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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

LOGO

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)  

ý

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended July 31, 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 1-12557


CASCADE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon   93-0136592
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2201 N.E. 201st Ave.
Fairview, Oregon

 


97024-9718
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(503) 669-6300

        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 ý    No o

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

        The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of August 26, 2004 was 12,188,811.





Forward-Looking Statements

        This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions which, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, gross margin, expenses, earnings or losses from operations, synergies or other financial items; any statements of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties, and assumptions referred to above include, but are not limited to, competitive factors in, and the cyclical nature of, the materials handling industry; fluctuations in lift truck orders or deliveries, availability and cost of raw materials; general business and economic conditions in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia; assumptions relating to pension and other post-retirement costs; foreign currency fluctuations; pending litigation; environmental matters; and the effectiveness of our capital expenditures and cost reduction initiatives. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report.

2



PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements


CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Three Months Ended
July 31

  Six Months Ended
July 31

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Net sales   $ 92,376   $ 75,633   $ 185,905   $ 144,567  
Cost of goods sold     63,025     50,646     125,178     96,870  
   
 
 
 
 
Gross profit     29,351     24,987     60,727     47,697  

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

17,726

 

 

15,184

 

 

35,644

 

 

29,768

 
Amortization     507     132     647     196  
   
 
 
 
 

Operating income

 

 

11,118

 

 

9,671

 

 

24,436

 

 

17,733

 
Interest expense     (925 )   (1,172 )   (1,824 )   (2,332 )
Interest income     123     278     220     546  
Other income (expenses)     (153 )   (333 )   (58 )   399  
   
 
 
 
 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

10,163

 

 

8,444

 

 

22,774

 

 

16,346

 
Provision for income taxes     3,661     2,702     8,062     5,231  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income     6,502     5,742     14,712     11,115  
Dividends paid on preferred shares of subsidiary                 (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,085  
   
 
 
 
 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.48

 

$

1.21

 

$

0.94

 
Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.51   $ 0.47   $ 1.16   $ 0.91  

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

12,146

 

 

11,995

 

 

12,125

 

 

11,795

 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     12,741     12,288     12,648     12,225  

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

3



CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  July 31
2004

  January 31
2004

ASSETS            
Current assets:            
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 25,603   $ 25,584
  Marketable securities     13,962     6,002
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,924 and $2,023     64,476     57,871
  Inventories     38,835     36,353
  Deferred income taxes     2,994     2,542
  Income taxes receivable         142
  Prepaid expenses and other     5,778     4,626
   
 
    Total current assets     151,648     133,120
Property, plant and equipment, net     73,877     75,244
Goodwill     68,772     68,915
Deferred income taxes     9,540     9,703
Other assets     5,189     5,837
   
 
    Total assets   $ 309,026   $ 292,819
   
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:            
  Notes payable to banks   $ 1,905   $ 2,805
  Current portion of long-term debt     12,883     13,018
  Accounts payable     21,790     17,904
  Accrued payroll and payroll taxes     6,071     6,815
  Accrued environmental expenses     837     847
  Other accrued expenses     13,129     10,011
   
 
    Total current liabilities     56,615     51,400
Long-term debt     37,915     38,111
Accrued environmental expenses     8,023     8,551
Deferred income taxes     1,432     1,441
Other liabilities     10,085     9,628
   
 
    Total liabilities     114,070     109,131
   
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)            
Shareholders' equity:            
  Common stock, $.50 par value per share, 20,000 authorized shares; 12,189 and 12,102 shares issued and outstanding     6,094     6,051
  Additional paid-in capital     15,895     11,111
  Unamortized deferred compensation     (3,338 )  
  Retained earnings     177,537     165,495
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (1,232 )   1,031
   
 
    Total shareholders' equity     194,956     183,688
   
 
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 309,026   $ 292,819
   
 

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

4



CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Common Stock
   
   
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Unamortized
Deferred
Compensation

  Retained
Earnings

  Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 
 
  Shares
  Amount
 
Balance at January 31, 2004   12,102   $ 6,051   $ 11,111   $   $ 165,495   $ 1,031        

Net income

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

14,712

 

 


 

$

14,712

 
Dividends ($.22 per share)                   (2,670 )        
Common stock issued   87     43     1,106                  
Deferred compensation from stock appreciation rights           3,678     (3,678 )            
Amortization of deferred compensation               340              
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax                       620     620  
Translation adjustment                       (2,883 )   (2,883 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at July 31, 2004   12,189   $ 6,094   $ 15,895   $ (3,338 ) $ 177,537   $ (1,232 ) $ 12,449  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

5



CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited—in thousands)

 
  Six Months Ended
July 31

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net income   $ 14,712   $ 11,115  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization     7,426     6,212  
    Deferred income taxes     (298 )   (13 )
    Loss (gain) on disposition of assets     (48 )   207  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:              
    Accounts receivable     (6,605 )   (4,445 )
    Inventories     (2,482 )   896  
    Prepaid expenses and other     (1,153 )   (846 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     3,142     (1,607 )
    Current income taxes payable and receivable     2,251     2,561  
    Other liabilities     926     628  
   
 
 
      Net cash provided by operating activities     17,871     14,708  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Capital expenditures     (6,598 )   (5,180 )
  Purchase of marketable securities, net     (7,340 )   (4,828 )
  Proceeds from sale of assets     216     406  
  Business acquisition         (3,585 )
  Proceeds from notes receivable         268  
  Other assets     340     103  
   
 
 
