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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from                              to                              

 

Commission File Number: 000-52046

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   36-4151663
(State or other jurisdiction of  incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     

10201 North Loop East

Houston, Texas

  77029
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(713) 609-2100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 x       NO ¨

 

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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act

 

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

 

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

YES ¨      NO x

 

At November 2, 2012 there were 17,830,595 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share.

 

 
 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2012

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets 2
  Consolidated Statements of Income 3
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 4
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 7
  Overview 7
  Results of Operations 9
  Impact of Inflation and Commodity Prices 12
  Liquidity and Capital Resources 12
  Contractual Obligations 13
  Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor ” 13
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 14
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 14
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 14
Item 1A. Risk Factors 14
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 14
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 14
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 14
Item 5. Other Information 14
Item 6. Exhibits 15
   
Signature Page 16

 

1
 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
   (unaudited)     
Assets          
Current assets:          
Accounts receivable, net  $67,076   $59,731 
Inventories, net   89,117    69,517 
Deferred income taxes   2,342    2,268 
Income taxes   148    1,693 
Prepaids   869    828 
Total current assets   159,552    134,037 
           
Property and equipment, net   5,853    6,029 
Intangible assets, net   12,400    13,700 
Goodwill   25,082    25,082 
Other assets   200    305 
Total assets  $203,087   $179,153 
           
Liabilities and stockholders' equity          
Current liabilities:          
Book overdraft  $3,498   $2,270 
Trade accounts payable   13,260    10,099 
Accrued and other current liabilities   13,395    19,101 
Total current liabilities   30,153    31,470 
           
Debt   64,993    47,967 
Other long term obligations   111    128 
Deferred income taxes   1,690    2,250 
Total liabilities   96,947    81,815 
           
Stockholders' equity:          
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding   0    0 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized: 20,988,952 shares issued: 17,830,595 and 17,811,806 outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively   21    21 
Additional paid-in-capital   56,281    55,760 
Retained earnings   101,476    93,588 
Treasury stock   (51,638)   (52,031)
Total stockholders' equity   106,140    97,338 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $203,087   $179,153 

 

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

 

2
 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                 
Sales  $96,113   $105,782   $288,657   $308,929 
Cost of sales   74,501    82,776    223,655    239,951 
Gross profit   21,612    23,006    65,002    68,978 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Salaries and commissions   7,478    7,823    22,402    20,542 
Other operating expenses   6,256    6,071    18,918    18,114 
Depreciation and amortization   722    726    2,194    2,251 
Total operating expenses   14,456    14,620    43,514    40,907 
                     
Operating income   7,156    8,386    21,488    28,071 
Interest expense   334    371    929    1,099 
Income before income taxes   6,822    8,015    20,559    26,972 
Income taxes   2,590    3,050    7,890    10,347 
Net income  $4,232   $4,965   $12,669   $16,625 
                     
Earnings per share:                    
Basic  $0.24   $0.28   $0.71   $0.94 
Diluted  $0.24   $0.28   $0.71   $0.93 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
Basic   17,732,715    17,685,211    17,719,005    17,677,514 
Diluted   17,814,499    17,814,181    17,811,844    17,802,021 
                     
Dividend declared per share  $0.09   $0.09   $0.27   $0.265 

 

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

 

3
 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

   Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   2012   2011 
         
Operating activities          
Net income  $12,669   $16,625 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   2,194    2,251 
Amortization of capitalized loan costs   14    61 
Amortization of unearned stock compensation   809    (968)
Provision for doubtful accounts   (19)   41 
Provision for returns and allowances   (44)   108 
Provision for inventory obsolescence   563    778 
Deferred income taxes   (640)   135 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (7,282)   (2,270)
Inventories   (20,163)   (7,062)
Prepaids   (41)   (343)
Other assets   91    (139)
Book overdraft   1,228    (525)
Trade accounts payable   3,161    (6,459)
Accrued and other current liabilities   (5,706)   (1,384)
Income taxes   1,542    (1,584)
Other long term obligations   (17)   (10)
Net cash used in operating activities   (11,641)   (745)
           
