UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

 

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 May 1, 2016 there were 16,551,507 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 March 31, 2016

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	2
	Consolidated Statements of Operations	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 Overview	8
	Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor”	8
	Results of Operations	9
	Impact of Inflation and Commodity Prices	11
	Liquidity and Capital Resources	11
	Contractual Obligations	12
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	12
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	12
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	12
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	12
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	12
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	12
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	12
Item 5.	Other Information	12
Item 6.	Exhibits	13
Signature Page		14

 

 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2016				2015
		(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, net		$	43,078			$	46,250
Inventories, net			70,436				75,777
Deferred income taxes			3,532				3,074
Income taxes			746				932
Prepaids			1,199				648
Total current assets			118,991				126,681
Property and equipment, net			10,917				10,899
Intangible assets, net			5,612				5,984
Goodwill			14,866				14,866
Deferred income taxes			11				264
Other assets			369				419
Total assets		$	150,766			$	159,113
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Book overdraft		$	1,586			$	3,701
Trade accounts payable			7,837				6,380
Accrued and other current liabilities			8,846				9,568
Total current liabilities			18,269				19,649
Debt			33,647				39,188
Other long term obligations			538				275
Total liabilities			52,454				59,112
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized: 20,988,952 shares issued: 16,583,399 and 16,712,626 outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively			21				21
Additional paid-in-capital			54,897				54,621
Retained earnings			104,864				106,048
Treasury stock			(61,470	)			(60,689	)
Total stockholders' equity			98,312				100,001
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	150,766			$	159,113

 

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

 

  

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2016				2015
Sales		$	64,711			$	81,600
Cost of sales			51,312				63,876
Gross profit			13,399				17,724
Operating expenses:
Salaries and commissions			6,909				7,238
Other operating expenses			5,837				6,048
Depreciation and amortization			692				712
Total operating expenses			13,438				13,998
Operating income (loss)			(39	)			3,726
Interest expense			175				265
Income (loss) before income taxes			(214	)			3,461
Income tax expense (benefit)			(30	)			1,275
Net income (loss)		$	(184	)		$	2,186
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		$	(0.01	)		$	0.13
Diluted		$	(0.01	)		$	0.13
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			16,481,122				17,296,978
Diluted			16,481,122				17,376,928
Dividends declared per share		$	0.06			$	0.12

 

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

 

  

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Operating activities
Net income (loss)		$	(184	)		$	2,186
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			692				712
Amortization of unearned stock compensation			209				217
Provision for inventory obsolescence			166				356
Deferred income taxes			(205	)			(419	)
Other non-cash items			30				44
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			3,153				6,402
Inventories			5,175				6,972
Book overdraft			(2,115	)			(1,634	)
Trade accounts payable			1,457				(473	)
Accrued and other current liabilities			(729	)			(5,331	)
Income taxes			186				1,697
Other operating activities			(249	)			(440	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			7,586				10,289
Investing activities
Expenditures for property and equipment			(337	)			(440	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(337	)			(440	)
Financing activities
Borrowings on revolver			61,842				76,746
Payments on revolver			(67,383	)			(82,874	)
Payment of dividends			(989	)			(2,070	)
Purchase of treasury stock			(719	)			(1,651	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(7,249	)			(9,849	)
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.

 

 

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, provides wire and cable, hardware and related services to the U.S. market through eighteen locations in thirteen states throughout the United States. The Company has no other business activity.

 

The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2016 and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 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 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 for 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, 2015 filed with the SEC.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the sole source of authoritative GAAP other than SEC issued rules and regulations that apply only to SEC registrants. The FASB issues an Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) to communicate changes to the codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. The followings are those ASUs that are relevant to the Company.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The new guidance addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) the recognition of the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest, forfeit, or are settled, thus eliminating additional paid-in-capital pools, (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the elections the Company may make as well as the effects the adoption of this guidance may have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and determining the timing of adoption.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases greater than 1 year, regardless of whether they were previously accounted for as capital or operating leases. This update is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the the impacts of adopting as well as the timing of when it will adopt this ASU.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) — Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” ASU No. 2015-17 eliminates the requirement to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as current or long-term based on how the related assets or liabilities are classified. All deferred taxes are now required to be classified as long-term including any associated valuation allowances. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the timing of adoption of this ASU which impacts only the balance sheet presentation.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330),” which changes guidance for subsequent measurement of inventory within the scope of the update from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe there will be any material impact upon the adoption of this guidance on the Company's consolidated financial statements and is still determining the timing of adoption.

