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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Quarter Ended October 2, 2004

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from        to       

Commission file number 333-29141

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

DELAWARE

74-1622891

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

Incorporation or Organization)

Identification No.)

 

 

400 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Ste. 1200

 

Houston, Texas

77060

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (281) 876-0080

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

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

There were 252,000 shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on November 12, 2004, all of which are held by Merchants Metals Holding Company.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

NONE

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

INDEX

 

 

PART I.

Financial Information

Page Number

 

 

 

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes (unaudited).

Page 3

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Page 15

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Page 25

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

Page 26

 

 

 

PART II.

Other Information.

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

Page 27

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share information)

 

ASSETS

October 2, 2004

(Unaudited)

 

January 3, 2004

(Note 1)

Current assets:

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$ 5,277

 

$ 3,529

   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

of $2,835 and $1,514, respectively

94,271

 

70,784

   Inventories

142,243

 

92,059

Income tax receivable

--

 

5,223

   Deferred income taxes

6,044

 

3,776

   Prepaid expenses and other current assets

7,432

 

1,691

              Total current assets

255,267

 

177,062

Property, plant and equipment, net

74,475

 

80,142

Goodwill

60,398

 

61,047

Deferred charges and other assets

9,062

 

8,634

              Total assets

$ 399,202

 

$ 326,885

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$ 43,335

 

$ 39,609

   Accrued liabilities

28,456

12,376

   Accrued interest

10,998

5,204

   Income tax payable

5,239

--

   Current maturities of long-term obligations

2,773

 

2,155

              Total current liabilities

90,801

 

59,344

Long-term obligations

292,231

 

275,317

Due to MMHC

--

 

6,372

Deferred income taxes

13,149

 

10,246

Other long-term liabilities

--

 

710

 

 

 

 

Stockholder's equity (deficit):

 

 

 

   Common stock, $1 par value; 500,000 shares authorized;
    252,000 shares issued and outstanding

252

 

252

   Additional paid-in capital

22,515

 

15,450

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $238

and $255, respectively

(374)

 

(399)

   Retained deficit

(19,372)

 

(40,407)

              Total stockholder's equity (deficit)

3,021

 

(25,104)

              Total liabilities and stockholder's equity (deficit)

$ 399,202

 

$ 326,885

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

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

Net sales

$ 184,786

$ 143,324

$ 521,629

$ 382,020

Cost of sales

136,009

114,056

385,087

305,947

    Gross profit

48,777

29,268

136,542

76,073

Selling, general and administrative expenses

23,433

20,025

74,272

60,381

Other expense, net

255

1,021

4,023

2,834

Income before interest and income taxes

25,089

8,222

58,247

12,858

Interest expense, net

7,318

7,080

21,971

20,704

Income (loss) before income taxes

17,771

1,142

36,276

(7,846)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

7,126

217

14,547

(2,656)

           Net income (loss)

$ 10,645

$ 925

$ 21,729

$ (5,190)

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

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

Operating activities:

Net income (loss)

$ 21,729

$ (5,190)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:

 

 

 

   Depreciation and amortization

9,854

8,922

   Provision for losses on accounts receivable

2,963

 

1,401

Provision for losses on inventory

2,888

 

45

   Deferred income taxes

1,733

 

2,314

   Gain on sale of fixed assets

(897)

 

(935)

   Other

839

 

168

Changes in operating assets and liabilities,

net of effects of acquired businesses:

 

 

 

   Accounts receivable

(26,450)

 

(23,711)

   Inventories

(53,072)

 

(1,907)

   Prepaid expenses and other assets

(3,669)

 

(633)

   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

23,521

 

17,176

   Income taxes

10,462

 

(2,124)

   Due to MMHC

--

 

1,076

Net cash used in operating activities

(10,099)

 

(3,398)

Investing activities:

   Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

--

 

(23,666)

   Capital expenditures

(6,410)

 

(5,768)

   Refunds (deposits) relating to new equipment

(1,866)

5,666

   Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

3,639

 

2,433

   Other

(341)

 

(115)

Net cash used in investing activities

(4,978)

 

(21,450)

Financing activities:

   Proceeds from debt obligations

190,288

 

188,086

   Payments on debt and capital lease obligations

(172,924)

 

(160,974)

   Debt costs

(539)

 

(940)

Net cash provided by financing activities

16,825

 

26,172

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

1,748

 

1,324

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

3,529

 

3,198

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 5,277

 

$ 4,522

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

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MMI Products, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ivy Steel & Wire, Inc., MMI Management, Inc., and MMI Management Services L.P. (collectively, "the Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. MMI Products, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Metals Holding Company ("MMHC"). The Company is a manufacturer and distributor of products used in the commercial, infrastructure and residential construction industries within the United States. Many of the manufactured products in each of the Company's product lines are produced primarily from the same raw material, steel rod. The Company's customers include contractors, fence wholesalers, industrial manufacturers, highway construction contractors and fabricators of reinforcing bar. The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, included in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2004, as amended.

In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of October 2, 2004, and the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended October 2, 2004, and September 27, 2003, and its cash flows for the nine month periods ended October 2, 2004, and September 27, 2003. Operating results for the three and nine months periods ended October 2, 2004, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 1, 2005.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2003 financial statements in order to conform to the 2004 presentation. Freight-out expense related to deliveries to customers was previously included in net sales and has been reclassified to cost of sales. Certain distribution expenses previously classified as cost of sales have been reclassified to selling, general and administrative expenses.

2. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Items

Inventories consisted of the following:

October 2, 2004

January 3, 2004

(In thousands)

Raw materials

$ 47,757

$ 23,237

Work-in-process

1,562

167

Finished goods

92,924

68,655

$ 142,243

$ 92,059

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Items (continued)

Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following:

October 2, 2004

January 3, 2004

(In thousands)

Land

$ 4,322

$ 4,851

Buildings and improvements

32,508

34,758

Machinery and equipment

104,134

100,353

Rental equipment

4,225

4,225

Total property, plant and equipment, gross

145,189

144,187

Less accumulated depreciation

(70,714)

(64,045)

Total property, plant, and equipment, net

$ 74,475

$ 80,142

Deferred charges and other assets consisted of the following:

October 2, 2004

January 3, 2004

(In thousands)

Deferred charges

$ 4,161

$ 5,670

Assets held for sale

900

 

1,732

Deposits on machinery & equipment

1,866

 

--

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,294 and $1,933

2,135

 

1,232

Total deferred charges and other assets, net

$ 9,062

$ 8,634

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

October 2, 2004

 

January 3, 2004

(In thousands)

Accrued compensation

$ 10,070

$ 3,143

Accrued self insurance

4,843

 

2,987

Accrued retirement plan contributions

3,266

 

425

Accrued restructuring costs

206

 

344

Other accrued liabilities

10,071

 

5,477

Total accrued liabilities

$ 28,456

$ 12,376

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Items (continued)

Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, consisted of the following:

 

October 2, 2004

 

January 3, 2004

 

(In thousands)

Revolving credit facility

$ 84,822

 

$ 65,849

11.25% Senior subordinated notes, due 2007, interest payable semi-annually in arrears

on April 15 and October 15 (1)

188,108

 

187,940

13% Senior subordinated notes, due 2007, interest payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15

11,300

 

11,300

Contractual obligation to seller of SRP

2,928

 

2,928

Capital lease obligations

7,846

 

9,455

 

295,004

 

277,472

Less current maturities

(2,773)

 

(2,155)

Long-term obligations

$ 292,231

$ 275,317

  1. Includes premium of $642 and $840, less prepaid interest of $1,234 and $1,600 as of October 2, 2004, and January 3, 2004, respectively.

On May 28, 2004, the Company amended its revolving credit facility to increase the aggregate revolving credit commitment from $115 million to $150 million and to increase the aggregate maximum amount of the borrowing base attributable to inventory from $70 million to $80 million. In addition, the covenants regarding permitted business acquisitions and distributions by the Company were amended to increase the required revolving credit availability from $10 million to $20 million after giving effect to such an event. In the case of distributions, the $20 million availability must also be met on average for the three month period immediately prior to the distribution. No other significant terms were modified. At October 2, 2004, the excess borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility, after taking into account borrowing base restrictions, outstanding borrowings, and outstanding letters of credit of $8.9 million, was approximately $53.8 million.

Effective June 1, 2004, the margin added to the LIBOR and prime based interest rates charged under the revolving credit facility was decreased by 50 basis points and 25 basis points, respectively, as the fixed charge covenant test achieved a ratio in excess of 1.1 utilizing trailing twelve month results. Effective November 8, 2004, the margin added to the LIBOR and prime based interest rates charged under the revolving credit facility was decreased by 100 basis points and 12.5 basis points, respectively, as the debt to adjusted earnings test achieved a ratio of less than 4.0 when computed utilizing trailing twelve month results.

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Items (continued)

MMI has entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converts a portion of the revolving credit facility's floating-rate debt to a fixed basis for the three years ending December 12, 2006. As of October 2, 2004, the fair value of this derivative was $98,000. The change in fair value since January 3, 2004 resulted in an unrealized gain of $25,000, net of tax, which is included in other comprehensive income (loss).

In the initial accounting for the acquisition of Structural Reinforcement Products, Inc. ("SRP") in early 2003, the Company estimated that a portion of that entity's pre-acquisition net operating losses could not be utilized based on limits imposed by income tax laws. As a result, less of the acquisition price was allocated to deferred income taxes and more to goodwill. The methodology allowed by the IRS to compute the utilization of such net operating losses has changed to where a larger utilization of the pre-acquisition losses is expected. In the third quarter of 2004, therefore, deferred income taxes was increased by $1.1 million, with a corresponding reduction in goodwill.

In the third quarter of 2004, goodwill related to the SRP acquisition was increased due to the contingent consideration terms of the acquisition agreement.

3. Shareholder's Equity

On August 18, 2004, the $6.4 million net obligation to MMHC was settled. The board of directors declared a non-cash dividend of $694,000 to MMHC to settle a receivable from MMHC with a corresponding charge to equity. The $694,000 had been disbursed by the Company in previous years to fund various MMHC expenses. In addition, MMHC converted its $7.1 million receivable due from the Company into an additional capital investment in the Company. The amount represented a portion of the income tax expense incurred by the Company over several years that was not ultimately payable to taxing authorities due to deductible expenses provided by MMHC in the consolidated income tax returns. As a result, the Company has reclassified its $7.1 million obligation to MMHC as a capital contribution included in paid-in capital in the accompanying balance sheet.

4. Restructuring Charges

Beginning in early fiscal 2002, management began the process of evaluating the Company's existing network of manufacturing plants and distribution locations, and re-engineering business processes within facilities. The initiative's primary focus is the more effective utilization of assets and reduction of excess capacity through consolidation and rationalization.

