Attached files

file filename
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - SMITH MIDLAND CORPsmid-12312019x10kex32.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - SMITH MIDLAND CORPsmid-12312019x10kex312.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - SMITH MIDLAND CORPsmid-12312019x10kex311.htm
EX-23.1 - CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL - SMITH MIDLAND CORPsmid-12312019x10kex231.htm
EX-10.12 - LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENT - SMITH MIDLAND CORPcommerciallineofcreditagr.htm
EX-10.11 - EQUIPMENT LINE COMMITMENT LETTER - SMITH MIDLAND CORPequipmentlinecommitmentle.htm
EX-10.10 - LINE OF CREDIT COMMITMENT LETTER - SMITH MIDLAND CORPlineofcreditcommitmentlet.htm
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
 FORM 10-K
 
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019
 
or
 
 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Commission File Number 1-13752
Smith-Midland Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
Delaware
54-1727060
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 P.O. Box 300, 5119 Catlett Road
Midland, Virginia  22728
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (540) 439-3266
 
Securities Registered Under Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of each class
 Trading Symbol
Name of exchange on which registered
 Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
 SMID
 OTCQX
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   No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.Yes  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.Yes ☒ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).Yes No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
 
 Accelerated filer
 
 Non-accelerated filer
 
 Smaller reporting company
 
 Emerging growth company
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).Yes   No
 
The aggregate market value of the shares of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of June 30, 2019 (the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $30,748,256. For the sole purpose of making this calculation, the term “non-affiliate” has been interpreted to exclude directors, officers, and holders of 10% or more of the Company’s common stock.
 
1

 
As of March 5, 2020, the Company had outstanding 5,164,685 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, net of treasury shares.
 
Documents Incorporated By Reference
None
 
2

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report and related documents include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company’s actual results, performance (financial or operating) or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements not to occur or be realized. Such forward looking statements generally are based upon the Company’s best estimates of future results, performance or achievement, based upon current conditions and the most recent results of operations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, such factors as:

Although uncertain at this time, the coronavirus outbreak may ultimately significantly affect the Company's financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations,
 
while the Company reported net income for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there are no assurances the Company can remain profitable in future periods,
   
our debt level increased in 2019 and 2018, and our ability to satisfy the same cannot be assured,
 
the continued availability of financing in the amounts, at the times, and on the terms required, to support our future business and capital projects,
 
•   
while we have expended significant funds in recent years to increase manufacturing capacity, there is no assurance that we will achieve significantly greater sales,
 
the extent to which we are successful in developing, acquiring, licensing or securing patents for proprietary products,
 
changes in economic conditions specific to any one or more of our markets (including the availability of public funds and grants for construction),
 
changes in general economic conditions in the Company's primary service areas,
 
adverse weather which inhibits the demand for our products,
 
our compliance with governmental regulations,
 
the outcome of future litigation, if any,
 
on material construction projects, our ability to produce and install product that conforms to contract specifications and in a time frame that meets the contract requirements,
 
the cyclical nature of the construction industry,
 
our exposure to increased interest expense payments should interest rates change, and
 
the other factors and information disclosed and discussed in other sections of this report.

Investors and shareholders should carefully consider such risks, uncertainties and other information, disclosures and discussions which contain cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those provided in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
3

 
PART I

Item 1    Business

General

Smith-Midland Corporation (the "Company") invents, develops, manufactures, markets, leases, licenses, sells, and installs a broad array of precast concrete products for use primarily in the construction, highway, utilities and farming industries through its six wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company's precast, licensing and barrier rental customers are primarily general contractors and federal, state, and local transportation authorities located in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States. The Company's operating strategy has involved producing innovative and proprietary products, including SlenderWall®, a patent pending, lightweight, energy efficient concrete and steel exterior wall panel for use in building construction; J-J Hooks® Highway Safety Barrier, a patented, positive-connected highway safety barrier; SoftSound™, a proprietary sound absorptive finish used on the face of sound barriers to absorb some of the traffic noise; Sierra Wall™, a patented sound barrier primarily for roadside use; Easi-Set® and Easi-Span® patented transportable concrete buildings; and Beach Prisms™ erosion mitigating modules. In addition, the Company's precast subsidiaries produce farm products such as cattleguards and water and feed troughs as well as custom order precast concrete products with various architectural surfaces, as well as generic highway sound barriers, retaining walls and utility vaults.

The Company was incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 1994. Prior to a corporate reorganization completed in October 1994, the Company conducted its business primarily through Smith-Midland Virginia, which was incorporated in 1960 as Smith Cattleguard Company, a Virginia corporation, and which subsequently changed its name to Smith-Midland Corporation in 1985. The Company’s principal offices are located at 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728 and its telephone number is 540-439-3266. As used in this report, unless the context otherwise requires, the term the “Company” refers to Smith-Midland Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries consist of Smith-Midland Corporation, a Virginia corporation; Smith-Carolina Corporation, a North Carolina corporation; Smith-Columbia Corporation, a South Carolina corporation, Easi-Set Industries Worldwide, Inc., a Virginia corporation; Concrete Safety Systems, Inc., a Virginia corporation; and Midland Advertising and Design, Inc., a Virginia corporation doing business as Midland Advertising + Design.

Market

The Company's precast concrete products market and barrier rental market primarily consists of general contractors performing public and private construction contracts, including the construction of commercial buildings, public and private roads and highways, and airports, municipal utilities, and federal, state, and local transportation authorities, primarily located in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern states. Due to the lightweight characteristics of the SlenderWall® exterior cladding system, the Company has expanded its competitive services outside of the Mid-Atlantic states. The Company's licensing subsidiary licenses its proprietary products to precast concrete manufacturers nationwide and internationally in Canada, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Trinidad, Spain, and Chile.

The precast concrete products market is affected by the cyclical nature of the construction industry. In addition, the demand for construction varies depending upon weather conditions, the availability of financing at reasonable interest rates, overall fluctuations in the national and regional economies, past overbuilding, labor relations in the construction industry, and the availability of material and energy supplies. A substantial portion of the Company's business is derived from local, state, and federal building projects, which are further dependent upon budgets and, in some cases, voter-approved bonds.

Products

The Company's precast concrete products are cast in manufacturing facilities and delivered to a site for installation, as contrasted to ready-mix concrete, which is produced offsite in a “batch plant,”and delivered with a concrete mixer truck where it is mixed and delivered to a construction site to be poured and set at the site. Precast concrete products are used primarily as parts of buildings or highway structures, and may be used architecturally, as in a decorative wall of a building. Structural uses include building walls, frames, floors, or roofs. The Company currently manufactures and sells a wide variety of products for use in the construction, transportation and utility industries.
 
4

 
SlenderWall® Lightweight Construction Panels

The SlenderWall® system is a patent pending prefabricated, energy-efficient, lightweight exterior cladding system that is offered as a cost-effective alternative to the traditional cladding used for the exterior walls of buildings. The Company's SlenderWall® system combines the essential components of a wall system into a single panel ready for interior dry wall mounting upon installation. The base components of each SlenderWall® panel consists of a galvanized stud frame with an exterior surface of approximately two-inch thick, steel reinforced, high-density, precast concrete (with integral water repellent), a thermal break, and various architectural surfaces. The exterior architectural concrete facing is attached to the interior steel frame by use of coated stainless steel fasteners that position the exterior concrete away from the steel frame to provide improved thermal performance.

SlenderWall® panels are approximately one-third the weight of traditional precast concrete walls of equivalent size, permanence and durability, and are also significantly improved as to permanence and durability. The lighter weight translates into reduced construction costs resulting from less onerous structural and foundation requirements as well as lower shipping costs. Additional savings result from reduced installation time, ease of erection, and the use of smaller cranes for installation. Closed-cell foam insulation and windows can be plant-installed further reducing cost and construction schedules.

The Company custom designs, manufactures, installs, and licenses the SlenderWall® exterior cladding system. The exterior of the SlenderWall® system can be produced in a variety of attractive architectural finishes, such as concrete, exposed stone, granite or thin brick and can be integrated with other cladding materials.

Sierra Wall

The Sierra Wall™ ("Sierra Wall") combines the strength and durability of precast concrete with a variety of finishes to provide an effective and attractive sound and sight barrier for use alongside highways around residential, industrial, and commercial properties. With additional reinforcement, Sierra Wall can also be used as a retaining wall to retain earth in both highway and residential construction. Sierra Wall is typically constructed of four-inch thick, steel-reinforced concrete panels with an integral column creating a tongue and groove connection system. This tongue and groove connection system and its foundation connection make Sierra Wall easy to install and move if boundaries change or highways are relocated after the completion of a project. The patented Sierra Wall II one-piece extended post and panel design reduces installation time and cost.

The Company custom designs and manufactures Sierra Wall components to conform to the specifications provided by the contractor. The width, height, strength, and exterior finish of each wall varies depending upon the terrain and application. The Company also produces generic post and panel design sound barrier wall systems. These systems are constructed of steel or precast concrete columns (the Company manufactures the precast or prestressed columns) with precast concrete panels which slide down into the groove in each column.

Sierra Wall is used primarily for highway projects as a noise barrier as well as for residential purposes, such as privacy walls between homes, security walls or windbreaks, and for industrial or commercial purposes, such as to screen and protect shopping centers, industrial operations, institutions or highways. The variety of available finishes enables the Company to blend the Sierra Wall with local architecture, creating an attractive, as well as functional, barrier.

J-J Hooks® Highway Safety Barrier

The J-J Hooks® highway safety barriers (the "J-J Hooks Barriers") are crash-tested (privately funded), positively connected, safety barriers that the Company sells, rents, delivers, installs, and licenses for use on roadways to separate lanes of traffic (in free-standing, bolted, or pinned installations) in construction work zones or for traffic control. Barriers are deemed to be positively connected when the connectors on each end of the barrier sections are interlocked with one another. J-J Hooks Barriers interlock without the need for a separate locking device. The primary advantage of a positive connection is that a barrier with such a connection can withstand vehicle crashes at higher speeds without separating. The Federal Highway Administration ("FHWA") requires that states use only positively connected barriers, which meet NCHRP-350 or MASH crash test requirements. J-J Hooks Barriers that meet NCHRP-350 and MASH TL3 requirements are deemed eligible by the FHWA for federal-aid reimbursement. The Company has been issued patents with respect to J-J Hooks in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
 
5

 
The Company has received “design protection” in the U.S for the “end taper” on each end of the barrier sections. The United States has issued a "trade dress" registration for the "end taper" design feature. Accordingly, in the United States, these features cannot be legally copied by others.

The proprietary feature of J-J Hooks Barriers is the design of its positive connection. Protruding from each end of a J-J Hooks Barrier section is a fabricated bent steel connector; rolled in toward the end of the barrier, resembling the letter "J" when viewed from directly above. The connector protruding from each end of the barrier is rolled identically so that when one end of a barrier faces the end of another, the resulting "J-Hook" face each other. To connect one section of a J-J Hooks Barrier to another, a contractor merely positions the J-Hook of an elevated section of the barrier above the J-Hook of a set section and lowers the elevated section into place. The positive connection is automatically engaged using the cast-in alignment slot.

The Company believes that the J-J Hooks Barrier connection design is superior to other highway safety barriers that were positively connected through the "eye and pin" technique. Barriers incorporating this technique have eyes or loops protruding from each end of the barrier, which must be aligned during the setting process. Once set, a crew inserts pins or long bolts through the eyes which connects and bolts the barrier sections together. Compared to this technique, the J-J Hooks Barriers are easier and faster to install and remove, require a smaller crew, and eliminates the need for loose hardware to make the connection.

In March 1999, the FHWA approved the free-standing J-J Hooks Barrier (tested in accordance with NCHRP-350 Test Level 3) following successful crash testing in accordance with National Cooperative Highway Research Program requirements. In December 2012 the FHWA approved the pinned and bolted J-J Hooks and in March 2018 approved the free-standing J-J Hooks. In September 2018 the FHWA approved a 20-foot design originally tested to NCHRP-350 TL3 requirements and approved by the FHWA (tested in accordance with MASH Test Level 3) for use on federally aided highway projects following the successful completion of crash testing based on criteria from the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware.