 

  

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Subtopic 835-30).” The amendments in this ASU require debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. However, the guidance in this ASU did not address the presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. As a result, in August 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 “Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Agreements,” to clarify that, with respect to a line-of-credit agreement, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter and will continue to treat debt issuance costs as a deferred asset and amortize the deferred asset over the term of the credit agreement. Therefore, the adoption did not have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. 

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The amendments in the ASU must be applied using one of two retrospective methods and are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2016 is permitted. As the Company recognizes revenue only once product has shipped, it does not believe this ASU will have a significant impact on its revenue recognition policy. However, the Company is still evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial position and results of operations, timing of adoption, and which implementation method the Company will use.

 

2. Earnings (loss) per Share

 

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

 

The following reconciles the denominator used in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2016				2015
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per share			16,481,122				17,296,978
Effect of dilutive securities			—				79,950
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share			16,481,122				17,376,928

 

The weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share exclude stock options and unvested restricted stock awards and units to purchase 536,580 and 564,746 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These options have been excluded from the calculation, as including them would have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings (loss) per share for the respective periods.

 

3. Debt

 

On October 1, 2015, HWC Wire & Cable Company, as borrower, entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “2015 Loan Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as agent and lender, and the Company, as guarantor, executed a Third Amended and Restated Guaranty of the borrower’s obligations thereunder. The 2015 Loan Agreement provides a $100 million revolving credit facility, bears interest at the agent’s base rate, with a London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate option, and expires on September 30, 2020. Under certain circumstances the Company may request an increase in the commitment by an additional $50 million. The 2015 Loan Agreement is secured by substantially all of the property of the Company, other than real estate. Availability under the 2015 Loan Agreement is limited to a borrowing base equal to 85% of the value of eligible accounts receivable, plus the lesser of 70% of the value of eligible inventory or 90% of the net orderly liquidation value percentage of the value of eligible inventory, in each case less certain reserves.

 

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 100 to 150 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. The unused commitment fee is 25 basis points.

  

The 2015 Loan Agreement includes, among other things, covenants that require the Company to maintain a specified minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, unless certain availability levels exist. Additionally, the 2015 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 2015 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, 2020. At March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the availability-based covenants governing its indebtedness.

 

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

 

4.  Stockholders’ Equity

 

During the first quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share, payable to stockholders. Dividends paid were $989 and $2,070 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

5. Stock Based Compensation  

 

There were no stock option awards, restricted stock awards or restricted stock units granted during the first three months of 2016.

 

Total stock-based compensation cost was $209 and $217 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in salaries and commissions. 

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

 

As part of the acquisition of Southwest Wire Rope and Southern Wire made in 2010, the Company assumed the liability for the post-remediation monitoring of the water quality at one of the acquired facilities in Louisiana. The expected liability of $88 at March 31, 2016 relates to the cost of the monitoring, which the Company estimates will be incurred over approximately the next 2 years, and also the cost to plug the wells. Remediation work was completed prior to the acquisition in accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

 

The Company has issued letters of credit totaling $2.6 million to certain vendors, of which $2.5 million will expire in October 2016.

 

The Company, along with many other defendants, has been named in a number of lawsuits in the state courts of 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 of operations.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

On May 3, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a dividend on the shares of common stock of the Company in the amount of $0.06 per share, payable on May 27, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 16, 2016.

   

Following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 3, 2016, the Company awarded restricted stock units with a value of $50 to each non-employee director who was elected or re-elected, for an aggregate of 35,515 restricted stock units. Each award of restricted stock units vests at the date of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Each non-employee director is entitled to receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock equal to the number of vested 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.

