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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

     
x
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the quarterly period ended October 2, 2004
 
    OR
 
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the transition period from                           to

Commission File Number 333-61713

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

     
A Delaware Corporation
  IRS Employer Identification
No. 56-0754594

12200 Herbert Wayne Court

Suite 150
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078

(704) 992-2000

      Indicate by a 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 þ          No o

      Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes o          No þ

      Number of common shares outstanding at November 15, 2004: 5,161,917




 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

               
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Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

      This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s business and financial outlook, which are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, forecast and projections. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any such statement to reflect new information, the occurrence of future events or circumstances or otherwise.

      The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their companies without fear of litigation. The Company would like to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act in connection with the forward-looking statements included in this document.

      Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, integration of new systems, unanticipated expenditures, acquisitions and the successful integration of acquisitions into the business, changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, changes to governmental regulation of the tire industry, the impact of competitive products, changes to the competitive environment, the acceptance of new products in the market, the economy and world events.


 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
Item 1. Financial Statements.

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                       
October 2, December 27,
2004 2003


(Unaudited)
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,776     $ 3,326  
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,578 and $1,112
    146,526       96,120  
 
Inventories
    227,545       174,051  
 
Deferred income taxes
    6,235       6,462  
 
Other current assets
    10,905       10,625  
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    394,987       290,584  
     
     
 
Property and equipment, net
    23,229       17,662  
Goodwill, net
    124,765       93,940  
Other intangible assets, net
    13,927       2,238  
Deferred income taxes
    8,269       8,849  
Other assets
    7,244       5,730  
     
     
 
     
Total assets
  $ 572,421     $ 419,003  
     
     
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 227,790     $ 170,716  
 
Accrued expenses
    28,877       17,952  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,499       2,919  
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    258,166       191,587  
     
     
 
Revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    199,774       137,044  
Series D Senior Notes
    28,600       28,600  
Capital lease obligations
    14,131       14,153  
Other liabilities
    10,183       4,590  
Redeemable preferred stock (Note 10)
    9,535       10,535  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
Preferred stock (Note 11)
    54,627       50,944  
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 5,161,917 and 5,086,917 shares issued and outstanding
    52       51  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    23,030       22,388  
 
Warrants
    1,352       1,782  
 
Note receivable from sale of stock
          (17 )
 
Accumulated deficit
    (27,029 )     (42,654 )
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    52,032       32,494  
     
     
 
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 572,421     $ 419,003  
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended


October 2, September 27, October 2, September 27,
2004 2003 2004 2003




Net sales
  $ 330,208     $ 292,365     $ 945,679     $ 836,580  
Cost of goods sold
    269,955       239,336       773,329       687,409  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    60,253       53,029       172,350       149,171  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    44,277       40,670       130,331       120,350  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating income
    15,976       12,359       42,019       28,821  
     
     
     
     
 
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (3,552 )     (3,110 )     (9,405 )     (10,796 )
 
Other, net
    (103 )     (52 )     (436 )     127  
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations before income taxes
    12,321       9,197       32,178       18,152  
Provision for income taxes
    4,928       3,678       12,871       7,260  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 7,393     $ 5,519     $ 19,307     $ 10,892  
     
     
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
                     
Nine Months Ended

October 2, September 27,
2004 2003


Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net income
  $ 19,307     $ 10,892  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles
    4,174       4,920  
   
Amortization of other assets
    736       906  
   
Provision for doubtful accounts
    17       859  
   
Deferred income taxes
    1,299       6,271  
   
Other, net
    (1 )     41  
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   
Accounts receivable
    (31,585 )     (16,958 )
   
Inventories
    (27,824 )     (8,984 )
   
Other current assets
    (27 )     140  
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    45,656       17,013  
   
Other, net
    (1,105 )     (1,089 )
     
     
 
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    10,647       14,011  
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
Purchase of property and equipment
    (2,829 )     (1,315 )
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    77       566  
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (59,096 )      
 
Other, net
          (50 )
     
     
 
   
Net cash used in investing activities
    (61,848 )     (799 )
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
Net proceeds from (repayments of) revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    52,438       (11,695 )
 
Series A preferred stock redemption
    (1,000 )     (500 )
 
Other
    213        
     
     
 
   
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    51,651       (12,195 )
     
     
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    450       1,017  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    3,326       2,693  
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 3,776     $ 3,710  
     
     
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 
Cash payments for interest
  $ 8,454     $ 9,522  
     
     
 
 
Cash payments for taxes, net
  $ 11,896     $ 1,119  
     
     
 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
               
 
Capital expenditures financed by debt
  $ 3,391     $ 765  
     
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
1. Nature of Business:

      American Tire Distributors, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) (formerly Heafner Tire Group, Inc.), is a Delaware corporation engaged in the wholesale distribution of tires, wheels, equipment and related accessories. On May 30, 2002, the Company changed its name from Heafner Tire Group, Inc. to American Tire Distributors, Inc.

 
2. Basis of Presentation:

      The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and changes in financial position in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations and cash flows have been made. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements reported on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003. The results of the operations for the quarter and nine months ended October 2, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year.

      The Company’s fiscal year is based on either a 52 or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of certain fiscal years, and the associated 14-week quarters, will not be exactly comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years and the associated quarters having only 13 weeks. The quarters ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 contain operating results for 13 weeks. The nine months ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 contain operating results for 40 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively.

      Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 
3. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

      In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity should be measured and classified and requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. On November 7, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 150-3 “Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests under FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” FSP No. 150-3 requires that implementation of certain provisions of SFAS No. 150 be deferred indefinitely. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 
4. Acquisitions:

      On July 30, 2004, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., dba Big State Tire Supply (“Big State”), a tire distributor located in Lubbock, Texas pursuant to the terms of that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 2, 2004. Big State operates nine

4


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

distribution centers located in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The acquisition was financed by the Company’s existing revolving credit facility (see Note 9).

      On September 2, 2004, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Target Tire, Inc. (“Target Tire”), a tire distributor located in Jacksonville, North Carolina pursuant to the terms of that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 1, 2004. Target Tire operates eleven distribution centers located in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. The acquisition was financed by the Company’s existing revolving credit facility, as amended (see Note 9).

      These acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition dates. Preliminary allocations of the purchase prices have been recorded in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of October 2, 2004, based on management’s best estimate of fair values for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. These acquisitions are not material individually or in the aggregate to the results of operations for the period.

 
5. Stock Options:

      As permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company accounts for stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”) and its related interpretations. Pursuant to APB No. 25, compensation expense is recognized for financial reporting purposes using the intrinsic value method. The amount of compensation expense to be recognized is determined by the excess of the fair value of common stock over the exercise price of the related option at the measurement date. The exercise price of all stock options represented fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

      In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” an amendment of SFAS No. 123. This statement provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. At this time, the Company has not voluntarily adopted the fair value method of accounting under SFAS No. 123, but is required to provide certain pro forma disclosures, which are presented below.

      The following information is presented as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123 (in thousands):

                                 
For the Quarters Ended For the Nine Months Ended


October 2, September 27, October 2, September 27,
2004 2003 2004 2003




(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Net income, as reported
  $ 7,393     $ 5,519     $ 19,307     $ 10,892  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of tax
    (82 )     (160 )     (380 )     (315 )
     
     
     
     
 
Pro forma net income
  $ 7,311     $ 5,359     $ 18,927     $ 10,577  
     
     
     
     
 

      The Company granted options for 268,226 shares in first quarter 2004 and 50,000 shares in third quarter 2004 with an exercise price of $4.25. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the first and

5


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

third quarter 2004, estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $1.40 and $1.54, respectively. The fair value of options granted in the first and third quarter 2004 was determined using the following assumptions: a weighted average risk-free interest rate of 3.98% and 4.48%, respectively, no dividend yield, expected life of 10 years, which equals the terms of the options, and no expected volatility. There were no options granted in second quarter 2004.

      The Company granted options for 198,308 shares in first quarter 2003 with an exercise price of $3.00. The weighted average fair value of options granted during first quarter 2003, estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $1.00. The fair value of options granted in first quarter 2003 was determined using the following assumptions: a risk-free interest rate of 4.05%, no dividend yield, expected life of 10 years, which equals the terms of the options, and no expected volatility. There were no options granted in second and third quarter 2003.

 
6. Inventories:

      Inventories consist of tires, wheels, equipment and related accessories and are valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. The Company performs periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and records necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. Terms with a majority of the Company’s tire vendors allow for return of tire products, within limitations, as specified in their supply agreements. All of the Company’s inventories, excluding Target Tire’s inventories, are held as collateral under the revolving credit facility.

 
7. Shipping and Handling Costs:

      Certain outbound shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Such expenses totaled $16.3 million and $15.5 million for the quarters ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003, respectively, and $47.9 million and $46.3 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003, respectively.

 
8. Deferred Income Taxes:

      The Company has net deferred tax assets, consisting primarily of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of $14.3 million and $15.3 million at October 2, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively. The decrease in net deferred tax assets is primarily attributable to current period income and the corresponding NOL utilization partially offset by the addition of $0.3 million in net deferred tax assets as a result of the Target Tire acquisition in third quarter 2004. Management has evaluated the Company’s net deferred tax assets and has concluded that the realizability of the net deferred tax assets is more likely than not, except as it relates to certain state NOLs, for which a valuation allowance of $1.0 million was included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 2, 2004, unchanged from December 27, 2003. The valuation allowance relates to certain deferred tax assets, that in management’s assessment, may not be realized due to the sale of Winston Tire Company (“Winston”) in May 2001. This evaluation considered the historical and long-term expected profitability of the Company. Given the timing of the reversal of its temporary differences and the expiration date of its NOLs, the Company believes that taxable income generated in current and future years will be sufficient to utilize the remaining net deferred tax assets. The Company’s ability to generate future taxable income is dependent on numerous factors including general economic conditions, the state of the replacement tire market and other factors beyond management’s control. There can be no assurance that the Company will meet its expectation of future taxable income and adjustments to the valuation allowance may be required in the future.

6


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 
9. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements:
 
Revolving Credit Facility

      On March 19, 2004, the Company executed a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“Revolver”). The Borrowers to the Revolver are the Company and its subsidiaries. The Revolver provides for borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of up to the lesser of $245.0 million, less defined reserves, or the Borrowing Base, as defined in the agreement. On April 2, 2004, the Company and its lenders executed an amendment to the Revolver to amend the requirements and form of the officer’s compliance certificate to be issued to the lenders.