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Restructuring Charges (continued)

In connection with this initiative, management approved a restructuring plan that commenced during the fourth quarter of 2002. Management's plan included the closure of three manufacturing facilities (Baltimore, Maryland; Oregon, Ohio; and Bartonville, Illinois), the shutdown of a production line at two different plants, and the closure of two distribution facilities. In connection with these activities, the Company recorded $0.8 million for severance payments associated with the termination of 149 employees, and $2.4 million related to other employee benefit costs and certain facility related costs, including remaining non-cancelable lease obligations. The Company has made payments associated with these restructuring costs during 2004 of $138,000 resulting in a remaining accrual of $206,000 at October 2, 2004.

On July 26, 2004, the sale of the Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing facility was completed. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $879,000 that is included in other expense, net.

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company reduced the carrying value of the Oregon, Ohio manufacturing facility that is held for sale by approximately $479,000. The charge is included in other expense, net. The Company anticipates completing the sale of the facility within the next year.

5. Detail of Certain Statement of Operations Items

Other expenses, net, consisted of the following:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

 

(In thousands)

Depreciation on idle equipment

$ 175

$ 109

$ 1,301

$ 188

Relocation of equipment

264

171

422

1,267

Expenses related to closed facilities

403

640

1,379

2,411

Acquisition costs

--

--

992

--

Prompt payment discounts

(231)

(134)

(518)

(488)

(Gain)/Loss on sale of fixed assets

(950)

(122)

(897)

(935)

Other

594

357

1,344

391

 

$ 255

$ 1,021

$ 4,023

$ 2,834

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

5. Detail of Certain Statement of Operations Items (continued)

At the end of 2003, approximately $5.4 million of assets held for sale during 2003 were reclassified back to property, plant and equipment as "assets to be held and used." In the second quarter of 2004, the Company recognized approximately $575,000 of depreciation expense related to these assets that had been deferred per the requirements of SFAS No. 144 while the assets were held for sale. This amount has been included in depreciation on idle equipment.

In the second quarter 2004, the Company wrote off direct costs of $992,000 incurred in previous periods related to possible business acquisitions. Negotiations for these acquisition targets are currently postponed.

6. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

October 2,

2004

September 27,

2003

 

(In thousands)

Net income (loss)

$ 10,645

$ 925

$ 21,729

$ (5,190)

Change in fair value of derivative

instrument, net of income taxes

(105)

--

25

--

Reduction of minimum pension

liability, net of income taxes

--

--

--

615

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 10,540

$ 925

$ 21,754

$ (4,575)

7. Segment Reporting

The Company has four operating units aggregated into two reportable segments: Fence and Concrete Construction Products. The Fence segment has two operating units that offer similar products and services. The Concrete Construction Products segment has two operating units that offer complementary products and services within the concrete construction industry.

Summarized financial information concerning the reportable segments is shown in the following table. Corporate general and administrative expenses are allocated to the segments based upon proportional net sales.

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

7. Segment Reporting (continued)

 

Three Months Ended October 2, 2004

 

Fence

 

Concrete Construction Products

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

(In thousands)

Net sales

$ 87,322

 

$ 97,464

 

$ --

 

$184,786

Income before interest and

income taxes

10,356

 

14,733

 

--

 

25,089

Interest expense

--

 

--

 

7,318

 

7,318

Income tax provision

--

 

--

 

7,126

 

7,126

Net income (loss)

10,356

 

14,733

 

(14,444)

 

10,645

Depreciation and amortization

848

 

2,251

 

--

 

3,099

Capital expenditures

1,576

 

1,263

 

41

 

2,880

 

  

Three Months Ended September 27, 2003

 

Fence

 

Concrete Construction Products

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

(In thousands)

Net sales

$ 82,290

 

$ 61,034

 

$ --

 

$143,324

Income before interest

and income taxes

4,056

 

4,166

 

--

 

8,222

Interest expense

--

 

--

 

7,080

 

7,080

Income tax provision

--

 

--

 

217

 

217

Net income (loss)

4,056

 

4,166

 

(7,297)

 

925

Depreciation and amortization

981

 

2,037

 

--

 

3,018

Capital expenditures

430

 

715

 

261

 

1,406

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

7. Segment Reporting (continued)

 

Nine Months Ended October 2, 2004

 

Fence

 

Concrete Construction Products

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

(In thousands)

Net sales

$ 260,410

 

$ 261,219

 

$ --

 

$ 521,629

Income before interest and

income taxes

23,267

 

34,980

 

--

 

58,247

Interest expense

--

 

--

 

21,971

 

21,971

Income tax provision

--

 

--

 

14,547

 

14,547

Net income (loss)

23,267

 

34,980

 

(36,518)

 

21,729

Depreciation and amortization

2,886

 

6,968

 

--

 

9,854

Segment assets (1)

168,171

 

201,905

 

29,126

 

399,202

Goodwill

17,258

 

43,140

 

--

 

60,398

Capital expenditures

4,096

 

1,891

 

423

 

6,410

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 27, 2003

 

Fence

 

Concrete Construction Products

 

Corporate

 

Total

 

(In thousands)

Net sales

$ 214,978

 

$ 167,042

 

$ --

 

$ 382,020

Income before interest

and income taxes

4,649

 

8,209

 

--

 

12,858

Interest expense

--

 

--

 

20,704

 

20,704

Income tax benefit

--

 

--

 

(2,656)

 

(2,656)

Net income (loss)

4,649

 

8,209

 

(18,048)

 

(5,190)

Depreciation and amortization

3,032

 

5,890

 

--

 

8,922

Segment assets (1)

131,801

 

171,791

 

29,418

 

333,010

Goodwill

17,258

 

43,958

 

--

 

61,216

Capital expenditures

1,423

 

3,859

 

486

 

5,768

  1. Segment assets include accounts receivable, inventory, goodwill, and property, plant and equipment. Corporate assets include all other components of total consolidated assets.