      Net cash used in investing activities     (13,382 )   (12,816 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Payments on long-term debt and capital leases     (331 )   (128 )
  Notes payable to banks, net     (900 )   (211 )
  Cash dividends paid     (2,670 )   (2,399 )
  Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options     1,149      
   
 
 
      Net cash used in financing activities     (2,752 )   (2,738 )
   
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes     (1,718 )   (667 )
   
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents     19     (1,513 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 

 

25,584

 

 

29,501

 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 25,603   $ 27,988  
   
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:              
  Cash paid during period for:              
    Interest   $ 1,831   $ 2,273  
    Income taxes   $ 5,991   $ 2,601  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deferred compensation from stock appreciation rights   $ 3,678   $  
  Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax   $ 620   $  
  Conversion of exchangeable preferred stock to common stock   $   $ 8,530  

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

6



CASCADE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1—Description of Business

        Cascade Corporation is an international company engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of materials handling products that are widely used on industrial forklift trucks and, to a lesser extent, construction and agricultural vehicles. Accordingly, our sales are largely dependent on sales of lift trucks. Our products are produced at facilities located in three global regions: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Our products are sold to lift truck manufacturers and also distributed through retail lift truck dealers.

Note 2—Interim Financial Information

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the interim periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for those interim periods. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year, and these financial statements do not contain the detail or footnote disclosures concerning accounting policies and other matters that would be included in full fiscal year financial statements. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements included on Form 10-K in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004.

Note 3—Segment Information

        All of our worldwide operating units have similar economic characteristics, attributes, products, distribution channels and customers. As a result, we aggregate our operating units into a single operating segment related to the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of material handling load engagement products primarily for the lift truck industry. Revenues and operating results are classified according to the region of origin. Identifiable assets are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Net sales, operating income and identifiable assets by geographic region were as follows (in thousands):

 
  North America
  Europe
  Asia Pacific
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
For the three months ended July 31, 2004                              
Sales to unaffliated customers   $ 49,028   $ 29,485   $ 13,863   $   $ 92,376
Transfers between areas     5,411     521     11     (5,943 )  
   
 
 
 
 
Net sales   $ 54,439   $ 30,006   $ 13,874   $ (5,943 ) $ 92,376
   
 
 
 
 
Operating income   $ 8,377   $ 219   $ 2,522         $ 11,118
Identifiable assets   $ 166,438   $ 99,082   $ 43,506         $ 309,026

For the three months ended July 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sales to unaffliated customers   $ 45,297   $ 18,921   $ 11,415   $   $ 75,633
Transfers between areas     4,363     290     11     (4,664 )  
   
 
 
 
 
Net sales   $ 49,660   $ 19,211   $ 11,426   $ (4,664 ) $ 75,633
   
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)   $ 7,783   $ (157 ) $ 2,045         $ 9,671
Identifiable assets   $ 155,398   $ 89,098   $ 32,474         $ 276,970
                               

7



For the six months ended July 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sales to unaffliated customers   $ 99,622   $ 56,904   $ 29,379   $   $ 185,905
Transfers between areas     11,066     1,312     33     (12,411 )  
   
 
 
 
 
Net sales   $ 110,688   $ 58,216   $ 29,412   $ (12,411 ) $ 185,905
   
 
 
 
 
Operating income   $ 18,046   $ 970   $ 5,420         $ 24,436

For the six months ended July 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sales to unaffliated customers   $ 85,810   $ 37,681   $ 21,076   $   $ 144,567
Transfers between areas     8,055     706     15     (8,776 )  
   
 
 
 
 
Net sales   $ 93,865   $ 38,387   $ 21,091   $ (8,776 ) $ 144,567
   
 
 
 
 
Operating income   $ 14,025   $ 497   $ 3,211         $ 17,733

        The breakdown of goodwill by geographic region at July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004 is provided in the table below (in thousands). The change in balances between periods is entirely due to fluctuations in foreign currencies.

 
  July 31
2004

  January 31
2004

North America   $ 56,447   $ 56,612
Europe     9,161     9,154
Other     3,164     3,149
   
 
    $ 68,772   $ 68,915
   
 

Note 4—Marketable Securities

        Marketable securities consist primarily of asset-backed notes issued by various state agencies throughout the United States and guaranteed by the United States or state governments or agencies. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of securities sold. There are no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to these notes. The notes are long-term instruments maturing through 2031; however, the interest rates and maturities are reset approximately every month, at which time we can sell the notes. Accordingly, we have classified the notes as current assets in our consolidated balance sheet.

        Unrealized gain on investments recorded as accumulated comprehensive income relates to publicly traded common stock received in the demutualization of an insurance company. The shares were issued to a trust under a terminated benefit plan which had purchased annuities from the insurance company in 1997. The trust provides that remaining assets after satisfaction of all obligations are to be paid to the Company. The market value of the shares at July 31, 2004 was approximately $950,000.

8



Note 5—Inventories

        Inventories stated at the lower of average cost or market are presented below by major class (in thousands).

 
  July 31
2004

  January 31
2004

Finished goods and components   $ 23,809   $ 23,490
Work in process     1,151     1,251
Raw materials     13,875     11,612
   
 
    $ 38,835   $ 36,353
   
 

Note 6—Stock Based Compensation

        We account for our stock-based employee compensation under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," which permits the use of intrinsic value accounting. No stock-based employee compensation expense related to stock options is reflected in net income, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

        Our shareholders approved the Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (SARS Plan) in May 2004. The SARS Plan provides for the award of stock appreciation rights (SARS) to key executives and directors. The SARS provide the holder the right to receive an amount, payable in our common shares, equal to the excess of the market value of our common shares on the date of exercise over the base price established by our Board of Directors' Compensation Committee at the time the right was granted. The base price may not be less than the market price of our common shares on the date of grant.