J-J Hooks NCHRP-350 free-standing barrier has been approved for use on state and federally funded projects by 42 states, plus Washington, D.C. The Company is in various stages of the application process in additional states and believes that approval in some of the states will be granted; however no assurance can be given that approval will be received from any or all of the remaining states or that such approval will result in the J-J Hooks Barrier being used in such states. In addition, J-J Hooks Barrier has been approved by the appropriate authorities for use in the countries of Canada (Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario), Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and Chile.

J-J Hooks restrained (pinned or bolted) barrier successfully passed the MASH TL3 tests in August of 2012 and received FHWA Eligibility Letters in December 2012. Currently 33 states have approved the MASH restrained barrier and 28 states have approved the MASH free-standing design as an alternate to their state standard. In Canada, the provinces of Alberta and Nova Scotia have approved the MASH tested barrier. The new J-J Hooks free-standing barrier successfully passed the two required MASH TL3 tests and in January 2018 and August 2018 received the FHWA federal-aid eligibility letters. The FHWA Eligibility letters B300 and B307 have been issued as of February 2018 and September 2018, respectively.

Easi-Set Precast Buildings and Easi-Span® Expandable Precast Buildings

Easi-Set Precast Buildings are transportable, prefabricated, single-story, all concrete buildings designed to be adaptable to a variety of uses ranging from housing communications operations, traffic control systems, mechanical and electrical stations, to inventory or supply storage, restroom facilities or kiosks. Easi-Set Precast Buildings and Restrooms are available in a variety of exterior finishes and in 38 standard sizes, or can be custom sized. The roof and floor of each Easi-Set Building is manufactured using the Company's second generation post-tensioned system, which helps seal the buildings against moisture. As freestanding units, the Easi-Set Buildings require no poured foundations or footings and can be easily installed within a few hours. After installation the buildings can be moved, if desired, and reinstalled in a new location. The Company has been issued patents in connection with this product in the United States and Canada.

The Company also offers Easi-Span® a line of expandable precast concrete buildings. Easi-Span® incorporates the technology of the Easi-Set Buildings, but are available in larger sizes and, through its modular construction, can be combined in varied configurations to permit expansion capabilities. Since these larger buildings have less competition from other materials and methods, they produce higher profit margins. Both the Easi-Span and Easi-Set Buildings offer lines of fully-outfitted restrooms with over a dozen standard models.
 
6

 
The Company has sold its Easi-Set® and Easi-Span® Precast Buildings for the following uses:

  Communications Operations — to house fiber optics regenerators, switching stations and microwave transmission shelters, cellular phone sites, and cable television repeater stations.
  
  Government Applications — to federal, state and local authorities for uses such as weather and pollution monitoring stations; military storage, housing and operations; park vending enclosures; restrooms; kiosks; traffic control systems; school maintenance and athletic storage; airport lighting control and transmitter housing; and law enforcement evidence and ammunition storage.
 
  Utilities Installations — for electrical switching stations and transformer housing, gas control shelters and valve enclosures, water and sewage pumping stations, and storage of contaminated substances or flammable materials which require spill containment.
  
  Commercial and Industrial Locations — for electrical and mechanical housing, cemetery maintenance storage, golf course vending enclosures, mechanical rooms, restrooms, emergency generator shelters, gate houses, automobile garages, hazardous materials storage, food or bottle storage, animal shelters, and range houses.

Easi-Set Utility Vault

The Company produces a line of precast concrete underground utility vaults ranging in size from 27 to 1,008 cubic feet. Each Easi-Set utility vault normally comes with a manhole opening on the top for ingress and egress and openings around the perimeter, in accordance with the customer's specifications, to access water and gas pipes, electrical power lines, telecommunications cables, or other such media of transfer. The utility vaults may be used to house equipment such as cable, telephone or traffic signal equipment, and for underground storage. The Company also manufactures custom-built utility vaults for special needs.

SoftSound™ Soundwall Panels

SoftSound™ soundwall panels utilize a “wood chip aggregate” sound absorptive material applied to the face of soundwall panels, which is used to absorb highway noise. SoftSound™ is a proprietary product developed and tested by the Company and is currently approved for use in Virginia, Maryland, seven additional states, and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Approvals are still pending in a number of additional states. The Company introduced this product line into its licensing program and is in the process of seeking to obtain approvals in all 50 states and the Canadian Provinces.

Beach Prisms™ Erosion Control Modules

In 2006, the Company began production and launched full-scale advertising and promotional efforts for its product, Beach Prisms™, a shoreline erosion control product that uses the preferred natural "soft" approach as opposed to the "hard" approach of seawalls and jetties, to solve this worldwide problem. This product is expected to provide a higher margin than many of the Company’s other product lines. Beach Prisms™ work by reducing the amount of energy in incoming waves before the waves reach the shoreline. Waves pass through the specially designed slots in the triangular 3-4 foot tall by 10 foot long Beach Prisms™ modules. The success of a Beach Prisms ™ installation is dependent on the prevailing wind in relation to the shoreline, the tides, the fetch and the availability of sand in the surf. Beach Prisms™ are primarily for river- and bay-front property owners who want an alternative to traditional armor stone, or groins and jetties. The Company received “design protection” in the United States for the Beach Prisms™ in 2010.

The Company currently has orders and is also accepting new orders with deposits for the Beach Prism product, and the Company is working with the states of Virginia and Maryland to secure approval of each state’s environmental agency. Each project must apply for approval by the appropriate state to obtain a permit to install the Beach Prism. Such approvals are meeting resistance from the environmental agencies, however, the Company believes approval is forthcoming. One permit has been received from the State of Maryland. In the event that approvals are not timely received, these orders may be cancelled.
 
7

 
H2Out™ Secondary Drainage System

H2Out™ is the first "in the caulk joint" secondary drainage and street level leak detection product for panelized exterior cladding. A second line of caulking and drainage strip located behind the exterior line of caulking exits all water leakage to the exterior of the building preventing moisture and mold, and hence deterring lawsuits from tenants and owners of buildings. H2Out™ has been added as a feature of the SlenderWall® system and is being included in the product literature, website, and all sales presentations.

Although the Company is optimistic about the success of Beach Prisms™ and H2Out™, there can be no assurance of the commercial acceptance of these products.
    
Sources of Supply

All of the raw materials necessary for the manufacture of the Company's products are available from multiple sources. To date, the Company has not experienced significant delays in obtaining materials and believes that it will continue to be able to obtain required materials from a number of suppliers at commercially reasonable prices.

Licensing

The Company presently grants licenses through its wholly-owned subsidiary Easi-Set Industries for the manufacturing and sale rights for certain proprietary products, such as the J-J Hooks® Barrier, Easi-Set®/Easi-Span® Precast Buildings, SlenderWall®, SoftSound™ and Beach Prisms™ as well as certain non-proprietary products, such as the Company's cattleguards. Generally, licenses are granted for a point of manufacture. The Company receives an initial one-time training and administration license fee varying on the product licensed. License royalties vary depending upon the product licensed, but the range is typically 4% to 6% of the net sales of the licensed product. In addition, Easi-Set®/Easi-Span® Buildings and SlenderWall® licensees pay the Company a monthly fee for co-op advertising & promotional programs. The Company produces and distributes advertising & promotional materials and promotes the licensed products through its own advertising subsidiary, Midland Advertising + Design.

The Company maintains 57 licensing agreements in the United States, 9 in Canada, and 1 each in Australia, Belgium, Mexico, New Zealand and Trinidad, for a total of 71 licenses worldwide.

The Company is continually discussing new license arrangements with potential precast companies and, although no assurance can be given, expects to increase its licensing activities.

Marketing and Sales

The Company uses an in-house sales force and, to a lesser extent, independent sales representatives to market its precast concrete products through trade show attendance, sales presentations, advertisements in trade publications, and direct mail to end users.

The Company has also established a cooperative advertising program in which the Company and its Easi-Set®/Easi-Span® Buildings  and SlenderWall® licensees combine resources to promote certain precast concrete products. Licensees pay a monthly fee and the Company pays any additional amounts required to advertise the products across the country. Although the Company advertises nationally, the Company's precast subsidiaries marketing efforts are concentrated within a 450 mile radius from its facilities, which includes the majority of the eastern United States.

The Company's precast product sales and barrier rental sales result primarily from the submission of estimates or proposals to general contractors who then include the estimates in their overall bids to various government agencies and other end users that solicit construction contracts through a competitive bidding process. In general, these contractors solicit and obtain their construction contracts by submitting the most attractive bid to the party desiring the construction. The Company's role in the bidding process is to provide estimates to the contractors desiring to include the Company's products or services in the contractor's bid. If a contractor who accepts the Company's bid is selected to perform the construction, the Company provides the agreed upon products or services. In many instances, the Company provides estimates to more than one of the contractors bidding on a single project. The Company also occasionally negotiates with and sells directly to end-users.
 
8

 
Competition

The precast concrete industry is highly competitive and consists of a few large companies and many small to mid-size companies, several of which have substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company. Nationally, several large companies dominate the precast concrete market. However, due to the weight and costs of delivery of precast concrete products, competition in the industry tends to be limited by geographical location and distance from the construction site and is fragmented with numerous manufacturers in a large local area.

The Company believes that the principal competitive factors for its precast products are price, durability, ease of use and installation, speed of manufacture and delivery time, ability to customize, FHWA and state approval, and customer service. The Company believes that its plants in Midland, Virginia, Reidsville, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina compete favorably with respect to each of these factors in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. Finally, the Company believes it offers a broad range of products that are very competitive in these markets.

Intellectual Property

The Company seeks to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights in the United States and other countries, as well as contractual restrictions. Our intellectual property assets include patents, patent applications, trade secrets, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, operating and instruction manuals, non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements.

While the Company intends to vigorously enforce its patent rights against infringement by third parties, no assurance can be given that the patents or the Company's patent rights will be enforceable or provide the Company with meaningful protection from competitors or that its patent applications will be allowed. Even if a competitor's products were to infringe patents held by the Company, enforcing the patent rights in an enforcement action could be very costly, and assuming the Company has sufficient resources, would divert funds and resources that otherwise could be used in the Company's operations. No assurance can be given that the Company would be successful in enforcing such rights, that the Company's products or processes do not infringe the patent or intellectual property rights of a third party, or that if the Company is not successful in a suit involving patents or other intellectual property rights of a third party, that a license for such technology would be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

Government Regulation

The Company frequently supplies products and services pursuant to agreements with general contractors who have entered into contracts with federal or state governmental agencies. The successful completion of the Company’s obligations under such contracts is often subject to the satisfactory inspection or approval of such products and services by a representative of the contracting agency. Although the Company endeavors to satisfy the requirements of each such contract to which it is a party, no assurance can be given that the necessary approval of its products and services will be granted on a timely basis or at all and that the Company will receive any payments due to it. Any failure to obtain such approval and payment may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

The Company's operations are subject to extensive and stringent governmental regulations including regulations related to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and environmental protection. The Company believes that it is substantially in compliance with all applicable regulations. The cost of maintaining such compliance is not considered by the Company to be significant.
 
9

 
The Company's employees in its manufacturing division operate complicated machinery that may cause substantial injury or death upon malfunction or improper operation. The Company's manufacturing facilities are subject to the workplace safety rules and regulations of OSHA. The Company believes that it is in compliance with the requirements of OSHA.

During the normal course of its operations, the Company uses and disposes of materials, such as solvents and lubricants used in equipment maintenance, that are classified as hazardous by government agencies that regulate environmental quality. The Company attempts to minimize the generation of such waste as much as possible, and to recycle such waste where possible. Remaining wastes are disposed of in permitted disposal sites in accordance with applicable regulations.

In the event that the Company is unable to comply with the OSHA or environmental requirements, the Company could be subject to substantial sanctions, including restrictions on its business operations, monetary liability and criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business.

