Three Months Ended
	April 3,          2004	March 29,      2003
Revenues	100.0 %	100.0 %
Costs and expenses:
Operating	67.8	70.8
Selling	18.0	17.6
General and administrative	9.9	10.1
Depreciation and amortization	6.6	7.3
Loss from operations	(2.3)	(5.8)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(.5)	(1.1)
Interest income	2.0	.1
Other, net	(.6)	(.3)
Loss before income taxes	(1.4)	(7.1)
Income taxes	(.6)	(2.8)
Net loss	(.8)%	(4.3)%

 

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Overview

Revenues of $79,485 were 16.7% higher than last year's revenues of $68,094.  All operating segments experienced revenue increases from the same period last year.  Utility Services revenues increased 17.6% while Residential and Commercial Services were up 11.1%.  All other revenues, comprised of the Canadian operations and Davey Resource Group, were up 37.2%. 

Overall, loss from operations of $1,789 declined $2,167 or 54.8% from the $3,956 loss experienced in 2003.  All operating segments contributed to the improvements, a reflection of the continued demand for all services.

Net loss of $648 was $2,260 or 77.7% less than the $2,908 loss experienced in the first quarter 2003. The net loss was favorably impacted by lower losses from operations, a decrease in interest expense, the result of lower interest rates and lower average debt levels, and by the recognition of $1,536 of interest income in connection with the collection of the prepetition accounts receivable from Pacific Gas & Electric.

 

Results of Operations--Three Months Ended April 3, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended March 29, 2003.

Revenues--Revenues of $79,485 increased $11,391 from the $68,094 earned in 2003. Utility Services increased $5,876 or 17.6% from the prior year. Contract pricing adjustments, new contracts and increased productivity, within our eastern and western utility operations accounted for the increase.  Residential and Commercial services increased $3,169 or 11.1% over the same period last year, the result of acquisitions made in 2003 and more favorable weather conditions than in the same period last year.  Canadian operations increased $2,092 or 70.8% from the $2,953 earned in 2003.  The increase is due to additional revenues related to the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) within Canada as well as more favorable weather conditions.

Operating Expenses--Operating expenses of $53,876 increased $5,650 from the first quarter of 2003 but as a percentage of revenues decreased 3.0% to 67.8%. Utility Services increased $2,998 or 11.4% from the first quarter of 2003.  Additional costs for labor and equipment associated with the start-up of new contracts obtained within our eastern utility operations as well as additional costs related to the increased revenues within our western utility operations gave rise to the increase.  Residential and Commercial services increased $1,661 or 9.5% for labor and materials associated with the increase in revenues.  Canadian operations experienced an increase of $1,192 or 60.6% from the prior period for labor and subcontractor costs associated with the increased revenues.

Selling Expenses--Selling expenses of $14,297 increased $2,327 over the same period last year and as a percentage of revenues increased .4% to 18.0%.  Utility Services experienced an increase of $840 or 27.1% over the same period last year, primarily for field management wages. Residential and Commercial Services experienced an increase of $799 or 9.4% over the same quarter last year. The increase is attributable to field management wages and incentives, advertising expense and employee development expense.  Canadian operations increased $424 or 56.5% from the first quarter 2003.  Increased field management incentives, the result of increased revenues, contributed to the increase.

General and Administrative Expenses--General and administrative expenses of $7,894 increased $1,044 or 15.2% from the $6,850 experienced in 2003, but as a percentage of revenues declined .2% to 9.9%.Increases in salaries and incentive expense, the result of increased revenues and stronger earnings performance, accounted for the increase.

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Depreciation and Amortization Expense--Depreciation and amortization expense of $5,207 increased $203 from the $5,004 incurred in the first quarter 2003, but as a percentage of revenues decreased .7% to 6.6%.  The increase is due to additional capital expenditures for equipment within Utility Services as a result of additional contracts obtained in 2004, and new business acquisitions within Residential and Commercial Services.

Interest Expense--Interest expense of $450 decreased $255 from the $705 incurred in first quarter 2003.  The decline continues to be the result of lower interest rates on bank borrowings and lower average levels of debt during the period.