        Under FIN 28, "Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans," SARS are accounted for under variable plan accounting. Accordingly, we record deferred compensation as a reduction of shareholders' equity, equal to the excess of the market value of our common shares on the balance sheet date or date of exercise over the base price at the date of grant. The deferred compensation is amortized to expense over the vesting period based on the periods in which the executives and directors perform services. On May 26, 2004, the Board of Directors awarded 453,000 SARS which vest over four years. Stock-based employee compensation of $340,000 was recognized as amortization expense related to the SARS for the quarter ended July 31, 2004. Unamortized deferred compensation recorded as a reduction of shareholders' equity at July 31, 2004 was $3.3 million.

        We have adopted disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." The following table illustrates the effect on net income applicable to common shareholders and

9



earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, expect per share amounts):

 
  Three Months Ended
July 31

  Six Months Ended
July 31

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders—as reported   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,085  
Add: SARS amortization, net of tax of $120     220         220      
   
 
 
 
 
Net income excluding SARS amortization     6,722     5,742     14,932     11,085  
Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense, net of income taxes of $117, $101, $233 and $203, determined under fair value based method     (302 )   (216 )   (604 )   (431 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net income applicable to common shareholders—pro forma   $ 6,420   $ 5,526   $ 14,328   $ 10,654  
   
 
 
 
 

Basic earnings per share—as reported

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.48

 

$

1.21

 

$

0.94

 
Basic earnings per share—pro forma   $ 0.53   $ 0.46   $ 1.18   $ 0.90  
Diluted earnings per share—as reported   $ 0.51   $ 0.47   $ 1.16   $ 0.91  
Diluted earnings per share—pro forma   $ 0.50   $ 0.45   $ 1.13   $ 0.87  

Note 7—Contingencies

        We are subject to environmental laws and regulations, which include obligations to remove or mitigate environmental effects of past disposal and release of certain wastes and substances at various sites. We record liabilities for affected sites when environmental assessments indicate probable cleanup will be required and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Our liabilities for environmental costs, other than for costs of assessments themselves, are generally determined after the completion of investigations and studies or our commitment to a formal plan of action, such as an approved remediation plan, and are based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs using currently available technology, applying current regulations, as well as our own historical experience regarding environmental cleanup costs. The reliability and precision of the loss estimates are affected by numerous factors, such as different stages of site evaluation and reevaluation of the degree of remediation required. We adjust our liabilities as new remediation requirements are defined, as information becomes available permitting reasonable estimates to be made and to reflect new and changing facts.

        It is reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term and the related adjustments to environmental liabilities may have a material impact on our net income and operating cash flows. Unasserted claims are not currently reflected in our environmental liabilities. It is also reasonably possible that these changes or claims may also have a material impact on our net income and operating cash flows if asserted. We cannot estimate at this time the amount of any additional loss or range of loss that is reasonably possible.

        Our specific environmental matters consist of the following:

Fairview, Oregon

        In 1996, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued two Records of Decision impacting our Fairview, Oregon manufacturing facility. The Records of Decision required us to initiate remedial activities related to the cleanup of groundwater contamination at and near the facility. Remediation activities have been conducted at or near the facility since 1996 and current estimates provide for some level of activity to continue through 2027. Costs of certain remediation activities at the facility are shared with The Boeing Company, with Cascade paying 70% of these costs. We have a

10



liability for the ongoing remediation activities at our Fairview facility of $7.9 million and $8.3 million at July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively.

Springfield, Ohio

        In 1994, we entered into a consent order with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required the installation of remediation systems for the cleanup of groundwater contamination at our Springfield, Ohio facility. The current estimate is that the remediation activities will continue through 2010. We have a liability for ongoing remediation activities at our Springfield facility of $1.0 and $1.1 million at July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively.

Insurance Litigation

        On April 22, 2002, the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County entered judgment in our favor for approximately $1.6 million in an action originally brought in 1992 against several insurers to recover various expenses incurred in connection with environmental litigation and related proceedings. The judgment is against two non-settling insurers. Additionally the judgment requires one of the insurers to defend us in suits alleging liability because of groundwater contamination emanating from our Fairview, Oregon plant and requires the two insurers to pay approximately 4% of any liability imposed against us by judgment or settlement on or after March 1, 1997 on account of such contamination. We and our insurers have appealed the judgment. We have not recorded any amounts that may be recovered from the two insurers in our consolidated financial statements.

Lease Guarantee

        We sold our hydraulic cylinder division to Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. (Precision) on January 15, 2002. Under the terms of the sale, we assigned to Precision an operating lease related to a manufacturing facility in Beulaville, North Carolina. We are a guarantor on the lease in the event Precision fails to comply with the lease terms. The lease requires payments by Precision of approximately $21,000 per month through November 2007. In the event Precision defaults under the lease, we can seek to recover losses related to the guarantee by pursuing our remedies under agreements securing payment of amounts receivable from Precision. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under the guarantee using undiscounted cash flows was approximately $840,000 at July 31, 2004.

