ABLEST,INC.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Commission File Number 1-10893
Ablest Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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65-0978462 |
(State of Incorporation)
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(I.R.S.Identification No.) |
1511 N. Westshore Boulevard, Suite 900
Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 830-7700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
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Title of Each Class |
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, par value $.05 per share
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American Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer or a non- accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated Filer o Non-accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the Registrants common shares held by non-affiliates as of the
last day of the Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately
$4,289,000. Shares of common stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns
5% or more of the outstanding common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to
be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive
determination for other purposes.
The number of common shares of the Registrant outstanding at March 12, 2007 was 2,927,424.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of this Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A is to include certain
information that was omitted from Part III of the Annual Report on Form 10-K because it was
incorporated by reference from the Companys definitive Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. Because the Companys definitive Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders will not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after
the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, the information required by Part III of the
Annual Report on Form 10-K cannot be incorporated by reference and therefore must be included in
the Annual Report. This Amendment No. 1 contains the information that was previously omitted from
Part III of the Annual Report.
This amended Form 10-K/A does not attempt to modify or update any other disclosures set forth in
the original Form 10-K, except as required to reflect the additional information included in Part
III of this Form 10-K/A. Additionally, this amended Form 10-K/A, except for the additional
information included in Part III, speaks as of the filing date of the original Form 10-K and does
not update or discuss any other Company developments after the date of the original filing. All
information contained in this amended Form 10-K/A and the original Form 10-K is subject to updating
and supplementing as provided in the periodic reports that the Company has filed and will file
after the original filing date with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
References in this document to the Registrant, Company, Ablest, we, our, or us refer to
Ablest Inc., except where the context otherwise requires.
General
Ablest Inc. (Company) offers staffing services in the United States. Staffing services are
principally provided through 61 company-owned service locations in the Eastern United States and
selected Southwestern markets with the capability to supply staffing services for the clerical,
industrial, information technology, and finance and accounting needs of their customers. Positions
often filled include, but are not limited to, data entry, office administration, telemarketing,
light industrial assembly, order picking and shipping, network administration, database
administration, program analyst (both mainframe and client server), web development, project
management, technical writing, accounting, financial analysis, and internal auditing. The Company
does not service any specific industry or field; instead, its services are provided to a
broad-based customer list. The Company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
The state of incorporation is the State of Delaware.
Availability of Reports and Other Information
Copies of the Companys annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) are available, free of charge, on our website, www.ablest.com, as soon as reasonably
practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The
information contained on the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on
Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report.
The Staffing Industry
The staffing services business is highly competitive with few barriers to entry. There are numerous
local, regional and national firms principally engaged in offering such services. The primary
competitive factors in the staffing services field are quality of service, reliability of personnel
and price. Historically, the temporary staffing industry has experienced its greatest growth
during economic recoveries.
The staffing services industry was once used predominately as a short-term solution for greater
workforce needs during peak production periods and to replace workers who were abruptly terminated
or who were absent due to illness or vacation. For several decades, the use of temporary services
has evolved into a permanent and significant component of staffing plans of many employers.
Corporate restructuring, government regulations, advances in technology and the desire by many
business entities to shift employee costs from a fixed to a variable expense have resulted in the
use of a wide range of staffing alternatives by businesses. Flexible staffing alternatives allow
businesses to respond quickly and aggressively to changing market conditions which many economists
and analysts believe is critical to future economical growth.
Additionally, it is widely accepted by economists that temporary staffing also encourages greater
work force participation, which is critical as the United States faces a labor shortage. Temporary
staffing provides employment flexibility and options to people who might otherwise choose not to
work. Flexible work arrangements offer choices that fit the diverse needs and preferences of
potential employees thereby contributing to increased participation and enhanced productivity. The
clerical, light industrial, information technology and financial sectors represent the four largest
sectors of the temporary staffing industry.
3
Operations
The table below is a summary of information relating to the Companys operations for each of the
last three fiscal years.
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For the fiscal year ended |
(Amounts in thousands) |
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December 31, 2006 |
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December 25, 2005 |
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December 26, 2004 |
Net Serivce Revenues
Staffing Services |
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$ |
140,764 |
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$ |
137,457 |
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$ |
116,353 |
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Operating Income
Staffing Services |
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2,436 |
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3,087 |
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1,372 |
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Total Assets
Staffing Services |
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27,564 |
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26,455 |
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24,743 |
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Working Capital. By virtue of the nature of the Companys business, the attainment and
maintenance of high levels of working capital is not required.
Backlog. In view of the fact that the Companys services are primarily furnished pursuant to
purchase orders or on a call basis, backlog is not material.
Employees. We employ approximately 200 staff members in our corporate headquarters and
company-owned branch offices. In 2006, we assigned more than 35,000 temporary employees with a
variety of customers around the United States. At any given time of the year, only a portion of
these employees were placed on temporary assignments. The Company considers its employee relations
to be good.
Branch Offices. All offices are company-owned and provide clerical, light industrial, information
technology and financial staffing, primarily concentrated in 12 states. These offices are
organized into regions and managed by regional managers and other area staff who provide operation
support for the offices in their regions. These offices are organized based upon geographic
location and/or service offerings. Each office has a manager who is accountable for the day-to-day
operations and profitability. The table below sets forth the geographic distribution of the
offices as of December 31, 2006.
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Company-Owned Offices |
Midsouth (1) |
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9 |
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Midwest (2) |
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11 |
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Northeast (3) |
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24 |
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Southeast (4) |
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17 |
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Total |
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61 |
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(1) |
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The Midsouth includes the states of Mississippi and Tennessee |
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(2) |
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The Midwest includes the states of Illinois, Texas and Arizona |
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(3) |
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The Northeast includes the states of Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia |
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(4) |
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The Southeast includes the states of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina |
Managers report to their regional managers and together they are responsible for sales, client
development and retention, recruitment, placement and retention of associates and general
administration for their respective offices and regions. The Company believes that this
decentralization contributes to the initiation and commitment of its management team and that its
incentive compensation approach motivates managers to increase profits.
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The Company continually reassesses its current operations based on its strategic initiatives and
may consolidate or close these offices if they do not meet managements expectations.
Seasonality
The Companys quarterly operating results are affected by the number of billing days in the quarter
and the seasonality of its clients businesses. Historically, revenue growth has accelerated in
each of the fiscal quarters as manufacturers, retailers and service businesses increase their level
of business activity. In the first fiscal quarter, gross margins have historically been lower with
the affect of state unemployment insurance taxes resetting with the start of the new calendar year.
The fourth fiscal quarter has historically been strong as a result of manufacturing and retail
emphasis on holiday sales.
Cyclical Nature of the Business
The staffing industry has historically been considered to be cyclical, often acting as an indicator
of both economic downswings and upswings. Staffing customers tend to use temporary staffing to
supplement their existing workforces and generally hire permanent workers when long-term demand is
expected to increase. As a consequence of this, our revenues tend to increase quickly when the
economy begins to grow. Conversely, revenues also tend to decrease quickly when the economy begins
to weaken as the customers reduce temporary workers before terminating their own employees.
Clients
The Company serves the needs of small, mid-size and Fortune 500 businesses in a variety of
industries. During fiscal years 2006 and 2005, the Company serviced over 2000 clients nationwide.
The Companys ten highest volume clients in fiscal years 2006 and 2005 accounted for 30.0% and
27.3%, respectively, of the Companys total revenues. One client, ModusLink Corporation,
accounted for 12.1 % of the Companys total revenues for fiscal year 2006. No single client
accounted for more than 9.3% of the Companys total revenues for fiscal year 2005.
Competition
The temporary services industry is highly competitive with limited barriers to entry. The Company
believes that its largest competitors in the clerical and light industrial sectors include Adecco
S.A., Kelly Services, Inc., Manpower Inc., Spherion Corporation, Barrett Business Services, Inc.,
SelectRemedy, Inc. and Westaff Inc.. These and other large competitors have nationwide operations
with greater resources than the Company, which among other things could enable them to attempt to
maintain or increase their market share by reducing prices. In addition, there are a number of
other mid-sized firms that are regional or emphasize specialized niches and compete with the
Company in certain markets where they have a stronger presence. Numerous small or single-office
firms compete effectively with the Companys offices in their limited areas. In the information
technology and financial sectors, the Company believes that its competitors include MPS Group,
Inc., Robert Half International, Inc., Adecco S.A., Alternative Resources Corporation, On
Assignment, Inc., KForce, Comsys, and CDI Corporation.
Although the Company believes that it competes favorably with respect to the forgoing factors, the
Companys management believes that the most important competitive factors in obtaining and
retaining its targeted clients is understanding the customer specific job requirements, the ability
to provide qualified temporary personnel in a timely manner and the quality of services. The
primary competitive factors in obtaining qualified candidates for temporary employment assignments
are wages, benefits and responsiveness to work schedules.
The Company expects ongoing vigorous competition and pricing pressure from national, regional and
local providers, and there is no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain or increase
its market share or profitability.
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Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer and senior financial
officer, in
accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the SEC promulgated
there under and the American Stock Exchange rules. In the event that we make any changes to, or
provide any waivers from, the provisions of our code of ethics, we intend to disclose these events
on our website or in a report on Form 8-K within four business days of such event.
Recent Developments
As previously reported, on January 18, 2007, the Companys Board of Directors received a proposal
from certain existing investors, including Charles H. Heist, III, the Companys Chairman of the
Board, Kurt R. Moore, the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, The Burton Partnership
(QP), Limited Partnership and The Burton Partnership, Limited Partnership, to acquire all of the
Companys publicly held common stock for $7.50 per share in cash.
The Companys Board of Directors formed a Special Committee of four independent directors to review
and evaluate the foregoing proposal and any strategic alternatives to the proposal that may be
available to the Company. Subsequent to the Companys public announcement of receipt of the
foregoing buyout proposal, the Special Committee received an indication of interest from a
potential third-party acquirer. The Special Committee has not made a determination whether either
proposed transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders or whether the
Company should pursue any other available strategic alternatives. The Special Committee continues
to evaluate the foregoing proposals, as well as other strategic alternatives for the Company.
Accordingly, no assurances can be given as to whether any particular strategic alternative will be
pursued or implemented. The Special Committee currently does not intend to make any further public
announcements regarding its review of possible strategic alternatives until its evaluation process
has been completed. See also Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
In evaluating the Companys business, one should carefully consider the following risk factors in
addition to information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Any significant economic downturn could result in our clients using fewer temporary employees,
which could materially adversely affect the Company.
Demand for temporary services is significantly affected by the general level of economic activity.
As economic activity slows, businesses may reduce their use of temporary employees before
undertaking layoffs of their full-time employees, resulting in decreased demand for the Companys
temporary personnel. Further, in an economic downturn, the Company may face pricing pressure from
its clients and increased competition from other staffing companies, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Companys business.
The Company operates in highly competitive markets with low barriers to entry, potentially limiting
its ability to maintain or increase its market share or profit margins.
The temporary services industry is highly competitive with limited barriers to entry and in recent
years has been undergoing significant consolidation. The Company competes in national, regional and
local markets with full service agencies and with specialized temporary service agencies. Many
competitors are smaller than the Company, but have an advantage over the Company in discrete
geographic markets because of their stronger local presence. Other competitors are more well-known
and have greater marketing and financial resources than the Company, which among other things could
enable them to maintain or increase their market share by reducing prices. The Company expects the
level of competition to remain high in the future and competitive pricing pressures may have an
adverse effect on the Companys operating margins.
6
The Companys success depends upon its ability to attract and retain qualified temporary personnel.
The Company depends upon its ability to attract qualified temporary personnel who possess the
skills and experience necessary to meet the staffing requirements of its clients. It must
continually evaluate and upgrade its base of available qualified personnel to keep pace with
changing client needs and emerging technologies. Competition for individuals with proven skills is
intense and demand for these individuals is expected to remain very strong for the foreseeable
future. There can be no assurance that qualified personnel will continue to be available to the
Company in sufficient numbers and on terms of employment acceptable to management. The success will
depend on the Companys ability to recruit qualified temporary personnel and retain them.
The Companys business may suffer if it loses its key personnel.
The Companys operations are dependent on the continued efforts of its executive officers and
senior management. Additionally, it is dependent on the performance and productivity of its local
managers and field personnel. The ability to attract and retain business is significantly affected
by local relationships and the quality of service rendered. The loss of those key executive
officers and senior management who have acquired experience in operating a staffing service company
may cause a significant disruption to the business. Moreover, the loss of key local managers or
field personnel may jeopardize existing customer relationships with businesses that continue to use
the Companys staffing services based upon past direct relationships with these local managers and
field personnel. Either of these types of losses could adversely affect the Companys operations,
including its ability to establish and maintain customer relationships.
The Company may be exposed to employment-related claims and costs that could materially adversely
affect its business.
The Company is in the business of employing people and placing them in the workplace of other
businesses. Attendant risks of these activities include possible claims by clients of employee
misconduct or negligence, claims by employees of discrimination or harassment (including claims
relating to actions of its clients), claims related to the inadvertent employment of illegal aliens
or unlicensed personnel, payment of workers compensation claims and other similar claims. The
Company has policies and guidelines in place to help reduce its exposure to these risks and has
purchased insurance policies against certain risks in amounts that it believes to be adequate.
However, there can be no assurances that it will not experience these problems in the future or
that it may not incur fines or other losses or negative publicity with respect to these problems
that could have a material adverse effect on its business.
The cost of unemployment insurance premiums and workers compensation costs for temporary
employees may rise and reduce the Companys profit margins.
Businesses use temporary staffing in part to shift certain employment costs and risks to personnel
services companies. For example, the Company is responsible for, and pays unemployment insurance
premiums and workers compensation for, its temporary employees. These costs have generally risen
as a result of increased claims, general economic conditions and governmental regulation. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase the fees charged to its clients in the
future to keep pace with increased costs. Price competition in the personnel services industry is
intense. If the Company is unable to maintain its margins, it expects that it may choose to stop
servicing certain clients. Further, there can be no assurance that certain clients will continue to
use the Company at increased cost. There can be no assurance that it will maintain its margins, and
if it does not, its results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely
affected.
The Company retains a portion of the risk under its workers compensation program. The estimated
remaining deductible liability for all existing and incurred but not reported claims is accrued
based upon actuarial methods using current claims information, as well as prior experience, and may
be subsequently revised based on new developments related to such claims. Changes in the estimates
underlying the claims reserve are charged or credited to earnings in the period determined, and
therefore large fluctuations in any given quarter could materially adversely affect earnings in
that period.
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The Company is continually subject to the risk of new regulations, which could harm its
business.
The Company is subject to bills introduced in Congress and various state legislatures, which, if
enacted, could impose conditions that could have a negative financial impact on the Company and
harm its business operations. The Company takes an active role (through its affiliations with, and
participation in, various staffing industry organizations) in opposing proposed legislation adverse
to its business and in informing policy makers as to the social and economic benefits of its
business. However, there can be no assurance or guarantees that any of these bills (or future
bills) will not be enacted, in which case, demand for the Companys services or its financial
condition, or both, may suffer.
The Company faces litigation that could have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In the ordinary conduct of business, the Company is subject to various lawsuits, investigations and
claims, covering a wide range of matters, including, but not limited to, employment matters. It is
possible that the Company may be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs in excess
of its insurance coverage, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or
results of operations. The Company could also incur substantial legal costs, and managements
attention and resources could be diverted from the business.
The Companys business may be at risk if there is failure of implementing a new information system.
In 2006, the Company implemented new front-office and back-office systems to be utilized in
connection with the commercial and professional staffing operations. This implementation of new
management information systems required a significant investment in software, hardware, outside
consultant assistance and internal personnel resources. Although it is believed that this
technology initiative will increase productivity, improve operating efficiencies and lower
long-term operating costs, there is no assurance that such an initiative will yield its intended
results.
The Company is dependent on the proper functioning of information systems in operating its
business, particularly with respect to monitoring client assignments and billing. If our critical
information systems fail or are otherwise unavailable, we would have to accomplish these functions
manually, which would temporarily impact our client records and billing capabilities, The
Companys information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards including the
use of a third party processing center. However, the Companys corporate headquarters and a number
of our customers are located in Florida, which is a hurricane-sensitive area. During fiscal 2005,
four hurricanes made land-fall in Florida, with Hurricane Wilma moving directly through South
Florida and causing significant infrastructure damage and disruption to the area. Our revenues
from offices in South Florida were adversely affected by these hurricanes during fiscal 2005.
Similar disruptions to our offices and the business of our customers from natural disasters,
terrorist acts, power loss, telecommunications failures, physical or software break-ins, computer
viruses and similar events any adversely impact our revenues.
The Companys business may be at risk if there is any negative development with significant
customers.
Of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately 12.1% came from one major
customer and 30.0% came from our top ten customers.
The addition of offices and entry into new geographic markets may not occur on a timely basis or
achieve anticipated financial results.
A key element of our growth strategy includes entering new geographic markets. Our success in
entering new markets depends on a number of factors including our ability to:
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develop, recruit and maintain qualified personnel in the new geographic market; |
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develop and sustain customer relationships in each new market; |
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accurately assess the demand for our services in a new geographic market. |
The addition of offices and new geographic areas typically result in an increase in our operating
expenses, primarily due to increased employee headcount. Because there is typically a delay
between a new office opening
and reaching full productivity, new office openings may adversely affect our results of operations
for a period of time. In addition, we may not accurately forecast the demand for our services in
new markets that we enter. If we do not adequately manage for foregoing factors, our operating
results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Significant increases in payroll-related costs could adversely affect the Companys business.
We are required to pay a number of federal, state and local payroll and related costs, including
unemployment taxes, workers compensation and insurance, FICA, and Medicare, among others, for our
employees. Significant increases in the effective rates of any payroll-related costs likely would
have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations. Costs could also increase as a
result of health care reforms or the possible imposition of additional requirements and
restrictions related to the placement of personnel. Recent federal and state legislative proposals
have included provisions extending health insurance benefits to personnel who currently do not
receive such benefits. We may not be able to increase the fees charged to our clients in a timely
manner and in a sufficient amount to cover increased costs, if any such proposals are adopted.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2. Properties
The Company currently leases 14,336 square feet of office space in Tampa, Florida that serves as
its corporate headquarters. The Company leases 55 additional facilities under rental agreements
and under terms and conditions prevailing in the various service locations. The remaining six
branches are located at customer sites. The Company considers all of its offices and facilities
suitable and adequate for servicing its customers and evaluating proximity to available temporary
personnel. The inability to renew all or a majority of the leases on similar or favorable terms to
the Company could have a material impact in the financial condition of the Company.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject, from time to time, to claims encountered in the normal course of business.