Employees

As of March 5, 2020, the Company had a total of 232 employees, of which 183 are full-time, 7 are part-time and 42 are temporary workers, with 161 located at the Company's Midland, Virginia facility, 35 are located at the Company's facility in Reidsville, North Carolina and 36 are located at the Company's facility in Hopkins, South Carolina. None of the Company's employees are represented by labor organizations and the Company is not aware of any activities seeking such organization. The Company considers its relationships with its employees to be satisfactory.

Item 1A.              Risk Factors

Not applicable

Item 1B               Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable

Item 2.                 Properties

Facilities

The Company operates three manufacturing facilities. The largest manufacturing operations facility is a 44,000 square foot manufacturing plant located on approximately 28 acres of land in Midland, Virginia, of which the Company owns approximately 25 acres and 3 acres are leased from Rodney I. Smith, the Company's Chairman of the Board, at an annual rental rate of $24,000. The manufacturing facility houses two concrete mixers and one concrete blender. The plant also includes two environmentally controlled casting areas, two batch plants, a form fabrication shop, a welding and metal fabrication facility, a carpentry shop, a quality control center and a covered steel reinforcing fabrication area of approximately 8,000 square feet. The Company's Midland facility also includes a large storage yard for inventory and stored materials. The Company owns an additional 19 acres in Midland, Virginia, approximately two miles from the operations facility, of which 3 acres is developed as a storage yard for the rental barrier division.
 
 The Company's second manufacturing facility is located in Reidsville, North Carolina on 46 acres of owned land and includes a 15,000 square foot manufacturing plant and administrative offices with additional space for future expansion. This new facility began production in the fourth quarter 2019 and is expected to double capacity, as compared to the old facility. The old North Carolina facility, on ten acres of owned land, including an 8,000 square foot manufacturing plant with administrative offices, remained operational during the construction of the new plant with future use not determined at this time.

The Company's third manufacturing facility is located in Hopkins (Columbia), South Carolina. The facility is located on 39 acres of land and has approximately 40,000 square feet of production space and administrative offices. The South Carolina facility gives the Company sufficient capacity to cover additional territory from the Atlantic Coast region to the northern part of Florida.

The Company's present facilities are adequate for its current needs.

10

 
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

The Company is not presently involved in any litigation of a material nature.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable
 
11


PART II
 
Item 5.
 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company's Common Stock trades on the OTCQX Markets under the symbol "SMID".

As of March 5, 2020, there were approximately 200 record holders of the Company's Common Stock. Management believes there are at least 800 beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock.
 
Dividends

Although the Company paid a dividend for eight consecutive years, the Company cannot guarantee the continued payment of dividends due to the internal need for funds in the development and expansion of its business. The declaration of dividends in the future will be at the election of the Board of Directors and will depend upon earnings, capital requirements and financial position of the Company, bank loan covenants, general economic conditions, and other pertinent factors.  

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

Not applicable.
Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company (including the Notes thereto) included elsewhere in this report. Dollar amounts are in thousands, except for per share amounts.

The Company generates revenues primarily from the sale, leasing, licensing, shipping and installation of precast concrete products for the construction, utility and farming industries. The Company's operating strategy has involved producing innovative and proprietary products, including Slenderwall™, a patent pending, lightweight, energy efficient concrete and steel exterior wall panel for use in building construction; J-J Hooks® Barrier, a patented positive-connected highway safety barrier; Sierra Wall™, a patented sound barrier primarily for roadside use; transportable concrete buildings; and SoftSound™, a highway sound attenuation system. In addition, the Company produces utility vaults; farm products such as cattleguards; and custom order precast concrete products with various architectural surfaces.
 
12

 
As a part of the construction industry, the Company's sales and net income may vary greatly from quarter to quarter over a given year. Because of the cyclical nature of the construction industry, many factors not under our control, such as weather and project delays, affect the Company's production schedule, possibly causing a momentary slowdown in sales and net income. As a result of these factors, the Company is not always able to earn a profit for each period, therefore, please read Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the accompanying financial statements with these factors in mind.
 
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China (the “COVID-19 outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally.
 
The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this report. As such, it is uncertain as to the full magnitude that the pandemic will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations. Management is actively monitoring the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for fiscal year 2020.

The discussions below, including without limitation with respect to outlooks by product line and liquidity, are subject to the future effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. In this respect, should the outbreak cause serious economic harm in our areas of operation, our revenue expectations are unlikely to be fulfilled.
 
Overview

Overall, the Company’s financial performance was higher in 2019 when compared to 2018. The Company had net income for 2019 in the amount of $1,959 compared to net income of $1,687 for 2018. Sales increased by $6,471 to $46,691 in 2019 from $40,220 in 2018. The increase in sales is mainly attributed to the significant increase in Shipping and Installation revenue, which in return unfavorably impacted gross margins, excluding royalties, with a reduction to 18% in 2019 from 23% in 2018. The Company is currently recognizing revenue and related costs associated with the 'Sale to Customer with a Buy-Back Guarantee' as further described under 'Revenue Recognition' in the 'Summary of Significant Accounting Policies' section. The Company completed construction of the new North Carolina plant and began production at the facility during the fourth quarter of 2019. The new facility has the ability to double production, as compared to the previous North Carolina facility, with additional space to expand in the future. Currently, management expects an increase in production in North Carolina towards the end of 2020. Also during 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase barrier previously sold to a customer. This agreement increased the barrier rental fleet to 250,000 linear feet of barrier, and also added 75 crash cushion attenuators. The expansion of the barrier rental fleet allows the Company to bid larger projects in the future, while giving the Company the ability to be a full-service highway safety supplier. The current backlog of $30.9 million as of March 5, 2020 has grown 8% since the third quarter 2019. Even with the increase in backlog, production has been lower in the first quarter of 2020 than expected. Although the Company has experienced a relatively weak first quarter, management expects 2020 overall will be another strong financial year for the Company, although no assurance can be given.

Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had total revenue of $46,691 compared to total revenue of $40,220 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $6,471, or 16.1%. Revenue includes product sales, barrier rentals, royalty income, and shipping and installation revenues. Product sales are further divided into soundwall, architectural and SlenderWall™ panels, miscellaneous wall panels, highway barrier, Easi-Set®/Easi-Span® buildings, utility products, and miscellaneous precast products. The following table summarizes the revenue by type and a comparison for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
 
Revenue by Type (Disaggregated Revenue)
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
Change
 
 
% Change
 
Product Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Soundwall Sales
 $7,736 
 $9,867 
 $(2,131)
  (21.6)%
Architectural Sales
  1,104 
  876 
  228 
  26.0%
SlenderWall Sales
  5,063 
  5,572 
  (509)
  (9.1)%
Miscellaneous Wall Sales
  1,685 
  1,760 
  (75)
  (4.3)%
Barrier Sales
  8,582 
  7,264 
  1,318 
  18.1%
Easi-Set and Easi-Span Building Sales
  5,937 
  2,114 
  3,823 
  180.8%
Utility Sales
  1,608 
  1,232 
  376 
  30.5%
Miscellaneous Sales
  513 
  474 
  39 
  8.2%
Total Product Sales
  32,228 
  29,159 
  3,069 
  10.5%
Barrier Rentals 
  2,488 
  1,729 
  759 
  43.9%
Royalty Income
  1,672 
  1,675 
  (3)
  (0.2)%
Shipping and Installation Revenue
  10,303 
  7,657 
  2,646 
  34.6%
Total Service Revenue
  14,463 
  11,061 
  3,402 
  30.8%
Total Revenue
 $46,691 
 $40,220 
 $6,471 
  16.1%

13

 
Soundwall Sales – Soundwall panel sales decreased by 21.6% in 2019 compared to 2018 due primarily to the smaller number of projects in production during 2019 at the North Carolina and South Carolina facilities as compared to 2018. The Company had slightly higher soundwall sales out of the Midland, Virginia facility which is expected to continue through 2020. Soundwall bid projects continue to be competitive in all regions of the Mid-Atlantic. The Company expects 2020 soundwall sales to remain flat compared to 2019, although no assurance can be given on future sales.
 
Architectural Sales – Architectural panel sales increased by 26.0% in 2019 compared to 2018. The Company was awarded one larger architectural wall panel project to produce during 2019, as well as two additional architectural wall panel projects that coincided with SlenderWall production (see the SlenderWall section below). The Company has recently been awarded a few architectural wall panel projects that will be in production during 2020. Management believes that 2020 architectural sales will exceed the 2019 sales volume, although no assurance can be given.

SlenderWall Sales – SlenderWall panel sales decreased by 9.1% in 2019 when compared to 2018. The Company had a total of six SlenderWall projects in production in 2019, with a large SlenderWall project finishing production during the first quarter. SlenderWall sales should stay strong in 2020 with the continued sales efforts. Management believes 2020 SlenderWall production should be similar to 2019, although no assurance can be given.

Miscellaneous Wall Sales – Miscellaneous wall sales can be highly customized precast concrete products or retaining and lagging panels that do not fit other product categories. Miscellaneous wall sales slightly decreased by 4.3% in 2019 when compared to 2018. Miscellaneous wall projects are difficult to predict from year to year, however, based on the Company's current backlog of orders and our bid outlook, management believes that production and sales of miscellaneous wall products in 2020 will be greater than 2019 levels, although no assurance can be given.

Barrier Sales – Barrier sales are dependent on the number of highway projects active during the period and whether customers are more prone to buy barrier than to rent. The Company received two large orders and produced the barrier during the fourth quarter 2019 driving barrier sales ahead of the 2018 level. Barrier production was higher in 2018 as compared to 2019, but a large portion during 2018 was not recognized as barrier sales due to the guaranteed buy-back agreement with a customer; a portion of the 2018 deferred revenue is recognized in the current year as "Barrier Rentals", with additional revenue to be recognized in future years as "Barrier Rentals". As the Company increases the barrier rental fleet, more projects are expected to be rented instead of sold in the future. See "Barrier Rentals" below for more detail. Management expects barrier sales to be lower for 2020 as compared to annual barrier sales for 2019, although no assurance can be given.

Easi-Set® and Easi-Span® Building Sales – The Easi-Set® Buildings program includes Easi-Set®, plant assembled and Easi-Span®, site assembled, and an extensive line of pre-engineered restrooms. Building sales increased significantly by 180.8% in 2019 as compared to 2018. The Company produced a large governmental building order out of multiple plants during the third quarter 2019, which significantly boosted sales above the prior year. Building sales are expected to be lower in 2020 as compared to 2019, although no assurance can be given.

Utility Sales – Utility products are mainly comprised of underground utility vaults used in infrastructure construction. Utility product sales increased by 30.5% in 2019 compared to 2018. The utility market is extremely competitive, with many competitors who specialize in lower priced utility products. The Company is much more competitive on larger quantity projects, in which it targeted and won more jobs during 2019. As the Company continues to be aggressive in utility sales, 2020 should be similar or greater than 2019 sales, although no assurance can be given.
 
14

 
Miscellaneous Product Sales – Miscellaneous products are products that are produced or sold that do not meet the criteria defined for other revenue categories. Examples would include precast concrete slabs, waste blocks or small add-on items. For 2019, miscellaneous product sales increased by 8.2% when compared to 2018. Management expects miscellaneous product sales to be similar in 2020 as compared to 2019, although no assurance can be given. These products are typically small in nature and the Company focuses it's priorities on larger, more profitable jobs.

Barrier Rentals – Barrier rentals increased by 43.9% in 2019 when compared to 2018. The increase resulted primarily from the recognition of revenue under a deferred guaranteed buy-back agreement with a customer for barrier, which will continue until the buy-back option is either exercised or expires when the customer completes its usage of the barrier, which is expected to be a four year period from the date of delivery. The Company's standard highway barrier rentals remained strong in 2019 with an increase of 4% over 2018. Management believes standard highway barrier rentals will continue to be strong in 2020 with the increase its barrier rental fleet at the end of 2019. The Company continues to pursue its rental barrier expansion plans for its local geographical sales areas and expects its core rental business to increase, although no assurance can be given.
 