      Borrowings under the Revolver bear interest, at (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (0.75% as of October 2, 2004) or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (2.25% as of October 2, 2004). These margins are subject to performance-based step-downs resulting in margins ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% for Base Rate loans and 1.75% to 2.75% for Eurodollar Rate loans, respectively.

      The Revolver, as amended, requires the Company to meet a fixed charge coverage test, as defined, as well as certain covenants, which among other things, limits the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness; enter into guarantees; make loans and investments; make capital expenditures; declare dividends; engage in mergers, consolidations and asset sales; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens and encumbrances; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; modify material agreements; and change the business it conducts. As of October 2, 2004, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Obligations under the Revolver are secured by all inventories and accounts receivables of the Company, excluding the inventories and accounts receivable acquired in the Target Tire acquisition. The Revolver expires February 15, 2008.

      On September 2, 2004, the Company and its lenders executed a Second Amendment to the Revolver to provide the Company with a $20.0 million term loan to facilitate the acquisition of Target Tire. The term loan is evidenced by a promissory note and is due and payable, in full, no later than March 1, 2005. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is 6.0% for Base Rate loans and 7.5% for Eurodollar Rate loans. The term loan is subject to acceleration prior to maturity upon default of the Revolver. The Company may prepay the term loan in whole or in part at any time.

7


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 
Derivative Instruments

      During second quarter 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Swap represents a contract to exchange floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The notional amount of the Swap is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. At October 2, 2004, the Swap in place covers a notional amount of $50.0 million of indebtedness at a fixed interest rate of 2.14% and expires in June 2006. The Swap has not been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the Swap in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to interest expense in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Swap is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the Swap was an asset of $0.6 million and $0.2 million at October 2, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively, and is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the change in fair value, the Company recorded additional interest expense of $0.1 million for the quarter ended October 2, 2004 and $0.3 million net reductions to interest expense for the nine months ended October 2, 2004. In 2003, the Company recorded net reductions to interest expense of $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2003, respectively.

 
Capital Lease Obligations

      As of October 2, 2004, the Company has a capital lease obligation of $14.1 million relating to the sale and leaseback of three of its owned facilities. All cash paid to the lessor is recorded as interest expense and the capital lease obligation will be reduced when the Company no longer has continuing involvement with the properties. The initial term of the lease is for 20 years, followed by two 10-year renewal options. The annual rent paid under the terms of the lease is $1.6 million (paid quarterly) and is adjusted for Consumer Price Index changes every two years. As of April 25, 2004, the annual rent increased to $1.7 million. In addition, the purchaser received warrants to purchase 153,597 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrants have a term of 10 years with a stated exercise price of $3.00 per warrant. The Company recorded these warrants at fair value and has presented them as a component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 
Debt Maturities

      Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt at October 2, 2004, are as follows (in thousands):

         
Year Ending
December:

2004 (remainder)
  $ 1,402  
2005
    1,419  
2006
    1,151  
2007
    609  
2008
    225,231  
Thereafter
    14,192  
     
 
    $ 244,004  
     
 

8


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 
10. Redeemable Preferred Stock:

      The following represents the Company’s issued and outstanding redeemable preferred stock (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):

                   
October 2, December 27,
2004 2003


(Unaudited)
Redeemable preferred stock Series A — 4% cumulative; 7,000 shares authorized; 5,500 and 6,500 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
  $ 5,500     $ 6,500  
Redeemable preferred stock Series B — variable rate cumulative; 4,500 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
    4,035       4,035  
     
     
 
 
Total redeemable preferred stock
  $ 9,535     $ 10,535  
     
     
 

      The stated value of Series A preferred stock is $1,000 per share. Holders of Series A preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 4%, subject to adjustment based on the volume of purchases from one of the Company’s suppliers. Additional dividends will accrue, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, and are payable on the last business day of January. For the nine months ended October 2, 2004, the Company declared and paid a dividend based on a 4% rate. The Series A preferred stock is classified as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and the related dividends are included in interest expense in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Series A preferred stock can be redeemed by the Company, beginning on the last business day of December 2002 and on the last business day of each June and December thereafter, through June 2007. During the nine months ending October 2, 2004, the Company redeemed 1,000 shares of the Series A preferred stock for $1.0 million.

      The stated value of Series B preferred stock is initially $1,000 per share, to be adjusted based on tire purchase credits as determined by the number of units purchased under a purchase agreement with a supplier entered into in May 1997. If the Company does not meet certain tire purchase requirements, holders of Series B preferred stock are entitled to receive dividend payments, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, at the prime rate. The remaining value of Series B preferred stock shall be redeemed by the Company on the last business day of June 2007 at a price equal to the adjusted stated value plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series B preferred stock is classified as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. To date, the Company has met the purchase requirements, and no dividends have been declared and paid.

 
11. Preferred Stock:

      The following represents the Company’s issued and outstanding preferred stock (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):

                   
October 2, December 27,
2004 2003


(Unaudited)
Preferred stock Series C — 12% cumulative; 1,333,334 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
  $ 17,040     $ 15,960  
Preferred stock Series D — 12% cumulative; 9,637,592 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
    37,587       34,984  
     
     
 
 
Total preferred stock
  $ 54,627     $ 50,944  
     
     
 

9


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

      Shares of Series C preferred stock accrue dividends at an annual rate of 12%. However, as long as any shares of Series A preferred stock or Series B preferred stock remain outstanding, no dividends may be paid. Shares of Series C preferred stock are convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per common share.