Interest Income--Interest income totaling $1,613 for the first quarter 2004 includes the recognition of $1,536 in connection with the collection of the prepetition accounts receivable from Pacific Gas & Electric.  Interest income for the first quarter 2003 was $92.

Income Taxes--Income tax benefit for the quarter was $451, as compared to $1,899 for the same quarter last year.  The effective tax rate was 41.0% as compared to 39.5% in the first quarter 2003.

Net Loss--Net loss for the quarter of $648 was $2,260 less than the $2,908 loss experienced in 2003 and as a percentage of revenues decreased 3.5% to .8%.
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal financial requirements are for capital spending, working capital and business acquisitions.

Cash increased $98 during the first three months of 2004.  Net cash provided by operating activities of $3,279 and financing activities of $8,052 were partially offset by $11,233 of cash used in investing activities.

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

Operating activities for the first three months of 2004 provided $3,279 of cash, an increase of $3,354 as compared to the $75 used during the first three months of 2003.  The $3,354 net increase is attributable to a lower level of net loss, higher levels of depreciation and amortization, lower increases in self-insurance accruals and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Smaller decreases in accounts receivable and lower increases in other assets partially offset these increases.

Accounts receivable dollars decreased $768 during the first three months of 2004 whereas the "days-sales-outstanding" in accounts receivable increased two days as at April 3, 2004 as compared with the first quarter 2003. We continue to strive to collect accounts receivable dollars and reduce days-sales-outstanding.

Operating liabilities used $1,353 in cash, $2,658 less than the $4,011 used in 2003.  The decrease is attributable to lower decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses and lower increases in self-insurance accruals necessary to provide for future estimated claims payments in our vehicle, general liability and workers compensation lines of coverage.

Other items used $467 in cash, $3,359 less than the $3,826 used in the first three months of 2003.  Lower levels of refundable income taxes and increases in other assets, the result of $1,536 of interest income recognized in the first quarter 2004 related to the PG&E settlement, which had previously served to reduce the outstanding receivable balance account for the decrease.

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On April 12, 2004, Pacific Gas & Electric ("PG&E") announced that its plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code became effective and that the holders of record of allowed claims would be paid.  Davey Tree was a holder of allowed claims related to prepetition accounts receivable that arose prior to the filing date of PG&E's voluntary bankruptcy petition on April 6, 2001.  PG&E voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on April 6, 2001.  On June 19, 2003, it was announced that Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation ("PG&E Corporation," the parent company of PG&E), the staff of the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"), and PG&E entered into a settlement agreement.  Subsequently, PG&E Corporation, PG&E, and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors ("OCC"), as co-proponents, filed the settlement agreement with the bankruptcy court.  In December 2003, the CPUC approved the settlement agreement and the bankruptcy court confirmed the plan of reorganization.

PG&E is one of the Company's largest utility customers.  Subsequent to the bankruptcy petition date, April 6, 2001, the Company continued to provide services under the terms of its contracts with PG&E.  The Company continues to perform services for PG&E and receives payment for post-petition date services performed.

On April 13, 2004, the Company received payment of $13,326, from PG&E in settlement of allowed claims related to prepetition accounts receivable.  The $13,326 payment was used to reduce borrowings outstanding under the Company's revolving credit facility in the second quarter of 2004.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Investing activities used $11,233 in cash, $6,158 more than the $5,075 used in 2003 and is the result of higher levels of capital expenditures for field equipment, offset by gains from the sales of equipment. Capital expenditures in 2004 are expected to exceed 2003 levels.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Financing activities provided $8,052 of cash, $2,912 more than the $5,140 provided last year.  Our revolving credit facility and other borrowings provided $1,998 more cash than that provided in 2003 and were used primarily for capital expenditures. Treasury share transactions (purchases and sales) provided $965 more than the $266 used in 2003.  Dividends paid increased to $561 from the $510 paid in the first three months of 2003.

Revolving Credit Facility--The Company has a $90,000 three-year revolving credit facility with a group of banks, which will expire in November 2005 and permits borrowings, as defined, up to $90,000 with a letter of credit sublimit of $40,000 (amended in January 2004 to $40,000 from a previous $30,000 letter of credit sublimit). 