In the opinion of management, the resolution of all pending matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the Companys financial condition or liquidity. The Company maintains reasonable
and prudent insurance coverages and deductibles. The principal risks insured against are workers
compensation, personal injury, bodily injury, property damage, professional malpractice, errors and
omissions, employment practices and fidelity losses. Management does not expect that the outcome of
any pending lawsuits relating to such matters, individually or collectively, will have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company understands that on March 5, 2007, David Ryman, an alleged shareholder of the Company,
filed a lawsuit against the Company, certain Company directors and officers, and other parties, on
behalf of a putative class of the Companys public shareholders. The litigation is pending in the
Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Florida. The Company has
not been advised that any defendant has been served with the Complaint. The litigation relates to
the Companys January 23, 2007 announcement that: (i) certain existing investors, including Charles
H. Heist, III, the Companys Chairman of the Board, Kurt R. Moore, the Companys President and
Chief Executive Officer, and two partnerships that
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own Company shares, have presented the Company
with a proposal to acquire all of the Companys publicly held common stock; and (ii) the Companys
Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of four independent directors to review and
evaluate the proposal, as well as other strategic alternatives for the Company . In his Complaint,
the plaintiff seeks: (i) an order enjoining the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or
closing the proposed transaction; (ii) in the event that the transaction is closed, an order
rescinding the transaction or awarding damages; and (iii) an award of attorneys fees, experts
fees and costs. The Company believes that the claims being made in the foregoing litigation are
without merit and, if such litigation proceeds, it intends to vigorously defend against such
claims.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2006.
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities
Market for Registrants Common Stock
The Companys common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol AIH.
Price Range of Common Stock
The following table presents the quarterly high and low sales prices of our common stock as
reported by the American Stock Exchange during each quarter of our fiscal years ended December 31,
2006 and December 25, 2005:
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2006 |
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2005 |
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High |
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Low |
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High |
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Low |
1st Quarter |
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$ |
9.95 |
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$ |
8.11 |
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$ |
8.00 |
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$ |
7.00 |
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2nd Quarter |
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9.65 |
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8.33 |
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7.70 |
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6.63 |
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3rd Quarter |
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8.75 |
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5.92 |
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12.75 |
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6.51 |
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4th Quarter |
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7.15 |
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6.17 |
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10.85 |
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7.50 |
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Number of Common Stockholders
On February 26, 2007, there were 453 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
Our current policy is to retain all of our earnings to finance the growth and development of our
business. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common shares in the
foreseeable future.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Information regarding our equity compensation plans can be found in Item 12 of Part III of this
Annual Report.
Performance Graph
The following stock performance graph presented on the following page compares the common stock of
the company to the Standard and Poors 500 Index (a broad market index) and a peer group index for
the five years ended December 31, 2006. The graph assumed an investment of $100 on December 31,
2001 in stock or index, including any dividends were reinvested.
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COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Ablest Inc., The S & P 500 Index
And A Peer Group
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* |
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$ 100 invested on 12/31/01 in stock or index-including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal
year ending December 31. |
Copyright © 2007, Standard & Poors, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc. All rights reserved. www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm
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ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data with respect to the Company set forth below should be read in
conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the Companys consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The fiscal year
of 2006 of the Company is a 53-week period and the fiscal years 2002 through 2005 of the Company
are 52-week periods all ending the Sunday closest to December 31.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended December |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net service revenues |
|
$ |
140,764 |
|
|
$ |
137,457 |
|
|
$ |
116,353 |
|
|
$ |
104,048 |
|
|
$ |
101,193 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
3,087 |
|
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
1,061 |
|
|
|
566 |
|
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
|
1,148 |
|
|
|
2,542 |
|
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
(1,769 |
) |
|
|
218 |
|
Net income from continuing operations |
|
|
1,339 |
|
|
|
536 |
|
|
|
883 |
|
|
|
2,883 |
|
|
|
608 |
|
Income per common share from
continuing operations: basic |
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
diluted |
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
0.99 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
27,564 |
|
|
|
26,455 |
|
|
|
24,743 |
|
|
|
22,579 |
|
|
|
19,216 |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following summarizes quarterly operating results:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 Quarters |
|
1st |
|
2nd |
|
3rd |
|
4th |
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net service revenues |
|
$ |
35,864 |
|
|
$ |
34,340 |
|
|
$ |
34,672 |
|
|
$ |
35,888 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
6,111 |
|
|
|
5,942 |
|
|
|
6,181 |
|
|
|
6,204 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
561 |
|
|
|
505 |
|
|
|
666 |
|
|
|
704 |
|
Net income from continuing operations |
|
|
348 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
|
|
396 |
|
|
|
310 |
|
Income per common share, basic |
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
Income per common share, diluted |
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 Quarters |
|
1st |
|
2nd |
|
3rd |
|
4th |
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net service revenues |
|
$ |
30,835 |
|
|
$ |
32,751 |
|
|
$ |
34,873 |
|
|
$ |
38,998 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
4,977 |
|
|
|
5,742 |
|
|
|
5,766 |
|
|
|
6,501 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
589 |
|
|
|
1,143 |
|
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
|
|
367 |
|
|
|
(669 |
) |
Income (loss) per common share, basic |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
Income (loss) per common share, diluted |
|
$ |
0.09 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
|
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
12
|
|
|
ITEM 7. |
|
Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
Forward-looking Statements
Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than those concerning historical
information, should be considered forward-looking and are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. This
notice is intended to take advantage of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to such forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements (such as when we describe what will, may or should occur, what we
plan, intend, estimate, believe, expect or anticipate will occur, and other similar
statements) include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future revenues and operating
results; future prospects; anticipated benefits of proposed (or future) new branches, products or
services; growth; the capabilities and capacities of our business operations and information
systems; financing needs or plans; any financial or other guidance and all statements that are not
based on historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and
events. We make certain assumptions when making forward-looking statements, any of which could
prove inaccurate, including, but not limited to, statements about our business plans. The ultimate
correctness of these forward-looking statements is dependent upon a number of known and unknown
risks and events, and is subject to various uncertainties and other factors that may cause our
actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by these statements. The following important factors, among
others, could affect future results and events, causing those results and events to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements: business conditions
and competitive factors in our customers industries, our ability to successfully expand into new
markets and offer new service lines, the availability of qualified
personnel, the non-exclusive,
short-term nature of our customers commitments, economic and political conditions and
unemployment
levels in the United States and other countries, increases in payroll related costs, including
state unemployment insurance and workers compensation insurance, obsolescence or impairment of our
information systems, our ability to successfully invest in and implement information systems,
the cost of and our ability to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
material liabilities under our self-insurance program, and other factors that we may not have
currently identified or quantified.
All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made only as of the
date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update
or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently
occur or which we hereafter become aware of. You should read this document and the documents that
we incorporate by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K completely and with the
understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We
may not update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future. All
forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary
statements.
History of the Company
On March 13, 2000, C. H. Heist Corp. sold substantially all of the assets of its United States
industrial maintenance business and the stock of C. H. Heist Corp.s wholly owned Canadian
subsidiary, C. H. Heist, Ltd., to Onyx Industrial Services, Inc. Taken together, these operations
comprised substantially all of the assets of C. H. Heist Corp.s industrial maintenance operations.
Included in the sale was C. H. Heist Corp.s administrative and warehousing facility in Buffalo,
New York. Also on March 13, 2000, C. H. Heist Corp. merged into a newly formed company, Ablest
Inc., and reincorporated in the State of Delaware.
On January 1, 2001, the Companys subsidiaries Ablest Service Corp. (a Delaware corporation),
Milestone Technologies, Inc. (an Arizona corporation) and PLP Corp. (an Alabama corporation) were
formally merged
13
into Ablest Inc. (a Delaware corporation), to form a single operating company under
the Ablest Inc. name. The outstanding shares of the merging corporations were cancelled and no
shares of Ablest Inc. were issued in exchange. The outstanding shares of Ablest Inc. remain
outstanding and were not affected by the merger.
The following discussions and analysis of operations and financial condition pertain to the
Companys staffing services business, which constitutes its continuing operations.
Overview
We derive our revenues by providing clerical, industrial, technical, and finance and accounting
staffing services in the United States. We currently provide our staffing services principally
through 61 Company-owned service locations in the Eastern United States and selected Southwestern
markets. We fill positions in data entry, office administration, telemarketing, light industrial
assembly, order picking and shipping, network administration, database administration, program
analyst (both mainframe and client server), web development, project management, technical writing,
accounting, financial analysis, and internal auditing, among others. We do not service any specific
industry or field; instead, our services are provided to a broad-based customer list.
During the 53 week period ended December 31, 2006, the Company placed approximately 35,000 workers
and provided approximately 11 million hours of staffing services to over 2000 clients.
Substantially all of our revenues are driven by hours billed and billing rates. Our billing rates
are generally negotiated and invoiced on a per-hour basis. Accordingly, as we place temporary
employees, we record revenue based on their hours worked. Our gross margins are determined by
deducting temporary employee pay, related taxes, benefits and other direct placement costs such as
drug screens, background and reference checks. Piecework contracts are billed to the customer on a
cost per unit basis versus an hourly basis. Revenue from piecework contracts is recognized at the
time service is performed. Permanent placement services are fee-based services to recruit and fill
regular staff positions for customers. Revenue from permanent placement services is recognized
when a candidate begins full-time employment.
Customer demand for our employment services depends significantly on the overall strength of the
labor market. Improving economic growth typically results in increased demand for labor, resulting
in greater demand for our services. Correspondingly, during periods of weak economic growth or
economic contraction, the demand for our services typically declines.
Due to the dependence of the staffing industry growth on economic factors, the inherent
difficulty in forecasting the direction and strength of the economy and the short-term nature of
staffing assignments, it is difficult to forecast future demand for our services with any
certainty. As a result, we monitor a number of economic indicators, as well as recent business
trends, in an effort to predict demand for temporary staffing services. Based upon these
anticipated trends, we determine whether changes in personnel or other adjustments to our business
are appropriate.
Historically, our business has expanded through both internal growth of existing branch
offices and opening new branch offices. During 2006 and 2005, we opened new branch office locations
and focused on increasing revenues of existing branch offices. During 2007, we intend to open
strategically located branches that we believe will enhance our current customer relationships as
well as facilitate establishing new ones. We believe that the amount of capital required to open
new branches is less than the amount of capital required to consummate acquisitions. We cannot
assure you that we will successfully open new branches or that, if opened, such branches will
result in any material revenues or contribute positively to our earnings.
We continue to try to improve our gross margins by working closely with our customers to minimize
costs associated with workers compensation claims. We have implemented safety training and
education programs at all branch locations and key customer locations. We also review the risk
profiles of certain clients to assess the potential workers compensation claims liabilities as
compared to their potential profitability level. In addition, we expanded our return-to-work
program closely monitoring each employees injury status to enable
14
the employees to return to work
as soon as medically advisable. We attempt to manage unemployment insurance costs through
aggressive claim adjudication and actively offering displaced employees alternative job
assignments. We cannot assure you that our continued efforts to manage workers compensation
claims and unemployment insurance
costs or our new compensation plan will result in increased operating margins.
In 2005, we entered into a Services Agreement and License & Support Agreement with VCG, Inc.
for the installation, maintenance and support of a new front-office system, StaffSuite®, to be
utilized in connection with our commercial and professional staffing operations. In addition, we
entered into a Professional Services Agreement (including Proposal for Implementation) with IDEAL
Consulting, Inc. for the installation of Great Plains® software for use in connection with our
back-office systems, including our corporate accounting, finance, human resources and customer
service processes. These two systems replaced our existing management information systems to
support future growth of the Company. This implementation of a new management information system
has required a significant investment in software, hardware, outside consultant assistance and
internal personnel resources. Although we believe this technology initiative will increase
productivity, improve operating efficiencies and lower long-term operating costs, there is no
assurance that such an initiative will yield its intended results.
The following table sets forth for the last five fiscal years, the total number of offices and
their associated revenues. Average revenues per office are computed by dividing the relevant
revenues by the number of offices. Our long-term revenue growth depends in part upon our ability
to continue to attract new clients, retain existing clients, open new offices, as well as our
ability to enhance the sales of existing offices beyond historical levels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Years Ended |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
Number of offices |
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
Total hours billed |
|
|
10,927,323 |
|
|
|
11,121,141 |
|
|
|
9,683,921 |
|
|
|
8,611,203 |
|
|
|
8,333,481 |
|
Average hours billed per office |
|
|
179,136 |
|
|
|
198,592 |
|
|
|
197,631 |
|
|
|
191,360 |
|
|
|
177,308 |
|
Total revenue |
|
$ |
140,827 |
|
|
$ |
137,457 |
|
|
$ |
116,353 |
|
|
$ |
104,048 |
|
|
$ |
101,193 |
|
Average revenue per office |
|
$ |
2,309 |
|
|
$ |
2,455 |
|
|
$ |
2,375 |
|
|
$ |
2,312 |
|
|
$ |
2,153 |
|
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, compared to December 25, 2005.
Fiscal Year 2006 was comprised of 53 weeks, as opposed to fiscal 2005, which was comprised of 52
weeks.
Results of Operations:
Net service revenues totaled $140.8 million for fiscal 2006 as compared to $137.5 million for
fiscal 2005. Net service revenue increased $3.3 million, or 2.4%, the increase is primarily due to
the additional week of operations.
Gross profit was $24.4 million for fiscal 2006 and $23.0 million for fiscal 2005. Gross profit
increased $1.5 million, or 6.3% over prior year. Gross profit for fiscal year 2006 as a percent of
revenue was 17.4% as compared to 16.7% for fiscal year 2005. This improvement is due to
managements decision to eliminate higher risk and lower margin business and the increase in
clerical, direct hire and temporary-to-permanent business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.1 million or 10.6%, to $22.0 million
for fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. These expenses were 15.6% in fiscal year 2006 as
compared to 14.5% in fiscal year 2005 as a percentage of revenue. Approximately $1.4 million of
this increase was attributable to our new branch openings. The remaining variance in these expenses
is due to increased workers compensation costs and hiring additional workforce.
15
Other income (expense), net, increased to $51,000 in income for fiscal 2006 from $9,000 in expense
for fiscal 2005. This increase is materially due to interest income earned as the Company
invested excess cash in short-term bonds. As of December 31, 2006, there was no excess cash
invested.
For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005, compared to December 26, 2004.
Fiscal Year 2005 was comprised of 52 weeks, as was fiscal 2004.
Results of Operations:
Net service revenues totaled $137.5 million for fiscal 2005 as compared to $116.4 million for
fiscal 2004. Net service revenue increased $21.1 million, or 18.1%, due to the expansion of our
customer base through the opening of new offices as well as the focus of the existing branches to
increase account penetration and improve pricing. The opening of 10 new branches added $9.2
million in revenues.
Gross profit was $23.0 million for fiscal 2005 and $18.4 million for fiscal 2004. Gross profit
increased $4.6 million, or 24.8% over prior year. Gross profit for fiscal year 2005 as a percent
of revenue was 16.7% as compared to 15.8% for fiscal year 2004. This improvement is due to
increased revenue levels, managements decision to eliminate higher risk and lower margin business
and the increase in direct hire and temporary-to-permanent business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.9 million or 16.8%, to $19.9 million
for fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004. These expenses were 14.5% in fiscal year 2005 as
compared to 14.7% in fiscal year 2004 as a percent of revenue. During the 2005 fiscal year, the
Company and its former Chief Financial Officer entered into a Settlement Agreement and Complete and
Permanent Release, dated September 22, 2005, pursuant to which, the Company agreed to pay severance
of $290,000. In addition, $817,000 of this increase was attributable to our new branch openings.
The remaining variance in these expenses is due to increased compensation costs and hiring
additional workforce for the higher sales volume. The Company continues to closely manage expense
levels to leverage its cost structure as business volume increases.
Other income (expense), net, increased to $9,000 in expense for fiscal 2005 from $26,000 in income
for fiscal 2004. This increase is materially due to $7,000 interest expense paid as the Company
had borrowings against its revolving credit facility in only the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.
Fiscal year 2004 included a $15,000 state incentive payment to the Company.
Our fiscal 2006 tax expense was $1,148,000 and the effective tax rate for 2006 was 46.2%. The
Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has completed and closed its examinations of the Companys tax
returns for all years through 2003. In connection with these examinations, in January 2006, the
IRS issued the Company an assessment related to the previously filed 2001 tax return, which
disallowed $3,114,000 of net operating loss (NOL) carryfowards. These NOLs represented
$1,182,000 of the Companys deferred tax assets, and were derived from the 2000 sale of the
industrial maintenance business. Therefore, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 was 82.6%,
which resulted in tax expense of $2,542,000. This is compared to our fiscal 2004 tax expense of
$515,000. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2004 was 36.8%. The Company has notified the IRS of
their acceptance of the IRS findings and we have received the final IRS ruling letter. As a result
of this ruling, the Company has reduced the deferred tax asset to reflect this settlement and has
exhausted the deferred tax asset related to the sale. However, this adjustment did not impact
revenues or operating expenses for 2005 and resulted in no cash impact for the 2005 fiscal year.
Accordingly, for future periods, the Company anticipates that cash outlays will occur for income
tax purposes.
16
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
The discussion and analyses of the Companys financial condition and results of operations were
based on the Companys financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company has identified the
policies below as critical to the Companys business operations and the understanding of its
results of operations. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting
policies, see the notes to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Note that the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts
of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Companys management
reviews and evaluates these estimates and assumptions, including those that relate to revenue
recognition, accounts receivable, workers compensation costs, goodwill, other long-lived assets,
income taxes including the deferred tax assets, contingencies and litigation. Management bases its
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about
the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Management believes the following critical accounting policies are those most significantly
affected by the judgment, estimates and/or assumptions used in the preparation of the Companys
financial statements.
(a) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company must make estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivable. Management analyzes
historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends
and changes in the customers payment tendencies when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for
doubtful accounts.
(b) Self-Insurance Reserves
The Company is self-insured for the deductible amount of its general liability and workers
compensation coverages. To derive an estimate of the Companys ultimate claims liability,
established loss development factors are applied to current claims information. The Company
maintains reserves for its workers compensation using actuarial methods to estimate the remaining
undiscounted liability for the deductible portion of these claims, including those incurred but not
reported. An annual, independent actuarial study calculates an estimated ultimate liability and
determines loss development factors for future periods. The calculated ultimate liability is then
reduced by cumulative claims payments to determine the required reserve. Management evaluates the
accrual on a quarterly basis and adjusts as needed to reflect the required reserve calculation.
Whereas management believes the recorded liabilities are adequate, there are inherent limitations
in the estimation process whereby future actual losses may differ from projected loss rates, which
could materially affect the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. While
management believes that the recorded amounts are adequate, there can be no assurance that changes
to managements estimates will not occur due to limitations inherent in the estimation process.
(c) Goodwill
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Financial Accounting Standards No.
142 (SFAS No. 142), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and
indefinite lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed at least annually for
impairment. At December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the Company did not have indefinite lived
intangible assets other than goodwill and did not have any intangible assets with definite lives.
Factors included in the impairment analysis include expected revenue and EBITDA growth rates,
working capital needs, discount rates and earnings multiples. These assumptions are based on
managements best estimate of the current and expected economic environment. As prescribed, the
Company screened for impairment of goodwill during the fourth fiscal quarters of 2006 and 2005 and
found no instances of impairment of its recorded goodwill.
17
(d) Deferred Tax Assets
Income taxes are accounted for by the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to operating loss and credit carryforwards and differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers, within each taxing
jurisdiction, whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax
liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this
assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable
income over the years in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company has determined
that the tax asset will be realizable.
For more information, see 2006 Results of Operations.
