t62712a_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended      March 31, 2008                                                                                                           
 
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      001-14124                                                                                                                               
 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Tennessee
 
62-1566286
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
8503 Hilltop Drive
Ooltewah, Tennessee
 
37363
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

 
(423) 238-4171

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
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.
 
x     Yes      o  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
 
Large Accelerated Filer  o
Accelerated Filer  x
 
     
Non-Accelerated Filer  o
Smaller Reporting Company  o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
o     Yes     x     No.
 
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of April 30, 2008 was 11,593,588.
 

 
GRAPHIC
 
Index
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page Number
       
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
2
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
3
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
4
       
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
       
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
9
       
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
14
       
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
14
       
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
15
       
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
15
       
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
15
       
SIGNATURES
   
16
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this Form 10-Q, including but not limited to Item 2–“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “continue,” “future,” “potential,” “believe,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “estimate,” “predict”, “expect”, “anticipate” and similar expressions, or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology.  Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements.  Such forward-looking statements are made based on our management’s beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management.  Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to, among other things, the risks related to the cyclical nature of our industry, the general economic health of our customers, our dependence on outside suppliers of raw materials, increases in the cost of aluminum, steel and related raw materials, increases in fuel and other transportation costs, and those other risks referenced herein, including those risks referred to in this report, in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and those risks discussed in our other filings with the SEC, including those risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for fiscal 2007, which discussion is incorporated herein by this reference.  Such factors are not exclusive.  We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by, or on behalf of, our company.
 

 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
   
March 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2007
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and temporary investments
  $ 24,233     $ 23,282  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,382 and $1,640 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    54,118       67,035  
Inventories
    42,191       39,313  
Prepaid expenses and other
    3,086       1,775  
Current deferred income taxes
    3,060       3,038  
Total current assets
    126,688       134,443  
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, net
    35,177       33,807  
GOODWILL
    11,619       11,619  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    8,391       8,615  
OTHER ASSETS
    487       558  
    $ 182,362     $ 189,042  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Current portion of long-term obligations
  $ 1,867     $ 1,802  
Accounts payable
    32,792       39,926  
Accrued liabilities and other
    10,475       10,623  
Total current liabilities
    45,134       52,351  
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, less current portion
    3,679       4,203  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5 and 8)
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 11,593,588 and 11,588,179 outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    116       116  
Additional paid-in capital
    160,852       160,700  
Accumulated deficit
    (31,281 )     (32,208 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    3,862       3,880  
Total shareholders’ equity
    133,549       132,488  
    $ 182,362     $ 189,042  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2

 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
NET SALES
  $ 67,621     $ 114,003  
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
               
Costs of operations
    59,357       97,752  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    6,333       7,162  
Interest expense, net
    454       712  
Total costs and expenses
    66,144       105,626  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    1,477       8,377  
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    550       2,982  
NET INCOME
  $ 927     $ 5,395  
BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.08     $ 0.47  
DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
  $ 0.08     $ 0.46  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Basic
    11,594       11,521  
Diluted
    11,632       11,651  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3

 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 927     $ 5,395  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    890       698  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    31       31  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    57       75  
Stock-based compensation
    77       77  
Issuance of non-employee director shares
    75       75  
Deferred income tax provision
    (197 )     1,877  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    12,638       (1,471 )
Inventories
    (2,965 )     (1,846 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (1,310 )     (2,062 )
Accounts payable
    (7,006 )     568  
Accrued liabilities and other
    278       4,069  
Net cash flows from operating activities
    3,495       7,486  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
    (2,264 )     (2,803 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    -       33  
Payments received on notes receivables
    85       156  
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (2,179 )     (2,614 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payments on long-term obligations
    (459 )     (493 )
Other
    (2 )     -  
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    -       124  
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (461 )     (369 )
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
    96       27  
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
    951       4,530  
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, beginning of period
    23,282       8,204  
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, end of period
  $ 24,233     $ 12,734  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash payments for interest
  $ 596     $ 902  
Cash payments for income taxes
  $ 1,078     $ 464  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4

