactured home floors produced by the industry, calculated based upon the Company’s net sales of components for manufactured homes produced for the years ended December 31, divided by the number of manufactured homes and manufactured home floors produced by the industry, respectively, for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
Percent Change
 
Content per Home Produced
  $ 1,378     $ 1,489       (7 )%
Content per Floor Produced
  $ 837     $ 901       (7 )%
 
 
27

 

The Company’s average product content per manufactured home does not include sales of replacement parts to aftermarket customers. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

According to the IBTS, industry-wide wholesale shipments for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
Percent Change
 
Total Homes Produced
    49,700       81,900       (39 )%
Total Floors Produced
    81,900       135,300       (39 )%

Operating profit of the MH Segment in 2009 decreased $7.2 million compared to 2008, largely due to the $57 million decline in sales. In addition, the Company had $0.9 million and $0.4 million of “extra” expenses in 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to plant closings and start-ups, staff reductions and relocations, and obsolete inventory. Excluding “extra” expenses, the Company’s MH Segment had an operating profit of $4.8 million in 2009, a decrease of $6.6 million from the segment operating profit of $11.4 million in the same period last year. The adjusted decline in MH Segment operating profit was 11 percent of the ‘organic’ decline in net sales, a smaller percentage decline than the Company would typically expect.

The operating margin of the MH Segment in 2009 was positively impacted by:
 
 
·
Implementation of cost-cutting measures which reduced cost of sales.
 
·
Lower raw material costs.  However, depending upon the type of raw material, costs have recently risen 10 percent to 30 percent.
 
·
Lower health insurance costs largely due to the implementation of a new plan.
Partially offset by:
 
·
The spreading of fixed manufacturing costs over a smaller sales base.
 
·
Labor inefficiencies due to the sharp drop in sales.
 
·
Excluding the “extra” expenses, an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses to 19.0 percent of net sales in 2009 from 16.1 percent of net sales in 2008 due largely to the spreading of fixed administrative costs over a smaller sales base, partially offset by fixed cost reductions. Also, incentive compensation was lower as a percent of sales in 2009 because year-to-date operating profit for certain MH Segment operations were below the previously established annual incentive compensation hurdles.

The Company has remained profitable in the MH Segment despite the 87 percent decline in manufactured housing industry shipments since 1998. The Company did not have an impairment of other intangible assets or long-lived assets in 2009 related to its manufactured housing operations; however, the Company will continue to monitor these assets for potential impairment, as a continued downturn in this industry or in the profitability of the Company’s operations, could result in a non-cash impairment charge of these assets in the future. At December 31, 2009, the other intangible assets of the MH Segment aggregated $3.9 million.

Corporate

Corporate expenses for 2009 decreased $0.8 million compared to 2008 due primarily to fixed cost reductions.

Goodwill Impairment

During the first quarter of 2009, because the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange was below its book value, and due to the continued declines in industry-wide wholesale shipments of RVs and manufactured homes, the Company conducted an impairment analysis of the goodwill of each of its reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit was estimated with a discounted cash flow model utilizing internal forecasts and observable market data, to the extent available, to estimate future cash flows, and the Company’s weighted average cost of capital of 16.5 percent. The forecast included an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on management’s most recent views of the long-term outlook for each reporting unit.

 
28

 

Based on the analyses, the carrying value of the RV and manufactured housing reporting units exceeded their fair value. As a result, the Company performed the second step of the impairment test, which required the Company to determine the fair value of each reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including all of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets of each reporting unit, excluding goodwill. The results of the second step implied that the fair value of goodwill was zero, therefore during the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge to write-off the entire $45.0 million of goodwill of these reporting units.

Other Non-Segment Items

Other non-segment items include the following (in thousands):

   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
           
Legal proceedings
  $ 416     $ 2,109  
Gain on sold facilities
    (89 )     (3,523 )
Loss on sold facilities and write-downs to estimated current fair value of facilities to be sold
    3,349       1,602  
Incentive compensation impact of other non-segment items
    (533 )     (96 )
Other
    12       -  
Executive retirement
    -       2,667  
Other (income) from the collection of a previously reserved note
    (280 )     (675 )
Total other non-segment items
  $ 2,875     $ 2,084  

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Consolidated Highlights

 
§
Net sales for 2008, excluding the impact of sales price increases and acquisitions, decreased $202 million (30 percent) from 2007, primarily as a result of the 29 percent decline in industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs in 2008, as well as a 14 percent decline in industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes. In addition, 2008 sales were negatively affected by the 49 percent decline in industry-wide wholesale shipments of motorhomes, and the severe industry-wide decline in sales of small and medium-sized boats, particularly on the West Coast, for which the Company supplies specialty trailers.

 
§
Net income for 2008 decreased 71 percent from 2007, primarily due to the decrease in net sales and higher raw material costs. In addition, the Company recorded a non-cash charge for impairment of goodwill, as well as an executive retirement charge, aggregating $4.9 million after taxes.

 
§
In response to reduced retail sales during 2008 and inventory reductions by RV dealers, RV manufacturers significantly reduced their output, which negatively affected the Company in 2008. In response to the difficult economic environment, the Company was extremely proactive and took the following steps:

 
·
Reduced its workforce and production capacity to be more in line with anticipated demand.
 
·
Closed facilities and reduced fixed overhead costs.
 
·
Implemented synergies between the operations of Kinro and Lippert by combining certain administrative functions and sales efforts.

 
29

 

These factors positively affected the Company’s operating profit in 2008 by approximately $5 million, compared to 2007. These steps also lowered the Company’s breakeven sales level.

 
§
On November 25, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement for a $50.0 million line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a $125.0 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and its affiliates. At December 31, 2008, the collective availability under these facilities was $117.2 million.

 
§
On July 1, 2008, Lippert acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Seating Technology, a manufacturer of a wide variety of furniture products primarily for towable RVs, including a full line of upholstered furniture and mattresses. Seating Technology had annual sales of $40 million in 2007. The purchase price was $28.7 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. Subsequent to the acquisition, Lippert closed two of Seating Technology's five leased facilities in Indiana, and consolidated those operations into existing facilities.

 
§
Steel and aluminum are among the Company’s principal raw materials. Since late 2007, the costs of steel and aluminum have been volatile, and although the Company was able to raise sales prices, higher cost raw materials, net of sales price increases, reduced 2008 earnings by approximately $0.10 to $0.13 per diluted share.

RV Segment

Net sales of the RV Segment in 2008 decreased 25 percent, or $124 million, as compared to 2007 due to:
 
·
An ‘organic’ sales decline of approximately $141 million, or 30 percent, of RV-related products. This 30 percent decline was due largely to the 29 percent decrease in industry-wide wholesale shipments of travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, the Company’s primary RV market. In addition, industry-wide wholesale shipments of motorhomes, components for which represent about 5 percent of the Company’s RV Segment net sales, were down 49 percent during 2008.
 
·
An ‘organic’ sales decline of approximately $14 million in specialty trailers, due primarily to a severe industry-wide decline in sales of small and medium size boats, particularly on the West Coast, the Company’s primary specialty trailer market.
Partially offset by:
 
·
Sales generated from 2008 and 2007 acquisitions aggregating approximately $19 million.
 
·
Sales price increases of approximately $12 million, primarily due to raw material cost increases.
 
In 2008, the severe industry-wide decline in sales of small and medium-sized boats, particularly on the West Coast, for which the Company supplies specialty trailers, caused the Company to record an impairment of the entire $5.5 million of goodwill of this reporting unit, which is included in the RV Segment. The goodwill impairment charge is reported in Other non-segment items.

The trend in the Company’s average product content per RV is an indicator of the Company’s overall market share. Content per RV is also impacted by changes in selling prices for the Company’s products. The Company’s average product content per type of RV, calculated based upon the Company’s net sales of components for the different types of RVs, for the years ended December 31, divided by the industry-wide wholesale shipments of the different types of RVs for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
   
Percent Change
 
Content per Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel RV
  $ 1,902     $ 1,697       12 %
Content per Motorhome
  $ 574     $ 429       34 %
Content per all RVs
  $ 1,554     $ 1,324       17 %

 
30

 
 
The above product content per RV for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes historical sales results for acquisitions, under the assumption the acquisitions had been completed at the beginning of that yearly period. Sales of certain RV components have been reclassified between travel trailer and fifth-wheel RVs, and motorhomes in prior periods. The Company’s average product content per type of RV does not include sales of replacement parts to aftermarket customers. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

According to the RVIA, industry-wide wholesale shipments for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
   
Percent Change
 
Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel RVs
    185,100       261,700       (29 )%
Motorhomes
    28,300       55,400       (49 )%
All RVs
    237,000       353,400       (33 )%

Operating profit of the RV Segment in 2008 decreased 55 percent to $28.7 million largely due to the decline in sales, which was also a factor in the decrease of 5.0 percentage points in the operating profit margin to 7.8 percent of net sales in 2008 from 12.8 percent of net sales in 2007. The decline in RV Segment operating profit was 25 percent of the decline in net sales, excluding sales price increases, which is higher than we would typically expect, largely due to the impact of increased raw material costs.

The operating profit margin of the RV Segment in 2008 was adversely impacted by:
 
·
Higher raw material costs.
 
·
Labor inefficiencies due to the sharp drop in sales during the latter part of 2008.
 
·
The spreading of fixed manufacturing costs over a smaller sales base.
 
·
Higher health insurance costs.
 
·
Higher than expected integration costs of the Seating Technology acquisition, and costs incurred for prototype expenses for potential new customer accounts. New customer accounts were gained as a result.
 
·
An increase in selling, general and administrative expenses to 12.4 percent of net sales in 2008 from 11.3 percent of net sales in 2007, largely due to an increase in bad debt expense, and higher fuel and delivery costs, as well as the spreading of fixed administrative costs over a smaller sales base. This was partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense as a percent of net sales due to reduced operating profit margins.
Partially offset by:
 
·
Implementation of cost-cutting measures.
 
·
Lower overtime and warranty costs.

MH Segment

Net sales of the MH Segment in 2008 decreased 19 percent, or $34 million, from 2007. Excluding $13 million in sales price increases, net sales of the MH Segment declined 27 percent, compared to a 14 percent decrease in industry-wide wholesale shipments of manufactured homes. The ‘organic’ decrease in sales of the Company’s MH Segment was greater than the manufactured housing industry decline due partly to a reduction in the average size of the homes produced by the manufactured housing industry, which require less of the Company’s products, and partly due to business the Company exited in the latter half of 2007 because of inadequate margins. However, in the latter half of 2008, the Company gained market share in the MH Segment.

MH Segment sales in the 2008 fourth quarter included $3 million of components for homes purchased by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 
31

 

The trend in the Company’s average product content per manufactured home produced is an indicator of the Company’s overall market share. Manufactured homes contain one or more “floors” or sections which can be joined to make larger homes. Content per manufactured home and content per floor is also impacted by changes in selling prices for the Company’s products. The Company’s average product content per manufactured home produced by the industry and total manufactured home floors produced by the industry, calculated based upon the Company’s net sales of components for manufactured homes produced for the years ended December 31, divided by the number of manufactured homes and manufactured home floors produced by the industry, respectively, for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
   
Percent Change
 
Content per Home Produced
  $ 1,489     $ 1,611       (8 )%
Content per Floor Produced
  $ 901     $ 942       (4 )%

The Company’s average product content per manufactured home does not include sales of replacement parts to aftermarket customers. Prior periods have been adjusted to conform to this presentation.

According to the IBTS, industry-wide wholesale shipments for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
   
Percent Change
 
Total Homes Produced
    81,900       95,800       (14 )%
Total Floors Produced
    135,300       163,700       (17 )%

Operating profit of the MH Segment in 2008 decreased 27 percent to $11.0 million largely due to the impact of the decrease in net sales, which was also a factor in the decline in the operating profit margin to 7.7 percent of net sales in 2008, compared to 8.5 percent of net sales in 2007.

The operating profit margin of the MH Segment in 2008 was adversely impacted by:
 
·
The spreading of fixed manufacturing costs over a smaller sales base.
 
·
Higher health insurance costs.
 
·
An increase in selling, general and administrative expenses to 16.5 percent of net sales in 2008 from 14.6 percent of net sales in 2007 due to higher fuel and delivery costs as a percent of net sales, as well as the spreading of fixed administrative costs over a smaller sales base.
Partially offset by:
 
·
Changes in product mix.
 
·
The elimination of certain low margin business exited in the latter half of 2007.
 
·
Implementation of cost-cutting measures.
 
·
Improved production efficiencies.

Corporate

Corporate expenses for 2008 decreased $0.4 million compared to 2007 due primarily to a decrease in incentive-based compensation as a result of lower profits, partly offset by higher professional fees.

Goodwill Impairment

The Company conducted its annual impairment analysis of the goodwill in all reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2008. The fair value of each reporting unit was estimated using a discounted cash flow model utilizing internal forecasts and observable market data, to the extent available, and the Company’s weighted average cost of capital of 13.0 percent. Based on the analysis, the carrying value of the specialty trailer reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and as a result, the Company recorded an impairment of the entire $5.5 million of goodwill of this reporting unit. This business has been impacted by prolonged declines in industry shipments of small and medium-sized boats that worsened late in 2008.
 
 
32

 

Other Non-Segment Items

In February 2004, the Company sold certain intellectual property rights for $4.0 million, consisting of cash of $0.1 million at closing and a note of $3.9 million (the “Note”), payable over five years. The Note was initially recorded net of a reserve of $3.4 million. In each of 2008 and 2007, the Company received payments of $0.8 million including interest, which had been previously fully reserved, and the Company therefore recorded a pre-tax gain in Other Income. The balance of the note was $1.0 million at December 31, 2008, which was fully reserved.

Other non-segment items include the following (in thousands):

   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cost of sales:
           
Other
  $ -     $ (236 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
               
Legal proceedings
    2,109       1,616  
Gain on sold facilities
    (3,523 )     (2,253 )
Loss on sold facilities and write-downs to estimated current market value of facilities to be sold
    1,602       2,231  
Incentive compensation impact of other non-segment items
    (96 )     (178 )
Executive retirement
    2,667       -  
Other (income) from the collection of the previously reserved Note
    (675 )     (707 )
    $ 2,084     $ 473  

Effective in the third quarter of 2008, gains or losses on sold manufacturing facilities and charges for write-downs to estimated current market value of manufacturing facilities to be sold have been reclassified from cost of goods sold to selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.

Interest Expense, Net

The $0.1 million decrease in interest expense, net, for 2009 as compared to 2008, was partially due to a decrease in the average debt levels during the last 12 months. In addition, the Company earned less than $0.1 million in interest income in 2009, while the Company earned $0.5 million in interest income in 2008.