  

 

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, 2015.

 

Overview

 

We are one of the largest distributors of wire and cable and related services to 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

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses. On an on-going basis, we make and evaluate estimates and judgments, including those related to the inventory obsolescence reserve, the reserve for returns and allowances, vendor rebates and asset impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances; the results of which form the basis for making judgments about amounts and timing of revenue and expenses, the carrying values of assets and the recorded amounts of liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change. We have discussed the development and selection of critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed our related disclosures. The critical accounting policies related to the estimates and judgments are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2016. 

 

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, 2015, 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.

 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2016				2015
Sales			100.0	%			100.0	%
Cost of sales			79.3	%			78.3	%
Gross profit			20.7	%			21.7	%
Operating expenses:
Salaries and commissions			10.7	%			8.9	%
Other operating expenses			9.0	%			7.4	%
Depreciation and amortization			1.1	%			0.9	%
Total operating expenses:			20.8	%			17.2	%
Operating income (loss)			(0.1	)%			4.6	%
Interest expense			0.3	%			0.3	%
Income (loss) before income taxes			(0.3	)%			4.2	%
Income (loss) taxes			(0.0	)%			1.6	%
Net income (loss)			(0.3	)%			2.7	%

 

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

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Sales

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(Dollars in millions)		2016				2015				Change
Sales		$	64.7			$	81.6			$	(16.9	)			(20.7	)%

 

Our sales for the first quarter decreased 20.7% to $64.7 million in 2016 from $81.6 million in 2015. We estimate that, when adjusted for the fluctuation in metal prices, sales for 2016 were down approximately 11% compared to the first quarter of 2015. Our project business, which includes our key growth initiatives encompassing Environmental Compliance, Engineering & Construction, Industrials, Utility Power Generation, and Mechanical Wire Rope, are estimated to have decreased 27%, or approximately 18% on a metals adjusted basis, over 2015. Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) fell 18%, or approximately 9% when adjusted for metals over 2015.

 

Gross Profit

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(Dollars in millions)		2016				2015				Change
Gross profit		$	13.4			$	17.7			$	(4.3	)			(24.4	)%
Gross margin			20.7	%			21.7	%			(1.0	)%

 

Gross profit decreased 24.4% to $13.4 million in 2016 from $17.7 million in 2015. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributed to the lower sales in 2016. Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) decreased 1.0% in 2016 from 21.7% in 2015.

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
(Dollars in millions)		2016				2015				Change
Operating expenses:
Salaries and commissions		$	6.9			$	7.2			$	(0.3	)			(4.5	)%
Other operating expenses			5.8				6.0				(0.2	)			(3.5	)%
Depreciation and amortization			0.7				0.7				0.0				(2.8	)%
Total operating expenses		$	13.4			$	14.0			$	(0.6	)			(4.0	)%
Operating expenses as a percent of sales			20.8	%			17.2	%			3.6	%

 

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

 

Salaries and commissions decreased $0.3 million between the periods as sales and gross margin declined reducing commissions.

 

Other operating expenses decreased $0.2 million primarily due to lower rent related to the 2015 Southwest Wire Rope facility consolidation and lower utilities.

 

Depreciation and amortization remained consistent between the periods.

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 20.8% in 2016 from 17.2% in 2015, as sales levels fell at a greater rate than the reduction in operating expenses. 

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased 34.0% to $0.2 million in 2016 from $0.3 million in 2015. Average debt was $36.7 million in 2016 compared to $49.1 million in 2015. The average effective interest rate was 1.7% in 2016 compared to 2.0% in 2015.

 

Income Taxes

 

The income tax benefit of less than $0.1 million, due to the pre-tax loss, decreased, compared to the $1.3 million income tax expense in the prior year period. The effective income tax rate decreased to 14.0% in 2016 from 36.8% in 2015, primarily due to the write-off of $0.1 million of deferred tax assets related to vested share-based awards, which were forfeited during the quarter. Without the tax deduction shortfall, the effective income tax rate in 2016 would have been 41.0%. If the Company's stock price remains below the grant-date values of share-based compensation, future forfeitures, vesting and exercises will result in charges to income tax expense, which will negatively impact the effective tax rate.