Investing activities          
Expenditures for property and equipment   (718)   (749)
Cash paid for acquisition   0    (343)
Net cash used in investing activities   (718)   (1,092)
           
Financing activities          
Borrowings on revolver   302,142    317,572 
Payments on revolver   (285,116)   (311,197)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   137    112 
Excess tax benefit for stock options   34    37 
Payment of dividends   (4,781)   (4,684)
Purchase of treasury stock   (57)   (3)
Net cash provided by financing activities   12,359    1,837 
           
Net change in cash        
Cash at beginning of period        
           
Cash at end of period  $   $ 

 

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

 

4
 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

1. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

 

Houston Wire & Cable Company (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, HWC Wire & Cable Company, Advantage Wire & Cable and Cable Management Services Inc., provides wire and cable and related services to the U.S. market through eighteen locations in twelve states throughout the United States. The Company has no other business activity.

 

The consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 have been prepared following accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of these interim periods have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the time these financial statements in this Form 10-Q were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant estimates are those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, the inventory obsolescence reserve, the reserve for returns and allowances, vendor rebates and asset impairments. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC.

  

2. Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effects of stock option and unvested restricted stock awards and units.

 

The following reconciles the denominator used in the calculation of earnings per share:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Denominator:                    
Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per share   17,732,715    17,685,211    17,719,005    17,677,514 
Effect of dilutive securities   81,784    128,970    92,839    124,507 
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share   17,814,499    17,814,181    17,811,844    17,802,021 

 

The weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 602,410 and 802,500 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 500,325 and 802,500 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted securities, as including them would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share for the respective periods.

 

3.   Debt

 

On September 30, 2011, HWC Wire & Cable Company, as borrower, entered into the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“2011 Loan Agreement”), with certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the Company, as guarantor, executed a Second Amended and Restated Guaranty of the borrower’s obligations thereunder. The 2011 Loan Agreement provides for a $100 million revolving credit facility, bears interest at the agent’s base rate, with a LIBOR rate option and expires on September 30, 2016. The 2011 Loan Agreement is secured by a lien on substantially all the property of the Company, other than real estate. Availability under the 2011 Loan Agreement is limited to a borrowing base equal to 85% of the value of eligible accounts receivable, plus 65% of the value of eligible inventory, less certain reserves.

 

5
 

 

Portions of the loan may be converted to LIBOR loans in minimum amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $100. LIBOR loans bear interest at the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate plus 125 to 200 basis points based on availability, and loans not converted to LIBOR loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the greatest of the agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 30-day LIBOR plus 150 basis points. Unused commitment fees are 25 or 30 basis points, depending on the amount of the unused commitment.

 

The 2011 Loan Agreement includes, among other things, covenants that require the Company to maintain a specified minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and availability levels. Additionally, the 2011 Loan Agreement allows for the unlimited payment of dividends and repurchases of stock, subject to the absence of events of default and maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum level of availability. The 2011 Loan Agreement contains certain provisions that may cause the debt to be classified as a current liability, in accordance with GAAP, if availability falls below certain thresholds, even though the ultimate maturity date under the loan agreement remains as September 30, 2016. Availability has remained above these thresholds. At September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants governing its indebtedness.

 

The carrying amount of long term debt approximates fair value as it bears interest at variable rates, which is a Level 2 measurement as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement.

 

4.  Stockholders’ Equity

 

In 2007, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, where the Company is authorized to purchase up to $75,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock, depending on market conditions, trading activity, business conditions and other factors. The program was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009 but was initially extended through December 31, 2011 and on November 4, 2011 was further extended through December 31, 2012. Shares of stock purchased under the program are currently being held as treasury stock and may be used to satisfy the exercise of options, as restricted stock, to fund acquisitions, or for other uses as authorized by the Board of Directors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not repurchase any of its stock under the stock repurchase program.