The $1.7 million decrease in interest expense, net, for 2008 as compared to 2007, was primarily due to a decrease in the average debt levels during the last 12 months. For 2008, the Company earned $0.5 million in interest income, as compared to $1.0 million in 2007.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2009 was 33.9 percent, which is a combination of a 34.8 percent rate on the goodwill impairment charge, and a 38.5 percent rate for the remaining pre-tax income. A portion of the goodwill impairment charge is not deductible for tax purposes, which reduced the tax benefit recorded. The 38.5 percent rate on the remaining pre-tax income was consistent with the 38.6 percent rate for 2008, as the tax rate benefits from federal tax credits and tax reserve adjustments were offset by the negative impact of lower pre-tax income on permanent tax differences.

The effective tax rate for 2008 was 38.6 percent, compared to 37.2 percent in 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2008 as compared to 2007 was due primarily to the effect of lower profits on state and federal tax rates, as well as a change in pre-tax income between legal entities and states, and an increase in the Company’s tax reserves.

 
33

 

In connection with a tax audit by the Indiana Department of Revenue pertaining to calendar years 1998 to 2000, the Company received an initial examination report asserting, in the aggregate, approximately $1.2 million of proposed tax adjustments, including interest and penalties. After two hearings with the Indiana Department of Revenue, the audit findings were upheld. The Company filed an appeal in December 2006 with the Indiana Tax Court and the matter was scheduled for trial in December 2008. In November 2008, the Company and the Indiana Department of Revenue settled tax years 1998 to 2000 for $0.6 million, as well as tax years 2001 to 2006 for $4.0 million including interest. The aggregate settlement amount was fully reserved prior to 2009, and was paid in April of 2009. In connection with the settlement, the Indiana Department of Revenue reserved the right to examine tax years 2001 through 2006.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting and disclosure guidance for recognized and non-recognized subsequent events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The provisions of the new accounting guidance were effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this new accounting guidance had no impact on the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB amended its guidance on accounting for business combinations. The new accounting guidance requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with a business combination to be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date, acquisition related costs incurred prior to the acquisition to be expensed, and contractual contingencies to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. The provisions of the new accounting guidance were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company.

In September 2006, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which establishes a framework for reporting fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of the new accounting guidance were effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, in February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of the new accounting guidance until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, as it relates to fair value measurement requirements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company adopted the applicable provisions of the new accounting guidance on January 1, 2008 and 2009, respectively. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflect the following for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
  $ 63,256     $ 4,657     $ 84,910  
Net cash flows used for investing activities
    (16,445 )     (25,492 )     (11,641 )
Net cash flows used for financing activities
    (3,138 )     (26,686 )     (23,841 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash
  $ 43,673     $ (47,521 )   $ 49,428  

Cash Flows from Operations

Net cash flows from operating activities in 2009 were $58.6 million more than in 2008, primarily as a result of:

 
-  A
$37.5 million reduction in inventories in 2009, compared to a $12.7 million increase in 2008. Inventories increased in 2008 due to the Company’s strategic purchase of raw materials in advance of price increases, as well as higher priced raw materials in inventory. During 2009, the Company reduced inventory through consumption of higher priced inventory on hand, and reduced inventory purchases.
 
-  A
$2.2 million decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in 2009, compared to a decrease of $23.5 million in 2008 due largely to the timing of payments for inventory purchases.
 
 
34

 

 
Partially offset by:
 
-  A
$4.6 million increase in accounts receivable in 2009, compared to a $9.5 million decrease in 2008. Accounts receivable increased in 2009 due to an increase in sales in December 2009 as compared to December 2008.

During the first few months of 2010, the Company expects to use $10 million to $15 million of cash to fund seasonal working capital growth.

Depreciation and amortization was $18.5 million in 2009, and are expected to aggregate $16 million in 2010. Non-cash stock-based compensation was $3.7 million in 2009, and is expected to be $4 million to $5 million in 2010.

Net cash flows from operating activities in 2008 were $80.3 million less than 2007, primarily as a result of (i) lower net income in 2008 (ii) increased inventories in 2008 due to the Company’s strategic purchase of raw materials in advance of price increases and higher priced raw materials in inventory, and (iii) the timing of payments for inventory purchases. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable due to the decline in sales.

Depreciation and amortization, decreased by $0.5 million to $17.1 million in 2008, while non-cash stock-based compensation increased by $1.1 million to $3.6 million in 2008.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash flows used for investing activities of $16.4 million in 2009 included capital expenditures of $3.1 million, which was financed with available cash. The Company estimates that capital expenditures will be $5 million to $7 million in 2010, and are expected to be funded by cash flows from operations.

During 2009, the Company purchased $15.0 million in short-term U.S. Treasury Bills, of which $2.0 million matured in December 2009, and the balance matures at various dates through June 2010. The Company has chosen to invest in U.S. Treasury Bills primarily due to the high levels of security and liquidity provided by these instruments.

On May 15, 2009, Lippert acquired the patents for the QuickBiteTM coupler, and other intellectual properties and assets. The innovative design of the QuickBiteTM automatic dual-jaw locking system eliminates several steps when coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle, while at the same time making coupling simpler through the use of an integrated alignment system. The minimum aggregate purchase price was $0.5 million, of which $0.3 million was paid at closing from available cash, with the balance to be paid on May 15, 2010. In addition, Lippert will pay an earn-out of $2.50 per unit sold, up to a maximum of $2.5 million, during the life of the patents. Therefore, the aggregate purchase price could increase to a maximum of $3.0 million. In 2009, Lippert paid earn-out of less than $0.1 million.

On September 11, 2009, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a tool box containing a slide-out storage tray. This newly-designed product, used in pick-up trucks, tow trucks and other mobile service vehicles, is being produced at the Company’s existing manufacturing plants, with existing management, utilizing production techniques with which the Company has extensive experience. The purchase price was $0.4 million, which was paid at closing from available cash.

On September 29, 2009, Kinro acquired certain inventory and equipment used for the production of front entry doors for manufactured homes. This acquisition will increase Kinro’s content per manufactured home and also add a new product category. The Company estimates that the current annual market for front entry doors for manufactured homes is about $25 million to $30 million, and that half of this new potential is in aftermarket replacement doors for the millions of existing manufactured homes. Kinro began manufacturing entry doors at plants in Indiana and South Carolina in the 2009 fourth quarter. The purchase price was $0.9 million, which was paid at closing from available cash.

 
35

 

At December 31, 2009, the Company was in the process of selling seven owned facilities and vacant land with an aggregate carrying value of $6.0 million, which are not currently being used in production or are in the process of shutting down operations. In addition, the Company has leased three owned facilities with a combined carrying amount of $7.7 million, for one to three year terms, for a combined $70,000 per month. Each of these three leases also contains an option for the lessee to purchase the facility at an amount in excess of carrying value. In addition to the owned facilities, the Company is attempting to sublease four vacant leased facilities.

On February 18, 2010, the Company reported that Lippert agreed in principle to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets from Michigan-based Schwintek, Inc. The purchase would include several products for which patents are pending, including innovative RV wall slides that are considerably lighter, more space efficient, and more reliable than previous slide-out designs. The purchase price, undisclosed at the time of the announcement, is expected to include cash payable at closing, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales. It is expected that the cash portion of the purchase price payable at closing will be funded from available cash. Closing of the transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, agreement on final terms and conditions, the execution of definitive transaction documents, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

In a separate transaction on February 18, 2010, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a six-point leveling system for fifth-wheel RVs. The purchase price was $1.4 million paid at closing with available cash, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales of the system.

The Company’s priorities for its cash are liquidity and security. At December 31, 2009, all but $0.2 million of the Company’s cash balances were in fully FDIC insured accounts. Subsequent to December 31, 2009, these accounts no longer have unlimited FDIC insurance. As a result, beginning in 2010, the Company diversified a portion of its cash balances, and purchased additional U.S. Treasury Bills.

Cash flows used for investing activities of $25.5 million in 2008 included $31.8 million for an acquisition of a business and other investments, which were financed from available cash.

On July 1, 2008, Lippert acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Seating Technology, a manufacturer of a wide variety of furniture products primarily for towable RVs, including a full line of upholstered furniture and mattresses. Seating Technology had annual sales of $40 million in 2007. The purchase price was $28.7 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. Subsequent to the acquisition, Lippert closed two of Seating Technology's five leased facilities in Indiana and consolidated those operations into existing facilities.

On July 1, 2008, Lippert acquired the patent for “JT's Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer,” and other intellectual properties and assets. The purchase price was $3.1 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. “JT's Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer” represents a significant advance in the elimination of side-to-side and front-to-back movement of a parked travel trailer or fifth-wheel RV.

In addition, cash flows from investing activities in 2008 included proceeds of $10.5 million received from the sale of seven facilities and other fixed assets in connection with the Company’s consolidation of production operations. The Company used $4.2 million for capital expenditures in 2008, which was financed with available cash.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows used for financing activities for 2009 of $3.1 million were primarily due to net debt payments of $8.7 million, partially offset by $5.6 million in cash and the related tax benefits from the exercise of stock options. At December 31, 2009, the Company had no debt outstanding.

Cash flows used for financing activities for 2008 of $26.7 million were primarily due to $18.6 million of net debt payments and $8.3 million for the purchase of treasury stock. At December 31, 2008, the Company had $3.8 million of cash invested in U.S. Treasury short-term money market instruments.

 
36

 

On November 25, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) for a $50.0 million line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (collectively, the “Lenders”), to replace the Company’s previous $70.0 million line of credit that was scheduled to expire in June 2009. The maximum borrowings under the Company’s line of credit can be increased by $20.0 million upon approval of the Lenders. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit is designated from time to time by the Company as either the Prime Rate, but not less than 2.5 percent, plus additional interest up to 0.8 percent (0 percent at December 31, 2009), or LIBOR plus additional interest ranging from 2.0 percent to 2.8 percent (2.0 percent at December 31, 2009) depending on the Company’s performance and financial condition. The Credit Agreement expires December 1, 2011. At December 31, 2009, the Company had $7.8 million in outstanding letters of credit under the line of credit, and availability under the Company’s line of credit, after considering the maximum leverage ratio covenant limitation, was $37.8 million.

Simultaneously, the Company entered into a $125.0 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and its affiliates (“Prudential”), to replace the Company’s previous $60.0 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential, of which $6.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2008. The facility provides for Prudential to consider purchasing, at the Company’s request, in one or a series of transactions, Senior Promissory Notes of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of up to $125.0 million, to mature no more than twelve years after the date of original issue of each Senior Promissory Note. Prudential has no obligation to purchase the Senior Promissory Notes. Interest payable on the Senior Promissory Notes will be at rates determined by Prudential within five business days after the Company issues a request to Prudential. The “shelf-loan” facility expires November 25, 2011. In June 2009, the Company paid in full the remaining outstanding Senior Promissory Notes before their scheduled maturity date.

Both the line of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the “shelf-loan” facility are subject to a maximum leverage ratio covenant which limits the amount of consolidated outstanding indebtedness to 2.5 times the trailing twelve-month EBITDA, as defined; provided however, that if the Company’s trailing twelve-month EBITDA is less than $50 million, the maximum leverage ratio covenant declines to 1.25 times the trailing twelve-month EBITDA. Since the Company’s trailing twelve-month EBITDA was less than $50 million at December 31, 2009, the maximum leverage ratio covenant limits the remaining availability under these facilities collectively to $37.8 million. The $65.4 million in cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2009, together with the borrowing availability under our line of credit and “shelf-loan” facility, are more than adequate to finance the Company’s anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, Senior Promissory Notes, and certain other loan agreements, the Company is required to maintain minimum net worth, interest and fixed charge coverages, and to meet certain other financial requirements. At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all such requirements, and expects to remain in compliance for the next twelve months.

On November 29, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock from time to time in the open market, privately negotiated transactions, or block trades. Of this authorization, 447,400 shares were repurchased in 2008 at an average price of $18.58 per share, or $8.3 million in total. The aggregate cost of repurchases was funded from the Company’s available cash. The number of shares ultimately repurchased, and the timing of the purchases, will depend upon market conditions, share price, and other factors. At present the Company believes it is prudent to conserve cash, and does not intend to repurchase shares. However, changing conditions may cause the Company to reconsider this position.
 
 
37

 

Future minimum commitments relating to the Company's contractual obligations at December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

   
Payments due by period
 
         
Less than
               
More than
 
   
Total
   
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
5 years
 
Operating leases
  $ 13,842     $ 4,668     $ 6,824     $ 1,887     $ 463  
Capital leases
    20       20       -       -       -  
Employment contracts and deferred compensation (a)
    9,476       4,677       2,999       99       1,701  
Royalty agreements and earn-out payments (b)
    4,386       710       1,511       824       1,341  
Purchase obligations (c)
    53,561       48,933       1,760       1,324       1,544  
Taxes (d)
    3,876       3,876       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 85,161     $ 62,884     $ 13,094     $ 4,134     $ 5,049  

 
(a)
This includes amounts payable under employment contracts and arrangements, retirement and severance agreements, and deferred compensation. These amounts do not include $0.3 million in deferred compensation, as the timing of payment is based upon the employees’ separation from service.
 
 
(b)
These amounts are comprised of minimum required future payments, as well as estimated future payments for which a liability has been recorded, in connection with acquisitions over the past few years. Excluded from these amounts, because they are not ascertainable, are a license agreement that provides for the Company to pay a royalty of 1 percent of sales of certain slide-out systems, the remaining aggregate of which cannot exceed $4.3 million, and an earn-out of up to $2.6 million related to an acquisition in 2007 if certain sales targets for the acquired products are achieved over the five years subsequent to the acquisition.
 
 
(c)
These contractual obligations are primarily comprised of purchase orders issued in the normal course of business. Also included are several longer term purchase commitments, for which the Company has estimated the expected future obligation based on current prices and usage.
 
 
(d)
These amounts include $1.3 million of estimated income tax payments for 2009, and $2.6 million for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties.

These commitments are described more fully in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company is in compliance with the corporate governance requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the New York Stock Exchange. The Company’s governance documents and committee charters and key practices have been posted to the Company’s website (www.drewindustries.com) and are updated periodically. The website also contains, or provides direct links to, all SEC filings, press releases and investor presentations. The Company has also established a toll-free hotline (877-373-9123) to report complaints about the Company’s accounting, internal controls, auditing matters or other concerns.