(e) Revenue Recognition
The Company generates revenue from the sale of temporary staffing and direct-hire services by its
operations. Temporary staffing revenues and the related labor costs and payroll taxes are recorded
in the period in which the services are performed. Direct hire revenues are recognized when the
direct hire candidate begins full-time employment.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Historically, we have financed our operations through existing cash balances, operating cash flows
and a revolving line of credit. The principal uses of cash are capital expenditures and working
capital needs. The nature of the staffing business requires payment of wages to temporary employees
and consultants on a weekly basis, while payments from customers are generally received 30-60 days
after billing.
The quick ratio was 3.3 to 1 and 3.1 to 1 at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, respectively,
and the current ratio was 3.6 to 1 and 3.4 to1 for the same respective periods. The primary source
of funding is generated from results of operations. Net working capital increased by $282 thousand
during fiscal 2006 as a result of operations. Contributing to this was a decrease in accounts
receivable of approximately $1.2 million offset by an increase in cash of approximately $1.1
million during this period due to collection efforts. This was offset by an increase in net
accrued expenses of $432,000.
Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2006, the Company had total cash resources available of $3.0 million all held in
the United States. On August 2, 2005, the Company entered into a Modification Agreement with
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (M&T) that extends for three years the $7,500,000
Committed Revolving Credit Facility (Facility) originally signed on August 13, 2003. The Company
elects the interest rate on borrowings under the Facility at the time of borrowing at either the
banks prime rate or the thirty, sixty or ninety day LIBOR (as defined in the agreement) plus 125
basis points, a reduction of 75 basis points from the expiring agreement. The Facility expires on
August 12, 2008 and is renewable with the consent of both parties. The Facility requires the
Company to maintain certain financial covenants including a tangible net worth ratio among other
restrictions. The most restrictive covenant is the limitation of total indebtedness which caps
total funded indebtedness to 3.5 times the four most recent quarters EBITDA, as defined in the
agreement. Throughout 2006 and 2005, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. It is
anticipated
18
that existing funds, cash flows from operations and available borrowings will be
sufficient to cover working capital requirements, organic growth and capital expenditure
requirements.
Operating cash flows
Operating cash flows for 2006 of approximately $3.1 million are primarily comprised of earnings,
$615 thousand of non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization, and a non-cash deferred
income tax benefit of 195 thousand offset by working capital usage of $916 thousand. Days sales
outstanding (DSO) for 2006 increased to 47 days from 50 days in the prior year. Each one-day
increase in DSO approximates a source of $379,000 of working capital.
Operating cash flows for 2005 of $2.1 million are primarily comprised of earnings, $336,000 of
non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization, stock compensation of $461,000 and a non-cash
deferred income tax benefit of $2.4 million offset by working capital usage of $1.8 million. Days
sales outstanding (DSO) for 2005 increased to 50 days from 53 days in the prior year. Each
one-day increase in DSO approximates a source of $377,000 of working capital.
Operating cash flows for 2004 of $113,000 are primarily comprised of earnings, $461,000 of non-cash
expenses for depreciation and amortization, stock compensation of $273,000 and a non-cash deferred
income tax benefit of $428,000 offset by the working capital usage of $1.9 millions. Working
capital for 2004 was used primarily to fund accounts receivable as DSO decreased to 53 days from 48
days in the prior year.
Investing cash flows
Investing cash flows for 2006 of approximately $2.0 million are related to continuing capital
expenditures associated with the implementations of both StaffSuite® and Great Plains® as described
in the 2005 section immediately below and the move of the corporate headquarters office and its
build-out.
Investing cash flows for 2005 of approximately $1.5 million are related to capital
expenditures. The reason for the increase is due to the Company entering into a Services Agreement
and License & Support Agreement with VCG, Inc. for the installation, maintenance and support of a
new front-office system, StaffSuite®, which is utilized in connection with the Companys commercial
and professional staffing operations. In addition, the Company entered into a Professional
Services Agreement (including Proposal for Implementation) with IDEAL Consulting, Inc. for the
installation of Great Plains® software for use in connection with the Companys back-office
systems, including its corporate accounting, finance, human resources and customer service
processes. These two systems replaced its existing management information systems to support
future growth of the Company. This implementation of a new management information system has
required a significant investment in software, hardware, outside consultant assistance and internal
personnel resources.
Investing cash flows for 2004 of $370,000 are related to capital expenditures.
The Company expects the total 2007 capital expenditures to be between $300,000 and $500,000 and to
be funded through operating cash flows or through borrowings under the existing revolving line of
credit.
Financing cash flows
The net financing cash outflows for 2006, 2005 and 2004 are zero. In 2005, the Company borrowed
against the existing line of credit and repaid the line back within the same fiscal year.
The Company believes that a combination of our existing cash balances, other liquid assets,
operating cash flows, and existing revolving line of credit, taken together, provide adequate
resources to fund ongoing operating requirements, however, our operating cash flow could be
impacted by factors outside of our control.
19
Material Commitments:
The Companys contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2006 are summarized in the table
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable |
|
Payable |
|
Payable |
|
Payable |
|
|
|
|
during 2007 |
|
2008 - 2010 |
|
2011 - 2013 |
|
after 2013 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases (1) |
|
$ |
1,511 |
|
|
$ |
2,898 |
|
|
$ |
1,042 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
5,451 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,511 |
|
|
$ |
2,898 |
|
|
$ |
1,042 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
5,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes minimum lease payment obligations for equipment and real property leases in
effect as of December 31, 2006. |
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
The Company does not believe that its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is material.
20
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data
Index to Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
Page Reference |
The financial statements of the registrant required to be included in Item 8 are listed
below: |
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm |
|
22 |
|
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 |
|
23 |
|
Statements of Income for the periods ended
December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004 |
|
24 |
|
Statements of Stockholders Equity for the periods ended
December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004 |
|
25 |
|
Statements of Cash Flows for the periods ended
December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004 |
|
26 |
|
Notes to Financial Statements |
|
28 |
21
Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Ablest Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of income, of
stockholders equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Ablest Inc. at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of
these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it
accounts for share-based compensation in 2006.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 9, 2007
22
ABLEST INC.
Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
3,040 |
|
|
$ |
1,931 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
|
17,564 |
|
|
|
18,760 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
439 |
|
|
|
469 |
|
Current deferred tax asset |
|
|
1,323 |
|
|
|
1,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
22,366 |
|
|
|
22,406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
3,259 |
|
|
|
1,732 |
|
Deferred tax asset |
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
1,283 |
|
|
|
1,283 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
27,564 |
|
|
$ |
26,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
375 |
|
|
$ |
790 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
Accrued insurance |
|
|
2,965 |
|
|
|
2,536 |
|
Accrued wages |
|
|
1,995 |
|
|
|
2,738 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
6,197 |
|
|
|
6,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
261 |
|
|
|
432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
6,458 |
|
|
|
7,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock of $.05 par value; 500,000 shares authorized ,
none issued or outstanding at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock of $.05 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized, 3,385,153 and
3,346,877 shares issued and outstanding including shares held in
treasury at December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, respectively |
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
5,636 |
|
|
|
5,265 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
17,411 |
|
|
|
16,072 |
|
Treasury stock at cost; 457,729 shares held at both
December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 |
|
|
(2,110 |
) |
|
|
(2,110 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
21,106 |
|
|
|
19,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
$ |
27,564 |
|
|
$ |
26,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
23
ABLEST INC.
Statements of Income
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fifty-Three Week |
|
|
For the Fifty-Two Week |
|
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
December 26, 2004 |
|
Net service revenues |
|
$ |
140,764 |
|
|
$ |
137,457 |
|
|
$ |
116,353 |
|
Cost of services |
|
|
116,326 |
|
|
|
114,471 |
|
|
|
97,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
24,438 |
|
|
|
22,986 |
|
|
|
18,415 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
22,002 |
|
|
|
19,899 |
|
|
|
17,043 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
3,087 |
|
|
|
1,372 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
1 |
|
Miscellaneous income (expense), net |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense) |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes |
|
|
2,487 |
|
|
|
3,078 |
|
|
|
1,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
1,148 |
|
|
|
2,542 |
|
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1,339 |
|
|
$ |
536 |
|
|
$ |
883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per common share |
|
$ |
0.47 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per common share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per common share |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
$ |
0.18 |
|
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares
in computing net income per common share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
2,877,546 |
|
|
|
2,861,097 |
|
|
|
2,839,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
2,959,968 |
|
|
|
2,922,981 |
|
|
|
2,921,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
24
ABLEST INC.
Statements of Stockholders Equity
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
stockholders |
|
|
|
stock |
|
|
capital |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
stock |
|
|
equity |
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 28, 2003 |
|
$ |
165 |
|
|
$ |
5,018 |
|
|
$ |
14,653 |
|
|
$ |
(2,110 |
) |
|
$ |
17,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883 |
|
Restricted stock plan |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87 |
|
Executive stock awards plan |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 26, 2004 |
|
$ |
167 |
|
|
$ |
5,172 |
|
|
$ |
15,536 |
|
|
$ |
(2,110 |
) |
|
$ |
18,765 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
536 |
|
Restricted stock plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 25, 2005 |
|
$ |
167 |
|
|
$ |
5,265 |
|
|
$ |
16,072 |
|
|
$ |
(2,110 |
) |
|
$ |
19,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,339 |
|
Restricted stock plan |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
245 |
|
Executive stock awards plan |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116 |
|
Directors restricted stock plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
169 |
|
|
$ |
5,636 |
|
|
$ |
17,411 |
|
|
$ |
(2,110 |
) |
|
$ |
21,106 |
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
25
ABLEST INC.
Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fifty-Three Week |
|
|
For the Fifty-Two Week |
|
|
|
Periods Ended |
|
|
Periods Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
December 26, 2004 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
1,339 |
|
|
$ |
536 |
|
|
$ |
883 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
615 |
|
|
|
336 |
|
|
|
461 |
|
Stock compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
461 |
|
|
|
273 |
|
Gain on disposal of property and equipment |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
194 |
|
|
|
2,467 |
|
|
|
428 |
|
Change in income taxes payable |
|
|
245 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
Changes in assets and liabilities (next page) |
|
|
858 |
|
|
|
(1,709 |
) |
|
|
(1,988 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
3,261 |
|
|
|
2,101 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment |
|
|
(2,152 |
) |
|
|
(1,527 |
) |
|
|
(370 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of short-term borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash |
|
|
1,109 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
|
|
1,109 |
|
|
|
574 |
|
|
|
(257 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
|
|
1,931 |
|
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
|
1,614 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH END OF PERIOD |
|
$ |
3,040 |
|
|
$ |
1,931 |
|
|
$ |
1,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
26
ABLEST INC.
Statements of Cash Flows, continued
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fifty-Three Week |
|
|
For the Fifty-Two Week |
|
|
|
Periods Ended |
|
|
Periods Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
December 26, 2004 |
|
Changes in assets and liabilities providing (using) cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
$ |
1,196 |
|
|
$ |
(1,977 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,005 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
(309 |
) |
|
|
53 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
(131 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
(415 |
) |
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Accrued insurance |
|
|
429 |
|
|
|
(533 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Accrued wages |
|
|
(743 |
) |
|
|
749 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
928 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total change in assets and liabilities providing
(using) cash |
|
$ |
858 |
|
|
$ |
(1,709 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,988 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during year for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
Income Taxes |
|
|
508 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
509 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
27
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Description of Business
Ablest Inc. (Company) offers staffing services in the United States. Staffing services are
principally provided through 61 company-owned service locations in the Eastern United States and
selected Southwestern markets with the capability to supply staffing services for the clerical,
light industrial, information technology, and finance and accounting needs of their customers.
Positions often filled include, but are not limited to, data entry, office administration,
telemarketing, light industrial assembly, order picking and shipping, network administration,
database administration, program analyst (both mainframe and client server), web development,
project management, technical writing, accounting, financial analysis and internal auditing. The
Company does not service any specific industry or field; instead, its services are provided to a
broad-based customer list.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Fiscal Years
The Companys fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of December. The financial statements
include 53 weeks for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 52 weeks for the years ended
December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004.
Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are
considered cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents at December 31, 2006 and
December 25, 2005.
Revenue Recognition
The Companys revenues are derived from providing staffing services to its customers.
Substantially all revenue is billed on a direct cost plus markup basis. Revenue is
recognized at the time the service is performed. In addition, the Company bills revenues
under piecework contracts and permanent placement services. Piecework contracts are billed
to the customer on a cost per unit basis versus an hourly basis. Revenue from piecework
contracts is recognized at the time service is performed. Permanent placement services are
fee-based services to recruit and fill regular staff positions for customers. Revenue from
permanent placement services is recognized when a candidate begins full-time employment
Property and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization and are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets on
the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method
over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Estimated useful
lives generally range from three to seven years.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Additions and
major replacements or betterments that increase capacity or extend useful lives are added to
the cost of the asset. Upon sale or retirement of the asset, the cost and accumulated
depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is
included in other income (expense), net in the
28
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
accompanying statements of income. During
the fiscal years 2006 and 2005, the Company did not write off any material assets that were
no longer utilized.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company must make estimates of the collectibility of accounts receivables. Management
analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current
economic trends and changes in the customers payment tendencies when evaluating the
adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for
probable losses based upon managements analysis of historical write-off levels, current
economic trends, routine assessments of its clients financial strength and any other known
factors impacting collectibility. Recoveries are recognized in the period in which they are
received. The ultimate amount of accounts receivable that become uncollectible could differ
from those estimated; however, such losses have been generally within managements
expectations.
Self-Insurance Reserves
The Company is self-insured for the deductible amount of its general liability and workers
compensation coverages. To derive an estimate of the Companys ultimate claims liability,
established loss development factors are applied to current claims information. The Company
maintains reserves for its workers compensation using actuarial methods to estimate the
remaining undiscounted liability for the deductible portion of these claims, including those
incurred but not reported. An annual, independent actuarial study calculates an estimated
ultimate liability and determines loss development factors for future periods. The
calculated ultimate liability is then reduced by cumulative claims payments to determine the
required reserve. Management evaluates the accrual on a quarterly basis and adjusts as
needed to reflect the required reserve calculation. Whereas management believes the
recorded liabilities are adequate, there are inherent limitations in the estimation process
whereby future actual losses may differ from projected loss rates, which could materially
affect the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. There can be no
assurance that changes to managements estimates will not occur due to limitations inherent
in the estimation process.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite lived intangible
assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. SFAS No.
142 prescribes a two-phase process for impairment testing of goodwill. The first phase
screens for impairment; while the second phase (if necessary), measures the impairment. The
Company screened for impairment during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006, 2005 and 2004 and
found no instances of impairment of its recorded goodwill.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is subject to credit risk primarily due to a concentration of revenue derived
from its relationship with one major customer, which contributed 12.1%, 9.3%, and 6.2% of
total revenue for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005, and December
26, 2004, respectively.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, (SFAS No. 144), Accounting for
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS No. 144 establishes a single
accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and also requires a Company
to review long-
29
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
may not be recoverable. No impairment losses were recognized by the Company for the fiscal
years ended 2006, 2005 or 2004.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $257,000,
$192,000, and $155,000 for the fiscal years 2006, 2005, 2004, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for by the asset and liability method. Under the asset and
liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to operating loss and credit carryforwards and differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences
are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities
of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the
enactment date.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers, within each
taxing jurisdiction, whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in
making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections
for future taxable income over the years in which the deferred tax assets are deductible,
management provided valuation allowances as needed for those deferred tax assets that were
not expected to be realized.
Income per Common Share
Basic income per common share is computed by using the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. Diluted income per share is computed by using the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. Significant estimates made in the preparation of the financial
statements include revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred tax
assets, goodwill impairment and workers compensation reserves.
Stock Option Plans
The Company applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by
Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, and related interpretations, in accounting for its fixed plan stock options. As
such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of the grant if the current market
price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123) Accounting for
Stock Based Compensation, established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair
value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by
30
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic value-based method
of accounting described above, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation and supersedes Accounting Principles Board
(APB) Opinion No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and its related implementation
guidance. The Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an
entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123R
requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange
for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with
limited exceptions). The cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is
required to provide services in exchange for the award. The Company adopted SFAS No.
123R using the modified prospective method. Under this method, results of prior periods
are not restated. There was no share-based compensation expense recorded in fiscal year
2006.
The Company did not recognize share-based compensation related to options for the years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. The exercise price of the Companys employee stock awards
equaled the market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant per APB Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Prior to
January 1, 2006, the Company followed SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation, as amended by SFAS No.148 Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationTransition
and Disclosure, through disclosure only. The Company accounted for share-based compensation
using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25, and related
interpretations. The fair value for each option grant was estimated under SFAS No. 123 using
the Black-Scholes pricing model.
Segment Reporting
At December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005, the Company has one reportable segment.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Companys financial instruments, including cash,
receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate the fair value because of
their short maturities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. SFAS
No. 154 replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting
Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements and changes the requirements of the
accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 also provides
guidance on the accounting for and reporting of error corrections. The provisions of this
statement are applicable for accounting changes and error corrections made in fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS No.
154 will have a material impact.
In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue No. 05-6,
Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements, which requires that
leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or purchased subsequent to the
inception of a lease be amortized over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or a term
that includes renewals that are reasonably assured at the date of the business combination
or purchase. EITF No. 05-6 is effective for periods beginning after June 29, 2005. The
Company does not expect the provisions of this consensus to have a material impact on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
31
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
In July 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a
recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements
certain tax provisions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in accordance with SFAS
No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes. Tax positions must meet a more-than-likely-than-not threshold at the effective date to
be recognized upon adoption on FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. The accounting provisions
of FIN 48 will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2007. The Company has
completed its evaluation and does not expect the provisions to have a material impact on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
In September 2006, FASB issued FAS 157 Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157
established a standard definition for fair value, establishes a framework under generally
accepted accounting principles for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements
for fair value measurements. The accounting provisions of FAS 157 will be effective for the
Company beginning in fiscal year 2008. The Company has not yet completed its evaluation of
the impact of adoption on the Companys financial position or results of operations but does
not expect the provision to have a material impact.
In September 2006, FASB issued SAB 108 Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements
when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (SAB 108). SAB 108
provides interpretative guidance on how the effects of the carryover of prior year
misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB 108 will
be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2007. The Company has not yet
completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption on the Companys financial position or
results of operations but does not expect the provision to have a material impact.
In order to maintain consistency and comparability between periods presented, certain amounts may
have been reclassified from the previously reported financial statements to conform to the
financial statement presentation of the current period.
3. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The following table sets forth the allowance for doubtful accounts roll-forward for the past two
fiscal years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
Balance, beginning of year |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
$ |
285 |
|
Additions charged to cost and expense |
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Accounts receivable written-off |
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. Property and Equipment
The following is a summary of property and equipment:
32
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
Office furniture and equipment |
|
$ |
7,620 |
|
|
$ |
6,535 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
945 |
|
|
|
402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8,565 |
|
|
$ |
6,937 |
|
less: Accumulated Depreciation |
|
|
(5,306 |
) |
|
|
(5,205 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,259 |
|
|
$ |
1,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005, and December
26, 2004 was approximately $615,000, $336,000, and $461,000 respectively.