 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Miller Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) included herein have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  Nevertheless, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the financial information presented not misleading.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented.  Cost of goods sold for interim periods for certain entities is determined based on estimated gross profit rates.  Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the fiscal year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
2.
BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE
 
Basic income per share is computed by dividing income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted average number of common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per share takes into consideration the assumed conversion of outstanding stock options resulting in approximately 38,000 and 130,000 potential dilutive common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, options to purchase approximately 76,000 and 52,000 shares, respectively, which were outstanding during the period, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
 
3.
INVENTORIES
 
Inventory costs include materials, labor and factory overhead.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on a first-in, first-out basis.  Inventories at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
             
   
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Chassis
  $ 7,525     $ 4,866  
Raw materials
    16,791       16,555  
Work in process
    11,949       12,145  
Finished goods
    5,926       5,747  
    $ 42,191     $ 39,313  
                 
 
4.
GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of the long-lived assets and goodwill to determine if those assets may be recoverable based upon the future operating cash flows expected to be generated by those assets.  Management believes that its long-lived assets are appropriately valued.
 
5

 
5.
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
 
Long-term obligations consisted of the following at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (in thousands):
 
             
   
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Outstanding borrowings under Senior Credit Facility
  $ 3,150     $ 3,500  
Mortgage, equipment and other notes payable
    2,396       2,505  
      5,546       6,005  
Less current portion
    (1,867 )     (1,802 )
    $ 3,679     $ 4,203  
                 
 
Certain equipment and manufacturing facilities are pledged as collateral under the mortgage and equipment notes payable.
 
Credit Facilities and Other Obligations
 
Senior Credit Facility
 
The Company is party to a Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) with Wachovia Bank, National Association, for a $27.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Credit Facility”).  The Senior Credit Facility consists of a $20.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), and a $7.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan”).  The Senior Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, and contains customary representations and warranties, events of default and affirmative and negative covenants for secured facilities of this type.  Covenants under the Senior Credit Facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if a default or event of default under the Senior Credit Agreement has occurred or would result from the dividends, or if the Company would be in violation of the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio test in the Senior Credit Agreement as a result of the dividends, among various other restrictions.  On July 11, 2007, the Company and Wachovia agreed to make certain amendments to the Senior Credit Agreement which are described below.
 
Formerly, in the absence of a default, all borrowings under the Revolver bore interest at the LIBOR Market Index Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) plus a margin of between 1.75% to 2.50% per annum that was subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement), and the Term Loan bore interest at a 30-day adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of between 1.75% to 2.50% per annum that was subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio.  The Revolver was scheduled to expire on June 15, 2008, and the Term Loan was scheduled to mature on June 15, 2010.
 
Under the amended Senior Credit Agreement, the non-default rate of interest under the Revolver and Term Loan was reduced to be the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus a margin of between 0.75% to 1.50% per annum that is subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, and the maturity date of the Revolver was extended to June 17, 2010.  The amendments also increased the ratio of leverage permitted under the Consolidated Leverage Ratio covenant, and extended and modified certain of the negative covenants and events of default set forth in the Senior Credit Agreement.
 
At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolver.
 
Termination of Junior Credit Facility
 
William G. Miller was the sole lender under the Company’s former junior credit facility (the “Junior Credit Facility”).  In May 2006, the Company repaid $5.0 million of the subordinated debt under the Junior Credit Facility, and in May 2007, the Company repaid the remaining $5.0 million principal balance under the Junior Credit Facility.  With such payments, all loans under the Junior Credit Facility were paid in full.  In July 2007, in connection with the amendments to the Senior Credit Facility, the Junior Credit Facility was terminated.
 
6

 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility and the Company’s mortgage notes payable because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under the Senior Credit Facility and the mortgage notes payable are subject to variable interest rates.  Under the Senior Credit Facility, the non-default rate of interest is equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus a margin of between 0.75% to 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 3.45% at March 31, 2008), and under the mortgage notes payable, the rate of interest is equal to a LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% (for a rate of interest of 4.95% at March 31, 2008).
 