      Shares of Series D preferred stock accrue dividends at an annual rate of 12%. However, as long as any shares of Series A preferred stock or Series B preferred stock remain outstanding, no dividends may be paid. In addition, shares of Series D preferred stock are convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per common share.

      On October 31, 2003, the Company amended and restated its articles of incorporation to eliminate the redemption clause of the Series C and Series D preferred stock. No dividends have been declared or paid to date on the Series C or Series D preferred stock.

 
12. Commitments and Contingencies:
 
Guaranteed Lease Obligations

      The Company remains liable as a guarantor on certain leases of Winston, its discontinued retail segment. As of October 2, 2004, total obligations of the Company, as guarantor on these leases is approximately $11.5 million extending over 15 years. However, the Company has secured assignments or sublease agreements for the vast majority of these commitments with contractual assigned or subleased rentals of approximately $10.9 million. A provision has been made for the net present value of the estimated shortfall.

 
Legal Proceedings

      The Company is involved from time to time in various lawsuits, including alleged class action lawsuits arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business. Although no assurances can be given, management does not expect that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or financial condition. The Company is also involved in various proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of its business. The Company believes, based on consultation with legal counsel, that none of these will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 
13. Subsequent Event:

      On November 4, 2004, the Company paid off the $20.0 million term loan with borrowings from the Revolver (see Note 9).

10


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

 
14. Subsidiary Guarantor Financial Information:

      The Company’s Series D Senior Notes are guaranteed on a full, unconditional and joint and several basis by all of the Company’s subsidiaries, each of which is wholly-owned. The condensed consolidating financial information for the Company is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

      Condensed consolidating balance sheets as of October 2, 2004 and December 27, 2003, are as follows:

                                       
As of October 2, 2004

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Assets
                               
Current assets:
                               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,469     $ 307     $     $ 3,776  
 
Accounts receivable, net
    91,424       55,102             146,526  
 
Inventories
    143,101       84,444             227,545  
 
Other current assets
    15,648       1,492             17,140  
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    253,642       141,345             394,987  
     
     
     
     
 
Property and equipment, net
    17,384       5,845             23,229  
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
    51,093       87,599             138,692  
Investment in subsidiaries
    119,209             (119,209 )      
Other assets
    14,723       790             15,513  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total assets
  $ 456,051     $ 235,579     $ (119,209 )   $ 572,421  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 216,805     $ 10,985     $     $ 227,790  
 
Accrued expenses
    22,280       6,597             28,877  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,420       79             1,499  
 
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    (91,368 )     91,368              
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    149,137       109,029             258,166  
     
     
     
     
 
Revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    198,746       1,028             199,774  
Series D Senior Notes
    28,600                   28,600  
Capital lease obligations
    14,085       46             14,131  
Other liabilities
    3,916       6,267             10,183  
Redeemable preferred stock
    9,535                   9,535  
Stockholders’ equity:
                               
 
Intercompany investment
          108,674       (108,674 )      
 
Preferred stock
    54,627                   54,627  
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 5,161,917 shares issued and outstanding
    52                   52  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    23,030                   23,030  
 
Warrants
    1,352                   1,352  
 
Accumulated deficit
    (27,029 )     10,535       (10,535 )     (27,029 )
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    52,032       119,209       (119,209 )     52,032  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 456,051     $ 235,579     $ (119,209 )   $ 572,421  
     
     
     
     
 

11


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

                                       
As of December 27, 2003

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




Assets
                               
Current assets:
                               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,295     $ 31     $     $ 3,326  
 
Accounts receivable, net
    71,058       25,062             96,120  
 
Inventories
    123,126       50,925             174,051  
 
Other current assets
    16,548       539             17,087  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total current assets
    214,027       76,557             290,584  
     
     
     
     
 
Property and equipment, net
    14,421       3,241             17,662  
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
    51,441       44,737             96,178  
Investment in subsidiaries
    49,967             (49,967 )      
Other assets
    14,142       437             14,579  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total assets
  $ 343,998     $ 124,972     $ (49,967 )   $ 419,003  
     
     
     
     
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                               
Current liabilities:
                               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 170,716     $     $  —     $ 170,716  
 
Accrued expenses
    16,408       1,544             17,952  
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
    2,915       4             2,919  
 
Intercompany payables (receivables)
    (72,159 )     72,159              
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total current liabilities
    117,880       73,707             191,587  
     
     
     
     
 
Revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    137,044                   137,044  
Series D Senior Notes
    28,600                   28,600  
Capital lease obligations
    14,153                   14,153  
Other liabilities
    3,292       1,298             4,590  
Redeemable preferred stock
    10,535                   10,535  
Stockholders’ equity:
                               
 
Intercompany investment
          49,454       (49,454 )      
 
Preferred stock
    50,944                   50,944  
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 5,086,917 shares issued and outstanding
    51                   51  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    22,388                   22,388  
 
Warrants
    1,782                   1,782  
 
Note receivable from sale of stock
    (17 )                 (17 )
 
Accumulated deficit
    (42,654 )     513       (513 )     (42,654 )
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    32,494       49,967       (49,967 )     32,494  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 343,998     $ 124,972     $ (49,967 )   $ 419,003  
     