5. Goodwill
Effective in 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No.142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS
No. 142 provides that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer
amortized, but rather are evaluated for impairment by applying a fair-value based test. During
fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company performed tests for impairment, in accordance with
the standard, and found no instance of such.
6. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
A summary of accrued expenses and other current liabilities follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
Payroll and other compensation |
|
$ |
1,995 |
|
|
$ |
2,738 |
|
Insurance |
|
|
2,965 |
|
|
|
2,536 |
|
Other |
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accured expenses and other current liabilities |
|
$ |
5,526 |
|
|
$ |
5,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company provides workers compensation insurance and contracts its claims administration
with an independent third-party carrier. Each annual contract covers all workers compensation
claim costs greater than a specified deductible amount on a per occurrence basis. The Company is
self-insured for its deductible liability ($250,000 per individual claim for fiscal years 2005 and
2004 and $500,000 per incident for all subsequent periods). The carrier is responsible for
incremental losses in excess of the applicable deductible amount.
The Company establishes a reserve for the estimated remaining deductible portion of its workers
compensation claims, representing the estimated ultimate cost of claims and related expenses that
have been reported but not settled, and that have been incurred but not reported. The estimated
ultimate cost of a claim is determined based upon a detailed actuarial analysis of historical
claims experience of both the Company and the staffing industry. The Company periodically updates
the actuarial analysis supporting the development factors utilized and revises those development
factors, as necessary. Adjustments to the claims reserve are recorded to expense in the years
which they occur.
7. Indebtedness
On August 2, 2005, the Company entered into a Modification Agreement with Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company (M&T) that extends for three years the $7,500,000 Committed Revolving Credit
Facility
33
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
(Facility) originally signed on August 13, 2003. The Company elects the interest rate on borrowings under
the Facility at the time of borrowing at either the banks prime rate or the thirty, sixty or
ninety day LIBOR (as defined in the agreement) plus 125 basis points, a reduction of 75 basis
points from the expiring agreement. The Facility expires on August 12, 2008 and is renewable with
the consent of both parties. The Company believes that the Facility will be sufficient to cover
foreseeable operational funding requirements until expiration of the Facility. The Facility
requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants including a tangible net worth ratio
among other restrictions. The most restrictive covenant is the limitation of total indebtedness
which caps total funded indebtedness to 3.5 times the four most recent quarters EBITDA, as defined
in the agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company had $1,000,000 in borrowings
against the Facility and subsequently paid all of the borrowings back within this same quarter.
During this time and throughout 2006 and 2005, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. It
is anticipated that existing funds, cash flows from operations and available borrowings will be
sufficient to cover working capital requirements, organic growth and capital expenditure
requirements.
8. Stock Option Plans
The Company had reserved 100,000 common shares for issuance in conjunction with its 2000
Independent Directors Stock Option Plan, (the Directors Plan). The purpose of the Directors
Plan was to strengthen the alignment of interest between the independent directors and the
stockholders of Ablest Inc. through increased ownership by the independent directors of the
Companys common stock. The Directors Plan provided for the granting of options to purchase 6,000
shares of common stock on the date of the respective directors election to the Board of Directors
(the Board) and for the granting of options to purchase 1,500 common shares each time director
was re-elected to the Board. The price per share deliverable upon exercise was equal to 100% of the
fair market value of the shares on the date the option was granted. The initial grant of options to
purchase 6,000 common shares was exercisable in three equal, annual installments on the first,
second and third anniversary of the grant thereof. All subsequent grants were exercisable on the
first anniversary of the grant thereof. The term of each grant was 10 years from the date it was
granted.
A summary of stock option activity for the Directors Plan follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 26, 2004 |
|
|
48,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
6.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 25, 2005 |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2006, the range of exercise prices for options issued under the Directors
Plan was $4.10 to $8.00, and the weighted average contractual life of the options was 5.04 years.
In 2006, this Plan was
terminated and replaced with the 2006 Directors Plan (see footnote 9). This termination did not
effect any outstanding options under the 2000 Directors Plan and all such options will continue to
remain outstanding and be governed by the 2000 Directors Plan. All options under the 2000
Directors Plan are fully vested.
In August 2000, the Board approved the Ablest Inc. Option to Ownership Program, (the Program).
The Program provides for the surrendering of stock options issued under the Companys 1991 Stock
Option Plan and the Companys 1996 Leveraged Stock Option Plan and the purchase of restricted common stock of
the
34
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
Company through delivery of a full recourse promissory note in an amount equal to the aggregate
purchase price of the common stock issued. The per share purchase price of the common stock issued
was equal to the fair market value of the common stock on October 9, 2000 (the effective date of
the Program). The number of common shares issued to each Program participant was based on a
conversion factor determined by calculating the fair value of the various option grants previously
issued, using the Black-Scholes Method, divided by the fair market price of the common stock
available to purchase. A total of 234,716 option shares were surrendered and 55,313 common shares
issued. The shares issued under the Program are accounted for under variable plan accounting, as
defined in SFAS No. 123. As such, additional compensation expense of $22,000 was recorded in fiscal
2001 to reflect increase in the fair value of the common shares issued.
The Company had reserved 375,000 common shares for issuance in conjunction with its 1991 Stock
Option Plan (the Plan). The Plan provided for the granting of incentive stock options and/or
non-qualified options to officers and key employees to purchase shares of common stock at a price
not less than the fair market value of the stock on the dates options were granted. Such options
were exercisable at such time or times as may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the
Board and generally expired no more than ten years after grant. Options vest and became fully
exercisable six months after the grant date. In the year ended December 31, 2000, 58,336 options
were converted to common shares under the Option to Ownership Program. As of December 31, 2006,
all remaining options had expired and under a 2006 amendment, no future options will be granted or
issued under the plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at December 28, 2003 |
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
$ |
7.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canceled or expired |
|
|
(18,000 |
) |
|
|
7.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 26, 2004 |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
$ |
6.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canceled or expired |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
6.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 and
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. Incentive Plans
In 2002, the Company implemented a Restricted Stock Plan (the Plan), the purpose of the Plan is
to promote the long-term growth and profitability of the Company by providing executive officers
and certain other key employees of the Company with incentive to improve stockholder values,
contribute to the success of the Company and enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward the
best available persons for positions of substantial responsibility. An aggregate of 250,000 shares
of common stock of the Company (hereinafter the shares) may be issued pursuant to the Plan. The
maximum number of restricted shares that may be granted to any single individual in any one
calendar year shall not exceed 25,000 shares. With respect to each grant of restricted shares
under the Plan, one-third of the subject shares will become fully vested on the first anniversary
of the date of grant, another one-third of the subject shares will become vested on the second
anniversary of the date of grant, and the final one-third of the subject shares will become vested
on the
35
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
third anniversary of the date of grant. The Plan commenced effective the first day of fiscal
2002, and received approval by the holders of a majority of the Companys outstanding common stock
in fiscal 2002. Unless previously terminated, the Plan shall terminate at the close of business on
the last day of fiscal year 2006. In fiscal 2004, the Company expensed $117,400 for approximately
16,000 shares. In 2005, the Company expensed $245,000 for approximately 27,000 shares. In 2006,
the Company recorded no expense as there were no restricted stock plan shares earned.
In 2004, the Company implemented an Executive Stock Awards Plan. The purpose of which is to
promote the long-term growth and profitability of the Company by providing executive officers with
incentives to improve stockholder value and contribute to the success of the Company. An aggregate
of 135,000 shares of common stock of the Company may be issued, with the maximum number issued to
any single individual in a calendar year capped at 30,000 shares. The Executive Stock Awards Plan
provides for an initial grant of shares, effective as of January 1, 2004 and subsequent grants for
2004, 2005 and 2006 subject to performance targets set for each year by the Compensation Committee.
Shares will vest on January 1 of the year following the grant. During 2004, the
Company expensed $69,000 for 13,500 restricted shares earned by executive officers pursuant to
initial granting of shares. No subsequent grants were awarded for fiscal 2004. During 2005, the
Company expensed $121,500 for approximately 13,500 restricted shares earned by executive officers.
During 2006, the Company recorded no expense as there were no executive stock awards.
In 2006, the Company approved and implemented the 2006 Directors Plan. The purpose of the 2006
Directors Plan is to strengthen the alignment of interests between the members of the Board of
Directors who are not employees or officers of the Company (each, a non-employee Director) and
the stockholders of the company through the increased ownership by the companys non-employee
Directors of the Companys common stock. An aggregate of 46,000 shares of common stock are
reserved for this Plan. Under this new plan, initial awards to Independent Directors upon first
election to the Board of Directors will be grants of 1,000 restricted shares of the Companys
common stock and re-election awards will be grants of 250 restricted shares of the Companys common
stock under the 2006 Directors Plan. Under the current 2006 Directors Plan, any non-employee
Director shall be a participant in the 2006 Directors Plan.
10. Income Taxes
The components and allocation of the total provision for income tax (benefit) expense are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
December 26, 2004 |
|
Income tax expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal, current |
|
$ |
756 |
|
|
$ |
2,271 |
|
|
$ |
459 |
|
Federal, deferred |
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State, current |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
State, deferred |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total tax expense |
|
$ |
1,148 |
|
|
$ |
2,542 |
|
|
$ |
515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual income taxes differ from the expected taxes (computed by applying the U.S. Federal
corporate tax rate of 34% to (loss) earnings before income taxes) as follows:
36
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
|
December 26, 2004 |
|
Computed expected tax expense: |
|
$ |
851 |
|
|
$ |
1,047 |
|
|
$ |
475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments resulting from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State tax, net of Federal tax benefit |
|
$ |
99 |
|
|
$ |
122 |
|
|
$ |
55 |
|
Meals and entertainment |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Change in estimate for tax benefit, other |
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
(563 |
) |
Change in estimate for tax benefit (IRS
Audit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expected tax expense |
|
$ |
1,148 |
|
|
$ |
2,542 |
|
|
$ |
(0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective tax rate |
|
|
46.2 |
% |
|
|
82.6 |
% |
|
|
36.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the aggregate deferred tax assets
and liabilities are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 25, 2005 |
|
Deferred tax assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
104 |
|
|
$ |
104 |
|
Accrued insurance expense |
|
|
1,108 |
|
|
|
919 |
|
Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
63 |
|
Accumulated amortization of other assets |
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
AMT Tax Paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
142 |
|
Other |
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
1,915 |
|
|
$ |
2,109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 is 46.2%. The Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has
completed and closed its examinations of the Companys tax returns for all years through 2003. In
connection with these examinations, in January 2006, the IRS issued the Company an assessment
related to the previously filed 2001 tax return, which disallowed $3,114,000 of net operating loss
(NOL) carryfowards. These NOLs represented $1,182,000 of the Companys deferred tax assets, and
were derived from the 2000 sale of the industrial
maintenance business. Therefore, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 was 82.6%, which resulted
in tax expense of $2,542,000. The Company has notified the IRS of their acceptance of the IRS
findings and received the final IRS ruling letter. As a result of this ruling, the Company has
reduced the deferred tax asset to reflect this settlement and has exhausted the deferred tax asset
related to the sale. However, this adjustment did not impact revenues or operating expenses for
2005 and resulted in no cash impact for the 2005 fiscal year. Accordingly, for future periods, the
Company anticipates that cash outlays will occur for income tax purposes.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers, within each taxing
jurisdiction, whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax
liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this
assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable
income over the years in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company has determined
that the tax asset will be realizable.
37
ABLEST INC.
Notes to Financial Statements, continued
11. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company maintains a qualified defined contribution plan covering all employees in the United
States. The Company matches the contributions of participating employees, with a maximum
contribution limit, on the basis of the percentages specified in the plan. The matching
contributions were approximately $245,000, $207,000 and $183,000 for the years ended December 31,
2006, December 25, 2005, and December 26, 2004, respectively.
12. Lease Commitments
The Company occupies certain facilities under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements.
Expenses under such arrangements amounted to approximately $1,469,000, $1,370,000, and $1,288,000
for the years ended December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005, and December 26, 2004, respectively.
In addition, the Company leases certain automotive and office equipment under non-cancelable
operating lease arrangements, which provide for minimum monthly rental payments. Expenses under
such arrangements amounted to approximately $211,000, $137,000, and $133,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005, and December 26, 2004, respectively.
Management expects that in the normal course of its continuing operations, new leases will replace
leases that expire. Real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses are obligations of the
Company. A summary of future minimum operating lease payments for continuing operations at
December 31, 2006 follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Real Property |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Total |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
969 |
|
|
$ |
59 |
|
|
$ |
1,028 |
|
2008 |
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
714 |
|
2009 |
|
|
565 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
565 |
|
2010 |
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
485 |
|
2011 |
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
323 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
3,449 |
|
|
$ |
72 |
|
|
$ |
3,521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. Contingencies
The Company is subject, from time to time, to claims encountered in the normal course of business.
In the opinion of management, the resolution of all pending matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the Companys financial condition or liquidity.
The Company carries a broad range of insurance coverage, including general and business auto
liability, commercial property, workers compensation and a general umbrella policy. The Company
is self-insured for general liability and workers compensation. Accruals for losses are made based
on the Companys claims experience and actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry.
Management believes that the amount accrued is adequate to cover all known and unreported claims at
December 31, 2006. Actual losses could differ from accrued amounts.
38
14. Subsequent Events
As previously reported, on January 18, 2007, the Companys Board of Directors received a proposal
from certain existing investors, including Charles H. Heist, III, the Companys Chairman of the
Board, Kurt R. Moore, the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, The Burton Partnership
(QP), Limited Partnership and The Burton Partnership, Limited Partnership, to acquire all of the
Companys publicly held common stock for $7.50 per share in cash.
The Companys Board of Directors formed a Special Committee of four independent directors to review
and evaluate the foregoing proposal and any strategic alternatives to the proposal that may be
available to the Company. Subsequent to the Companys public announcement of receipt of the
foregoing buyout proposal, the Special Committee received an indication of interest from a
potential third-party acquirer. The Special Committee has not made a determination whether either
proposed transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders or whether the
Company should pursue any other available strategic alternatives. The Special Committee continues
to evaluate the foregoing proposals, as well as other strategic alternatives for the Company.
Accordingly, no assurances can be given as to whether any particular strategic alternative will be
pursued or implemented. The Special Committee currently does not intend to make any further public
announcements regarding its review of possible strategic alternatives until its evaluation process
has been completed. See also Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The Company understands that on March 5, 2007, David Ryman, an alleged shareholder of the Company,
filed a lawsuit against the Company, certain Company directors and officers, and other parties, on
behalf of a putative class of the Companys public shareholders. The litigation is pending in the
Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Florida. The Company has
not been advised that any defendant has been served with the Complaint. The litigation relates to
the Companys January 23, 2007 announcement that: (i) certain existing investors, including Charles
H. Heist, III, the Companys Chairman of the Board, Kurt R. Moore, the Companys President and
Chief Executive Officer, and two partnerships that own Company shares, have presented the Company
with a proposal to acquire all of the Companys publicly held common stock; and (ii) the Companys
Board of Directors has formed a Special Committee of four independent directors to review and
evaluate the proposal, as well as other strategic alternatives for the Company . In his Complaint,
the plaintiff seeks: (i) an order enjoining the defendants from proceeding with, consummating or
closing the proposed transaction; (ii) in the event that the transaction is closed, an order
rescinding the transaction or awarding damages; and (iii) an
award of attorneys fees, experts fees and costs. The Company believes that the claims being made
in the foregoing litigation are without merit and, if such litigation proceeds, it intends to
vigorously defend against such claims.
39
ITEM 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the annual report. Based
upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that
our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the period covered by this annual report
filed under the Securities Exchange Act within the time periods specified by the Securities and
Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
During the last fiscal year, there have not been any changes in the Companys internal controls
over financial reporting or in other factors to the Companys knowledge that could materially
affect, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the internal control over financial reporting,
including any corrective action with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about
the likelihood of future events.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance of the Registrant
Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
The table below sets forth certain information about each of the Companys directors and executive
officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First Became |
Name |
|
Principal Occupation |
|
Age |
|
a Director |
|
Charles H. Heist
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
1978 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kurt R. Moore
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster
|
|
Former Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors
|
|
|
72 |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles E. Scharlau
|
|
Attorney and Consultant
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
1980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ronald K. Leirvik
|
|
Chairman of RKL Enterprises
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donna R. Moore
|
|
Chief Executive Officer of Fitniks
International, Inc.
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
1996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard W. Roberson
|
|
President of Sand Dollar Partners, Inc.
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
1997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Horan
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nolan B. Gardner
|
|
Vice President Human Resource
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
40
Mr. Heist is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and has been since 1988. From
1983 until 1997, he served as President, and from 1988 until March 2000, he was also Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. In over 30 years with the Company, he has held a variety of
other management positions.
Mr. Moore is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and has been since January 1,
2004. From 2000 to 2003, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, from
1996 to 2000, he was Executive Vice President of the Company, and from 1991 to 1996, he was Vice
President of the Company.
Mr. Foster had been Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2004. Until his retirement on
March 31, 2006, he also served as the Companys Secretary. From 2000 to 2003, he served as the
Companys Chief Executive Officer, and from 1997 to 2000, he was the Companys President and Chief
Operating Officer. In over 30 years with the Company, he has held a variety of other management
positions.
Mr. Scharlau is of counsel with the law firm of Connor and Winters, PLLC, a position he has held
since 1999. He is the former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Southwestern
Energy Company and Arkansas Western Gas Company. He serves on the Board of Directors of
Southwestern Energy Company and is past Chairman and past member of the Board of Trustees of the
University of Arkansas System. He is also a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the
University of Arkansas Foundation.
Mr. Leirvik is Founder and Chairman of RKL Enterprises, a position he has held since 1995, which
invests in and manages manufacturing and distribution companies. He is the former President, Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of RB&W Corporation and Executive Vice President and General
Manager of Moen, Inc. Mr. Leirvik is also Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Willow Hill
Industries, Inc., C.E. White Corporation, and Conneaut Leather LLC.
Ms. Moore is Founder and CEO of Fitniks International, Inc., a franchisor of childrens fitness
clubs. She was an independent consultant from 2001 to 2004 and was the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Hit or Miss, Inc. from 1999 to 2001. Ms, Moore was previously Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Zone, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer of
Motherhood Maternity, and President North American Division of Laura Ashley, Inc. and Senior
Vice-President of Walt Disney Company The Disney Stores.
Mr. Roberson is President of Sand Dollar Partners, Inc., an investment firm, a position he has held
since 1998.
Mr. Horan joined the Company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on May 15, 2006. Mr.
Horan was previously with Certegy (formerly Equifax) from 1998 to 2006 as Vice President. From
1986 to 1998 he was with Salomon Brothers Inc., where he was Vice President Emerging Markets.
Mr. Gardner is Vice President Human Resources and has been since November 5, 2004. Mr. Gardner
served as Director of Human Resources from 2000-2004. Since joining the Company in 1994, his
positions have included Human Resources Manager and Corporate Trainer.
Audit Committee
The Company has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee, which consists of Messrs.
Roberson, Leirvik and Scharlau. The Board has determined that Richard W. Roberson qualifies as an
audit committee financial expert, as defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Mr. Roberson is also independent under Section 121A of the American Stock Exchange
(AmEx) Company Guide, and meets the additional independence standards set forth by Rule 10A-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 121B of the AmEx Company Guide.
41
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its principal executive officer and its
principal financial and accounting officer, in accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder, and the American Stock Exchange rules.
The code of ethics is available on the Companys website at www.ablest.com. In the event that the
Company makes any changes to, or provides any waivers from, the provisions of its code of ethics,
the Company intends to disclose these events on its website or in a report on Form 8-K within four
business days of such event.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Companys Directors, its executive officers,
and any persons holding more than 10% of its common stock are required to report their ownership of
the Companys common stock and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Specific due dates for these reports have been established, and the Company is
required to report in this Annual Report any failure to file by these dates during 2006. Based
solely on the Companys review of the copies of such reports received by it from certain reporting
persons, the Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, all Section
16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and ten percent stockholders were
met, except as follows: Donald W. Burton, a 10% stockholder of the Company, failed to timely file
one report on Form 4 reporting two transactions, which was reported late on Form 4; Victoria Hall,
a 10% stockholder of the Company, failed to timely file 4 reports on Form 4 reporting 14
transactions, which were reported late on Form 4; W. David Foster, a Director of the Company,
failed to timely file one report on Form 4 reporting one transaction, which was reported late on
Form 4; Ronald Leirvik, a Director of the Company, failed to timely file one report on Form 4
reporting one transaction, which was reported late on Form 4; Richard W. Roberson, a Director of
the Company, failed to timely file one report on Form 4 reporting one transaction, which was
reported late on Form 4; Charles E. Scharlau, a Director of the Company, failed to timely file one
report on Form 4 reporting one transaction, which was reported late on Form 4; Donna R. Moore, a
Director of the Company, failed to timely file one report on Form 4 reporting one transaction,
which was reported late on Form 4; and John Horan, a Vice President of the Company, failed to
timely file one report on Form 3, which was reported late on Form 3.
42
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Executive Compensation Philosophy
The primary objectives of the Compensation Committee of our board of directors with respect to
executive compensation are to attract, motivate and retain the best executive talent available to
us and to align our executive compensation structure with shareholder value creation. To achieve
these objectives, the Compensation Committee has established an incentive system based on
performance and benchmarked against an established peer group in which long-term continued
improvement in pre-tax profit is the goal. More specifically, the Compensation Committee believes
that executive compensation should:
|
|
|
¨
|
|
help attract and retain the most qualified individuals by being competitive with compensation paid to persons
having similar responsibilities and duties in other companies in the same and closely related businesses; |
|
|
|
¨
|
|
relate to the value created for shareholders by being directly tied to financial performance and condition of
the Company and the particular executive officers contribution thereto; |
|
|
|
¨
|
|
motivate and reward individuals who help the Company achieve its short-term and long-term objectives and
thereby contribute significantly to the success of the Company; and |
|
|
|
¨
|
|
reflect the qualifications, skills, experience, and responsibilities of the particular executive officer. |
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for:
|
|
|
¨
|
|
Determining, approving and recommending to the Board the compensation of the
Companys Chief Executive Officer (the CEO); |
|
|
|
¨
|
|
making recommendations to the board with respect to executive compensation for
non-CEO executive officers, incentive compensation for executives and equity-based plans that are
subject to board approval. |
Through this process, the Committee looks at all aspect of compensation including a detailed
analysis of a tally sheet, resulting in a thorough accumulated wealth analysis for the Named
Executive Officers (as defined below) of the Company. The Named Executive Officers of the Company
are Mr. Kurt R. Moore (President and Chief Executive Officer), Mr. John Horan (Vice President
Chief Financial Officer), Mr. Charles H. Heist (Chairman of the Board), Mr. Nolan B. Gardner (Vice
President Human Resources), and Mr. W. David Foster (former Vice-Chairman of the Board).
Benchmarking
For fiscal 2006, the Compensation Committee retained Hay Consulting Group, a compensation
consulting firm, to establish a competitive peer group and perform analyses of competitive
performance and compensation levels. The Hay Consulting Group developed recommendations that were
reviewed by the Compensation Committee and the board of directors in connection with approving
executive compensation for fiscal 2006.
43
The current peer group is based on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code as well as North
American Industry Classification System (NAICS), revenue size, and information from industry
publications. Our peer group is composed of the 25th percentile of public companies in
our industry and includes Barrett Business Services, Inc.; Butler International Inc.; Comforce
Corp; KFORCE Inc.; Medical Staffing Network Holdings; On Assignment Inc.; RCM Technologies Inc.;
Stratus Services Group. Inc.; TeamStaff, Inc.; and Westaff Inc. We targeted the aggregate value of
our total rewards at approximately the median level of our peer group for most positions. However,
we strongly believe in engaging the best talent in critical functions, and this may entail
negotiations with individual executives who have significant retention packages in place with other
employers. In order to make such individuals whole for the compensation that they would forfeit by
terminating their previous employment, the Compensation Committee may determine that it is in the
best interests of our shareholders to negotiate packages that deviate from the general principle of
targeting total rewards at the median of our peers.
Role of Management in Awarding Executive Compensation
Our Chief Executive Officer currently initiates the compensation discussions with the Compensation
Committee, providing requests and seeking approval from the Committee and the board of directors
before finalizing any employment contracts or bonus plans for Named Executive Officers. Comparable
positions for companies in our peer group are taken into consideration in determining executive
pay, as well as the level of inherent risk associated with the position, and the specific
circumstances of the executive. The Compensation Committee approves the annual incentive award for
the Chief Executive Officer and for each officer below the Chief Executive Officer level, based on
the Chief Executive Officers recommendations.
Compensation Committee Process
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the aggregate amounts and mix of all components of the
CEOs and the other Named Executive Officers compensation, including base salary, annual incentive
compensation, long-term incentive compensation, accumulated (realized and unrealized) stock option
and restricted stock gains, the value to the executive and cost to the Company of all perquisites
and other personal benefits and the actual projected payout obligations for severance and
change-in-control scenarios. A tally sheet setting forth all the above components was prepared and
reviewed affixing dollar amounts under the various payout scenarios for the CEO and the other Named
Executive Officers.
Compensation Components
The Companys executive compensation program currently consists of three key elements: base salary,
annual incentive bonus and long-term equity compensation.
Base Salary. Base salaries for our executives are established based on the scope of
their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation paid by other companies
for similar positions, which is discussed under Benchmarking above. Generally, we believe that
executive base salaries should be targeted near the median of the range of salaries for executives
in similar positions and with similar responsibilities at comparable companies in line with our
compensation philosophy.
Base salaries are reviewed annually, and adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market
levels after taking into account individual responsibilities, performance and experience. It is
currently our intention that base salary increases for executives will be limited to no more than
five percent per individual. In 2007 Mr. Moore received a salary increase of $10,000, or 3.5%, Mr.
Horan received a salary increase of $5,600, or 3.5%, Mr. Heist received a salary increase of
$7,800, or 3.5%, and Mr. Gardner had a salary increase of $5,000 or 4.8%.
Annual Incentive Bonus. Our annual incentive bonuses are intended to compensate officers
for achieving our annual financial goals at corporate and business unit levels and for achieving
measurable individual annual performance objectives. Our annual incentive bonus plan provides for
a cash bonus, dependent upon the level of
achievement of the stated corporate goals and personal performance goals, calculated as a
44
percentage of the officers base salary, with higher ranked executive officers being compensated at
a higher percentage of base salary.
The annual incentive bonus ties incentive compensation to earning before taxes (EBT) as reported
in the Companys audited financial statements. Under this plan, the Compensation Committee
establishes an EBT target that must be reached before any bonuses are earned. The target EBT is
based upon the annually established financial growth plan and goal. The Compensation Committee
also establishes for each participant in the Plan, including executive officers, individual
incentive amounts (TIA) that may be earned, in whole or in part, depending upon whether the EBT
target is reached and by how much it is exceeded during the fiscal year. At the target EBT level,
a bonus equal to 100% of the TIA will be earned by the plan participants.
For the fiscal year ended 2005, the target annual incentive bonus (as a percentage of base salary)
was as follows: Chief Executive Officer, 45%; Chairman, 20%; Vice-Chairman, 20% and Vice President
Human Resource, 20%. The EBT target of $1,724,000 was exceeded and incentive bonuses were paid
in 2006 to the Named Executive Officers. Based on EBT of $3,078,000 for fiscal 2005, bonuses
earned were $265,000 for Mr. Moore, $88,800 for Messrs. Heist and Foster, and $20,800 for Mr.
Gardner.
For 2006, the target annual incentive bonus (as a percentage of base salary) was as follows: Chief
Executive Officer, 45%; Chief Financial Officer, 30%; Chairman, 20% and Vice President Human
Resource, 20%. Maximum payout for officers was 122 % above the TIA of the target bonus. The EBT
target for 2006 was $3,324,240. The target was not met and as such, no bonus was earned for fiscal
2006.
For 2007, the target annual incentive bonus (as a percentage of base salary) will be as follows:
Chief Executive Officer, 45%; Chief Financial Officer, 30%; Chairman, 20% and Vice President
Human Resource, 20%. Maximum payout for officers is 122 % above the TIA of the target bonus.
Payout levels above the target are based on rates of return above the target and capped at a level
determined by the Committee when the plan is initially approved.
Long-Term Equity Compensation. We believe that stock-based awards promote the long-term
growth and profitability of the Company by providing executive officers of the Company with
incentives to improve stockholder values and contribute to the success of the Company and by
enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for executive officer
positions. The Company currently maintains two long-term equity incentive programs a Restricted
Stock Plan and an Executive Stock Awards Plan.
Restricted Stock Plan. Participation in the Companys Restricted Stock Plan is limited to
executive officers of the Company, regional managers, division managers and the Director of Major
Account Development of the Company. During each fiscal year that the plan is in effect, the
Compensation Committee will set a target EBT for the Company as calculated in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. If the actual earnings before taxes for a particular
fiscal year meet or exceed the target, as determined by the Committee after consultation with
management and the Companys independent auditors, the Committee shall authorize the Company to
issue each participant who is then employed by the Company, as soon as practicable after the
release of the Companys earnings for such fiscal year, restricted shares equal to the number of
shares in the pool multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the cash bonus paid to the
participant for the year in question and the denominator of which is the total of cash bonuses paid
to all participants for the year in question. The Committee reserves the right to adjust the final
calculation of earnings before taxes if an unusual event occurs during the fiscal year in question
that has a material impact on the Companys earnings.
In fiscal 2005, shares were granted when the Companys earnings before taxes met or exceeded the
target of $1,724,000. The Companys earnings before taxes for fiscal 2005 exceeded this target.
Shares granted under this plan for fiscal 2005 were 8,116 shares for Mr. Moore, 2,722 shares for
Mr. Heist, 2,722 shares for Mr. Foster, and 1,252 for Mr. Gardner.
45
The EBT target for 2006 was $3,324,240. The target was not met and as such, no equity compensation
was earned for 2006.
Commencing in fiscal 2007, a pool of shares for grants under the Plan will be created by dividing
eight percent (8%) of the previous fiscal years pre-tax income (as determined by the Committee in
consultation with management and the Companys independent auditors) by the average of the fair
market value per share of the common stock of the Company during a 30-day trading day period
commencing fifteen (15) trading days before and ending fifteen (15) trading days after the release
of the Companys earnings for such previous fiscal year. See Summary of Plan Restricted Stock
Plan, beginning on page 63 for a more detailed description.
Executive Stock Awards Plan. Participation in the Executive Stock Awards Plan is limited to
the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and one
additional executive officer that the Compensation Committee may select.
Subject to an event of reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination
of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets or other change in corporate structure or
shares, 135,000 shares of common stock of the Company may be issued pursuant to the Executive Stock
Awards Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be issued to any single individual in any one
year may not exceed 30,000 shares.
The Compensation Committee establishes applicable performance targets based on the Companys
pre-tax earnings and determines the number of restricted shares that may be earned by participants
in the plan if the applicable performance targets are met or exceeded.
At the end of a fiscal year, if the Compensation Committee determines, after consultation with
management and the Companys independent auditors, that the Companys pre-tax earnings for the
fiscal year met or exceeded one or more of the performance targets, each participant will receive,
with respect to such fiscal year and the targets met or exceeded, the number of restricted shares
provided for by the Compensation Committee when it established the targets for the year. The
Compensation Committee, after appropriate consultation with management and the Companys
independent auditors, may adjust the final calculation of pre-tax earnings if an unusual event
occurs during the fiscal year in question that has more than a minimal impact on the Companys
earnings. No later than December 15th of the year in which any restricted shares awarded under
the plan vest, the Company will credit to the participant who received such shares an amount equal
to the fair market value of such shares times the highest marginal tax rate applicable to such
executive for federal tax purposes. Unless previously terminated, the plan shall terminate at the
close of business on the last day of fiscal year 2008.
For the fiscal 2005 year, shares were granted when the Companys earnings before taxes exceeded the
target amount of $1,850,000. Shares granted under this plan for fiscal 2005 were 13,500 for Mr.
Moore.
Information regarding the range of restricted shares that could have been earned in fiscal 2006 by
current participants in the plan is included in the table shown below. No shares were issued under
the plan for 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of Number of Shares |
|
Range of Percent of EBT Target |
Executive Officer |
|
2006 |
|
Achieved in 2006 |
Kurt R. Moore |
|
|
9,000-27,400 |
|
|
|
126%-251 |
% |
Information regarding the range of restricted shares that may be earned in fiscal 2007 by
current participants in the Plan is included in the table shown below.
46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of Number of Shares |
|
Range of Percent of EBT Target |
Executive Officer |
|
2007 |
|
Achieved in 2007 |
Kurt R. Moore |
|
|
9,000-18,200 |
|
|
|
119%-273 |
% |
Selection and Weighting of Components of Compensation
The Compensation Committee determines the mix and weightings of each of our compensation elements
by considering data from our peer group. The allocation of the main components of total
compensation is directly dependent on Company performance. Base salary is the only portion of
compensation that is assured. In 2006, the allocation of total compensation to our Named Executive
Officers at target performance levels was, on average, approximately 60% to base salary, 26 % to
cash incentive, and 14% for equity awards. The allocation of total compensation at the maximum
performance levels was, on average, approximately 37% base salary, 37% cash incentive and 26% for
equity awards. While the Compensation Committee has established a framework to provide the Named
Executive Officers with solid incentives to encourage the best performance, actual amounts paid or
forfeited depend on Company and individual performance. No cash incentives or equity awards were
granted to Named Executive Officers for performance in the 2006 fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee uses restricted stock to motivate executives to focus on the long-term
performance of the business. All restricted stock grants are performance-based and payout is
entirely determined by Company performance. The Companys equity compensation plans are designed to
make executives sensitive to shareholder interests, as a decrease in the stock price affects
overall compensation.
The Compensation Committee reviews tally sheets prepared by our Human Resources department in order
to determine whether the total compensation for our CEO and the other Named Executive Officers is
reasonable and not excessive. The tally sheet sets forth the amounts and mix of all components
including base salary, annual incentive compensation, long-term incentive compensation, the value
to the executive and cost to the company of all perquisites and other personal benefits.
Change in Control
The Company has change in control provisions in its employment agreements with Named Executive
Officers, Restricted Stock Plan and Executive Stock Awards Plan. The Company has no additional
change in control contracts or arrangements with any of the Named Executive Officers.
The change in control provisions in the plans and employment agreements were designed to make a
change in control transaction neutral to the economic interests of employees that might be involved
in considering such a transaction. The employees subject to these provisions would likely not be
in a position to influence the Companys performance after a change in control and may not be in a
position to earn their incentive awards or vest in their equity awards. Thus, the provisions are
meant to encourage employees that may be involved in considering a change in control transaction to
act in the interests of shareholders rather than their own interests.
The change in control provisions in employment agreements with Named Executive Officers are
described starting on page 56 under Potential Payments Upon Termination or a Change-In-Control.
Generally, our equity compensation plans provide that restricted stock will vest in full upon a
change in control. The Compensation Committee believes that the provisions provided for under both
our employment agreements and equity compensation plans are appropriate since an employees
position could be adversely affected by a change in control even if he or she is not terminated.
These plans provide, however, that the Compensation Committee may determine in advance of the
change in control event that the provisions would not apply and therefore no accelerated vesting
would occur.
47
Other Compensation
Consistent with our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy, we intend to continue to maintain
modest executive benefits and perquisites for officers; however, the Compensation Committee in its
discretion may revise, amend or add to the officers executive benefits and perquisites if it deems
it advisable. We believe these benefits and perquisites are currently at median competitive levels
for companies in our peer group. We have no current plans to make changes to either the employment
agreements (except as required by law or as required to clarify the benefits to which our executive
officers are entitled as set forth herein) or levels of benefits and perquisites
provided thereunder. In this regard it should be noted that we do not provide pension
arrangements, post-retirement health coverage, or similar benefits for our executives or employees.
The following table generally illustrates the benefit plans and perquisites we do and do not
provide and identifies those employees who may be eligible to receive them. Perquisites for all
executive officers are detailed within the footnotes of the summary compensation table.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Perquisites and Employee Benefits |
|
Executive Officers |
|
Certain Managers |
|
Full Time Employees |
401(k) Plan |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Medical/Dental Plans |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Life Insurance (1) |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Long Term Disability Plan (2) |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Short Term Disability Plan (3) |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Company Paid Trips |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
Company Leased Automobile |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control and Severance
Plan |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
Supplemental Early Retirement Plan |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
Employee Stock Ownership Plan |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
Defined Benefit Pension Plan |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
|
Not Offered |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Ablest provides life insurance to eligible full-time employees with a benefit equal to one
times their annual salary up to a maximum of $50,000. Executive officers and certain
managers benefit are equal to two times their annual salary up to maximum of $150,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Ablest provides company-paid Long-Term Disability insurance to full-time eligible employees
with a monthly benefit in the amount of 60% of monthly salary to a maximum of $7,000 per
month. Executive officers and certain managers maximum monthly benefit is $10,000. |
|
(3) |
|
Ablest provides company-paid Short-term Disability insurance to full-time eligible employees
with a weekly maximum of $500. The weekly maximum is $2,000 for executive officers and $1,200
for certain managers. |
|
(4) |
|
The Company provides certain managers and certain NEOs with a company vehicle. The actual
cost of the vehicle is limited based on the employees position in the company. The maximum
actual cost of the automobile for the managers is $30,000. The limit for the total actual
cost for Messrs Horan and Gardner is $40,000. The limit for the total actual cost for Messrs
Moore and Heist is $55,000. The NEOs who receive company cars track business usage. At the
end of each fiscal year the executive is charged for the personal use of the automobile using
the IRS annual lease value method. The executive is reimbursed for any gasoline expenses for
the business related mileage. The personal use charges appear in a footnote of the 2006
Summary Compensation Table. The annual cost of the lease for Mr. Moore in 2006 was $9,445.
The annual cost of the lease for Mr. Heist in 2006 was $10,188. The annual cost of the lease
for Mr. Horan in 2006 was $7,181. The annual cost of the lease for Mr. Gardner was $8,013. |
Tax, Accounting and Other Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Code limits to $1 million per employee the deductibility of compensation paid
to the executive officers required to be listed in the Companys proxy statement unless the
compensation meets certain specific requirements. The Compensation Committee has considered the
Companys ability to deduct from taxable income certain performance based compensation under
section 162(m) of the Code. At the Companys current compensation levels, tax deductibility under
Section 162(m) was not a determinative factor in the design of the Companys compensation program.
48
Code Section 409A generally modified the tax rules that affect most forms of deferred compensation
that were
not earned and vested prior to 2005. Although complete guidance regarding Code Section 409A has not
been issued, the Compensation Committee considers the implications under Code Section 409A in
determining the design, including the form and timing of deferred compensation, paid to the
Companys executives, including Named Executive Officers. The Companys non-qualified deferred
compensation arrangements are administered in accordance with a reasonable good faith
interpretation of the rules and guidance published under Code Section 409A.
Section 280G of the Code limits the Companys ability to take a tax deduction for certain excess
parachute payments (as defined in Code Section 280G), and Section 4999 of the Code imposes excise
taxes on certain executives who receive excess parachute payments. The Compensation Committee
considers the adverse tax liabilities imposed by Code Sections 280G and 4999, as well as other
competitive factors, when it designs and implements arrangements that may be triggered upon a
change in control for all potentially affected employees, including the Companys Named Executive
Officers.
Various rules under generally accepted accounting practices determine the extent to which and the
manner in which the Company accounts for grants under its long term equity compensation plans in
its financial statements. The Compensation Committee takes into consideration the accounting
treatment under FAS 123(R) when determining the types of and value of grants under its long term
equity incentive plans for all employees, including the Companys Named Executive Officers. The
accounting treatment of such grants, however, is not determinative of the type, timing, or amount
of any particular grant of equity-based compensation to the Companys employees.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the above
Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based upon such review and discussion,
has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included
in the Companys Annual Report.
The Compensation Committee:
Charles E. Scharlau, Chairman Donna R. Moore Ronald K. Leirvik
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 were Mr.
Charles Scharlau, Ms. Donna Moore, and Mr. Ronald Leirvik. No member of the Compensation Committee
is currently or was formerly an officer or an employee of the Company. The Compensation Committee
is comprised entirely of independent directors. None of the Companys executive officers serves as
a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more
executive officers serving as members of the Companys Board of Directors or Compensation
Committee.
49
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth for each of the Named Executive Officers: (i) the dollar value
of base salary and bonus earned during the year ended December 31, 2006; (ii) the aggregate grant
date fair value of stock and option awards granted during the year, computed in accordance with FAS
123(R); (iii) the dollar value of earnings for services pursuant to awards granted during the year
under non-equity incentive plans; (iv) the change in pension value and non-qualified deferred
compensation earnings during the year; (v) all other compensation for the year; and, finally (vi)
the dollar value of total compensation for the year.
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|
Change in |
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Pension Value |
|
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|
and Non- |
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qualified |
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Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Compensation |
|
Earnings |
|
($) |
|
Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
(i) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
|
(9) |
|
(j) |
Kurt R. Moore, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,425 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President & CEO |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
290,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
74,343 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
25,081 |
(3) |
|
$ |
504,849 |
|
John Horan, V. P.-CFO |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
95,385 |
(4) |
|
$ |
30,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
125,385 |
|
Charles H. Heist, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,934 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,789 |
(6) |
|
$ |
271,723 |
|
Chairman of the
Board (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nolan B. Gardner, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
105,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,468 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
116,468 |
|
V. P. Human
Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster, |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
73,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,934 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
38,450 |
(8) |
|
$ |
136,461 |
|
former
Vice-Chairman of
the Board (7) |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
(1) |
|
Value of shares of common stock received pursuant to the Companys Executive Stock Awards
Plan. Mr. Moore received 13,500 shares of common stock in 2006 for the 2005 plan year. These
shares are valued at $8.55 per share the share price at the date of grant, March 2, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
Value of shares of common stock received pursuant to the Companys Restricted Stock Plan:
These shares were awarded on March 24, 2006 for the 2005 plan year. The price per share is
the average price per share in the 30 day trading period commencing 15 days before and ending
15 days after the release of the Companys earnings on March 2, 2006 for the 2006 fiscal year |
|
|
|
Kurt R. Moore received 8,116 shares at $9.16/share. |
|
|
|
Charles H. Heist received 2,722 shares at $9.16/share. |
|
|
|
Nolan Gardner received 1,252 shares at $9.16/share. |
|
|
|
W. David Foster received 2,722 shares at $9.16/share. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes matching contributions to 401(k) Plan ($8,800), personal use of company car
($9,781), sales incentive trip ($4,559), excess group term life benefit ($180) and tax gross
ups to cover taxes on excess group term life and sales incentive trip ($1,761). |
|
(4) |
|
John Horan was hired as Chief Financial Officer on May 15, 2006. Mr. Horan was paid a bonus
for 2006 in 2007 pursuant to his employment agreement. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Heist served as Acting Chief Financial officer until May 15, 2006. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes matching contributions to 401(k) Plan ($8,800), personal use of company car
($6,185), sales incentive trip ($4,559), excess group term life benefit ($516) and tax-gross
ups to cover taxes on excess group term life and sales incentive trip ($1,729). |
|
(7) |
|
W. David Foster retired as Vice Chairman on March 31, 2006. Mr. Foster retained his seat on
the Board of Directors. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes matching contributions to 401(k) Plan ($5,709), personal use of company car
($4,238), sales incentive trip ($4,559), excess group term life benefit ($155), tax-gross ups
to cover taxes on excess group term life and sales incentive trip
($2,277) and Directors fees ($19,100). Mr. Foster also received 250 shares of common stock
on May 16, 2006 pursuant to the Directors Stock Plan. These shares are valued at $9.65
per share (the share price on the date of annual meeting) or $2,413 and are also included in
the Other Compensation amount. |
|
(9) |
|
Personal use of company vehicles is calculated using the IRS Annual Lease Value method. |
50
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information regarding all incentive plan awards that were made
to the Named Executive Officers during 2006, including incentive plan awards (equity-based and
non-equity based) and other plan-based awards. Disclosure on a separate line item is provided for
each grant of an award made to a Named Executive Officer during the year. The information
supplements the dollar value disclosure of stock, option and non-stock awards in the Summary
Compensation Table by providing additional details about such awards. Equity incentive-based
awards are subject to a performance condition or a market condition as those terms are defined by
FAS 123(R). Non-equity incentive plan awards that are not subject to FAS 123(R) and are intended
to serve as an incentive for performance to occur over a specified period.
|
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All |
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Other |
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Stock |
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All Other |
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|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
or Base |
|
|
or Base |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan |
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
Maximum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target |
|
|
Maximum |
|
|
or Units |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
Name |
|
Date |
|
|
Threshold |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
Threshold |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($/Sh) |
|
|
($/Sh) |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
|
($) (c) |
|
|
(d) |
|
|
(e) |
|
|
($) (f) |
|
|
(g) |
|
|
(h) |
|
|
(i) |
|
|
(j) |
|
|
(k) |
|
|
(k) |
|
Kurt R. Moore, |
|
|
03/02/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,500 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,425 |
(2) |
President & CEO |
|
|
03/24/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,116 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
74,343 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Horan,
V. P.-CFO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H. Heist,
Chairman of the
Board |
|
|
03/24/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,722 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,934 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nolan B. Gardner,
V. P.-Human
Resources |
|
|
03/24/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,252 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,468 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster,
former
Vice-Chairman of
the Board |
|
|
03/24/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,722 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
24,934 |
(2) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Value of shares of common stock received pursuant to the Companys Executive Stock Awards
Plan. Mr. Moore received 13,500 shares of common stock in 2006 for the 2005 plan year. These
shares are valued at $8.55 per share the share price at the date of grant, March 2, 2006 |
|
(2) |
|
Value of shares of common stock received pursuant to the Companys Restricted Stock Plan:
These shares were awarded on March 24, 2006 for the 2005 plan year. The price per share is
the average price per share in the 30 day trading period commencing 15 days before and ending
15 days after the release of the Companys earnings on March 2, 2006 for the 2006 fiscal year. |
Kurt R. Moore received 8,116 shares at $9.16/share.
Charles H. Heist received 2,722 shares at $9.16/share.
Nolan Gardner received 1,252 shares at $9.16/share.
W. David Foster received 2,722 shares at $9.16/share.
52
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information on outstanding option and stock awards held by
the Named Executive Officers at December 31, 2006, including the number of shares underlying both
exercisable and unexercisable portions of each stock option as well as the exercise price and
expiration date of each outstanding option.
|
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|
|
Stock Awards |
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|
Equity |
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|
Incentive |
|
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|
Equity |
|
|
Plan |
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|
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|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Plan |
|
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
or Units |
|
|
Shares, |
|
|
Shares, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
|
of |
|
|
Units or |
|
|
Units or |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That |
|
|
That |
|
|
Rights |
|
|
Rights |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have |
|
|
Have |
|
|
That |
|
|
That Have |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Not |
|
|
Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
Not |
|
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested |
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
|
(c) |
|
|
(d) |
|
|
(e) |
|
|
(f) |
|
|
(g) |
|
|
(h) |
|
|
(i) |
|
|
(j)(1) |
|
Kurt R. Moore, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,679 |
(2) |
|
$ |
75,797 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President & CEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,500 |
(3) |
|
$ |
87,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Horan,
V. P.-CFO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H.
Heist, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the
Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,541 |
(4) |
|
$ |
29,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nolan B. Gardner,
V. P.-Human
Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,798 |
(5) |
|
$ |
11,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster,
former
Vice-Chairman of
the Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250 |
(6) |
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Shares valued at closing market price on December 31, 2006 of $6.49.
(2) Unvested shares granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan for Mr. Moore consist of 731
shares that vested n March 12, 2007, 1,416 shares that vested on March 16, 2007, 2,706 shares that vested on
March 24, 2007, 1,416 hares that will vest on March 16, 2008, 2,705 shares that will vest on March 24, 2008 and
2,705 shares that will est on March 24, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Unvested shares granted pursuant the Executive Stock Awards Plan consist of 13,500 shares that
vested on January 1, 2007. |
53
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Unvested shares granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan for Mr. Heist consist of 813
shares that vested on March 12, 2007, 503 shares that vested on March 16, 2007, 908 shares that vested on March
24, 2007, 503 shares that will vest on March 16, 2008, 907 shares that will vest on March 24, 2008 and 907
shares that will vest on March 24, 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Unvested shares granted pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan for Mr. Gardner consist of 128
shares that vested on March 12, 2007, 209 shares that vested on March 16, 2007, 418 shares that vested on March
24, 2007, 209 shares that will vest on March 16, 2008, 417 shares that will vest on March 24, 2008 and 417
shares that will vest on March 24, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Unvested shares granted pursuant to the Directors Restricted Stock Plan consist of 250
shares that will vest on May 16, 2007. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth information regarding each exercise of stock options and
vesting of restricted stock during 2006 for each of the Named Executive Officers on an aggregated
basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired |
|
|
Value Realized on |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
on Exercise |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Vesting |
|
|
Value Realized on Vesting |
|
Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
(#) |
|
|
($) |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
|
(c) |
|
|
(d) |
|
|
(e) |
|
Kurt R. Moore,
President & CEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,713 |
(1) |
|
$ |
25,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Horan,
V. P.-CFO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H. Heist,
Chairman of the
Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,978 |
(2) |
|
$ |
18,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nolan B. Gardner,
V. P.-Human Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
438 |
(3) |
|
$ |
4,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster,
former Vice-Chairman
of the Board |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,715 |
(4) |
|
$ |
65,761 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
On April 2, 2006, the third installment of a share award granted on April 2, 2003 vested.
On March 12, 2006, the second installment of a share award granted on March 12, 2004 vested.
On March 16, 2006, the first installment of a share award granted on March 16, 2006 vested.
No amounts were deferred upon vesting. |
|
(2) |
|
On April 2, 2006, the third installment of a share award granted on April 2, 2003 vested. On
March 12, 2006, the second installment of a share award granted on March 12, 2004 vested. On
March 16, 2006, the first installment of a share award granted on March 16, 2006 vested. No
amounts were deferred upon vesting. |
|
(3) |
|
On April 2, 2006, the third installment of a share award granted on April 2, 2003 vested. On
March 12, 2006, the second installment of a share award granted on March 12, 2004 vested. On
March 16, 2006, the first installment of a share award granted on March 16, 2006 vested. No
amounts were deferred upon vesting. |
|
(4) |
|
On April 2, 2006, the third installment of a share award granted on April 2, 2003 vested. On
March 12, 2006, the second installment of a share award granted on March 12, 2004 vested. On
March 16, 2006, the first installment of a share award granted on March 16, 2006 vested. On
the date of his retirement, the remaining installments of the shares awarded to Mr. Foster
under the Restricted Stock Plan vested. No amounts were deferred upon vesting. |
Pension Benefits
The Company does not provide pension arrangements or post-retirement health coverage for its
executives or employees.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The Company does not provide any nonqualified defined contribution or other nonqualified
deferred compensation plans.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or a Change-in-Control
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers, including the
following Named Executive Officers: Kurt R. Moore, John Horan, Charles H. Heist and Nolan B.
Gardner. The payments to be made to Named Executive Officers pursuant to the employment agreements
in the event of disability or death, involuntary termination without cause and termination
following a change in control are described below. These employment agreements are described in
greater detail beginning on page 59.
Payments Made Upon Death or Disability
In the event of death or disability, the Named Executive Officer will receive the following for a
period equal to the lesser of (i) twelve (12) months following the date of such death or disability
or (ii) the balance of the remaining term of the employment agreement. In no event will the period
be less than six (6) months.:
|
|
|
Payments to the executive (or his estate) of the executives then effective per annum
rate of salary. |
|
|
|
|
Continuation of the same family medical coverage as provided to the executive on the
date of such death or disability. |
Payments Made Upon Involuntary Termination Without Cause
In the event of an involuntary termination without cause other than within two years following a
change in control, the Named Executive Officer will receive the following for a period equal to the
lesser of (i) twelve (12) months following the date of such termination or (ii) the balance of the
remaining term of the employment agreement:
|
|
|
Payments to the executive of the then effective per annum rate of salary. |
|
|
|
|
Continuation of the same family medical and dental coverage as provided to the
executive on the date of termination. |
|
|
|
|
Continuation of any long-term disability, short-term disability or life insurance,
for the same coverage, as provided on the date of termination. |
|
|
|
|
Payment of an amount equal to the target bonus incentive for the year in which such
termination occurs. |
Payments Made Upon a Change in Control
Change in control in our employment agreements with Named Executive Officers is defined as
follows:
|
|
|
any Person, other than the C. H. Heist Intervivos Trust, the lineal descendants of
Charles H. and Clydis D. Heist, and any trust for the benefit of their lineal
descendants (collectively, the Heist Family), and other than any trustee or fiduciary
on behalf of any Company benefit plan, becomes the Beneficial Owner of securities of
the Company having at least 30% of the voting power of the Companys then outstanding
securities (unless the event causing the |
54
|
|
|
30% threshold to be crossed is an acquisition
of securities directly from the Company) but only if at the time of such persons
becoming the beneficial owner of the requisite voting power, the Heist Family (or any
trust or Person included therein) no longer holds a majority of the outstanding shares;
or |
|
|
|
the stockholders of the Company approve any merger or other business combination of
the Company, or any going private transaction subject to Rule 13e-3 of the rules and
regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any sale of all
or substantially all of the Companys assets in one or a series of related
transactions, or any combination of the foregoing transactions (the Transactions),
other than a Transaction in which the Heist Family or any trust or Person included
within the Heist Family is the Beneficial Owner of 40% or more of the voting securities
of the surviving company (or its parent)(and, in a sale of assets, of the purchases of
the assets) immediately following the Transaction; or |
|
|
|
|
within any 24 month period, the persons who were directors immediately before the
beginning of such period (the Disinterested Directors) cease (for any reason other
than death) to constitute at least a majority of the Board or the board of directors of
a successor to the Company, with, for this purpose, any director who was not a director
at the beginning of such period deemed to be a Disinterested Director if such director
was elected to the Board by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at
least two-thirds of the directors who then qualified as Disinterested Directors, so
long as such director was not nominated by a person who has entered into an agreement
to effect, or threatened to effect, a Change in Control. |
If within twenty-four (24) months following a change in control, the executive officers employment
is terminated for reasons other than for cause (as defined in the employment agreement) the Named
Executive Officer will receive:
|
|
|
A cash amount equal to two times the executives annual base salary in effect on the
date of termination. |
|
|
|
|
Executive benefits substantially similar to those which the executive was receiving
immediately prior to the date of termination until the earlier of the executives death
or the end of the twelve (12) month period following the date of termination. |
|
|
|
|
The Company shall vest and accelerate the exercise date of all stock options granted
to the executive, to the end that the options shall be immediately exercisable for the
duration of their respective terms. |
Long Term Equity Compensation
Change in control as related to the two stock plans below, is defined as follows:
|
|
|
any Person, other than the C. H. Heist Intervivos Trust, the lineal descendants of
Charles H. and Clydis D. Heist, and any trust for the benefit of their lineal
descendants (collectively, the Heist Family), and other than any trustee or fiduciary
on behalf of any Company benefit plan, becomes the Beneficial Owner of securities of
the Company having at least 25% of the voting power of the Companys then outstanding
securities (unless the event causing the 25% threshold to be crossed is an acquisition of securities directly from the Company)
but only if at the time of such persons becoming the beneficial owner of the requisite
voting power, the Heist Family (or any trust or Person included therein) no longer holds
a majority of the outstanding shares; or |
55
|
|
|
the stockholders of the Company approve any merger or other business combination of
the Company, or any going private transaction subject to Rule 13e-3 of the rules and
regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any sale of all
or substantially all of the Companys assets in one or a series of related
transactions, or any combination of the foregoing transactions (the Transactions),
other than a Transaction in which the Heist Family or any trust or Person included
within the Heist Family is the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the voting securities
of the surviving company (or its parent)(and, in a sale of assets, of the purchases of
the assets) immediately following the Transaction; or |
|
|
|
|
within any 24 month period, the persons who were directors immediately before the
beginning of such period (the Disinterested Directors) cease (for any reason other
than death) to constitute at least a majority of the Board or the board of directors of
a successor to the Company, with, for this purpose, any director who was not a director
at the beginning of such period deemed to be a Disinterested Director if such director
was elected to the Board by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at
least two-thirds of the directors who then qualified as Disinterested Directors, so
long as such director was not nominated by a person who has entered into an agreement
to effect, or threatened to effect, a Change in Control. |
Restricted Stock Plan
In the event of a Change in Control or termination of a participants employment due to death,
disability, retirement with the consent of the committee, or termination without cause by the
Company, all restrictions on shares granted to such participant shall lapse.
A more detailed description of the Restricted Stock Plan can be found below under the heading
Summary of Plans.
Executive Stock Awards Plan
In the event of a Change in Control or termination of a participants employment due to death,
disability, retirement, or termination without cause by the Company, all restrictions on shares
granted to such participant shall lapse.
A more detailed description of the Executive Stock Awards Plan can be found below under the heading
Summary of Plans.
Quantification of Termination/Change in Control Payments
The table below reflects the amount of compensation to be paid to each of the Named Executive
Officers of the Company in the event of his disability or death, involuntary termination without
cause and termination following a change in control. Except with respect to Mr. Foster, the
amounts assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2006, and thus includes
amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts that would be paid out upon
termination. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of separation
from the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 Termination Payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Termination |
|
Termination within Two Years |
|
|
Death or Disability |
|
Without Cause |
|
of a Change in Control |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary & |
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary & |
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
& |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus |
|
$(1) |
|
Total |
|
Bonus |
|
$(2) |
|
Total |
|
Bonus |
|
Benefits |
|
Total |
Name |
|
$ |
|
(4) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
(4) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$(3)(4) |
|
$ |
Kurt R. Moore,
President & CEO |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
175,330 |
|
|
$ |
475,330 |
|
|
$ |
435,000 |
|
|
$ |
176,820 |
|
|
$ |
611,820 |
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
191,070 |
|
|
$ |
791,070 |
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 Termination Payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Involuntary Termination |
|
Termination within Two Years |
|
|
Death or Disability |
|
Without Cause |
|
of a Change in Control |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary & |
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary & |
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
& |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus |
|
$(1) |
|
Total |
|
Bonus |
|
$(2) |
|
Total |
|
Bonus |
|
Benefits |
|
Total |
Name |
|
$ |
|
(4) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
(4) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$(3)(4) |
|
$ |
John Horan,
V. P.-CFO |
|
$ |
165,600 |
|
|
$ |
11,915 |
|
|
$ |
177,515 |
|
|
$ |
223,560 |
|
|
$ |
13,410 |
|
|
$ |
236,970 |
|
|
$ |
331,200 |
|
|
$ |
27,655 |
|
|
$ |
358,855 |
|
Charles H. Heist,
Chairman of the
Board |
|
$ |
232,800 |
|
|
$ |
39,365 |
|
|
$ |
272,165 |
|
|
$ |
279,360 |
|
|
$ |
41,190 |
|
|
$ |
320,550 |
|
|
$ |
465,600 |
|
|
$ |
54,940 |
|
|
$ |
520,540 |
|
Nolan B. Gardner,
V. P.-Human Resources |
|
$ |
110,000 |
|
|
$ |
23,440 |
|
|
$ |
133,440 |
|
|
$ |
132,000 |
|
|
$ |
24,930 |
|
|
$ |
156,930 |
|
|
$ |
220,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,150 |
|
|
$ |
255,150 |
|
W. David Foster,
former Vice-Chairman
of the Board (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
30,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of health, dental and vision insurance coverage. The value is based on the type
of insurance coverage we carried for each executive officer as of December 31, 2006 and is valued at the premiums
then in effect. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of health, dental, vision, life, long and short term disability insurance coverage.
The value is based on the type of insurance coverage we carried for each executive officer as of December 31,
2006 and is valued at the premiums then in effect. |
|
(3) |
|
Consists of health, dental, vision, life, long and short term disability insurance coverage.
The value is based on the type of insurance coverage we carried for each executive officer as of December 31,
2006 and is valued at the premiums then in effect. Also included is the annual lease value of company
automobiles currently provided to the Named Executive Officers. |
|
(4) |
|
These columns also include the value of the accelerated vesting of outstanding unvested
restricted stock. For Mr. Moore this represents $163,410, Mr. Horan had no unvested restricted stock at the end
of fiscal 2006, for Mr. Heist this represents $29,470 and for Mr. Gardner this represents $11,670. The
value of the accelerated vesting of unvested restricted stock was determined by multiplying
the fair market value of our common stock on December 31, 2006 by the number of shares of
restricted stock that where subject to accelerated vesting. The amounts reflected in the
benefits column would also be paid upon retirement, if determined by the compensation
committee, pursuant to the Restricted Stock or Executive Stock Award Plans. |
|
(5) |
|
W. David Foster retired as Vice Chairman on March 31, 2006. Mr. Foster retained his seat on
the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan, the committee accelerated the
vesting of 4,715 shares of restricted stock on March 31, 2006 in connection with his
retirement, which is reflected in the benefits column under the section entitled Death or
Disability in the table above. |
Summary of Employment Agreements With Named Executive Officers
The following section provides information on employment agreements with our Named Executive
Officers noted in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis or in the tables. For the convenience of
the reader, we are putting the descriptions of these employment agreements in one location.
Kurt R. Moore, 47, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to an
employment agreement entered into on January 1, 2007, that provides for his employment through
December 31, 2008. Beginning in 2009, the employment agreement will renew annually from year to
year, unless it is terminated in accordance with its provisions or unless either the Company or Mr.
Moore gives notice of termination to the other at least six months in advance.
Under the agreement, Mr. Moore is compensated at a base salary rate of $300,000 for 2007. For each
calendar year thereafter, his salary will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no
event shall it be less than the annual salary that was payable to him for the preceding calendar
year. Mr. Moore is eligible to participate in any bonus program implemented for senior executives
of the Company, with pertinent terms and goals to be established by the Compensation Committee.
Under the employment agreement, management has agreed to use best efforts to have Mr. Moore
nominated for a seat on the Board while he is employed by the Company. The agreement provides that
his nomination and continuation as a Director is subject to the will of the Board of Directors and
the Companys stockholders and that removal or non-election will not be a breach of the agreement.
The Company may terminate Mr. Moores employment with cause immediately or without cause with 30
days advance notice. Mr. Moore may terminate his employment with the Company at any time with 30
days advance notice.
57
If Mr. Moores employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability, the Company is
obligated to continue to pay his salary and provide him with medical benefits for the lesser of
twelve months or the balance of the term remaining under the employment agreement. If his
employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by him due to a material breach of the
agreement by the Company, in either case other than within two years following a change in control,
the Company is obligated to continue to pay Mr. Moore his salary and provide him with certain
benefits for a period equal to the remainder of the initial term or any one year renewal term, as
the case may be, and to pay him within 30 days of the date of termination an amount equal to his
target bonus opportunity for the year in which termination occurs times the number of whole or
partial years remaining in the term.
If within two years after a change in control of the Company, Mr. Moores employment is terminated
by the Company without cause or by Mr. Moore due to a material breach of the agreement by the
Company, he will be entitled to an amount equal to two times his annual salary in effect on the
date of termination.
Upon any such termination within two years of a change in control, the Company will provide Mr.
Moore with a package of benefits substantially similar to those he was receiving prior to the date
of termination (or prior to the change in control, if greater). The Company will also vest and
accelerate the exercise date of all unvested stock options on the date of such termination, and
such options shall remain exercisable for the duration of their original terms. Mr. Moore will
have one year following the later of a change in control or the exercise of each option to sell to
the Company shares of common stock acquired at any time upon exercise of an option; in such event,
the sale price shall be equal to the average market price of the common stock for the 30 trading
days ending on the date prior to the change in control. Finally, if the change in control would
constitute an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Code, such compensation
will be reduced to the largest amount that will result in no portion of the termination payments
under the employment agreement being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code
or being disallowed as deductions to the Company under Section 280G of the Code.
No change in control compensation will be paid if the Companys business is sold and Mr. Moore is
offered employment by the purchaser on terms substantially the same as those under the employment
agreement, including change in control compensation. No change in control compensation is due upon
Mr. Moores retirement, death or disability.
Mr. Moores agreement contains provisions relating to noncompetition and nonsolicitation of the
Companys employees during the term of the agreement and for two years following termination of
employment in certain cases.
John Horan, 45, serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to an employment
agreement entered into on April 17, 2006, that provides for his employment from May 15, 2006
through May 14, 2008.
Under the agreement, Mr. Horan is compensated at a base salary of $165,600 for 2007. For each year
thereafter, his salary will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event will it be
less than the annual salary that was payable to him for the preceding calendar year. Mr. Horan is
eligible to participate in any bonus program implemented for senior executives of the Company, with
pertinent terms and goals to be established by the Compensation Committee.
The Company may terminate Mr. Horans employment with cause immediately or without cause with 30
days advance notice. Mr. Horan may terminate his employment with the Company at any time with 30
days advance notice.
If Mr. Horans employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability, the Company is
obligated to continue to pay his salary and provide him with medical benefits for the lesser of
twelve months or the balance of the term remaining under the employment agreement. If his
employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by him due to a material breach of the agreement by the Company, in either
case other than within two years following a change in control (as defined in the agreement), the
Company is obligated to continue to pay Mr. Horan his salary and provide him with certain benefits
for a period equal to
58
the remainder of the term of the agreement, and to pay him within 30 days of
the date of termination an amount equal to his target bonus opportunity for the year in which
termination.
If within two years after a change in control of the Company, Mr. Horans employment is terminated
by the Company without cause or by Mr. Horan due to a material breach of the agreement by the
Company, he will be entitled to an amount equal to two times his annual base salary in effect on
the date of termination.
Upon any such termination within two years of a change in control, the Company will provide Mr.
Horan with a package of benefits substantially similar to those he was receiving prior to the date
of termination (or prior to the change in control, if greater). The Company will also vest and
accelerate the exercise date of all unvested stock options on the date of such termination, and
such options shall remain exercisable for the duration of their original terms. If the change in
control compensation would constitute an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), such compensation will be reduced to the largest amount
that will result in no portion of the termination payments under the employment agreement being
subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or being disallowed as deductions to
the Company under Section 280G of the Code.
No change in control compensation will be paid if the Companys business is sold and Mr. Horan is
offered employment by the purchaser on terms substantially the same as those under the employment
agreement, including change in control compensation. No change in control compensation is due upon
Mr. Horans retirement, death or disability.
Mr. Horans agreement contains provisions relating to noncompetition and nonsolicitation of the
Companys employees during the term of the agreement and for two years following termination of
employment except where the termination is by the Company without cause or by Mr. Horan as a result
of a material breach of the agreement by the Company.
Charles H. Heist, 56, serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors pursuant to an employment
agreement entered into on January 1, 2007, that provides for his employment through December 31,
2008.
Under the agreement, Mr. Heist is compensated at a base salary of $232,800 for 2007. For each year
thereafter, his salary will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event will it be
less than the annual salary that was payable to him for the preceding calendar year. Mr. Heist is
eligible to participate in any bonus program implemented for senior executives of the Company, with
pertinent terms and goals to be established by the Compensation Committee.
Under the employment agreement, management has agreed to use best efforts to have Mr. Heist
nominated for a seat on the Board while he is employed by the Company. The agreement provides that
his nomination and continuation as a Director is subject to the will of the Board of Directors and
the Companys stockholders and that removal or non-election will not be a breach of the agreement.
The Company may terminate Mr. Heists employment with cause immediately or without cause with 30
days advance notice. Mr. Heist may terminate his employment with the Company at any time with 30
days advance notice.
If Mr. Heists employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability, the Company is
obligated to continue to pay his salary and provide him with medical benefits for the lesser of
twelve months or the balance of the term remaining under the employment agreement. If his
employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by him due to a material breach of the
agreement by the Company, in either case other than within two years following a change in control
(as defined in the agreement), the Company is obligated to continue to pay Mr. Heist his salary and
provide him with certain benefits for a period equal to the remainder of the term of the agreement,
and to pay him within 30 days of the date of termination an amount equal to his target bonus
opportunity for the year in which termination occurs times the number of whole or partial years remaining under the term.
If within two years after a change in control of the Company, Mr. Heists employment is terminated
by the
59
Company without cause or by Mr. Heist due to a material breach of the agreement by the
Company, he will be entitled to an amount equal to two times his annual base salary in effect on
the date of termination
Upon any such termination within two years of a change in control, the Company will provide Mr.
Heist with a package of benefits substantially similar to those he was receiving prior to the date
of termination (or prior to the change in control, if greater). The Company will also vest and
accelerate the exercise date of all unvested stock options on the date of such termination, and
such options shall remain exercisable for the duration of their original terms. Mr. Heist will
have one year following the later of a change in control or the exercise of each option to sell to
the Company shares of common stock acquired at any time upon exercise of an option; in such event,
the sale price will be equal to the average market price of the common stock for the 30 trading
days ending on the date prior to the change in control. If the change in control compensation
would constitute an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (the Code), such compensation will be reduced to the largest amount that will result
in no portion of the termination payments under the employment agreement being subject to the
excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or being disallowed as deductions to the Company
under Section 280G of the Code.
No change in control compensation will be paid if the Companys business is sold and Mr. Heist is
offered employment by the purchaser on terms substantially the same as those under the employment
agreement, including change in control compensation. No change in control compensation is due upon
Mr. Heists retirement, death or disability.
Mr. Heists agreement contains provisions relating to noncompetition and nonsolicitation of the
Companys employees during the term of the agreement and for two years following termination of
employment except where the termination is by the Company without cause or by Mr. Heist as a result
of a material breach of the agreement by the Company.
Nolan B. Gardner, 37, serves as Vice President of Human Resources pursuant to an employment
agreement entered into on January 1, 2006, that provides for his employment through December 31,
2007.
Under the agreement, Mr. Gardner is compensated at a base salary of $110,000 for 2007. For each
year thereafter, his salary will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event will
it be less than the annual salary that was payable to him for the preceding calendar year. Mr.
Gardner is eligible to participate in any bonus program implemented for senior executives of the
Company, with pertinent terms and goals to be established by the Compensation Committee.
The Company may terminate Mr. Gardners employment with cause immediately or without cause with 30
days advance notice. Mr. Gardner may terminate his employment with the Company at any time with 30
days advance notice.
If Mr. Gardners employment is terminated as a result of his death or disability, the Company is
obligated to continue to pay his salary and provide him with medical benefits for the lesser of
twelve months or the balance of the term remaining under the employment agreement. If his
employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by him due to a material breach of the
agreement by the Company, in either case other than within two years following a change in control
(as defined in the agreement), the Company is obligated to continue to pay Mr. Gardner his salary
and provide him with certain benefits for a period equal to the remainder of the term of the
agreement, and to pay him within 30 days of the date of termination an amount equal to his target
bonus opportunity for the year in which termination.
If within two years after a change in control of the Company, Mr. Gardners employment is
terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Gardner due to a material breach of the agreement
by the Company, he will be entitled to an amount equal to two times his annual base salary in
effect on the date of termination.
Upon any such termination within two years of a change in control, the Company will provide Mr.
Gardner with a package of benefits substantially similar to those he was receiving prior to the
date of termination (or prior to the change in control, if greater). The Company will also vest
and accelerate the exercise date of all
60
unvested stock options on the date of such termination, and
such options shall remain exercisable for the duration of their original terms. If the change in
control compensation would constitute an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), such compensation will be reduced to the largest amount
that will result in no portion of the termination payments under the employment agreement being
subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or being disallowed as deductions to
the Company under Section 280G of the Code.
No change in control compensation will be paid if the Companys business is sold and Mr. Gardner is
offered employment by the purchaser on terms substantially the same as those under the employment
agreement, including change in control compensation. No change in control compensation is due upon
Mr. Gardners retirement, death or disability.
Mr. Gardners agreement contains provisions relating to noncompetition and nonsolicitation of the
Companys employees during the term of the agreement and for two years following termination of
employment except where the termination is by the Company without cause or by Mr. Gardner as a
result of a material breach of the agreement by the Company.
Summary of Plans
The following section provides information on Company-sponsored plans noted in the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis or in the tables. For the convenience of the reader, we are putting the
descriptions of the plans in one location.
Restricted Stock Plan
The Restricted Stock Plan (the Restricted Stock Plan) was approved by the stockholders of
the Company on May 23, 2002, and is designed to promote the long-term growth and profitability of
the Company by (i) providing executive officers and certain other key employees of the Company with
incentives to improve stockholder values and contribute to the success of the Company and (ii)
enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of
substantial responsibility.
The Restricted Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. This committee interprets
the Restricted Stock Plan and may adopt, amend, or rescind such rules and regulations for carrying
out the Restricted Stock Plan as it deems appropriate.
Subject to an event of reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination
of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets or other change in corporate structure or
shares, 250,000 shares of common stock of the Company may be issued pursuant to the Restricted
Stock Plan. Such shares may be unissued or treasury. The maximum number of shares that may be
issued to any single individual in any one year shall not exceed 25,000 shares.
Participation in the Restricted Stock Plan is limited to executive officers, regional managers,
division managers, the Vice President of Human Resources and the Director of Sales and Marketing of
the Company.
A pool of shares for grants under the Restricted Stock Plan is created by dividing eight percent
(8%) of the previous fiscal years pre-tax income (as determined by the Committee in consultation
with management and the Companys independent auditors) by the average of the Fair Market Values of
the common stock of the Company during a 30 trading day period commencing fifteen (15) trading days
before and ending fifteen (15) trading days after the release of the Companys earnings for such
previous fiscal year.
During each fiscal year that the Restricted Stock Plan is in effect, the Committee approves a
target for earnings before taxes as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. If the actual earnings before taxes for a particular fiscal year meets or exceeds the
target, as determined by the Committee after consultation with management and the Companys
independent auditors, the Committee issues to each
61
participant restricted shares equal to the
number of shares in the pool multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the cash bonus paid
to the participant and the denominator of which is the total of cash bonuses paid to all
participants for the year in question.
With respect to each grant of restricted shares under the Restricted Stock Plan, one-third of the
subject shares will become fully vested on the first anniversary of the date of grant, another
one-third of the subject shares will become vested on the second anniversary of the date of grant,
and the final one-third of the subject shares will become vested on the third anniversary of the
date of grant.
Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, in the event of a change in control or the
termination of a grantees employment due to death, disability, retirement with the consent of the
Committee, or termination without cause by the Company, all restrictions on shares granted to such
grantee shall lapse. On termination of a grantees employment for any other reason, including,
without limitation, termination for cause, all restricted shares subject to grants made to such
grantee shall be forfeited to the Company.
The Restricted Stock Plan terminated on the last day of fiscal year 2006.
Executive Stock Awards Plan
The Executive Stock Awards Plan (the Stock Plan) was approved by the stockholders of the Company
on May 6, 2004, and is designed to promote the long-term growth and profitability of the Company by
providing executive officers of the Company with incentives to improve stockholder values and
contribute to the success of the Company and by enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward
the best available persons for executive officer positions.
The Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Committee interprets the Stock
Plan and may adopt, amend, or rescind such rules and regulations for carrying out the Stock Plan as
it deems appropriate.
Subject to an event of reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination
of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets or other change in corporate structure or
shares, 135,000 shares of common stock of the Company may be issued pursuant to the Stock Plan.
Such shares may be unissued or treasury shares. The maximum number of shares that may be issued to
any single individual in any one year may not exceed 30,000 shares.
Participation in the Stock Plan is limited to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, and one additional executive officer that the Compensation
Committee may select.
Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee granted 9,000 restricted shares to the
President and Chief Executive Officer and 4,500 restricted shares to the previous Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer. These grants were made effective January 1, 2004, and vested on
January 1, 2005. The initial grants of restricted shares are not tied to any performance target.
Each initial grant of restricted shares is subject to approval of the Stock Plan by the Companys
stockholders at the annual meeting, and the subject shares will be forfeited if such approval is
not obtained. For fiscal 2004 through 2008, the Compensation Committee may establish applicable
performance targets based on earnings before taxes (EBT) of the Company and determine the number of
restricted shares that may be earned by participants in the Plan if the applicable performance
targets are met or exceeded. The number of shares to be awarded is determined by using the market
price of the stock as compared to the participants cash target incentive award to reach a ratio of
approximately 60% stock compensation to cash incentive compensation.