 

During each of the first three quarters of 2012, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share payable to stockholders. Dividends paid were $4,781 and $4,684 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

5. Stock Based Compensation

 

Stock Option Awards

 

On May 8, 2012, the Company granted options under the 2006 Stock Plan to purchase 10,000 shares of its common stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the close of trading on May 8, 2012 to new members of the management team. These options have a contractual life of ten years and vest in five equal annual installments on the first five anniversaries of the date of the grant.

 

 Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

 

Following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2012, the Company awarded restricted stock units with a grant date award value of $50 to each non-employee director who was re-elected, for an aggregate of 25,044 restricted stock units. Each award of restricted stock units vests at the date of the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Upon vesting, the non-employee directors are entitled to receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock equal to the number of restricted stock units, together with dividend equivalents from the date of grant, at such time as the director’s service on the board terminates for any reason.

 

Total share-based compensation cost (benefit) was $272 and $257 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $809 and $(968) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total income tax benefit (expense) recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements was $103 and $98 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $310 and $(375) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The credit for share-based compensation for the 2011 period was due to the reversal of $2.0 million in June 2011 (of which $1.7 million was recognized prior to January 1, 2011) of compensation expense attributed to the change in the estimated forfeiture rate to 100% of non-vested options previously awarded to our former chief executive officer, who left the Company effective December 31, 2011.

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

 

As part of the June 25, 2010 acquisition of Southwest Wire Rope and Southern Wire (“acquired businesses”), the Company assumed the liability for the post-remediation monitoring of the water quality at one of the acquired facilities in Louisiana. Remediation work was completed prior to the acquisition in accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The expected liability of $111 at September 30, 2012 relates to the cost of the monitoring, which the Company estimates will be incurred over approximately the next 5 years and also the cost to plug the wells.

 

6
 

 

The Company, along with many other defendants, has been named in a number of lawsuits in the state courts of Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota alleging that certain wire and cable which may have contained asbestos caused injury to the plaintiffs who were exposed to this wire and cable. These lawsuits are individual personal injury suits that seek unspecified amounts of money damages as the sole remedy. It is not clear whether the alleged injuries occurred as a result of the wire and cable in question or whether the Company, in fact, distributed the wire and cable alleged to have caused any injuries. The Company maintains general liability insurance that, to date, has covered the defense of and all costs associated with these claims. In addition, the Company did not manufacture any of the wire and cable at issue, and the Company would rely on any warranties from the manufacturers of such cable if it were determined that any of the wire or cable that the Company distributed contained asbestos which caused injury to any of these plaintiffs. In connection with ALLTEL's sale of the Company in 1997, ALLTEL provided indemnities with respect to costs and damages associated with these claims that the Company believes it could enforce if its insurance coverage proves inadequate.

 

There are no legal proceedings pending against or involving the Company that, in management’s opinion, based on the current known facts and circumstances, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results from operations.

 

7.  Subsequent Events

 

On November 7, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a dividend on the shares of common stock of the Company in the amount of $0.09 per share, payable on November 29, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2012.

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the Company’s financial position and results of operations. MD&A is provided as a supplement to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) and the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) and should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Overview

 

We are one of the largest distributors of wire and cable and related services in the U.S. market. We provide our customers with a single-source solution for wire and cable, hardware and related services by offering a large selection of in-stock items, exceptional customer service and high levels of product expertise.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Critical accounting policies are those that both are important to the accurate portrayal of a company's financial condition and results of operations, and require subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

In order to prepare financial statements that conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, commonly referred to as GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may be significantly different from our expectations.

 

We have identified the following accounting policies as those that require us to make the most subjective or complex judgments in order to fairly present our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Actual results in these areas could differ materially from management's estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and typically do not require collateral. Consistent with industry practices, we require payment from most customers within 30 days of invoice date. We have an estimation procedure, based on historical data, current economic conditions and recent changes in the aging of these receivables, which we use to record reserves throughout the year. In the last five years, write-offs against our allowance for doubtful accounts have averaged $0.1 million per year. A 20% change in our estimate at September 30, 2012 would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of less than $0.1 million.