     
     
     
 

12


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

      Condensed consolidating statements of operations for the quarters ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 are as follows:

                                   
For the Quarter Ended
October 2, 2004

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Net sales
  $ 215,497     $ 114,711     $     $ 330,208  
Cost of goods sold
    175,191       94,764             269,955  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    40,306       19,947             60,253  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    31,441       12,836             44,277  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating income
    8,865       7,111             15,976  
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (3,545 )     (7 )           (3,552 )
 
Other, net
    (208 )     105             (103 )
 
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    4,326             (4,326 )      
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations before income taxes
    9,438       7,209       (4,326 )     12,321  
Provision for income taxes
    2,045       2,883             4,928  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 7,393     $ 4,326     $ (4,326 )   $ 7,393  
     
     
     
     
 
                                   
For the Quarter Ended
September 27, 2003

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Net sales
  $ 203,824     $ 88,541     $     $ 292,365  
Cost of goods sold
    166,359       72,977             239,336  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    37,465       15,564             53,029  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    30,139       10,531             40,670  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating income
    7,326       5,033             12,359  
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (3,110 )                 (3,110 )
 
Other, net
    (133 )     81             (52 )
 
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    3,069             (3,069 )      
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations before income taxes
    7,152       5,114       (3,069 )     9,197  
Provision for income taxes
    1,633       2,045             3,678  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 5,519     $ 3,069     $ (3,069 )   $ 5,519  
     
     
     
     
 

13


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

      Condensed consolidating statements of operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 are as follows:

                                   
For the Nine Months Ended
October 2, 2004

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Net sales
  $ 652,211     $ 293,468     $     $ 945,679  
Cost of goods sold
    531,296       242,033             773,329  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    120,915       51,435             172,350  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    95,362       34,969             130,331  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating income
    25,553       16,466             42,019  
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (9,396 )     (9 )           (9,405 )
 
Other, net
    (681 )     245             (436 )
 
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    10,022             (10,022 )      
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations before income taxes
    25,498       16,702       (10,022 )     32,178  
Provision for income taxes
    6,191       6,680             12,871  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 19,307     $ 10,022     $ (10,022 )   $ 19,307  
     
     
     
     
 
                                   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 27, 2003

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Net sales
  $ 594,807     $ 241,773     $     $ 836,580  
Cost of goods sold
    486,865       200,544             687,409  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Gross profit
    107,942       41,229             149,171  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    88,485       31,865             120,350  
     
     
     
     
 
 
Operating income
    19,457       9,364             28,821  
Other income (expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (10,796 )                 (10,796 )
 
Other, net
    (85 )     212             127  
 
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    5,746             (5,746 )      
     
     
     
     
 
Income from operations before income taxes
    14,322       9,576       (5,746 )     18,152  
Provision for income taxes
    3,430       3,830             7,260  
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 10,892     $ 5,746     $ (5,746 )   $ 10,892  
     
     
     
     
 

14


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

      Condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 are as follows:

                                       
For the Nine Months Ended
October 2, 2004

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
 
Net income
  $ 19,307     $ 10,022     $ (10,022 )   $ 19,307  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                               
   
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles and other assets
    3,565       1,345             4,910  
   
Provision for doubtful accounts
    61       (44 )           17  
   
Other, net
    1,313       (15 )           1,298  
   
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    (10,022 )           10,022        
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                               
   
Accounts receivable
    (20,427 )     (11,158 )           (31,585 )
   
Inventories
    (19,975 )     (7,849 )           (27,824 )
   
Other current assets
    181       (208 )           (27 )
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    51,961       (6,305 )           45,656  
   
Other, net
    (961 )     (144 )           (1,105 )
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    25,003       (14,356 )           10,647  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (2,234 )     (595 )           (2,829 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    50       27             77  
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (59,220 )     124             (59,096 )
Intercompany
    (19,209 )     19,209              
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (80,613 )     18,765             (61,848 )
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Net proceeds from (repayments of) revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    56,571       (4,133 )           52,438  
Series A preferred stock redemption
    (1,000 )                 (1,000 )
Other
    213                   213  
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    55,784       (4,133 )           51,651  
     
     
     
     
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    174       276             450  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    3,295       31             3,326  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 3,469     $ 307     $     $ 3,776  
     
     
     
     
 

15


 

American Tire Distributors, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

                                       
For the Nine Months Ended
September 27, 2003

Parent Subsidiary
Company Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated




(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
 
Net income
  $ 10,892     $ 5,746     $ (5,746 )   $ 10,892  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
   
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles and other assets
    3,669       2,157             5,826  
   
Provision for doubtful accounts
    833       26             859  
   
Other, net
    6,282       30             6,312  
   
Equity earnings of subsidiaries
    (5,746 )           5,746        
 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                               
   
Accounts receivable
    (13,240 )     (3,718 )           (16,958 )
   
Inventories
    (7,313 )     (1,671 )           (8,984 )
   
Other current assets
    (255 )     395             140  
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    17,270       (257 )           17,013  
   
Other, net
    (1,010 )     (79 )           (1,089 )
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    11,382       2,629             14,011  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (773 )     (542 )           (1,315 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    495       71             566  
Other, net
    (50 )                 (50 )
Intercompany
    2,259       (2,259 )            
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    1,931       (2,730 )           (799 )
     