CONTINGENCIES

On or about January 3, 2007, an action was commenced in the United States District Court, Central District of California, entitled Gonzalez vs. Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership d/b/a Better Bath Components; Skyline Corporation, and Skylines Homes, Inc. (Case No. CV06-08233). The case purports to be a class action on behalf of the named plaintiff and all others similarly situated in California. Plaintiff initially alleged, but has not sought certification of, a national class.

On April 1, 2008, the Court issued an order granting Drew’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, resulting in the dismissal of Drew Industries Incorporated as one of the defendants in the case.

Plaintiff alleges that certain bathtubs manufactured by Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Kinro, and sold under the name “Better Bath” for use in manufactured homes, fail to comply with certain safety standards relating to flame spread established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). Plaintiff alleges, among other things, that sale of these products is in violation of various provisions of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1770 et seq.), the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2301 et seq.), the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1790 et seq.), and the California Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 17200 et seq.).

 
38

 

Plaintiff seeks to require defendants to notify members of the class of the allegations in the proceeding and the claims made, to repair or replace the allegedly defective products, to reimburse members of the class for repair, replacement and consequential costs, to cease the sale and distribution of the allegedly defective products, and to pay actual and punitive damages and plaintiff’s attorneys fees.

On January 29, 2008, the Court issued an Order denying certification of a class with plaintiff Gonzalez as the class representative because she no longer owned the bathtub. On March 10, 2008, plaintiff amended her complaint to include an additional plaintiff, Robert Royalty. Plaintiff Royalty states that his bathtub was not tested to determine whether it complies with HUD standards. Rather, his allegations are based on “information and belief”, including the testing of plaintiff Gonzalez’s bathtub and other evidence. Kinro denies plaintiff Royalty’s allegations.

On June 25, 2008, plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification and the Court again denied certification of a class. Plaintiffs filed a third motion for class certification on December 23, 2008, and Defendants’ filed a motion seeking summary judgment against plaintiffs’ case.

On May 18, 2009, the Court issued an Order granting partial summary judgment in favor of defendants, dismissing five of the six claims asserted by plaintiffs, except for plaintiffs’ claim for violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law (the “UCL”). The Court also granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification as to that one claim. The Court denied Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the UCL claim on the ground that there was a triable issue of fact as to whether the alleged misrepresentation on defendants’ labels regarding testing for flame spread rate caused plaintiffs to purchase the manufactured homes containing bathtubs manufactured by Kinro.

On August 26, 2009, as a result of a decision by the California Supreme Court in an unrelated case dealing with a similar UCL claim, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ remaining UCL claim because plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendants’ labels when they bought the homes containing the bathtubs. However, the Court concluded that simply selling bathtubs which may fail to satisfy Federal standards may violate the “unfair prong” of the UCL, even if plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendant’s labels.

On September 11, 2009, defendants filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a Petition for Permission to Appeal, on an interlocutory basis, that part of the District Court’s ruling that certified a class to pursue a claim under the “unfair prong” of the UCL. On December 11, 2009, the Appeals Court issued an Order denying defendants’ permission to appeal the District Court’s ruling at this point in the case, but the Appeals Court did not address the merits of the case.

Defendant Kinro has conducted a comprehensive investigation of the allegations made in connection with the claims, including with respect to the HUD safety standards, prior test results, testing procedures, and the use of labels. In addition, at Kinro’s initiative, independent laboratories conducted multiple tests on materials used by Kinro in the manufacture of bathtubs, the results of which tests indicate that Kinro’s bathtubs are in compliance with HUD regulations.

Based on the foregoing investigation and testing, the District Court’s rulings dismissing plaintiffs’ six claims, and the ruling on “reliance” by the California Supreme Court, Kinro believes that, notwithstanding the District Court’s finding that plaintiffs may proceed with their claim that defendants may have violated the “unfair prong” of the UCL, plaintiffs may not be able to prove the essential elements of their claim. Defendants intend to vigorously defend against the claim, and intend to move for summary judgment dismissing the claim. In addition, Kinro believes that no remedial action is required or appropriate under HUD safety standards.

If the District Court maintains its rulings, denies defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to the claim based on the “unfair prong” of the UCL, and maintains its ruling granting plaintiffs’ motion for class certification with respect to that claim, and if plaintiffs pursue their claim, protracted litigation could result. Although the outcome of such litigation cannot be predicted, if certain essential findings are ultimately unfavorable to Kinro, the Company could sustain a material liability. The Company’s liability insurer denied coverage on the ground that plaintiffs did not sustain any personal injury or property damage.

 
39

 

In connection with a tax audit by the Indiana Department of Revenue pertaining to calendar years 1998 to 2000, the Company received an initial examination report asserting, in the aggregate, approximately $1.2 million of proposed tax adjustments, including interest and penalties. After two hearings with the Indiana Department of Revenue, the audit findings were upheld. The Company filed an appeal in December 2006 with the Indiana Tax Court and the matter was scheduled for trial in December 2008. In November 2008, the Company and the Indiana Department of Revenue settled tax years 1998 to 2000 for $0.6 million, as well as 2001 to 2006 for $4.0 million, including interest. The aggregate settlement amount was fully reserved prior to 2009, and was paid in April of 2009. In connection with the settlement, the Indiana Department of Revenue reserved the right to examine tax years 2001 through 2006.

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. All such matters are subject to uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. While these matters could materially affect operating results when resolved in future periods, it is management’s opinion that after final disposition, including anticipated insurance recoveries, any monetary liability or financial impact to the Company beyond that provided in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009, would not be material to the Company’s financial position or annual results of operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which requires that certain estimates and assumptions be made that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in those financial statements and the related accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. The following critical accounting policies, some of which are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates, affect the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of its critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosure presented below relating to the critical accounting policies.

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts that reduces accounts receivables to amounts that are expected to be collected. In assessing the collectability of its accounts receivable, the Company considers such factors as the current overall economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical and anticipated customer performance, historical experience with write-offs and the level of past-due amounts. This estimation process is subjective, and to the extent that future actual results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded accruals may be required.

Inventories

Inventories (finished goods, work in process and raw materials) are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market. Cost is determined based solely on those charges incurred in the acquisition and production of the related inventory (i.e. material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs). The Company estimates an inventory reserve for excess quantities and obsolete items based on specific identification and historical write-offs, taking into account future demand and market conditions. To the extent that actual demand or market conditions in the future differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded inventory reserves may be required.

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain health and workers' compensation benefits up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred, but not reported (“IBNR”) claims. IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag information and other data provided by claims administrators. This estimation process is subjective, and to the extent that future actual results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded accruals may be required.

 
40

 

Warranty

The Company provides warranty terms based upon the type of product that is sold. The Company estimates the warranty accrual based upon various factors, including the Company’s (i) historical warranty experience, (ii) product mix, and (iii) sales patterns. The accounting for warranty accruals requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments, and to the extent that future actual results differ from original estimates, adjustments to recorded accruals may be required.

Income Taxes

The Company's tax (benefit) provision is based on pre-tax (loss) income, statutory tax rates and tax planning strategies. Significant management judgment is required in determining the tax (benefit) provision and in evaluating the Company's tax position. The Company establishes additional provisions for income taxes when, despite the belief that the tax positions are fully supportable, there remain certain tax positions that are likely to be challenged and may or may not be sustained on review by tax authorities. The Company adjusts these tax accruals in light of changing facts and circumstances. The effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the expected outcome of tax audits.

The Company's accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets also include deferred tax assets resulting from deductible temporary differences, which are expected to reduce future taxable income. These assets are based on management's estimate of realizability based upon forecasted taxable income. Realizability of these assets is reassessed at the end of each reporting period based upon the Company's forecast of future taxable income. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income could affect the ultimate realization of certain deferred tax assets, and may result in the recognition of a valuation reserve. For additional information, see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances occur, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. In the event the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value would be recorded. The long-term nature of these assets requires the estimation of their cash inflows and outflows several years into the future. Actual results and events could differ significantly from management estimates.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets are evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. The Company conducts its required annual impairment test as of November 30th each fiscal year. The impairment test uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. This model requires the use of long-term forecasts and assumptions regarding industry-specific economic conditions that are outside the control of the Company. Actual results and events could differ significantly from management estimates.

In 2008, the Company conducted its annual impairment analysis of the goodwill in all reporting units, which resulted in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the entire $5.5 million of goodwill related to the specialty trailer reporting unit. During the first quarter of 2009, because the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange was below its book value, and due to the continued declines in industry-wide wholesale shipments of RVs and manufactured homes, the Company also conducted an impairment analysis of the goodwill of each of its reporting units, resulting in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the remaining $45.0 million of goodwill.

 
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In both periods, the fair value of each reporting unit was estimated with a discounted cash flow model utilizing internal forecasts and observable market data, to the extent available, to estimate future cash flows. The forecast included an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on management’s most recent views of the long-term outlook for each reporting unit.

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow model prepared for the goodwill impairment analysis was 16.5 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively, derived by applying the weighted average cost of capital model which weights the cost of debt and equity financing. The Company also considered the relationship of debt to equity of other companies similar to the respective reporting units, as well as the risks and uncertainty inherent in the markets generally and in the Company’s internally developed forecasts.

Based on the analyses, the carrying value of the RV, manufactured housing and specialty trailer reporting units exceeded their fair value. As a result, the Company performed the second step of the impairment test, which required the Company to determine the fair value of each reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including all of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets of each reporting unit, excluding goodwill. The results of the second step implied that the fair value of goodwill was zero, therefore the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge to write-off the entire goodwill of these reporting units.

These non-cash goodwill impairment charges were largely the result of uncertainties in the economy, and in the RV, manufactured housing and marine and leisure industries, as well as the discount rates used to determine the present value of projected cash flows. Estimating the fair value of reporting units, and the reporting unit’s asset and liabilities, involves the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections and market data. Actual results may differ from forecasted results.

Legal Contingencies

The Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims in the normal course of business. Each quarter, the Company formally evaluates pending proceedings, lawsuits and other claims with counsel. These contingencies require the judgment of management in assessing the likelihood of adverse outcomes and the potential range of probable losses. Liabilities for legal matters are accrued for when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, based upon current law and existing information. Estimates of contingencies may change in the future due to new developments or changes in legal approach. Actual results and events could differ significantly from management estimates.

Other Estimates

The Company makes a number of other estimates and judgments in the ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, those related to product returns, accounts receivable, notes receivable, lease terminations, asset retirement obligations, post-retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, segment allocations, earn-out payments, and contingencies. Establishing reserves for these matters requires management's estimate and judgment with regard to risk and ultimate liability or realization. As a result, these estimates are based on management's current understanding of the underlying facts and circumstances and may also be developed in conjunction with outside advisors, as appropriate. Because of uncertainties related to the ultimate outcome of these issues or the possibilities of changes in the underlying facts and circumstances, actual results and events could differ significantly from management estimates.

INFLATION

The prices of key raw materials, consisting primarily of steel, vinyl, aluminum, glass and ABS resin are influenced by demand and other factors specific to these commodities, such as the price of oil, rather than being directly affected by inflationary pressures. Prices of certain commodities have historically been volatile. The Company did not experience any significant increase in its labor costs in 2009 related to inflation.

 
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Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company has historically been exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of its financing activities. At December 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding borrowings.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had $3.0 million of cash equivalents and $13.0 million of short-term investments in U.S. Treasuries with a current yield of approximately 0.1 percent. Assuming there is an increase of 100 basis points in the interest rate for these fixed rate investments subsequent to December 31, 2009, and total investments of $16.0 million, future cash flows would be $0.2 million lower per annum than if the fixed rate investment could be obtained at current market rates.

If the actual change in interest rates is substantially different than 100 basis points, or the outstanding borrowings change significantly, the net impact of interest rate risk on the Company’s cash flow may be materially different than that disclosed above.

Additional information required by this item is included under the caption “Inflation” in Item 7 of this Report.
 
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Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Drew Industries Incorporated:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Drew Industries Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Drew Industries Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

/s/ KPMG LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
March 11, 2010

 
44

 

Drew Industries Incorporated
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 397,839     $ 510,506     $ 668,625  
Cost of sales
    319,129       403,000       509,875  
Gross profit
    78,710       107,506       158,750  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    69,489       80,129       93,498  
Goodwill impairment
    45,040       5,487       -  
Executive retirement
    -       2,667       -  
Other (income)
    (238 )     (675 )     (707 )
Operating (loss) profit
    (35,581 )     19,898       65,959  
Interest expense, net
    789       877       2,615  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (36,370 )     19,021       63,344  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (12,317 )     7,343       23,577  
Net (loss) income
  $ (24,053 )   $ 11,678     $ 39,767  
                         
Net (loss) income per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ (1.10 )   $ 0.54     $ 1.82  
Diluted
  $ (1.10 )   $ 0.53     $ 1.80  
                         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    21,807       21,808       21,893  
Diluted
    21,807       21,917       22,126  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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Drew Industries Incorporated
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except shares and per share amount)

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 52,365     $ 8,692  
Short-term investments
    12,995       -  
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowances of $1,232 in 2009 and $1,666 in 2008
    12,541       7,913  
Inventories
    57,757       93,934  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    13,793       16,556  
Total current assets
    149,451       127,095  
Fixed assets, net
    80,276       88,731  
Goodwill
    -       44,113  
Other intangible assets
    39,171       42,787  
Deferred taxes
    16,532       306  
Other assets
    2,635       8,326  
Total assets
  $ 288,065     $ 311,358  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Notes payable, including current maturities of long-term indebtedness
  $ -     $ 5,833  
Accounts payable, trade
    7,513       4,660  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    28,194       32,224  
Total current liabilities
    35,707       42,717  
Long-term indebtedness
    -       2,850  
Other long-term liabilities
    8,243       6,913  
Total liabilities
    43,950       52,480  
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, par value $.01 per share: authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 24,561,358 shares at December 31, 2009 and 24,122,054 shares at December 31, 2008
    246       241  
Paid-in capital
    74,239       64,954  
Retained earnings
    197,430       221,483  
      271,915       286,678  
Treasury stock, at cost - 2,596,725 shares at December 31, 2009 and 2008
    (27,800 )     (27,800 )
Total stockholders' equity
    244,115       258,878  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 288,065     $ 311,358  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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Drew Industries Incorporated
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (24,053 )   $ 11,678     $ 39,767  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    18,468       17,078       17,557  
Deferred taxes
    (16,685 )     (2,145 )     (1,488 )
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets and other non-cash items
    2,836       (2,393 )     (351 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    3,744       3,636       2,489  
Goodwill impairment
    45,040       5,487       -  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable, net
    (4,628 )     9,497       3,061  
Inventories
    37,505       (12,695 )     8,994  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    3,226       (1,980 )     1,478  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (2,197 )     (23,506 )     13,403  
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    63,256       4,657       84,910  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (3,107 )     (4,199 )     (8,770 )
Acquisition of businesses
    (1,679 )     (28,764 )     (17,299 )
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
    1,367       10,541       14,492  
Purchase of short-term investments
    (14,992 )     -       -  
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
    2,000       -       -  
Other investing activities
    (34 )     (3,070 )     (64 )
Net cash flows used for investing activities
    (16,445 )     (25,492 )     (11,641 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from line of credit and other borrowings
    5,775       14,600       23,800  
Repayments under line of credit and other borrowings
    (14,458 )     (33,179 )     (52,218 )
Exercise of stock options
    5,562       402       4,577  
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       (8,333 )     -  
Other financing activities
    (17 )     (176 )     -  
Net cash flows used for financing activities
    (3,138 )     (26,686 )     (23,841 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    43,673       (47,521 )     49,428  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    8,692       56,213       6,785  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 52,365     $ 8,692     $ 56,213  
                         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 499     $ 1,319     $ 3,426  
Income taxes, net of refunds
  $ 3,290     $ 13,852     $ 16,881  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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Drew Industries Incorporated
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except shares)