Future maturities of long-term obligations at March 31, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
 
         
2009
  $ 1,867  
2010
    3,262  
2011
    412  
2012
    5  
    $ 5,546  
         
 
 
6.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Termination of Credit Facilities
 
Mr. Miller was the sole lender under the Junior Credit Facility.  The Company paid Mr. Miller approximately $112,500 in interest expense on the Junior Credit Facility for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
 
In May 2007, the Company repaid the remaining $5.0 million of subordinated debt under the Junior Credit Facility.  This payment was approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and by the full Board of Directors with Mr. Miller abstaining due to his personal interest in the transaction.  In July 2007, the Junior Credit Facility was terminated.
 
7.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Stock compensation expense for the three months ending March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $77,000 and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The Company did not issue any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2008.  As of March 31, 2008, the Company had no remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options.  For additional disclosures related to the Company’s stock-based compensation refer to Notes 2 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
8.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Commitments
 
The Company has entered into arrangements with third-party lenders where it has agreed, in the event of default by a customer, to repurchase from the third-party lender Company products repossessed from the customer.  These arrangements are typically subject to a maximum repurchase amount.  The maximum amount of collateral that the Company could be required to purchase was approximately $30.2 million at March 31, 2008, and $33.4 million at December 31, 2007.  However, the Company’s risk under these arrangements is mitigated by the value of the products repurchased as part of the transaction.  The Company considered the fair value at inception of its liability under these arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” and concluded that the liability associated with these potential repurchase obligations is not material.
 
7

 
At March 31, 2008, the Company had commitments of approximately $1.9 million for construction and acquisition of property and equipment related to the modernization of its domestic manufacturing facilities.
 
Contingencies
 
The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business.  Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to the Company, which could result in substantial damages against the Company.  The Company has established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintains product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate.  Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.
 
9.
INCOME TAXES
 
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007.  At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits recorded.  The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next twelve months.  If unrecognized tax benefits existed, the interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax positions would be recorded as income tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
The Company is subject to United States federal income taxes, as well as income taxes in various states and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company’s tax years 2004 through 2007 remain open to examination for U.S. Federal income taxes.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state or non-U.S. income tax examinations prior to 2004.
 
10.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The Company had comprehensive income of $0.9 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Components of the Company’s other comprehensive income consist primarily of foreign currency translation adjustments.
 
11.
GEOGRAPHIC AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION
 
Net sales and long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and goodwill and intangible assets) by region was as follows (revenue is attributed to regions based on the locations of customers) (in thousands):
 
       
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales:
           
North America
  $ 55,416     $ 95,893  
Foreign
    12,205       18,110  
    $ 67,621     $ 114,003  
                 


             
   
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Long Lived Assets:
           
North America
  $ 43,840     $ 42,430  
Foreign
    2,956       2,996  
    $ 46,796     $ 45,426  
                 
 
No single customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
8

 
12.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Recently Adopted Standards
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  The interpretation also gives guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure.  FIN 48 was effective January 1, 2007 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2007.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements and the effect on earnings.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  SFAS No. 157 was effective January 1, 2008 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued a SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets & Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of SFAS No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”).  SFAS No. 159 will create a fair value option under which an entity may irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract by contract basis, with changes in fair values recognized in earnings as these changes occur.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  SFAS No. 159 was effective January 1, 2008 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
Recently Issued Standards
 
In December, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”), which applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Early adoption is not permitted. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) to have an effect on its results of operations and its financial condition unless it enters into a business combination after January 1, 2009.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”).  SFAS No. 161 expands quarterly disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 133 about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 161 on its financial position and results of operations.
 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Executive Overview
 
Miller Industries, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of vehicle towing and recovery equipment, with domestic manufacturing subsidiaries in Tennessee and Pennsylvania, and foreign manufacturing subsidiaries in France and the United Kingdom.  We offer a broad range of equipment to meet our customers’ design, capacity and cost requirements under our Century®, Vulcan®, Challenger®, Holmes®, Champion®, Chevron™, Eagle®, Titan®, Jige™ and Boniface™ brand names.
 