 

7
 

 

 Reserve for Returns and Allowances

 

We estimate the gross profit impact of returns and allowances for previously recorded sales. This reserve is calculated on historical and statistical returns and allowances data and adjusted as trends in the variables change. A 20% change in our estimate at September 30, 2012 would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of $0.1 million.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, using the average cost method, or market. We continually monitor our inventory levels at each of our distribution centers. Our reserve for inventory obsolescence is based on the age of the inventory, movements of our inventory over the prior twelve months and the experience of our purchasing and sales departments in estimating demand for the product in the succeeding year. Our inventories are generally not susceptible to technological obsolescence. A 20% change in our estimate at September 30, 2012 would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of $0.7 million.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill, represent purchased trade names and customer relationships. Trade names are not being amortized and are treated as indefinite lived assets. Trade names are tested for recoverability on an annual basis in October of each year. In October 2012, we began our annual test which is still in process. If this test indicates that an impairment has occurred, we will recognize the loss in operating income. The Company assigns useful lives to its intangible assets based on the periods over which it expects the assets to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the Company. Customer relationships are amortized over 6 or 7 year useful lives. If events or circumstances were to indicate that any of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets might be impaired, the Company would assess recoverability based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated from the applicable intangible asset.

 

Vendor Rebates

 

Many of our arrangements with our vendors entitle us to receive a rebate of a specified amount when we achieve any of a number of measures, generally related to the volume of purchases from the vendor. We account for such rebates as a reduction of the prices of the vendor's products and therefore as a reduction of inventory until we sell the product, at which time such rebates reduce cost of sales. Throughout the year, we estimate the amount of rebates earned based on purchases to date relative to the total purchase levels expected to be achieved during the rebate period. We continually revise these estimates to reflect rebates expected to be earned based on actual purchase levels and forecasted purchase volumes for the remainder of the rebate period. A 20% change in our estimate of total rebates earned during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of $1.1 million.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the amount we paid to acquire businesses over the estimated fair value of tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed. At September 30, 2012, our goodwill balance was $25.1 million, representing 12.4% of our total assets.

 

We test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if indications of possible impairment exist, by applying a fair value-based test. Because the acquired businesses were not meeting the internal performance expectations used in the October 2011 annual impairment test, an interim goodwill impairment test was performed as of July 31, 2012. This test was performed using the same methodology as used for the annual test and the result indicated that no impairment had occurred. In October 2012, we began our annual goodwill impairment test which is still in process. If this test indicates that our fair market value has fallen below book value, we will compare the estimated fair value of the goodwill to its carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of goodwill, we will recognize the difference as an impairment loss in operating income. We are still anticipating significant growth in the acquired businesses, but if this growth is not achieved a goodwill impairment may result.

 

8
 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, information derived from our consolidated statements of income, expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented.

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                 
Sales   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales   77.5%   78.3%   77.5%   77.7%
Gross profit   22.5%   21.7%   22.5%   22.3%
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Salaries and commissions   7.8%   7.4%   7.8%   6.6%
Other operating expenses   6.5%   5.7%   6.6%   5.9%
Depreciation and amortization   0.8%   0.7%   0.8%   0.7%
Total operating expenses:   15.0%   13.8%   15.1%   13.2%
                     
Operating income   7.4%   7.9%   7.4%   9.1%
Interest expense   0.3%   0.4%   0.3%   0.4%
                     
Income before income taxes   7.1%   7.6%   7.1%   8.7%
Income taxes   2.7%   2.9%   2.7%   3.3%
                     
Net income   4.4%   4.7%   4.4%   5.4%

 

Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to total operating expenses, operating income, income before taxes or net income.

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

Sales

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Sales  $96.1   $105.8   $(9.7)   (9.1)%

 

Sales in the third quarter of 2012 decreased 9.1% to $96.1 million from $105.8 million in the third quarter of 2011. We estimate sales were negatively impacted approximately 6% due to metals deflation in copper and steel. Project business in our long term internal growth initiatives encompassing Environmental Compliance, Engineering & Construction, Industrials, LifeGuard™ (and other private branded products) and Utility Power Generation, decreased approximately 11% as new inflow of multiple smaller projects was unable to offset record prior year mega project sales. Maintenance, Repair and Operations sales decreased approximately 8% due to continued post-recession weakness in certain regional markets.