11



Note 8—Earnings Per Share

        The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
  Three Months Ended July 31
  Six Months Ended July 31
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Basic earnings per share:                          
  Net income   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,115  
  Preferred stock dividends                 (30 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income applicable to common shareholders   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,085  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 

 

12,146

 

 

11,995

 

 

12,125

 

 

11,795

 
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 0.54   $ 0.48   $ 1.21   $ 0.94  

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net income applicable to common shareholders   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,085  
  Preferred stock dividends                 30  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 6,502   $ 5,742   $ 14,712   $ 11,115  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 

 

12,146

 

 

11,995

 

 

12,125

 

 

11,795

 
  Assumed conversion of exchangeable preferred stock         3         203  
  Dilutive effect of stock options and appreciation rights     595     290     523     227  
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding     12,741     12,288     12,648     12,225  
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 0.51   $ 0.47   $ 1.16   $ 0.91  

        Earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period, computed using the treasury stock method. Diluted weighted average common shares includes the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, as well as the assumed conversion of exchangeable preferred stock. For the three month and six month periods ended July 31, 2003, 56 shares and 188 shares, respectively, of our unexercised stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive. No unexercised stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2004.

12



Note 9—Benefit Plans

        The following represents the net periodic cost related to our benefit plans (in thousands):

 
  Three months ended July 31
  Three months ended July 31
 
  Defined Benefit
  Postretirement Benefit
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Components of net periodic benefit cost:                        
  Service cost   $ 55   $ 50   $ 37   $ 41
  Interest cost     110     107     137     157
  Expected return on plan assets     (101 )   (98 )      
  Recognized net actuarial loss     29     56     145     113
   
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost   $ 93   $ 115   $ 319   $ 311
   
 
 
 
 
  Six months ended July 31
  Six months ended July 31
 
  Defined Benefit
  Postretirement Benefit

 

 

2004


 

2003


 

2004


 

2003

Components of net periodic benefit cost:                        
  Service cost   $ 208   $ 100   $ 74   $ 82
  Interest cost     219     214     274     314
  Expected return on plan assets     (201 )   (196 )      
  Recognized net actuarial loss     57     112     290     226
   
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost   $ 283   $ 230   $ 638   $ 622
   
 
 
 

Note 10—Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In January 2004, FASB Staff Position No. 106-1 (FSP 106-1), "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" was issued. FSP 106-1 permitted the deferral of recognizing the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) in the accounting for post retirement health care plans under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefactors Other Than Pensions," and in providing disclosure related to the plans required by SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." We elected the deferral provided by this FSP.

        In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 106-2 (FSP 106-2), "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003." FSP No. 106-2 discusses further the effect of the Act and supersedes FSP 106-1. FSP 106-2 considers the effect of the two new features introduced in the Act in determining our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") and net periodic post retirement benefit cost. The effect on the APBO will be accounted for as an actuarial experience gain to be amortized into income over the average remaining service period of plan participants. Companies may elect to defer accounting for this benefit or may attempt to reflect the best estimate of the impact period beginning after June 15, 2004. As previously disclosed, we have chosen to defer accounting for the measures of APBO and net periodic postretirement benefit costs until the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Our measures of APBO and net periodic pension costs as of and for the six months ended July 31, 2004 do not reflect the effect of the Act. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 106-2 to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

13



        In March 2004, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 03-6 (Issue 03-6), "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS No. 128". Issue 03-6 provides guidance regarding the calculation of basic earnings per share by companies that have issued participating securities other than common stock. Issue 03-6 is effective for reporting periods beginning after March 31, 2004. The adoption of Issue 03-6 did not have an effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Note 11—Warranty Obligations

        We record a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for costs related to certain warranties with the sales of our products. This liability is estimated through historical customer claims, product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Our warranty obligations were as follows (in thousands):

 
  2004
  2003
 
Beginning obligation, January 31   $ 1,610   $ 1,322  
Accruals for warranties issued during the period     818     664  
Accruals for pre-existing warranties          
Settlements during the quarter     (715 )   (527 )
   
 
 
Ending obligation, July 31   $ 1,713   $ 1,459  
   
 
 

Note 12—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
  Translation Adjustment
  Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment
  Unrealized Gain on Investment
  Total
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Balance at January 31, 2004   $ 3,340   $ (2,309 ) $   $ 1,031  
Translation adjustment     (2,883 )           (2,883 )
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax             620     620  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at July 31, 2004   $ 457   $ (2,309 ) $ 620   $ (1,232 )
   
 
 
 
 

14



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

        All references to fiscal periods are defined as periods ending in the year ended January 31, 2004 (fiscal 2004) and the year ending January 31, 2005 (fiscal 2005).


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

        Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis, including those related to uncollectible receivables, inventories, goodwill and long-lived assets, warranty obligations, environmental liabilities and deferred taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A description of our critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is set forth on Form 10-K in our Annual Report for the year ended January 31, 2004.


COMPARISON OF SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2005 AND FISCAL 2004

Consolidated Summary

        Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 increased to $6.5 million ($0.51 per diluted share) from $5.7 million ($0.47 per diluted share) for the second quarter of fiscal 2004. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 were $16.7 million or 22% greater than the second quarter of fiscal 2004. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and acquisitions, net sales in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific grew 8%, 28% and 16%, respectively, in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same quarter of the prior year. The increased net sales largely reflected higher volumes of business in existing product lines in all geographic regions. The consolidated gross margin decreased from 33% in the second quarter of the prior year to 32% in the second quarter of the current year. The decrease was due primarily to higher steel prices, which were partially offset by price increases and better absorption of fixed costs due to the higher sales volumes. Selling and administrative costs increased by 17% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 over the comparable quarter of the prior year. Excluding foreign currency changes and acquisitions, costs increased 9% over the second quarter of the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, increased research and development expenses and costs for the continuing expansion of our marketing and customer service capabilities in China.