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

We incurred a net loss of $0.2 million in 2016 compared to a net income of $2.2 million in 2015, a decrease of 108.4% primarily due to the decline in sales.

 

 

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, aluminum and petrochemical products are components of the wire and cable and related hardware we sell, fluctuations in the costs of these and other commodities have historically affected our operating results. To the extent commodity prices decline, the net realizable value of our existing inventory could also decline, and our gross profit could be adversely affected because of either reduced selling prices or lower of cost or market adjustments in the carrying value of our inventory. If we turn our inventory approximately three times a year, the impact of changes in commodity prices in any particular quarter would primarily affect the results of the succeeding two calendar quarters. If we are unable to pass on to our customers future cost increases due to inflation or rising commodity prices, our operating results could be adversely affected. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary capital needs are for working capital obligations, capital expenditures, dividend payments, our stock repurchase program and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. 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;
	·	cash flows generated from operating activities;
	·	capital expenditures;
	·	additional stock repurchases;
	·	payment of dividends;
	·	acquisitions; and
	·	the ability to attract long-term capital with satisfactory terms

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $7.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $10.3 million in 2015. This reduction was primarily driven by our operating results, as we had a net loss of $0.2 million in 2016 compared to net income of $2.2 million in 2015.

 

Changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash provided by operating activities of $6.9 million in 2016. A reduction in our inventory investment of $5.2 million as inventory values were reduced to meet current activity levels, a decrease in accounts receivable of $3.2 million due to the decrease in sales and the collection of 2015 vendor rebates and an increase in accounts payable of $1.5 million were the main sources of cash. Partially offsetting these sources of cash was the decrease in book overdraft of $2.1 million.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.3 million in 2016 compared to $0.4 million in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the higher renovation costs for the Southwest Wire Rope facility consolidation in 2015.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $7.2 million in 2016 compared to $9.8 million in 2015. Net payments on the revolver of $5.5 million, the payment of dividends of $1.0 million and the purchase of treasury stock of $0.7 million were the components of financing activities in 2016.

 

Indebtedness

 

Our principal source of liquidity at March 31, 2016 was working capital of $100.7 million compared to $107.0 million at December 31, 2015. We also had additional available borrowing capacity of approximately $42.2 million at March 31, 2016 and $41.5 million at December 31, 2015 under our loan agreement. The availability at March 31, 2016 is net of the $2.6 million letters of credit.

 

We believe that we will have adequate availability of capital to fund our present operations, meet our commitments on our existing debt, continue to fund our dividend payments and stock repurchase program, 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 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.

 

  

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our loan commitment at March 31, 2016:

 

In thousands		Total				Less than 1 year				1-3 years				3-5 years				More than 5 years
Total debt		$	33,647			$	—			$	—			$	33,647			$	—

 

There were no material changes in operating lease obligations or non-cancellable purchase obligations since December 31, 2015.

 

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, 2015.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of March 31, 2016, 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 March 31, 2016 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, 2015.

 

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 March 31, 2016.

 

Period		Total number of shares purchased (1)				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 (1)
January 1 – 31, 2016			42,891			$	5.18				42,891			$	11,102,408
February 1 – 29, 2016			43,500				5.57				43,500				10,859,970
March 1 – 31, 2016			37,912				6.53				37,912			$	10,612,234
Total			124,303			$	5.73				124,303

  

(1)	The board authorized a stock repurchase program of $25 million in March 2014. The program has no expiration date.

 

Item 3 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

Item 4 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

Item 5 – Not applicable and has been omitted.

 

  

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.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

 

(1)

Attached as exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

  

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:  May 5, 2016	HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY
	BY:	/s/ Nicol G. Graham
	Nicol G. Graham, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

  

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.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document (1)
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

  

 

(1)

Attached as exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.