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Net repayments of revolving credit facility and other long-term debt
    (11,683 )     (12 )           (11,695 )
Series A preferred stock redemption
    (500 )                 (500 )
     
     
     
     
 
     
Net cash used in financing activities
    (12,183 )     (12 )           (12,195 )
     
     
     
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,130       (113 )           1,017  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    2,538       155             2,693  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 3,668     $ 42     $     $ 3,710  
     
     
     
     
 

16


 

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

      The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Part I of this report on Form 10-Q and with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

      The Company’s fiscal year is based on either a 52 or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31. Therefore, the financial results of certain fiscal years, and the associated 14-week quarters, will not be exactly comparable to the prior and subsequent 52-week fiscal years and the associated quarters having only 13 weeks. The quarters ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 contain operating results for 13 weeks. The nine months ended October 2, 2004 and September 27, 2003 contain operating results for 40 weeks and 39 weeks, respectively.

      During third quarter 2004, the Company completed the purchase of all the outstanding stock of Texas Market Tire Holdings I, Inc., dba Big State Tire Supply (“Big State”) and Target Tire, Inc. (“Target Tire”). These acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition date.

Results of Operations

 
Quarter Ended October 2, 2004 Compared to Quarter Ended September 27, 2003

      Consolidated net sales in third quarter 2004 increased $37.8 million, or 12.9%, to $330.2 million from $292.4 million in third quarter 2003. Of the increase, the operations acquired from Big State and Target Tire accounted for $21.3 million. Excluding the Big State and Target Tire operations, sales increased $16.5 million, a 5.6% increase over third quarter 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in medium truck tire sales as well as certain manufacturer price increases that were part of an overall industry increase.

      Gross profit increased $7.3 million, or 13.6%, to $60.3 million in third quarter 2004 from $53.0 million in third quarter 2003. Acquired operations contributed $3.5 million in gross profit, or 6.6%. The remainder of the increase in 2004 is primarily due to increased sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased 0.1% to 18.2% in third quarter 2004 compared to 18.1% in third quarter 2003. The inclusion of Big State and Target Tire decreased margin percentages in third quarter 2004 by 0.2%. The increase in margin percentage, excluding newly acquired operations, of 0.3% was a result of the Company’s efforts to enhance margin through improved mix and purchasing efficiencies.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million to $44.3 million in third quarter 2004 compared to $40.7 million in third quarter 2003. The inclusion of acquired operations accounted for $2.5 million of the increase. The remaining increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.1 million is primarily due to increases in employee related expenses ($1.1 million), rising fuel costs ($0.2 million) and costs associated with the acquisition of Big State and Target Tire ($0.4 million), partially offset by a decrease in the provision for doubtful accounts ($0.2 million) and other net decreases ($0.4 million). The increase in employee related expenses is due, in part, to incentive based compensation associated with the increase in sales and profits. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.4% in third quarter 2004 compared to 13.9% in third quarter 2003.

      Operating income increased $3.6 million in third quarter 2004 to $16.0 million from $12.4 million in third quarter 2003 due primarily to an overall increase in sales partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

      Interest expense increased $0.5 million in third quarter 2004 to $3.6 million from $3.1 million in third quarter 2003. The increase is due primarily to increased borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility as a result of the two acquisitions completed in third quarter 2004, as well as additional interest expense relating to the change in fair value of the interest rate swap agreement, partially offset by a reduction in other long-term debt levels.

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      The Company recognized an income tax provision of $4.9 million in third quarter 2004 compared to $3.7 million in third quarter 2003. The effective tax rate in each quarter was approximately 40%.

      Net income increased $1.9 million in third quarter 2004 to $7.4 million from $5.5 million in third quarter 2003. The increase is due primarily to the increase in operating income partially offset by an increase in interest expense and an increase in the income tax provision.

Nine Months Ended October 2, 2004 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 27, 2003

      Consolidated net sales for the nine-month period in 2004 increased $109.1 million, or 13.0%, to $945.7 million from $836.6 million for the nine-month period in 2003. The inclusion of sales for Big State (2 months) and Target Tire (1 month) accounted for $21.3 million, or 2.5%. The remaining increase in sales of $87.8 million is primarily attributable to an increase in light and medium truck tire, equipment and wheel sales, as well as certain manufacturer price increases that were part of an overall industry increase. The results for 2004 also include an additional week of sales.

      Gross profit increased $23.2 million, or 15.5%, to $172.4 million in the nine-month period in 2004 from $149.2 million in the nine-month period in 2003. Acquired operations contributed $3.5 million in gross profit, or 2.3%. The remaining increase is primarily attributable to increased sales levels as well as a continuing shift to sales of the Company’s higher margin tires and wheels. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased 0.4% to 18.2% in the nine-month period in 2004 compared to 17.8% in the nine-month period in 2003. Margins in 2004 benefited from increased wheel sales, which carry higher margins, offset by a negative impact from various marketing programs that were in effect in second and third quarter 2004. Margins in 2003 were negatively impacted by an aggressive first quarter 2003 marketing program, which resulted in reduced margins on certain products.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.9 million to $130.3 million in the nine-month period in 2004 compared to $120.4 million in the nine-month period in 2003. The inclusion of acquired operations accounted for $2.5 million, or 2.1%. The remaining increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $7.4 million is primarily due to increases in employee related expenses ($7.1 million), rising fuel costs ($0.2 million), costs associated with the acquisition of Big State and Target Tire ($0.4 million) and other net increases ($1.1 million), partially offset by a reduction in amortization expense ($0.6 million) relating to noncompete agreements that ended in the second quarter of 2003 and a reduction in the provision for doubtful accounts ($0.8 million). The increase in employee related expenses is due, in part, to incentive based compensation associated with an increase in sales and profits and the inclusion of an additional week in first quarter 2004. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.8% for the nine-month period in 2004 compared to 14.4% for the nine-month period in 2003.