Royalty Income – Royalties decreased by 0.2% in 2019 as compared to 2018. The decrease was a result of lower barrier royalties, mainly from one significant licensee who did not generate royalties during 2019, with the license being terminated in December 2019. In 2019 the Company added a new SlenderWall salesman to help increase sales nationwide. Management believes that overall royalties will increase during 2020 as the construction industry continues to expand, especially in the infrastructure section of the market, although no assurance can be given.

Shipping and Installation – Shipping revenue results from shipping our products to the customers' final destination and is recognized when the shipping services take place. Installation activities include installation of our products at the customers’ construction site. Installation revenue results when attaching architectural wall panels to a building, installing an Easi-Set® building at a customers' site, setting highway barrier, or setting any of our other precast products at a site specific to the requirements of the owner. Shipping and installation revenues increased by 34.6% for 2019 when compared to 2018. The increase was mainly due to the increase of delivery and installation of Easi-Set buildings and an increase in SlenderWall installation as compared to 2018. Management believes that shipping and installation revenues for 2020 will be similar or lower to 2019, although no assurance can be given.
  
Cost of Goods Sold – Total cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $36,722, an increase of $6,992, or 23.5%, from $29,730 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Total cost of goods sold, as a percentage of total revenue not including royalties, increased to 82% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 77% for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in the cost of goods sold as a percentage of total revenue was mainly due to the increase in Shipping & Installation revenues which historically carry lower margins as compared to product sales. Raw material costs increased slightly in 2019 over 2018 with some inflationary pressures for the Company, although steel prices dropped during 2019 as compared to 2018. Raw material prices are expected to remain relatively flat in 2020 as compared to 2019. The Company continues to seek new vendor partnerships to help develop a price advantage for its raw materials as well as a continuous supply of these materials and has changed several vendors due to better supply sources and better pricing.

General and Administrative Expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company's general and administrative expenses decreased by $788, or 13.9%, to $4,887 from $5,675 during the same period in 2018. The decrease in general and administrative expenses is mainly attributed to an administrative staffing reduction, as compared to 2018. General and administrative expenses are expected to be similar in 2020 as compared to 2019, although no assurance can be given.

Selling Expenses – Selling expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased by $63, or 2.4%, to $2,536 from $2,599 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to a slight decrease in salary and commission expense with some of the largest sales contracts in Company history awarded in 2018. The Company recently hired a national SlenderWall salesman, and future expenses are expected to increase with the expected growth of the product line.
 
15

 
Operating Income – The Company had operating income for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $2,546 compared to operating income of $2,216 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $330, or 14.9%. The increase in operating income was primarily the result of the increased sales volume and reduction in general and administrative expenses in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Interest Expense – Interest expense was $179 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $176 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase of $3, or 1.7%, was due primarily to the financing of the new North Carolina facility.
 
Income Tax Expense The Company had income tax expense of $549 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to income tax expense of $572 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company had an effective rate of 21.9% for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to an effective rate of 25.3% for the same period in 2018.

Net Income – The Company had net income of $1,959 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to net income of $1,687 for the same period in 2018. The basic and diluted income per share was $0.38 for 2019, compared to basic and diluted income per share of $0.33 for the year ended December 31, 2018. There were 5,142 basic and 5,147 diluted weighted average shares outstanding in 2019 and 5,080 basic and 5,096 diluted weighted average shares outstanding in the 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company financed its capital expenditures requirements for 2019 with cash flows from operations, cash balances on hand and notes payable to a bank. The Company had $5,011 of debt obligations at December 31, 2019, of which $925 is scheduled to mature within twelve months. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company made repayments of outstanding debt in the amount $769 and received $2,277 in proceeds of borrowings for the financing of the North Carolina property and a vehicle. The Company had draws on the line of credit of $500 and had repayments of $1,500 on the line of credit during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company has a note payable to Summit Community Bank (the “Bank”) with a balance of $519 as of December 31, 2019. The note has a remaining term of approximately two years and a fixed interest rate of 3.99% annually with monthly payments of $26 and is secured by principally all of the assets of the Company. Under the terms of the note, the Bank will permit chattel mortgages on purchased equipment not to exceed $250 for any one individual loan so long as the Company is not in default. The Company maintains a limit of $3,500 for annual capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and plant expansions. At December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to the loan agreement.
 
The Company has a mortgage note payable to the Bank for the purchase of the Columbia, South Carolina facility. Such loan is evidenced by a promissory note, dated July 19, 2016. The note provides for a 15 year term, a fixed annual interest rate of 5.29%, monthly fixed payments of $11 and a security interest in favor of the Bank in respect to the land, building and fixtures purchased with the proceeds of the loan. The balance of the loan at December 31, 2019 was $1,103. 
 
On October 11, 2019, the Company completed the financing for the construction of it's new North Carolina facility with a note payable to the Bank in the amount of $2,228. The note carries a ten year term at a fixed interest rate of 3.64% annually per the Promissory Note Rate Conversion Agreement, with monthly payments of $22, and is secured by all of the assets of Smith-Carolina and a guarantee by the Company. The balance of the note payable at December 31, 2019 was $2,197.
 
The Company additionally has 13 smaller installment loans with annual interest rates between 3.49% and 5.75%, maturing between 2020 and 2024, with varying balances totaling $1,192.
 
In addition to the notes payable discussed above, the Company also has a $4,000 line of credit with the Bank with no balance at December 31, 2019. The line of credit is evidenced by a commercial revolving promissory note which carries a variable interest rate of prime and matures on October 1, 2020. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on the Company's accounts receivable and inventory and a second lien position on all other business assets. Key provisions of the line of credit require the Company, (i) to obtain bank approval for capital expenditures in excess of $3,500 during the term of the loan; and (ii) to obtain bank approval prior to its funding any acquisition. On October 31, 2019 the Company received a Commitment Letter from the Bank to provide a guidance line of credit specifically to purchase business equipment in an amount up to $1,500. The commitment provides for the purchase of equipment with minimum advances of $50 for which a note payable will be executed with a term not to exceed five years with an interest rate at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus .5% with a floor of 4.49% per annum. The loan is collateralized by a first lien position on all equipment purchased under the line. The commitment for the guidance line of credit matures on October 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had not purchased any equipment pursuant to the $1,500 commitment.
 
16

 
At December 31, 2019, the Company had cash totaling $1,364 and $1,176 of investment securities available for sale compared to cash totaling $1,946 and $1,107 of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2018. Investment securities at December 31, 2019 consist of shares of USVAX (a Virginia Bond Fund). During 2019, the Company’s operating activities provided $3,935 of cash due mainly to the decrease in inventories. In 2019, investing activities used $4,744 in cash primarily for the North Carolina expansion and for the purchase of rental barrier and capital equipment. Financing activities provided $227 in cash in 2019, resulting primarily from new loan for the North Carolina expansion and the financing of capital expenditures.

Capital spending, including financed additions, decreased from $5,234 in 2018 to $4,513 in 2019. Capital expenditures in 2019 included spending for the North Carolina expansion, rental barrier, and manufacturing equipment. In 2020, the Company intends to continue to make capital improvements which include additional yard expansions in Virginia, along with the purchase of manufacturing equipment. While the Company anticipates capital spending for 2020 to be $2,000, excluding acquisitions and plant expansions (which none are anticipated at this time), such plans may change if the Company is adversely effected by the coronavirus outbreak.
 
The Company's three mortgage notes payable are financed at fixed rates of interest. This leaves the Company almost impervious to fluctuating interest rates. Increases in such rates will only slightly affect the interest paid by the Company on an annual basis. Approximately 95% of the Company's debt obligations are financed at a fixed interest rate so that each 1% increase in the interest rates of the Company’s outstanding debt will reduce income by approximately $2 annually.

The Company’s cash flow from operations is affected by production schedules set by contractors, which generally provide for payment 45 to 75 days after the products are produced and with some architectural contracts, retainage may be held until the entire project is completed. This payment schedule could result in liquidity problems for the Company because it must bear the cost of production for its products before it receives payment. The Company's days sales outstanding (DSO) in 2019 was 89 days compared to 86 days in 2018. The DSO increased due to the increase in retainage outstanding on large SlenderWall projects. Although no assurance can be given, particularly in light of the coronavirus outbreak, the Company believes that anticipated cash flow from operations with adequate project management on jobs and the availability under lines of credit will be sufficient to finance the Company’s operations and necessary capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months.

The Company’s inventory at December 31, 2019 was $2,242 and at December 31, 2018 was $3,560, a decrease of $1,318. The annual inventory turns for 2019 and 2018 were 12.1 and 11.9, respectively. The inventory turns for 2019 have increased due to the Company having limited inventory, and all major contracts were recognized in revenue, or as deferred revenue, as produced. Finished goods inventory decreased for 2019 as compared to 2018 mainly due to limited standard products produced and held at the end of 2019.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in its Summary of Accounting Policies to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted within the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and related notes. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. The Company does not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to the accounting policies described below, however, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts at the end of each quarter. In performing this evaluation, the Company analyzes the payment history of its significant past due accounts, subsequent cash collections on these accounts and comparative accounts receivable aging statistics. Based on this information, along with other related factors, the Company develops what it considers to be a reasonable estimate of the uncollectible amounts included in accounts receivable. This estimate involves significant judgment by the management of the Company. Actual uncollectible amounts may differ from the Company’s estimate.

The Company recognizes revenue on the sale of its standard precast concrete products at shipment date, including revenue derived from any projects to be completed under short-term contracts. Installation services for precast concrete products, leasing and royalties are recognized as revenue over time. Certain sales of Soundwall, Slenderwall, and other architectural concrete products are recognized over time because as the Company's performance creates or enhances customer controlled assets or creates or enhances an asset with no alternative use, and the Company has an enforceable right to receive compensation. Over time product contracts are estimated based on the number of units produced (output method) during the period multiplied by the unit rate stated in the contract. As the output method is driven by units produced, the Company recognizes revenues based on the value transferred to the customer relative to the remaining value to be transferred. The Company also matches the costs associated with the units produced. If a contract is projected to result in a loss, the entire contract loss is recognized in the period when the loss was first determined and the amount of the loss updated in subsequent reporting periods. Revenue recognition also includes an amount related to a contract asset or contract liability. If the recognized revenue is greater than the amount billed to the customer, a contract asset is recorded in accounts receivable - unbilled. Conversely, if the amount billed to the customer is greater than the recognized revenue, a contract liability is recorded in customer deposits on uncompleted contracts. Changes in the job performance, job conditions and final contract settlements are factors that influence management’s assessment of total contract value and therefore, profit and revenue recognition.
 
17

 
Seasonality

The Company services the construction industry primarily in areas of the United States where construction activity may be inhibited by adverse weather during the winter. As a result, the Company may experience reduced revenues from December through February and realize the substantial part of its revenues during the other months of the year. The Company may experience lower profits, or losses, during the winter months, and as such, must have sufficient working capital to fund its operations at a reduced level until the spring construction season. The failure to generate or obtain sufficient working capital during the winter may have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Inflation

Management believes that the Company's operations were not significantly affected by inflation in 2019 and 2018, particularly in the purchases of certain raw materials such as cement and steel. The Company believes that raw material pricing will likely remain flat or slightly increase in 2020, although no assurance can be given regarding future pricing.

Backlog

As of March 5, 2020 the Company's sales backlog was approximately $30.9 million as compared to approximately $31.1 million at approximately the same time in 2019. It is estimated that most of the projects in the sales backlog will be produced within 12 months, but a few will be produced through the year 2021. There has been a slight decrease in the backlog for 2020 when compared to approximately the same time in 2019, but the Company expects it to increase with continued bidding on large infrastructure and SlenderWall/architectural projects, although no assurance can be given.