 

Gross Profit

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Gross profit  $21.6   $23.0   $(1.4)   (6.1)%
Gross profit as a percent of sales   22.5%   21.7%   0.8%     

 

Gross profit decreased 6.1% to $21.6 million in 2012 from $23.0 million in 2011. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributed to the reduction in sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales (gross margin) increased to 22.5% in 2012 from 21.7% in 2011. This increase is attributed to an increased focus on higher gross margin products and reduced customer rebates due to lower sales.

 

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Operating Expenses

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Operating expenses:                    
Salaries and commissions  $7.5   $7.8   $(0.3)   (4.4)%
Other operating expenses   6.3    6.1    0.2    3.0%
Depreciation and amortization   0.7    0.7    (0.0)   (0.6)%
Total operating expenses  $14.5   $14.6   $(0.2)   (1.1)%
                     
Operating expenses as a percent of sales   15.0%   13.8%   1.2%     

 

Note:  Due to rounding, numbers may not add up to total operating expenses.

 

Salaries and commissions decreased 4.4% to $7.5 million in 2012 from $7.8 million in 2011. The decrease was due to lower commissions relating to the reduced levels of profitability and sales, partially offset by increased salaries resulting from the additional headcount.

 

Other operating expenses increased slightly, primarily due to costs associated with the additional headcount.

 

Depreciation and amortization remained consistent between the periods at $0.7 million.

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 15.0% in 2012 from 13.8% in 2011 due to increased operating expenses combined with a reduction in sales. 

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased 10.0% to $0.3 million in 2012 from $0.4 million in 2011 due to lower LIBOR interest rates and a higher percentage of the debt in LIBOR borrowings. Average debt was $62.6 million in 2012 compared to $61.9 million in 2011. The average effective interest rate decreased to 2.0% in 2012 from 2.3% in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a lower applicable LIBOR spread as a result of the higher availability under the loan agreement in 2012.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense decreased $0.5 million or 15.1% to $2.6 million in 2012 compared to $3.1 million in 2011. The effective income tax rate decreased slightly to 38.0% in 2012 from 38.1% in 2011.

 

Net Income

 

We achieved net income of $4.2 million in 2012 compared to $5.0 million in 2011, a decrease of 14.8%.

 

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

Sales

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Sales  $288.7   $308.9   $(20.3)   (6.6)%

 

Sales in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 decreased 6.6% to $288.7 million from $308.9 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2011. We estimate sales were negatively impacted approximately 3% due to metal deflation in copper and steel. Our project business encompassing our five long term internal growth initiatives, Emission Controls, Engineering & Construction, Industrials, LifeGuard™ (and other private branded products) and Utility Power Generation was down approximately 7%, primarily due to the absence of mega projects in the current period. MRO business also decreased approximately 6% due to continued post-recession weakness in certain regional markets.

 

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Gross Profit

     

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Gross profit  $65.0   $69.0   $(4.0)   (5.8)%
Gross profit as a percent of sales   22.5%   22.3%   0.2%     

 

Gross profit decreased 5.8% to $65.0 million in 2012 from $69.0 million in 2011. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributed to the reduction in sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales (gross margin) increased slightly to 22.5% in 2012 from 22.3% in 2011.

 

  Operating Expenses

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
(Dollars in millions)  2012   2011   Change 
Operating expenses:                    
Salaries and commissions  $22.4   $20.5   $1.9    9.1%
Other operating expenses   18.9    18.1    0.8    4.4%
Depreciation and amortization   2.2    2.3    (0.1)   (2.5)%
Total operating expenses  $43.5   $40.9   $2.6    6.4%
                     
Operating expenses as a percent of sales   15.1%   13.2%   1.9%     

 

Note: Due to rounding, numbers may not add up to total operating expenses.

 

Salaries and commissions increased 9.1% primarily due to a one time reversal during 2011 relating to $1.7 million of salary expense recognized prior to January 1, 2011 attributed to the change in the estimated forfeiture rate to 100% of non-vested options previously awarded to our former chief executive officer. The additional headcount in 2012 also contributed to the increased salary expense but was partially offset by lower commissions relating to lower profitability.