9

 
Overall, management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor our operating and financial performance.  These indicators include measurements of revenue, operating income, gross margin, income from operations, earnings per share, capital expenditures and cash flow.
 
We derive revenues primarily from product sales made through our network of domestic and foreign independent distributors.  Our revenues are sensitive to a variety of factors, such as demand for, and price of, our products, our technological competitiveness, our reputation for providing quality products and reliable service, competition within our industry, the cost of raw materials (including aluminum, steel and petroleum related products) and general economic conditions.
 
Our industry is cyclical in nature and, during the first quarter of 2008, the overall demand for our products and our resulting revenues continued to be negatively affected by low levels of consumer confidence, fluctuating interest rates, higher fuel and insurance costs, and economic conditions in general.  We remain concerned about general economic conditions and the effect they could have on the towing and recovery industry.  Accordingly, we continue to take steps to reduce our production levels and lower our costs in response to these uncertainties.  We will continue to monitor our cost structure in an effort to ensure that it remains in line with business conditions.
 
In the first half of 2007, we completed orders under several municipal and military contracts, but with only a small number of subsequent additional orders on those contracts, our overall order intake has moderated.  We continue to work to secure additional follow-on orders under these contracts, but we cannot predict the success or timing of any such orders.
 
In addition, we have been and will continue to be affected by increases in the prices that we pay for raw materials, particularly aluminum, steel, petroleum-related products and other raw materials.  Raw material costs represent a substantial part of our total costs of operations, and management expects aluminum and steel prices to remain at historically high levels for the foreseeable future.  In the past, as we determined necessary, we implemented price increases to offset these higher costs.  We continue to monitor raw material prices and availability in order to more favorably position the Company in this dynamic market.
 
In July 2007, we amended our Senior Credit Agreement with Wachovia to, among other things, reduce the non default rate of interest under the revolving and term portions of our senior credit facility, increase the ratio of leverage permitted under the Consolidated Leverage Ratio covenant, extend the maturity date of the revolver, and modify certain of the negative covenants and events of default.  Total senior debt at March 31, 2008 was $3.2 million, which represents a significant decrease in our overall indebtedness from prior periods.
 
In May 2007, we repaid the remaining $5.0 million principal balance under our junior credit facility and with such payment, all loans under our junior credit facility were paid in full.  In July 2007, in connection with the amendments to our Senior Credit Agreement, the junior credit facility was terminated.
 
In 2007 we completed our modernization and expansion projects of our manufacturing facility in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and we expect to complete a similar project at our Ooltewah, Tennessee manufacturing facility in the first half of 2008.  We believe these modernization and expansion efforts will position us to more effectively face the challenges of the global marketplace in the future.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require us to make estimates.  Certain accounting policies are deemed “critical,” as they require management’s highest degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions.  A discussion of critical accounting policies, the judgments and uncertainties affecting their application and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions follows:
 
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Accounts receivable
 
We extend credit to customers in the normal course of business.  Collections from customers are continuously monitored and an allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues.  While such bad debt expenses have historically been within expectations and the allowance established, there can be no assurance that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates as in the past.
 
Valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill
 
Long-lived assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be fully recoverable.  When a determination has been made that the carrying amount of long-lived assets and goodwill may not be fully recovered, the amount of impairment is measured by comparing an asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value.  The determination of fair value is based on projected future cash flows discounted at a rate determined by management or, if available independent appraisals or sales price negotiations.  The estimation of fair value includes significant judgment regarding assumptions of revenue, operating costs, interest rates, property and equipment additions; and industry competition and general economic and business conditions among other factors.  We believe that these estimates are reasonable; however, changes in any of these factors could affect these evaluations.  Based on these estimations, we believe that our long-lived assets are appropriately valued.
 