      Operating income increased $13.2 million in the nine-month period in 2004 to $42.0 million from $28.8 million in the nine-month period in 2003 due primarily to an overall increase in sales and improvements in the Company’s gross profit margins, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

      Interest expense decreased $1.4 million in the nine-month period in 2004 to $9.4 million from $10.8 million in the nine-month period in 2003. The decrease is due primarily to a decline in interest rates, a reduction in other long-term debt levels and a $0.2 million net reduction in interest expense relating to the change in fair value of the interest rate swap agreement, partially offset by increased borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility as a result of the two acquisitions completed in third quarter 2004.

      The Company recognized an income tax provision of $12.9 million in the nine-month period of 2004 compared to $7.3 million in the nine-month period of 2003. The effective tax rate in each period was approximately 40%.

      Net income increased $8.4 million in the nine-month period of 2004 to $19.3 million from $10.9 million in the nine-month period of 2003. The increase is due primarily to the increase in operating income partially offset by the increase in the income tax provision.

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EBITDA

      The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The following table is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA:

      Reconciliation of net income to EBITDA:

                                 
Quarters Ended Nine Months Ended


October 2, September 27, October 2, September 27,
2004 2003 2004 2003




(in thousands) (in thousands)
Net income
  $ 7,393     $ 5,519     $ 19,307     $ 10,892  
Interest expense
    3,552       3,110       9,405       10,796  
Provision for income taxes
    4,928       3,678       12,871       7,260  
Depreciation and amortization of other intangibles
    1,666       1,490       4,174       4,920  
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 17,539     $ 13,797     $ 45,757     $ 33,868  
     
     
     
     
 

      EBITDA increased $3.7 million to $17.5 million in third quarter 2004 compared to $13.8 million in third quarter 2003. The increase in EBITDA is due primarily to the increase in sales and improvements in the Company’s gross profit margins, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. EBITDA from the acquired operations of Big State and Target Tire accounted for $1.2 million of this increase.

      EBITDA increased $11.9 million to $45.8 million for the nine-month period 2004 compared to $33.9 million for the nine-month period 2003. The increase in EBITDA is due primarily to the increase in sales and improvements in the Company’s gross profit margins, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. EBITDA from the acquired operations of Big State and Target Tire accounted for $1.2 million of this increase.

Critical Accounting Polices

      The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported. Please see the discussion of critical accounting policies and estimates in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      At October 2, 2004, the combined net indebtedness (net of cash) of the Company was $240.2 million compared to $179.4 million at December 27, 2003. Total commitments by the lenders under the Company’s revolving credit facility, excluding the $20.0 million term loan, were $245.0 million at October 2, 2004, of which $41.1 million was available for additional borrowings. The amount available to borrow is limited by the Borrowing Base computation, as defined in the agreement.

Operating Activities

      Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $3.4 million to $10.6 million in the nine-month period of 2004 compared to $14.0 million in the nine-month period of 2003. The decrease is primarily due to an increase in the Company’s net working capital requirements as a result of increased business activity and the acquisition of Big State and Target Tire. In addition, the Company paid $11.9 million in income taxes in the nine-month period of 2004, an increase of $10.8 million over the nine-month period of 2003. This is due to

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the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL’s”) in 2003, which were not available in 2004. These items, which caused decreases in the cash flows from operations, were offset by the improved profitability of the Company. Net working capital at October 2, 2004, totaled $136.8 million compared to $99.0 million at December 27, 2003, an increase of $37.8 million.

Investing Activities

      Net cash used in investing activities increased $61.0 million to $(61.8) million in the nine-month period of 2004 compared to $(0.8) million in the nine-month period of 2003 due primarily to the acquisition of Big State and Target Tire in third quarter 2004. Capital expenditures during the nine-month period in 2004 of $2.8 million were primarily for information technology upgrades and leasehold improvements. During the nine-month period of 2004, the Company also had capital expenditures financed by debt of $3.4 million relating to information technology upgrades.

Financing Activities

      Net cash provided by financing activities increased $63.9 million to $51.7 million in the nine-month period of 2004 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $(12.2) million in the nine-month period of 2003 primarily due to increased borrowings on the Company’s revolving credit facility as a result of the two acquisitions completed in third quarter 2004, partially offset by the redemption on the Series A preferred stock.

Revolving Credit Facility

      On March 19, 2004, the Company executed a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“Revolver”). The Borrowers to the Revolver are the Company and its subsidiaries. The Revolver provides for borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of up to the lesser of $245.0 million, less defined reserves, or the Borrowing Base, as defined in the agreement. On April 2, 2004, the Company and its lenders executed an amendment to the Revolver to amend the requirements and form of the officer’s compliance certificate to be issued to the lenders.