North America

 
  Quarter ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 49,028   100 % $ 45,297   100 % $ 3,731   8 %
Cost of goods sold     30,092   61 %   28,237   62 %   1,855   7 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     18,936   39 %   17,060   38 %   1,876   11 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

10,184

 

21

%

 

9,219

 

20

%

 

965

 

10

%
Amortization     375   1 %   58       317    
   
     
     
     
Operating income   $ 8,377   17 % $ 7,783   17 % $ 594   8 %
   
     
     
     

15


        North America net sales were up $3.7 million or 8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 over the same quarter of fiscal 2004. Higher volumes of shipments from North American plants accounted for virtually all of the increase. Shipments benefited from a strong lift truck market in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 in comparison with the prior year. Price increases to date have sufficiently covered increases in steel costs. As in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the relation between the U.S. dollar and the Euro in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 continued to be unfavorable for European imports into the U.S. market when compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2004.

        Historically, we have found that changes in the level of our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, but industry statistics do provide an indication of the direction of business activity. North American lift truck industry shipments in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 were 14% higher than the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

        Gross margins for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 in North America benefited from the contribution of additional shipment volumes. This added absorption and sales price increases more than offset the impact of increases in the cost of steel.

        Selling and administrative costs for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 10% or $965,000 over the same quarter of the prior year. Implementation costs related to compliance with the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley increased by $349,000. Research and development costs were $207,000 greater than the prior year and executive incentive costs were $143,000 higher than the prior year second quarter. The remainder of the increase related to miscellaneous costs.

        In May 2004 our shareholders approved a stock appreciation rights plan (SARS Plan), which provides for the award of stock appreciation rights (SARS) to key executives and directors. Our Proxy Statement, dated April 13, 2004, contains a detailed description of the terms of the SARS Plan. Amortization expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 increased by $340,000 due to SARS granted on May 26, 2004. The SARS Plan was not in effect during the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

Europe

 
  Quarter ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 29,485   100 % $ 18,921   100 % $ 10,564   56 %
Cost of goods sold     23,656   80 %   14,757   78 %   8,899   60 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     5,829   20 %   4,164   22 %   1,665   40 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

5,484

 

19

%

 

4,252

 

22

%

 

1,232

 

29

%
Amortization     126       69       57    
   
     
     
     
Operating income (loss)   $ 219   1 % $ (157 ) (1 )% $ 376    
   
     
     
     

        Net sales in Europe for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $10.6 million or 56% over the same quarter of fiscal 2004. Of the increase, $5.3 million or 28% was primarily the result of increased shipments out of our European plants. This increase is due to added demand resulting from a strong European lift truck market in fiscal 2005. The changes in foreign currency rates, primarily the Euro and the British Pound, accounted for $1.6 million or 8% of the increase. The remaining increase relates to our acquisition in Italy during the third quarter of fiscal 2004, which accounted for $3.7 million or about 20% of the increase.

        Our fiscal 2005 second quarter sales in Europe have also been positively impacted by the insolvency of Falkenroth Foerdertechnik, a major German competitor. We are currently negotiating to

16



acquire the assets of Falkenroth Foerdertchnik. If we are successful, the acquisition will likely be completed in the third quarter.

        Gross margins in Europe declined from 22% for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 to 20% for the second quarter of fiscal 2005. The two primary factors in this decrease were increased shipments of certain lower margin OEM products relative to total shipments, as well as increases in steel costs that were not sufficiently offset by customer price increases.

        Selling and administrative costs in Europe increased by $1.2 million or 29% for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The single largest contributor to this increase was selling and administrative costs of Roncari srl, which accounted for an increase of $686,000 or 16% in comparison with the second quarter of fiscal 2004. We acquired Roncari srl in October 2003. Changes in foreign currency rates accounted for $266,000 of additional selling and administrative costs or an increase of 6% over the prior year. Exclusive of acquisitions and foreign currency fluctuations, selling and administrative costs increased approximately $280,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2004. The remainder of the increase was related to severance costs and other costs related to higher business levels during the second quarter of fiscal 2005 versus the same quarter of fiscal 2004. These increases were partially offset by a net reduction of lease expenses of $538,000. We reduced a lease loss accrual after the lease in question was resolved for a lower amount than had been anticipated.

Asia Pacific

 
  Quarter ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 13,863   100 % $ 11,415   100 % $ 2,448   21 %
Cost of goods sold     9,277   67 %   7,652   67 %   1,625   21 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     4,586   33 %   3,763   33 %   823   22 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

2,058

 

15

%

 

1,713

 

15

%

 

345

 

20

%
Amortization     6       5       1   20 %
   
     
     
     
Operating income   $ 2,522   18 % $ 2,045   18 % $ 477   23 %
   
     
     
     

        Asia Pacific net sales increased $2.4 million or 21% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 over fiscal 2004. Excluding the effect of foreign currencies, net sales increased $1.8 million or 16%. Virtually all of the Asia Pacific markets experienced strong sales results during the second quarter, with China posting the strongest growth.

        Gross margins in the Asia Pacific region remained constant at 33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 when compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

        Selling and administrative costs in the Asia Pacific region increased $345,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for $133,000 of this change. The remainder of the increase was due to continued expansion of our marketing and engineering efforts in China.