Warranty Reserves
 
We estimate expense for product warranty claims at the time products are sold.  These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims.  We review trends of warranty claims and take actions to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims.  We believe the warranty reserve is adequate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the accrual.
 
Income taxes
 
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.  Differences between the effective tax rate and the expected tax rate are due primarily to losses from advances to and investments in certain discontinued operations and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances.  We consider the need to record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  We consider tax loss carryforwards, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning and estimates of future taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.  If unrecognized tax positions exist, we record interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax positions as income tax expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
 
Revenues
 
Under our accounting policies, revenues are recorded when risk of ownership has transferred to independent distributors or other customers, which generally occurs on shipment.  While we manufacture only the bodies of wreckers, which are installed on truck chassis manufactured by third parties, we frequently purchase the truck chassis for resale to our customers.  Sales of company-purchased truck chassis are included in net sales.  Margins are substantially lower on completed recovery vehicles containing company-purchased chassis because the markup over the cost of the chassis is nominal.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The functional currency for our foreign operations is the applicable local currency.  The translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, historical rates for equity and the weighted average exchange rate during the period for revenue and expense accounts.  The gains or losses resulting from such translations are included in shareholders’ equity.  For intercompany debt denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, the remeasurement into the functional currency is also included in shareholders’ equity as the amounts are considered to be of a long-term investment nature.
 
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Results of Operations–Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
 
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased 40.7% to $67.6 million from $114.0 million for the comparable period in 2007.  This decrease was attributable to lower production levels in response to moderating demand and the absence of any significant follow-on orders under certain governmental and military contracts for which orders were completed during the first half of 2007.
 
Costs of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased 39.3% to $59.4 million from $97.8 million for the comparable period in 2007, which was attributable to lower overall production levels in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the comparable period in 2007 as described above. Overall, costs of operations increased as a percentage of sales from 85.8% to 87.8% because of product mix as well as higher raw material costs.
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased to $6.3 million from $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The decrease is attributable to lower sales volume as well lower personnel-related expenses.  As a percentage of sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased to 9.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 6.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
 
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 reflects the combined effective U.S. federal, state and foreign tax rate of 37.2% and 35.6%, respectively.
 
Total interest expense decreased to $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $0.7 million for the comparable year-ago period.  Decreases in interest expense were primarily the result of lower debt levels.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $7.5 million for the comparable period in 2007.  The cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2008 reflects decreases in accounts receivable offset by increases in inventory and decreases in accounts payable reflecting lower volume levels.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $2.6 million for the comparable period in 2007.  The cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of property, plant and equipment.
 
Cash used in financing activities was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.4 million for the comparable period in 2007.  The cash used in financing activities paid down our term loan under our senior credit facility, and repaid other outstanding long-term debt.
 
Over the past year, we generally have used available cash flow from operations to reduce the outstanding balance on our credit facilities, to pay down other long-term debt and to pay for capital expenditures related to our plant modernization.
 
We have modernized and expanded our facility in Hermitage, Pennsylvania and will complete a similar project at our manufacturing facility in Ooltewah, Tennessee during the first half of 2008.  The total costs of these projects is anticipated to be approximately $14.0 million.  At March 31, 2008, the Company had commitments of approximately $1.9 million for construction and acquisition of property and equipment.  We expect to fund these projects from cash flows from operations and unused availability under our senior credit facility.
 
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In addition to our modernization and expansion, our primary cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures and interest and principal payments on indebtedness under our senior credit facility.  We expect our primary sources of cash to be cash flow from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand at March 31, 2008 and borrowings from unused availability under our senior credit facility.  We expect these sources to be sufficient to satisfy our cash needs for the remainder of 2008 and for the next several years.  However, our ability to satisfy our cash needs will substantially depend upon our future operating performance, and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.
 