 

MMI PRODUCTS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 8. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in a number of legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any asserted claim or litigation, no material effect on financial position or future operating results is expected. The Company enters into certain purchase commitments in the ordinary course of business and the Company is contingently liable to customers for certain product performance matters. Claims have also been made as a result of the closings of the Oregon, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois plants. The Company has recorded appropriate accruals for probable losses related to these commitments and contingencies.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Our estimation processes generally relate to potential bad debts, damaged and slow moving inventory, value of intangible assets, and health care and workers compensation claims. We base our judgments on historical experience and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These judgments result in the amounts shown as carrying values of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from our e stimates.

For a complete discussion of the accounting policies we consider the most critical in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, please refer to the Company's 2003 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2004, as amended.

General

The following is an analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. You should read this analysis in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included on pages 3 through 14 of this report. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2003 financial statements in order to conform to the 2004 presentation. Freight-out expense related to deliveries to customers was previously included in net sales and has been reclassified to cost of sales. Certain distribution expenses previously classified as cost of sales have been reclassified to selling, general and administrative expenses.

Results of Operations for Fiscal Quarter Ended October 2, 2004 Compared to Fiscal Quarter Ended September 27, 2003

Net sales

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase (Decrease)

Fence

$

87,322

 

$

82,290

 

$

5,032

Percent of total net sales

 

47%

 

 

57%

 

 

(10)%

Concrete Construction Products

$

97,464

 

$

61,034

 

$

36,430

Percent of total net sales

 

53%

 

 

43%

 

 

10%

Total net sales

$

184,786

 

$

143,324

 

$

41,462

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2004 increased $41.5 million or 28.9% compared to the third quarter of 2003. The increase is primarily due to price adjustments made in light of the increased cost, primarily for steel rod, and additionally in the fence business, for steel pipe and tubing and galvanized wire.

Fence

Net sales in the fence segment for the third quarter of 2004 were $87.3 million, $5.0 million or 6.1% higher than the $82.3 million of net sales in 2003. The increase reflects higher pricing to offset the increased costs of steel rod, steel pipe and tubing and galvanized wire. The fence segment had experienced higher than normal volume in the third quarter of 2003 from a catch up of activity related to very poor weather in the first half of 2003. The volume of fence product sold declined slightly as compared to the third quarter of 2003 when there was an active market for fence products following a very slow first half when poor weather and economic uncertainty caused a sales slowdown. In addition, the high demand for fence products during the first half of 2004 fueled by customer concerns related to product availability and significant increases in prices resulted in high first half volumes that appear to have detrimentally impacted volume in the third quarter.

Concrete Construction Products

In the Concrete Construction Products segment, net sales in the third quarter of 2004 were $97.5 million, a $36.4 million or 59.7% increase over the $61.0 million of net sales in the third quarter of 2003. The improvement is due to both higher price levels and increased volumes. The higher price levels that were necessitated by the significant increases in the cost of steel were generally sustained during the third quarter. Non-residential construction market activity showed improvement as compared to 2003 despite some project delays due to an active hurricane season in the Southeast U.S. and cement shortages in certain geographic regions. Increases in market share were recorded in most regions of the country. The higher volume of products sold was supported by new production equipment installed in the second half of 2003, geographic expansion through the establishment of new distribution facilities and the benefits associated with improved customer service levels.

Gross profit

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase

Fence

$

26,179

 

$

19,117

 

$

7,062

Percent of segment net sales

 

30%

 

 

23%

 

 

7%

Concrete Construction Products

$

22,598

 

$

10,151

 

$

12,447

Percent of segment net sales

 

23%

 

 

17%

 

 

6%

Total gross profit

$

48,777

 

$

29,268

 

$

19,509

Percent of total net sales

 

26%

 

 

20%

 

 

6%

Gross profit in the third quarter of 2004 was $48.8 million, a $19.5 million or 66.7% increase over the $29.3 million of gross profit in the third quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily reflective of higher prices established in 2004 to accommodate the increased cost of steel rod and higher operating efficiencies in the Company's manufacturing facilities.

Fence

Gross profit in Fence was $26.2 million, a $7.1 million increase as compared to gross profit of $19.1 million in the third quarter of 2003. The fence segment gross margins increased from 23.2% in the third quarter of 2003 to 30.0% in the same quarter of 2004. The improvement reflected the establishment of new prices that adequately accommodated the dramatic increases that had occurred in steel costs and the lower per unit cost of products manufactured when the plants were operating at higher utilization levels. Gross profit was adversely impacted by a charge for the estimated cost to remediate a quality issue associated with a manufacturing process that had been temporarily outsourced because of fire related damage at a company facility.

 Concrete Construction Products

Gross profit in Concrete Construction Products was $22.6 million, a $12.4 million increase as compared to gross profit of $10.2 million in the third quarter of 2003. The segment's gross margins increased from 16.6% in the third quarter of 2003 to 23.2% in the third quarter of 2004. The increase was due primarily to improved pricing. In addition, incremental gross profit resulted from an increased volume of products sold (as discussed above under "Net Sales") combined with the beneficial impact of higher volumes on plant operating efficiencies.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase (Decrease)

Fence

$

15,840

 

$

14,730

 

$

1,110

Percent of segment net sales

 

18%

 

 

18%

 

 

--%

Concrete Construction Products

$

7,593

 

$

5,295

 

$

2,298

Percent of segment net sales

 

8%

 

 

9%

 

 

(1)%

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

$

23,433

 

$

20,025

 

$

3,408

Percent of total net sales

 

13%

 

 

14%

 

 

(1)%

Third quarter 2004 selling, general and administrative expense of $23.4 million was $3.4 million more than in the third quarter of 2003. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expense in 2004 decreased one percentage point compared to 2003. Accruals for incentive compensation and retirement plan contributions were approximately $2.0 million greater in the third quarter of 2004 as compared to 2003. Additionally, expenses associated with new distribution locations, higher truck rental expenses, and higher costs for health and general liability insurance accounted for the majority of the year over year change.

Fence

Selling, general and administrative expense of $15.8 million increased $1.1 million compared to the third quarter of 2003. The increase was primarily due to provisions for incentive and retirement plan compensation.

Concrete Construction Products

Concrete Construction Products selling, general and administrative expense of $7.6 million increased $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2004. The increase was primarily due to provisions for incentive and retirement plan compensation, the costs of operating three new distribution centers in the concrete accessories product line, two of which opened late in 2003 and one in August 2004. In addition, the higher volume of business had an impact on the variable cost elements of distribution expenses.

Other expense, net

2004

2003

Decrease

Fence

$

(17)

$

331

$

(348)

Concrete Construction Products

272

690

(418)

Total other expense, net

$

255

$

1,021

$

(766)

In the third quarter of 2004, other net expenses were $255,000, a decrease of $766,000 compared to the third quarter of 2003. In the third quarter of 2004, the sale of the closed Baltimore, Maryland facility was completed resulting in an $879,000 gain. This gain was partially offset by the $479,000 write-down of the book value of the closed Oregon, Ohio facility that is held for sale. The remaining expense was primarily associated with the continuation of our ongoing restructuring process, much of which relates to expenses associated with closed facilities. The third quarter of 2003 had $911,000 of such restructuring expenses as compared to $710,000 during the third quarter of 2004.

Net income

2004

2003

Increase

Income before interest and income taxes

Fence

$

10,356

 

$

4,056

 

$

6,300

Percent of segment net sales

 

12%

 

 

5%

 

 

7%

Concrete Construction Products

$

14,733

 

$

4,166

 

$

10,567

Percent of segment net sales

 

15%

 

 

7%

 

 

8%

Total

$

25,089

 

$

8,222

 

$

16,867

Percent of total net sales

 

14%

 

 

6%

 

 

8%

Interest expense

$

7,318

 

$

7,080

 

$

238

Income tax expense

$

7,126

 

$

217

 

$

6,909

Net income

$

10,645

 

$

925

 

$

9,720

Percent of total net sales

 

6%

 

 

1%

 

 

5%

Interest expense. The increase in interest expense from $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2003 to $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2004 is due primarily to the increased average borrowing under the revolving credit facility to fund an increased investment in working capital.

Income tax expense. The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to the increase in income before interest and income taxes. The estimated effective rate for fiscal year 2004 is 40.1%. In the third quarter 2003, the Company revised the estimated effective annual tax rate to 33.9% (due primarily to the impact of permanent differences on lower forecasted profitability and the continuation of some state income tax expense).

Results of Operations for Fiscal Nine Months Ended October 2, 2004 Compared to Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 27, 2003

Net sales

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase (Decrease)

Fence

$

260,410

 

$

214,978

 

$

45,432

Percent of net sales

 

50%

 

 

56%

 

 

(6)%

Concrete Construction Products

$

261,219

 

$

167,042

 

$

94,177

Percent of net sales

 

50%

 

 

44%

 

 

6%

Total net sales

$

521,629

 

$

382,020

 

$

139,609

Consolidated net sales increased $139.6 million or 36.5% as compared to 2003. The majority of the increase is due to price adjustments made in light of the increased cost, primarily for steel rod, and additionally in the fence business, for steel pipe and tubing and galvanized wire. Improvements in market activity and market share have also contributed to increases in sales volumes in 2004 as compared to 2003. Market activity in 2003 was depressed due to poor weather, an uncertain economic climate, lower infrastructure spending and competitive pricing pressures. Improvements in production capabilities, customer service, and new product introductions have contributed to the market share increases.

Fence

Net sales in the fence segment increased $45.4 million or 21.1% as compared to 2003 due primarily to higher pricing to cover increased costs of steel rod, steel pipe and tubing and galvanized wire. The volume of products sold was down slightly during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the comparable period of 2003 caused primarily by a slow down in third quarter 2004 chain link fence related product sales following the frenzy of activity that occurred during the first six months of 2004 when customers were concerned about the rapid rate of price increases and product availability.

Concrete Construction Products

Net sales in the Concrete Construction Products segment increased $94.2 million or 56.4% as compared to 2003 due to increased volume and price levels. The higher price levels reflect the pass-through of increased costs for steel rod as well as favorable changes to the Company's mix of product sold. Volume gains have resulted from improved market activity and increases in market share, supported by new production equipment installed in the second half of 2003, the impact of recent new product introductions and the establishment of new concrete accessories distribution facilities in New England and the Pacific Northwest late in 2003 and in Florida in August 2004. Volume in the first nine months of 2003 was burdened by a slow first half when the volume of concrete construction products sold was adversely impacted by a slowdown in activity caused by severe winter weather and economic uncertainty.

Gross profit

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase

Fence

$

74,678

 

$

48,408

 

$

26,270

Percent of segment net sales

 

29%

 

 

23%

 

 

6%

Concrete Construction Products

$

61,864

 

$

27,665

 

$

34,199

Percent of segment net sales

 

24%

 

 

17%

 

 

7%

Total gross profit

$

136,542

 

$

76,073

 

$

60,469

Percent of total net sales

 

26%

 

 

20%

 

 

6%

Consolidated gross profit increased $60.5 million as compared to 2003 primarily due to the implementation of higher prices to offset rising steel costs, as well as the fact that some of the steel consumed during 2004 was from inventories that had been acquired at prices below current levels. Increases in the volume of products sold were also a key factor. The increased utilization of plant capacity from higher volumes and the benefits of the Company's ongoing restructuring initiatives improved cost levels and operating efficiencies resulting in a favorable impact on gross profit. The first nine months of 2003 were impacted by competitive pricing pressures and a period of lower sales volumes which had an unfavorable impact on the utilization of manufacturing and distribution capacity.

Fence

Gross profit in Fence was $74.7 million, a $26.3 million increase as compared to gross profit of $48.4 million in 2003. The gross margin increased from 22.5% in 2003 to 28.7% in 2004. In 2003, the fence segment was unfavorably impacted by competitive pricing pressures and lower sales volumes caused by weak market conditions. In the first nine months of 2004, the market environment allowed the fence business to recover from the 2003 pricing situation and to establish new prices that adequately accommodated increases in steel costs. The impact of the pricing changes and the favorable per unit cost impact of running the fence manufacturing plants at higher operating levels during the first half of 2004 were significant contributors to the increase in gross profit.

Concrete Construction Products

Gross profit in Concrete Construction Products was $61.9 million, a $34.2 million increase as compared to gross profit of $27.7 million in 2003. The increase was due to improved pricing, increased volumes, the beneficial impact of higher volumes on operating efficiencies, an improved product mix and the fact that some steel consumed during 2004 was from inventories that had been acquired at prices below current levels. As a result, the gross margin increased from 16.6% in 2003 to 23.7% in 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase (Decrease)

Fence

$

49,980

 

$

43,511

 

$

6,469

Percent of segment net sales

 

19%

 

 

20%

 

 

(1)%

Concrete Construction Products

$

24,292

 

$

16,870

 

$

7,422

Percent of segment net sales

 

9%

 

 

10%

 

 

(1)%

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

$

74,272

 

$

60,381

 

$

13,891

Percent of total net sales

 

14%

 

 

16%

 

 

(2)%

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expense increased $13.9 million or 23.0% as compared to 2003 but declined two percentage points in relation to net sales. After no incentive compensation and only a minimal retirement plan contribution in 2003, accruals for approximately $8.6 million for such compensation expenses were established during the first nine months of 2004. As well, expenses associated with an increase in the reserve for doubtful accounts, new distribution location related expenses, higher truck rental expenses, and higher costs for health and general liability insurance accounted for the majority of the year over year change.

Fence

Selling, general and administrative expense in Fence was $50.0 million, a $6.5 million increase as compared to selling, general and administrative expense of $43.5 million in 2003. As a percent of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expense declined one percentage point in 2004 as compared to 2003. The higher expense levels were due primarily to increases in incentive and retirement plan compensation, the allowance for uncollectible accounts, and distribution activity. In addition, rental expense of $1.3 million was incurred during 2004 for new trucks used in the distribution of inventory. This equipment replaced trucks used in 2003 which were owned, many of which were already fully depreciated. The depreciation expense associated with their use in the first nine months of 2003 was $0.5 million.

Concrete Construction Products

Concrete Construction Products selling, general and administrative expense was $24.3 million, a $7.4 million increase as compared to selling, general and administrative expense of $16.9 million in 2003. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expense declined almost one percentage point in 2004 as compared to 2003. The increase in expense was due primarily to incentive and retirement plan compensation, the costs of operating new distribution centers in the concrete accessories product line, higher distribution activity, and an increase in the allowance for uncollectible accounts.

Other (income) expense, net

 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase

Fence

$

1,431

 

$

248

 

$

1,183

Concrete Construction Products

 

2,592

 

 

2,586

 

 

6

Total other expense, net

$

4,023

 

$

2,834

 

$

1,189

Other net expenses were $4.0 million in 2004, a $1.2 million increase from the $2.8 million in 2003. Other expense in 2004 includes the write-off of $1.0 million of direct costs related to possible business acquisitions and $0.6 million of "catch up" depreciation for assets previously held for sale. In the third quarter of 2004, the sale of the closed Baltimore, Maryland facility was completed resulting in an $879,000 gain. This gain was partially offset by a $479,000 write-down of the book value of the closed Oregon, Ohio facility that is still held for sale. Other expense in 2003 included $1.4 million in curtailment costs for the Baltimore, Maryland union pension plan and a gain of $0.8 million on the sale of the closed Whittier, California manufacturing facility. The remaining expenses primarily reflect costs associated with ongoing restructuring initiatives.

Net income (loss)

2004

2003

Increase

Income before interest and income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

Fence

$

23,267

 

$

4,649

 

$

18,618

Percent of net sales

 

9%

 

 

2%

 

 

7%

Concrete Construction Products

$

34,980

 

$

8,209

 

$

26,771

Percent of net sales

 

13%

 

 

5%

 

 

8%

Total

$

58,247

 

$

12,858

 

$

45,389

Percent of net sales

 

11%

 

 

3%

 

 

8%

Interest expense

$

21,971

 

$

20,704

 

$

1,267

Income tax expense (benefit)

$

14,547

 

$

(2,656)

 

$

17,203

Net income (loss)

$

21,729

 

$

(5,190)

 

$

26,919

Percent of net sales

 

4%

 

 

(1)%

 

 

5%

Interest expense. Interest expense has increased $1.3 million in 2004 due primarily to increased average borrowing under the revolving credit facility to fund an increased investment in working capital and increases in market interest rates. The increase in market interest rates was somewhat mitigated by the reduction, effective June 1st, of the margin added to the LIBOR based and prime rate based borrowings under the revolving credit facility by 50 and 25 basis points, respectively. Effective November 8, 2004, the margin added to the LIBOR and prime rate based borrowings under the revolving credit facility were further decreased by 100 and 12.5 basis points, respectively, as a result of achieving a debt to adjusted earnings ratio of less than 4.0 when computed utilizing trailing twelve month results.

Income tax expense (benefit). The increase in income tax expense is primarily due to the increase in income before interest and income taxes. The estimated effective tax expense rate for fiscal year 2004 is 40.1% as compared to the annual effective tax benefit rate of 33.9% that was estimated as of the end of the third quarter in 2003. This change in rate is due primarily to the impact of expenses not deductible for income tax purposes in relation to varying amounts of pre-tax income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On August 18, 2004, the $6.4 million net obligation to MMHC was settled. The board of directors declared a non-cash dividend of $694,000 to MMHC to settle a receivable from MMHC with a corresponding charge to equity. The $694,000 had been disbursed by the Company in previous years to fund various MMHC expenses. In addition, MMHC converted its $7.1 million receivable due from the Company into an additional capital investment in the Company. The amount represented a portion of the income tax expense incurred by the Company over several years that was not ultimately payable to taxing authorities due to deductible expenses provided by MMHC in the consolidated income tax returns. As a result, the Company has reclassified the former $7.1 million obligation to MMHC as a capital contribution included in paid-in capital in the accompanying balance sheet.

Working capital

Working capital at October 2, 2004 was $164.5 million compared to $100.2 million at September 27, 2003. The increase is primarily due to inventories ($60.0 million increase) accounts receivable ($13.1 million increase) and accounts payable ($4.2 million decrease). Offsetting factors were a $15.6 million increase in accrued liabilities and a $8.8 million change in income taxes. The increase in accounts receivable is primarily due to the increase in sales of $41.5 million in the third quarter of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. Even though accounts receivable balances were higher at the end of September 2004, the days sales outstanding statistics improved on a year over year basis. The inventory increase was primarily due to the higher prices now paid for inventories of steel as well as the timing of certain offshore product arrivals. The increase in accrued liabilities is primarily due to accruals for incentive and retirement plan compensation. Accounts payable balances have declined as we have begun to take advantage of selected, attractive prompt payment discounts. At the same time, we have not fully resolved to our satisfaction with certain suppliers, new credit limits that make sense in light of the current costs of steel and other purchased products. This has resulted in the need to accelerate certain payments to suppliers to stay within their established credit terms.

Cash flow

Operating Activities. Despite an increase in net income of $26.9 million in the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the first nine months of 2003, operations utilized $10.1 million of cash in the first nine months of 2004 as compared to $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2003. The increased investment in working capital during 2004 was the primary reason for this change.

Investing activities. Capital expenditures utilized $6.4 million of cash in 2004, compared to $5.8 million in 2003. Capital expenditures for 2004 could total as much as $10 to $11 million, not including projects of approximately $5 million subject to capital lease financing. The capital expenditures are to upgrade certain operations, add production capacity, and lower costs. In 2004, $1.9 million has been advanced as deposits on machinery that will be refunded when capital lease financing closes. In the first nine months of 2003, $5.7 million of deposits made in 2002 on machinery had been refunded when the related capital lease financing was closed. The first nine months of 2003 included the acquisition of Structural Reinforcement Products, Inc. ("SRP"), on December 30, 2002 using approximately $24.0 million of cash funded by the revolving credit facility.

Financing activities provided cash of $16.8 million in the first nine months of 2004 primarily to fund investment in working capital and new machinery as compared to $26.2 million provided in 2003. The borrowing in 2003 was primarily related to the purchase of SRP.

Liquidity and capital resources

Credit Facility. At October 2, 2004, excess availability under the revolving credit facility was $53.8 million, and the amount borrowed was $84.8 million. The computed borrowing base at October 2, 2004 was approximately $147 million. Excess availability as of November 12, 2004 is approximately $43.1 million. In October 2004, the Company made a semi-annual interest payment of $11.3 million to the holders of its senior subordinated notes.

On May 28, 2004, the revolving credit facility was amended to increase the aggregate credit facility from $115 million to $150 million and to increase the aggregate maximum amount of the borrowing base attributable to inventory from $70 million to $80 million. In addition, the covenants regarding permitted business acquisitions and distributions by the Company were amended to increase the required revolving credit availability from $10 million to $20 million after giving effect to such an event. In the case of distributions, the $20 million availability must also be met on average for the three month period immediately prior to the distribution. Effective June 1, 2004, the margin added to the LIBOR based and prime rate based borrowings under the revolving credit facility was reduced by 50 and 25 basis points, respectively. This reduction was a result of achieving a fixed charge coverage ratio requirement of 1.1 utilizing trailing twelve month results. Effective November 8, 2004, the margin added to the LI BOR and prime based interest rates charged under the revolving credit facility was further decreased by 100 basis points and 12.5 basis points, respectively, as the debt to adjusted earnings test achieved a ratio of less than 4.0 when computed utilizing trailing twelve month results.