Non-Operating Items

        Interest income decreased approximately $155,000 from the second quarter of fiscal 2004 to the second quarter of fiscal 2005. This was due primarily to payment in full of the Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. note receivable during the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

17



        Interest expense was approximately $247,000 or 21% lower in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2004. Total borrowings at July 31, 2004 were $10.8 million lower than July 31, 2003 due to scheduled debt payments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. See "Financial Condition and Liquidity" for additional discussion of debt levels and payments.

        Other expense related primarily to net losses on foreign currency translation in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004.

        The effective tax rate increased from 32% in the second quarter of fiscal 2004 to 36% in the current quarter. This was primarily due to a decrease in benefits of international financing activities and the recording of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets in Europe. The effective rate in the second quarter was up slightly from the 35% effective rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.


COMPARISON OF THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF FISCAL 2005 AND FISCAL 2004

Consolidated Summary

        Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2005 increased to $14.7 million ($1.16 per diluted share) from $11.1 million ($0.91 per diluted share) for the first six months of fiscal 2004. The largest contributor to the increased net income was a higher volume of business in all geographic regions. Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2005 increased by $41.3 million or 29% over the comparable period of fiscal 2004. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and acquisitions, net sales in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific grew 15%, 17% and 30%, respectively, in the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Gross margin for the first six months of fiscal 2005 of 33% was unchanged from the prior year. Steel price increases and lower margin product mix in Europe reduced margins; but this was offset by improved margins in North America and Asia Pacific. Selling and administrative costs increased by 20% in the first six months of fiscal 2005 over the comparable period of the prior year. Excluding foreign currency changes and acquisitions, costs increased 10% over the comparable prior year period. The primary drivers of this increase were research and development and engineering costs, Sarbanes-Oxley implementation costs, executive incentive compensation, severance costs in Europe and Canada, costs related to expansion efforts in China and additional warranty costs related to new product introductions.

North America

 
  Six months ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 99,622   100 % $ 85,810   100 % $ 13,812   16 %
Cost of goods sold     60,730   61 %   53,671   63 %   7,059   13 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     38,892   39 %   32,139   37 %   6,753   21 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

20,436

 

21

%

 

18,000

 

21

%

 

2,436

 

14

%
Amortization     410       114       296    
   
     
     
     
Operating Income   $ 18,046   18 % $ 14,025   16 % $ 4,021   29 %
   
     
     
     

        North America net sales were up $13.8 million or 16% in the first six months of fiscal 2005 over the same period of fiscal 2004 primarily due to higher volumes of shipments. Price increases contributed to a lesser extent to the increase.

        Historically, we have found that changes in the level of our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, but industry statistics do provide an indication

18



of the direction of business activity. North American lift truck industry shipments for the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2004 increased 10%.

        Gross margins for the first six months of fiscal 2005 in North America benefited from the contribution of additional unit volume through the plants, absorbing more fixed costs than in the first six months of the prior year. In addition, price increases to date have kept pace with increases in the cost of steel. The net result was a 2% improvement in the margin, from 37% for the first six months in fiscal 2004 to 39% for the same period in fiscal 2005.

        Selling and administrative costs for the first six months of fiscal 2005 increased 14% or $2.4 million over the same period of the prior year. Implementation costs related to the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley increased by $778,000. Research and development and engineering costs were $498,000 greater than the prior year, and executive incentive compensation costs increased $143,000 over the first six months of the prior year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased selling and administrative costs by $170,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2005. The remaining increase related to miscellaneous costs and a general increase in business levels.

        Amortization expense increased by $340,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2005 due to stock appreciation rights granted in May 2004.

Europe

 
  Six months ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 56,904   100 % $ 37,681   100 % $ 19,223   51 %
Cost of goods sold     44,888   79 %   28,832   77 %   16,056   56 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     12,016   21 %   8,849   23 %   3,167   36 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

10,823

 

19

%

 

8,280

 

22

%

 

2,543

 

31

%
Amortization     223       72       151    
   
     
     
     
Operating income   $ 970   2 % $ 497   1 % $ 473   95 %
   
     
     
     

        Net sales in Europe for the first six months of fiscal 2005 increased $19.2 million or 51% over the same period of fiscal 2004. The changes in foreign currency rates, primarily the Euro and the British Pound, accounted for $4.6 million or 12% of the increase. The acquisition of Roncari srl in Italy during fiscal 2004 accounted for $8.4 million or about 22% of the increase. The remaining increase of $6.2 million or 17% was the result of increased shipments out of our European plants.

        Gross margins in Europe declined from 23% for the first six months of fiscal 2004 to 21% for the first six months of fiscal 2005. The two primary factors contributing to this decrease were increased shipments of certain lower margin OEM products relative to total shipments, as well as increases in steel costs that were not sufficiently offset by price increases.

        Selling and administrative costs in Europe increased by $2.5 million or 31% for the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2004. Selling and administrative costs of acquired companies accounted for $1.5 million or 18% of the increase during the first six months of fiscal 2005. Changes in foreign currency rates accounted for $848,000 or 10% of the increase. Exclusive of acquisitions and foreign currency fluctuations, selling and administrative costs increased by $188,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004. Additional severance costs were $125,000. Warranty cost increases related to new product introductions were $218,000. The amounts were partially offset by a net reduction of lease expenses of $538,000. We reduced a lease loss accrual after the lease in question was resolved for a lower amount than had been anticipated.