The risk exists that recessionary economic conditions may adversely affect the Company more than it has experienced to date. To mitigate these economic and other risks, the Company has a broader product offering than most competitors and has historically been a leader in innovation and new product development in the industry. The Company is continuing this strategy through the development, marketing and sales efforts for its new products. In the event that the coronavirus outbreak works to adversely affect the Company, the future risks and uncertainty are unknown.
 
The Company continues to evaluate its processes, both production and administrative, and has streamlined many of these processes through lean activities. During 2019 and 2018, the Company, through lean activities, has begun to see positive effects in production and office areas. The lean business philosophy is a long-term, customer focused approach to eliminating waste and providing value. It is management's intention to further implement a lean culture throughout the Company to help reach our goals for 2020. The Company's lean efforts are aimed to increase quality to the customer, significantly reduce design and drawing issues, while increasing production capacity and sales volume. In order to meet these goals, substantial improvements through lean tools and lean thinking are being implemented company wide.
 
18

 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The consolidated financial statements table of contents, which appears on page F-1, are filed as part of this report.

Item 9.  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.
 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This process includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) 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 are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

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

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) as of December 31, 2019, and concluded that its controls were effective as of such date.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Disclosure controls and procedures

We carried out our evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on our evaluation, our principal executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective.
 
19

 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.    Other Information

None.
 
20

 
PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Certain information with respect to our Directors and executive officers is set forth below.

Name
 
Age
 
Director or
Executive
Officer Since
 
Position
Rodney I. Smith
 
81
 
1970
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ashley B. Smith
 
57
 
1994
 
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wesley A. Taylor
 
72
 
1994
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
James Russell Bruner
 
64
 
2018
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard Gerhardt
 
53
 
2016
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adam J. Krick
 
34
 
2018
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer

Background

The following is a brief summary of the background of each Director and executive officer of the Company:

Rodney I. Smith. Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rodney I. Smith co-founded the Company in 1960 and became its President and Chief Executive Officer in 1965. He served as President until 2012 and Chief Executive Officer until May 2018. He has served on the Board of Directors and has been its Chairman since 1970. Mr. Smith is the principal developer and inventor of the Company’s proprietary and patented products. He is the past President of the National Precast Concrete Association. Mr. Smith has served on the Board of Trustees of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia since 1986. The Company believes that Mr. Smith’s extensive experience in the precast concrete products industry and his knowledge of the marketplace gives him the qualifications and skills necessary to serve in the capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Ashley B. Smith.  Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director. Ashley B. Smith has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2018, President of the Company since 2012, and as a Director since 1994. Mr. Smith was Vice President of the Company from 1990 to 2011. He is the immediate past Chairman of the National Precast Concrete Association. Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bridgewater College. Mr. Ashley B. Smith is the son of Mr. Rodney I. Smith. The Company believes that Mr. Smith’s education, experience in the precast concrete industry and business experience give him the qualifications and skills necessary to serve in the capacity as a director.

Wesley A. Taylor.  Director. Wesley A. Taylor served as Vice President of Administration of the Company from 1989 until January 2017 and has served as a Director since 1994. Mr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern State University. The Company believes that Mr. Taylor’s education, business experience and his extensive experience in the precast concrete industry gives him the qualifications and skills necessary to serve in the capacity as a director.
 
21

 
James Russell Bruner. Director. Mr. Bruner has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since December 2018. Mr. Bruner has served as Chairman of Maersk Line, Limited (“Maersk Line”) since November 2016 and was President and Chief Executive Officer of Maersk Line from January 2014 to November 2017. Maersk Line owns and operates a fleet of container and tanker ships that are under the flag of the United States. These ships support military, government and humanitarian missions through the transportation of United States government cargo on an international basis. Through its subsidiaries, Maersk Line owns and/or operates ships designed to carry wheeled cargo and a fleet of tankers and maritime support vessels. Maersk Line operates as a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, an integrated transport and logistics company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mr. Bruner attended Bridgewater College in Virginia. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan Executive Program and Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. The Company believes that Mr. Bruner's current and past business-related experience provides him with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve in the capacity as a director of the Company.

Richard Gerhardt. Director. Mr. Gerhardt has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since 2016. He currently President of Sales Services International, Inc., a consulting firm, and Chief Sales Officer for The Mail Group, a logistics company, since April 2019, and is also serving as a Fauquier County, Virginia Supervisor for the Cedar Run Magisterial District since January 2016. Mr. Gerhardt presently serves on the boards of Path Foundation (formally Fauquier Health Foundation), Virginia Gold Cup Association and Fauquier Free Clinic. From 2003 to 2014, Mr. Gerhardt served in an escalating succession of positions for three global shipping and logistic companies: DHL Global Mail, ESI Global Logistic and MSI Worldwide. His eight years as President, Chief Operating Officer, and a shareholder of MSI Worldwide culminated in its acquisition by Belgian Post. Mr. Gerhardt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. The Company believes that Mr. Gerhardt's current and past business-related experience provides him with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve in the capacity as a director of the Company.

Adam J. Krick. Chief Financial Officer. Adam J. Krick has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January 2018. Prior to becoming the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Krick served as the Accounting Manager for the Company since 2014. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Krick worked in public accounting focusing on tax and business consulting. Mr. Krick serves on the board of the OTCQX U.S. Advisory Council, and he also serves as the Treasurer for Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Mr. Krick is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from James Madison University.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
 
Section 16(a) (“Section 16(a)”) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires executive officers and Directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent (10%) of the Company’s Common Stock to file initial reports of ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in ownership on Form 4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any national securities exchange on which the Corporation’s securities are registered.

Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, Directors and greater than ten percent (10%) beneficial owners were satisfied during 2019.

Code of Ethics

The Company adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Accounting Manager and persons performing similar functions. The Board of Directors approved the code of ethics at their meeting on December 17, 2003. A copy of the code of ethics was filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003, and a copy may be obtained without charge by requesting one in writing from Secretary, Smith-Midland Corporation, P.O. Box 300, 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, VA 22728. The code of ethics is also posted on the Company's website.
 
22

 
Audit Committee

The Company created an Audit Committee in August 2018. The Audit Committee consists of James Russell Bruner and Richard Gerhardt, the two independent board members. Mr. James Russell Bruner is an audit committee financial expert.
 
Item 11.    Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Company for services rendered for 2019 and 2018 to the principal executive officer and the Company’s two most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer (the “named executive officers”):

Summary Compensation Table
 
 
 
Name and Principal Position
 
 
Year
 
 
Salary
($)(1)
 
 
Bonus
($)(2)
 
Stock
Awards
($)
 
All Other
Compensation
($)
 
 
Total
($)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ashley B. Smith
2019
  275,100 
  152,420 
   
   
  427,520 
Chief Executive Officer and President (3)(4)
2018
  188,823 
  119,006 
   
  3,000 
  310,829 
 
    
    
    
    
    
Adam J. Krick 
2019
  144,569 
  55,741 
   
   
  200,310 
Chief Financial Officer  (5)
2018
  134,437 
  20,350 
  17,225 
  3,000 
  175,012 

(1)  Represents salaries paid in 2019 and 2018 for services provided by each named executive officer serving in the capacity listed.

(2)  Represents amounts paid for annual performance-based bonus related to operations for the prior year.

(3)  Mr. Ashley B. Smith became Chief Executive Officer in May 2018.

(4)  Mr. Ashley B. Smith received director’s compensation in the amount of $3,000 for the year 2018, as shown in "All Other Compensation". Later in 2018, the Company ceased paying director fees to executive officers.
 
(5) Includes 2,500 restricted shares granted in January 2018 pursuant to the Company's 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, which shares vested in full immediately on the grant date. The value of the common stock shares at the grant date was $17,225. Mr. Krick received advisory director's compensation in the amount of $3,000 for the year 2018, as shown in "All Other Compensation". Later in 2018, the Company ceased paying advisory director fees to executive officers.
 
23

 
Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth information for the named executive officers regarding any common share purchase options, stock awards or equity incentive plan awards that were outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

 
Name
 
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 
 
Option
Exercise  Price
($/Sh)
 
 
Option
Expiration Date
 
 
Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested (#)(1)
 
 
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested ($)
 
 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that have not Vested (#)
 
 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that have not Vested ($)
 
Ashley B. Smith
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Adam J. Krick
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
TOTAL  
   
   
    
    
  14,000  
  84,000  
   
   

(1) Restricted shares granted vest, ratably, on an annual basis, over three years from the date of grant. All shares were granted prior to 2019.

Compensation of Directors

All non-executive officer Directors receive $3,000 per meeting as compensation for their services as Directors, with an additional $3,000 annual fee for service as the chair of the Audit Committee, $3,000 annual fee for service as the chair of the Compensation Committee, and $6,000 annual fee for service as the Chairman of the Board.

The Company does not pay any additional compensation to directors who are members of our management or are employed by the Company, but the Company reimburses all directors for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and committee meetings or otherwise in their capacity as directors.

Fiscal 2019 Director Compensation
 
Name
 
 
Fees  Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
 
 
Stock
Awards ($)(2)
 
 
Option
Awards  ($)
 
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
 
 
Non-
Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
 
 
All Other
Compensation
 
 
Total ($)
 
Rodney I. Smith
  15,000 
   
   
   
   
   
  15,000(1)
Ashley B. Smith
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
Wesley A. Taylor
  9,000 
   
   
   
   
   
  9,000 
James Russell Bruner
  12,000 
   
   
   
   
   
  12,000 
Richard Gerhardt
  12,000 
   
   
   
   
   
  12,000 

(1)
Reflected in Summary Compensation Table above.
  
24

 
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.
 
The Company has an employment agreement with its former Chief Executive Officer and current Chairman of the Board, Rodney I. Smith. While Mr. Smith ceased providing services as Chief Executive Officer in May 2018, he received his salary, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, through September 2019. The agreement also provides for an annual royalty fee of $99,000 payable as consideration for his assignment to the Company of all of his rights, title and interest in certain patents. Payment of the royalty continues for as long as the Company is using the inventions underlying the patents. Mr. Smith also received compensation from the Company for his services as a Director and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Smith is currently being compensated with respect to royalty payments in accordance with the employment agreement.
 
25

 
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth, as of March 5, 2020, certain information concerning ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by (i) each person known by the Company to own of record or be the beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of the Company’s Common Stock, (ii) named executive officers and Directors, and (iii) all Directors and Executive Officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment powers with respect to the shares indicated.

 
  Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
 
Number of Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)
 
 
Percentage
of Class
 
Rodney I. Smith (1)(3)(4)
  684,798 
  13.3%
 
    
    
Ashley B. Smith (1)(3)(4)
  176,042 
  3.4%
 
    
    
Wesley A. Taylor (1)
  28,667 
  * 
 
    
    
Richard Gerhardt (1)
  2,000 
  * 
 
    
    
James Russell Bruner (1)
  6,000 
  * 
 
    
    
Adam J. Krick (1)
  3,545 
  * 
 
    
    
Thompson Davis & Co., Inc. (5)
  769,643 
  14.9%
 
    
    
Wax Asset Management, LLC (6)
  479,895 
  9.3%
 
    
    
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)
  901,152 
  17.4%

* Less than 1%.

(1)     The address for each of Messrs. Rodney I. Smith, Ashley B. Smith, Wesley A. Taylor, Richard Gerhardt, James Russell Bruner, and Adam J. Krick is c/o Smith-Midland Corporation, P.O. Box 300, 5119 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728.

(2)     Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table.

(3)     Ashley B. Smith is the son of Rodney I. Smith. Each of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith disclaims beneficial ownership of the other’s shares of Common Stock.

(4)     Does not include an aggregate of 105,811 shares of Common Stock held by Matthew Smith and Roderick Smith. Matthew Smith and Roderick Smith are sons of Rodney I. Smith, and brothers of Ashley B. Smith, for which each of Rodney I. Smith and Ashley B. Smith disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
26

(5)    Address of holder is 15 S. 5th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
 
(6)    Address of holder is 44 Cherry Lane, Madison, CT 06443.

 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2019, regarding the Company's equity compensation plans.

 
Plan Category 
 
 
(a) Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
 
(b) Weighted
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
 
 
(c) Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))(1)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
   
   
   
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
   
   
  224,834 
Total
   
   
  224,834 

(1) A brief description of the Company's 2016 Equity Incentive Plan is contained in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Equity Incentive Plan has a balance of 224,834 shares of stock unissued and available for award at December 31, 2019.

On October 13, 2016 the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Smith-Midland Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Employees, directors and consultants of the Company are eligible to participate in the Equity Incentive Plan. The Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or the full Board during such times as no committee is appointed by the Board or during such times as the Board is acting in lieu of the committee (the "Committee"). The Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity-based compensation in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance cash and other share-based awards. The Committee has the authority to determine the type of award, as well as the amount, terms and conditions of each award, under the Equity Incentive Plan subject to the limitations and other provisions of the Equity Incentive Plan. An aggregate of 400,000 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share, were authorized for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan, subject to adjustment for stock splits, dividends, distributions, recapitalizations and other similar transactions or events, of which amount 224,834 remains available for issuance. If any shares subject to an award are forfeited, expire, or otherwise terminate without issuance of such shares, such shares shall, to the extent of such forfeiture, expiration, or termination, again be available for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan.
 
27

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

There are two independent directors of the Company, Mr. James Russell Bruner and Mr. Richard Gerhardt. The test utilized by the Company for the determination of independence is that under the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. In January 2020, Mr. Wesley A. Taylor became independent as well.

On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews all “related party transactions” (those transactions that are required to be disclosed by SEC Regulation S-K, Item 404), if any, for potential conflicts of interest and all such transactions must be approved by the Board of Directors. No transactions meet the criteria for disclosure.

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The aggregate fees billed for each of the past two fiscal years for professional services rendered by BDO USA, LLP, the principal accountant for the audit of the Company; for assurance and related services related to the audit; for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning; and for all other fees for products and services are shown in the table below (in thousands). Fees are reported as billed to the Company.

Audit Fees. Fees charged as audit fees are for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Forms 10-Q or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Tax Fees. Tax fees are for professional services rendered by BDO USA, LLP for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

Audit-Related Fees. Fees paid to BDO USA, LLP for the audit of the Company’s 401(k) benefit plan.
 
The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures with respect to the engagement of BDO USA, LLP and such policies and procedures do not include the delegation of the responsibilities of the Audit Committee to management.

 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Audit Fees
 $155 
 $168 
Tax Fees
  30 
  54 
Audit-Related Fees
  10 
  10 
 
    
    
Total Fees
 $195 
 $232 
 
28

 
PART IV

 
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 
 
(1)
The financial statements of the Company are included following Part IV of this Form 10-K.
 
 
(2)
Schedules have been omitted since they are either not applicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere herein.
 
 
(3)
The following exhibits are filed herewith:

 
  
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 33-89312) declared effective by the Commission on December 13, 1995).
 
 
 
 
Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2018).
 
 
 
4.1
 
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 33-89312) declared effective by the Commission on December 13, 1995).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Lease Agreement, dated January 1, 1995, between the Company and Rodney I. Smith (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 33-89312) declared effective by the Commission on December 13, 1995).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Collateral Assignment of Letters Patent, dated between the Company and Rodney I. Smith (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Form SB-2 (No. 33-89312) declared effective by the Commission on December 13, 1995).
 
 
 
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 30, 2002, between the Company and Rodney I. Smith.  (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003).
 
 
 
 
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, between the Company and Rodney I. Smith (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
 
 
 
 
Promissory Note, dated April 20, 2011 and executed on April 26, 2011, in the amount of $575,000 issued by the Company to Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2011).
 
 
 
 
A Credit Line Deed of Trust, dated April 20, 2011 and executed on April 26, 2011, between the Company and Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2011).

 

 
Promissory Note, dated September 12, 2013, in the amount of $2,100,000 issued by the Company to Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2013).
 
29

 
 
Promissory Note, dated July 19, 2016, in the amount of $1,317,500 issued by the Company to Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2016).
 
 
 
 
Commercial Security Agreement, dated July 19, 2016, between the Company, as debtor, and Summit Community Bank, as secured party, related to Company’s note payable in the amount of $1,317,500 with Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2016).
 
 
 
 
Commitment Letter, dated October 8, 2019, for the renewal of the line of credit in the of $4,000,000 with Summit Community Bank.
 
 
 
 
Commitment Letter, dated October 31, 2019, for the renewal of the equipment line of credit in the amount of $1,500,000 with Summit Community Bank.
 
 
 
 
Commercial Line of Credit Agreement and Note, dated October 1, 2019, for the renewal of the line of credit in the amount of $4,000,000 with Summit Community Bank.
 
 
 
 
Promissory Note, dated October 11, 2019, in the amount of $2,228,000 issued by the Company to Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2019). 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Security Agreement, dated October 1, 2018, with Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018).
 
 
 
 
Deed of Trust dated October 11, 2019, related to the Promissory Note dated October 11, 2019 between the Company and Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2019).
 
 
 
 
Commercial Security Agreement dated October 11, 2019, related to the Promissory Note dated October 11, 2019 between the Company and Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2019).  
 
 
 
 
Promissory Note, dated October 6, 2017, for the acquisition of six acres of land purchased in 2016 in the amount of $239,232 with Summit Community Bank (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 8, 2017).
 
 
 
 
2016 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-214788) filed on November 23, 2016).
 
 
 
 
Code of Professional Conduct (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003).
 
 
 
21.1
 
List of Subsidiaries of the Company (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995).
 
 
 
 
Consent of BDO USA, LLP.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
 
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
 
 
 
 
Certification pursuant 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adapted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101.INS 
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
30

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 26, 2020
By:  
/s/ Ashley B. Smith
 
 
 
Ashley B. Smith  
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: March 26, 2020
By:  
/s/ Adam J. Krick
 
 
 
Adam J. Krick 
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
    
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  
 
    
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name
 
Capacity
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Rodney I. Smith
 
Director
 
March 26, 2020
Rodney I. Smith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Ashley B. Smith
 
Director
 
March 26, 2020
Ashley B. Smith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Wesley A. Taylor
 
Director
 
March 26, 2020
Wesley A. Taylor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ James Russell Bruner
 
Director
 
March 26, 2020
James Russell Bruner
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard Gerhardt
 
Director
 
March 26, 2020
Richard Gerhardt
 
 
 
 
 
31


Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 
 

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  F-2 
 
    
Consolidated Financial Statements
    
 
    
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  F-3 
 
    
Consolidated Statements of Income
  F-5 
 
    
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
  F-6 
 
    
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  F-7 
 
    
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
  F-9 
 
    
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  F-14 
 

F-1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Smith-Midland Corporation
Midland, Virginia
 
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Smith-Midland Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the summary of significant accounting policies and related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Smith-Midland Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
 
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/BDO USA, LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1996.
 
Richmond, Virginia
March 26, 2020
 

F-2

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 $1,364 
 $1,946 
Investment securities, available-for-sale, at fair value
  1,176 
  1,107 
Accounts receivable, net
    
    
Trade - billed (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $333 and $214), including contract retentions
  12,723 
  12,281 
Trade - unbilled
  310 
  1,313 
Inventories, net
    
    
Raw materials
  488 
  1,005 
Finished goods
  1,754 
  2,555 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
  784 
  480 
Refundable income taxes
  432 
  909 
 
    
    
Total current assets
  19,031 
  21,596 
 
    
    
Property and equipment, net
  17,735 
  14,102 
 
    
    
Deferred buy-back lease asset, net
  5,042 
  5,304 
 
    
    
Other assets
  307 
  367 
 
    
    
Total assets
 $42,115 
 $41,369 

See accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

F-3

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
(continued)
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable - trade
 $3,180 
 $4,212 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  125 
  610 
Deferred revenue
  1,891 
  1,112 
Accrued compensation
  1,075 
  1,556 
Dividend payable
  282 
  281 
Line-of-credit construction draw 
   
  1,000 
Deferred buy-back lease obligation 
  966 
  720 
Operating lease liabilities 
  81 
   
Current maturities of notes payable
  925 
  711 
Customer deposits
  1,077 
  1,658 
 
    
    
Total current liabilities
  9,602 
  11,860 
 
    
    
Deferred revenue 
  241 
  570 
Deferred buy-back lease obligation 
  5,183 
  5,873 
Operating lease liabilities 
  296 
   
Notes payable - less current maturities
  4,086 
  2,792 
Deferred tax liability
  1,886 
  1,427 
 
    
    
Total liabilities
  21,294 
  22,522 
 
    
    
Commitments and contingencies
   
   
 
    
    
Stockholders’ equity
    
    
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued and outstanding
   
   
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 8,000,000 shares; 5,224,911 and 5,223,245 issued and 5,164,324 and 5,112,825 outstanding, respectively
  52 
  51 
Additional paid-in capital
  6,242 
  5,973 
Treasury stock, at cost, 40,920 shares
  (102)
  (102)
Other
  (10)
  (37)
Retained earnings
  14,639 
  12,962 
 
    
    
Total stockholders’ equity
  20,821 
  18,847 
 
    
    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $42,115 
 $41,369 
 
See accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

F-4

  
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product sales
 $32,228 
 $29,159 
Barrier rentals
  2,488 
  1,729 
Royalty income
  1,672 
  1,675 
Shipping and installation revenue
  10,303 
  7,657 
 
    
    
Total revenue
  46,691 
  40,220 
 
    
    
Cost of goods sold
  36,722 
  29,730 
 
    
    
Gross profit
  9,969 
  10,490 
 
    
    
General and administrative expenses
  4,887 
  5,675 
Selling expenses
  2,536 
  2,599 
 
    
    
Total operating expenses
  7,423 
  8,274 
 
    
    
Operating income
  2,546 
  2,216 
 
    
    
Other income (expense)
    
    
Interest expense
  (179)
  (176)
Interest income
  40 
  42 
Gain on sale of assets
  46 
  126 
Other income
  55 
  51 
 
    
    
Total other income (expense)
  (38)
  43 
 
    
    
Income before income tax expense
  2,508 
  2,259 
 
    
    
Income tax expense
  549 
  572 
 
    
    
Net income
 $1,959 
 $1,687 
 
    
    
Basic and diluted earnings per share
 $0.38 
 $0.33 

See accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

F-5

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands)

 
 
Common
Stock
 
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
 
Treasury
Stock
 
 
Other
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2018
 $51 
 $5,719 
 $(102)
 $(19)
 $11,556 
 $17,205 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Accrued dividends payable
   
   
   
   
  (281)
  (281)
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Other
   
   
   
  (18)
   
  (18)

    
    
    
    
    
    
Proceeds from options exercised
   
  12 
   
   
   
  12 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Vesting of restricted stock
   
  242 
   
   
   
  242 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Net income
   
   
   
   
  1,687 
  1,687 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance, December 31, 2018
  51 
  5,973 
  (102)
  (37)
  12,962 
  18,847 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Accrued dividends payable
   
   
   
   
  (282)
  (282)
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Other
   
   
   
  27 
   
  27 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Vesting of restricted stock
  1 
  269 
   
   
   
  270 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Net income
   
   
   
   
  1,959 
  1,959 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance, December 31, 2019
 $52 
 $6,242 
 $(102)
 $(10)
 $14,639 
 $20,821 

See accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

F-6

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

 
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 $1,959 
 $1,687 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
  1,793 
  1,247 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  119 
  6 
Gain on sale of fixed assets
  (46)
  (126)
Stock compensation
  270 
  242 
Deferred taxes
  459 
  153 
(Increase) decrease in
    
    
Accounts receivable - billed
  (561)
  (3,320)
Accounts receivable - unbilled
  1,003 
  (1,062)
Inventories
  1,318 
  (45)
Refundable income taxes
  477 
  450 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
  (286)
  (130)
Increase (decrease) in
    
    
Accounts payable - trade
  (1,032)
  1,153 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  (485)
  22 
Deferred revenue
  450 
  539 
Accrued compensation
  (481)
  325 
Deferred buy-back lease obligation, net
  (444)
  6,592 
Customer deposits
  (581)
  739 
 
    
    
Net cash provided by operating activities
 $3,932 
 $8,472 


F-7

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(continued)

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale
 $(32)
 $(33)
Purchases of property and equipment
  (4,513)
  (5,234)
Deferred buy-back lease asset
  (358)
  (5,507)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
  162 
  132 
 
    
    
Net cash absorbed by investing activities
  (4,741)
  (10,642)
 
    
    
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
    
    
Proceeds from the line-of-credit construction draw
  500 
  1,000 
Repayments on the line-of-credit construction draw 
  (1,500)
     
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
  2,277 
  630 
Repayments of long-term borrowings
  (769)
  (660)
Dividends paid on common stock
  (281)
  (256)
Proceeds from options exercised
   
  12 
 
    
    
Net cash provided by financing activities
  227 
  726 
 
    
    
Net decrease in cash
  (582)
  (1,444)
Cash, beginning of year
  1,946 
  3,390 
 
    
    
Cash, end of year
 $1,364 
 $1,946 
 
    
    
Supplemental Cash Flow information: 
    
    
Non-cash transaction - dividends payable 
 $282 
 $281 
Non-cash transaction - right of use asset and lease liability upon lease standard adoption 
 $414 
 $ 
Cash payments for interest
 $179 
 $176 
Cash payments for income taxes
 $73 
 $49 

See accompanying summary of significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

F-8

 
Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Smith-Midland Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) develop, manufacture, license, sell and install precast concrete products for the construction, transportation and utilities industries in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Smith-Midland Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries consist of Smith-Midland Corporation, a Virginia corporation, Smith-Carolina Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, Smith-Columbia Corporation, a South Carolina corporation, Easi-Set Industries, Inc., a Virginia corporation, Concrete Safety Systems, Inc., a Virginia corporation, and Midland Advertising and Design, Inc., doing business as Midland Advertising + Design, a Virginia corporation. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash

The Company considers all unrestricted cash and money market accounts purchased with an original or remaining maturities of three months or less as cash.

Investments

Investments in marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at market value.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or net realizable value. Inventory reserves (in thousands) were approximately $72 and $65 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred. Costs of improvements, renewals, and major replacements are capitalized. At the time properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and allowance for depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss on disposition is reflected in income.

Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 
 
Years
 
Buildings
  10-40 
Trucks and automotive equipment
  3-10 
Shop machinery and equipment
  3-10 
Land improvements
  10-15 
Rental equipment
  5-10 
Office equipment
  3-10 
 

F-9

 
Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions. The Company files tax returns in the U.S. Federal and various state jurisdictions. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to income taxes in other income (expense) in its consolidated statement of income. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. or state tax examinations for the years prior to 2016. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2019, and believes there will be no material changes in unrecognized tax positions over the next twelve months.

Stock Compensation

On October 13, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan which allows the Company to grant up to 400,000 shares of common stock of the Company to employees, officers, directors and consultants. The grants may be in the form of restricted or performance shares of common stock of the Company. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated to be the sales price of the common stock at the close of business on the day of the grant.

Revenue Recognition
 
Product Sales - Over Time

Under Topic 606, the Company recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services provided. Revenue associated with contracts with customers is recognized over time as the Company's performance creates or enhances customer controlled assets or creates or enhances an asset with no alternative use, which the Company has an enforceable right to receive compensation as defined under the contract for performance completed. To determine the amount of revenue to recognize over time, the Company recognizes revenue over the contract terms based on the output method. The Company applied the "as invoiced" practical expedient as the amount of consideration the Company has the right to invoice corresponds directly with the value of the Company's performance to date.
  
As the output method is driven by units produced, the Company recognizes revenues based on the value transferred to the customer relative to the remaining value to be transferred. The Company also matches the costs associated with the units produced. If a contract is projected to result in a loss, the entire contract loss is recognized in the period when the loss was first determined and the amount of the loss updated in subsequent reporting periods. Revenue recognition also includes an amount related to a contract asset or contract liability. If the recognized revenue is greater than the amount billed to the customer, a contract asset is recorded in accounts receivable - unbilled. Conversely, if the amount billed to the customer is greater than the recognized revenue, a contract liability is recorded in customer deposits on uncompleted contracts. Changes in the job performance, job conditions and final contract settlements are factors that influence management’s assessment of total contract value and therefore, profit and revenue recognition.
 
A portion of the work the Company performs requires financial assurances in the form of performance and payment bonds or letters of credit at the time of execution of the contract. Some contracts include retention provisions of up to 10% which are generally withheld from each progress payment as retainage until the contract work has been completed and approved. 

F-10

  
Product Sales - Point in Time
 
For certain product sales that do not meet the over time criteria, under Topic 606 the Company recognizes revenue when the product has been shipped to the destination in accordance with the terms outlined in the contract where a present obligation to pay exists as the customers have gained physical possession of the product.
 
Accounts Receivable and Contract Balances
 
The timing of when we bill our customers is generally dependent upon advance billing terms, milestone billings based on the completion of certain phases of the work, or when services are provided or products are shipped. Projects with performance obligations recognized over time that have costs and estimated earnings recognized to date in excess of cumulative billings, are reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Accounts receivable trade - unbilled" (contract assets). Projects with performance obligations recognized over time that have cumulative billings in excess of costs and estimate earnings recognized to date, are reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Customer deposits" (contract liabilities).
 
Any uncollected billed amounts for our performance obligations recognized over time, including contract retentions, are recorded within accounts receivable trade - billed. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accounts receivable included contract retentions (in thousands) of approximately $2,146 and $1,704, respectively, which are considered contract assets.
 
Our billed and unbilled revenue may be exposed to potential credit risk if our customers should encounter financial difficulties, and we maintain reserves for specifically-identified potential uncollectible receivables. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our allowances for doubtful accounts (in thousands) were $333 and $214, respectively.
 
Effect of Adopting ASC Topic 606
 
No adjustment to beginning 2018 retained earnings was recorded as a result of our adoption of Topic 606 due to no changes in the timing of our revenue recognition for our uncompleted contracts at that time. Further, the difference in our results for 2018 between application of the new standard on our contracts and what results would have been if such contracts had been reported using the accounting standards previously in effect, for such contracts, did not change.
 
Sale to Customer with a Buy-Back Guarantee - Lease Income
 
The Company entered into a buy-back agreement with one specific customer. Under this agreement, the Company guaranteed to buy-back product at a predetermined price at the end of the long-term project, subject to the condition of the product. Although the Company receives payment in full as the product is produced, we are required to account for these transactions as operating leases. The amount of sale proceeds equal to the buy-back obligation, included in "Deferred buy-back lease obligation" in the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet, is deferred until the buy-back is exercised or expired. The remaining sale proceeds are deferred in the same account and recognized on a straight-line basis over the usage period, such usage period commencing on delivery to the job-site and ending at the time the buy-back is exercised or expired. The Company capitalizes the cost of the product on the consolidated balance sheet shown in "Deferred buy-back lease asset, net", and depreciates the value, less residual value, to cost of leasing revenue in "Cost of goods sold" over the estimated useful life of the asset.
 
In the case the customer does not exercise the buy-back option and retains ownership of the product at the end of the usage period, the guarantee buy-back liability and any deferred revenue balances related to the product are settled to revenue, and the net book value of the asset is expensed to cost of leasing revenue. If the customer exercises the buy-back guarantee option, the Company purchases the product back in the amount equal to the buy-back guarantee, the Company settles any remaining deferred balances, in excess of the buy-back payment, to leasing revenue, and the Company reclassifies the net book value of the product on the consolidated balance sheet to "Inventories" or "Property and equipment, net" depending on the intended use at the time. The revenue is being recognized in accordance with Topic 842, Leases.
 
Barrier Rentals - Lease Income
 
Leasing fees are paid by customers at the beginning of the lease agreement and are recorded as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue is then recognized each month as lease income for the duration of the lease, in accordance with Topic 842, Leases.
 
Royalty Income
 
The Company licenses certain products to other precast companies to produce the Company's products to engineering specifications under the licensing agreements. The agreements are typically for five year terms and require royalty payments from 4% to 6% of total sales of licensed products, which are paid on a monthly basis. The revenues from licensing agreements are recognized in the month earned, in accordance with Topic 606-10-55-65.
 
 
F-11
 
 
Shipping and Installation
 
Shipping and installation revenues are recognized as a distinct performance obligation in the period the shipping and installation services are provided to the customer, in accordance with Topic 606.
 
Disaggregation of Revenue
 
In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary sources of revenue (in thousands):
 
Revenue by Type (Disaggregated Revenue)
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
Change
 
 
% Change
 
Product Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Soundwall Sales
 $7,736 
 $9,867 
 $(2,131)
  (21.6)%
Architectural Sales
  1,104 
  876 
  228 
  26.0%
SlenderWall Sales
  5,063 
  5,572 
  (509)
  (9.1)%
Miscellaneous Wall Sales
  1,685 
  1,760 
  (75)
  (4.3)%
Barrier Sales
  8,582 
  7,264 
  1,318 
  18.1%
Easi-Set and Easi-Span Building Sales
  5,937 
  2,114 
  3,823 
  180.8%
Utility Sales
  1,608 
  1,232 
  376 
  30.5%
Miscellaneous Sales
  513 
  474 
  39 
  8.2%
Total Product Sales
  32,228 
  29,159 
  3,069 
  10.5%
Barrier Rentals 
  2,488 
  1,729 
  759 
  43.9%
Royalty Income
  1,672 
  1,675 
  (3)
  (0.2)%
Shipping and Installation Revenue
  10,303 
  7,657 
  2,646 
  34.6%
Total Service Revenue
  14,463 
  11,061 
  3,402 
  30.8%
Total Revenue
 $46,691 
 $40,220 
 $6,471 
  16.1%
 
Smith-Midland products are typically sold pursuant to an implicit warranty as to merchantability only. Warranty claims are reviewed and resolved on a case by case method. Although the Company does incur costs for these types of expense, historically the amount of expense is minimal.
 
The revenue items: soundwall sales, architectural sales, SlenderWall sales, miscellaneous wall sales, barrier rentals, and royalty income are recognized as revenue over time. The revenue items: barrier sales, Easi-Set and Easi-Span building sales, utility sales, miscellaneous sales, and shipping and installation revenue are recognized as revenue at the point in time.

Sales and Use Taxes

The Company does report sales taxes as part of revenue and use taxes on construction materials are reported gross in cost of goods sold.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company currently operates in one operating and reportable business segment for financial reporting purposes.

 
F-12
 
 
Risks and Uncertainties

As discussed further in Note 9, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization ("WHO") announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China (the "COVID-19 outbreak") and on March 11, 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Management is actively monitoring the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for fiscal year 2020.
 
The Company sells products to highway contractors operating under government funded highway programs and other customers and extends credit based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition. The Company monitors its exposure to credit losses and maintains allowances for anticipated losses. Management reviews accounts receivable on a weekly basis to determine the probability of collection. In performing this evaluation, the Company analyzes the payment history and its significant past due accounts, subsequent cash collections on these accounts and comparative accounts receivable aging statistics. Based on this information, along with other related factors, the Company develops what it considers to be a reasonable estimate of the uncollectible amounts included in accounts receivable. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2019 is adequate. However, actual write-offs may exceed the recorded allowance. Due to inclement weather, the Company may experience reduced revenue from December through February and may realize the substantial part of its revenue during the other months of the year.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value for each of the Company’s financial instruments approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of those instruments. The estimated fair value of the long-term debt approximates carrying value based on current rates offered to the Company for debt of the similar maturities.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting (U.S. GAAP) principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense (in thousands) was approximately $393 and $384 in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
 
Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in earnings of the Company.

Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and identifiable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated future operating cash flows. When any such impairment exists, the related assets will be written down to fair value. No impairment losses have been recorded during the two years ended December 31, 2019.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement 
 
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value (“FV”) Measurement (Topic 820).” Among other modifications, the standard removes the requirements to disclose: (i) the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the FV hierarchy; (ii) the policy for timing transfers between levels; and (iii) the valuation process for Level 3 FV measurements. The standard will require public entities to disclose: (a) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 FV measurements held at the end of the reporting period; and (b) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 FV measurements. The additional disclosure requirements should be applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, and an entity may adopt the removed or modified disclosures and delay the adoption of new disclosures until the effective date. We have not completed our assessment of the standard but we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” Topic 842 establishes a new lease accounting model for leases. The most significant changes include the clarification of the definition of a lease, the requirement for lessees to recognize for all leases a right-of-use asset and a lease liability in the consolidated balance sheet, and additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures which are designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Expenses are recognized in the consolidated statement of income in a manner similar to current accounting guidance. Lessor accounting under the new standard is substantially unchanged. We adopted this standard, and all related amendments thereto, effective January 1, 2019, using the transition approach, which applies the provisions of the new guidance at the effective date without adjusting the comparative periods presented. We have elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical accounting relating to lease identification and classification for existing leases upon adoption. We have made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the consolidated balance sheet.
 
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220).” This standard provides an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) to retained earnings due to the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate change in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This standard was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We did not exercise the option to make this reclassification.

F-13

 
SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Land and land improvements
 $2,688 
 $2,452 
Buildings and improvements
  8,962 
  6,949 
Machinery and equipment
  13,621 
  12,709 
Rental equipment
  5,201 
  3,659 
 
    
    
 
  30,472 
  25,769 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
  (12,737)
  (11,667)
 
    
    
 
 $17,735 
 $14,102 

Depreciation expense and amortization (in thousands) was approximately $1,793 and $1,247 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

2. NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of the following (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Note payable to a Bank, maturing September 2021; with monthly payments of approximately $26 of principal and interest fixed at 3.99%; collateralized by principally all assets of the Company.
 $519 
 $799 
 
    
    
Note payable to a Bank, maturing July 2031; with monthly payments of approximately $11 of principal and interest fixed at 5.29%; collateralized by principally all assets of Smith-Columbia Corporation and guaranteed by the Company.
  1,103 
  1,169 
 
    
    
Note payable to a Bank, maturing April 2021; with monthly payments of approximately $6.2 of principal and interest at prime at variable rate (5.29% at December 31, 2019 and 2018); collateralized by certain property of the Company.
  96 
  163 
 
    
    
Note payable to a Bank, maturing October 2029; with monthly payments of approximately $22 of principal and interest fixed at 3.64% under a swap agreement; collateralized by principally all assets of Smith-Carolina Corporation and guaranteed by the Company.
  2,197 
   
 
    
    
Construction loan draw on-line-of-credit for the North Carolina Expansion, refinanced in note maturing October 2029.
   
  1,000 
 
    
    
Installment notes, collateralized by certain machinery and equipment maturing at various dates, primarily through 2021; with monthly payments varying from $0.3 to $4.1 with annual interest rates between 3.49% and 5.75%.
  1,096 
  1,372 
 
    
    
A revolving line-of-credit evidenced by a note payable to a Bank, with the maximum amount of $4,000, maturing October 1, 2020, with interest only payments and an initial rate of 4.49% adjustable monthly (4.75% at December 31, 2019). The line-of-credit is collateralized by a first lien position on the Company's accounts receivable and inventory and a second lien position on all other business assets.
   
   
 
    
    
 
  5,011 
  4,503 
Less current maturities
  (925)
  (1,711)
 
    
    
 
 $4,086 
 $2,792 
 

F-14

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
The Company's notes payable includes certain restrictive covenants, which require the Company to maintain minimum levels of tangible net worth, places limits on annual capital expenditures, and the payment of cash dividends. At December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to the loan agreements, with the annual capital expenditures of $3,500, excluding acquisitions and plant expansions.

The aggregate amounts of notes payable maturing in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
 $925 
2021
  773 
2022
  484 
2023
  433 
2024
  512 
Thereafter
  1,884 
 
    
 
 $5,011 
 
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company currently leases a portion of its Midland, Virginia property from its Chairman of the Board, on a month-to-month basis, as additional storage space for the Company's finished work product. The lease agreement calls for an annual rent of $24,000. 

The Company has an employment agreement with its former CEO and current Chairman of the Board, Rodney I. Smith. Mr. Smith received his salary, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, through September 2019. While Mr. Smith has ceased providing executive officer services pursuant to such agreement, the agreement provides for an annual royalty fee of $99,000 payable as consideration for his assignment to the Company of all of his rights, title and interest in certain patents. Payment of the royalty continues for as long as the Company is using the inventions underlying the patents. Mr. Smith also received compensation from the Company for his services as a Director and Chairman of the Board.

F-15

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
4. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Federal:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 $(1)
 $334 
Deferred
  440 
  119 
 
  439 
  453 
State:
    
    
Current
  91 
  85 
Deferred
  19 
  34 
 
  110 
  119 
 
    
    
 
 $549 
 $572 


The provision for income taxes differs from the amount determined by applying the federal statutory tax rate to pre-tax income as a result of the following (in thousands):
    
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Income taxes at statutory rate
 $527 
  21.0%
 $474 
  21.0%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
    
    
    
    
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
  81 
  3.2%
  89 
  4.0%
Deferred true-ups
  (127)
  (5.1)%
  58 
  2.6%
Provision-to-return
  81 
  3.2%
  (19)
  (0.8)%
Rate change
  (42)
  (1.7)%
   
  %
Other
  29 
  1.3%
  (30)
  (1.5%
 
    
    
    
    
 
 $549 
  21.9%
 $572 
  25.3%


F-16

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Deferred tax assets: 
 
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
 $21 
 $26 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  81 
  53 
Amortization - Intangibles
  4 
   
Charitable contributions
  43 
   
Accrued liabilities
  7 
   
Accrued vacation
  76 
  78 
Deferred buy-back asset
  1,776 
  1,645 
Deferred income 
  304 
  198 
Right-of-use asset
  91 
   
Other 
  83 
  76 
Gross deferred tax assets 
  2,486 
  2,076 
 
    
    
Deferred tax liabilities: 
    
    
Retainage 
  (518)
  (425)
Deferred buy-back obligation  
  (1,421)
  (1,324)
Fixed assets 
  (2,236)
  (1,667)
Prepaids 
  (104)
  (78)
Unrealized gain loss 
  (2)
  (9)
Lease liability
  (91)
   
Gross deferred tax liabilities
  (4,372)
  (3,503)
 
    
    
Valuation allowance
   
   
Net deferred tax liability
 $(1,886)
 $(1,427)

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $2,490 of state NOL's available to offset future state taxable income. The state NOL's begin expiring at various times between 2028 and 2037.
 
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has a savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC"). Participating employees may elect to contribute a percentage of their salary, subject to certain limitations. The Company contributes 50% of the participant's contribution, up to 4% of the participant's compensation, as a matching contribution. Total match contributions (in thousands) by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $179 and $148, respectively.

6. STOCK COMPENSATION

On September 19, 2008, the Board of Directors and Stockholders of the Company adopted the 2008 Stock Option Plan (the "2008 Plan") in addition to the 2004 Stock Option Plan, which allowed the Company to grant up to 500,000 options to employees, officers, directors and consultants to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock. Options granted under the 2008 Plan could have been either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. There have not been any grants under the 2008 Stock Option Plan since its inception. The Board of Directors replaced the 2008 Stock Option Plan with the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan described below.

There were no options exercised under the 2004 Stock Option Plan for the year ending December 31, 2019 and there were 10,333 options exercised in 2018. There were no options outstanding and exercisable under either the 2004 Stock Option Plan or the 2008 Plan at December 31, 2019.


F-17

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
On October 13, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, which allows the Company to grant up to 400,000 shares of restricted common stock of the Company to employees, officers, directors and consultants. The grants may be in the form of restricted or performance shares of common stock of the Company. There were 2,000 and 2,500 shares of restricted stock issued that vested immediately during the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The shares have a three year vesting period which vests ratably, on an annual basis, over a three year period. The total intrinsic value (in thousands) of the outstanding shares of restricted stock is $118.

The fair value of restricted stock awards is estimated to be the market price of the Company's common stock at the close of date of grant. Restricted stock activity during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 is as follows:

 
 
Number of Shares
 
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
 
Non-vested, December 31, 2017
  125,333 
 $5.19 
Granted
  2,500 
  7.00 
Vested
  54,333 
  5.27 
Forfeited
  4,000 
  4.95 
 
    
    
Non-vested, December 31, 2018
  69,500 
  5.19 
Granted
  2,000 
  7.43 
Vested
  51,499 
  5.27 
Forfeited
  334 
  4.95 
 
    
    
Non-vested, December 31, 2019
  19,667 
 $5.45 
 
Awards are being amortized to expense ratably, on a monthly basis, over a three year vesting term, except two grants that vested immediately. Stock compensation (in thousands) for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $270, based upon the value at the date of grant. Stock compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018 was approximately $242, based upon the value at the date of grant. There was $1 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2019.
 

F-18

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
.
7. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The Company applies the guidance that is codified under ASC 820-10 related to assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820-10 only apply to the Company’s investment securities, which are carried at fair value.

ASC 820-10 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based on the highest and best use of the asset or liability. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 820-10 requires valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

Fair Value Hierarchy
Inputs to Fair Value Methodology
Level 1
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market information
Level 3
Pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption is unobservable or when the estimation of fair value requires significant management judgment

The Company categorizes a financial instrument in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement.
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2019
 
 
 
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
 
Internal Models with Significant Observable
Market Parameters
(Level 2)
 
 
Internal Models
with Significant Unobservable
Market Parameters
(Level 3)
 
 
Total Fair Value
Reported in
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual Funds
 $1,176 
 $ 
 $ 
 $1,176 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 

 
Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
 
Internal Models with Significant Observable
Market Parameters
(Level 2)
 
 
Internal Models
with Significant Unobservable
Market Parameters
(Level 3)
 
 
Total Fair Value
Reported in
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Mutual Funds
 $1,107 
 $ 
 $ 
 $1,107 
 

F-19

Smith-Midland Corporation
and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(continued)
 
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company has an employment agreement with its former Chief Executive Officer and current Chairman of the Board, Rodney I. Smith. While Mr. Smith ceased providing services as Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May 2018, he received his salary, pursuant to the terms of the agreement, through September 2019. The agreement also provides for an annual royalty fee of $99,000 payable as consideration for his assignment to the Company of all of his rights, title and interest in certain patents. Payment to Mr. Smith of the royalty continues for as long as the Company is using the inventions underlying the patents. Mr. Smith also received compensation from the Company for his services as a Director and Chairman of the Board. 

The Company is party to legal proceedings and disputes which may arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company, it is unlikely that liabilities, if any, arising from legal disputes will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.
 
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China (the “COVID-19 outbreak”) and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally.
 
The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this report. As such, it is uncertain as to the full magnitude that the pandemic will have on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations. Management is actively monitoring the global situation on its financial condition, liquidity, operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for fiscal year 2020.
 

F-20

 
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share are calculated as follows (in thousands, except earnings per share):
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Basic earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common shareholder
 $1,959 
 $1,687 
 
    
    
Weighted average shares outstanding
  5,142 
  5,080 
 
    
    
Basic earnings per share
 $0.38 
 $0.33 
 
    
    
Diluted earnings per share
    
    
 
    
    
Income available to common shareholder
 $1,959 
 $1,687 
 
    
    
Weighted average shares outstanding
  5,142 
  5,080 
Dilutive effect of restricted stock
  5 
  16 
 
    
    
Total weighted average shares outstanding
  5,147 
  5,096 
 
    
    
Diluted earnings per share
 $0.38 
 $0.33 

There were no options or restricted stock excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
 
 F-21