                     
Accumulated
             
                     
Other
         
Total
 
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Stock
   
Equity
 
                                     
Balance - December 31, 2006
  $ 238     $ 53,973     $ 170,038     $ 106     $ (19,467 )   $ 204,888  
Net income
                    39,767                       39,767  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of taxes
                            (68 )             (68 )
Comprehensive income
                                            39,699  
Issuance of 249,929 shares of common stock pursuant to stock options and deferred stock units
    3       2,510                               2,513  
Income tax benefit relating to issuance of common stock pursuant to stock options
            1,947                               1,947  
Stock-based compensation expense
            2,489                               2,489  
Balance - December 31, 2007
    241       60,919       209,805       38       (19,467 )     251,536  
Net income
                    11,678                       11,678  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps, net of taxes
                            (38 )             (38 )
Comprehensive income
                                            11,640  
Issuance of 39,080 shares of common stock pursuant to stock options and deferred stock units
            340                               340  
Income tax benefit relating to issuance of common stock pursuant to stock options
            59                               59  
Stock-based compensation expense
            3,636                               3,636  
Purchase of 447,400 shares of treasury stock
                                    (8,333 )     (8,333 )
Balance - December 31, 2008
    241       64,954       221,483       -       (27,800 )     258,878  
Net loss
                    (24,053 )                     (24,053 )
Issuance of 439,304 shares of common stock pursuant to stock options and deferred stock units
    5       5,010                               5,015  
Income tax benefit relating to issuance of common stock pursuant to stock options
            531                               531  
Stock-based compensation expense
            3,744                               3,744  
Balance - December 31, 2009
  $ 246     $ 74,239     $ 197,430     $ -     $ (27,800 )   $ 244,115  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
48

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Drew Industries Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Drew” or the “Company”). Drew has no unconsolidated subsidiaries. Drew’s wholly-owned active subsidiaries are Kinro, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Kinro”), and Lippert Components, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Lippert”). Drew, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, manufactures a broad array of components for recreational vehicles (“RVs”) and manufactured homes, including:

Steel chassis
Vinyl and aluminum windows and doors
Axles and suspension solutions
Chassis components
RV slide-out mechanisms and solutions
Furniture and mattresses
Thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products
Entry and baggage doors
Toy hauler ramp doors
Entry steps
Manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer
Other towable accessories
and lifting systems
Specialty trailers for hauling boats, personal
 
watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment

The recreational vehicle products segment (the “RV Segment”) accounted for 79 percent of the Company's sales in 2009, and the manufactured housing products segment (the “MH Segment”) accounted for 21 percent. Nearly 93 percent of the Company’s RV Segment sales are of products used in travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs. The balance represents sales of components for motorhomes and mid-size buses, and sales of specialty trailers, as well as axles for specialty trailers. At December 31, 2009, the Company operated 24 plants in 12 states.

The Company’s operations are somewhat seasonal, as sales are typically slower in the first and fourth quarters, consistent with the industries which the Company supplies. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report, the Company announced that Lippert agreed in principle to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets from Michigan-based Schwintek, Inc. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is not aware of any other significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2009, the cash and cash equivalents included $49.2 million of cash in fully FDIC insured accounts, and $3.0 million of U.S. Treasury Bills that mature in March 2010. The U.S. Treasury Bills are recorded at cost which approximated fair value.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $3.8 million invested in high-quality, short-term money market instruments issued and payable in U.S funds, recorded at cost which approximated fair value.

Short-term Investments

At December 31, 2009, the Company had $13.0 million of short-term investments consisting of U.S. Treasury Bills that mature at various dates through June 2010. These investments are recorded at cost which approximated fair value.
 
 
49

 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the historical carrying amount, net of write-offs and allowances. The Company establishes allowances based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues identified by the Company. Uncollectible accounts receivable are written off when a settlement is reached or when the Company has determined that the balance will not be collected.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the activity related to the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 1,486     $ 803     $ 1,081  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    998       1,066       (163 )
Additions related to acquired companies
    -       30       85  
Accounts written off, net of recoveries
    (1,481 )     (413 )     (200 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 1,003     $ 1,486     $ 803  

In addition to the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the Company had an allowance for prompt payment discounts in the amount of $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.4 million at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. Cost includes material, labor and overhead; market is replacement cost or realizable value after allowance for costs of distribution.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of properties and equipment. Leasehold improvements and leased equipment are amortized over the shorter of the lives of the leases or the underlying assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred; significant betterments are capitalized.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in tax positions in accordance with the current accounting guidance, which requires that a company recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position, only if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company adopted the provisions of the current accounting guidance on January 1, 2007, as a result of which, the Company did not recognize a material adjustment to the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits.

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to income taxes as income tax expense in its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested at the reporting unit level for impairment annually, or more frequently if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. The impairment tests are based on fair value, determined using discounted cash flows, appraised values or management’s estimates, depending upon the nature of the assets.

 
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In 2008, the Company conducted its annual impairment analysis of the goodwill in all reporting units, which resulted in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the entire $5.5 million of goodwill related to the specialty trailer reporting unit. During the first quarter of 2009, because the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange was below its book value, and due to the continued declines in industry-wide wholesale shipments of RVs and manufactured homes, the Company also conducted an impairment analysis of the goodwill of each of its reporting units, resulting in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the remaining $45.0 million of goodwill. The impairment analysis of goodwill conducted during the first quarter of 2009 was completed using Level 3 fair value inputs.

In both periods, the fair value of each reporting unit was estimated with a discounted cash flow model utilizing internal forecasts and observable market data, to the extent available, to estimate future cash flows. The forecast included an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on management’s most recent views of the long-term outlook for each reporting unit.

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow model prepared for the goodwill impairment analysis was 16.5 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively, derived by applying the weighted average cost of capital model which weights the cost of debt and equity financing. The Company also considered the relationship of debt to equity of other companies similar to the respective reporting units, as well as the risks and uncertainty inherent in the markets generally and in the Company’s internally developed forecasts.

Based on the analyses, the carrying value of the RV, manufactured housing and specialty trailer reporting units exceeded their fair value. As a result, the Company performed the second step of the impairment test, which required the Company to determine the fair value of each reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including all of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets of each reporting unit, excluding goodwill. The results of the second step implied that the fair value of goodwill was zero, therefore the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge to write-off the entire goodwill of these reporting units.

These non-cash goodwill impairment charges were largely the result of uncertainties in the economy, and in the RV, manufactured housing and marine and leisure industries, as well as the discount rates used to determine the present value of projected cash flows. Estimating the fair value of reporting units, and the reporting unit’s asset and liabilities, involves the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections and market data. Actual results may differ from forecasted results.

Current accounting guidance also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment. The amortization of other intangible assets is done using a method, straight-line or accelerated, which best reflects the pattern in which the estimated future economic benefits of the asset will be consumed.

During 2009, the Company reviewed the recoverability of the carrying value of other intangible assets, and determined that there was no impairment. The Company continues to monitor these assets for potential impairment, as a downturn in the RV, manufactured housing, or marine and leisure industries, or in the profitability of the Company’s operations, could result in a non-cash impairment charge of these assets in the future.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Upon such an occurrence, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For long-lived assets held for sale, assets are written down to fair value, less cost to sell. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, appraised values or management’s estimates, depending upon the nature of the assets.

 
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In 2009, the Company reviewed the recoverability of the carrying value of facilities and vacant land not currently being used in production, as well as facilities in the process of shutting down operations, using broker quotes and management’s estimates, which are Level 3 fair value inputs. In 2009, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.5 million on facilities that have an adjusted carrying value of $6.2 million at December 31, 2009. The Company also reviewed the recoverability of other facilities with a net carrying value of $7.5 million at December 31, 2009, using Level 3 fair value inputs, and determined no impairment charge was required. In 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges for facilities of $1.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These impairment charges for 2009, 2008, and 2007 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company recorded additional charges to operations of $0.8 million and $0.6 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the exit of leased facilities, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During 2009, the Company reviewed the recoverability of the carrying value of remaining other long-lived assets, and determined that there was no impairment. The Company continues to monitor these assets for potential impairment, as a downturn in the RV, manufactured housing, or marine and leisure industries, or in the profitability of the Company’s operations, could result in a non-cash impairment charge of these assets in the future.

Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Stock-Based Compensation

All stock options granted are being expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the stock option vesting period, based on fair value, determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, at the date the stock options were granted. The accounting for stock options resulted in charges to operations of $2.8 million, $3.2 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company issued deferred stock units to certain executive officers and non-employee directors in lieu of cash remuneration of $0.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same line that cash compensation to those employees is recorded, primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Risk-free interest rate
    2.12 %     2.17 %     3.83 %
Expected volatility
    53.2 %     42.5 %     33.8 %
Expected life
 
4.8 years
   
4.8 years
   
5.0 years
 
Contractual life
 
6.0 years
   
6.0 years
   
6.0 years
 
Dividend yield
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
Fair value of stock options granted
  $ 9.87     $ 4.68     $ 11.68  

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss, collectability is reasonably assured, and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Sales taxes collected, which are not significant, from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore are excluded from revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
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Shipping and Handling Costs

The Company records shipping and handling costs within selling, general and administrative expenses. Such costs aggregated $15.4 million, $21.4 million and $25.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Legal Costs

The Company expenses all legal costs associated with litigation as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to product returns, accounts receivable, inventories, notes receivable, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes, warranty obligations, self-insurance obligations, lease terminations, asset retirement obligations, long-lived assets, post-retirement benefits, stock-based compensation, segment allocations, earn-out payments, and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, other available information and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other resources. Actual results and events could differ significantly from management estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted new accounting guidance for all financial assets and liabilities and for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted new accounting guidance for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Although such adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for 2009 or 2008, the pronouncement may impact the Company’s accounting for future business combinations, impairment charges and restructuring charges.

This new accounting guidance established a new framework for measuring fair value and expanded related disclosures. The framework requires fair value to be determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset, or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price), in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

The valuation techniques required are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. The accounting guidance requires the following fair value hierarchy:
 
 
·
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 
·
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation.

 
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·
Level 3 - Values determined by models, significant inputs to which are unobservable and are primarily based on internally derived assumptions regarding the timing and amount of expected cash flows.

            Long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets, may be measured at fair value if such assets are held for sale or if there is a determination that the asset is impaired. The determination of fair value is based on the best information available, including internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate interest rate, quoted market prices when available, market prices for similar assets, broker quotes and independent appraisals, as appropriate.

During 2009, the Company acquired patents, tradenames, and other assets in business combinations. The Company used Level 3 inputs to value the assets acquired, as well as the liabilities for future earn-out payments. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting and disclosure guidance for recognized and non-recognized subsequent events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The provisions of the new accounting guidance were effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this new accounting guidance had no impact on the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB amended its guidance on accounting for business combinations. The new accounting guidance requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with a business combination to be measured at fair value as of the acquisition date, acquisition related costs incurred prior to the acquisition to be expensed, and contractual contingencies to be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. The provisions of the new accounting guidance were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on the Company.

2. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has two reportable segments, the RV Segment and the MH Segment.

The RV Segment, which accounted for 79 percent, 72 percent and 74 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, manufactures a variety of products used primarily in the production of RVs, including:

Towable RV steel chassis
 
Aluminum windows and screens
Towable RV axles and suspension solutions
 
Chassis components
RV slide-out mechanisms and solutions
 
Furniture and mattresses
Thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products
 
Entry and baggage doors
Toy hauler ramp doors
 
Entry steps
Manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer
 
Other towable accessories
and lifting systems
 
Specialty trailers for hauling boats, personal
 
  
watercraft, snowmobiles and equipment

Nearly 93 percent of the Company’s RV Segment sales are of products used in travel trailers and fifth-wheel RVs. The balance represents sales of components for motorhomes and mid-size buses, and sales of specialty trailers, as well as axles for specialty trailers.

The MH Segment, which accounted for 21 percent, 28 percent and 26 percent of consolidated net sales for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, manufactures a variety of products used in the production of manufactured homes and to a lesser extent, modular housing and office units, including:

Vinyl and aluminum windows and screens
 
Steel chassis
Thermoformed bath and kitchen products
 
Steel chassis parts
Axles
  
Entry doors
 
 
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The Company also supplies replacement windows, doors and thermoformed bath products for existing manufactured homes.

Sales of products other than components for RVs and manufactured homes are not considered significant. However, certain of the Company’s MH Segment customers manufacture both manufactured homes and modular homes, and certain of the products manufactured by the Company are suitable for both manufactured homes and modular homes. As a result, the Company is not always able to determine in which type of home its products are installed.  Intersegment sales are insignificant.