19



Asia Pacific

 
  Six months ended July 31
   
   
 
 
   
  Change %
 
 
  2004
  %
  2003
  %
  Change
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Net sales   $ 29,379   100 % $ 21,076   100 % $ 8,303   39 %
Cost of goods sold     19,560   67 %   14,367   68 %   5,193   36 %
   
     
     
     
Gross profit     9,819   33 %   6,709   32 %   3,110   46 %

Selling and administrative

 

 

4,385

 

15

%

 

3,488

 

17

%

 

897

 

26

%
Amortization     14       10       4   40 %
   
     
     
     
Operating income   $ 5,420   18 % $ 3,211   15 % $ 2,209   69 %
   
     
     
     

        Asia Pacific net sales increased $8.3 million or 39% in the first six months of fiscal 2005 over fiscal 2004. Excluding the effect of foreign currencies, net sales increased $6.3 million or 30%. The increase was due to the general strength of the economies in all markets.

        Gross margins in the Asia Pacific region increased slightly to 33% for the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to 32% in the same period of the prior year.

        Selling and administrative costs in the Asia Pacific region increased $897,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for $373,000 of the increase. The remainder of the increase was due to expansion of marketing and engineering efforts in China.

Non-Operating Items

        Interest income decreased approximately $326,000 from the first six months of fiscal 2004 to the first six months of fiscal 2005. This was due primarily to payment in full of the Precision note receivable during the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

        Interest expense was approximately $508,000 or 22% lower in the first six months of fiscal 2005 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2004. Total borrowings at the end of July 2004 were $10.8 million lower than the same period of the prior year due to scheduled debt payments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. See "Financial Condition and Liquidity" for additional discussion of debt levels and payments.

        Other expense in the first six months of fiscal 2005 related primarily to miscellaneous expenses. We maintain a foreign currency risk management strategy to mitigate the impact of unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Other income of $399,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2004 related to the gain on the sale of a building in Germany, the elimination of remaining liabilities from the sale of our cylinder division and net losses on foreign currency translation.

        The effective tax rate increased from 32% in the first six months of fiscal 2004 to 35% in the current period. This was primarily due to a decrease in benefits of international financing activities and an increase in the recording of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in Europe.


CASH FLOWS

        The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the six months ended July 31, 2004 and July 31, 2003 by classifying transactions into three major categories of activities: operating, investing and financing.

20



Operating

        Our main source of liquidity is cash generated from operating activities. This consists of net income adjusted for noncash operating items such as depreciation and amortization, losses and gains on disposition of assets, deferred income taxes, and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

        Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $17.9 million in first six months of fiscal 2005 compared to $14.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2004. The increase in fiscal 2005 was due to higher levels of net income, depreciation and amortization as well as increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses. This increase was partially offset by changes in other operating accounts, primarily accounts receivables, inventories and prepaid expenses.

Investing

        The principal recurring investing activities are capital expenditures. These expenditures are primarily for equipment and tooling related to product improvements, more efficient production methods and replacement for normal wear and tear. Capital expenditures were $6.6 million and $5.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. We expect capital expenditures in the rest of fiscal 2005 to approximate depreciation expense. Depreciation expense for the first six months in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004 was $6.8 million and $6.0 million, respectively.

        Marketable securities at July 31, 2004 consist primarily of asset-backed notes issued by various state agencies throughout the United States and guaranteed by United States or state governments and agencies. The notes are long-term instruments maturing through 2031; however, the interest rates and maturities are reset approximately every month, at which time we can sell the notes. Tax-free interest rates on the notes ranged from 0.9% to 1.4% per annum. Net purchases of marketable securities were $7.3 million and $4.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, respectively.

Financing

        The issuance of common stock related to the exercise of stock options generated $1.1 million of cash for the first six months in fiscal 2005.

        We declared dividends totaling $0.22 and $0.20 per share during the first six months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively.


FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

        Our working capital at July 31, 2004 was $95.0 million as compared to $81.7 million at January 31, 2004. Our current ratio at July 31, 2004 was 2.68 to 1 as compared to 2.59 to 1 at January 31, 2004.

        Total outstanding debt, including notes payable to banks and capital leases, at July 31, 2004 was $52.7 million in comparison with $53.9 million at January 31, 2004. Our debt to equity ratio improved to .27 to 1 at July 31, 2004 from .29 to 1 at January 31, 2004. Our debt agreements contain covenants relating to net worth and leverage ratios. Borrowing arrangements currently in place with commercial banks provide lines of credit totaling $35 million, of which $1.8 million was used to issue letters of credit. The average interest rate on notes payable to banks was 4.2% at July 31, 2004 and 2.8% at January 31, 2004.

        We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our expected working capital, capital expenditure and debt retirement requirements for fiscal 2005.

21




OTHER MATTERS

        The unrealized gain on investments recorded as accumulated comprehensive income relates to common stock we received from the demutualization of an insurance company. We had previously purchased investments from the insurance company, which entitled us to the receipt of the shares.

        During fiscal 2004, the holder of our exchangeable preferred stock exchanged 600,000 shares of exchangeable preferred stock for 600,000 shares of common stock. This non-cash transaction resulted in a reclassification of $8.2 million from exchangeable preferred stock into common stock and additional paid-in capital and had no effect on earnings per share. No exchangeable preferred stock remained outstanding at July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004.

        The U.S. dollar weakened in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 in comparison to most foreign currencies used by our significant foreign operations. As a result, foreign currency translation adjustments increased shareholders' equity by $2.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005. The primary currencies driving the increase in shareholders' equity were the Euro and the Canadian dollar. During the first six months of fiscal 2005, the U.S. dollar strengthened against most currencies, decreasing shareholders' equity by $2.9 million from January 31, 2004 to July 31, 2004.


OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

        At July 31, 2004, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        In January 2004, FASB Staff Position No. 106-1 (FSP 106-1), "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" was issued. FSP 106-1 permitted the deferral of recognizing the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) in the accounting for post retirement health care plans under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefactors Other Than Pensions," and in providing disclosure related to the plans required by SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." We elected the deferral provided by this FSP.

        In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 106-2 (FSP 106-2), "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003." FSP No. 106-2 discusses further the effect of the Act and supersedes FSP 106-1. FSP 106-2 considers the effect of the two new features introduced in the Act in determining our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") and net periodic post retirement benefit cost. The effect on the APBO will be accounted for as an actuarial experience gain to be amortized into income over the average remaining service period of plan participants. Companies may elect to defer accounting for this benefit or may attempt to reflect the best estimate of the impact period beginning after June 15, 2004. As previously disclosed, we have chosen to defer accounting for the measures of APBO and net periodic postretirement benefit costs until the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Our measures of APBO and net periodic pension costs as of and for the six months ended July 31, 2004 do not reflect the effect of the Act. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 106-2 to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

        In March 2004, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 03-6 (Issue 03-6), "Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FAS No. 128". Issue 03-6 provides guidance regarding the

22



calculation of basic earnings per share by companies that have issued participating securities other than common stock. Issue 03-6 is effective for reporting periods beginning after March 31, 2004. The adoption of Issue 03-6 did not have an effect on the consolidated financial statements.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations. A significant portion of our revenues and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, our operating results could become subject to significant fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The table below illustrates the hypothetical increase in net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 resulting from a 10% weaker U.S. dollar during the entire quarter, measured against foreign currencies that affect our operations (in millions):

Euro   $ 2.2
Canadian dollar   $ 0.6
British pound   $ 0.7
Other currencies with net sales less than 5% of consolidated net sales   $ 1.0

        We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the impact of currency fluctuations on certain nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. The principal currencies hedged are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Euros and British pounds. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts have terms lasting up to six months, but generally less than one month. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

        A majority of our products are manufactured using steel as a primary raw material and steel based components as purchased parts. As such, our cost of goods sold is sensitive to fluctuations in steel prices, either directly through the purchase of steel as raw material or indirectly through the purchase of steel based components. Presuming that the full impact of commodity steel cost increases is reflected in all steel and steel based component purchases, we estimate our gross margin percentage sensitivity to be approximately 0.3% for each 1.0% increase in commodity steel cost without offsetting sales price increases. For example, if the price of commodity steel increases 1.0%, and the full impact of that increase is reflected in all raw material and component purchases, the net decrease in the gross margin percentage would be approximately 0.3%. Based on our statement of income for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, a 1% increase in commodity steel costs without offsetting sales price increases would have decreased consolidated gross profit by approximately $250,000.

        To date we have been able to mitigate the effect of a portion of the steel cost increases on our gross margins. This has been done through price increases and cost reductions. We are anticipating additional increases in steel costs during future quarters. We intend to continue our efforts in the coming months to mitigate the full impact of any of these steel cost increases. It should be noted that there may be some time lag between the absorption of the steel cost increases and realizing the offsetting benefits of the mitigating measures. It should also be noted that there is no assurance that we can fully mitigate all future steel cost increases through price increases and other measures. In addition, actual cost increases from steel suppliers could differ from cost increases that have been previously communicated to us.

        Manufacturing of our products includes the purchase of various raw materials and components. Certain of these items are provided worldwide by a limited number of suppliers. We are not currently experiencing shortages in obtaining the raw materials and components. However, certain steel products obtained in Europe are subject to allocations from suppliers. At this time we believe the current allocation of these products from suppliers is sufficient to meet planned production volumes. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that these suppliers will be able to meet our future

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requirements. An extended delay or interruption in the supply of any components could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. We are working to identify alternative supplier sources for these products.

        Substantially all of our debt at July 31, 2004 has a fixed interest rate. Any additional payments to prepay scheduled amounts of debt are subject to penalties. At July 31, 2004, the penalties to retire all of our long-term debt were $4.8 million. A hypothetical immediate increase in market interest rates by 1% would decrease the fair value of our long-term debt outstanding at July 31, 2004 by $900,000.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

        As of July 31, 2004, the end of the period covered by this report, the Company reviewed and evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring 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 the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

        There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        None


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

        None


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

        None


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held May 26, 2004, the following matters were submitted to a vote of common shareholders:

        Election of directors:

Nominee

  Votes For
  Votes Withheld
Nicholas R. Lardy, Ph.D   11,214,258   177,742
James S. Osterman   8,993,150   2,398,850
Nancy A. Wilgenbusch, Ph.D   8,646,666   2,745,334

        Shareholder Proposal:

Proposal

  Votes For
  Votes Against
  Abstain
Approval of the Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan   9,279,184   735,389   16,248


Item 5. Other Information

        None


Item 6. Exhibits

31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Cascade Corporation.

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Cascade Corporation.

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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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.

  CASCADE CORPORATION
September 9, 2004  

 

/s/  
RICHARD S. ANDERSON      
Richard S. Anderson
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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QuickLinks

Forward-Looking Statements
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CASCADE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)
CASCADE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)
CASCADE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited—in thousands, except per share amounts)
CASCADE CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited—in thousands)
CASCADE CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
COMPARISON OF SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2005 AND FISCAL 2004
COMPARISON OF THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF FISCAL 2005 AND FISCAL 2004
CASH FLOWS
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
OTHER MATTERS
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES