-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Qy0lqQKKw+gALzYoNIVqfBOQ0wFWDTj/GBkQ217zzNfZEPCHWYX0XsmrXCf6cE6/ asCddeIr9n0B6gFUzi4sHA== 0001104659-06-025400.txt : 20060417 0001104659-06-025400.hdr.sgml : 20060417 20060417143403 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-06-025400 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060131 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060417 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060417 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CASCADE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000018061 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS TRACTORS TRAILERS & STACKERS [3537] IRS NUMBER: 930136592 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OR FISCAL YEAR END: 0131 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12557 FILM NUMBER: 06762010 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2201 N.E. 201ST AVE. CITY: FAIRVIEW STATE: OR ZIP: 97024-9718 BUSINESS PHONE: 5036696300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2201 N.E. 201ST AVE CITY: FAIRVIEW STATE: OR ZIP: 97024-9718 10-K 1 a06-8971_110k.htm ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 AND 15(D)

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


GRAPHIC

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x

 

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

 

 

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006

OR

o

 

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

 

 

For the transition period from         to         

Commission file number 1-12557


CASCADE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Oregon

 

93-0136592

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

2201 N.E. 201st Ave. Fairview, Oregon 97024-9718

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 503-669-6300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.50 per share

Name of exchange on which registered: New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the 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 x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x

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

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):  Yes o  No x

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 31, 2005 was $546,848,250, based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 17, 2006 was 12,541,204.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year end of January 31, 2006, to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 6, 2006 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 




TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

 

4

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Business

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Products

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Markets

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Competition

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Customers

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Backlog

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Research and Development

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Matters

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Employees

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Operations

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Available Information

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

3

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

11

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

11

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

12

 

 

 

Item 4A.

 

Officers of the Registrant

 

12

 

PART II

 

14

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

14

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

15

 

 

 

Item 7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      

 

16

 

 

 

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

34

 

 

 

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

35

 

 

 

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     

 

65

 

 

 

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

66

 

 

 

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

66

 

PART III

 

67

 

 

 

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

67

 

 

 

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

67

 

 

 

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and related Stockholder Matters

 

68

 

 

 

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

68

 

 

 

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Service

 

68

 

PART IV

 

68

 

 

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

68

 

SIGNATURES

 

70

 

 

NOTE: All references to fiscal years are defined as year ended January 31, 2006 (fiscal 2006), year ended January 31, 2005 (fiscal 2005) and year ended January 31, 2004 (fiscal 2004).




Forward-looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, gross margin, expenses, earnings or losses from operations, synergies or other financial items; any statements of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties, and assumptions referred to above include, but are not limited to:

·       Competitive factors in, and the cyclical nature of, the materials handling industry;

·       Fluctuations in lift truck orders or deliveries;

·       Availability and cost of raw materials;

·       General business and economic conditions in North America, Europe, Asia and China;

·       Actions by foreign governments;

·       Assumptions relating to pension and other postretirement costs;

·       Foreign currency fluctuations;

·       Pending litigation;

·       Environmental matters;

·       Effectiveness of our capital expenditures and cost reduction initiatives.

We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report.

3




PART I

Item 1.                        Business

General

Cascade Corporation (Cascade) was organized in 1943 under the laws of the State of Oregon. The terms “Cascade”, “we”, and “our” includes Cascade Corporation and its subsidiaries. Our headquarters are located in Fairview, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, Oregon. We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of materials handling load engagement devices and related replacement parts, primarily for the lift truck industry.

Products

We manufacture an extensive range of materials handling load engagement products that are widely used on lift trucks and, to a lesser extent, on construction and agricultural vehicles.

Our products are primarily manufactured with the Cascade and Cascade-Kenhar names and symbols, for which we have secured trademark protection. The primary function of these products is to provide the lift truck with the capability of engaging, lifting, repositioning, carrying and depositing various types of loads and products. We offer a wide variety of functionally different products, each of which has numerous sizes, models, capacities and optional combinations. Products are designed to handle loads with pallets and for specialized application loads without pallets. Examples of specialized products include devices specifically designed to handle loads such as appliances, carpet and paper rolls, baled materials, textiles, beverage containers, drums, canned goods, bricks, masonry blocks, lumber, plywood, and boxed, packaged and containerized products.

Our products are subject to strict design, construction and safety requirements established by industry associations and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Our major manufacturing facilities are ISO certified. Product specifications and characteristics are determined by the expected capacity to be lifted, the characteristics of the load, the ambient environment in which employed, the terrain over which the load will be moved and the operational life cycle of the vehicle. Accordingly, while there are some standard products, the market demands a wide range of products in custom configurations and capacities.

The manufacturing of our products includes the purchase of raw materials and components: principally rolled bar, plate and extruded steel products; unfinished castings and forgings; hydraulic cylinders and motors; and hardware items such as fasteners, rollers, hydraulic seals and hose assemblies. A portion of our bar steel purchases are obtained under annual pricing arrangements, which do not require minimum quantity purchases. Certain purchased parts are provided worldwide by a limited number of suppliers. Difficulties in obtaining alternative sources of rolled bar, plate and extruded steel products and other materials from one of our primary suppliers could affect operating results. We are not currently experiencing any shortages in obtaining raw materials, purchased parts, or other steel products.

Markets

We market our products throughout the world. Our primary customers are companies and industries that use lift trucks for materials handling. Examples of these industries include pulp and paper, grocery products, textiles, recycling and general consumer goods. Our products are sold to the end-user customer through the retail lift truck dealer distribution channel and to lift truck manufacturers as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment.

4




In the major industrialized countries, lift trucks are a widely utilized method of materials handling. In these markets lift trucks are generally considered maintenance capital investment. This tends to subject the industry in general, to the cyclical patterns similar to the broader capital goods economic sector.

However, many of our products measurably improve overall materials handling and lift truck productivity. Further, we are continually developing products to serve new types of materials handling applications to meet specific customer and industry requirements. In this sense, our products may also be generally considered as both a maintenance and productivity enhancing investment. Historically, this has somewhat cushioned the negative impact of downward trends in the lift truck market on our net sales.

In the emerging industrialized countries, China in particular, lift trucks are replacing manual labor and other less productive methods of materials handling. As such lift trucks are generally considered productivity enhancing investments in these markets. We believe this makes lift truck markets in these countries generally less susceptible to downward trends in capital goods spending. Our relatively limited experience in these emerging markets supports this observation.

Competition

We are one of the leading domestic and foreign independent suppliers of load engagement products for industrial lift trucks. We compete with a number of companies in different parts of the world. The majority of these competitors are privately-owned companies with a strong presence in local and regional markets. A smaller number of these competitors compete with us globally.

In addition, several lift truck manufacturers, who are customers of ours, are also competitors in varying degrees to the extent that they manufacture a portion of their load engagement product requirements. Since we offer a broad line of products capable of supplying a significant part of the total requirements for the entire lift truck industry, our experience has shown that lower costs resulting from our relatively high unit volume would be difficult for any individual lift truck manufacturer to achieve for most products. We design and position our products to be the performance and service leaders in their respective product categories and geographic markets.

Our market share and gross margins throughout the world vary by geographic region due to the different competitive environments we face in each of these regions. A further discussion of the competition in each geographic region follows:

North AmericaWe are the leading manufacturer in North America and the preferred supplier of many OEMs as well as OEDs (original equipment dealers) and distributors.  We compete in this region primarily with smaller regionally-based companies and a limited number of smaller foreign competitors. Our leading position has been achieved within the last ten years through an acquisition which complemented our existing product lines and a continued focus on providing high quality products and outstanding customer service.

Europe—While we are also a leading manufacturer in Europe, we compete with several privately-owned companies with a strong presence in local and regional markets. In contrast to North America, competition in this region is principally on price, resulting in lower gross margins.

Asia Pacific—This region includes operations in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and South Africa. The competitive environment varies somewhat from country to country, and competitors vary in size from smaller regionally-based private companies to some larger lift truck manufacturers. In general we have established a strong presence throughout the region.

China—We have operated in China for 20 years. During that time we have established a strong presence in the lift truck market. Our competition consists primarily of smaller China-based companies. In the past two years we have seen an increase in the number of competitors in the Chinese market, which has

5




included foreign manufacturers, primarily from Europe. The increased competition is due to the continued growth in China’s economy and the expanded use of lift trucks for various industrial purposes.

Fluctuations in gross margins within a geographic region over time are generally due to a change in the competitive environment such as new competitors entering a market or existing entities merging or otherwise leaving the market. Additionally, cyclical variations in product demand directly affect margins as higher manufacturing volumes permit greater fixed cost absorption resulting in increased gross margins.

Customers

Our products are marketed and sold primarily to lift truck OEDs, OEMs, and distributors globally. Our primary markets are North America, Europe, China and Asia Pacific. In addition to sales to the lift truck market, we sell products to OEMs who manufacture construction, mining, agricultural and industrial vehicles other than lift trucks.

No single customer accounts for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. Our sales to OEM customers account for approximately 40-45% of our consolidated net sales.

Backlog

Our products are manufactured with short lead times of generally less than one month. Accordingly, we do not believe the level of backlog orders is a significant factor in evaluating our overall level of business activity.

Research and Development

Most of our research and development activities are performed at our corporate headquarters in Fairview, Oregon and at our manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Our engineering staff develops and designs substantially all of the products we sell and is continually involved in developing products for new applications. We do not consider patents to be important to our business.

Environmental Matters

From time to time, we are the subject of investigations, conferences, discussions and negotiations with various federal, state, local and foreign agencies with respect to cleanup of hazardous waste and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. “Risk Factors” (Item 1A), Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8), “Legal Proceedings” (Item 3) and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” (Item 7) contain additional information concerning our environmental matters.

Employees

At January 31, 2006, we had approximately 1,900 full-time employees throughout the world. The majority of these employees are not subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe our relations with our employees are excellent.

Foreign Operations

We have substantial operations outside the United States. There are additional business risks attendant to our foreign operations such as the risk that the relative value of the underlying local currencies may weaken when compared to the U.S. dollar. For further information about foreign operations, see “Risk Factors” (Item 1A), “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7) and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

6




Available Information

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on or through our website at www.cascorp.com when such reports are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website - www.sec.gov. Once filed with the SEC, such documents may be read and/or copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Item 1A.                Risk Factors

In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating Cascade’s business. Our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Please note that additional risks not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial may also impair its business and operations.

Economic or industry downturns

Our business has historically experienced periodic cyclical downturns generally consistent with economic cycles in the markets in which we operate. The level of sales of our products reflects to a significant extent the capital investment decisions of the customers who buy our products and the lift trucks and other vehicles, on which our products are used. These customers have had a tendency to delay capital projects, including the purchase of new equipment or expensive upgrades, during industry or general economic downturns. Past downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, excess manufacturing capacity and erosion of gross margins. Therefore, a significant downturn in the markets of our customers, including lift truck manufacturers, or in general economic conditions is likely to result in a reduction in demand for our products and could harm our business.

Intense competition

Our products do not depend upon proprietary technology to any significant degree, and therefore can be subject to intense competition.   The principal methods of competition in our markets are product performance and ease of use, product quality, safety, customer service and support, product lead times, global reach, brand reputation, breadth of product line and price. Our customers increasingly demand more technologically advanced and integrated products in certain cases and we must continue to develop our expertise and technical capabilities in order to manufacture and market these products successfully. To retain our competitive position, we will need to invest continuously in research and development, manufacturing, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks.

Future acquisitions may not prove to be successful

We have at times expanded our business through acquisitions and expect that we will do so in the future if appropriate opportunities arise. If we are not successful in integrating acquisitions, we may not realize the operating advantages and cost savings that we anticipate at the time of acquisition. Future acquisitions may require us to incur additional debt and contingent liabilities, which may materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition. The acquisition and integration of businesses involve a number of risks, including:

·       Use of available cash, new borrowings, or borrowings under our credit facility to consummate the acquisition;

7




·       Potential dilution of shareholders’ equity;

·       Demands on management related to the increase in our size after an acquisition;

·       Diversion of management’s attention from existing operations due to the integration of acquired businesses;

·       Difficulties in systems integration;

·       Difficulties in the assimilation and retention of employees; and

·       Potential adverse effects on our operating results.

Economic, political and other risks associated with international operations

Foreign operations represent a significant portion of our business. We expect revenue from foreign markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our total sales. As noted in “Properties” (Item 2), we own or lease facilities in many foreign countries throughout the world.    Since we manufacture and sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally.  Accordingly, our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

·       Imposition of foreign exchange controls;

·       Changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets such as China;

·       Foreign currency exchange risks;

·       Seizure of our property or assets by a foreign government without our consent;

·       Civil unrest in any of the countries in which we operate;

·       Tariffs, other trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;

·       Potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws;

·       Difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;

·       Differing labor regulations;

·       Requirements relating to withholding taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;

·       Restrictions on our ability to own or operate or repatriate dividends from our subsidiaries, make investments or acquire new businesses in foreign jurisdictions;

·       Difficulty in enforcement of contractual obligations governed by non-U.S. law;

·       Unexpected transportation delays or interruptions;

·       Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; and

·       The burden of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws.

Foreign currency fluctuations

Changes in economic or political conditions in any of the countries in which we operate could result in exchange rate movements, new currency or exchange controls or other restrictions being imposed on our operations.

Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our results of operations. Because our combined financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, translation of sales or earnings generated in other

8




currencies into U.S. dollars can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those sales or earnings. In addition, our debt service requirements are primarily in U.S. dollars, even though a portion of our cash flow is generated in euros and other foreign currencies. Significant changes in the value of these foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to meet interest and principal payments on U.S. dollar-denominated debt.

In addition, fluctuations in currencies relative to currencies in which our earnings are generated may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations. For purposes of accounting, the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated using period-end exchange rates, and the revenues, expenses and cash flows of our foreign operations are translated using average exchange rates during each period.

In addition to currency translation risks, we incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into either a purchase or a sales transaction using a currency other than the local currency of the transacting entity. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we cannot be assured that we will be able to effectively manage our currency transaction and/or translation risks. Volatility in currency exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We have purchased and may continue to purchase foreign currency hedging instruments protecting or offsetting positions in certain currencies to reduce the risk of adverse currency fluctuations. We have in the past experienced and expect to experience at times in the future a negative impact on earnings as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Loss of senior management

The success of our business is largely dependent on our senior managers, as well as on our ability to attract and retain other qualified personnel. Eight members of our senior management team have been with us for over 20 years, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who have each been with us for over 33 years. We may not be able to attract and retain the management personnel necessary for the development of our business. The loss of the services of key management personnel or the failure to attract additional personnel as required could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities

Our operations and properties are subject to stringent U.S. and foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations govern the investigation and clean up of contaminated properties as well as air emissions, water discharges, waste management and disposal and workplace health and safety.  We can be held responsible under these laws and regulations no matter if the original actions were legal or illegal and no matter if we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. We could be responsible for payment of the full amount of any liability, whether or not any other responsible party also is liable.

These laws and regulations affect a significant percentage of our operations, are different in every jurisdiction and can impose substantial fines and sanctions for violations. Further, they may require substantial clean-up costs for our properties, many of which are sites of long-standing manufacturing operations, and the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. We must conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions as these requirements change.

We routinely deal with natural gas, oil and other petroleum products. As a result of our operations, we generate, manage and dispose of or recycle hazardous wastes and substances such as solvents, thinner, waste paint, waste oil, wash-down wastes and sandblast material. Hydrocarbons or other hazardous

9




substances or wastes may have been disposed or released on, under or from properties owned, leased or operated by us or on, under or from other locations where such substances or wastes have been taken for disposal. These properties may be subject to investigatory, clean-up and monitoring requirements under U.S. and foreign, federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

Fluctuations in raw material costs and availability

Significant cost increases in raw materials and components or shortages in these items could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

To manufacture our products we purchase raw materials and components,  principally rolled bar, plate and extruded steel products, unfinished castings and forgings, hydraulic cylinders and motors, and hardware items such as fasteners, rollers, hydraulic seals and hose assemblies.  The price of steel is particularly significant to our manufacturing costs since most of our products are manufactured using specialty steel as a primary raw material and specialty steel based components as purchased parts.  As a result, we are exposed to increases in the market prices of raw materials and components that we may not be able to mitigate by changing the selling prices of our products or other means.

We may also experience shortages of raw materials and purchased parts, which in certain cases are provided by a limited number of suppliers. Shortages may require us to curtail production or to devote additional financial resources to maintaining inventories of raw materials and purchased parts in excess of our normal requirements.

Underfunded benefit plans

Our obligations under certain postretirement health benefit and foreign subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension plans are currently underfunded. At some time in the future we may have to make significant cash payments to fund these plans, which would reduce the cash available for our business.

As of January 31, 2006, our projected benefit obligations under our defined benefit pension plans exceeded the fair value of plan assets by $3.5 million. As of January 31, 2006 our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation under our postretirement benefit plan was $8.5 million. The underfunding is due in part to fluctuations in the financial markets that have caused the valuation of the assets in our defined benefit pension plans to decrease. We expect that any future obligations under our plans that are not currently funded will be funded from future cash flows from operations. If our contributions are insufficient to adequately fund the plans to cover our future obligations, the performance of the assets in our plans does not meet our expectations or assumptions are modified, our contributions could be materially higher than we expect. This would reduce the cash available for our business. Changes in U.S. or foreign laws governing these plans could require us to make additional contributions. In addition, changes in generally accepted accounting principles in the United States could require the recording of additional liabilities and costs related to these plans.

Reliance on lift truck dealers

Approximately 55-60% of our products are sold to the end-user customer through retail lift truck dealers. Therefore, a significant portion of our sales is dependent on the quality and effectiveness of these dealers, who are not subject to our control. As a result, poor performance by retail lift truck dealers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

10




Item 2.                        Properties

We own and lease various types of properties located throughout the world. Our executive offices are located in Fairview, Oregon. We generally consider the productive capacity of our manufacturing facilities to be adequate and suitable to meet our requirements. Our primary locations are presented below:

Location

 

 

 

Primary
Activity

 

Approximate
Square
Footage

 

Status

 

NORTH AMERICA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Springfield, Ohio

 

Manufacturing

 

200,000

 

Owned

 

Fairview, Oregon

 

Manufacturing/Headquarters

 

155,000

 

Owned

 

Guelph, Ontario Canada

 

Manufacturing

 

125,000

 

Owned

 

Toronto, Ontario Canada

 

Manufacturing

 

73,000

 

Leased

 

Warner Robins, Georgia

 

Manufacturing

 

65,000

 

Owned

 

Findlay, Ohio

 

Manufacturing

 

52,000

 

Owned

 

EUROPE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almere, The Netherlands

 

Manufacturing

 

162,000

 

Owned

 

Schalksmuhle, Germany

 

Manufacturing

 

81,000

 

Owned

 

Verona, Italy

 

Manufacturing

 

74,000

 

Leased

 

Manchester, England

 

Manufacturing

 

44,000

 

Owned

 

La Machine, France

 

Manufacturing

 

37,000

 

Owned

 

Brescia, Italy

 

Manufacturing

 

19,000

 

Owned

 

Sheffield, England

 

Sales

 

10,000

 

Leased

 

Vaggeryd, Sweden

 

Sales

 

2,000

 

Leased

 

Epignay, France

 

Sales

 

2,000

 

Leased

 

Barcelona, Spain

 

Sales

 

1,000

 

Leased

 

Vantaa, Finland

 

Sales

 

500

 

Leased

 

ASIA PACIFIC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brisbane, Australia

 

Manufacturing

 

46,000

 

Leased

 

Osaka, Japan

 

Sales/Distribution

 

16,000

 

Leased

 

Inchon, Korea

 

Manufacturing

 

12,000

 

Owned

 

Auckland, New Zealand

 

Sales/Distribution

 

9,000

 

Leased

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

 

Sales/Distribution

 

9,000

 

Leased

 

CHINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xiamen, China

 

Manufacturing

 

72,000

 

Leased

 

Hebei, China

 

Manufacturing

 

65,000

 

Leased

 

 

Item 3.                        Legal Proceedings

Neither Cascade nor any of our subsidiaries are involved in any material pending legal proceedings other than litigation related to environmental matters discussed below. We are insured against product liability, personal injury and property damage claims, which may occasionally arise.

On April 22, 2002, the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County entered judgment in our favor in an action originally brought in 1992 against several insurers to recover various expenses incurred in connection with environmental litigation and related proceedings. The judgment was against two non-settling insurers. We subsequently reached a settlement of all claims with one of the insurers in return for a payment of $1.3 million, which we received October 22, 2004. The judgment against the remaining insurer is in the amount of approximately $800,000. The judgment also requires the insurer to defend us in suits alleging liability because of groundwater contamination emanating from our Fairview, Oregon plant and requires the insurer to pay approximately 3.1% of any liability imposed against us by judgment or settlement on or after March 1, 1997 on account of such contamination. We appealed the

11




judgment, contending that the remaining insurer should be required to pay a larger share of our past and future expenses and liabilities, additional interest, and increased attorneys fees. The insurer has cross-appealed. This matter is currently pending before the Oregon Court of Appeals. We have not recorded any amounts that may be recovered from the insurer in our consolidated financial statements.

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

None

Item 4A.                Officers of the Registrant

Robert C. Warren, Jr.—Chief Executive Officer and President(1)Mr. Warren, 57, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascade since 1996. He was President and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 until 1996 and was formerly Vice President—Marketing. Mr. Warren joined Cascade in 1972.

Gregory S. Anderson—Senior Vice President—Human Resources(1)Mr. Anderson, 57, has served in his current position since 2002. He joined Cascade in 1984, and has served as Vice President—Human Resources since 1991.

Richard S. Anderson—Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(1)Mr. Anderson, 58, has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2001. Mr. Anderson has been employed by Cascade since 1972 and held several positions including his appointments as Vice President—Material Handling Product Group in 1996 and Senior Vice President—International in 1999.

Terry H. Cathey—Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer(1)Mr. Cathey, 58, has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2000. He has been employed by Cascade since 1973 and has held several positions, including his appointments as Vice President—Material Handling Operations in 1996 and Vice President—Manufacturing in 1993.

Herre Y. Hoekstra, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe(1)Mr. Hoekstra, 44, joined Cascade in 2005. Prior to joining Cascade in 2005, Mr. Hoekstra held various management positions with Royal Ten Cate, REMU and Royal Dutch Shell, in The Netherlands.

Michael E. Kern, Vice President—Sales and Marketing(1)Mr. Kern, 59, has served as Vice President—Marketing since 2003. He has been employed by Cascade since 1966 and has held several positions, including his appointments as Director of Dealer Marketing and Sales in 2001 and Aftermarket Sales Manager in 1999.

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President—Corporate Manufacturing(1)Mr. Nickoloff, 50, has served in his current position since 2002. He has held several positions with Cascade, including his appointments as Director of North American Manufacturing in 2000 and Plant Manager in 1993. Mr. Nickoloff joined Cascade in 1979.

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President—Finance(1)Mr. Pointer, 45, has served as Vice President—Finance since 2000. Prior to joining Cascade in 2000, Mr. Pointer was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Portland, Oregon.

Robert C. Schuster, Vice President—Asia Pacific(1)—Mr. Schuster, 43, was appointed to his current position in July 2005. He previously served as the Managing Director overseeing the Company’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. Since joining Cascade in 1984 he has held various other positions including Design Engineer, Product Manager and Parts Depot Manager.

12




Anthony F. Spinelli, Vice President—OEM Products(1)Mr. Spinelli, 63, has served as Vice President—OEM Products, since 2001. Prior to 2001, he was Managing Director, Canadian Operations. Mr. Spinelli joined Cascade in 1997 when we purchased Kenhar Corporation where he had served as President, Kenhar Americas.

John A. Cushing—TreasurerMr. Cushing, 45, has served as Treasurer since 2001. He previously was Assistant Treasurer from 1999 until 2001. Prior to joining Cascade in 1999, Mr. Cushing was Assistant Treasurer for Fred Meyer, Inc., a retail company in Portland, Oregon.


(1)—These individuals are considered executive officers of Cascade Corporation.

13




PART II

Item 5.                        Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

As of March 17, 2006, there were 202 shareholders of record of Cascade’s common stock including blocks of shares held by various depositories. It is our belief that when the shares held by the depositories are attributed to the beneficial owners, the total exceeds 1,500.

Market Information

The high and low sales prices of Cascade’s common stock based on intra-day prices on the New York Stock Exchange were as follows:

 

 

Year ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

Market price range:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

 

$

37.95

 

$

30.61

 

$

24.15

 

$

19.41

 

Second quarter

 

45.90

 

31.00

 

31.66

 

20.50

 

Third quarter

 

50.58

 

39.80

 

31.50

 

23.60

 

Fourth quarter

 

53.80

 

46.03

 

42.00

 

29.00

 

 

Common Stock Dividends

The common stock dividends declared were as follows:

 

 

Year ended
January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

First quarter

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.11

 

Second quarter

 

0.12

 

0.11

 

Third quarter

 

0.15

 

0.11

 

Fourth quarter

 

0.15

 

0.12

 

Total

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.45

 

 

Stock Exchange Listing and Transfer Agent

Cascade’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CAE.

Cascade’s registrar and transfer agent is Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., Shareholder Relations, P.O. Box 3315, South Hackensack, N.J., 07606, (800) 522-6645.

14




Item 6.                        Selected Financial Data

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts and employees)

 

Income statement data(1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

450,503

 

$

385,719

 

$

297,756

 

$

258,829

 

$

252,715

 

Operating income

 

$

63,894

 

$

47,777

 

$

32,025

 

$

32,744

 

$

13,433

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

$

17,707

 

$

5,302

 

Net income

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

$

17,707

 

$

4,127

 

Cash flow data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

$

50,425

 

$

37,808

 

$

26,241

 

$

23,941

 

$

34,836

 

Cash flows from investing activities(2)

 

$

(31,723

)

$

(14,857

)

$

(19,612

)

$

(7,718

)

$

(3,201

)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

$

(13,191

)

$

(16,892

)

$

(14,715

)

$

(18,056

)

$

(16,405

)

Stock information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.34

 

$

1.55

 

$

1.55

 

$

0.47

 

Net income

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.34

 

$

1.55

 

$

1.55

 

$

0.36

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

3.27

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.45

 

$

0.44

 

Net income

 

$

3.27

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.45

 

$

0.34

 

Book value per common share(3)

 

$

20.69

 

$

17.82

 

$

15.18

 

$

12.70

 

$

10.03

 

Dividends declared

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.41

 

$

0.10

 

$

 

Balance sheet information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and marketable securities

 

$

58,497

 

$

31,985

 

$

31,586

 

$

29,501

 

$

25,611

 

Working capital(4)

 

$

124,962

 

$

94,154

 

$

81,720

 

$

71,201

 

$

66,011

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

75,374

 

$

82,027

 

$

75,244

 

$

65,863

 

$

61,412

 

Total assets

 

$

361,283

 

$

328,092

 

$

292,819

 

$

262,317

 

$

247,286

 

Total debt

 

$

29,922

 

$

40,564

 

$

53,934

 

$

63,851

 

$

79,668

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

$

259,406

 

$

217,883

 

$

183,688

 

$

144,748

 

$

113,267

 

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures(1)(5)

 

$

10,580

 

$

13,581

 

$

11,403

 

$

10,665

 

$

7,303

 

Depreciation(1)

 

$

14,562

 

$

13,912

 

$

12,152

 

$

10,532

 

$

10,349

 

Amortization(1)

 

$

1,443

 

$

658

 

$

512

 

$

261

 

$

4,399

 

Share-based compensation expense(6)

 

$

2,278

 

$

2,493

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

$

1,762

 

$

3,008

 

$

3,554

 

$

4,228

 

$

5,322

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,850

 

12,796

 

12,409

 

12,194

 

12,233

 

Number of employees

 

1,900

 

1,800

 

1,700

 

1,500

 

1,400

 


(1)          Except net income, excludes for all periods the data for the Company’s hydraulic cylinder division, which was sold in January 2002.

(2)          Includes $6.2 million and $11.7 million in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively, for business acquisitions.

(3)          Defined as equity divided by number of common shares outstanding at year end.

(4)          Defined as current assets less current liabilities.

(5)          Excludes $5.4 million and $5.8 million in fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively, of additions to property, plant, and equipment from business acquisitions.

(6)          See Notes 2 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on share-based compensation.

15




Item 7.                        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial condition as of January 31, 2006, and the results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report.

OVERVIEW

Our businesses globally manufacture and distribute material handling load engagement products primarily for the lift truck industry.  We operate our business in four geographic segments:  North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China. A further discussion of the nature of our business is contained in Item 1, “Business” of this report.

RECENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS

Development of European Business

The level of profitability in our European businesses in recent years has been well below the returns realized in our other geographic segments. As previously noted, we compete in Europe with several privately-owned companies with a strong presence in local and regional markets. This high level of competition has resulted in a market where price is the primary competitive factor, which results in our lower gross margins. In recent years we completed several acquisitions in Germany and Italy to improve our competitive position and market share. Fiscal 2006 was the first full year with these acquisitions integrated into our operations and we did see modest improvement in profitability.

During fiscal 2006 we initiated several additional steps to continue the development of our European business:

·       We appointed a Vice President with responsibility for all European operations.

·       We closed a manufacturing facility in Hoorn, The Netherlands. Production was moved to manufacturing facilities in Almere, The Netherlands and Verona, Italy. This closure allowed us to eliminate excess capacity for attachment products and will result in lower overall production costs.

·       We began the process for realigning our European sales force.

·       We initiated efforts to improve product quality, on-time delivery, consolidate purchasing efforts and streamline administrative functions.

Europe is the world’s largest forklift truck market and improving our market and financial performance still remains our highest priority. We will be working on these initiatives throughout fiscal 2007 and into early 2008. We believe these initiatives will allow us to increase sales and lower production and selling and administrative costs. While we do not expect to achieve the returns we are currently realizing outside of Europe, we believe we will see improvement in our overall profitability in the region.

16




Use of Available Cash

Since fiscal 2001 our focus has been to use cash flows from operating activities to reduce our outstanding debt levels. At January 31, 2006 our balance of cash and marketable securities of $58.5 million exceeds our balance of notes payable and long-term debt of $29.9 million. In evaluating our current liquidity situation there are several options we have considered:

·       Dividends—The quarterly dividend was increased from $0.12 per share to $0.15 per share in fiscal 2006. We anticipate the Board of Directors will continue to regularly evaluate the adequacy of the current quarterly dividend policy.

·       China expansion—As previously noted we anticipate over the next eighteen months to make additional investments in China.  This is discussed further below.

·       Acquisition strategy—We have developed our business in North America through the continued leverage of our core strengths in manufacturing. In evaluating growth and acquisition opportunities we have noted a high correlation between the manufacturing of materials handling products for lift trucks and a broader range of attachments for use on construction vehicles. This includes channels of distribution through a dealer network, engineering requirements and use of  high variability manufacturing. We believe the overall market for construction attachments is significantly larger than the market for lift truck attachments. We are currently pursuing opportunities to expand through acquisitions in the construction attachment sector.

Expansion in China

During fiscal 2006 we announced plans for a major expansion of our operations in China. At the present time we estimate this investment over the next 18 months will be approximately $15 million. We expect the investment will include equipment and process upgrades at existing facilities, construction of new facilities and possibly acquisitions. We are currently moving forward with this initiative and expect to begin realizing the benefits from this investment in the second half of fiscal 2007. This investment will lower our overall production costs and allow us to manufacture locally certain components currently manufactured in the United States.

Share-based Compensation Expense

We have granted awards in the form of both stock options and stock appreciation rights under share-based compensation plans to management and directors. These awards are a key component in our compensation structure. During the years ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, we incurred stock-based compensation expense related to these awards of $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Under the current accounting rules for share-based compensation expense and assuming a level of stock awards consistent with recent years, we expect stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2007 to exceed $5 million. The expense in years after fiscal 2007 could continue to increase absent significant modifications to our current plans and the number and types of awards. We are currently evaluating alternatives available to us to address the needs for a competitive compensation structure for management and directors and the cost of these plans to Cascade.

Continued Focus on Cost Structure

We have experienced strong revenue growth in the past year due to generally strong economic conditions around the world and the integration of acquired operations.  However, in most geographic regions in which we operate our current business is relatively mature with future growth of revenues expected to be relatively modest and in line with general economic growth.  Maintaining our current levels

17




of profitability will depend considerably on our ability to reduce our overall cost structure. This focus includes the following areas:

·       Global sourcing of raw materials

·       Consolidation and streamlining of administrative functions

·       Consolidation of information systems

·       Development of global engineering systems

·       Continued development of lean manufacturing techniques

·       Reassessment of management compensation programs

·       Restructuring of our European business

COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2006 AND FISCAL 2005

Consolidated Summary

Net income for fiscal 2006 increased to $42.1 million ($3.27 per diluted share) from $28.5 million ($2.24 per diluted share) in fiscal 2005. This increase is primarily due to net sales growth of 17%. Foreign currency fluctuations were not material in fiscal 2006. We experienced strong sales growth in all regions. Our net sales for fiscal 2006 were at a record level. The net sales increase was due to higher sales volumes and the full year’s effect of sales price increases made throughout fiscal 2005.  Forklift truck shipments globally were up 10% in fiscal 2006 over 2005. Our consolidated gross margin percentage of 32% was consistent between fiscal 2006 and 2005. While we did not experience the same level of material cost increases in fiscal 2006 as 2005, we did experience cost increases reflected in certain components and purchased parts. These increases as well as general cost increases were offset by the combination of price increases and cost reductions.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 12% to 14%, due primarily to higher sales levels, operating efficiencies and only a 5% increase in selling and administrative and other costs in fiscal 2006. Prior year results also include income of $1.3 million from an insurance litigation settlement.

Selling and administrative costs include share-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $2.5 million for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. In fiscal 2006 and 2005 we issued stock appreciation rights (SARS) to key management employees and directors under the Cascade Stock Appreciation Rights Plan approved by shareholders in May 2004. Share-based compensation expense for fiscal 2005 was calculated on a mark to market basis with costs allocated over the four year vesting period.  The compensation expense in fiscal 2005 was due to the increase in the price of our common stock from May 2004, the date of grant, to January 31, 2005.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2006 we continued to account for SARS on a mark to market basis. We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (123R) effective May 1, 2005. We applied the standard using a modified prospective method with no restatement of prior periods. Under SFAS 123R we are accounting for share based-compensation expense for SARS and stock options issued in prior years on a fair value method. Our accounting under SFAS 123R will eliminate the market related expense volatility we experienced when SARS were accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8) for further discussions about our share-based compensation plans and the awards.

18




North America

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

%

 

2005

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

250,576

 

100

%

$

208,553

 

100

%

$

42,023

 

 

20

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

152,707

 

61

%

128,175

 

61

%

24,532

 

 

19

%

 

Gross profit

 

97,869

 

39

%

80,378

 

39

%

17,491

 

 

22

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

44,676

 

18

%

43,731

 

21

%

945

 

 

2

%

 

Amortization

 

151

 

 

145

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

Insurance litigation recovery

 

 

 

(1,300

)

 

1,300

 

 

 

 

Environmental expense

 

 

 

155

 

 

(155

)

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

53,042

 

21

%

$

37,647

 

18

%

$

15,395

 

 

41

%

 

 

We experienced a net sales increase of $42 million or 20% in North America for fiscal 2006. The increase was due to higher volumes of shipments and the full year’s benefit of price increases made in fiscal 2005. Foreign currency fluctuations between the U.S. and Canadian dollar accounted for 1% of the increase in net sales.

Historically, we have found that changes in the level of our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, but industry statistics do provide an indication of the direction of business activity. North American lift truck industry shipments from 2005 to 2006 increased 11%. We believe we have maintained or increased our overall existing market share in North America during fiscal 2006.

Gross margin percentages in North America were 39% for both fiscal 2006 and 2005. We were essentially able to offset any general cost or material price increases with either cost reductions or sales price increases. We were affected by higher raw material costs and the sale in the United States of certain products manufactured in Canada. Sales of these products are in U.S. dollars but a significant portion of the costs are in Canadian dollars. The value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar decreased 9% in fiscal 2006.

Selling and administrative costs for fiscal 2006 increased 2% or $945,000 over fiscal 2005. Excluding the effects of currency changes, these costs increased 1% or $491,000, due to miscellaneous general cost increases.

Fiscal 2005 results include income of $1.3 million related to the settlement of insurance litigation. See “Legal Proceedings” (Item 3) in this report for further details.

Europe

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

%

 

2005

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

132,213

 

100

%

$

118,723

 

100

%

$

13,490

 

 

11

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

108,467

 

82

%

95,094

 

80

%

13,373

 

 

14

%

 

Gross profit

 

23,746

 

18

%

23,629

 

20

%

117

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative

 

22,474

 

17

%

23,503

 

20

%

(1,029

)

 

(4

)%

 

Amortization

 

1,264

 

1

%

485

 

 

779

 

 

161

%

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

8

 

 

$

(359

)

 

$

367

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales in Europe for fiscal 2006 increased 11% to $132.2 million. Absent changes in foreign currency rates our net sales increased 13% in fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily the result of

19




increased shipments and to a lesser extent sales price increases. Our sales in Europe for fiscal 2006 benefited from consistent demand in the lift truck market and additional production capacity from acquisitions, in particular from the purchase of a major German competitor in late fiscal 2005.  European lift truck industry shipments in fiscal 2006 increased 3% over fiscal 2005.

The current market in Europe continues to be very competitive. Our European competitors are generally smaller privately-held companies, some of which have a global presence. We believe our acquisitions in Italy and Germany over the last two years provide a solid operating base to build market share and compete more effectively in key European markets. We previously only had a limited presence in these markets.

The gross margin percentage in Europe fell from 20% in fiscal 2005 to 18% in fiscal 2006. The decrease is due primarily to $2.0 million of costs related to the closure of a manufacturing facility in The Netherlands as discussed below. The remainder of the decrease is due to additional maintenance and temporary labor costs in Germany.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we closed our manufacturing facility in Hoorn, The Netherlands.  At January 31, 2006 all production operations in Hoorn have been integrated into other manufacturing facilities in Almere, The Netherlands and Verona, Italy. This closure allowed us to eliminate excess capacity for attachment products and will result in lower overall production costs. The total direct costs for the plant closure of $2.0 million consisted of $1.0 million of employee termination costs and $1.0 million of costs to move production equipment. These costs are recorded in cost of goods sold. The liability recorded on the January 31, 2006 consolidated balance sheet related to the plant closure is not material. The consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2006 includes current assets of $730,000 which represent property and equipment held for sale from the closure of the Hoorn facility. We expect to begin realizing the full benefit of these changes in Europe in fiscal 2007.  

European selling and administrative costs decreased 4% in fiscal 2006. Foreign currency fluctuations contributed to 1% of the decrease. The remaining decrease is due to several factors, including lower warranty costs, reduced spending on information technology consulting and other general cost reductions. Fiscal 2006 costs also include $415,000 of costs related to employee terminations and closure of a German sales office.

Amortization costs increased in fiscal 2006 due to additional amortization of intangible assets in Italy.  

Asia Pacific (Excluding China)

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

%

 

2005

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

45,471

 

100

%

$

39,095

 

100

%

$

6,376

 

 

16

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

33,077

 

73

%

27,900

 

71

%

5,177

 

 

19

%

 

Gross profit

 

12,394

 

27

%

11,195

 

29

%

1,199

 

 

11

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

7,738

 

17

%

6,811

 

18

%

927

 

 

14

%

 

Operating income

 

$

4,656

 

10

%

$

4,384

 

11

%

$

272

 

 

6

%

 

 

Asia Pacific net sales grew 16% to $45.5 million in fiscal 2006.  Excluding currency changes, net sales increased 14%.  The increase is due primarily to higher sales in Japan and Australia. Lift truck industry shipments in Asia Pacific increased 10% in fiscal 2006 over fiscal 2005.

The gross margin percentage dropped from 29% in fiscal 2005 to 27% in fiscal 2006. The decrease is due primarily to lower margins in Japan resulting from higher material costs and a change in product mix. We expect lower margins to continue until additional production capacity is added in China.

20




Selling and administrative costs in Asia Pacific for fiscal 2006 increased 14% over fiscal 2005. Excluding the effect of foreign currency changes, the increase was 13% from fiscal 2005. The increase is due to additional bad debt expenses, employee benefit costs and other general cost increases.

China

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

%

 

2005

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

22,243

 

100

%

$

19,348

 

100

%

$

2,895

 

 

15

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

13,523

 

61

%

11,368

 

59

%

2,155

 

 

19

%

 

Gross profit

 

8,720

 

39

%

7,980

 

41

%

740

 

 

9

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

2,504

 

11

%

1,847

 

10

%

657

 

 

36

%

 

Amortization

 

28

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

6,188

 

28

%

$

6,105

 

31

%

$

83

 

 

1

%

 

 

Net sales in China increased 15% to $22.2 million in fiscal 2006. We have continued to experience net sales growth consistent with the expansion of the Chinese economy. Lift truck industry shipments in China increased 11% in fiscal 2006.

Our gross margin percentage in China decreased to 39% in fiscal 2006. We are seeing more competition in our efforts to maintain and expand our market share in China. We expect this to continue in the coming years. We also had a higher percentage of OEM product sales in fiscal 2006, which have lower gross margins.

As a part of our overall capital expansion plan in China, we are currently taking steps to upgrade equipment and further develop our manufacturing processes at our facility in Xiamen, China. This investment will lower our overall product costs and allow us to manufacture locally certain components currently manufactured in the U.S. On a long-term basis we anticipate exporting these components to our other facilities outside of China.

Selling and administrative costs in China have increased 36% in fiscal 2006. These increases are due to additional employee benefit costs, professional fees and bad debt expenses. While we expect a higher rate of selling and administrative costs in the future as we expand our operations, we expect ongoing increases to be at a lower level.

Non-Operating Items

Our interest expense in fiscal 2006 decreased 23% in comparison with fiscal 2005. The reduction reflects our scheduled paydown of long-term debt in November 2005. See “Financial Condition and Liquidity” for additional discussion of our debt levels and payments.

Consolidated interest income increased $417,000 through increased investing activity in fiscal 2006.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2006 decreased to 32% in comparison to 37% in fiscal 2005. This decrease was due to the release of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets related to foreign capital loss carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards, and liabilities for employee benefit obligations. These benefits were reduced by the recording of additional valuation allowances for subsidiaries in Europe which incurred net operating losses.

21




Fourth Quarter Results

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

%

 

2005

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

108,423

 

100

%

$

103,472

 

100

%

$

4,951

 

 

5

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

76,576

 

71

%

71,901

 

69

%

4,675

 

 

7

%

 

Gross profit

 

31,847

 

29

%

31,571

 

31

%

276

 

 

1

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

21,061

 

19

%

21,756

 

22

%

(695

)

 

(3

)%

 

Amortization

 

248

 

 

189

 

 

59

 

 

31

%

 

Operating income

 

10,538

 

10

%

9,626

 

9

%

912

 

 

9

%

 

Interest expense (net)

 

160

 

 

613

 

1

%

(453

)

 

(74

)%

 

Other expense (income)

 

(118

)

 

253

 

 

(371

)

 

(147

)%

 

Income before taxes

 

10,496

 

10

%

8,760

 

8

%

1,736

 

 

20

%

 

Provision for taxes

 

2,231

 

2

%

3,673

 

3

%

(1,442

)

 

(39

)%

 

Net income

 

$

8,265

 

8

%

$

5,087

 

5

%

$

3,178

 

 

62

%

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.63

 

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) by region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

11,384

 

 

 

$

8,244

 

 

 

$

3,140

 

 

38

%

 

Europe

 

(2,291

)

 

 

(781

)

 

 

(1,510

)

 

193

%

 

Asia Pacific

 

497

 

 

 

943

 

 

 

(446

)

 

(47

)%

 

China

 

948

 

 

 

1,220

 

 

 

(272

)

 

(22

)%

 

 

 

$

10,538

 

 

 

$

9,626

 

 

 

$

912

 

 

9

%

 

 

Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 increased to $8.3 million ($0.63 per diluted share) from $5.1 million ($0.39 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The increase is due to a slight increase in overall gross profit, lower selling and administrative and net interest costs and a lower overall effective tax rate for the current year fourth quarter.

The following are financial highlights from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006:

·       Sales growth was strong in all markets except for Europe, which experienced an 11% decrease in sales. Excluding the effect of currency changes Europe’s sales decreased 2%. The European market continues to be highly competitive. We believe the small reduction in sales levels in the fourth quarter reflects the short-term effects of our ongoing restructuring efforts in Europe as previously described.

·       Gross margin percentages in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 in North America of 38% increased slightly from the prior year.

·       Our overall fourth quarter gross margins in Europe dropped from 19% in the prior year to 14%. This decrease is primarily due to $600,000 of facility closure costs and additional labor and maintenance costs in Germany.

·       Asia Pacific’s drop in operating income was due to higher material costs which we were unable to pass on to customers in the region.

·       Although the level of gross profit increased due to a 22% increase in sales, the gross margin percentage in China decreased from 39% in the fourth quarter of the prior year to 34% in the current year. This decrease reflects a more competitive market than we have experienced in prior years.

22




·       Consolidated selling and administrative costs were lower primarily due to foreign currency changes and lower marketing and warranty costs in Europe.

·       Net interest costs decreased due primarily to higher levels of interest income from marketable securities. The continued reduction in our debt levels also contributed positively to the decrease in net interest costs.

·       Our effective tax rate decreased to 21% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 from 42% in the prior year. In the current year additional valuation allowances were recorded for subsidiaries in Europe which incurred net operating losses. We have determined it is more likely than not the related deferred tax assets would not be realized. These additional valuation allowances were offset by unrelated reversals of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets related to foreign capital loss carryforwards, net operating loss carryforwards and liabilities for employee benefit obligations. We determined during the fourth quarter it was more likely than not these deferred tax assets would be realized. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 the effective rate included additional valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carryforwards in Europe.

COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2005 AND FISCAL 2004

Consolidated Summary

Net income for fiscal 2005 increased to $28.5 million ($2.24 per diluted share) from $18.5 million ($1.49 per diluted share) in fiscal 2004. This increase is primarily due to net sales growth of 21%, excluding currency gains. Additional net sales from acquired companies contributed almost 4%, while foreign currency fluctuations added nearly 5% to net sales. North America, Europe and China all experienced net sales growth of at least 20% during fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004, due to higher volumes of shipments and sales price increases. Worldwide lift truck industry shipments increased 16% in fiscal 2005. Gross margin slipped slightly in fiscal 2005 due primarily to increases in raw material costs offsetting sales increases. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased from 11% to 12%, aided in part by income of $1.3 million from an insurance litigation settlement. Lower debt levels in fiscal 2005 resulted in lower interest charges than in fiscal 2004.

North America

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

208,553

 

100

%

$

171,709

 

100

%

$

36,844

 

 

21

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

128,175

 

61

%

108,524

 

63

%

19,651

 

 

18

%

 

Gross profit

 

80,378

 

39

%

63,185

 

37

%

17,193

 

 

27

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

43,731

 

21

%

38,000

 

22

%

5,731

 

 

15

%

 

Amortization

 

145

 

 

234

 

 

(89

)

 

(38

)%

 

Insurance litigation recovery

 

(1,300

)

 

 

 

(1,300

)

 

 

 

Environmental expense

 

155

 

 

 

 

155

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

37,647

 

18

%

$

24,951

 

15

%

$

12,696

 

 

51

%

 

 

Net sales in North America increased $37 million or 21% in fiscal 2005 to $209 million. Increased volume of shipments from North American facilities as well as price increases accounted for $35.4 million of the increase. The remaining increase is due to the change in foreign currency rates between the U.S. and Canadian dollar.

23




Historically, we have found that changes in the level of our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, but industry statistics do provide an indication of the direction of business activity. North American lift truck industry shipments from 2004 to 2005 increased 16%. We have maintained or increased our overall existing market share in North America during fiscal 2005.

North America’s gross margin increased to 39% in fiscal 2005 as compared to 37% in fiscal 2004. This increase is due primarily to increased shipments and better absorption of fixed costs and price increases in fiscal 2005. This benefit is  somewhat offset by higher raw material costs and the sale in the United States of certain products manufactured in Canada. Sales of these products are in U.S. dollars but a significant portion of the costs are in Canadian dollars. During 2005, the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar decreased 7%.

Selling and administrative costs for fiscal 2005 increased 15% or $5.7 million over fiscal 2004. Excluding the effects of currency changes, these costs increased 14% or $5.3 million, driven primarily by higher levels of incentive pay, professional fees, sales commissions and share-based compensation.

The increase in share-based compensation is exclusively due to awards of stock appreciation rights (SARS). We issued 453,000 SARS, which vest over four years, to key executives and directors under the Cascade Stock Appreciation Rights Plan approved by shareholders in May 2004. See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussions about the plan. Share-based compensation is influenced by two factors, the market price of our common stock at the end of the reporting period relative to the market price at the date of grant and the method for recognizing the related compensation cost.

During the period from the date of grant, May 26, 2004 to January 31, 2005 the market price of our common stock increased $15.45 per share, from $21.15 per share to $36.60 per share. This resulted in deferred compensation of $7.0 million recorded as additional paid-in-capital. We incurred $2.5 million of share-based compensation during the year ended January 31, 2005. See “COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2006 AND FISCAL 2005” for further discussion regarding the new accounting principles on accounting for share-based awards.

Europe

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

118,723

 

100

%

$

81,114

 

100

%

$

37,609

 

 

46

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

95,094

 

80

%

63,456

 

78

%

31,638

 

 

50

%

 

Gross profit

 

23,629

 

20

%

17,658

 

22

%

5,971

 

 

34

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

23,503

 

20

%

17,853

 

22

%

5,650

 

 

32

%

 

Amortization

 

485

 

 

255

 

 

230

 

 

90

%

 

Operating loss

 

$

(359

)

 

$

(450

)

 

$

91

 

 

 

 

 

Europe’s fiscal 2005 net sales increased 46% or $37.6 million in comparison with fiscal 2004. Increased product shipments and price increases contributed $16.6 million to this increase. Changes in foreign currency rates, related primarily to the Euro, accounted for 12% or $10.1 million of the increase. Acquisitions in Germany and Italy over the last two years added $10.9 million to fiscal 2005 sales or 13% of the increase.

The overall European lift truck market improved in fiscal 2005 with year-to-date orders and shipments increasing approximately 12%. Our increase in sales for certain OEM products exceeded the market increase in lift truck orders and shipments, while the increase in other products fell below the industry trends.

24




Gross margins in Europe were 20% for fiscal 2005, down slightly from the fiscal 2004 gross margin of 22%. This 2% decrease is due primarily to increases in the cost of steel. We were not able to sufficiently offset the cost increases with customer price increases across all product lines.

Selling and administrative costs for fiscal 2005 increased 32% or $5.7 million over fiscal 2004. Acquisitions added $2.1 million of selling and administrative costs. Higher warranty costs and information technology costs to integrate acquired locations and implement Sarbanes-Oxley accounted for $1.8 million or 10% of the increase. The remaining increase relates to currency changes.

Asia Pacific (Excluding China)

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

39,095

 

100

%

$

32,763

 

100

%

$

6,332

 

 

19

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

27,900

 

71

%

23,660

 

72

%

4,240

 

 

18

%

 

Gross profit

 

11,195

 

29

%

9,103

 

28

%

2,092

 

 

23

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

6,811

 

18

%

5,945

 

18

%

866

 

 

15

%

 

Operating income

 

$

4,384

 

11

%

$

3,158

 

10

%

$

1,226

 

 

39

%

 

 

Asia Pacific net sales grew by 19% or $6.3 million in fiscal 2005 over fiscal 2004. Excluding currency changes, net sales increased 10% or $3.3 million. A significant portion of this increase relates to sales in Japan, Korea and Australia. Lift truck industry shipments increased 12% for Asia Pacific in fiscal 2005.

Gross margins increased to 29% in fiscal 2005, up slightly from 28% in fiscal 2004.

Selling and administrative costs in Asia Pacific for fiscal 2005 increased 15% over fiscal 2004. Excluding the effect of foreign currency changes, the increase was 5% from fiscal 2004, primarily due to employee benefit costs, bad debt expenses and other general cost increases.

China

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

19,348

 

100

%

$

12,170

 

100

%

$

7,178

 

 

59

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

11,368

 

59

%

6,480

 

53

%

4,888

 

 

75

%

 

Gross profit

 

7,980

 

41

%

5,690

 

47

%

2,290

 

 

40

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

1,847

 

10

%

1,301

 

11

%

546

 

 

42

%

 

Amortization

 

28

 

 

23

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

6,105

 

31

%

$

4,366

 

36

%

$

1,739

 

 

40

%

 

 

Net sales in China increased 59% in fiscal 2005. Lift truck industry shipments increased 38% in fiscal 2005. The increase is due to an increase in product shipments, particularly related to additional sales from the expansion of our fork manufacturing operations in Hebei, China. The expanded facility became fully operational in the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

Gross margins decreased from 47% in fiscal 2004 to 41% in fiscal 2005 due to both increased competition and pricing pressure and a higher percentage of OEM product sales which carry lower margins.

Selling and administrative costs increased 42% in fiscal 2005 as we are continuing to expand our sales and service capabilities in China. These costs relate to additional employee benefits, engineering and marketing costs.

25




Non-Operating Items

Our interest expense in fiscal 2005 decreased 22% in comparison with fiscal 2004. The decrease is due to lower overall debt levels. See “Financial Condition and Liquidity” for additional discussion of Company debt levels and payments.

Consolidated interest income decreased by $454,000 in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2004 due to the receipt of payment in full of notes receivable related to the sale of our hydraulic cylinder division during late fiscal 2004.

Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 increased to 37% in comparison to 35% in fiscal 2004. The increase is due to a reduction in the benefit received from international financing.

Fourth Quarter Results

 

 

Three Months Ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

%

 

2004

 

%

 

Change

 

Change %

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Net sales

 

$

103,472

 

100

%

$

77,417

 

100

%

$

26,055

 

 

34

%

 

Cost of goods sold

 

71,901

 

69

%

54,303

 

70

%

17,598

 

 

32

%

 

Gross profit

 

31,571

 

31

%

23,114

 

30

%

8,457

 

 

37

%

 

Selling and administrative

 

21,756

 

22

%

17,525

 

23

%

4,231

 

 

24

%

 

Amortization

 

189

 

 

199

 

 

(10

)

 

(5

)%

 

Operating income

 

9,626

 

9

%

5,390

 

7

%

4,236

 

 

79

%

 

Interest expense (net)

 

613

 

1

%

837

 

1

%

(224

)

 

(27

)%

 

Other expense (income)

 

253

 

 

312

 

 

(59

)

 

(19

)%

 

Income before taxes

 

8,760

 

8

%

4,241

 

6

%

4,519

 

 

107

%

 

Provision for taxes

 

3,673

 

3

%

1,942

 

3

%

1,731

 

 

89

%

 

Net income

 

$

5,087

 

5

%

$

2,299

 

3

%

$

2,788

 

 

121

%

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.39

 

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) by region:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

8,244

 

 

 

$

3,997

 

 

 

$

4,247

 

 

106

%

 

Europe

 

(781

)

 

 

(470

)

 

 

(311

)

 

66

%

 

Asia Pacific

 

943

 

 

 

872

 

 

 

71

 

 

8

%

 

China

 

1,220

 

 

 

991

 

 

 

229

 

 

23

%

 

 

 

$

9,626

 

 

 

$

5,390

 

 

 

$

4,236

 

 

79

%

 

 

Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 increased to $5.1 million ($0.39 per diluted share) from $2.3 million ($0.18 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of the prior year. The increase is due to higher sales and gross profit, although our consolidated gross margin percentage only increased slightly from 30% in the prior year to 31% in the current year.

The following are financial highlights from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005:

·       Higher sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 were due to strong lift truck markets throughout the world. Currency changes made up 5% of the 34% increase in sales.

·       Gross margin percentages by segments were relatively consistent with the prior year. We did experience increasing material costs throughout the year. We were able to offset most of these cost increases with sales price increases, surcharges and better fixed cost absorption resulting from

26




higher volume. We were more successful in offsetting the cost increases in North America. All remaining markets experienced slight declines in margins in the current year.

·       Consolidated selling and administrative costs increased primarily due to share-based compensation expenses related to stock appreciation rights, warranty costs, professional fees, incentive pay, sales commissions and the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.

·       The effective tax rate decreased from 46% in the fourth quarter of the prior year to 42% in fiscal 2005. The fiscal 2004 rate was higher due to additional valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, primarily net operating loss carryforwards in Europe.

CASH FLOWS

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three years ended January 31, 2006 by classifying transactions into three major categories of activities: operating, investing and financing.

Operating

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

Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.4 million in fiscal 2006 as compared to $37.8 million in fiscal 2005. The increase in fiscal 2006 was due to higher levels of net income, depreciation and amortization and a decrease in accounts receivable. These improvements were offset by an increase in inventories and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The increase in inventory was due primarily to higher sales volumes, sourcing of certain raw materials from foreign vendors in markets outside of where our facilities operate and larger quantity purchases to take advantage of volume discounts.

Our net cash provided by operating activities increased to $37.8 million in fiscal 2005 from $26.2 million in fiscal 2004. The increase in fiscal 2005 was due to higher levels of net income and depreciation and amortization and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. These improvements were offset with changes in other operating accounts, primarily accounts receivable and inventory.

Investing

The principal recurring investing activities are capital expenditures. These expenditures are primarily for equipment and tooling related to product improvements, more efficient production methods and replacement for normal wear and tear. Capital expenditures by geographic segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

North America

 

$

5,923

 

$

8,101

 

$

5,925

 

Europe

 

3,189

 

4,640

 

4,411

 

Asia Pacific

 

336

 

301

 

314

 

China

 

1,132

 

539

 

753

 

 

 

$

10,580

 

$

13,581

 

$

11,403

 

 

We believe the level of capital expenditures is sufficient to meet operational requirements. We expect capital expenditures in fiscal 2007 to approximate fiscal 2006 depreciation expense, excluding the capital

27




expansion activities in China. We expect over the next 18 months to make additional investments in China of approximately $15 million.

We held marketable securities of $23.0 million and $1.5 million at January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These securities consisted of auction rate and variable rate demand notes issued by various state agencies throughout the United States. We classify these securities as available-for-sale securities. These securities are insured either through third party agencies, reinsured through the U.S. federal government or secured by a letter of credit from a bank. There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to these marketable securities during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. The securities held at January 31, 2006 are long-term instruments maturing through 2039; however, the interest rates and maturities are reset approximately every month, at which time we can sell the securities. Accordingly, we have classified the securities as short-term in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest rates on the securities range from 3.0% to 4.3% per annum.

On October 14, 2004, we completed the acquisition of the assets of Falkenroth Foerdertechnik, GmbH in Schalksmuhle, Germany. The aggregate purchase price paid in cash for Falkenroth, net of assumed liabilities, was $6.2 million.

During fiscal 2004, we completed the acquisition of two materials handling equipment manufacturers, FEMA Forks GmbH (FEMA), located in Germany, and Roncari S.r.l. (Roncari), located in Italy. The FEMA acquisition was completed on March 31, 2003, and the Roncari acquisition was completed on October 21, 2003. The aggregate purchase prices paid in cash for FEMA and Roncari, net of assumed liabilities, were $3.6 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

Proceeds from the sale of securities received as a reversion from a pension plan terminated in 1997 were $1.0 million during fiscal 2005.

During fiscal 2004, we received $9.6 million from Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. as payment in full of all amounts due from the sale of our hydraulic cylinder division in fiscal 2002.

Financing

We continued with our planned reduction of debt balances in each of the three years ended January 31, 2006. As of January 31, 2006, we had made all scheduled debt payments. Any additional payments to prepay scheduled amounts are subject to penalties. We are continually evaluating our option to make additional debt payments and incur the penalties in light of our current cash position.

The increase in notes payable to banks in fiscal 2006 reflects short-term borrowings of foreign subsidiaries to meet cash flow needs. We expect to reduce the balance of notes payable to banks through additional equity investments or intercompany borrowings.

We declared dividends of $0.54, $0.45 and $0.41 per share in fiscal 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

The issuance of common stock related to the exercise of share-based awards generated $2.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million of cash in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities at January 31, 2006 was $125.0 million as compared to $94.2 million of working capital at January 31, 2005. Our current ratio at January 31, 2006 was 2.9 to 1 in comparison to 2.5 to 1 at January 31, 2005.

Total outstanding debt, including notes payable to banks, at January 31, 2006 was $29.9 million in comparison with $40.6 million at January 31, 2005. Our debt agreements contain covenants relating to net worth and leverage ratios. We are in compliance with debt covenants at January 31, 2006. Borrowing

28




arrangements currently in place with commercial banks provide available lines of credit totaling $25 million, of which $2.1 million were being used through the issuance of letters of credit at January 31, 2006. The lines of credit expire on September 1, 2010. Average interest rates on notes payable to banks were 3.0% at January 31, 2006 and 3.7% at January 31, 2005.

We believe our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our expected working capital, capital expenditure and debt retirement requirements for fiscal 2007.

OTHER MATTERS

We maintain defined benefit pension plans in England, Canada and France covering certain employees. We calculate the net periodic pension costs related to our defined benefit plans on an annual basis. Our costs for these plans have increased in recent years due to changes in assumptions in the discount rate to reflect market conditions and actual rates of return on plan assets. We have recorded a minimum pension liability, net of tax, of $2.3 million at January 31, 2006 to reflect the extent our pension liability exceeds the fair value of plan assets. We recently modified certain provisions of our plan in England. These provisions terminate the accrual of future benefits under the plan after November 1, 2005 and commit us to make contributions to the plan of approximately $350,000 for each of the next five years. The termination of the accrual of future benefits qualifies as a curtailment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits.” The effect of this curtailment of benefits had no effect on our results of operations. The unrecognized loss for all defined benefit plans of $3.4 million at January 31, 2006 will continue to be recognized over the remaining service period of the employees. The accumulated benefit obligation and unfunded benefit obligation for all three of our defined benefit plans at January 31, 2006 is $10.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively. We have recorded the unfunded benefit obligation, the minimum pension liability, as a liability and reduction in shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2006.

We maintain a postretirement health care benefit plan in the United States consisting of health care coverage for approximately 210 eligible retirees and qualifying dependents. Another 124 current employees, all over 52 years of age, will be eligible to participate upon retirement. No additional employees will be eligible to participate in the plan. The postretirement plan is currently unfunded with an accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $8.5 million at January 31, 2006. The postretirement liability on our consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2006 is $5.7 million. The reconciliation of funded status for our postretirement plan at January 31, 2006 includes an unrecognized loss of $3.5 million. This loss will be recognized in future years. The unrecognized loss amortization component in fiscal 2006 is $361,000 of the $906,000 net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The unrecognized loss amortization component in fiscal 2007 will be $443,000 of the $959,000 net periodic postretirement benefit costs. Our cost for this plan has continued to increase due to changes in the discount rate and increasing health care costs. The actual increases in health care costs in recent years have been in excess of our assumed trend rates. We have implemented significant increases in the level of contributions required from eligible retirees and qualifying dependents to mitigate the overall cost of the plan. In addition, recent changes in Medicare laws have reduced overall plan costs. Due to the continued trend of increasing health care costs the overall cost of the plan may continue to rise in future years. We will be continuing to investigate various options with this plan and our defined benefit plans to mitigate future cost increases. We currently fund our postretirement plan on a pay-as-you-go basis.

We are currently engaged in ongoing environmental remediation efforts at both of our Fairview, Oregon and Springfield, Ohio manufacturing facilities. Current estimates provide for some level of remediation activities in Fairview through 2021 and Springfield through 2013. Costs of certain remediation activities at the Fairview facility are shared with The Boeing Company, with Cascade paying 70% of actual

29




remediation costs. Based on the progress of our remediation efforts to date and expected future remediation plans based on discussions with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, we lowered the total estimated cost of remediation activities in fiscal 2006 for the Fairview facility by $259,000 and changed the estimated completion date for remediation at the site from 2027 to 2021. We have expanded the remediation work and scope of our testing at our Springfield facility which increased the total estimated cost of remediation and extended our estimated timeline for remediation work to 2013. These changes reflect management’s current estimated plans based on the results of remediation work to date. We have limited remediation activities ongoing in Germany related to an acquisition in fiscal 2005. The liability for all ongoing remediation efforts is $7.9 million and $8.7 million at January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The accrued environmental expenses recorded as a current liability of $1.0 million on the consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2006 represent our estimated cash expenditure for ongoing remediation activities for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2007.

The following summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of January 31, 2006:

 

 

Payment due by period

 

 

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

2-3
years

 

4-5
years

 

Greater than
5 years

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Notes payable to banks

 

$

4,741

 

 

$

4,741

 

 

$

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

Long-term debts, including capital leases

 

25,181

 

 

12,681

 

 

12,500

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated interest payments

 

2,669

 

 

1,804

 

 

865

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

6,672

 

 

2,150

 

 

3,034

 

1,072

 

 

416

 

 

Defined benefit pension obligations(1)

 

10,713

 

 

656

 

 

1,293

 

1,312

 

 

7,452

 

 

Postretirement benefit obligation(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

49,976

 

 

$

22,032

 

 

$

17,692

 

$

2,384

 

 

$

7,868

 

 


(1)          Represents current minimum funding requirements for all plans except our plan in England. We have committed to fund this plan with additional contributions of $350,000 a year for five years. The total payments due in the future may vary from these estimates based on actual returns on plan assets, changes in assumptions, plan modifications and actuarial gains and losses. See additional discussion of these key assumptions and estimates in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” below and Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

(2)          Our postretirement benefit obligation related to health care coverage for certain retired employees is funded on a pay-as-you go basis. Payments under the plan are not included herein. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” below and Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis, including those related to uncollectible receivables, inventories, impairment of goodwill, warranty obligations, environmental liabilities, benefit plans, share-based compensation and deferred taxes. We base our estimates on our historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect our more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

30




Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on accounts receivable resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Such allowances are based on an ongoing review of customer payments against terms and a review of customer financial statements and financial information. If the financial condition of customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Inventory Reserves

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We maintain reserves to write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value, less costs to sell, based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which would result in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of income being greater than expected in the period in which more information becomes available.

Impairment of Goodwill

We review goodwill for impairment either annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets might exceed their current fair values. The review is performed for the three reporting units in which we have recorded goodwill, North America, Europe and Australia. Certain factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review, at an interim date outside of the annual review, include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or our overall business and significant industry or economic trends. The impairment review is based on a discounted projected cash flow model that uses estimates of future sales, sales growth rates, gross margins, expense and capital expenditure levels, a discount rate and estimated terminal values to determine the fair value of the operating entities should an impairment exist. We use our weighted average cost of capital (WACC) to discount future cash flows for goodwill impairment tests. The WACC is the expected rate of return based on our existing debt and equity capital structure. Changes in these and other factors could result in impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, which would require a writedown to the asset’s fair value. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments, we could be exposed to a material impairment charge.

During the past year, we have undertaken a number of initiatives in Europe to restructure our European business. Our goodwill impairment test for Europe assumes the future operating results will reflect the benefits of our efforts. While these results are not inconsistent with our past operating results, they do reflect improvements over fiscal 2005 and 2004 results. If we do not realize these improvements it could result in an impairment of our goodwill in Europe in the future.

Warranty Obligations

We offer certain warranties with the sale of our products, which generally range from six months to one year. The warranty obligation is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet and is estimated through historical customer claims, product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Changes in these factors and statutory requirements for product warranties in markets in which we sell our products may require an adjustment to the recorded warranty obligations.

31




Environmental Liabilities

We accrue environmental remediation costs if it is probable a liability has been incurred at the financial statement date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Our liability for environmental costs, other than for costs of assessments themselves, are generally determined after the completion of investigations and studies and are based on the estimated cost of remediation activities we are then required to undertake. The gross liability is based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs using currently available technology and applying current regulations, as well as our own historical experience regarding environmental cleanup costs. The reliability and precision of the estimates are affected by numerous factors, such as site evaluation and reevaluation of the degree of remediation required, claims by third parties and changes to environmental laws and regulations. We adjust our liabilities as new remediation requirements are defined, as information becomes available permitting reasonable estimates to be made and to reflect new facts.

Benefit Plans

We make a number of assumptions with regard to both future financial conditions and future actions by plan participants to calculate on an actuarial basis the amount of income or expense and assets and liabilities recognized in association with our defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. These assumptions include the expected return on plan assets, discount rates, expected increases in compensation levels, health care cost trend rates and expected rates of retirement and life expectancy for plan participants. We review the assumptions on an annual basis and make changes to reflect market conditions and the administration of the plans. While we believe the current assumptions are appropriate in the circumstances, actual results and changes in these assumptions in the future will result in adjustments which could impact the income or expense recognized in future years in relation to these plans.

The assumed rate of return on plan assets for our defined benefit plans was reduced from 7.0% in fiscal 2005 and 2004 to 6.5% in fiscal 2006. We select the assumed rate of return based on information considering historical returns, our current and target asset allocation and the expected returns by asset class. We believe this assumption is reasonable given the asset composition and long-term historic trends. Our discount rate reflects the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. We lowered our discount rate assumption to determine the January 31, 2006 liability to 4.7% in fiscal 2006 due to the market declines in interest rates during the year. Our most significant defined benefit plan is in England so interest rates on high-quality corporate bonds in that market have more influence on the overall discount rate.

Our discount rate of 5.5% to determine the liability for our postretirement plan at January 31, 2006 remained consistent with the discount rate at January 31, 2005. We determine our discount rate using a “yield curve expected benefit payment” methodology. This methodology uses high-quality fixed-income rates to discount each future years’ expected plan benefit payments. We select our health care cost trend rates based on recent plan experience and expectations about future increases in plan costs. We assume health care costs in fiscal 2007 will increase by 11% and future increases will decline by 1% per year until 5% is reached in 2012. The following presents the sensitivity of the key postretirement plan assumptions (in thousands):

 

 

Increase

 

The following presents the sensitivity of a 1% decrease in the discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

 

 

$

151

 

 

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

 

$

1,079

 

 

The following presents the sensitivity of a 1% increase in the health care cost trend:

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

 

 

$

246

 

 

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

 

$

1,025

 

 

 

32




Share-based Compensation

Effective May 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (123R). SFAS 123R addresses the accounting for stock-based compensation in which we receive employee services in exchange for our equity instruments. Stock-based compensation is calculated using a fair value method. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the service period the award is expected to vest. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term of stock options, the expected volatility of our common stock, and expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, award recipient class and historical experience. Significant changes in the assumptions for future awards and actual forfeiture rates could materially impact share-based compensation expense and our results of operations. Subsequent changes in forfeiture rates will be recorded as an adjustment in the period estimates are revised. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8) for further discussion of our share-based awards and the related accounting treatment.

Deferred Taxes

Our provision for income taxes and the determination of the resulting deferred tax assets and liabilities involves a significant amount of management judgment. We are subject to taxation from federal, state and international jurisdictions. The taxes paid to these jurisdictions are subject to audit, although to date the results of any tax audits have been minor.

Judgment is also applied in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized. We have recorded on our consolidated balance sheets a valuation allowance against various deferred tax assets. We consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged against income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would increase income in the period such determination was made. We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At January 31, 2006 and 2005, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 43, Chapter 4.” This statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, previously

33




stated that “...under some circumstances, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight, and re-handling costs may be so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges...” SFAS 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS 151 shall be applied prospectively and are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after the date this Statement was issued. The adoption of SFAS 151 at the beginning of fiscal 2007 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS 154”). SFAS 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS 154 requires the application of a change in accounting principle be applied to prior accounting periods presented as if that principle had always been used. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 154 at the beginning of fiscal 2007 is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

Item 7A.                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations. A significant portion of our net sales are denominated in currencies from international markets outside the United States. As a result, our operating results could become subject to significant fluctuations based upon changes in the exchange rates of the foreign currencies in relation to the United States dollar.

The table below illustrates the hypothetical increase or decrease in fiscal 2006 net sales of a 10% change in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies which impact our operations (in millions):

Euro

 

$

10.1

 

Canadian dollar

 

$

2.5

 

British pound

 

$

2.7

 

Other currencies (representing 11% of consolidated net sales)

 

$

4.9

 

 

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the impact of currency fluctuations on certain nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. The principal currencies hedged are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Euros and British pounds. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts have terms lasting up to six months, but generally less than one month. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 12 to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

A majority of our products are manufactured using steel as a primary raw material and steel based components as purchased parts. As such, our cost of goods sold is sensitive to fluctuations in steel prices, either directly through the purchase of steel as raw material or indirectly through the purchase of steel based components.

34




Presuming that the full impact of commodity steel price increases is reflected in all steel and steel based component purchases, we estimate our gross margin percentage would decrease by approximately 0.3% for each 1.0% increase in commodity steel prices. Based on our statement of income for the year ended January 31, 2006, a 1.0% increase in commodity steel prices would have decreased consolidated gross profit by approximately $1.2 million.

During fiscal 2006, we experienced increases in certain prices for steel and steel components. These increases were less significant than the cost increases we experienced in fiscal 2005. We have continued to move aggressively to offset these increases through a variety of means, including sales price increases, surcharges and alternative sourcing arrangements. We were more successful in North America and Asia Pacific in realizing the full benefits of these mitigating measures. In Europe the measures were not as successful, resulting in some erosion of gross margins for certain products. During fiscal 2007 we are expecting some additional steel price increases and will continue to implement mitigating measures where needed.

Substantially all of our debt at January 31, 2006 has a fixed interest rate. Any additional payments to prepay scheduled amounts of debt are subject to penalties. At January 31, 2006, the penalties to retire all of our long-term debt were $510,000. A hypothetical immediate increase in interest rates by 1% would decrease the fair value of our long-term debt outstanding at January 31, 2006 by $316,000.

Item 8.                        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cascade Corporation

We have completed integrated audits of Cascade Corporation’s January 31, 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2006, and an audit of its January 31, 2004 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cascade Corporation and its subsidiaries at January 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(12) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 of financial statements 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.

35




Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2006 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Portland, Oregon
April 13, 2006

36




Cascade Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Net sales

 

$

450,503

 

$

385,719

 

$

297,756

 

Cost of goods sold

 

307,774

 

262,537

 

202,120

 

Gross profit

 

142,729

 

123,182

 

95,636

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

77,392

 

75,892

 

63,099

 

Amortization

 

1,443

 

658

 

512

 

Insurance litigation recovery

 

 

(1,300

)

 

Environmental expenses

 

 

155

 

 

Operating income

 

63,894

 

47,777

 

32,025

 

Interest expense

 

2,741

 

3,570

 

4,570

 

Interest income

 

(979

)

(562

)

(1,016

)

Other (income) expense, net

 

(95

)

(218

)

40

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

62,227

 

44,987

 

28,431

 

Provision for income taxes

 

20,176

 

16,497

 

9,925

 

Net income

 

42,051

 

28,490

 

18,506

 

Dividends paid on preferred shares of subsidiary

 

 

 

(30

)

Net income applicable to common shareholders

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,476

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.34

 

$

1.55

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

3.27

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.49

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,354

 

12,164

 

11,934

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

12,850

 

12,726

 

12,409

 

 

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

37




Cascade Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

As of January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands, except
per share amounts)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

35,493

 

$

30,482

 

Marketable securities

 

23,004

 

1,503

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,415 and $2,182

 

67,020

 

70,728

 

Inventories

 

56,996

 

46,212

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,232

 

3,042

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

5,373

 

4,592

 

Total current assets

 

191,118

 

156,559

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

75,374

 

82,027

 

Goodwill

 

78,820

 

74,786

 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,851

 

9,688

 

Other assets

 

4,120

 

5,032

 

Total assets

 

$

361,283

 

$

328,092

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks

 

$

4,741

 

$

2,461

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

12,681

 

12,916

 

Accounts payable

 

25,124

 

25,778

 

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

 

8,710

 

7,283

 

Accrued environmental expenses

 

984

 

894

 

Other accrued expenses

 

13,916

 

13,073

 

Total current liabilities

 

66,156

 

62,405

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

12,500

 

25,187

 

Accrued environmental expenses

 

6,951

 

7,799

 

Deferred income taxes

 

4,009

 

3,988

 

Other liabilities

 

12,261

 

10,830

 

Total liabilities

 

101,877

 

110,209

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.50 par value, 20,000 authorized shares; 12,536 and 12,224 shares issued and outstanding

 

6,268

 

6,112

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

21,590

 

20,004

 

Unamortized deferred compensation

 

 

(4,506

)

Retained earnings

 

223,867

 

188,507

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

7,681

 

7,766

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

259,406

 

217,883

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

361,283

 

$

328,092

 

 

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

38




Cascade Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Unamortized

 

 

 

Other

 

Annual

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Deferred

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Compensation

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Income (Loss)

 

Balance at January 31, 2003

 

 

11,398

 

 

 

$

5,699

 

 

 

$

1,468

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

151,925

 

 

 

$

(14,344

)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

18,506

 

 

Dividends ($.41 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,936

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued

 

 

104

 

 

 

52

 

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchangeable convertible preferred stock converted to common shares

 

 

600

 

 

 

300

 

 

 

8,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,684

 

 

 

17,684

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,309

)

 

 

(2,309

)

 

Balance at January 31, 2004

 

 

12,102

 

 

 

6,051

 

 

 

11,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

165,495

 

 

 

1,031

 

 

 

$

33,881

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

28,490

 

 

Dividends ($.45 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,478

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued

 

 

122

 

 

 

61

 

 

 

1,555

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation from stock appreciation rights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,998

 

 

 

(6,998

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,735

 

 

 

6,735

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2005

 

 

12,224

 

 

 

6,112

 

 

 

20,004

 

 

 

(4,506

)

 

 

188,507

 

 

 

7,766

 

 

 

$

35,225

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42,051

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

42,051

 

 

Dividends ($.54 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,691

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued

 

 

312

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

2,631

 

 

 

—-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation from stock appreciation rights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,734

)

 

 

4,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,506

 

 

 

(228

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

592

 

 

 

592

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $393

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(677

)

 

 

(677

)

 

Balance at January 31, 2006

 

 

12,536

 

 

 

$

6,268

 

 

 

$

21,590

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

223,867

 

 

 

$

7,681

 

 

 

$

41,966

 

 

 

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

39




Cascade Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

16,005

 

14,570

 

12,664

 

Share-based compensation

 

2,278

 

2,492

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(2,995

)

2,062

 

1,802

 

Loss on disposition of assets

 

385

 

3

 

102

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

2,023

 

(12,803

)

(9,810

)

Inventories

 

(12,026

)

(8,320

)

(2,235

)

Prepaid expenses and other

 

(141

)

34

 

38

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

2,378

 

8,342

 

538

 

Current income tax payable and receivable

 

245

 

2,210

 

3,415

 

Other assets and liabilities

 

222

 

728

 

1,221

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

50,425

 

37,808

 

26,241

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(10,580

)

(13,581

)

(11,403

)

Sale of marketable securities

 

71,549

 

21,246

 

25,225

 

Purchase of marketable securities

 

(93,050

)

(17,791

)

(31,227

)

Business acquisitions

 

 

(6,236

)

(11,677

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

358

 

314

 

844

 

Other assets

 

 

147

 

(930

)

Proceeds from sale of investment

 

 

1,044

 

 

Proceeds from notes receivable

 

 

 

9,556

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(31,723

)

(14,857

)

(19,612

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid

 

(6,691

)

(5,478

)

(4,936

)

Payments on long-term debt and capital leases

 

(12,922

)

(13,026

)

(12,850

)

Notes payable to banks, net

 

2,452

 

(344

)

1,606

 

Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans

 

2,787

 

1,616

 

1,299

 

Excess tax benefit from exercise of share-based compensation awards

 

1,183

 

340

 

166

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(13,191

)

(16,892

)

(14,715

)

Effect of exchange rate changes

 

(500

)

(1,161

)

4,169

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

 

5,011

 

4,898

 

(3,917

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

30,482

 

25,584

 

29,501

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

35,493

 

$

30,482

 

$

25,584

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

40




Cascade Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Description of Business

Cascade Corporation is an international company engaged in the manufacture of materials handling products that are widely used on industrial lift trucks and, to a lesser extent, on construction, mining and agricultural vehicles. Accordingly, our sales are largely dependent on the sales of lift trucks and on the sales of replacement parts. Our sales are made throughout the world, but primarily in North America and Europe. We are headquartered in Fairview, Oregon, employing approximately 1,900 people and maintaining operations in 15 countries outside the United States.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of auction rate and variable rate demand note securities issued by various state agencies throughout the United States. We classify these securities as available-for-sale securities. These securities are insured either through third party agencies, reinsured through the federal government or secured by a letter of credit from a bank. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of securities sold. There are no realized or unrealized gains or losses related to our marketable securities. The securities are long-term instruments maturing through 2039; however, the interest rates and maturities are reset approximately every month, at which time we can sell the securities. Accordingly, we have classified the securities as current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

Allowances for Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on accounts receivable resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Such allowances are based on evaluation of the credit worthiness of our customers, an ongoing review of customer payments against terms, historical trends and economic circumstances.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Cost is computed on a standard basis, which approximates average cost.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Tooling

41




costs are capitalized as machinery and equipment. Useful lives range from thirty to forty years for buildings, fifteen years for land improvements and two to ten years for machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and costs of improvements and renewals are capitalized. Upon disposal, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. We perform an annual review for impairment at the reporting unit level, North America, Europe and Australia. The tests are performed by determining the fair values of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow model and comparing those fair values to the carrying values of the reporting units, including goodwill. The factors considered in performing this assessment include current and projected future operating results and, changes in the intended uses of the assets, as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other industry and economic trends. We have completed our annual review for impairment and determined that there has been no impairment of goodwill.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and eventual disposition in comparison with the carrying value. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that we expect to hold and use is based on the estimated fair value of the asset.

Common Stock

We follow the practice of recording amounts received upon the exercise of awards by crediting common stock and additional paid-in capital. In addition, we credit additional paid-in-capital upon the recognition of share-based compensation expense. We realize an income tax benefit from the exercise or early disposition of certain stock awards. This benefit results in a decrease in current income taxes payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital.

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment

We record a minimum pension liability adjustment to the extent that the accumulated pension benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of pension plan assets and accrued pension liabilities. This adjustment is reflected as a reduction in shareholders’ equity, net of income tax benefits.

Share-Based Compensation

Prior to May 1, 2005 we accounted for our stock options under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” which permitted the use of intrinsic value accounting. No stock-based compensation cost was reflected in net income for stock options, as all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. We had adopted disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.”

42




We also granted awards under a stock appreciation rights (SARS) plan. Under Financial Interpretation No. (FIN) 28, “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans,” SARS were accounted for under variable plan accounting. Accordingly, we recorded deferred compensation as a reduction of shareholders’ equity, equal to the excess of the market value of our common stock on the balance sheet date or date of exercise over the base price at the date of grant. The deferred compensation was recognized as an expense over the vesting period based on the periods in which the executives and directors performed services.

In our second quarter of fiscal 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (123R). This standard is a revision of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB 25 and FIN 28. SFAS 123R addresses the accounting for share-based compensation in which we receive employee services in exchange for our equity instruments. Under SFAS 123R, we are required to recognize compensation cost for share-based compensation issued to or purchased by employees, net of estimated forfeitures, under share-based compensation plans using a fair value method. We adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method as of May 1, 2005. Accordingly, no prior periods were restated. Under this method, we recorded compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remained outstanding as of the beginning of the period of adoption. See Note 10, “Share-based Compensation” for further details regarding our accounting under SFAS 123R.

The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share if we had recorded compensation expense based on the fair value method for all share-based compensation awards (in thousands, except per share amount):

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands,
except per share amounts)

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders—as reported

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

Add: SARS amortization, net of income taxes of $80 in 2006 and $822 in 2005

 

(148

)

1,671

 

 

Net income excluding SARS amortization

 

41,903

 

30,161

 

18,506

 

Deduct: total stock-based compensation, net of income taxes of $140, $499 and $263 determined under fair value based method

 

(297

)

(1,115

)

(671

)

Net income applicable to common shareholders—pro forma

 

$

41,606

 

$

29,046

 

$

17,835

 

Basic earnings per share—as reported

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.34

 

$

1.55

 

Basic earnings per share—pro forma

 

$

3.37

 

$

2.39

 

$

1.49

 

Diluted earnings per share—as reported

 

$

3.27

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.49

 

Diluted earnings per share—pro forma

 

$

3.24

 

$

2.28

 

$

1.44

 

 

We calculated share-based compensation cost using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The range of assumptions used to compute share-based compensation are as follows:

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.1

%

3.8

%

2.3

%

Expected volatility

 

40

%

42

%

40

%

Expected dividend yield

 

1.1

%

2.1

%

2.8

%

Expected life (in years)

 

6

 

5

 

5

 

Weighted average fair value at date of grant

 

$

17.86

 

$

7.46

 

$

4.16

 

 

43




Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the price of our common shares over the past six years. We use historical information to estimate award exercise and forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Compensation cost is recognized using a straight-line method over the vesting or service period and is net of estimated forfeitures.

Foreign Currency Translation

We translate the balance sheets of our foreign subsidiaries using fiscal year-end exchange rates. The cumulative effect on such translations is included in shareholders’ equity. The consolidated statements of income and cash flows are translated using the average exchange rates for the period.

Environmental Remediation

We accrue environmental costs if it is probable a liability has been incurred at the financial statement date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Recorded liabilities have not been discounted. Environmental compliance and legal costs are expensed as incurred. Assets related to the recovery of amounts expended for environmental expenses are recognized only when realization is probable.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

Gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which generally mature in one month or less, are recognized in operations and measured over the period of the contract by reference to the forward rate for a contract to be consummated on the same future date as the original contract.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met:

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement existsSales arrangements are supported by written or electronic documentation or evidence from a customer.

Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered—Revenue is recognized when title transfers and risk and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. This generally occurs upon shipment of our product with “FOB Shipping Point” terms. Shipments with “FOB Destination” terms are recorded as revenue when products are delivered to the customer. Customers are responsible for payment even if the product is not sold to their end customer. Once shipping terms are met we have no continuing obligations or performance criteria requirements.

Fixed or determinable sales priceSales are at fixed or established sales prices determined prior to the time the products are shipped with no customer cancellation, price protection or termination clauses.

Collectibility is reasonably assuredBased on our credit management policies we generally believe collectibility is reasonably assured when product is shipped to a customer. Provisions for uncollectible accounts and return allowances are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on our historical experience.

Shipping and Handling Costs

We incur shipping, handling and other related costs for the shipment of goods to customers. These costs are recognized in the period in which the expenses occur and are classified as cost of goods sold.

44




Amounts billed to customers for shipping, handling and related costs are reported as a component of net sales.

Warranty Obligations

We record a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for costs related to certain warranties we provide with the sales of our products. This liability is estimated through historical customer claims, product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The provision for income taxes is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in net deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are related to developing new products and to improving existing products or processes. These costs primarily include salaries, supplies, legal costs related to patents and design costs. We incurred research and development costs of $3.3 million, $3.2 million and $3.7 million for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable and foreign currency forward exchange contracts. We place our cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions. Deposits held with the financial institutions may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit.

We manage our credit risk on marketable securities by limiting the size of any one holding to 10% of the total issue, requiring a  minimum issue size of $50 million and limiting the investment in any one issue to $5 million, except for obligations of U.S. government agencies.

Accounts receivable are with a large number of customers, primarily equipment manufacturers and dealers, dispersed across a wide geographic base. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales or accounts receivable. Our consolidated net sales for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 to all original equipment manufacturers (OEM) customers were 45%, 40% and 35% of total net sales, respectively. This percentage is consistent with recent years. We perform on-going credit evaluations and do not require collateral. Allowances are maintained for potential credit losses when deemed necessary.

See Note 12 for discussion of foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on results of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally 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

45




the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on our historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments made by our management include matters such as the collectibility of accounts receivable, realizability of deferred income tax assets, realizability of goodwill and long-lived assets, warranty liabilities, share based compensation and benefit plan assumptions and future costs of environmental matters.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects potential dilution that could occur if convertible securities, stock options or SARS were exercised or converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This statement amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). Paragraph 5 of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, previously stated that “...under some circumstances, items such as idle facility expense, excessive spoilage, double freight, and re-handling costs may be so abnormal as to require treatment as current period charges...” SFAS 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of SFAS 151 shall be applied prospectively and are effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after the date this Statement was issued. The adoption of SFAS 151 at the beginning of fiscal 2007 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3” (“SFAS 154”). SFAS 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. This statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. SFAS 54 requires the application of a change in accounting principle be applied to prior accounting periods presented as if that principle had always been used. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 154 at the beginning of fiscal 2007 is not expected to have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

Note 3—Inventories

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Finished goods and components

 

$

37,236

 

$

30,516

 

Work in process

 

620

 

865

 

Raw materials

 

19,140

 

14,831

 

 

 

$

56,996

 

$

46,212

 

 

46




Note 4—Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Land

 

$

6,415

 

$

6,047

 

Buildings

 

42,558

 

44,229

 

Machinery and equipment

 

149,259

 

149,662

 

 

 

198,232

 

199,938

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(122,858

)

(117,911

)

 

 

$

75,374

 

$

82,027

 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, was $14.6 million, $13.9 million and $12.2 million, respectively.

Note 5—Debt

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Senior notes, interest at 6.92% payable semi annually, principal due annually through fiscal 2008

 

$

25,000

 

$

37,500

 

Other debt, principal due semi-annually through fiscal 2007

 

181

 

603

 

 

 

25,181

 

38,103

 

Less current portion

 

(12,681

)

(12,916

)

Long-term debt

 

$

12,500

 

$

25,187

 

 

Our debt agreements contain covenants relating to net worth and leverage ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants at January 31, 2006. The average interest rate on notes payable to banks was 3.0% during fiscal 2006 and 3.7% during fiscal 2005.

Accounts receivable of $3.0 million in certain foreign subsidiaries are pledged as collateral under notes payable to banks.

Borrowing arrangements currently in place with commercial banks provide available lines of credit totaling $25 million, of which $2.1 million were being used at January 31, 2006 through the issuance of letters of credit. Amounts under the lines of credit bear interest at LIBOR (4.81% at January 31, 2006 and 2.96% at January 31, 2005) plus a margin of .8%. Commitment fees on unused amounts are .225%.

Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended January 31

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

$

12,681

 

2008

 

12,500

 

 

 

$

25,181

 

 

47




Note 6—Income Taxes

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

12,397

 

$

8,398

 

$

3,429

 

State

 

1,459

 

1,554

 

802

 

Foreign

 

9,789

 

7,096

 

4,231

 

 

 

23,645

 

17,048

 

8,462

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(1,160

)

(792

)

663

 

State

 

13

 

242

 

48

 

Foreign

 

(2,322

)

(1

)

752

 

 

 

(3,469

)

(551

)

1,463

 

Total provision for income taxes

 

$

20,176

 

$

16,497

 

$

9,925

 

Income before provision for income taxes was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

36,139

 

$

26,536

 

$

17,430

 

Foreign

 

26,088

 

18,451

 

11,001

 

 

 

$

62,227

 

$

44,987

 

$

28,431

 

Reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal statutory rate

 

35.0

%

35.0

%

35.0

%

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

1.5

 

2.1

 

2.0

 

Tax on foreign earnings

 

(1.1

)

(1.4

)

(1.2

)

US export sales

 

(0.7

)

(0.7

)

(0.7

)

International financing

 

(0.9

)

(1.7

)

(3.5

)

Stock options

 

0.6

 

 

 

Net change in valuation allowance

 

(1.6

)

3.9

 

5.4

 

Other

 

(0.4

)

(0.5

)

(2.1

)

Effective income tax rate

 

32.4

%

36.7

%

34.9

%

 

48




The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Accruals

 

$

2,075

 

$

2,139

 

Environmental

 

2,964

 

3,248

 

Employee benefits

 

4,869

 

3,454

 

Foreign tax credits

 

9,961

 

9,961

 

Foreign net operating losses

 

8,860

 

8,391

 

Foreign capital losses

 

1,175

 

2,156

 

Other

 

1,378

 

1,502

 

 

 

31,282

 

30,851

 

Less: Valuation allowance

 

(9,603

)

(11,437

)

 

 

21,679

 

19,414

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

(5,830

)

(7,215

)

Cumulative translation adjustment

 

(2,848

)

(1,440

)

Other

 

(1,927

)

(2,017

)

 

 

(10,605

)

(10,672

)

Total net deferred tax asset

 

$

11,074

 

$

8,742

 

 

The net deferred tax asset is presented in our consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Deferred income taxes—current asset

 

$

3,232

 

$

3,042

 

Deferred income taxes—long-term asset

 

11,851

 

9,688

 

Deferred income taxes—long-term liability

 

(4,009

)

(3,988

)

 

 

$

11,074

 

$

8,742

 

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider taxable income in prior carryback years to the extent permitted under the tax law, scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. We believe we will be able to generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, but changes in our operations due to market conditions could require the recording of additional valuation allowances in the future. It is reasonably possible that a change to the valuation allowance in the next year could be material.

We recorded a valuation allowance for the year ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005 of approximately $9.6 million and $11.4 million, respectively. During the year ended January 31, 2006, the valuation allowance decreased approximately $1.8 million. The net change primarily relates to the realizability of foreign net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards and liabilities for employee benefit plans, net of current year foreign net operating losses. During the year, management determined that for certain foreign jurisdictions, it was more likely than not, we would realize certain existing foreign net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards. Also, we believe it is more likely than not we will realize the tax benefits related to certain liabilities for certain employee benefit plans. In addition, management determined that for certain foreign jurisdictions, it was more likely than not, we would not realize current foreign net operating loss and we would continue to record valuation allowances against these losses.

49




The increase in the valuation allowance for the years ended January 31, 2005, and 2004, of $2.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively, primarily relates to additional valuation allowances for net operating losses in foreign subsidiaries. Management determined it was more likely than not we would realize our deferred tax assets related to certain net operating loss carryforwards in our Australian subsidiary, for which a valuation allowance had previously been provided. Accordingly, the provision for income taxes included a $1.8 million reduction in expense for this reduction of the valuation allowance for the year ended January 31, 2004.

As of January 31, 2006, we have foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $28.5 million. These foreign net operating loss carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income and have no future expiration dates. The net operating loss carryforwards relate to subsidiaries in Europe and Australia. As of January 31, 2006, we have foreign capital loss carryforwards of approximately $3.4 million. These foreign capital loss carryforwards are available to offset future capital gains and have no future expiration dates.

A deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance, of $7.9 million has been recognized for U.S. foreign tax credits attributed to unrepatriated foreign earnings. Realization of this deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient foreign-sourced U.S. taxable income. The ten-year expiration period does not begin until the foreign earnings are repatriated. We did not repatriate any accumulated foreign earnings pursuant to the guidelines outlined in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

Note 7—Capital Stock

During fiscal 2004 the holder of our exchangeable preferred stock exchanged 600,000 of those shares for the same amount in common stock. These noncash transactions resulted in a reclassification of $8.5 million in fiscal 2004 from exchangeable preferred stock into common stock and additional paid-in capital and had no effect on earnings per share. No exchangeable preferred stock remains outstanding at January 31, 2006 and 2005.

Note 8—Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash paid during period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

2,858

 

$

3,741

 

$

4,563

 

Income taxes

 

$

22,079

 

$

14,346

 

$

3,960

 

Business acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

 

$

54

 

$

5,286

 

Inventories

 

 

1,539

 

3,687

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

5,405

 

5,788

 

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

 

 

3,562

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities assumed

 

 

(762

)

(5,481

)

Notes payable assumed

 

 

 

(1,165

)

Supplemental disclosure of noncash information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit

 

$

677

 

$

 

$

2,309

 

Deferred compensation from stock appreciation rights

 

$

(4,734

)

$

6,998

 

$

 

Conversion of exchangeable preferred stock to common stock

 

$

 

$

 

$

8,530

 

 

50




Note 9—Benefit Plans

We sponsor a number of defined contribution retirement plans. We match employee contributions in varying degrees and also make contributions to certain plans based on a percentage of employee wages. Our expense under these plans was $4.0 million, $3.8 million, and $3.6 million for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees in Canada, France and England. Benefits under the defined benefit pension plans are based on years of service and average earnings over a specified period of time. The net periodic cost of our defined benefit pension plans is determined using the projected unit credit method. Several actuarial assumptions are used to determine the defined benefit pension obligations and net periodic pension cost, the most significant of which are the discount rate, the long-term rate of asset return and changes in compensation levels. Our funding policy for defined benefit pension plans is to make annual contributions based on actuarially determined funding requirements. We recently modified certain provisions of our plan in England. These provisions eliminate the accrual of future benefits under the plan after November 1, 2005 and commit us to make contributions to the plan of approximately $350,000 for each of the next five years. The effect of this curtailment of benefits had no effect on our results of operations.

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations, changes in plan assets and funded status of our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans. Benefit obligation balances presented in the table reflect the projected benefit obligation (PBO) for our defined benefit pension plans and accumulated postretirement benefit obligations (APBO) for the postretirement benefit plan. Both the PBO and APBO include the estimated present value of future benefits that will be paid to plan participants, based on expected future salary growth and employee services rendered through the measurement date. We use a measurement date of January 31 for all defined benefit pension plans and December 31 for the postretirement plan.

51




 

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Postretirement Benefit

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Change in benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

9,138

 

$

8,578

 

$

7,264

 

$

8,082

 

$

9,389

 

$

9,916

 

Service cost

 

199

 

192

 

201

 

127

 

143

 

166

 

Interest cost

 

465

 

462

 

426

 

433

 

527

 

630

 

Participant contributions

 

62

 

66

 

71

 

 

 

 

Plan amendments

 

(48

)

 

 

(613

)

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(239

)

(174

)

(289

)

(433

)

(415

)

(495

)

Actuarial (gain) or loss

 

1,558

 

261

 

79

 

894

 

(1,562

)

(828

)

Settlements

 

 

(561

)

 

 

 

 

Exchange rate changes

 

(422

)

314

 

826

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

10,713

 

9,138

 

8,578

 

8,490

 

8,082

 

9,389

 

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

6,627

 

6,078

 

5,026

 

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

855

 

567

 

522

 

 

 

 

Employer contributions

 

167

 

420

 

169

 

433

 

415

 

495

 

Participant contributions

 

62

 

66

 

71

 

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(229

)

(174

)

(289

)

(433

)

(415

)

(495

)

Settlements

 

 

(561

)

 

 

 

 

Exchange rate changes

 

(287

)

231

 

579

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

7,195

 

6,627

 

6,078

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of funded status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status

 

(3,518

)

(2,511

)

(2,500

)

(8,490

)

(8,082

)

(9,389

)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 

3,360

 

2,511

 

2,452

 

3,509

 

2,977

 

5,097

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

 

 

 

(745

)

(147

)

(162

)

Net amount recognized at year-end

 

$

(158

)

$

 

$

(48

)

$

(5,726

)

$

(5,252

)

$

(4,454

)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid benefit cost

 

$

112

 

$

254

 

$

374

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Accrued benefit cost

 

(3,752

)

(2,666

)

(2,834

)

(5,726

)

(5,252

)

(4,454

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

3,482

 

2,412

 

2,412

 

 

 

 

Net amount recognized at year-end

 

$

(158

)

$

 

$

(48

)

$

(5,726

)

$

(5,252

)

$

(4,454

)

Components of net periodic benefit cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

199

 

$

192

 

$

201

 

$

127

 

$

143

 

$

166

 

Interest cost

 

464

 

462

 

426

 

433

 

527

 

630

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(446

)

(422

)

(392

)

 

 

 

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

121

 

141

 

225

 

346

 

533

 

450

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

338

 

$

373

 

$

460

 

$

906

 

$

1,203

 

$

1,246

 

Weighted-average assumptions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate for benefit obligation

 

4.7

%

5.3

%

5.6

%

5.5

%

5.5

%

6.0

%

Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost

 

5.3

%

5.6

%

5.4

%

5.5

%

6.0

%

6.5

%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

 

6.5

%

7.0

%

7.0

%

 

 

 

Increase in compensation levels based on age

 

3.0

%

2.8

%

2.5

%

 

 

 

 

52




 

The expected long-term rate of return on defined benefit pension plan assets assumption is derived based on the historical returns achieved by the pension trust and anticipated future long-term performance of individual assets classes. Consideration is also given to the appropriate investment strategy and anticipated future distribution of plan assets between asset classes. While this analysis gives appropriate consideration to recent trust performance and historical returns, the assumption represents a long-term prospective return.

Our principal objective is to ensure that plan assets are sufficient to enable all future pension liabilities to be paid when due. Plan assets are allocated with a goal to achieve diversification between and within various asset classes to meet long-term objectives of return, while mitigating against downside risks and considering expected cash flows. The asset allocations for the pension assets at January 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

 

Percentage of
Plan Assets
at January 31

 

 

 

Asset Category

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Target allocation

 

Equity

 

 

53

%

 

 

54

%

 

 

53

%

 

Debt

 

 

45

%

 

 

46

%

 

 

47

%

 

Real estate

 

 

2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity includes domestic and international equity securities, such as common, preferred or other capital stock, as well as mutual funds. Debt includes domestic and international debt securities, such as U.S. and other foreign government securities, corporate bonds and commercial paper.

We determine the discount rate for the defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plan each year as of the measurement date, based on a review of interest rates associated with long-term high quality corporate bonds in the geographic region where the plan is maintained.

The accumulated benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee services rendered to date, excluding assumptions about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $10.6 million at January 31, 2006 and $9.0 million at January 31, 2005. The minimum pension liability, included in other long-term liabilities, was $3.4 million and $2.3 million as of January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The increase in the liability in fiscal 2006 is the result of changes in assumptions, mainly a decrease in the discount rate and assumed rate of return on plan assets.

We also provide a postretirement benefit plan, consisting of health care coverage to eligible retirees and qualifying dependents in the United States. Benefits under this postretirement benefit plan are generally based on age at retirement and years of service. The net periodic cost of the postretirement plan is determined using the projected unit credit method. Other significant actuarial assumptions include the discount rate, health care cost trend rates (rate of growth for medical costs) and rates of retirement and life expectancy of plan participants. We are accruing the estimated future costs of providing postretirement benefits to eligible active employees during the active service period. Our postretirement plan is not funded and we have no current plans to provide funding other than annual contributions, which represent the benefits paid for the year.

53




Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for our postretirement benefit plan. The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the APBO were as follows at January 31:

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Health care cost trend rate assumed next year

 

11

%

13

%

Ultimate trend rate

 

4.5

%

4.5

%

Year ultimate trend rate is reached

 

2013

 

2013

 

 

The following presents the effect of a 1% change in health care cost trend rates (in thousands):

 

 

1%

 

1%

 

 

 

 

Increase

 

Decrease

 

 

Change in health care cost trend rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on service and interest costs

 

 

$

82

 

 

 

$

(67

)

 

 

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

 

1,025

 

 

 

(898

)

 

 

 

The fiscal 2007 postretirement benefit costs will be based on a 5.5% discount rate.

Our expected contribution in fiscal 2007 to the defined benefit pension plans is $412,000 and to the postretirement benefit plan is $409,000.

In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 106-2 (FSP 106-2), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.”  FSP 106-2 discusses further the effect of the Act. This Act introduced a federal subsidy to employers whose prescription drug benefits are actuarially equivalent to the new Medicare Part D. We believe our postretirement benefit plan is actuarially equivalent to Part D. FSP 106-2 considers the effect of the two new features introduced in the Act in determining our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) and net periodic post retirement benefit cost. The effect on the APBO was accounted for as an actuarial experience gain to be amortized into income over the average remaining service period of plan participants. As permitted by FSP 106-2, we have elected to account for the impact of this benefit prospectively beginning in the third quarter of the year ended January 31, 2005. The adoption of FSP 106-2 reduced our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at June 30, 2004, the date of adoption, from $9.5 million to $8 million. This reduction relates to benefits attributed to past service. Our estimated annual net periodic benefit cost after the adoption of FSP 106-2 was reduced by $286,000 to $1 million. The $286,000 reduction in annual cost included $20,000, $85,000 and $181,000 in service cost, interest cost and amortization of recognized actuarial losses, respectively. The impact on the net periodic benefit cost for the year ended January 31, 2005 and 2006 was not material.

The table below reflects the estimated total pension benefits and other postretirement gross benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Postretirement Benefit

 

 

 

Defined Benefit

 

Gross Benefit
Payments

 

Medicare
Subsidy

 

2007

 

 

$

243

 

 

 

$

937

 

 

 

$

120

 

 

2008

 

 

289

 

 

 

1,021

 

 

 

136

 

 

2009

 

 

294

 

 

 

1,117

 

 

 

153

 

 

2010

 

 

299

 

 

 

1,274

 

 

 

167

 

 

2011

 

 

303

 

 

 

1,401

 

 

 

178

 

 

2012 - 2016

 

 

1,834

 

 

 

8,450

 

 

 

1,117

 

 

 

54




Note 10—Share-Based Compensation Plans

We have granted two types of awards, stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARS), under our share-based compensation plans to officers, key managers and directors. Stock options provide the holder the right to receive our common shares at an established price. SARS provide the holder the right to receive an amount, payable in our common shares, equal to the excess of the market value of our common shares on the date of exercise (“intrinsic value”) over the base price at the time the right was granted. The base price may not be less than the market price of our common shares on the date of grant. The prices for all awards are established by our Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee at the time the awards are granted. All awards vest ratably over a four year period and have a term of ten years.

We have reserved 1,400,000 shares of common stock under our stock option plan. As of January 31, 2006 a total of 562,000 shares have been issued upon the exercise of stock options.  No additional stock options can be granted under the terms of the plan. The SARS plan provides for the issuance of 750,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of SARS of which 21,000 shares have been issued at January 31, 2006. We issue new common shares upon the exercise of all awards.

A summary of the plans’ status at January 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 together with changes during the periods then ended are presented in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Stock Options

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

Outstanding

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding

 

Exercise Price

 

 

 

Awards

 

Per Share

 

Awards

 

Per Share

 

Balance at January 31, 2003

 

 

964

 

 

 

$

12.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

Granted

 

 

332

 

 

 

14.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(104

)

 

 

12.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2004

 

 

1,192

 

 

 

13.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

122

 

 

 

21.15

 

 

 

453

 

 

 

21.15

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(123

)

 

 

13.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(6

)

 

 

13.14

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

21.15

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2005

 

 

1,185

 

 

 

13.96

 

 

 

448

 

 

 

21.15

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

612

 

 

 

35.60

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(325

)

 

 

13.64

 

 

 

(41

)

 

 

21.15

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(19

)

 

 

13.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2006

 

 

841

 

 

 

$

14.10

 

 

 

1,019

 

 

 

$

29.83

 

 

 

The following table presents all share-based compensation costs recognized in our statements of income (in thousands):

 

 

Year ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Method used to account for share-based compensation

 

Fair Value/Intrinsic

 

Intrinsic

 

 

 

Share-based compensation under SFAS 123R

 

 

$

2,506

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

Share-based compensation under FIN 28

 

 

(228

)

 

 

2,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,278

 

 

 

$

2,493

 

 

 

$

 

 

Tax benefit recognized

 

 

$

582

 

 

 

$

822

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

55




A summary of award activity under the plans as of January 31, 2006, is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Aggregate

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Intrinsic

 

Contractural

 

 

 

Awards

 

Price

 

Value

 

Life

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2006

 

 

1,860

 

 

 

$

22.72

 

 

 

$

52,675

 

 

 

8

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2006 and expected to vest

 

 

1,123

 

 

 

$

27.07

 

 

 

$

26,925

 

 

 

9

 

 

Exercisable at January 31, 2006

 

 

613

 

 

 

$

13.93

 

 

 

$

22,758

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended January 31, 2006 was $10.3 million. The total intrinsic value of SARS exercised during the year ended January 31, 2006 was $1.0 million.

A summary of the status of the plans’ nonvested awards as of January 31, 2006 is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

 

 

Grant-Date

 

 

 

Nonvested Awards

 

Fair Value Per Award

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Nonvested at February 1, 2005

 

 

974

 

 

 

$

6.13

 

 

Granted

 

 

612

 

 

 

$

17.86

 

 

Vested

 

 

(339

)

 

 

$

5.61

 

 

Nonvested at January 31, 2006

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

$

12.03

 

 

 

As of January 31, 2006, there was $10.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years. The following table represents as of January 31, 2006 the share-based compensation costs to be recognized in future periods (in thousands) for awards granted to date:

Fiscal Year

 

 

 

Amount

 

2007

 

$

3,572

 

2008

 

3,289

 

2009

 

2,537

 

2010

 

891

 

 

 

$

10,289

 

 

56




Note 11—Earnings Per Share

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

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 

(30

)

Net income applicable to common shareholders

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,476

 

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 

12,354

 

12,164

 

11,934

 

 

 

$

3.40

 

$

2.34

 

$

1.55

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income applicable to common shareholders

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,476

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

 

 

30

 

Net income

 

$

42,051

 

$

28,490

 

$

18,506

 

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 

12,354

 

12,164

 

11,934

 

Assumed conversion of exchangeable preferred stock

 

 

 

101

 

Dilutive effect of stock options and SARS

 

496

 

562

 

374

 

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

 

12,850

 

12,726

 

12,409

 

 

 

$

3.27

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.49

 

 

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted weighted average common shares includes the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, as well as the assumed conversion of exchangeable preferred stock. All stock options and stock appreciation rights are included in our calculation of incremental shares because they are dilutive.

Note 12—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We have operations and sell products to dealers and original equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Our activities expose us to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These financial exposures are monitored and managed within our foreign exchange management policy as approved by the Board of Directors. Our risk-management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to reduce the effects that the volatility of these markets may have on our operating results.

We maintain a foreign currency risk-management strategy that uses derivative instruments to protect our interests from unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Various amounts of our payables, receivables and subsidiary royalties are denominated in foreign currencies, thereby creating exposures to changes in exchange rates.

We purchase foreign currency forward exchange contracts with contract terms lasting up to six months, but generally less than one month, to protect against the adverse effects that exchange rate fluctuations may have on foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. These derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, in accordance with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The gains and losses on both the derivatives and the foreign currency denominated receivables and payables are recorded as transaction adjustments in current earnings thereby minimizing the effect on current earnings of exchange-rate fluctuations. During the years ended

57




January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, foreign currency losses, included in other income and expense on the statements of income, were $120,000, $640,000 and $380,000, respectively.

By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates, we expose ourselves to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivatives contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes us, which creates repayment risk for us. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, it does not possess repayment risk. We minimize the credit or repayment risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with counterparties whose credit ratings are AA or higher, monitoring the amount of exposure to each counterparty and monitoring the financial condition of our counterparties.

Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a foreign exchange contract that results from a change in the underlying exchange rates. The market risk associated with these foreign exchange risks is managed by only hedging actual exposures. Any change in value of the foreign exchange contract due to exchange rate change is offset by the change in value of the underlying asset being hedged due to exchange rate change.

At January 31, 2006 and 2005, we had approximately $39.8 million and $46.9 million, respectively, nominal value of contracts in place to buy or sell foreign currency. The fair value of these contracts at January 31, 2006 and 2005 is not material and is recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The principal currencies hedged are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Euros and British pounds.

Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations, which include obligations to remove or mitigate environmental effects of past disposal and release of certain wastes and substances at various sites. We record liabilities for affected sites when environmental assessments indicate probable cleanup and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Other than for costs of assessments themselves, the timing and amount of these liabilities is determined based on the estimated costs of remediation activities and our commitment to a formal plan of action, such as an approved remediation plan. The reliability and precision of the loss estimates are affected by numerous factors, such as different stages of site evaluation and reevaluation of the degree of remediation required. We adjust our liabilities as new remediation requirements are defined, as information becomes available permitting reasonable estimates to be made and to reflect new and changing facts.

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

58




Our specific environmental matters consist of the following:

Fairview, Oregon

In 1996, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued two Records of Decision impacting our Fairview, Oregon manufacturing facility. The records of decision required us to initiate remedial activities related to the cleanup of groundwater contamination at and near the facility. Remediation activities have been conducted at or near the facility since 1996 and current estimates provide for some level of activity to continue through 2021. Costs of certain remediation activities at the facility are shared with The Boeing Company, with Cascade paying 70% of these costs. The recorded liability for the ongoing remediation activities at our Fairview facility was $6.7 million and $7.5 million at January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Springfield, Ohio

In 1994, we entered into a consent order with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required the installation of remediation systems for the cleanup of groundwater contamination at our Springfield, Ohio facility. The current estimate is that the remediation activities will continue through 2013. The recorded liability for ongoing remediation activities in Springfield was $1.1 million at both January 31, 2006 and 2005.

Presented below is a rollforward of our environmental liabilities and expenses for the three years ended January 31, 2006 (in thousands):

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2003
Balance

 

Accrued

 

Cash
Payments

 

2004
Balance

 

Accrued

 

Cash
Payments

 

2005
Balance

 

Accrued

 

Cash
Payments

 

2006
Balance

 

Fairview, Oregon

 

 

$

9,237

 

 

 

$

(357

)

 

 

$

(586

)

 

 

$

8,294

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(833

)

 

 

$

7,461

 

 

 

$

(259

)

 

 

$

(541

)

 

 

$

6,661

 

 

Springfield, Ohio

 

 

960

 

 

 

357

 

 

 

(213

)

 

 

1,104

 

 

 

155

 

 

 

(173

)

 

 

1,086

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

(207

)

 

 

1,138

 

 

Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

146

 

 

 

 

 

 

146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,197

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(799

)

 

 

$

9,398

 

 

 

$

301

 

 

 

$

(1,006

)

 

 

$

8,693

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(758

)

 

 

$

7,935

 

 

 

On April 22, 2002, the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County entered judgment in our favor in an action originally brought in 1992 against several insurers to recover various expenses incurred in connection with environmental litigation and related proceedings. The judgment was against two non-settling insurers. We subsequently reached a settlement of all claims with one of the insurers in return for a payment of $1.3 million, which we received October 22, 2004. The judgment against the remaining insurer is in the amount of approximately $800,000. The judgment also requires the insurer to defend us in suits alleging liability because of groundwater contamination emanating from our Fairview, Oregon plant and requires the insurer to pay approximately 3.1% of any liability imposed against us by judgment or settlement on or after March 1, 1997 on account of such contamination. We have appealed the judgment, contending that the remaining insurer should be required to pay a larger share of our past and future expenses and liabilities, additional interest, and increased attorneys fees. The insurer has cross-appealed. The case is now pending before the Oregon Court of Appeals. We have not recorded any amounts that may be recovered from the insurer in our consolidated financial statements.

59




Lease Commitments

We lease certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable operating leases. Rent expense for the years ended January 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 totaled $2.4 million, $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Future minimum rental commitments under these leases as of January 31, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

2007

 

$

2,150

 

2008

 

1,772

 

2009

 

1,262

 

2010

 

557

 

2011

 

515

 

Thereafter

 

416

 

 

 

$

6,672

 

 

Lease Guarantee

We sold our hydraulic cylinder division to Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. (Precision) on January 15, 2002. Under the terms of the sale, we assigned to Precision an operating lease related to a manufacturing facility in Beulaville, North Carolina. We are a guarantor on the lease in the event Precision fails to comply with the lease terms. The lease requires payments by Precision of approximately $21,000 per month through November 2007. The total value of the lease guarantee using undiscounted cash flows is $462,000 at January 31, 2006.

Legal Proceedings

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation, in addition to the environmental matters previously discussed, arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, management does not expect the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, result of operations, or cash flows.

Note 14—Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The fair value of our financial instruments represents the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables and payables and notes payable to banks approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Fair value of long-term debt is estimated based either on quoted market prices for similar issues or on current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities. The estimated fair values of our financial liabilities for which the carrying amount does not approximate fair value is as follows:

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Carrying
Amount

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

$

25,828

 

$

25,181

 

$

39,791

 

$

38,103

 

 

Note 15—Segment Information

Our operating units have several economic characteristics and attributes, including similar products, distribution patterns and classes of customers. As a result, we aggregate our operating units into four geographic  operating segments related to the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of material handling load engagement products primarily for the lift truck industry. We evaluate performance of each

60




of our operating segments based on operating income before interest, miscellaneous income/expense and income taxes. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of accounting policies.

Revenues and operating results are classified according to the country of origin. Identifiable assets are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Net sales, operating results and identifiable assets by geographic region were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

2006

 

 

 

North
America

 

Europe

 

Asia
Pacific

 

China

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidation

 

Sales to unaffliated customers

 

$

250,576

 

$

132,213

 

$

45,471

 

$22,243

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

450,503

 

 

Transfers between areas

 

22,461

 

2,616

 

177

 

5,652

 

 

(30,906

)

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

273,037

 

$

134,829

 

$

45,648

 

$

27,895

 

 

$

(30,906

)

 

 

$

450,503

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

97,869

 

$

23,746

 

$

12,394

 

$

8,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

142,729

 

 

Selling and administrative

 

44,676

 

22,474

 

7,738

 

2,504

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,392

 

 

Amortization

 

151

 

1,264

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,443

 

 

Operating income

 

$

53,042

 

$

8

 

$

4,656

 

$

6,188

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

63,894

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

34,302

 

$

35,336

 

$

1,567

 

$

4,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

75,374

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

5,923

 

$

3,189

 

$

336

 

$

1,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

10,580

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

$

8,032

 

$

5,752

 

$

412

 

$

366

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

14,562

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

2005

 

 

 

North
America

 

Europe

 

Asia
Pacific

 

China

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidation

 

Sales to unaffliated customers

 

$

208,553

 

$

118,723

 

$

39,095

 

$19,348

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

385,719

 

 

Transfers between areas

 

21,225

 

1,918

 

28

 

3,608

 

 

(26,779

)

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

229,778

 

$

120,641

 

$

39,123

 

$

22,956

 

 

$

(26,779

)

 

 

$

385,719

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

80,378

 

$

23,629

 

$

11,195

 

$

7,980

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

123,182

 

 

Selling and administrative(1)

 

42,586

 

23,503

 

6,811

 

1,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

74,747

 

 

Amortization

 

145

 

485

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

658

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

37,647

 

$

(359

)

$

4,384

 

$

6,105

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

47,777

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

36,084

 

$

41,004

 

$

1,626

 

$

3,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

82,027

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

8,101

 

$

4,640

 

$

301

 

$

539

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

13,581

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

$

7,585

 

$

5,612

 

$

356

 

$

359

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

13,912

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

2004

 

 

 

North
America

 

Europe

 

Asia
Pacific

 

China

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidation

 

Sales to unaffliated customers

 

$

171,709

 

$

81,114

 

$

32,763

 

$12,170

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

297,756

 

 

Transfers between areas

 

16,951

 

2,004

 

158

 

824

 

 

(19,937

)

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

188,660

 

$

83,118

 

$

32,921

 

$

12,994

 

 

$

(19,937

)

 

 

$

297,756

 

 

Gross profit

 

$

63,185

 

$

17,658

 

$

9,103

 

$

5,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

95,636

 

 

Selling and administrative

 

38,000

 

17,853

 

5,945

 

1,301

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,099

 

 

Amortization

 

234

 

255

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

512

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

24,951

 

$

(450

)

$

3,158

 

$

4,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

32,025

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

35,401

 

$

35,124

 

$

1,579

 

$

3,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

75,244

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

5,925

 

$

4,411

 

$

314

 

$

753

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

11,403

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

$

7,630

 

$

3,955

 

$

303

 

$

264

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

12,152

 

 

 


(1)          Includes $1.3 million of income from insurance litigation recovery and $155,000 of environmental expenses in North America.

61




The following table represents total sales by place of destination:

 

 

Year Ended January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

United States

 

$

215,815

 

$

180,097

 

$

149,046

 

Europe, excluding United Kingdom

 

102,265

 

92,236

 

59,104

 

Canada

 

26,694

 

20,960

 

17,302

 

United Kingdom

 

27,113

 

23,374

 

19,490

 

Other countries (less then 5% of total sales individually)

 

78,616

 

69,052

 

52,814

 

 

 

$

450,503

 

$

385,719

 

$

297,756

 

 

Note 16—Warranty Obligations

Our warranty obligations, which are recorded in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet, are as follows:

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Beginning obligation

 

$

1,911

 

$

1,610

 

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

 

2,168

 

3,083

 

Accruals for pre-existing warranties

 

52

 

15

 

Settlements during the year

 

(2,466

)

(2,797

)

Ending obligation

 

$

1,665

 

$

1,911

 

 

Note 17—Goodwill

The change in the amount of goodwill between January 31, 2006 and 2005 relates primarily to fluctuations in foreign currency. We have no goodwill in China. The following table provides a breakdown of goodwill by geographic region:

 

 

January 31

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

North America

 

$

65,978

 

$

60,577

 

Europe

 

9,840

 

11,211

 

Asia Pacific

 

3,002

 

2,998

 

 

 

$

78,820

 

$

74,786

 

 

62




Note 18—Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

 

 

1st Quarter

 

2nd Quarter

 

3rd Quarter

 

4th Quarter

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Year ended January 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

 

$

114,515

 

 

 

$

114,966

 

 

 

$

112,599

 

 

 

$

108,423

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

$

37,488

 

 

 

$

36,570

 

 

 

$

36,824

 

 

 

$

31,847

 

 

Net income

 

 

$

12,208

 

 

 

$

10,750

 

 

 

$

10,828

 

 

 

$

8,265

 

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

 

$

0.87

 

 

 

$

0.87

 

 

 

$

0.66

 

 

Diluted

 

 

$

0.95

 

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

Year ended January 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

 

$

93,529

 

 

 

$

92,376

 

 

 

$

96,342

 

 

 

$

103,472

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

$

31,376

 

 

 

$

29,351

 

 

 

$

30,884

 

 

 

$

31,571

 

 

Net income

 

 

$

8,210

 

 

 

$

6,502

 

 

 

$

8,691

 

 

 

$

5,087

 

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

$

0.68

 

 

 

$

0.54

 

 

 

$

0.71

 

 

 

$

0.42

 

 

Diluted

 

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

$

0.51

 

 

 

$

0.68

 

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

 

Note 19—Acquisitions

During fiscal 2004, we completed the acquisition of two materials handling equipment manufacturers, FEMA Forks GmbH (FEMA), located in Germany, and Roncari S.r.l. (Roncari), located in Italy. The FEMA acquisition was completed on March 31, 2003, and the Roncari acquisition was completed on October 21, 2003. The aggregate purchase prices paid in cash for FEMA and Roncari, net of assumed liabilities, were $3.6 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2005, we purchased the assets of Falkenroth Foerdertechnik (Falkenroth), a major German fork manufacturer. Falkenroth was placed into insolvency by its creditors in March 2004. The total purchase price for the assets was approximately $6.2 million, net of assumed liabilities.

Note 20—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Translation
Adjustment

 

Minimum Pension
Liability Adjustment

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance at January 31, 2003

 

 

$

(14,344

)

 

 

$

 

 

$

(14,344

)

Translation adjustment

 

 

17,684

 

 

 

 

 

17,684

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $103

 

 

 

 

 

(2,309

)

 

(2,309

)

Balance at January 31, 2004

 

 

3,340

 

 

 

(2,309

)

 

1,031

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

6,735

 

 

 

 

 

6,735

 

Balance at January 31, 2005

 

 

10,075

 

 

 

(2,309

)

 

7,766

 

Translation adjustment

 

 

592

 

 

 

 

 

592

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $393

 

 

 

 

 

(677

)

 

(677

)

Balance at January 31, 2006

 

 

$

10,667

 

 

 

$

(2,986

)

 

$

7,681

 

 

63




Note 21—Proceeds from Notes Receivable

On January 15, 2002, we sold substantially all of the assets of our hydraulic cylinder division, including manufacturing and sales operations in Beulaville, North Carolina and Cramlington, Northumberland, United Kingdom to a new company, Precision (Note 13). As partial consideration we received a note receivable of $9 million from Precision. In August 2003, we received a payment of $9.6 million from Precision as payment in full of all principal and interest amounts outstanding under the notes receivable from the sale of our hydraulic cylinder division.

Note 22—Gain on Sale of Investment

During fiscal 2005, a trust under a U.S. defined benefit plan we terminated in 1997 sold publicly traded common stock received in the demutualization of an insurance company. The trust had purchased annuities from the insurance company prior to the termination of the plan. The sale resulted in a gain of approximately $1.0 million and proceeds in the same amount, which were available for reversion to us.

64




Schedule II

Cascade Corporation
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)

Column A

 

 

 

Column B

 

Column C

 

Column D

 

Column E

 

Description

 

 

 

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

 

Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

 

Deductions

 

Balance at
End of Period

 

Years ended January 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

2,182

 

 

 

$

129

 

 

 

$

(896

)

 

 

$

1,415

 

 

Valuation allowances—deferred tax assets

 

 

$

11,437

 

 

 

$

1,283

 

 

 

$

(3,117

)

 

 

$

9,603

 

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

2,023

 

 

 

$

571

 

 

 

$

(412

)

 

 

$

2,182

 

 

Valuation allowances—deferred tax assets

 

 

$

9,525

 

 

 

$

2,057

 

 

 

$

(145

)

 

 

$

11,437

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable

 

 

$

1,801

 

 

 

$

807

 

 

 

$

(585

)

 

 

$

2,023

 

 

Valuation allowances—deferred tax assets

 

 

$

7,313

 

 

 

$

4,109

 

 

 

$

(1,897

)

 

 

$

9,525

 

 

 

Item 9.   Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

65




Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, we assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2006. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework”. Based on our assessment we concluded that, as of January 31, 2006, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2006, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended January 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

CEO and CFO Certifications

The certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this report. Additionally, on September 21, 2005 our Chief Financial Officer certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violation by Cascade of the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance listing standards.

Item 9B.   Other Information

None.

66




PART III

Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information regarding our directors is set forth under the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting to be filed within 120 days after our fiscal year end of January 31, 2006, (“Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated into this report by reference. Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Part I, Item 4A of this report.

Audit Committee

We have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Duane C. McDougall (Chair), Dr. Nicholas R. Lardy, Mr. James S. Osterman, Dr. Nancy A. Wilgenbusch, and Mr. Henry W. Wessinger II, each of whom is independent as that term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors has determined that Duane C. McDougall, Chair of the Audit Committee, is an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act and is independent as that term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics and business responsibilities (“Code”) for directors, officers (including the CEO, CFO, principal accounting officer, and persons performing similar functions) and employees, which is Exhibit 14 of this report. A copy of the Code is available on our website at www.cascorp.com/investor. Shareholders may also request a free copy of the Code from:

Cascade Corporation
Attention: Secretary
Post Office Box 20187
Portland, Oregon 97294-0187
503-669-6300

We will post on our website any required amendments to or waivers granted under the Code pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission or New York Stock Exchange disclosure rules.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set forth under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference.

Item 11.   Executive Compensation

Information regarding compensation of our named executive officers is set forth under the heading “Executive Officer Compensation” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference. Information regarding compensation of our directors is set forth under the heading “Corporate Governance and Other Board Matters—Director Compensation” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference.

67




Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stock Holder Matters

Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners, directors, and executive officers of Cascade is set forth under the heading “Voting Securities-Stock Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference.

Information regarding our equity compensation plans is set forth under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference.

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

None.

Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information concerning fees paid to our independent auditors is set forth under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated into this report by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Index to Financial Statements

1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

35

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2006

 

37

 

 

 

Balance Sheets at January 31, 2006 and 2005

 

38

 

 

 

Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2006

 

39

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2006

 

40

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

41

 

2.

 

Financial Statement Schedule for each of the three years ended January 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

65

 

 

The individual financial statements of the registrant and its subsidiaries have been omitted since Cascade is primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries included in the consolidated financial statements, in the aggregate, do not have minority equity interests and/or indebtedness to any person other than the registrant or its consolidated subsidiaries in amounts which together exceed 5% of the total consolidated assets at January 31, 2006, except indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business which is not overdue and which matures within one year from the year of its origination.

68




3.                Exhibits

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-111860) filed with the Commission on January 12, 2004.(1)

 

3.2

 

Bylaws, as amended.

 

10.1

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Richard S. Anderson, filed as Exhibit 3 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

 

10.2

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Terry H. Cathey, filed as Exhibit 2 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

 

10.3

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Robert C. Warren, Jr., filed as Exhibit 1 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

 

10.4

 

1999 Amendment and Restatement of the Cascade Corporation 1995 Senior Managers’ Incentive Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-103581) filed with the Commission on March 4, 2003.(1)(2)

 

10.5

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for 1999 Amendment and Restatement of the Cascade Corporation 1995 Senior Managers’ Incentive Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 18, 2005.(1)(2)

 

10.6

 

Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan.(2)

 

10.7

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement for Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 18, 2005.(1)(2)

 

10.8

 

Summary of Non-Employee Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements.(2)

 

14

 

Code of Ethics and Business Responsibilities for Directors, Officers, and Employees.

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of the registrant.

 

23

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

 

32

 

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

 


(1)          Incorporated by reference.

(2)          Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

69




SIGNATURES

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

CASCADE CORPORATION

 

By:

 

/s/ RICHARD S. ANDERSON

 

 

 

Richard S. Anderson

 

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities on the dates indicated.

/s/ ROBERT C. WARREN, JR.

 

President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director

 

April 14, 2006

Robert C. Warren, Jr.

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date

/s/ RICHARD S. ANDERSON

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

April 14, 2006

Richard S. Anderson

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Date

/s/ JAMES S. OSTERMAN

 

 

 

April 14, 2006

James S. Osterman

 

Director

 

Date

/s/ NICHOLAS R. LARDY

 

 

 

April 14, 2006

Nicholas R. Lardy

 

Director

 

Date

/s/ DUANE C. MCDOUGALL

 

 

 

April 14, 2006

Duane C. McDougall

 

Director

 

Date

/s/ HENRY W. WESSINGER II

 

 

 

April 14, 2006

Henry W. Wessinger II

 

Director

 

Date

/s/ NANCY A. WILGENBUSCH

 

 

 

April 14, 2006

Nancy A. Wilgenbusch

 

Director

 

Date

 

70




 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

3.1

 

 

Articles of Incorporation, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-111860) filed with the Commission on January 12, 2004.(1)

3.2

 

 

Bylaws, as amended.

10.1

 

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Richard S. Anderson, filed as Exhibit 3 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

10.2

 

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Terry H. Cathey, filed as Exhibit 2 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

10.3

 

 

Severance Agreement dated May 25, 2000, with Robert C. Warren, Jr., filed as Exhibit 1 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on May 1, 2001.(1)(2)

10.4

 

 

1999 Amendment and Restatement of the Cascade Corporation 1995 Senior Managers’ Incentive Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-103581) filed with the Commission on March 4, 2003.(1)(2)

10.5

 

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for 1999 Amendment and Restatement of the Cascade Corporation 1995 Senior Managers’ Incentive Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 18, 2005. (1)(2)

10.6

 

 

Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan.(2)

10.7

 

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement for Cascade Corporation Stock Appreciation Rights Plan filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 18, 2005. (1)(2)

10.8

 

 

Summary of Non-Employee Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements.(2)

14

 

 

Code of Ethics and Business Responsibilities for Directors, Officers, and Employees.

21

 

 

Subsidiaries of the registrant.

23

 

 

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31.1

 

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

 

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32

 

 

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

 


(1)           Incorporated by reference.

 

(2)           Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 


EX-3.2 2 a06-8971_1ex3d2.htm EX-3

Exhibit 3.2

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

CASCADE CORPORATION

 

(As Amended April 11, 2006)

 

ARTICLE I

 

Name and Principal Office

 

Section 1.       The Name of this corporation is CASCADE CORPORATION, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Oregon.

 

Section 2.       The principal office and place of business of the Company shall be located at Fairview, Oregon. The Company may have offices and places of business at such other places, within or without the State of Oregon, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Corporate Seal

 

The seal of the Company shall be an impression stamp with the following inscription:  CASCADE CORPORATION - Oregon - Corporate Seal. An impression of said seal so adopted is as shown below.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Shareholders

 

Section 1.       The Annual Meeting shall be held on the second Thursday in May of each year, or such other date as may be established by the Board of Directors,  at the principal office of the Company in Fairview, Oregon, at 10:00 a.m., when the shareholders shall elect a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

 

1



 

Section 2.       Special meetings of the shareholders of the Company shall be called by the Secretary on the request of the Chairman or on the request in writing of three Directors, or on demand in writing by shareholders of record holding not less than one-tenth of all shares entitled to vote at such meeting.

 

Section 3.       Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than 10 nor more than 50 days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or the person or persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder concerned at his address as it appears on the stock books of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Committees

 

Section 1.       There are hereby established as committees of the Board of Directors an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee, each of which shall have the powers and functions set forth herein, and such additional powers as may be delegated by the Board of Directors. The size and membership of the committees shall be determined by the Board of Directors, and shall be composed solely of Directors independent of management.

 

Section 2.       The Audit Committee shall select, on behalf of the Company, independent public accountants to (1) audit the books of account and other Corporate records; and (2) perform such other duties as the Committee may from time to time prescribe. The Committee shall transmit financial statements certified by such independent public accountants to the Board of Directors after the close of each fiscal year. The Committee shall confer with such accountants and approve the scope of the audit of the records. The Committee shall have the power to confer with and direct the officers of the Company to the extent necessary to review the internal controls, accounting practices, financial structure and reporting of the Company. From time to time, the Committee shall report to and advise the Board of Directors concerning the results of its consultation and review such other matters as the Committee believes merit review by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 3.       The Compensation Committee shall fix the compensation of members of the Board of Directors who are officers and other members of senior management.

 

2



 

Section 4. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall consider and make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the management of the Company and the nominations or elections of directors and officers of the Company. The Committee from time to time shall consider the size and composition of the Board of Directors and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such matters.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Directors

 

Section 1.       The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by a Board of not less than six, nor more than ten Directors. A Director who reaches age 75 shall cease to be a Director as of the end of the first meeting of the Board of Directors thereafter. A Director who ceases to be a Shareholder in the Company shall likewise cease to be a Director. Commencing with the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, nominees for election to the Board of Directors shall be divided into three groups. The terms of Directors in Group 1 expire at the first Annual Shareholders meeting after their election, the terms of Group 2 expire at the second Annual Shareholders Meeting after their election, and the terms of Group 3 expire at the third Annual Shareholders Meeting after their election. At each Annual Shareholders Meeting held thereafter, Directors shall be chosen for a term of three years, to succeed those whose terms expire, except that the Nominating and Governance Committee in recommending, and the Board of Directors in selecting, nominees may assign such nominees to terms expiring in one, two or three years to maintain balance among numbers of Directors in each group. Each Director shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.

 

Section 2.       Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including any Directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of Directors, may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining Directors, though less than a quorum, of the Board of Directors. Any Director so elected shall serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor has been elected and has qualified.

 

Section 3.       A majority of the number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors. If any meeting of the Directors cannot be organized for want of a quorum, a majority of the Directors there present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice until a quorum shall attend.