      Borrowings under the Revolver bear interest, at (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (0.75% as of October 2, 2004) or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin (2.25% as of October 2, 2004). These margins are subject to performance-based step-downs resulting in margins ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% for Base Rate loans and 1.75% to 2.75% for Eurodollar Rate loans, respectively.

      The Revolver, as amended, requires the Company to meet a fixed charge coverage test, as defined, as well as certain covenants, which among other things, limits the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness; enter into guarantees; make loans and investments; make capital expenditures; declare dividends; engage in mergers, consolidations and asset sales; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens and encumbrances; enter into sale/leaseback transactions; modify material agreements; and change the business it conducts. As of October 2, 2004, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Obligations under the Revolver are secured by all inventories and accounts receivables of the Company, excluding the inventories and accounts receivable acquired in the Target Tire acquisition. The Revolver expires February 15, 2008.

      On September 2, 2004, the Company and its lenders executed a Second Amendment to the Revolver to provide the Company with a $20.0 million term loan to facilitate the acquisition of Target Tire. The term loan is evidenced by a promissory note and is due and payable, in full, no later than March 1, 2005. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at (i) the Base Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate, as defined, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is 6.0% for Base Rate loans and 7.5% for Eurodollar Rate loans. The term loan is subject to acceleration prior to maturity upon default of the Revolver. The Company may prepay the term loan in whole or in part at any time. On November 4, 2004, the Company paid off the $20.0 million term loan with borrowings from the Revolver (see Note 9).

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      During second quarter 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement (“Swap”) to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Swap represents a contract to exchange floating rate for fixed interest payments periodically over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The notional amount of the Swap is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. At October 2, 2004, the Swap in place covers a notional amount of $50.0 million of indebtedness at a fixed interest rate of 2.14% and expires in June 2006. The Swap has not been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the fair value of the Swap in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to interest expense in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Swap is the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the Swap was an asset of $0.6 million and $0.2 million at October 2, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively, and is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the change in fair value, the Company recorded additional interest expense of $0.1 million for the quarter ended October 2, 2004 and $0.3 million net reductions to interest expense for the nine months ended October 2, 2004. In 2003, the Company recorded net reductions to interest expense of $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2003, respectively.

      The Company anticipates that its principal use of cash going forward will be to meet working capital and debt service requirements and to make capital expenditures. Based upon current and anticipated levels of operations, the Company believes that its cash flow from operations, together with amounts available under the Revolver, will be adequate to meet its anticipated requirements. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company’s business will continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to meet these requirements or to service its debt, and the Company may be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt, or to obtain additional financing. These increased borrowings may result in higher interest payments. In addition, there can be no assurance that any such refinancing would be possible or that any additional financing could be obtained. The inability to obtain additional financing could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Income Taxes

      The Company has net deferred tax assets, consisting primarily of NOLs of $14.3 million and $15.3 million at October 2, 2004 and December 27, 2003, respectively. The decrease in net deferred tax assets is primarily attributable to current period income and the corresponding NOL utilization partially offset by the addition of $0.3 million in net deferred tax assets as a result of the Target Tire acquisition in third quarter 2004. Management has evaluated the Company’s net deferred tax assets and has concluded that the realizability of the net deferred tax assets is more likely than not, except as it relates to certain state NOLs, for which a valuation allowance of $1.0 million was included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 2, 2004, unchanged from December 27, 2003. The valuation allowance relates to certain deferred tax assets, that in management’s assessment, may not be realized due to the sale of Winston Tire Company (“Winston”) in May 2001. This evaluation considered the historical and long-term expected profitability of the Company. Given the timing of the reversal of its temporary differences and the expiration date of its NOLs, the Company believes that taxable income generated in current and future years will be sufficient to utilize the remaining net deferred tax assets. The Company’s ability to generate future taxable income is dependent on numerous factors including general economic conditions, the state of the replacement tire market and other factors beyond management’s control. There can be no assurance that the Company will meet its expectation of future taxable income and adjustments to the valuation allowance may be required in the future.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

      In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how financial instruments with

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characteristics of both liabilities and equity should be measured and classified and requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities. On November 7, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 150-3 “Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests under FASB Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” FSP No. 150-3 requires that implementation of certain provisions of SFAS No. 150 be deferred indefinitely. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

      For the period ended October 2, 2004, the Company did not experience any material changes from the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

      Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 
Changes in Internal Controls

      During the quarter ended October 2, 2004, there was no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, except that as part of an ongoing implementation of an Oracle enterprise resource planning system, the Company is updating the internal controls over financial reporting as necessary to accommodate any modifications to its business processes or accounting procedures.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

      There have been no material developments in legal proceedings involving the Company since those reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

 
Item 6. Exhibits.
         
  3.1     Amended By-laws of the Company.
  4.1     Fifth Supplemental Indenture to the Series D Indenture, dated as of July 30, 2004, among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association f/k/a First Union National Bank, as Trustee.
  4.2     Sixth Supplemental Indenture to the Series D Indenture, dated as of September 1, 2004, among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wachovia Bank, National Association f/k/a First Union National Bank, as Trustee.
  10.1     Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement.
  31.1     Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2     Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES

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

Date: November 15, 2004
  AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

  By:  /s/ SCOTT A. DEININGER
 
  Scott A. Deininger
  Senior Vice President of
  Finance and Administration
  (On behalf of the Registrant and
  as Principal Financial Officer)

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