At the end of a fiscal year, if the Compensation Committee determines, after consultation with
management and the Companys independent auditors, that EBT for a particular fiscal year meets or
exceeds one or more of the performance targets, each participant will receive, with respect to such
fiscal year and the targets met or exceeded, the number of restricted shares provided for by the
Compensation Committee when it established the targets for the year. Each such grant of restricted
shares awarded for a particular fiscal year shall vest on January 1 of the second fiscal year
following the fiscal year for which such award was made. Accordingly,
62
grants awarded for fiscal
2004 will vest on January 1, 2006; grants awarded for fiscal 2005 will vest on January 1, 2007; and
grants awarded for fiscal 2006 will vest on January 1, 2008. The Compensation Committee, after
appropriate consultation with management and the Companys independent auditors, may adjust the
final calculation of EBT if an unusual event occurs during the fiscal year in question that has
more than a minimal impact on the Companys earnings.
No later than December 15 of the year in which any restricted shares awarded under the Plan vest,
the Company will credit to the participant who received such shares an amount equal to the fair
market value of such shares times the highest marginal tax rate applicable to such executive for
federal tax purposes.
Except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, in the event of a change in control or
the termination of a participants employment due to death, disability, retirement, or termination
without cause by the Company, all restrictions under the terms of the Stock Plan on shares granted
to such participant shall lapse. On termination of a participants employment for any other
reason, including, without limitation, termination for cause, all restricted shares subject to
grants made to such participant shall be forfeited to the Company.
Each participant who receives restricted shares will have the rights of a stockholder with respect
thereto from and after the grant thereof, in accordance with and subject to the risks of forfeiture
set forth in the Plan. No participant may transfer, assign or encumber any restricted shares
granted to him until such shares have vested in accordance with the Plan.
Unless previously terminated, the Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the last
day of fiscal year 2008.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation received by each of the
companys directors during the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Pension |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Deferred |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Earnings |
|
($) |
|
($) |
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
(d) |
|
(e) |
|
(f) |
|
(g) |
|
(h) |
Richard W. Roberson
(1) |
|
$ |
32,300 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
34,713 |
|
Charles E. Scharlau
(1) |
|
$ |
32,800 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35,213 |
|
Ronald K. Leirvik (1) |
|
$ |
28,800 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31,213 |
|
Donna R. Moore (1) |
|
$ |
28,300 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
30,713 |
|
W. David Foster (2) |
|
$ |
19,100 |
|
|
$ |
2,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,513 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Under the 2006 Directors Plan, receive a grant upon the date of such directors initial
election to the Board of Directors of 1,000 restricted shares of the Companys common stock.
Each time a non-employee Director is re-elected to the Board of Directors on or after the
Effective Date and following the completion of such non-employee Directors current term as a
director, he or she shall receive a grant of 250 restricted shares of the Companys common
stock. Each Director was granted 250 shares under this plan and the 2006 Annual Meeting held
on May 16, 2006 and are valued at $9.65 per share (the share price on the date of annual
meeting). These shares will vest on May 16, 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts reported in columns (b) and (c) for Mr. Foster were also reported in the
other compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above. |
Director Fees
63
Directors who are full-time employees of the Company receive no extra compensation for
their services as Directors. During fiscal 2006, non-employee Directors received an annual
retainer of $20,000, a $1,200 fee per regular meeting, and a $750 fee per committee meeting.
Non-employee Directors may only receive one meeting fee per day paid at the highest rate. Fees for
telephonic meetings are $500 per meeting. The Chairmen of the Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $4,000.
Under the Independent Directors Stock Option Plan (the Directors Plan), each non-employee
Director elected to the Board was granted an option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock,
exercisable on the one year anniversary of the grant. The options expire on the 10th
anniversary of the grant date. The 2000 Directors Plan was terminated upon stockholder approval
of a new Non-Employee Directors Equity Rights Plan (the 2006 Directors Plan). This termination
will not affect any outstanding options under the 2000 Directors Plan, and all such options will
continue to remain outstanding and be governed by the 2000 Directors Plan. Under the 2006
Directors Plan, upon re-election, each non-employee Director will receive a grant of 250
restricted shares of the Companys common stock. Vesting of the restricted shares occurs on the
first anniversary of the grant date.
The Company entered into an indemnification agreement with each of each of Charles H.
Heist, Ronald K. Leirvik, W. David Foster, Donna R. Moore, Richard W. Roberson and Charles E.
Scharlau, as members of the board of directors of the Company, and Kurt R. Moore, as a member of
the board of directors of the Company and as an executive officer. In general, the indemnification
agreements provide the directors and executive officers listed above with contractual rights to
indemnification and advancement or reimbursement of expenses to the fullest extent permitted by
Delaware law in connection with any and all expenses, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes,
penalties, and amounts paid in settlement incurred by the directors or executive officers as a
result of their service to, and actions on behalf of, the Company. The Companys Certificate of
Incorporation currently provides that the Company is required to indemnify its officers and
directors to the fullest extent allowable under applicable law.
64
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth as of April 19, 2007, information concerning the beneficial
ownership of shares of the Companys common stock by (i) each person known to the Company to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Companys common stock, (ii) each Director and Director
Nominee, (iii) each Named Executive Officer identified in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv)
all Directors and executive officers as a group. For the purpose of this Annual Report, beneficial
ownership has the meaning given under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating
to annual reports and does not necessarily indicate pecuniary interest. The beneficial ownership
information presented herein is based upon information furnished by each person or contained in
filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Beneficial |
|
|
Percent |
|
Name and Address (1) |
|
Ownership |
|
|
of Class |
|
C.H. Heist
Intervivos Trust |
|
|
454,645 |
(2) |
|
|
15.5 |
% |
c/o Charles H.
Heist III and Rebecca L. Heist, Trustees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles H.
Heist III |
|
|
329,163 |
(3) |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Victoria Hall |
|
|
91,941 |
(4) |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
Dixie Lea Clark |
|
|
126,014 |
(4) |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heist Grandchildren Trusts |
|
|
451,093 |
(5) |
|
|
15.4 |
% |
c/o Charles
H. Heist III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donald W.
Burton |
|
|
506,900 |
(6) |
|
|
17.3 |
% |
Post Office Box 4643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jackson, Wyoming 83001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W. David Foster |
|
|
51,006 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
% |
Kurt R. Moore |
|
|
79,032 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
% |
Nolan B. Gardner |
|
|
2,808 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Charles E. Scharlau |
|
|
14,255 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
Ronald K. Leirvik |
|
|
13,750 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
Richard W. Roberson |
|
|
14,250 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
Donna R. Moore |
|
|
13,750 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All officers
and Directors (9 persons) |
|
|
1,423,752 |
|
|
|
48.7 |
% |
Notes to Beneficial Ownership table:
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Except as otherwise indicated, all addresses are c/o Ablest Inc., 1511 N. Westshore Blvd.,
Suite 900, Tampa, Florida 33607. |
|
(2) |
|
The shares indicated are held of record in a trust created by the founder of the Company,
C.H. Heist, for the benefit of his family prior to his death in February 1983. The two
trustees of the trust are Rebecca L. Heist and Charles H. Heist. Each of the trustees may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held in the trust, and each disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares held by the trust. The trust will continue until the death
of the children of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Heist. |
|
(3) |
|
The shares indicated are owned directly by Mr. Heist, except for 127,248 shares owned by his
wife. Mr. Heist disclaims beneficial ownership of the above-referenced shares owned by his
wife. The shares owned do not include the
shares owned by the C. H. Heist Trust or the shares of the trusts for the grandchildren
mentioned in footnote 5 below. Mr. Heist disclaims |
65
|
|
|
|
|
any beneficial ownership of the shares
held in such trust. |
|
(4) |
|
Ms. Hall and Ms. Clark are daughters of C.H. Heist (deceased) and Clydis D. Heist (deceased)
and sisters of Charles H. Heist. The shares owned by each of them do not include the shares
owned by the C.H. Heist Trust or the shares of the trusts for the grandchildren mentioned in
footnote 5 below. Ms. Hall and Ms. Clark disclaim any beneficial ownership of the shares held
in such trusts. |
|
(5) |
|
The trusts indicated were created for the benefit of the children of Charles H. Heist and his
sisters, Victoria Hall and Dixie Lea Clark. Mr. Heist, Ms. Hall and Ms. Clark are trustees of
the trusts. Each of the trustees disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held in these
trusts. |
|
(6) |
|
The Burton Partnership, Limited Partnership and The Burton
Partnership (QP), Limited Partnership are limited partnerships controlled by Donald W. Burton, who is deemed
to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by these partnerships. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 13,500 shares subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days of April 3, 2006 and 250 shares of restricted stock which will vest on May
16th 2007. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes the 454,645 shares and 451,093 shares described in footnotes (2) and (5), under
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. Also includes 54,000 shares subject to
stock options that are currently exercisable. |
Changes in Control
On April 4, 2007, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger
Agreement) with Koosharem Corporation (Parent) and Select Acquisition, Inc. (Merger Sub).
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company,
with the Company as the surviving corporation of the merger (the Merger). In the Merger, each
share of common stock (including shares of restricted stock) of the Company, other than those held
by the Company, Parent or Merger Sub, or any of their respective subsidiaries, and other than those
shares with respect to which appraisal rights are properly exercised, will be converted into the
right to receive $11.00 per share in cash (the Merger Consideration). In addition, all
outstanding options to acquire shares of Company common stock will vest at the effective time of
the Merger and holders of such options will receive an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any,
of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share subject to the option for each share
subject to the option. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions,
including approval by the Companys shareholders. Pursuant, and subject to, the terms of a voting
agreement entered into with Parent and Merger Sub, members of the Heist family (including Charles
H. Heist, III, the Companys Chairman of the Board) have agreed to vote the approximately 50.4% of
the Companys outstanding common stock beneficially owned thereby in favor of the Merger. The
parties currently expect that the Merger will be completed by June 30, 2007. If the Merger is
completed, there will be a change in control of the Company.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the Companys common stock that may be issued upon
the exercise of options, warrants, rights and restricted stock under all existing equity
compensation plans as of December 31, 2006, including the 2002 Restricted Stock Plan, the Executive
Stock Awards Plan and the 2006 Directors Plan. The Company had 386,309 securities available for
issuance under its equity compensation plans at December 31, 2006.
66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
future issuance under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities to |
|
Weighted-average |
|
equity compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
be issued upon exercise |
|
exercise price of |
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of outstanding options, |
|
outstanding options, |
|
securities reflected in |
|
|
|
|
Plan category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
warrants and rights |
|
column (a)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a |
) |
|
|
(b |
) |
|
|
(c |
) |
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
Plans approved by
Security holders |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.38 |
|
|
|
386,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
$ |
5.38 |
|
|
|
386,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Transactions with Related Persons
There were no transactions with related persons during the Companys 2006 fiscal year required by
applicable SEC rules and regulations to be disclosed hereunder.
Review, Approval, and/or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons
The Company recognizes that transactions involving related persons can present potential or actual
conflicts of interest and create the appearance that the Companys business decisions are based on
considerations other than the best interests of its shareholders. Therefore, in accordance with
the terms of its charter, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors adopted a written policy
and procedures for review, approval and monitoring of transactions involving related persons. The
policy covers any transaction involving the Company and a related person, and is not limited solely
to those transactions involving related persons that meet the minimum threshold for disclosure in
the proxy statement under the relevant SEC rules (i.e., transactions involving amounts exceeding
$120,000 in which a related person has a direct or indirect material interest).
General Policy
Transactions involving related persons must be approved, or ratified if pre-approval is not
feasible, by the Audit Committee of the Board consisting solely of independent directors, who will
approve or ratify the transaction only if they determine that it is in the best interests of the
Companys shareholders. In considering the transaction, the Audit Committee will consider all
relevant factors, including, as applicable (i) the business rationale for entering into the
transaction; (ii) available alternatives to the transaction; (iii); whether the transaction is on
terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unrelated third-party under the same
or similar circumstances; (iv) the potential for the transaction to lead to an actual or apparent
conflict of interest and any safeguards imposed to prevent such actual or apparent conflicts; and
(v) the overall fairness of the transaction. The Audit Committee will also periodically monitor
ongoing transactions involving related persons to ensure that there are no changed circumstances
that would render it advisable for the Company to amend or terminate the transaction.
67
Procedures
|
|
|
It is the responsibility of management or the affected director or executive officer to
bring the matter to the attention of the Audit Committee. |
|
|
|
|
Any transaction involving a related person should be presented to the Audit Committee at
the next regularly scheduled meeting. |
|
|
|
|
All transactions should be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, and if not feasible,
ratified by the Audit Committee as promptly as practicable. |
|
|
|
|
If a member of the Audit Committee is involved in the transaction, except for purposes
of providing material information about the transaction to the Audit Committee, he must be
recused from all discussions and decisions about the transaction. |
Ongoing transactions involving related persons shall be reviewed by the Audit Committee on an
annual basis at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the fiscal year.
Since the beginning of the Companys last fiscal year, there have been no transactions required to
be reported under the applicable SEC rules where such policies and procedures did not require
review, approval or ratification or where such policies and procedures were not followed.
Director Independence
The Companys Board of Directors is made up of the following members: Mr. Charles Heist, Mr. W.
David Foster, Mr. Kurt Moore, Mr. Charles Scharlau, Mr. Ronald Leirvik, Ms. Donna Moore, and Mr.
Richard Roberson. The Board has determined that a majority of the Companys directors and all
current members of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees are independent under
Section 121A of the American Stock Exchange (AmEx) Company Guide. The Board has also determined
that the members of the Audit Committee meet the additional independence standards set forth by
Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 121B of the AmEx Company Guide.
The independent directors are Mr. Scharlau, Mr. Leirvik, Ms. Moore, and Mr. Roberson.
There were no undisclosed transactions, relationships or arrangements pursuant to Item 404(a)
(related-party transactions) that were considered by the Board under the applicable independence
definitions in determining that the director is independent.
ITEM 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audited the Companys financial statements for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2006 and December 25, 2005 and has been selected by the Board of Directors to audit
the Companys financial statements for the current fiscal year.
Fiscal 2002 was the first year that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audited the Companys financial
statements.
Audit Fees
68
The following table sets forth information regarding fees paid by the Company during 2006 and 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Audit Fees(1) |
|
$ |
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
105,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees(2) |
|
|
28,100 |
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
192,100 |
|
|
$ |
151,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit of annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q. |
|
(2) |
|
Tax consultations and tax return preparation. |
The Audit Committee has concluded that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs provision of the services
described above is compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs independence. The
Audit Committee pre-approved all of such services. The Audit Committee has established
pre-approval policies and procedures with respect to audit and permitted non-audit services to be
provided by its independent auditors. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, the Audit
Committee may form, and delegate authority to, subcommittees consisting of one or more members when
appropriate to grant such pre-approvals, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant
pre-approvals are presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit
Committees pre-approval policies do not permit the delegation of the Audit Committees
responsibilities to management.
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) |
|
The following documents are filed as part of this Report: |
|
(1) |
|
Financial Statements |
|
|
|
|
See Index to Financial Statements on page 20. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Supplemental Schedules |
|
|
|
|
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present in
amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the required
information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Exhibit |
2.1
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger between C. H. Heist Corp. and Ablest Inc. dated February 4,
2000. (1) |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger between Ablest Service Corp., PLP Corp., Milestone
Technologies, Inc. and Ablest Inc., dated January 1, 2001. (2) |
69
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Exhibit |
3.1
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (2) |
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
By-laws of the Registrant. (2) |
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Asset Sale and Purchase Agreement between C. H. Heist Corp. and Onyx Industrial
Services Inc. (1) |
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Promissory Note dated August 13, 2003 between the Company and Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company. (3) |
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Modification Agreement dated August 2, 2005 between Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company and Ablest Inc. (10) |
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Independent Directors Stock Option Plan adopted May 14, 2000.*(2) |
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Option to Ownership Plan adopted October 9, 2000.*(2) |
|
|
|
10.6
|
|
Executive Stock Awards Plan.*(4) |
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
2002 Restricted Stock Plan* (8) |
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
Employment agreement with Charles H. Heist III, Chairman, dated January 1, 2004.*(5) |
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Employment agreement with W. David Foster, Vice Chairman, dated January 1, 2004.*(5) |
|
|
|
10.10
|
|
Employment agreement with Kurt R. Moore, President and Chief Executive Officer, dated
January 1, 2004.*(5) |
|
|
|
10.11
|
|
Employment agreement with Vincent J. Lombardo, Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, dated January 1, 2004.*(5) |
|
|
|
10.12
|
|
Settlement agreement and Complete and Permanent Release, dated September 22, 2005,
between Vincent J. Lombardo and Ablest Inc.* (6) |
|
|
|
10.13
|
|
VCG Services Agreement, dated September 29, 2005, between VCG, Inc. and Ablest Inc. (7) |
|
|
|
10.14
|
|
VCG License and Support Agreement, dated September 29, 2005, between VCG, Inc. and
Ablest Inc. (7) |
|
|
|
10.15
|
|
Professional Services Agreement (including Proposal for Great Plains
Implementation), dated September 30, 2005, between IDEAL Consulting, Inc. and Ablest Inc. (7) |
|
|
|
10.16
|
|
Summary of Compensation Payable to Non-Employee Directors * (9)
|
10.17
|
|
Form of indemnification Agreement between Registrant and its Directors. |
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (11) |
70
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Exhibit |
23.1
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
* |
|
Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as
exhibits pursuant to item 15(b) of this report. |
|
(1) |
|
Filed as Exhibit to the Registrants Form 8-K report dated March 22, 2000 and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(2) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 10-K Report for the year ended
December 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(3) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended
September 28, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(4) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form S-8 filed January 12, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(5) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 10-K Report for the year ended
December 28, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(6) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 8-K Report dated September 26, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(7) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 8-K Report dated October 5, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(8) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form DEF 14A dated April 28, 2003 and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(9) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 8-K Report dated November 9, 2005
and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(10) |
|
Filed as an Exhibit to the Registrants Form 10-Q Report for the quarter ended
June 26, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(11) |
|
Filed previously. |
71
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
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|
ABLEST INC.
|
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By: |
/s/ Kurt R. Moore
|
|
|
|
Kurt R. Moore |
|
|
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Date: April 25, 2007
72
Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Ablest Inc.:
Our audits of the financial statements referred to in our report dated March 9, 2007 appearing in
the December 31, 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders of Ablest Inc. (which report and financial
statements are included in this Amendment No. 1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A) also
included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K/A.
In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related financial statements.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Tampa, Florida
April 25, 2007
73
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Periods Ended December 31, 2006, December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
beginning of |
|
|
charged to |
|
|
Additions charged to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
end of |
|
(Amounts in thousands) |
|
the period |
|
|
costs and expense |
|
|
other accounts |
|
|
Deductions |
|
|
the period |
|
Period Ended December 31, 2006
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
275 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period Ended December 25, 2005
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
285 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period Ended December 26, 2004
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
$ |
246 |
|
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
285 |
|
74