 

Other operating expenses increased primarily due to costs associated with a higher headcount and increased property taxes. There was also an increase in consulting and professional fees during the 2012 period.

 

Depreciation and amortization decreased slightly to $2.2 million in 2012 from $2.3 million in 2011.

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 15.1% in 2012 from 13.2% in 2011 due to increased operating expenses combined with a reduction in sales. Excluding the reversal of salary expense relating to the forfeited non-vested options, operating expense as a percent of sales in 2011 would have been 13.8%.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased 15.5% to $0.9 million in 2012 from $1.1 million in 2011 due to lower average debt and LIBOR interest rates. Average debt was $57.0 million in 2012 compared to $60.4 million in 2011. The average effective interest rate decreased to 2.1% in 2012 from 2.3% in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a lower applicable LIBOR spread as a result of the higher availability under the loan agreement in 2012.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense decreased $2.5 million or 23.7% to $7.9 million in 2012 compared to $10.3 million in 2011. The effective income tax rate remained consistent between periods at 38.4%.

 

Net Income

 

We achieved net income of $12.7 million in 2012 compared to $16.6 million in 2011, a decrease of 23.8%. Excluding the after tax impact of the forfeited non-vested options of $1.0 million, the decrease was 18.7%.

 

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Impact of Inflation and Commodity Prices

 

Our results of operations are affected by changes in the inflation rate and commodity prices. Moreover, because copper, steel and petrochemical products are components of the wire and cable we sell, fluctuations in the costs of these and other commodities have historically affected our operating results. To the extent we are unable to pass on to our customers cost increases due to inflation or rising commodity prices, it could adversely affect our operating results. To the extent commodity prices decline, the net realizable value of our existing inventory could be reduced, and our gross profits could be adversely affected. If we turn our inventory approximately four times a year, the impact of severe fluctuations in copper and steel prices would primarily affect the results of the succeeding calendar quarter.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary capital needs are for working capital obligations, capital expenditures, dividend payments and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and the stock repurchase program. Our primary sources of working capital are cash from operations supplemented by bank borrowings.

 

Liquidity is defined as the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet the current need for cash. We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating activities. Significant factors which could affect liquidity include the following:

 

  the adequacy of available bank lines of credit;
  the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms;
  cash flows generated from operating activities;
  capital expenditures;
  payment of dividends;
  acquisitions; and
  additional stock repurchases.

 

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

Our net cash used in operating activities was $11.6 million in 2012 compared to $0.7 million in 2011. Our net income decreased by $4.0 million or 23.8% to $12.7 million in 2012 from $16.6 million in 2011.

 

Changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash used in operating activities of $27.2 million in 2012. Inventories increased $20.2 million to support anticipated sales activity, the geographic expansion of product lines and the addition of new product lines. The increase in accounts receivable of $7.3 million is due to higher sales partially offset by lower days sales outstanding. Accrued and other current liabilities decreased $5.7 million due to lower prepayments on cable management orders as most of these projects shipped in 2012, a reduction in volume rebates payable to our customers and reduced payroll related accruals.

 

Offsetting these uses of cash was an increase in accounts payable of $3.2 million due to the purchase of additional inventory, a decrease in income taxes receivable of $1.5 million and an increase in the book overdraft, which increased $1.2 million and is funded by our revolving credit facility as soon as the related vendor checks clear our disbursement account.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.7 million in 2012 compared to $1.1 million in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the cash paid for acquisition of $0.3 million in 2011.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $12.4 million in 2012 compared to $1.8 million in 2011. Net borrowings of $17.0 million and the payment of dividends of $4.8 million were the main components of financing activities in 2012.

 

Indebtedness

 

Our principal source of liquidity at September 30, 2012 was working capital of $129.4 million compared to $102.6 million at December 31, 2011. We also had available borrowing capacity of approximately $35.0 million at September 30, 2012 and at December 31, 2011 under our loan agreement.