Decisions concerning the allocation of the Company's resources are made by the Company's key executives. This group evaluates the performance of each segment based upon segment operating profit or loss, defined as income (loss) before interest, amortization of intangibles, corporate expenses, goodwill impairment, other items and income taxes. Decisions concerning the allocation of resources are also based on each segment’s utilization of operating assets. Management of debt is a corporate function. The accounting policies of the RV and MH Segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Information relating to segments follows (in thousands):

   
Segments
   
Corporate
   
Intangible
       
   
RV
   
MH
   
Total
   
and Other
   
Assets
   
Total
 
                                     
Year ended December 31, 2009
                                   
Revenues from external customers(a)
  $ 312,535     $ 85,304     $ 397,839     $ -     $ -     $ 397,839  
Operating profit (loss)(b)(e)
    20,459       3,847       24,306       (9,286 )     (50,601 )     (35,581 )
Total assets(c)
    108,724       41,671       150,395       98,347       39,323       288,065  
Expenditures for long-lived assets(d)
    2,398       865       3,263       110       -       3,373  
Depreciation and amortization
    9,534       3,309       12,843       64       5,561       18,468  
                                                 
Year ended December 31, 2008
                                               
Revenues from external customers(a)
  $ 368,092     $ 142,414     $ 510,506     $ -     $ -     $ 510,506  
Operating profit (loss)(b)(e)
    28,725       11,016       39,741       (9,301 )     (10,542 )     19,898  
Total assets(c)
    143,205       47,241       190,446       33,747       87,165       311,358  
Expenditures for long-lived assets(d)
    5,488       719       6,207       31       -       6,238  
Depreciation and amortization
    8,636       3,353       11,989       34       5,055       17,078  
                                                 
Year ended December 31, 2007
                                               
Revenues from external customers(a)
  $ 491,830     $ 176,795     $ 668,625     $ -     $ -     $ 668,625  
Operating profit (loss)(b)(e)
    63,132       15,061       78,193       (8,056 )     (4,178 )     65,959  
Total assets(c)
    140,531       51,969       192,500       80,803       72,434       345,737  
Expenditures for long-lived assets(d)
    8,080       1,002       9,082       119       -       9,201  
Depreciation and amortization
    9,017       4,346       13,363       16       4,178       17,557  

 
a)
Thor Industries, Inc., a customer of the RV Segment, accounted for 25 percent, 21 percent and 23 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (through its subsidiaries Forest River, Inc. and Clayton Homes, Inc.), a customer of both segments, accounted for 24 percent, 22 percent and 20 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 10 percent of consolidated net sales in the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 
55

 

 
b)
Certain general and administrative expenses of Kinro and Lippert are allocated between the segments based upon sales or operating profit, depending upon the nature of the expense.

 
c)
Segment assets include accounts receivable, inventories and fixed assets. Corporate and other assets include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid expenses and other current assets, deferred taxes, and other assets. Intangibles include goodwill, other intangible assets and deferred charges which are not considered in the measurement of each segment’s performance.

 
d)
Segment expenditures for long-lived assets include capital expenditures and fixed assets purchased as part of the acquisition of businesses. The Company purchased $0.3 million, $2.0 million and $0.4 million of fixed assets as part of the acquisitions of businesses in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Expenditures for other long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets are not included in the segment since they are not considered in the measurement of each segment’s performance.

 
e)
The operating loss for the Corporate and Other column is comprised of Corporate expenses of $6.4 million, $7.2 million and $7.6 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and Other non-segment items of $2.9 million, $2.1 million and $0.5 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net sales by product were as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Recreational Vehicles:
                 
Chassis, chassis parts and slide-out mechanisms
  $ 178,563     $ 228,310     $ 315,875  
Windows, doors and screens
    64,684       79,279       107,693  
Furniture
    30,290       11,726       -  
Axles
    26,343       30,024       42,025  
Specialty trailers
    6,810       13,773       20,749  
Other
    5,845       4,980       5,488  
      312,535       368,092       491,830  
                         
Manufactured Housing:
                       
Windows, doors and screens
    46,961       62,924       72,580  
Chassis and chassis parts
    24,892       56,869       70,428  
Shower and bath units
    12,636       18,108       19,921  
Axles and tires
    757       3,811       10,502  
Other
    58       702       3,364  
      85,304       142,414       176,795  
                         
Net Sales
  $ 397,839     $ 510,506     $ 668,625  

3. ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Over the last ten years, the Company has acquired numerous manufacturers of products for RVs, manufactured homes and specialty trailers, expanded its geographic market and product lines, consolidated manufacturing facilities, and integrated manufacturing, distribution and administrative functions. In a number of these acquisitions the Company acquired a significant amount of goodwill, as the value of the acquired business to the Company exceeded the fair value of the net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired in the transaction. In the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, the Company conducted an impairment analysis of the goodwill of each of its reporting units, resulting in the impairment and non-cash write-off of all existing goodwill.  See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
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Recently Announced Acquisitions

Wall Slide and Other RV Products

On February 18, 2010, the Company reported that Lippert agreed in principle to acquire certain intellectual property and other assets from Michigan-based Schwintek, Inc. The purchase would include several products for which patents are pending, including innovative RV wall slides that are considerably lighter, more space efficient, and more reliable than previous slide-out designs. The purchase price, undisclosed at the time of the announcement, is expected to include cash payable at closing, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales. It is expected that the cash portion of the purchase price payable at closing will be funded from available cash. Closing of the transaction is subject to completion of due diligence, agreement on final terms and conditions, the execution of definitive transaction documents, and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Level-UpTM System

In a separate transaction on February 18, 2010, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a six-point leveling system for fifth-wheel RVs. The purchase price was $1.4 million paid at closing with available cash, plus an earn-out depending on future unit sales of the system.

Acquisitions in 2009

QuickBiteTM

On May 15, 2009, Lippert acquired the patents for the QuickBiteTM coupler, and other intellectual properties and assets. The innovative design of the QuickBiteTM automatic dual-jaw locking system eliminates several steps when coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle, while at the same time making coupling simpler through the use of an integrated alignment system. The minimum aggregate purchase price was $0.5 million, of which $0.3 million was paid at closing from available cash, with the balance to be paid on May 15, 2010. In addition, Lippert will pay an earn-out of $2.50 per unit sold, up to a maximum of $2.5 million, during the life of the patents. Therefore, the aggregate purchase price could increase to a maximum of $3.0 million. In 2009, Lippert paid earn-out of less than $0.1 million. The results of the acquired QuickBiteTM business have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning May 15, 2009.

Slide-out storage box for pick-up trucks

On September 11, 2009, Lippert acquired the patent-pending design for a tool box containing a slide-out storage tray. This newly-designed product, used in pick-up trucks, tow trucks and other mobile service vehicles, is being produced at the Company’s existing manufacturing plants, with existing management, utilizing production techniques with which the Company has extensive experience. The purchase price was $0.4 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. The results of the acquired business have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning September 11, 2009.

Front entry doors for manufactured homes

On September 29, 2009, Kinro acquired certain inventory and equipment used for the production of front entry doors for manufactured homes. This acquisition will increase Kinro’s content per manufactured home and also add a new product category. The Company estimates that the current annual market for front entry doors for manufactured homes is about $25 million to $30 million, and that half of this new potential is in aftermarket replacement doors for existing manufactured homes. Kinro began manufacturing entry doors at plants in Indiana and South Carolina in the 2009 fourth quarter. The purchase price was $0.9 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. The results of the acquired business have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning September 29, 2009.
 
 
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The aggregate consideration for the acquisitions of the QuickBiteTM coupler, slide-out storage box for pick-up trucks, and front entry doors for manufactured homes was recorded as follows (in thousands):

Net tangible assets acquired
  $ 1,370  
Intangible assets
    1,780  
      3,150  
Less: Present value of future estimated earn-out payments
    (1,204 )
Less: Other
    (267 )
Total cash consideration
  $ 1,679  

Acquisitions in 2008

Seating Technology

On July 1, 2008, Lippert acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Seating Technology, Inc. and its affiliated companies (“Seating Technology”), a manufacturer of a wide variety of furniture products primarily for towable RVs, including a full line of upholstered furniture and mattresses. Seating Technology had annual sales of $40 million in 2007. The purchase price was $28.7 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. The Company acquired intangible assets from Seating Technology primarily related to customer relationships, which are being amortized over their estimated remaining useful life, which at the date of acquisition was approximately 11 years. Subsequent to the acquisition, Lippert closed two of Seating Technology's five leased facilities in Indiana and consolidated those operations into existing facilities. The results of the acquired Seating Technology business have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning July 1, 2008.

Total consideration for the acquisition was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Net tangible assets acquired
  $ 5,766  
Customer relationships
    9,400  
Other identifiable intangible assets
    2,575  
Goodwill (tax deductible)
    10,918  
Total cash consideration
  $ 28,659  

Patent for “JT’s Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer”

On July 1, 2008, Lippert acquired the patent for “JT's Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer” and other intellectual properties and assets. The purchase price was $3.1 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. “JT's Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer” represents a significant advance in the elimination of side-to-side and front-to-back movement of a parked travel trailer or fifth-wheel RV. Total consideration for the acquisition was allocated to amortizable intangible assets.

Acquisitions in 2007

Extreme Engineering

On July 6, 2007, Lippert acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Extreme Engineering, Inc. (“Extreme Engineering”), a manufacturer of specialty trailers for high-end boats, along with its affiliate, Pivit Hitch, Inc. (“Pivit Hitch”). Extreme Engineering and Pivit Hitch had combined annual sales of $12 million prior to the acquisition. The purchase price for the two companies was $10.8 million, including transaction costs, which was paid at closing from available cash. The results of the acquired Extreme Engineering and Pivit Hitch businesses have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning July 6, 2007.
 
 
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Total consideration for the acquisitions was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Net tangible assets acquired
  $ 1,238  
Identifiable intangible assets
    5,600  
Goodwill (tax deductible)
    3,974  
Total cash consideration
  $ 10,812  

Coach Step

On May 21, 2007, Lippert acquired certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Coach Step, a manufacturer of patented electric steps for motorhomes. Coach Step had annual sales of $2 million prior to the acquisition. The purchase price was $3.0 million, which was paid at closing from available cash. Upon acquisition, the Company integrated Coach Step’s business into existing Lippert facilities. The results of the acquired Coach Step business have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning May 21, 2007.

Total consideration for the acquisition was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Net tangible assets acquired
  $ 604  
Identifiable intangible assets
    1,830  
Goodwill (tax deductible)
    598  
Total cash consideration
  $ 3,032  

Trailair and Equa-Flex

On January 2, 2007, Lippert acquired Trailair, Inc. (“Trailair”) and certain assets and liabilities, and the business of Equa-Flex, Inc. (“Equa-Flex”), two affiliated companies, which manufacture several patented products, including innovative suspension systems used primarily for towable RVs. Trailair and Equa-Flex had combined annual sales of $3 million prior to the acquisition. The minimum aggregate purchase price was $5.7 million, of which $3.5 million was paid at closing and the balance is being paid annually over the five years subsequent to the acquisition. The aggregate purchase price could increase to a maximum of $8.3 million if certain sales targets for these products are achieved by Lippert over the five years subsequent to the acquisition. In the aggregate, less than $0.1 million has been paid subsequent to the acquisition based on such sales targets. The annual payments to be made over the five years subsequent to the acquisition bear interest at the stated rate of 3 percent per annum from the date of the acquisition. The acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Company's line of credit. Upon acquisition, the Company integrated Trailair and Equa-Flex’s business into existing Lippert facilities. The results of the acquired Trailair and Equa-Flex businesses have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning January 2, 2007.

Total consideration for the acquisitions was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Net tangible assets acquired
  $ 625  
Identifiable intangible assets
    4,160  
Goodwill (tax deductible)
    267  
Goodwill (non tax deductible)
    426  
Total consideration
    5,478  
Less present value of future minimum payments
    (1,961 )
Total cash consideration
  $ 3,517  
 
 
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill by reportable segment is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
MH Segment
   
RV Segment
   
Total
 
                   
Balance - January 1, 2008
  $ 9,251     $ 30,296     $ 39,547  
Acquisitions
    -       10,053       10,053  
Impairments
    -       (5,487 )     (5,487 )
Balance - December 31, 2008
    9,251       34,862       44,113  
Adjustment to 2008 Seating Technology acquisition
    -       927       927  
Impairments
    (9,251 )     (35,789 )     (45,040 )
Balance - December 31, 2009
  $ -     $ -     $ -  

In 2008, the Company conducted its annual impairment analysis of the goodwill in all reporting units, which resulted in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the entire $5.5 million of goodwill related to the specialty trailer reporting unit. During the first quarter of 2009, because the Company’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange was below its book value, and due to the continued declines in industry-wide wholesale shipments of RVs and manufactured homes, the Company also conducted an impairment analysis of the goodwill of each of its reporting units, resulting in the impairment and non-cash write-off of the remaining $45.0 million of goodwill. See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

If the Company records goodwill on acquisitions completed subsequent to December 31, 2009, the Company will perform its annual impairment test as of November 30, and will continue to monitor such assets for potential impairment during interim periods.

Other intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

         
Accumulated
       
Estimated Useful
   
Gross
   
Amortization
   
Net
 
Life in Years
                     
Non-compete agreements
  $ 2,830     $ 1,031     $ 1,799  
3 to 7
Customer relationships
    24,870       8,851       16,019  
8 to 16
Tradenames
    6,151       2,390       3,761  
5 to 15
Patents
    22,693       5,101       17,592  
5 to 19
Other intangible assets
  $ 56,544     $ 17,373     $ 39,171    

Other intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 2008 (in thousands):

         
Accumulated
       
Estimated Useful
   
Gross
   
Amortization
   
Net
 
Life in Years
                     
Non-compete agreements
  $ 3,231     $ 1,130     $ 2,101  
3 to 7
Customer relationships
    24,870       6,225       18,645  
8 to 16
Tradenames
    6,251       1,846       4,405  
5 to 15
Patents
    21,183       3,547       17,636  
5 to 19
Other intangible assets
  $ 55,535     $ 12,748     $ 42,787    

The carrying value of other intangible assets in the RV and MH Segments were $35.3 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2009, respectively, and $38.3 million and $4.5 million at December 31, 2008, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to $5.4 million, $4.8 million and $3.9 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as follows: $5.3 million (2010), $5.0 million (2011), $4.7 million (2012), $4.1 million (2013) and $3.6 million (2014).

 
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During 2009, the Company reviewed the recoverability of the carrying value of other intangible assets, and determined that there was no impairment. The Company continues to monitor these assets for potential impairment, as a downturn in the RV, manufactured housing, or marine and leisure industries, or in the profitability of the Company’s operations, could result in a non-cash impairment charge of these assets in the future.

4. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
 
Finished goods
  $ 9,264     $ 10,801  
Work in process
    1,576       2,946  
Raw materials
    46,917       80,187  
Total
  $ 57,757     $ 93,934  

5. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets, at cost, consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):

               
Estimated Useful
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
Life in Years
 
Land
  $ 9,917     $ 8,323        
Buildings and improvements
    65,574       63,508    
10 to 40
 
Leasehold improvements
    1,164       1,182    
2 to 15
 
Machinery and equipment
    73,995       77,653    
3 to 10
 
Transportation equipment
    2,590       2,985    
3 to 7
 
Furniture and fixtures
    8,625       8,356    
3 to 8
 
Construction in progress
    464       1,294        
      162,329       163,301        
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    82,053       74,570        
Fixed assets, net
  $ 80,276     $ 88,731        

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets is as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Charged to cost of sales
  $ 11,155     $ 10,292     $ 11,497  
Charged to selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,752       1,731       1,882  
Total
  $ 12,907     $ 12,023     $ 13,379  

6. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
       
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
  $ 11,815     $ 13,010        
Accrued warranty
    3,340       4,510        
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities
    13,039       14,704        
Total
  $ 28,194     $ 32,224        
 
 
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Estimated costs related to product warranties are accrued at the time products are sold. In estimating its future warranty obligations, the Company considers various factors, including the Company’s (i) historical warranty experience, (ii) product mix, and (iii) sales patterns. The following table provides a reconciliation of the activity related to the Company’s accrued warranty, including both the current and long-term portions, for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 5,419     $ 5,762     $ 3,990  
Provision for warranty expense
    2,279       3,984       6,335  
Warranty costs paid
    (3,012 )     (4,327 )     (4,563 )
Total accrued warranty
    4,686       5,419       5,762  
Less long-term portion
    1,346       909       1,402  
Current accrued warranty
  $ 3,340     $ 4,510     $ 4,360  

7. RETIREMENT AND OTHER BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans

Prior to November 2009, the Company maintained multiple discretionary defined contribution 401(k) profit sharing plans. In November 2009, the Company combined its plans into one plan, covering all eligible employees. The Company contributed $0.9 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million to these plans during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company has an Executive Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, certain management employees are eligible to defer all or a portion of their regular salary and incentive compensation. Participants deferred $0.3 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Each Plan participant is fully vested in their deferred compensation and earnings credited to his or her account as all contributions to the Plan are made by the participant. The Company is responsible for certain costs of Plan administration, which are not significant, but will not make any contributions to the Plan. Pursuant to the Plan, payments to the Plan participants are made from the general unrestricted assets of the Company, and the Company’s obligations pursuant to the Plan are unfunded and unsecured. Participants withdrew $0.5 million from the Plan in 2009. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, have been recorded in other long-term liabilities, and $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, have been recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Executive Retirement

The Company has a management succession plan designed to ensure an effective transition of management of the Company’s operations to qualified executives upon the retirement of senior executives. In November 2008, in accordance with the management succession plan, Edward W. Rose, III, Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1984, was appointed Lead Director; Leigh J. Abrams, President from 1984 to May 2008, and Chief Executive Officer and a Director since 1984, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors; and Fredric M. Zinn, Executive Vice President from 2001, Chief Financial Officer from 1984, and President and a Director since May 2008, was, in addition to President, appointed Chief Executive Officer. Each of these appointments became effective January 1, 2009.

In connection with the retirement, effective December 31, 2008, of David L. Webster as a Director of the Company and as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinro, after approximately 30 years with Kinro, and in accordance with the Company’s executive succession plan, the Board of Directors appointed Jason D. Lippert to assume responsibility for the operations of Kinro while continuing his duties as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lippert. Mr. Lippert was appointed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinro effective January 1, 2009.

 
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In connection with the management succession, the Company and Mr. Abrams entered into an Executive Compensation and Benefits Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “Abrams Agreement”). The Board of Directors granted retirement compensation and benefits to Mr. Abrams in recognition of his 40-year commitment to the success of the Company, the Company’s performance during his 29-year tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer, and the overall increase in stockholder value during that period. In addition, as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Abrams will continue to render services to the Company, for which he will be compensated in accordance with the Abrams Agreement, and he has agreed to non-competition restrictions on his future business activities.

Also in connection with the management succession, the Company and Mr. Webster entered into an Executive Compensation and Benefits Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2009 (the “Webster Agreement”). Mr. Webster’s existing employment agreement, which was to expire December 31, 2009, was cancelled as of the effective date of the Webster Agreement. The Board of Directors granted retirement compensation and benefits to Mr. Webster in recognition of his contribution to the Company’s business, growth and reputation during a 30-year period. In addition, Mr. Webster agreed to non-competition restrictions on his future business activities.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, as a result of the Abrams Agreement and Webster Agreement, the Company recognized $2.7 million of executive retirement expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, have been recorded in other long-term liabilities, and $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, have been recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

8. LONG-TERM INDEBTEDNESS

Long-term indebtedness consists of the following at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
 
Senior Promissory Notes
  $ -     $ 6,000  
Notes payable pursuant to a Credit Agreement
    -       -  
Industrial Revenue Bonds, secured by certain real estate and equipment
    -       1,662  
Other loans primarily secured by certain real estate and equipment
    -       1,021  
 
    -       8,683   
Less current portion
    -       5,833  
Total long-term indebtedness
  $ -     $ 2,850  

The weighted average interest rate for the Company’s indebtedness was 4.85 percent at December 31, 2008.

On November 25, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) for a $50.0 million line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (collectively, the “Lenders”), to replace the Company’s previous $70.0 million line of credit that was scheduled to expire in June 2009. The maximum borrowings under the Company’s line of credit can be increased by $20.0 million upon approval of the Lenders. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit is designated from time to time by the Company as either the Prime Rate, but not less than 2.5 percent, plus additional interest up to 0.8 percent (0 percent at December 31, 2009 and 2008), or LIBOR plus additional interest ranging from 2.0 percent to 2.8 percent (2.0 percent at December 31, 2009 and 2008) depending on the Company’s performance and financial condition. The Credit Agreement expires December 1, 2011. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $7.8 million and $7.6 million, respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under the line of credit, and availability under the Company’s line of credit, after considering the maximum leverage ratio covenant limitation, was $37.8 million and $42.4 million, respectively.

 
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Simultaneously, the Company entered into a $125.0 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and its affiliates (“Prudential”), to replace the Company’s previous $60.0 million “shelf-loan” facility with Prudential, of which $6.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2008. The facility provides for Prudential to consider purchasing, at the Company’s request, in one or a series of transactions, Senior Promissory Notes of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of up to $125.0 million, to mature no more than twelve years after the date of original issue of each Senior Promissory Note. Prudential has no obligation to purchase the Senior Promissory Notes. Interest payable on the Senior Promissory Notes will be at rates determined by Prudential within five business days after the Company issues a request to Prudential. The “shelf-loan” facility expires November 25, 2011. In June 2009, the Company paid in full the remaining outstanding Senior Promissory Notes before their scheduled maturity date.
 
Both the line of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the “shelf-loan” facility are subject to a maximum leverage ratio covenant which limits the amount of consolidated outstanding indebtedness to 2.5 times the trailing twelve-month EBITDA, as defined; provided however, that if the Company’s trailing twelve-month EBITDA is less than $50 million, the maximum leverage ratio covenant declines to 1.25 times the trailing twelve-month EBITDA. Since the Company’s trailing twelve-month EBITDA was less than $50 million at December 31, 2009, the maximum leverage ratio covenant limits the remaining availability under these facilities collectively to $37.8 million. The $65.4 million in cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2009, together with the borrowing availability under our line of credit and “shelf-loan” facility, are more than adequate to finance the Company’s anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements.

Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, Senior Promissory Notes, and certain other loan agreements, the Company is required to maintain minimum net worth, interest and fixed charge coverages, and to meet certain other financial requirements. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company was in compliance with all such requirements, and expects to remain in compliance for the next twelve months.

Borrowings under both the line of credit and the “shelf-loan” facility are secured on a pari passu basis by first priority liens on the capital stock or other equity interests of each of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The Company has unsecured letters of credit outstanding, unrelated to the Credit Agreement, which aggregate $0.4 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

9. INCOME TAXES

The income tax (benefit) provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $ 3,700     $ 7,312     $ 20,774  
State
    668       2,176       4,291  
Total current
    4,368       9,488       25,065  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    (13,485 )     (1,721 )     (1,137 )
State
    (3,200 )     (424 )     (351 )
Total deferred
    (16,685 )     (2,145 )     (1,488 )
Total income tax (benefit) provision
  $ (12,317 )   $ 7,343     $ 23,577  
 
 
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The (benefit) provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate to (loss) income before income taxes for the following reasons for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Income tax at federal statutory rate
  $ (12,366 )   $ 6,657     $ 22,171  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax impact
    (1,671 )     1,139       2,561  
Non-deductible goodwill
    2,030       -       -  
Research and development credit
    (354 )     -       (64 )
Other non-deductible expenses
    100       169       135  
Manufacturing credit pursuant to Jobs Creation Act
    (50 )     (407 )     (1,123 )
Tax-free interest income
    -       (7 )     (277 )
Other
    (6 )     (208 )     174  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
  $ (12,317 )   $ 7,343     $ 23,577  

At December 31, 2009, federal and state income taxes payables of $3.9 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. At December 31, 2008, federal overpayments of $2.2 million are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and state income taxes payable of $5.6 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

Net deferred tax assets are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  $ 9,879     $ 9,436  
Other long-term assets
    16,532       306  
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 26,411     $ 9,742  

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Goodwill and other intangible assets
  $ 16,299     $ 2,741  
Employee benefits
    3,887       3,765  
Inventories
    2,145       1,759  
Deferred compensation
    1,460       1,270  
Accrued insurance
    1,247       996  
Post retirement
    986       1,474  
Accounts receivable
    559       758  
Other
    2,226       1,812  
Total deferred tax assets
    28,809       14,575  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Fixed assets
    2,398       4,833  
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 26,411     $ 9,742  

The Company concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2009 will be realized in the ordinary course of operations based on future taxable income and scheduling of deferred tax liabilities.

Tax benefits on stock option exercises of $0.5 million, $0.1 million and $1.9 million were credited directly to stockholders' equity for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, relating to tax benefits which exceeded the compensation cost for stock options recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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At December 31, 2009, the Company had deferred tax assets of $3.6 million related to unexercised stock options. The Company’s stock price at December 31, 2009, was below the exercise price of certain of the unexercised stock options. If the stock price remains below the exercise price of these stock options, the related deferred tax assets will not be realized. The reversal of such deferred tax assets will be recorded as a reduction of stockholders' equity, to the extent there are available excess tax benefits from prior stock option exercises, with any remaining deficiency recorded as additional income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2009 the available excess tax benefits from prior stock option exercises in stockholders' equity was $11.7 million.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following table reconciles the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits, at December 31, (in thousands):

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 5,782     $ 4,829     $ 3,752  
Changes in tax positions of prior years
    (287 )     819       373  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    661       363       791  
Payments
    (3,891 )     -       -  
Expiration of statute of limitations
    (106 )     (229 )     (87 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,159     $ 5,782     $ 4,829  

In addition, the total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to taxes was $0.4 million, $1.0 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal income tax benefits, of $1.6 million $3.8 million, and $3.2 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, would, if recognized, increase the Company’s earnings, and lower the Company’s annual effective tax rate in the year of recognition.

The Company periodically undergoes examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as well as various state jurisdictions. The IRS and other taxing authorities routinely challenge certain deductions and positions reported by the Company on its income tax returns. During the third quarter of 2008, the IRS completed an audit of the Company’s 2005 federal tax return, and found no changes. For federal income tax purposes, the tax years 2006 through 2008 remain subject to examination.

In connection with a tax audit by the Indiana Department of Revenue pertaining to calendar years 1998 to 2000, the Company received an initial examination report asserting, in the aggregate, approximately $1.2 million of proposed tax adjustments, including interest and penalties. After two hearings with the Indiana Department of Revenue, the audit findings were upheld. The Company filed an appeal in December 2006 with the Indiana Tax Court and the matter was scheduled for trial in December 2008. In November 2008, the Company and the Indiana Department of Revenue settled tax years 1998 to 2000 for $0.6 million, as well as tax years 2001 to 2006 for $4.0 million, including interest. The aggregate settlement amount was fully reserved prior to 2009, and was paid in April of 2009. In connection with the settlement, the Indiana Department of Revenue reserved the right to examine tax years 2001 through 2006. In addition, for Indiana state income tax purposes, the tax years 2007 and 2008 remain subject to examination.

The Company has assessed its risks associated with all tax return positions, and believes that its tax reserve estimates reflect its best estimate of the deductions and positions that it will be able to sustain, or that it may be willing to concede as part of a settlement. At this time, the Company cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible change in its tax reserve estimates in 2010. While these tax matters could materially affect operating results when resolved in future periods, it is management’s opinion that after final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to the Company beyond that provided in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009, would not be material to the Company’s financial position or annual results of operations.

 
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10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

The Company's lease commitments are primarily for real estate, machinery and equipment, and vehicles. The significant real estate leases provide for renewal options and require the Company to pay for property taxes and all other costs associated with the leased property.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases at December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

2010
  $ 4,668  
2011
    3,991  
2012
    2,833  
2013
    1,381  
2014
    506  
Thereafter
    463  
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 13,842  

Rent expense for operating leases was $6.7 million, $7.2 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Included in 2009 and 2008 was $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of charges related to vacated leased facilities.

Employment Agreements

At December 31, 2009 the Company had employment contracts with twelve of its employees and three consultants, which expire on various dates through 2013. The minimum commitments under these contracts are $4.5 million in 2010, $2.8 million in 2011, and $0.2 million in 2012 and $0.1 million in 2013. Included in these minimum commitments are certain amounts payable to two retired senior executives which have been accrued as of December 31, 2009. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding executive retirement charges.

Included in the foregoing are contracts with four employees which provide for incentives to be paid based on some or all of the following; (i) profits, as defined, (ii) return on net assets, as defined, (iii) return on invested capital, as defined, and (iv) the Company’s financial performance as compared to the RV, and manufactured housing and related industries, as defined.

Royalty

In February 2003, the Company entered into an agreement for a non-exclusive license for patents related to certain slide-out systems. The agreement provides for the Company to pay a royalty of 1 percent on sales of certain slide-out systems commencing January 1, 2007 through the expiration of the patents, with aggregate payments subsequent to January 1, 2007 not to exceed $5.0 million. The expense related to this royalty agreement of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Cost of Sales. Aggregate payments subsequent to December 31, 2009 cannot exceed $4.3 million.

Contingent Consideration

In connection with the 2007 acquisition of Trailair and Equa-Flex, the Company could pay an earn-out of up to $2.6 million if certain sales targets for the acquired products are achieved by Lippert over the five years subsequent to the acquisition. In the aggregate, less than $0.1 million has been paid subsequent to the acquisition based on such sales targets. The annual payments to be made over the five years subsequent to the acquisition bear interest at the stated rate of 3 percent per annum from the date of the acquisition. In accordance with the accounting guidance in effect at the time, the Company did not record a liability for the fair value estimate of such earn-out payments, but rather these payments are recorded directly to goodwill.