We have pursued and intend to continue to pursue a strategy of business acquisitions that will broaden our distribution network, complement or extend our existing product lines or otherwise increase our market presence. It is possible, depending on our future operating cash flows and the size of potential acquisitions, that we will seek additional sources of financing, subject to limitations set forth in our senior subordinated note indenture and revolving credit facility. Significant acquisition opportunities will require additional equity financing or capital infusions. We may also pay dividends to MMHC from time to time to pay operating expenses, interest and principal on MMHC's indebtedness, and dividends on MMHC's preferred stock and for other purposes. Such payments of dividends are limited by state of Delaware corporate law and financial tests included in both our senior subordinated note indenture and revolving credit facility loan agreement.

Outlook

MMI anticipates results in the last quarter of 2004 to be reasonably comparable with the same period in 2003. Looking ahead, we believe the outlook for MMI is favorable because the construction markets continue to improve, we have completed the majority of our internal process to restructure manufacturing operations though we anticipate making some additional changes over the next few years, the steel rod price and supply situation is now much more stabilized, and we are continuing to implement specific operational and marketing strategies to further lower costs, to expand sales volumes and to expand and improve product mix. Sustaining 2004's profitability in 2005 will be supported by changes in sales volume, further new product introductions, additional geographic expansion, improvements to product mix, and further cost reductions. We continue to explore opportunities to also expand our portfolio of imported products. This year we have added products produced in China, Taiwan, England and Canada and we believe that additional imported product additions may be feasible in 2005 and beyond.

On October 22, 2004, President Bush signed into law the "American Jobs Creation Act of 2004." The legislation creates a nine percent deduction for income derived from qualified domestic production activities that will be phased in over a period of years beginning in 2005 (three percent in 2005). We are currently evaluating the potential beneficial effect this legislation will have on our 2005 income taxes.

Seasonality

Our products are used in the commercial, infrastructure, and residential construction industries. These industries are both cyclical and seasonal, and changes in demand for construction services have a material impact on sales and profitability. The highest level of sales and profitability occur during the times of the year when climatic conditions are most conducive to construction activity. Accordingly, sales will typically be higher in the second and third quarters and will be lower in the first and fourth quarters.

Forward Looking Information

Statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Factors") which are difficult to predict. Some of the Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the cyclical nature of the Company's business; national and regional economic conditions in the U.S.; seasonality of the Company's operations; levels of construction spending in major markets; supply/demand structure of the industry; competition from new or existing competitors; unfavorable weather conditions during peak construction periods; changes in and implementation of environmental and other governmental regulations; our ability to successfully identify, complete and efficient ly integrate acquisitions; our ability to successfully penetrate new markets; and other Factors disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In general, the Company is subject to the risks and uncertainties of the construction industry and of doing business in the U.S. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on our $150.0 million revolving credit facility and our senior subordinated notes. As required by the credit facility, borrowings bear interest, at our option, at either the bank's base rate plus an adjustable margin, which ranges from 0.00% to 0.25% or a LIBOR rate plus an adjustable margin, which ranges from 1.25% to 2.75%. Both adjustable margins are based on the previous 12 month adjusted earnings from operations. For the nine months ended October 2, 2004, the average month-end balance outstanding under our credit facility was $77.2 million. Interest rate protection in the form of a "floating to fixed" rate swap agreement for a minimum portion of the principal balance outstanding is also required under the revolving credit facility. This swap agreement was contracted on July 10, 2003. It established a fixed LIBOR base rate that will be applied to $15.0 million of the principal balance outstanding over the three year period that began on December 12, 2003. In 2004, absent any additional business acquisitions, we expect the average month-end balance of this facility will be approximately $74 million. Based on this balance, a one percent change in the interest rate would cause a change in annual interest expense of approximately $0.7 million. A one percent change in the interest rate for the first nine months ended October 2, 2004, would have caused a change in interest expense of approximately $0.6 million.

We also have exposure to price fluctuations and availability with respect to steel rod, our primary raw material. This is particularly apparent in the current market environment. Today, the availability of steel is driven by the dynamics of overall world consumption increases: heavily influenced, it would appear, by China. As well, anti-dumping and countervailing-duty cases relating to steel rod imports from selected foreign countries have been assessed by governmental agencies. Several countries are subject to tariffs which could prohibit them from shipping steel rod into the United States. At the same time, the production of steel rod in the United States remains below historical levels and some domestic producers of rod have shifted some production to rebar. As a result, in the second quarter of 2004 we incurred some spot shortages of certain sizes of steel rod. We have seen an increase in domestic production during the third quarter. With its re-opening, a previously closed steel mill has brought more stability to the steel market. Although we may face spot shortages during future months, we expect to have access to adequate raw material supplies needed to meet projected levels of customer demand. However, we acknowledge the dynamics of the steel market can change and thus could have an adverse impact on our operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company's management evaluated, with the participation of the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers, the effectiveness of 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, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), as of October 2, 2004. Based on their evaluation, the Company's principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in reasonably assuring the timely accumulation and communication to management of information required to be disclosed in the reports filed with the SEC as of October 2, 2004.

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company's fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2004, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Part II - Other Information

Item 6. EXHIBITS

A.

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Number

Description

 

 

 

 

10.1

Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004 among MMI Products, Inc., MMI Management Services LP, MMI Management, Inc., Ivy Steel & Wire, Inc., Fleet Capital Corporation ("Fleet"), Transamerica Business Capital Corporation ("Transamerica"), and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. ("CIT") incorporated by reference to the Exhibit filed with the Commission on May 28, 2004 in a Form 8-K.

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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.

 

 

MMI Products, Inc.

 

 

Date:   November 16, 2004

By:   /s/ Robert N. Tenczar

 

Robert N. Tenczar, Vice President

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

(As a duly authorized Officer, Principal

Financial Officer and Chief Accounting

Officer.)