 

We believe that we will have adequate availability of capital to fund our present operations, meet our commitments on our existing debt, continue the stock repurchase program, continue to fund our dividend payments, and fund anticipated growth over the next twelve months, including expansion in existing and targeted market areas. We continually seek potential acquisitions and from time to time hold discussions with acquisition candidates. If further suitable acquisition opportunities or working capital needs arise that would require additional financing, we believe that our financial position and earnings history provide a solid base for obtaining additional financing resources at competitive rates and terms. Additionally, based on market conditions, we may decide to issue additional shares of common or preferred stock to raise funds.

 

12
 

 

Loan and Security Agreement

 

On September 30, 2011, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “2011 Loan Agreement”) with certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as agent. The 2011 Loan Agreement provides for a $100 million revolving credit facility and expires on September 30, 2016. Availability under the 2011 Loan Agreement is limited to a borrowing base equal to 85% of the value of eligible accounts receivable, plus 65% of the value of eligible inventory, less certain reserves. The 2011 Loan Agreement is secured by a lien on substantially all our property, other than real estate.

 

Portions of the loan under the 2011 Loan Agreement may be converted to LIBOR loans in minimum amounts of $1.0 million and integral multiples of $0.1 million. LIBOR loans bear interest at the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate plus 125 to 200 basis points based on availability, and loans not converted to LIBOR loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the greatest of the agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 30-day LIBOR plus 150 basis points. Additionally, we are obligated to pay an unused facility fee on the unused portion of the loan commitment. Unused commitment fees are 25 or 30 basis points, depending on the amount of the unused commitment.

 

Covenants in the 2011 Loan Agreement require us to maintain certain minimum financial ratios and availability levels. Repaid amounts can be re-borrowed subject to the borrowing base. As of September 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

  

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our loan commitment at September 30, 2012:

 

In thousands   Total     Less than
1 year
    1-3 years     3-5 years     More
than
5 years
 
                                         
Total debt   $ 64,993     $     $ 64,993     $     $  

 

There were no material changes in operating lease obligations or non-cancellable purchase obligations since December 31, 2011.

 

Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor”

 

Forward-looking statements in this report are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements may relate to, but are not limited to, information or assumptions about our sales and marketing strategy, sales (including pricing), income, operating income or gross margin improvements, working capital, cash flow, interest rates, impact of changes in accounting standards, future economic performance, management’s plans, goals and objectives for future operations, performance and growth or the assumptions relating to any of the forward-looking statements.  These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  They use words such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “project”, “should”, “will be”, “will continue”, “will likely result”, “would” and other words and terms of similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.  The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees because there are inherent difficulties in predicting future results.  Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.  The factors listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as any cautionary language in this report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements.

 

13
 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There were no material changes to our market risk as set forth in Items 7A and 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2012, an evaluation was performed by the Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

There were no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table provides information about our purchases of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2012, including pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase program.

 

Period  Total number
of shares
purchased
   Average price
paid per
share
   Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans  or
programs  (1)
   Maximum
dollar value
that may yet
be used for
purchases
under the
plan
 
July 1 – 31, 2012      $       $19,385,303 
August 1 – 31, 2012               19,385,303 
September 1 – 30, 2012              $19,385,303 
                     
Total      $          

 

 

(1) The Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of $30 million in August 2007. This amount was increased to $50 million in September 2007 and to $75 million effective January 2008. There were no purchases made under the Company’s stock repurchase program in the third quarter of 2012.

 

Item 3 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

Item 4 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

Item 5 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits

 

(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

Exhibit

Number

  Document Description
     
31.1   Certification by James L. Pokluda III pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2   Certification by Nicol G. Graham pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1   Certification by James L. Pokluda III and Nicol G. Graham pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Signature

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:  November 9, 2012 HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY
   
  BY: /s/ Nicol G. Graham
  Nicol G. Graham, Chief Financial Officer

 

16
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
  Document Description
     
31.1   Certification by James L. Pokluda III pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2   Certification by Nicol G. Graham pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1   Certification by James L. Pokluda III and Nicol G. Graham pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

17