 
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In connection with the 2009 acquisitions of the QuickBiteTM coupler and the slide-out storage box for pick-up trucks, the Company could pay an earn-out of up to $2.6 million if certain sales targets for the acquired products are achieved by Lippert. In the aggregate, less than $0.1 million has been paid subsequent to these acquisitions based on such sales targets. In accordance with the current accounting guidance in effect, the Company recorded a liability at present value for the fair value estimate of such earn-out payments. At December 31, 2009, the Company had $0.1 million and $1.3 million for future earn-out payments recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities, respectively. To the extent the fair value estimate of such future earn-out payments change, the revision would be recorded in the current period in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Litigation

On or about January 3, 2007, an action was commenced in the United States District Court, Central District of California, entitled Gonzalez vs. Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership d/b/a Better Bath Components; Skyline Corporation, and Skylines Homes, Inc. (Case No. CV06-08233). The case purports to be a class action on behalf of the named plaintiff and all others similarly situated in California. Plaintiff initially alleged, but has not sought certification of, a national class.

On April 1, 2008, the Court issued an order granting Drew’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, resulting in the dismissal of Drew Industries Incorporated as one of the defendants in the case.

Plaintiff alleges that certain bathtubs manufactured by Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Kinro, and sold under the name “Better Bath” for use in manufactured homes, fail to comply with certain safety standards relating to flame spread established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). Plaintiff alleges, among other things, that sale of these products is in violation of various provisions of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1770 et seq.), the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2301 et seq.), the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1790 et seq.), and the California Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code Sec. 17200 et seq.).

Plaintiff seeks to require defendants to notify members of the class of the allegations in the proceeding and the claims made, to repair or replace the allegedly defective products, to reimburse members of the class for repair, replacement and consequential costs, to cease the sale and distribution of the allegedly defective products, and to pay actual and punitive damages and plaintiff’s attorneys fees.

On January 29, 2008, the Court issued an Order denying certification of a class with plaintiff Gonzalez as the class representative because she no longer owned the bathtub. On March 10, 2008, plaintiff amended her complaint to include an additional plaintiff, Robert Royalty. Plaintiff Royalty states that his bathtub was not tested to determine whether it complies with HUD standards. Rather, his allegations are based on “information and belief”, including the testing of plaintiff Gonzalez’s bathtub and other evidence. Kinro denies plaintiff Royalty’s allegations.

On June 25, 2008, plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification and the Court again denied certification of a class. Plaintiffs filed a third motion for class certification on December 23, 2008, and Defendants’ filed a motion seeking summary judgment against plaintiffs’ case.

On May 18, 2009, the Court issued an Order granting partial summary judgment in favor of defendants, dismissing five of the six claims asserted by plaintiffs, except for plaintiffs’ claim for violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law (the “UCL”). The Court also granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification as to that one claim. The Court denied Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the UCL claim on the ground that there was a triable issue of fact as to whether the alleged misrepresentation on defendants’ labels regarding testing for flame spread rate caused plaintiffs to purchase the manufactured homes containing bathtubs manufactured by Kinro.

 
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On August 26, 2009, as a result of a decision by the California Supreme Court in an unrelated case dealing with a similar UCL claim, the Court dismissed plaintiffs’ remaining UCL claim because plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendants’ labels when they bought the homes containing the bathtubs. However, the Court concluded that simply selling bathtubs which may fail to satisfy Federal standards may violate the “unfair prong” of the UCL, even if plaintiffs did not actually rely on defendant’s labels.

On September 11, 2009, defendants filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a Petition for Permission to Appeal, on an interlocutory basis, that part of the District Court’s ruling that certified a class to pursue a claim under the “unfair prong” of the UCL. On December 11, 2009, the Appeals Court issued an Order denying defendants’ permission to appeal the District Court’s ruling at this point in the case, but the Appeals Court did not address the merits of the case.

Defendant Kinro has conducted a comprehensive investigation of the allegations made in connection with the claims, including with respect to the HUD safety standards, prior test results, testing procedures, and the use of labels. In addition, at Kinro’s initiative, independent laboratories conducted multiple tests on materials used by Kinro in the manufacture of bathtubs, the results of which tests indicate that Kinro’s bathtubs are in compliance with HUD regulations.

Based on the foregoing investigation and testing, the District Court’s rulings dismissing plaintiffs’ six claims, and the ruling on “reliance” by the California Supreme Court, Kinro believes that, notwithstanding the District Court’s finding that plaintiffs may proceed with their claim that defendants may have violated the “unfair prong” of the UCL, plaintiffs may not be able to prove the essential elements of their claim. Defendants intend to vigorously defend against the claim, and intend to move for summary judgment dismissing the claim. In addition, Kinro believes that no remedial action is required or appropriate under HUD safety standards.

If the District Court maintains its rulings, denies defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to the claim based on the “unfair prong” of the UCL, and maintains its ruling granting plaintiffs’ motion for class certification with respect to that claim, and if plaintiffs pursue their claim, protracted litigation could result. Although the outcome of such litigation cannot be predicted, if certain essential findings are ultimately unfavorable to Kinro, the Company could sustain a material liability. The Company’s liability insurer denied coverage on the ground that plaintiffs did not sustain any personal injury or property damage.

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims. All such matters are subject to uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. While these matters could materially affect operating results when resolved in future periods, it is management’s opinion that after final disposition, including anticipated insurance recoveries, any monetary liability or financial impact to the Company beyond that provided in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009, would not be material to the Company’s financial position or annual results of operations.

Sale-Leaseback

In April 2008, the Company sold for $3.1 million a mortgage note it had received in a 2006 sale of a facility, which note had been in default. In connection with the collection of this $3.1 million in cash, the Company recorded a gain of $2.1 million during 2008. This gain is classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Facilities Consolidation

In response to the slowdowns in both the RV and manufactured housing industries, over the past few years the Company has consolidated the operations previously conducted at more than 35 facilities and reduced staff levels. The Company incurred severance and relocation costs of $1.6 million, $1.6 million, and $0.8 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $0.7 million, $0.9 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, of a remaining liability for these costs recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company operated 24 facilities at December 31, 2009, and is continuing to explore additional facility consolidation opportunities, although the Company does not anticipate incurring further significant severance and relocation costs.

 
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At December 31, 2009, the Company was in the process of selling seven owned facilities and vacant land with an aggregate carrying value of $6.0 million, which are not being used in production or are in the process of shutting down operations. In addition, the Company has leased three owned facilities with a combined carrying amount of $7.7 million, for one to three year terms, for a combined $70,000 per month. Each of these three leases also contains an option for the lessee to purchase the facility at an amount in excess of carrying value. As of December 31, 2009, all of these owned facilities are classified in fixed assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet since it is not probable that these assets will be sold within a year due to uncertainty in the real estate markets. In addition to the owned facilities, the Company is attempting to sublease four vacant leased facilities.

At December 31, 2008, the Company was in the process of selling four closed facilities and vacant land with an aggregate carrying value of $5.9 million. As of December 31, 2008, all of these owned facilities were classified in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. None of theses facilities were sold in 2009.

To reflect the net losses and gains on sold facilities, and the write-downs to estimated fair value of facilities to be sold, the Company recorded a net loss of $3.3 million in 2009. For similar items, the Company recorded a net gain of $1.9 million in 2008 and a net gain of less than $0.1 million in 2007.

Other Income

In February 2004, the Company sold certain intellectual property rights for $4.0 million, consisting of cash of $0.1 million at closing and a note of $3.9 million (the “Note”), payable over five years. The Note was initially recorded net of a reserve of $3.4 million. In each of 2008 and 2007, the Company received payments of $0.8 million including interest, which had been previously fully reserved, and the Company therefore recorded a pre-tax gain in Other Income. The Company did not receive the final scheduled payment of $1.0 million in January 2009; however, in 2009 the Company received principal payments of $0.3 million, which were previously fully reserved, and therefore recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.3 million in Other Income. The Company is currently attempting to collect the balance due of $0.7 million plus interest.

11. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock-Based Awards

Pursuant to the Drew Industries Incorporated 2002 Equity Award and Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2002 Equity Plan”), which was approved by stockholders in May 2002, the Company may grant to its directors, employees, and consultants Common Stock-based awards, such as stock options, restricted or deferred stock, and deferred stock units. The number of shares available for granting awards under the 2002 Equity Plan was 1,090,019 and 346,921 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At the Annual Meetings of Stockholders held in May 2009 and May 2008, stockholders ratified amendments to the 2002 Equity Plan to increase the number of shares available for awards by 900,000 and 500,000 shares, respectively.

The 2002 Equity Plan provides for the grant of stock options that qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and non-qualified stock options. Under the 2002 Equity Plan, the Compensation Committee of Drew’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) determines the period for which each stock option may be exercisable, but in no event may a stock option be exercisable more than 10 years from the date of grant. The number of shares available under the 2002 Equity Plan, and the exercise price of stock options granted under the 2002 Equity Plan, are subject to adjustments by the Committee to reflect stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalization, mergers, or other major corporate actions.

The exercise price for stock options granted under the 2002 Equity Plan must be at least equal to 100 percent of the fair market value of the shares subject to such stock option on the date of grant. The exercise price may be paid in cash or in shares of Drew Common Stock which have been held for a minimum of six months. Stock options granted under the 2002 Equity Plan must be approved by, and become exercisable in annual installments as determined by, the Committee. Historically, upon exercise of stock options, new shares have been issued, instead of treasury shares.

 
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The Company had historically granted stock options to employees in November every other year and to Directors every year in December. In 2008 the Company began granting stock options to employees on an annual basis, and in 2009 the Company granted stock options to Directors in November on the same day stock options were granted to employees. Outstanding stock options expire six years from the date of grant, and vest over service periods of one year for Directors and five years for employees.

Transactions in stock options under the 2002 Equity Plan are summarized as follows:

               
Weighted
 
               
Average
 
   
Number of
   
Stock Option
   
Exercise
 
   
Option Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Price
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    1,364,080     $ 4.55 – $28.71     $ 19.33  
Granted
    586,000     $ 28.09 – $32.61     $ 32.32  
Exercised
    (248,840 )   $ 4.55 – $28.71     $ 10.10  
Forfeited
    (41,600 )   $ 12.78 – $28.33     $ 24.84  
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    1,659,640     $ 7.88 – $32.61     $ 25.16  
Granted
    515,500     $ 11.59 – $14.22     $ 11.92  
Exercised
    (38,200 )   $ 7.88 – $12.78     $ 8.93  
Forfeited
    (60,600 )   $ 12.78 – $32.61     $ 26.18  
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,076,340     $ 11.59 – $32.61     $ 22.14  
Granted
    327,900     $ 20.99     $ 20.99  
Exercised
    (389,100 )   $ 11.59 – $16.15     $ 12.88  
Forfeited / cancelled
    (255,200 )   $ 11.59 – $32.61     $ 25.70  
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,759,940     $ 11.59 – $32.61     $ 23.46  
Exercisable at December 31, 2009
    755,710     $ 11.59 – $32.61     $ 26.01  

The total intrinsic value, defined as the excess of market value over the exercise price, of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $2.9 million, $0.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively.The Company received cash of $5.0 million, $0.3 million and $2.5 million for years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, upon the exercise of stock options. In addition, the Company recognized income tax benefits from the exercise of stock options of $1.1 million, $0.1 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total fair value of stock options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $2.5 million, $3.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009:
 
Option
   
 
   
 Option
       
Exercise
   
Shares
   
Remaining
   
Shares
 
Price
   
Outstanding
   
Life (Years)
   
Exercisable
 
$ 16.16       12,000      
0.9
      12,000  
$ 16.15       30,000      
1.0
      30,000  
$ 28.33       375,640      
1.9
      297,360  
$ 28.71       37,500      
2.0
      37,500  
$ 26.39       37,500      
3.0
      37,500  
$ 32.61       444,450      
3.9
      178,200  
$ 28.09       37,500      
4.0
      37,500  
$ 11.59       392,950      
4.9
      62,750  
$ 13.03       2,000      
4.9
      400  
$ 14.22       62,500      
5.0
      62,500  
$ 20.99       327,900      
5.9
      -  

At December 31, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic value was $4.2 million for outstanding in-the-money stock options and $1.2 million for exercisable in-the-money stock options. The weighted average remaining contractual term was 4.0 years for all outstanding stock options and 3.0 years for all exercisable stock options.

 
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As of December 31, 2009, there was $7.7 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 3.4 years.

In 2009, 2008 and 2007 pursuant to the 2002 Equity Plan, certain non-employee directors elected to receive deferred stock units in lieu of cash fees. The number of deferred stock units issued was determined by dividing 115 percent of the fee earned by the closing price of the Common Stock on the day before the fees were earned. These deferred stock units are 100 percent vested upon issuance.

Beginning in 2009, a portion of certain senior executives’ salary or incentive compensation was paid in deferred stock units in lieu of cash compensation at 100 percent of the compensation earned. The number of deferred stock units issued was determined by using the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of the award for salary, and the closing price of the Common Stock on the day before for incentive compensation. In accordance with the executive compensation and employment agreement with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, all or a portion of 14,595 deferred stock units issued to him in 2009 are forfeitable if the Company’s three year return on invested capital is below a pre-defined peer group. Conversely, for every one percentage point that the Company’s three year return on invested capital exceeds the peer group, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer will earn an additional 10,000 deferred stock units, up to a maximum of 100,000 deferred stock units.

Transactions in deferred stock units under the 2002 Equity Plan are summarized as follows:

         
Stock Price
 
   
Number of
   
at Date
 
   
Shares
   
of Issuance
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    66,497     $ 6.87 – $37.35  
Issued
    10,589     $ 26.01$43.02  
Exercised
    (1,089 )   $ 7.61 – $12.78  
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    75,997     $ 6.87 – $43.02  
Issued
    21,995     $ 11.59$27.40  
Exercised
    (880 )   $ 25.01 – $37.35  
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    97,112     $ 6.87 – $43.02  
Issued
    84,202     $ 5.50$21.90  
Exercised
    (50,201 )   $ 7.43 – $43.02  
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    131,113     $ 5.50 – $40.68  

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

The following reconciliation details the denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31,:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
    21,807,413       21,808,073       21,892,656  
Common stock equivalents pertaining to stock options and contingently issuable deferred stock units
    -       109,048       233,244  
Total for diluted shares
    21,807,413       21,917,121       22,125,900  

The weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, excludes the effect of 1,856,390 stock options and contingently issuable deferred stock units, 1,392,440 stock options and 146,500 stock options, respectively, because to include them in the calculation of total diluted shares would have been anti-dilutive.