As of April 3, 2004, the Company had unused commitments under the facility approximating $20,594, with $69,406 committed under the agreement, consisting of borrowings of $36,600and issued letters of credit of $32,806.  Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at the Company's option, at the agent bank's prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from 1.0% to 2.0%, based on a ratio of funded debt to EBITDA.  A commitment fee ranging from .20% to .45% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment.

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Contractual Obligations Summary

The following is a summary of our long-term contractual obligations, as at April 3, 2004, to make future payments for the periods indicated.

 

		Nine         Months Ending December 31,	Year Ending December 31,
Description	Total	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	Thereafter
Revolving credit facility	$  36,600	$           -	$  36,600	$            -	$          -	$          -	$          -
Term loans	3,143	1,378	810	665	290	-	-
Capital lease obligations	2,887	498	804	619	966	-	-
Operating lease obligations	5,132	1,445	1,313	958	736	359	321
Self-insurance accruals	27,161	7,437	7,082	4,367	2,213	1,192	4,870
	$  74,923	$  10,758	$  46,609	$    6,609	$  4,205	$  1,551	$  5,191

The self-insurance accruals in the summary above reflect the total of the undiscounted amount accrued as at April 3, 2004 and amounts estimated to be due each year may differ from actual payments required to fund claims.

As of April 3, 2004, we were contingently liable for letters of credit in the amount of $37,036, of which $32,806 is committed under the revolving credit facility.  Substantially all of these letters of credit, which expire within a year, are planned for renewal as necessary.

Also, as is common with our industry, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds, which expire during 2004 through 2007.  We intend to renew the performance bonds where appropriate and as necessary.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are no off-balance sheet arrangements which had a material effect on the financial statements or which are reasonably likely to have a material future effect on our financial statements or financial outlook.

Capital Resources

Cash generated from operations and our revolving credit facility are our primary sources of capital.

Business seasonality results in higher revenues during the second and third quarters as compared with the first and fourth quarters of the year, while our methods of accounting for fixed costs, such as depreciation and interest expense, are not significantly impacted by business seasonality. Capital resources during these periods are equally effected. We satisfy seasonal working capital needs and other financing requirements with the revolving credit facility and several other short-term lines of credit.  We are continuously reviewing our existing sources of financing and evaluating alternatives. At April 3, 2004, we had working capital of $21,121, short-term lines of credit approximating $2,614 and $20,594 available under our revolving credit facility.

Our sources of capital presently allow us the financial flexibility to meet our capital-spending plan and to complete business acquisitions.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.  

The Company considers its critical accounting policies to be those that require the more significant estimates, judgments and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements, including those related to accounts receivable, specifically those receivables under contractual arrangements primarily arising from Utility Services customers; allowances for doubtful accounts; and self-insurance accruals.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

There have been no significant changes in estimates, judgments and assumptions in the preparation of these interim financial statements from those used in the preparation of the Company's latest annual financial statements.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995).  These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance.  In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.  These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from what is expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (a) our business, other than tree services to utility customers, being highly seasonal and weather dependent; (b) significant customers, particularly utilities, may experience financial difficulties, resulting in payment delays or delinquencies; and (c) because no public market exists for our common shares, the ability of shareholders to sell their common shares is limited.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

During the three months ended April 3, 2004, there have been no material changes in the reported market risks presented in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 3, 2004 in alerting them on a timely basis to material information required to be included in our periodic filings with the SEC.

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect these internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to April 3, 2004.

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The Davey Tree Expert Company

Part II.  Other Information

Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable.

 

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
	(a)     Exhibits (see Exhibit Index page, below)
	(b)     Reports on Form 8-K
	On April 15, 2004, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5 thereof          announcing that the Company received payment of $13,325,950 from Pacific Gas &          Electric Company in settlement of allowed claims related to prepetition accounts receivable.

 Signatures

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

 

		THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
	By:	/s/ David E. Adante
Date: May 7, 2004		David E. Adante
		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
		(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 7, 2004	By:	/s/ Nicholas R. Sucic
		Nicholas R. Sucic
		Corporate Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

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Exhibit Index

 

31.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the           Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed Herewith
31.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the           Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed Herewith
32.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the           Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Furnished Herewith
32.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the           Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Furnished Herewith