Credit Facilities and Other Obligations
 
Senior Credit Facility
 
We are party to a Credit Agreement with Wachovia Bank, National Association for a $27.0 million senior secured credit facility.  The senior credit facility consists of a $20.0 million revolving credit facility, and a $7.0 million term loan.  The senior credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets, and contains customary representations and warranties, events of default and affirmative and negative covenants for secured facilities of this type.  Covenants under the senior credit facility restrict the payment of cash dividends if a default or event of default under the Senior Credit Agreement has occurred or would result from the dividends or if the Company would be in violation of the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio test in the Senior Credit Agreement as a result of the dividends, among various other restrictions.  On July 11, 2007, we agreed with Wachovia to make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement which are described below.
 
Formerly, in the absence of a default, all borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at the LIBOR Market Index Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a margin of between 1.75% to 2.50% per annum that was subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and the term loan bore interest at a 30-day adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of between 1.75% to 2.50% per annum that was subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio.  The revolving credit facility was scheduled to expire on June 15, 2008, and the term loan was scheduled to mature on June 15, 2010.
 
Under the amended Credit Agreement, the non-default rate of interest under the revolving credit facility and term loan was reduced to be the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus a margin of between 0.75% to 1.50% per annum that is subject to adjustment from time to time based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, and the maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to June 17, 2010.  The amendments also increased the ratio of leverage permitted under the Consolidated Leverage Ratio covenant, and extended and modified certain of the negative covenants and events of default set forth in the Credit Agreement.
 
At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
 
Termination of Junior Credit Facility
 
In May 2006, we repaid $5.0 million of the subordinated debt under our junior credit facility with William G. Miller, and in May 2007, we repaid the remaining $5.0 million principal balance under the junior credit facility.  With such payments, all loans under our junior credit facility were paid in full.  In July 2007, in connection with the amendments to the senior credit facility, the junior credit facility was terminated.
 
Other Long-Term Obligations
 
In addition to the borrowings under the senior credit facility described above, we had approximately $2.4 million of mortgage notes payable, equipment notes payable and other long-term obligations at March 31, 2008.  We also had approximately $2.3 million in non-cancelable operating lease obligations.
 
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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
In the normal course of our business, we are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates that could impact our results of operations and financial position.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Changes in interest rates affect the interest paid on indebtedness under our senior credit facility and our mortgage notes payable because the outstanding amounts of indebtedness under our senior credit facility and the mortgage notes payable are subject to variable interest rates.  Under our senior credit facility, the non-default rate of interest is equal to the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus a margin of between 0.75% to 1.50% per annum (for a rate of interest of 3.45% at March 31, 2008), and under the mortgage notes payable, the rate of interest is equal to a LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% (for a rate of interest of 4.95% at March 31, 2008).  A one percent change in the interest rate on our variable-rate debt would not have materially impacted our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
 
We have market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our international operations in Europe.  We manage our exposure to our foreign currency exchange rate risk through our regular operating and financing activities, and not through the use of any financial or derivative instruments, forward contracts or hedging activities.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows was not material.
 
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers (Co-CEOs) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based upon this evaluation, our Co-CEOs and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
 
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of this evaluation.
 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of our business.  Litigation is subject to various inherent uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to us, which could result in substantial damages against us.  We have established accruals for matters that are probable and reasonably estimable and maintain product liability and other insurance that management believes to be adequate.  Management believes that any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of these matters in excess of available insurance coverage and accruals will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
 
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
   
3.1
Charter, as amended, of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on April 22, 2002)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on November 8, 2007)
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer*
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Co-Chief Executive Officer*
31.3
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) by Chief Financial Officer*
32.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer*
32.2
Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Co-Chief Executive Officer*
32.3
Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code by Chief Financial Officer*
______________
 
*
Filed herewith
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Miller Industries, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
MILLER INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
     
     
 
By:
 /s/ J. Vincent Mish
 
   
J. Vincent Mish
 
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Date:  May 12, 2008
 
 
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