At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in May 2009, stockholders ratified an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 50 million shares to 30 million shares. At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in May 2008, stockholders ratified an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 30 million shares to 50 million shares.

 
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On November 29, 2007 the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or in block trades. Of this authorization, 447,400 shares were repurchased in 2008 at an average price of $18.58 per share, or $8.3 million in total. The aggregate cost of repurchases was funded from the Company’s available cash. The number of shares ultimately repurchased, and the timing of the purchases, will depend upon market conditions, share price, and other factors. At present the Company believes it is prudent to conserve cash, and does not intend to repurchase shares. However, changing conditions may cause the Company to reconsider this position.

12. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Interim unaudited financial information follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
       
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Year
 
                               
Year ended December 31, 2009
                             
Net sales
  $ 71,019     $ 100,563     $ 121,666     $ 104,591     $ 397,839  
Gross profit
    5,826       20,553       27,974       24,357       78,710  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (56,464 )     3,958       11,134       5,002       (36,370 )
Net (loss) income
  $ (36,702 )   $ 2,556     $ 7,189     $ 2,904     $ (24,053 )
Net (loss) income per common share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (1.70 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.33     $ 0.13     $ (1.10 )
Diluted
  $ (1.70 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.33     $ 0.13     $ (1.10 )
                                         
Stock market price
                                       
High
  $ 12.30     $ 15.40     $ 23.00     $ 23.56     $ 23.56  
Low
  $ 5.50     $ 8.50     $ 10.36     $ 19.14     $ 5.50  
Close (at end of quarter)
  $ 8.68     $ 12.17     $ 21.69     $ 20.65     $ 20.65  
                                         
Year ended December 31, 2008
                                       
Net sales
  $ 159,148     $ 150,523     $ 124,274     $ 76,561     $ 510,506  
Gross profit
    36,579       36,804       24,982       9,141       107,506  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    14,895       15,310       4,207       (15,391 )     19,021  
Net income (loss)
  $ 9,105     $ 9,190     $ 2,593     $ (9,210 )   $ 11,678  
Net income (loss) per common share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.41     $ 0.42     $ 0.12     $ (0.43 )   $ 0.54  
Diluted
  $ 0.41     $ 0.42     $ 0.12     $ (0.43 )   $ 0.53  
                                         
Stock market price
                                       
High
  $ 28.69     $ 26.81     $ 20.58     $ 16.05     $ 28.69  
Low
  $ 21.47     $ 15.95     $ 14.80     $ 9.65     $ 9.65  
Close (at end of quarter)
  $ 24.46     $ 15.95     $ 17.11     $ 12.00     $ 12.00  

The sum of per share amounts for the four quarters may not equal the total per share amounts for the year as a result of changes in the weighted average common shares outstanding or rounding.
 
 
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Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, in accordance with the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management included in its evaluation the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company continually evaluates its disclosure controls and procedures to determine if changes are appropriate based upon changes in the Company’s operations or the business environment in which it operates.

As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, the Company performed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 
(a)
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

We are responsible for the preparation and integrity of the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include amounts based on management’s estimates and judgments.

We are also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We maintain a system of internal control that is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the fair and reliable preparation and presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. The Company continually evaluates its system of internal control over financial reporting to determine if changes are appropriate based upon changes in the Company’s operations or the business environment in which it operates.

Our control environment is the foundation for our system of internal control over financial reporting and is embodied in our Guidelines for Business Conduct. It sets the tone of our organization and includes factors such as integrity and ethical values. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by formal policies and procedures which are reviewed, modified and improved as changes occur in business conditions and operations.

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Although there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, based on our evaluation, we have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.

 
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KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report and, as part of their audit, has issued their report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

/s/ Fredric M. Zinn
/s/ Joseph S. Giordano III
President and
Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Executive Officer
Treasurer

(b)           Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The report of the independent registered public accounting firm is included in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(c)           Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 or subsequent to the date the Company completed its evaluation, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Over the last few years, the internal controls of Lippert have been incrementally strengthened due both to the installation of enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software and business process changes. In the second half of 2009, the Company implemented certain significant functions of the ERP software and business process changes at Kinro. Implementation of additional functions of the ERP software and business process changes are planned at Kinro. The Company also anticipates that it will continue to implement additional functionalities of the ERP software at both Lippert and Kinro to further strengthen the Company’s internal control.

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Information with respect to the Company’s Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Proposal 1.  Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 19, 2010 (the “2010 Proxy Statement”) and from the information contained under “Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this Report.

Information regarding Section 16 reporting compliance is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Voting Securities – Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” in the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement.

The Company has adopted Governance Principles, Guidelines for Business Conduct, and a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (“Code of Ethics”), each of which, as well as the Charter and Key Practices of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, are available on the Company’s website at www.drewindustries.com. A copy of any of these documents will be furnished, without charge, upon written request to Secretary, Drew Industries Incorporated, 200 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.

If the Company makes any substantive amendment to the Code of Ethics or the Guidelines for Business Conduct, or grants a waiver to a Director or Executive Officer from a provision of the Code of Ethics or the Guidelines for Business Conduct, the Company will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on its website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K. There have been no waivers to Directors or Executive Officers of any provisions of the Code of Ethics or the Guidelines for Business Conduct.

 
75

 

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Proposal 1. Election of
Directors – Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement.

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

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Voting Securities – Security Ownership of Management” and “Equity Award and Incentive Plan” in the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement.

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

No executive officer of the Company serves on the Company’s Compensation Committee, and there are no “interlocks” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The information required by this item with respect to transactions with related persons and director independence is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions “Proposal 1. Election of Directors – Transactions with Related Persons” and “Proposal 1. Election of Directors – Corporate Governance and Related Matters – Board of Directors” in the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information contained under “Proposal 2. Appointment of Auditors” in the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement.

PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)           Documents Filed:

(1)
Financial Statements.
 
(2)
Exhibits.  See Item 15 (b) – “List of Exhibits” incorporated herein by reference.
 
(b)           Exhibits – List of Exhibits.
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3
 
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
     
3.1
 
Drew Industries Incorporated Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
     
3.2
  
Drew Industries Incorporated By-laws, as amended.
 
Exhibit 3.1 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit III to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus constituting Part I of the Drew National Corporation and Drew Industries Incorporated Registration Statement on Form S-14 (Registration No. 2-94693).

Exhibit 3.2 is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit bearing the same number included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2008.

 
76

 

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
10
 
Material Contracts.
     
10.194*
 
Drew Industries Incorporated 2002 Equity Award and Incentive Plan, as amended.
     
10.195
 
License Agreement, dated February 28, 2003, by and among Versa Technologies, Inc., VT Holdings II, Inc. and Engineered Solutions LP, and Lippert Components, Inc.
     
10.197*
 
Amended Change of Control Agreement by and between Fredric M. Zinn and Registrant, dated March 3, 2006, as amended on July 18, 2006 and December 23, 2008.
     
10.198
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., KeyBank, National Association, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent.
     
10.199
 
Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
     
10.200
 
Amended and Restated Company Guarantee Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
     
10.201
 
Amended and Restated Subordination Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components of Canada, Inc., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
     
10.202
 
Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
     
10.203
 
Revolving Credit Note dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., payable to the order of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the principal amount of Twenty-Five Million ($25,000,000) Dollars.
     
10.204
 
Revolving Credit Note dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., payable to the order of KeyBank National Association in the principal amount of Twenty Million ($20,000,000) Dollars.
     
10.205
  
Revolving Credit Note dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., payable to the order of HSBC USA, National Association in the principal amount of Fifteen Million ($15,000,000) Dollars.
 
 
77

 
 
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
     
10.206
 
Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Drew Industries Incorporated and Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
     
10.207
 
Form of Senior Note (Shelf Note).
     
10.208
 
Parent Guarantee Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and the Noteholders.
     
10.209
 
Subsidiary Guaranty dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, with and in favor of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and the Noteholders listed thereto.
     
10.210
 
Intercreditor Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Prudential Investment Management, Inc., JPMorgan Bank, N.A. (as Lender and Administrative Agent), KeyBank, National Association, HSBC Bank USA, National Association and JPMorgan Bank, N.A. (as Trustee and Administrative Agent).
     
10.211
 
Subordination Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components of Canada, Inc., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., with and in favor of Prudential Investment Management, Inc.
     
10.212
 
Pledge Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc. in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as security trustee.
     
10.213
 
Collateralized Trust Agreement dated as of February 11, 2005 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as security trustee for the Noteholders.
     
10.221
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Registrant and its officers and independent directors.
     
10.223*
 
Amended Change in Control Agreement by and between Harvey F. Milman and Registrant, dated March 3, 2006, as amended and supplemented.
     
10.230
 
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2006 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., KeyBank, National Association, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent.
     
10.231*
  
Executive Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.
 
 
78

 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
10.233
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. individually and as Documentation Agent.
     
10.234
 
Second Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., Trailair, Inc., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
     
10.235
 
Second Amended and Restated Company Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
     
10.236
 
Second Amended and Restated Subordination Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., Trailair, Inc, with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
     
10.237
 
Second Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., with and in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
     
10.238
 
Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., payable to the order of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in the principal amount of Thirty Million ($30,000,000) Dollars.
     
10.239
 
Revolving Credit Note dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., payable to the order of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in the principal amount of Twenty Million ($20,000,000) Dollars.
     
10.240
 
Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and Affiliates, and Kinro, Inc. and Lippert Components, Inc., guaranteed by Drew Industries Incorporated.
     
10.241
 
Form of Fixed Rate Shelf Note.
     
10.242
 
Form of Floating Rate Shelf Note.
     
10.243
  
Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Amendment of Parent Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and the Noteholders listed thereto.
 
 
79

 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
10.245
 
Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and Affiliates, JPMorgan Bank, N.A. (as Lender), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (as Lender), and JPMorgan Bank, N.A. (as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and Trustee).
     
10.246
 
Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Amendment of Subordination Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc., Kinro Manufacturing, Inc., Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., Coil Clip, Inc., Zieman Manufacturing Company, Kinro Texas Limited Partnership, Kinro Tennessee Limited Partnership, Lippert Tire & Axle Texas Limited Partnership, BBD Realty Texas Limited Partnership, Lippert Components Texas Limited Partnership, LD Realty, Inc., LTM Manufacturing, L.L.C., with and in favor of Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and Affiliates.
     
10.247
 
Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Amendment of Pledge Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Drew Industries Incorporated, Kinro, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle, Inc., Kinro Holding, Inc., Lippert Tire & Axle Holding, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Lippert Holding, Inc. in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as trustee.
     
10.248
 
Collateralized Trust Agreement dated as of November 25, 2008 by and among Kinro, Inc., Lippert Components, Inc., Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and Affiliates and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as security trustee for the Noteholders.
     
10.249*
 
Amended Change of Control Agreement by and between Joseph S. Giordano III and Registrant dated July 18, 2006, as amended on December 23, 2008.
     
10.250*
 
Amended Change of Control Agreement by and between Christopher L. Smith and Registrant dated July 17, 2006, as amended on December 23, 2008 and March 5, 2009.
     
10.251*
 
Corrected Executive Compensation and Benefits Agreement between Registrant and David L. Webster, dated December 31, 2008.
     
10.252*
 
Executive Compensation and Benefits Agreement between Registrant and Leigh J. Abrams, dated April 6, 2009.
     
10.253*
 
Executive Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Registrant and Jason D. Lippert, dated May 6, 2009.
     
10.254*
 
Executive Compensation and Non-Competition Agreement between Registrant and Fredric M. Zinn, dated May 28, 2009.
     
10.255*
 
Executive Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Registrant and Scott T. Mereness, dated June 24, 2009.
     
10.256*
  
Severance Agreement between Registrant and Joseph S. Giordano III, dated November 18, 2009.
 

*Denotes a compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
 
80

 

 
Exhibit 10.194 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 8, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.195 is incorporated by reference to the Exhibits bearing the same numbers included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
   
 
Exhibits 10.198-10.213 are incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1-10.16 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 16, 2005.
   
 
Exhibit 10.221 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2005.
   
 
Exhibits 10.197 and 10.223 are incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1-10.2 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.230 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2006.
   
 
Exhibit 10.231 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2009.
   
 
Exhibits 10.233 – 10.248 are incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 - 10.16 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2008.
   
 
Exhibit 10.249 is incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.250 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2009 and to Exhibit 10.1 included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.251 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on January 6, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.252 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on April 8, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.253 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on May 6, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.254 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on May 28, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.255 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed on June 25, 2009.
   
 
Exhibit 10.256 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (iii)(A) included in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2009.

 
81

 
 
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description
     
14
 
Code of Ethics.
     
14.1
 
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers.
   
Exhibit 14.1 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
     
14.2
 
Guidelines for Business Conduct.
   
Exhibit 14.2 is filed herewith.
     
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
Exhibit 21 is filed herewith.
     
23
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
Exhibit 23 is filed herewith.
     
24
 
Powers of Attorney.
   
Powers of Attorney of persons signing this Report are included as part of this Report.
     
31
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
     
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate of Chief Executive Officer.
     
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer.
     
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications.
     
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer.
     
32.2
 
Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer.
     
 
  
Exhibits 31.1 - 32.2 are filed herewith.
 
 
82

 

SIGNATURES

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

Date: March 11, 2010
DREW INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
     
 
By:
/s/ Fredric M. Zinn
   
Fredric M. Zinn, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and dates indicated.

Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Fredric M. Zinn and Joseph S. Giordano III, or either of them, to file one or more amendments to the Annual Report on Form 10-K which amendments may make such changes in such Report as either of them deems appropriate, and each such person hereby appoints  Fredric M. Zinn and Joseph S. Giordano III, or either of them, as attorneys-in-fact to execute in the name and on behalf of each such person individually, and in each capacity stated below, such amendments to such Report.

Date
  Signature  
Title
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Fredric M. Zinn
 
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
(Fredric M. Zinn)
 
 
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Joseph S. Giordano III
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
     
 (Joseph S. Giordano III)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Christopher L. Smith
 
Corporate Controller
     
(Christopher L. Smith)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Edward W. Rose, III
 
Lead Director
     
(Edward W. Rose, III)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Leigh J. Abrams
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
     
(Leigh J. Abrams)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ James F. Gero
 
Director
     
(James F. Gero)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Frederick B. Hegi, Jr.
 
Director
     
(Frederick B. Hegi, Jr.)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ David A. Reed
 
Director
     
 (David A. Reed)
   
           
March 11, 2010
 
By:
/s/ John B. Lowe, Jr.
 
Director
     
 (John B. Lowe, Jr.)
   
           
March 11, 2010
  
By:
 /s/ Jason D. Lippert
  
Director
     
 (Jason D. Lippert)
   
 
 
83