 

Section 4.       The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee consisting of the President and not less than two other officers of the Company, to

 

3



 

coordinate the Company’s operations and to exercise general supervision over all the property, business and affairs of the Company. The President shall preside over the Executive Committee, which shall be subject to the authority of the Board of Directors and the President.

 

Section 5.       Immediately after each annual election of Directors, the newly elected Directors shall meet for the purpose of organization, the election of officers of the Board of Directors and the transaction of other business. No notice of such meeting shall be required, and the meeting shall be held at the same place as the shareholders’ meeting unless otherwise designated by the Chairman.

 

Section 6.       Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the Secretary, when he is requested to do so by the Chairman, upon two days’ notice to each Director. Special meetings shall be called in like manner on the request of the majority of the members of the Board. Such notice may be by telephone, telegraph or mail. Special meetings of the Directors may be held at one time and at any place, without notice, when all members of the Board are present and consent thereto. The Board of Directors shall meet at such places, either within or without the State of Oregon, as may be designated in the notice of the meeting. Any business authorized or required to be transacted by the Directors may be transacted at any special meeting.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Compensation of Directors and Officers

 

No officer or Director of the Company shall be entitled to any salary or other compensation for any services rendered the Company, except when fixed or otherwise authorized and approved by resolution of the Board of Directors, or when services are rendered as a consultant to the Corporation under compensation arrangements approved by the Board of Directors or the President.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Officers

 

Section 1.       The officers of the Company shall include a Chairman, a President, one or more Vice Presidents as may from time to time be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as may from time to time be appointed by the Board of Directors.

 

4



 

Section 2.       In case of the absence of any officer of the Company, or for any other reason that may seem sufficient to the Board, the Board of Directors may delegate his powers and duties to any other officer or to any Director.

 

Section 3.       In addition to the specific duties set forth below, the officers shall have such other authorities and perform such other duties as may elsewhere in these Bylaws be required of them or that may be usual for their officers or that may be designated by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Chairman

 

The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and Directors; he shall be the inspector of all elections of Directors and certify who are elected; he shall also act as inspector of the voting on any other matter or resolution unless the meeting appoints special inspectors for such purposes. The Chairman may also represent the Company in any manner requested by the Board of Directors or the President.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

President

 

Section 1.       The President shall be the chief executive officer and head of the Company and shall have the general control of its business affairs.

 

Section 2.       The President may sign, on behalf of the Company, all deeds, contracts and promissory notes, unless otherwise expressly directed by the Board of Directors, and shall have general supervision over all the property, business and interests of the Company as well as over its officers, employees and agents.

 

Section 3.       The President shall make annual reports showing the condition of the affairs of the Company, making such recommendations as he thinks proper, submitting the same to the Board of Directors, and subsequently, to the annual meeting of the shareholders; and he shall, from time to time, bring before the Directors such information as may be required touching upon the business and property of the Company.

 

5



 

ARTICLE X

 

Secretary

 

The Secretary shall issue all notices of Directors’ and shareholders’ meetings, shall have the charge of the corporate seal and the Company’s stock and minute books, shall countersign all certificates of stocks, bonds, deeds, mortgages and other documents requiring the seal of the Company, shall affix the corporate seal to all such documents, shall prepare and issue all certificates of stock and register and record the same in the stock books and shall properly record therein all transfers, shall produce the stock books whenever required to do so by any shareholder, and shall prepare and submit at every meeting of the shareholders a certified list of the shareholders of the Company and of those shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting, which list shall be prima facie evidence of the right to vote. The Board of Directors may designate one or more Assistant Secretaries to carry out the duties of the Secretary until such vacancy is regularly filled as required.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Treasurer

 

The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds, securities and other valuables of the Company that may come into his possession and he shall deposit the same to the credit of the Company in such banks or depositories as the Board of Directors may designate. He shall bring to the attention of the Board of Directors any and all measures which in his judgment are necessary and proper to be taken for the preservation and renewal of securities in his custody and for the enforcement of the rights secured thereby and shall render a statement of the accounts of the Company whenever required by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Stock

 

Section 1.       Certificates of stock, on a form to be approved by the Board of Directors, shall be signed by the Chairman, President or any Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and shall have affixed thereto the corporate seal. Each certificate shall be numbered in order and shall show on the face thereof the name of the Company, that it is organized under the laws of the State of Oregon, the name of the person to whom it is issued, the class and number of shares represented thereby and the par value of the shares. A stock book shall be maintained by the Secretary, in which he shall record the name of each shareholder, the number, certificate number and class of shares held by him, the dates or issuance and the dates of any transfers of stock.

 

6



 

Section 2.       Shares of stock of the Company shall be transferable only on its books by the holder thereof in person, or by his attorney duly authorized thereto in writing, and upon the surrender and cancellation of certificates therefor duly endorsed.

 

Section 3.       In case of the loss or destruction of a certificate, another may be issued in its place upon proof of such loss or destruction satisfactory to the Board of Directors and the giving of such bond or indemnity or other security as the Board of Directors may require.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

Indemnification

 

The Company shall indemnify any Director, officer or employee or former Director, officer or employee of the Company, or any person who may have served at its request as a Director, officer or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees) judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal or administrative in which he is made a party by reason of being or having been such Director, officer or employee. Such indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Director, officer or employee may be entitled.

 

The Company shall also have the authority to indemnify any agent of the Company or any Trustee acting on behalf of the Company to the fullest extent possible under the Oregon Business Corporation Act.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

Assessments

 

A holder of or subscriber to shares of the capital stock of the Company shall be subject to assessment therefor by the Board of Directors to the extent, in the aggregate, of the unpaid portion of the subscription price of the shares so held or subscribed, except as may be limited by law.

 

7



 

ARTICLE XV

 

Dividends

 

Dividends shall be declared by the Board of Directors in such form, in such amounts and at such times as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall determine, subject only to the requirements of law, and no dividends shall be paid or other distribution of earnings made except as directed by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE XVI

 

Signing of Contracts, Checks, Notes, Etc.

 

In addition to the authority granted to the President by Article VIII, Section 2, the Board of Directors may, by resolution, at any time direct in what manner and by what person or persons, officer or officers all or any of its contracts, checks, notes, bonds, other evidences of indebtedness or other written instruments may be executed, and any such authorized execution shall be deemed the act of the Company.

 

ARTICLE XVII

 

Notice and Waiver

 

Section 1.       Whenever notice is required to be given to any shareholder or Director, and such notice is given be mail, the time of the giving of such notice shall be deemed to be the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder or Director at his address as it appears on the official records of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid.

 

Section 2.       Whenever any notice is required to be given to any shareholder or Director of the Company, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether signed before or after the time stated in such notice, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice to that person or persons.

 

ARTICLE XVIII

 

Amendments

 

These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of the majority of the Directors present at such meeting.

 

8


EX-10.6 3 a06-8971_1ex10d6.htm EX-10

EXHIBIT 10.6

CASCADE CORPORATION

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN

1.   Purposes.

This Plan is intended to enable Cascade Corporation (the “Corporation”) to recognize the contribution of executives of the Corporation and its subsidiaries to the Corporation’s success, to provide them incentives to enhance the Corporation’s business prospects and to recognize their role and that of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) in increasing value over the long term.

2.   Effective Date and Duration of Plan.

(a)   Effective Date.   The Plan shall become effective upon approval by the shareholders of the Corporation

(b)   Duration.   No stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Plan after May 31, 2013. However, the Plan shall continue in effect until all rights issued under the Plan have been exercised or have expired. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time, except with respect to outstanding stock appreciation rights. Termination shall not affect any outstanding stock appreciation rights, or the forfeitability of rights granted under the Plan.

3.   Administration.

The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Committee shall have full power and authority, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to:

(a)  Designate employee participants;

(b) Determine the amount and other terms and conditions of awards of stock appreciation rights to employees, such determinations to be subject to Board approval in the case of grants to officers of the Corporation, and those terms and conditions of stock appreciation rights awarded to non-employee members of the Board of Directors which are not stated in Section 10 of the Plan.

(c)  Adopt and amend rules and regulations relating to administration of the Plan, advance the lapse of any waiting period, accelerate any exercise date, and make all other determinations in the judgment of the Committee necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

Decisions of the Committee as to interpretation of, and rights granted pursuant to, the Plan and any related agreement shall be final. The Committee in its sole discretion may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any related agreement.

4.   Eligibility.

The Committee may from time to time grant stock appreciation rights (“Rights”) to such key executive employees of the Corporation (“Participants”) or of any subsidiary as the Committee may deem eligible.

5.   Rights/Share Limitation.

(a)  A Right is a right granted under the Plan which enables the holder to receive at the time of exercise an amount, payable solely in the form of Cascade Corporation common shares valued at Fair Market Value, equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of a single common share of Cascade Corporation stock and the Base Price of a single common share of Cascade Corporation stock.

1




(b) In no event shall more than 750,000 Cascade Corporation common shares, as adjusted by the Committee to reflect proportionately any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, or dividend payable in shares in connection with Cascade Corporation common shares be issued pursuant to the Plan.

(c)  In no event shall more than 100,000 Cascade Corporation shares, as adjusted by the Committee to reflect proportionately any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares, or dividend payable in shares in connection with Cascade Corporation common shares, be issued to any one individual pursuant to the exercise of Rights granted to such individual under the Plan in a single fiscal year.

6.   Required Terms and Conditions of Rights.

The Committee may grant Rights under the Plan, subject to such rules, terms, and conditions as the Committee prescribes in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, including the following:

(a)   Base Price.   The Base Price of each Right shall be established by the Committee and may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a common share of Cascade Corporation common stock on the date the grant is made.

(b)   Fair Market Value.   The Fair Market Value of a common share of Cascade Corporation common stock means the closing price quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or, if shares are not listed on that exchange, the primary trading venue for Corporation shares, as reported in the Wall Street Journal on the date of grant or exercise, as the case may be, or if the shares did not trade that date, on the last prior date on which the shares were traded.

(c)   Maximum Term of Right.   A Right shall be exercisable during such period of time as the Committee may specify, provided that no Right shall be exercisable after the expiration of 10 years from the date on which it is granted.

(d)   Installment Exercise Limitations.   Each grant of Rights shall generally become exercisable in equal cumulative annual installments over such period as the Committee may establish, except to the extent that other terms of exercise are specifically provided by other terms of the Plan. The Committee shall have discretion to establish vesting periods and limitations on amounts to be realized upon exercise in connection with grants it may make.

(e)   Termination of Employment.

(i)    Death. If a Participant dies while entitled to exercise Rights granted under this Plan, such Rights may be exercised for a period of one year after the Participant’s death. Rights not exercisable at the time of death, and Rights not exercised during the period provided by this subparagraph, will expire. In the event of a Participant’s death, Rights exercisable as of the date of the Participant’s death may be exercised by such beneficiary as the Participant may have designated in writing in a manner determined by the Committee. In the absence of such a designation, the Participant’s estate shall have the right to exercise such Rights.

(ii)   Retirement. If a Participant terminates employment after age 62 under circumstances which the Committee in its sole discretion deems equivalent to retirement, any Rights the Participant was entitled to exercise at the date of retirement may be exercised for a period of one year following retirement. Rights not exercisable at the time of retirement, and Rights not exercised during the period provided by this subparagraph, will expire. The provisions of this subparagraph (ii) shall apply also to retirements due to physical or mental disability which the Committee determines is of such a nature as to prevent further performance of job duties. Should a retired Participant die while entitled to exercise Rights, the provisions of subparagraph (i) above shall apply to the exercise of such Rights, which may be exercised for a period of one year following the Participant’s death.

2




(iii) Other Termination of Employment—Not For Cause. Should a Participant cease to be employed by the Corporation or its subsidiaries for reasons other than Death or Retirement, any Rights the Participant was entitled to exercise at the date of termination may be exercised for a period of 90 days following termination or, if longer, until 30 days have elapsed following the public dissemination of the Corporation’s financial results for the first fiscal period ending after the termination of the Participant’s employment. Rights not exercisable at the time of termination, and Rights not exercised during such 90-day or extended period, shall expire. Should a terminated Participant die while entitled to exercise Rights, the provisions of subparagraph (i) above shall apply to the exercise of such Rights, which may be exercised for a period of one year following the Participant’s death. The rights granted by this subparagraph (iii) shall not apply to a Participant who is terminated for Cause, or whom the Committee determines in its sole discretion has entered into competition with the Corporation.

(iv)  Termination for Cause. Participants whose employment is terminated for (A) willful failure to perform reasonable directives of the Corporation’s management; (B) use of alcohol or illegal drugs which interferes with the Participant’s performance of duties in the judgment of the Corporation’s management; (C) dishonesty affecting the Corporation or any related entity or conviction of a felony or any crime involving fraud or misrepresentation; (D) gross negligence or willful misconduct resulting in substantial loss to the Corporation, damage to the Corporation’s reputation, or theft, embezzlement or similar loss to the Corporation; or (E) other conduct which the Committee in its sole discretion determines sufficiently harmful to the interests of the Corporation to constitute cause for termination shall forfeit all outstanding Rights awarded under this Plan.

(f)  Acceleration of Vesting.   The Committee shall have discretion to provide in an individual Participant’s grant agreement for the exercise of all or a portion of Rights granted to the Participant which would not otherwise be exercisable, in the event of the Participant’s Death or Retirement.

(g)  Exercise.

(i)  Subject to subparagraph (v) of this paragraph (g), the Committee shall establish the time or times for exercise of Rights.

(ii)  Each Right shall entitle the holder, upon exercise, to receive from the Corporation an amount equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of one Right over its Base Price. Such amount shall be payable solely in the form of Cascade Corporation common shares valued at Fair Market Value. No Right shall be exercisable at a time that the amount determined under this Subsection is negative. No fractional shares shall be issued as payment hereunder.

(iv)  The Corporation shall make no payment hereunder prior to taking steps necessary to assure that it will receive from a participant who has exercised a Right amounts necessary to satisfy any applicable federal, state or local tax withholding requirements, including social security and other normal withholdings.

(v)  Rights may be exercised only during the 30-day period following the third business day after public dissemination of the Corporation’s financial results for any fiscal quarter or for its fiscal year.

(h)  Non-Transferability.   During a Participant’s lifetime, Rights shall be exercisable only by the Participant, the Participant’s payee pursuant to a valid order by a domestic relations court with jurisdiction, or by a legally designated guardian or conservator. With the Committee’s prior consent, a Participant may transfer Rights to a trust for his or her benefit established for estate planning purposes.

7.   Changes in Capital Structure, Mergers, Etc.

(a)  Change in Capital Structure.   If the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation are hereafter increased, decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of

3




the Corporation or of another corporation by reason of any recapitalization, reclassification, stock split, combination of shares or dividend payable in shares, the Committee shall make appropriate adjustments in the price and number of outstanding Rights or portions thereof then unexercised, so that the participant’s proportionate interest before and after the occurrence of the event is maintained; provided, however, that this Section 7(a) shall not apply with respect to transactions referred to in Section 7(b). Any such adjustment made by the Committee shall be conclusive.

(b)  Reorganization or Liquidation.

(i)  Cash, Stock or Other Property for Stock.  Except as provided in Section 7(b)(ii), upon a merger, consolidation, reorganization, plan of exchange or liquidation involving the Corporation, as a result of which the shareholders of the Corporation receive cash, stock or other property in exchange for or in connection with their Common Stock (any such transaction to be referred to in this Section 7 as an “Accelerating Event”), any Right granted hereunder shall terminate, except as specified in the first sentence of Section 7(b)(ii), but the employee shall have the right during the 30-day period immediately prior to any such Accelerating Event to elect to exercise Rights awarded him or her, in whole or in part, without any limitation on exercisability; provided, however, that such exercise shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to such Accelerating Event and shall be contingent upon the occurrence of such Accelerating Event.

(ii)  Stock for Stock. If the shareholders of the Corporation receive capital stock of another Corporation (“Exchange Stock”) in exchange for their Common Stock in any transaction involving a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or plan of exchange, all Rights granted hereunder shall be converted into stock appreciation rights and awards measured by the Exchange Stock, unless the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines that any or all such Rights shall not be converted, but instead shall terminate in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(b)(i) The amount and price of converted Rights shall be determined by adjusting the amount and price of the Rights or other awards granted hereunder to take into account the relative values of the Exchange Stock and Corporation’s common shares in the transaction.

(iii)  Mergers, Acquisitions, Etc. The Committee may also grant Rights, with terms, conditions and provisions that vary from those specified in the Plan if such awards are granted in substitution for, or in connection with the assumption of, stock appreciation rights awarded by another Corporation and assumed or otherwise agreed to be provided for by the Corporation pursuant to or by reason of a transaction involving a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, reorganization or liquidation to which the Corporation or a parent or subsidiary Corporation of the Corporation is a party.

8.   Amendment of Plan.

The Board may modify or amend the Plan in such respects as it deems advisable because of changes in the law while the Plan is in effect or for any other reason; provided, however, that the maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan may be increased, and the provisions of Paragraph 10 may be modified, only upon approval by the shareholders of the Corporation. No change in an award already granted shall be made without the written consent of the holder of such award.

9.   Employment and Service Rights.

Nothing in the Plan or any award pursuant to the Plan shall (a) confer upon any employee any right to be continued in the employment of the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary Corporation of the Corporation or interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation by whom such employee is employed to terminate such employee’s employment at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, or increase or decrease such employee’s compensation or benefits; or

4




(b) confer upon any person engaged by the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary Corporation of the Corporation any right to be retained or employed by the Corporation or any parent or subsidiary Corporation of the Corporation or to the continuation, extension, renewal, or modification of any compensation, contract, or arrangement with or by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation.

10.   Participation by Directors

Each non-employee director of the Corporation shall be awarded 5,000 Rights upon the later of the approval of this Plan by the shareholders or the election of the director to the Board of Directors by the shareholders and 2,700 additional Rights following each subsequent annual meeting of the shareholders. Awards of Rights to directors shall vest and become exercisable 25% after one year and 25% following each year of director service thereafter. Such awards shall be subject to the provisions of this Plan in all other respects. All Rights granted to a director shall be exercisable upon the director’s death or reaching of the mandatory retirement age established for directors, whether or not they would otherwise be subject to exercise.

11.   Rights as a Shareholder.

The recipient of any award under the Plan shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Right, and except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights issued to shareholders. Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may bear such restrictions on sale or other transfer as counsel to the Corporation may determine are required under securities or other applicable laws.

12.    Governing Law.

The provisions of this Plan shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.

5



EX-10.8 4 a06-8971_1ex10d8.htm EX-10

Exhibit 10.8

Summary of Non-Employee Director and Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements

Director Compensation

The following table sets forth current rates of cash compensation for non-employee directors:

Annual Retainer:

 

 

 

Chairman

 

$

75,000

 

Non-employee directors other than Chairman

 

$

24,000

 

Committee Chair Annual Retainer:

 

 

 

Audit Committee

 

$

10,000

 

Compensation Committee

 

$

3,000

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

$

3,000

 

Board Meeting Attendance Fees

 

$

1,000

 

Committee Meeting Attendance Fees

 

$

1,000

 

 

In addition to cash compensation, under the terms of our Stock Appreciation Rights Plan non-employee directors receive an annual award of 2,700 stock appreciation rights. Non-employee directors received an award of 5,000 stock appreciation rights when the Stock Appreciation Rights Plan was approved at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and each new director will receive an award of 5,000 stock appreciation rights upon initial election by the shareholders. The price and terms of stock appreciation rights are established by our Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee. Stock appreciation rights are historically granted at the reported market value of a Cascade share at the grant date, become exercisable on an annual basis ratably over four years, and have a 10-year term.

Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for travel and other expenses attendant to membership on the Cascade board.

1




Executive Compensation

Base Salary.   All of Cascade’s executive officers, with the exception of Herre Y. Hoekstra, are at-will employees whose compensation and employment status may be changed at any time by the Board of Directors.  Base salary increases are determined annually by the Board of Directors and become effective on February 1 of each year. The following table sets forth the current base salaries of Cascade’s executive officers and their titles as of the date of filing of Cascade’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006:

Executive Officer

 

 

 

Fiscal 2007
Base Salary

 

Robert C. Warren, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

$

460,000

 

 

Terry H. Cathey, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

275,000

 

 

Richard S. Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

275,000

 

 

Gregory S. Anderson, Senior Vice President-Human Resources

 

 

190,000

 

 

Herre Y. Hoekstra, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe

 

 

182,000

 

 

Michael E. Kern, Vice President-Sales and Marketing

 

 

155,000

 

 

Kevin B. Kreiter, Vice President-Engineering(1)

 

 

125,000

 

 

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President-Corporate Manufacturing

 

 

170,000

 

 

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President-Finance

 

 

190,000

 

 

Robert C. Schuster, Vice President-Asia Pacific

 

 

132,000

 

 

Anthony F. Spinelli, Vice President-OEM Products

 

 

185,000

 

 


(1)          Appointment effective February 1, 2006.

Annual Incentive.   Executive officers are also eligible to receive an incentive payment following the end of each fiscal year under an executive incentive plan approved by Cascade’s Board of Directors. Fiscal 2006 incentives approved for the executive officers are shown in the following table:

Executive Officer

 

 

 

Fiscal 2006
Incentive

 

Robert C. Warren, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

$

644,000

 

 

Terry H. Cathey, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

324,000

 

 

Richard S. Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

324,000

 

 

Gregory S. Anderson, Senior Vice President-Human Resources

 

 

198,000

 

 

Herre Y. Hoekstra, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe

 

 

53,000

 

 

Michael E. Kern, Vice President-Sales and Marketing

 

 

116,000

 

 

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President-Corporate Manufacturing

 

 

160,000

 

 

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President-Finance

 

 

198,000

 

 

Robert C. Schuster, Vice President-Asia Pacific

 

 

55,000

 

 

Anthony F. Spinelli, Vice President-OEM Products

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

Annual executive incentive payments are structured to encourage the building of shareholder value by maximizing Cascade’s pre-tax income. For fiscal 2006, all participating executives, with the exception of Messrs. Hoekstra, Schuster and Spinelli, were eligible to receive a specified percentage (depending on position) of the Company’s pre-tax income before non-recurring items, incentive payments and certain other expenses (“IBT”) if IBT exceeded $28 million. The percentage of IBT each executive was entitled to receive increased if IBT exceeded $36 million, and increased again if IBT exceeded $45 million. Annual incentive payments were limited to a maximum of up to 150% of each executive’s base salary  depending on their position. IBT for fiscal 2006 was $66.5 million, resulting in incentive payments to all eligible executive officers equal to 100% of the maximum amount participants could have received. The Board of Directors has the discretion to reduce annual incentives otherwise payable by up to 30% if it believes

2




reduction is justified by business conditions or individual performance, or to increase incentives by up to 20% for extraordinary individual performance. Messrs. Spinelli and Schuster received annual incentive payments for fiscal 2006 based upon a percentage of pre-tax income for the business unit for which they were responsible. Mr. Hoekstra’s incentive was a fixed payment agreed at the time of his hire in September 2005.

Long-term Incentive.   The third component of executive compensation for Cascade’s executive officers is long-term incentive awards. Long-term incentive awards granted in fiscal 2006 consisted of awards of stock appreciation rights under our Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. The stock appreciation rights were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Cascade’s common stock on the date of the award, have a term of 10 years and become exercisable ratably over four years.

The number of stock appreciation rights awarded to executive officers in fiscal 2006 are shown in the following table:

Executive Officer

 

 

 

Stock
Appreciation
Rights
Awarded in 
Fiscal 2006

 

Robert C. Warren, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

75,000

 

 

Terry H. Cathey, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

50,000

 

 

Richard S. Anderson, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

50,000

 

 

Gregory S. Anderson, Senior Vice President-Human Resources

 

 

50,000

 

 

Herre Y. Hoekstra, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe(1)

 

 

 

 

Michael E. Kern, Vice President-Marketing

 

 

35,000

 

 

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President-Corporate Manufacturing

 

 

35,000

 

 

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President-Finance

 

 

35,000

 

 

Robert C. Schuster, Vice President-Asia Pacific

 

 

7,000

 

 

Anthony F. Spinelli, Vice President-OEM Products

 

 

35,000

 

 


(1)          Joined Cascade in September 2005.

The number of stock appreciation rights granted to each executive in fiscal 2006 was determined using grant ranges established by the Compensation Committee with minimum, target, and maximum grants based on Cascade’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2005 return on average assets (defined as net income before extraordinary items divided by the average total consolidated assets at the beginning and end of each fiscal quarter). The Compensation Committee set a target rate of return on average assets of 7.25% with 100% of the target return on average assets equaling the target grant of stock appreciation rights, 90% of the target return on average assets equaling the minimum grant of stock appreciation rights, and 110% of the target return on average assets equaling the maximum grant of stock appreciation rights. Because Cascade’s fiscal 2005 return on average assets was 152% of the target rate, the grants of stock appreciation rights for fiscal 2006 are the maximum permitted under the guidelines set by the Compensation Committee. In June 2006, the Compensation Committee will recommend long-term incentive awards based on the fiscal 2006 return on average assets.

Benefit Plans and Other Arrangements.   Executive officers are also eligible to participate in Cascade’s broad-based benefit programs generally available to all salaried employees, including health, disability, life insurance and defined contribution retirement plan. The executives also receive certain perquisites offered by Cascade including the use of company automobiles and tax reimbursements related thereto.

Messrs. Warren, Cathey, and R.S. Anderson are each a party to a Severance Agreement with Cascade, which are Exhibits 10.3, 10.2, and 10.1, respectively, to Cascade’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2006.

3



EX-14 5 a06-8971_1ex14.htm EX-14

Exhibit 14

 

Cascade Corporation

 

Code of Ethics & Business Responsibilities
for Directors, Officers and Employees

 



 

Letter from the CEO

 

Dear Fellow Employees

 

Since its inception Cascade Corporation has been committed to conducting business in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards. All of us can take pride in our Company and each of us bears a personal responsibility to insure these standards are continually upheld and unethical business practices are not tolerated under any circumstances or for any reason. Failing to do so puts Cascade’s name, reputation, integrity and business at risk. While Cascade strives to achieve market leadership and business success, Cascade cannot and will not tolerate the use of unethical business practices to achieve these objectives.

 

I am pleased to provide you this Code of Ethics and Business Responsibilities to help us all better understand our commitment. This Code applies to all of us: officers, Directors and employees of Cascade. It also applies to consultants, agents and other Cascade representatives. The Code provides employees and Directors, as well as Cascade’s suppliers, contractors and other business partners, with guidance and perspective in understanding Cascade’s emphasis on business ethics.

 

No code of conduct can spell out the appropriate moral conduct and ethical behavior for every situation we face. In the final analysis, you must apply your own good business judgment – and you should not hesitate to seek guidance from others within Cascade or external resources available to you as outlined in the Code. Employees seeking ethical guidance will be protected from retaliation. This protects employees from harm for reporting concerns where they have done nothing wrong.

 

Please take the time to become familiar with Cascade’s Code and be sure to let any management team member know if you have questions or comments or need clarification as to any of the issues discussed. Where Cascade has adopted specific policies on matters also covered by the Code, those policies supplement the Code and remain in effect.

 

As President and CEO, I am personally committed to abiding by and carrying out this Code. The Board of Directors is equally committed. We ask that you share that commitment. We are confident that with guidance from this Code and sound judgment on the part of all of us, Cascade will continue to enjoy an excellent business reputation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert C. Warren

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2



 

Table of Contents

 

INTRODUCTION

4

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

4

POINTS OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS

5

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

5

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE

5

WAIVERS

6

RESPONSIBILITIES TO SHAREHOLDERS

6

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY

6

INSIDER TRADING

7

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

8

E-MAIL AND INTERNET

8

ANTITRUST ACTIVITIES

9

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

10

RESPONSIBILITIES TO CASCADE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

11

COMPANY RESOURCES

11

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

11

RESPONSIBILITIES TO EACH OTHER

12

RESPECT FOR EMPLOYEES

12

HEALTH & SAFETY

12

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

12

PRIVACY OF INFORMATION

13

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PRODUCT QUALITY

13

SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING

13

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

14

TRADE CONTROLS (IMPORT AND EXPORT)

14

BOYCOTTS

14

THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT (“FCPA”)

15

RESPONSIBILITIES TO BUSINESS PARTNERS, CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS

15

GIFTS & ENTERTAINMENT

15

RESPONSIBILITIES TO OUR COMMUNITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

16

NEWS MEDIA INQUIRIES

17

GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES

17

PUBLIC ACTIVITIES

17

CODE OF ETHICS CONTACTS

19

 

3



 

Cascade Corporation
Code of Ethics & Business Responsibilities For Directors, Officers and Employees
March 1, 2004

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Cascade Corporation has adopted this Code of Ethics & Business Responsibilities (the “Code”) to give employees, officers and Directors guidance in their efforts to meet and protect high standards of conduct during the course of business and other activities.

 

This Code will be available in many languages on the Cascade intranet and internet. Updates to the Code will be made to the electronic version. You should always check the electronic version for the latest updates. Manual copies of the Code will be available at each location’s Human Resources Department.

 

This Code is intended to provide general guidance to all Cascade employees and representatives. Where there are differences between this Code and any local policy, regulation, Cascade employee handbook provision, or posted Cascade policy the requirement containing the higher standard of ethical conduct shall apply.

 

Cascade reserves the right to update or otherwise change this Code of Ethics and Business Responsibilities at any time by action of its Board of Directors.

 

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

 

Cascade recognizes that all employees encounter ethical challenges in their work. This Code is intended to help you to both recognize and resolve those challenges.

 

When faced with a business decision that seems to have ethical overtones, here are several questions you should ask yourself to determine if your actions are proper:

 

1.     Am I adhering to the spirit and overall values, as well as the letter, of any applicable law or Cascade policy?

2.     Would I want my actions reported on the front page of a newspaper?

3.     What would my family, friends or neighbors think of my actions?

4.     What would I tell my child to do?

5.     Would I be comfortable testifying about my decision under oath?

6.     Will there be any direct or indirect negative consequences for Cascade?

7.     Would I be comfortable describing my decision at an all-employee meeting?

 

If you remain uncertain about what to do, stop and ask for help. Speak with your supervisor or, if you prefer, communicate with any of the other points of contact listed in this Code.

 

4



 

POINTS OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS

 

Your supervisor is normally the first person you should contact if you have questions about anything in this Code or if you have any issue related to the Code or possible violations. If you feel more comfortable discussing the matter with someone other than your supervisor, you may utilize the following points of contact:

 

      Your location’s Human Resource Department

      Your location’s General Manager

      Cascade’s Officers

      Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel

 

Cascade promotes an open-access or open-door policy and encourages employees to contact any Cascade officer or member of senior management with potential concerns.

 

If you are not comfortable with any of the above points of contact, the Cascade Corporation Compliance Website is available to you. The Website is a simple, risk-free way for you to anonymously report activities that may involve unethical or criminal conduct. In addition, a Compliance Hotline is also available for employees without internet access. A report received on the Website or Telephone Hotline is totally confidential and administered by third parties independent of the Company’s officers and employees.

 

Contact information for the above resources is located in the “Company Code of Ethics Contacts” section at the back of this Code.

 

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

 

As previously noted, Cascade employees have many options for seeking compliance advice or fulfilling their obligation to report possible misconduct. Employees can contact their supervisor, Human Resources Department, General Manager, a Cascade officer, Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel or the Compliance Website/Hotline. Compliance advice will be provided as promptly as practical following a request. Reports of possible misconduct will be investigated and appropriate action taken as warranted.

 

Anyone who seeks advice, raises a concern, or reports misconduct is following the requirements of this Code. Employees seeking ethical guidance or reporting ethical concerns or violations of the Code will be protected from retaliation. The use of the Compliance Website or Hotline allows you to report suspected violations related to Cascade’s Code on a totally anonymous basis.

 

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE

 

Persons found to have violated this Code will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Where conduct involves possible violations of law, those involved may also be referred to appropriate authorities for potential criminal prosecution.

 

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In addition, retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of misconduct will not be tolerated. Cascade will take appropriate disciplinary action, including termination of employment and referral for potential criminal prosecution, against individuals engaging in any retaliatory conduct. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been retaliated against for reporting possible misconduct, you should contact your supervisor, Human Resources Department, General Manager, a Cascade Corporation Officer, Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel or the Compliance Webiste/Hotline immediately.

 

WAIVERS

 

Only Cascade’s Board of Directors may waive of any provision of Cascade’s Code for officers or Directors. Any waivers will be promptly disclosed as required by law or by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the New York Stock Exchange. No waiver shall be effective unless recorded in the minutes of the Board of Directors or, in the case of employees or business partners other than officers and Directors, put in writing and signed by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Cascade is committed to advancing the long-term interests of its shareholders and to protecting and improving the value of their investment by applying the highest standards of ethical and legal conduct to all business dealings. Cascade conducts its operations in accordance with accepted principles of good corporate governance.

 

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY

 

Cascade adheres to the highest standards of honesty. It is essential that the internal and external reports and documents we create, make public, or provide to the government, constitute full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosures. In addition, accurate recording and reporting of financial information is necessary in order to make responsible business decisions. All financial books, records and accounts must accurately reflect transactions and events and conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to Cascade’s system of internal controls. If you are unsure about how to represent information or transactions in a Cascade report or document, contact one of the listed points of contact for guidance.

 

Part of our commitment to honesty is the assurance that all of Cascade’s financial transactions are lawful and are made for the purposes stated and as authorized by Cascade. Examples of unethical financial or accounting practices include:

 

      Making false entries that intentionally hide or disguise the true nature of any transaction.

      Improperly accelerating or deferring the recording of revenues or expenses to achieve financial results or goals.

      Maintaining any undisclosed or unrecorded funds or “off the book” assets.

      Establishing or maintaining improper, misleading, incomplete or fraudulent account documentation or financial reporting.

 

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      Processing a sale or shipping product prior to receipt of a valid, customer supplied purchase order or other documentation.

      Making any payment for purposes other than those described in documents supporting the payment.

      Signing any documents believed to be inaccurate or untruthful.

 

The above items only represent a partial list of potentially unethical financial or accounting practices. If you have a concern about a particular transaction or practice contact one of the listed points of contact for guidance.

 

Any questions or concerns regarding Cascade’s financial accounting, record keeping or auditing policies can be addressed to the Chief Financial Officer or Vice President – Finance. Questions or concerns can also be submitted on a confidential basis through Cascade’s Compliance Website/Hotline.

 

INSIDER TRADING

 

It is illegal to buy or sell securities (either personally or on behalf of others) on the basis of material, nonpublic information. It is also illegal to communicate (i.e., to “tip”) material, nonpublic information to others so that they may buy or sell securities on the basis of that information. If you know material, nonpublic information about Cascade or any other company, including contractors, suppliers or business partners, you are prohibited from trading (directly or indirectly) or tipping others to trade in the securities of that company.

 

Material, nonpublic information is factual information that a reasonable investor would want to know before making an investment decision. Examples of material, nonpublic information include:

 

      Quarterly or annual financial results

      Financial forecasts

      Significant financial or business developments

      Possible mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures

      Significant product developments

 

These prohibitions continue for as long as the information you know remains material and nonpublic. They apply as well to shares you may hold in 401(k) Plan accounts. If you have questions or need guidance regarding any specific transactions, contact Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel in advance of the transaction.

 

Cascade imposes a periodic blackout period during which officers, managers and Directors cannot purchase or sell Cascade shares to assure compliance with U.S. securities laws. Cascade’s officers and Board members may only purchase or sell shares during the 30 day period after the third working day following the quarterly earnings release. All other managers may buy or sell shares up to 60 days after the third working day following the earnings release, but not beyond the following quarterly close.

 

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EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

 

The strength and character of the relationship with our employees is of paramount importance. Cascade strives to treat every employee ethically, to provide a safe working environment and to compensate employees fairly for their contributions. In return, Cascade expects every employee to contribute their best efforts and to focus their full energy and attention to their individual job responsibilities.

 

E-MAIL AND INTERNET

 

Cascade’s e-mail systems and internet connection are primarily intended to be used for Cascade business purposes only. Employees should not abuse Cascade’s e-mail systems or internet connection for personal purposes.

 

E-mail systems are not entirely secure and may be susceptible to interception. Unlike a spoken conversation, e-mail creates a permanent record. Any e-mail you send may be printed by the recipient or forwarded by the recipient to others, and will probably be retained on company computers for a substantial period of time. Exercise the same care, caution and etiquette in sending an e-mail message as you would in any other written business communication.

 

Employees must exercise common sense and good judgment about what is appropriate vs. inappropriate e-mail message content. Make sure your Cascade e-mail is professional and appropriate to the circumstances. All forms of electronic communication should reflect favorably upon not only the individual employee, but upon Cascade as a whole.

 

Cascade will not tolerate abusive, obscene, offensive or profane e-mail or the use of internet access to download any data that is unprofessional, inflammatory, or inappropriate for business use. Keep in mind that what you personally may consider inoffensive may in fact be quite offensive to someone else.

 

E-mail and internet records are subject to disclosure to law enforcement and government officials, or other third parties through subpoena or other legal processes. Consequently, you should take care to always ensure the business information included in e-mail and internet messages complies with this Code.

 

All e-mail and internet records or communications that originate from, or reside on, Cascade’s electronic communications systems are considered company records. Cascade may, in certain circumstances, have a need to examine and, therefore, reserves the right to read, view and copy any e-mail communications and monitor internet activity.

 

Cascade internal computer sign-ons and passwords may not be shared with any third party.

 

These guidelines apply to all Cascade employees, contract employees, persons doing business with Cascade in a consultant capacity, officers of the corporation and Directors in their electronic communications and electronic business dealings.

 

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ANTITRUST ACTIVITIES

 

The free enterprise system rests on the proposition that free and open competition is the best way to ensure an adequate supply of goods and services at reasonable prices. The antitrust laws of the United States of America (U.S.) as well as those of the European Union (E.U.) and other areas in which Cascade does business are intended to protect and promote vigorous and fair competition.

 

No matter what position you hold, you must adhere strictly to U.S. and E.U. antitrust laws and to all laws governing competition in any country in which Cascade does business. Violation of antitrust laws can result in severe civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment for individuals, and Cascade can be subjected to substantial fines and damage awards.

 

The following agreements, arrangements or understandings with competitors, whether oral or in writing, must not occur:

 

      Agreements to fix prices or boycott specified suppliers or customers

      Agreements to allocate products, territories or markets

      Agreements to exchange competitively sensitive information, especially prices

      Agreements that limit the production or sale of products

      Tying arrangements, reciprocal dealing, unfair trade practices and other matters which have competitive significance

 

Contacts with competitors are sensitive and risky, since courts can infer an agreement or collusion from such contacts when they are followed by common action or behavior. In contacts with competitors, you must not discuss:

 

      Prices

      Trade allowances or rebates

      Costs

      Competition

      Marketing plans or studies

      Production plans and capabilities

      Any other confidential information

 

In the U.S., E.U. countries and many other jurisdictions, conspiracies between competitors to fix prices or otherwise violate antitrust laws can give rise to large damage awards against companies and possible criminal charges against individuals. To play it safe, do not discuss pricing practices with a competitor. If a competitor tries to bring up pricing or other competitive practices, change the subject or excuse yourself from the conversation. If you have any questions about communications with a competitor, get in touch with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President – Finance, or the Corporate Legal Counsel.

 

In addition, you should not imply that Cascade’s sales or purchases would be based on anything other than quality, technical excellence, price, delivery, adherence to schedules, product or service suitability, maintenance of adequate sources of supply or similar considerations.

 

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Cascade’s customers are free to establish their own resale prices for Cascade products. While you may suggest or recommend resale prices, you must not take coercive action to require customers to comply with such suggestions or recommendations.

 

You should obtain advice from appropriate points of contact concerning any conduct or practice that you suspect could possibly involve antitrust laws.

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

Integrity in a business relationship means that all participants are working together for the common good and are not making decisions based on self-interest. You have a responsibility to conduct your personal and business affairs so as to avoid situations and relationships that involve actual or potential conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

 

If you act, or appear to be acting in your own self-interest, or in the interest of a Cascade competitor, you lose the trust of customers, consumers and business partners, and Cascade’s reputation is damaged.

 

Generally, a conflict of interest arises whenever an employee’s personal or financial interests differ or could potentially differ from his or her responsibilities to Cascade or from Cascade’s best interests. In some cases, the activities of a spouse, domestic partner or an immediate family member can also create a conflict of interest. Put another way, a conflict of interest is created whenever an activity, association or relationship might impair your independent exercise of judgment in Cascade’s best interest.

 

Conflicts of interest are not permitted. Examples of situations that could be perceived as conflicts of interest and which therefore must be avoided include:

 

      Conducting Cascade business with a firm owned, partially owned or controlled by an employee or an employee’s relatives.

      Owning a financial interest in Cascade’s vendors, customers or competitors (ownership of less than 1% of the stock of a publicly traded company that competes or does business with Cascade is permissible).

      Performing work, with or without compensation, for a competitor, governmental or regulatory entity, customer or supplier of Cascade, or doing any work for a third party that may adversely affect your performance or judgment on the job or diminish your ability to devote the necessary time and attention to your duties.

      Using Cascade property, materials, supplies, funds or other resources for personal purposes.

 

These situations, and others like them, where loyalties to Cascade could be compromised, must be avoided. Similarly, Cascade cannot make loans to, or guarantee loans to, any officer, Director or employee. If you believe you or others are involved in a potential conflict of interest, you must discuss it with one of the points of contact noted in this Code.

 

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RESPONSIBILITIES TO CASCADE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

You are responsible for advancing Cascade’s business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. You must not:

 

      Use corporate property, information or your position at Cascade for personal gain.

      Turn to your own advantage or divert to others any business opportunity or idea in which Cascade is or might potentially be interested, or that is discovered through the use of your Cascade position or Cascade property or information.

      Compete with Cascade in any way.

 

COMPANY RESOURCES

 

Protect Cascade’s assets as you would your own. Effective use of corporate resources is critical to Cascade’s financial well being. These resources include company travel expenses, computers, telephones, internet access, reproduction equipment and facsimile systems.

 

Cascade maintains these resources and technologies for legitimate business activities and to support a positive, professional business climate. You are personally responsible for corporate assets placed in your control and are expected to use such resources and technology responsibly and professionally at all times.

 

      Exercise good business judgment with respect to expenses while traveling.

      Use of Cascade-provided technologies and property for calls, emails or other communications of a personal nature should be on an infrequent basis.

      You must not use Cascade assets to display, transmit or store inappropriate materials at any time.

      You are responsible for protecting these resources from damage, destruction, viruses, alteration, theft, fraudulent manipulation and unauthorized access, disclosure or use.

 

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

Cascade’s success depends upon protecting Cascade’s confidential information and intellectual property. Confidential information and intellectual property include any information that gives Cascade a competitive edge in the marketplace or that could harm Cascade’s business or personnel if disclosed publicly, such as inventions, research and technical data, formulas, discoveries, designs, improvements, ideas, manufacturing directives, computer programs, trademarks, patents, copyrights, unpublished financial or pricing information, other confidential information and all related documentation.

 

Confidential information also includes customer, sales, marketing and other corporate databases, marketing plans, employee personnel records and business proposals and strategies. You should consider all information gained through your work at Cascade as confidential Cascade information.

 

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If you have access to Cascade confidential information or intellectual property, you are obligated to protect and maintain it and act responsibly with the sensitive information of competitors, customers, suppliers, contractors and other business partners, as well as former employers and competitors.

 

Cascade employees, suppliers and contractors may be required to sign agreements regarding the use of Cascade confidential information and intellectual property. Upon leaving Cascade, you are prohibited from copying or retaining any documents or other materials that contain confidential information. Former employees are still bound to maintain the confidentiality of information learned during their employment at Cascade. Products, improvements and ideas for products or improvements developed during your Cascade employment are the property of Cascade.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES TO EACH OTHER

 

We each have a responsibility to one another to report any actions or activity that could be viewed as illegal or unethical or which could violate any provision of this Code. Even if you are not directly involved, you are responsible for reporting any conduct which might be a violation of the Code.

 

RESPECT FOR EMPLOYEES

 

Cascade is committed to upholding the legal workplace rights of our employees at all times. Cascade respects the individual dignity of each of its employees, and believes that every employee should be free from disruptive, offensive or abusive behavior while at work. Every employee should conduct himself or herself with this belief in mind. Cascade handbooks describe specific equal opportunity and non-harassment policies at many locations. You should consult your manager, the Senior Vice President – Human Resources, or any other contact point if you have questions concerning Cascade’s policy or are aware of disrespectful conduct at work by fellow employees or third parties at any location.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

 

Cascade is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Each of us must be attentive to hazard prevention and the avoidance of accidents and injuries. You are responsible for observing the safety and health rules and practices that apply to your job. You are also responsible for taking precautions necessary to protect yourself and your co-workers, including wearing appropriate clothing and protective equipment and immediately reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe practices or conditions to your location’s Safety Manager, Plant Manager or other appropriate management personnel.

 

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

 

Cascade has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Cascade reinforces its commitment by prohibiting employees from using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while working for Cascade during business hours. In

 

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addition, alcohol is not permitted on Cascade premises. Cascade is obligated to deal with drug and alcohol problems in compliance with all applicable laws on this subject. Make sure you are familiar with the specific Cascade drug and alcohol policy in effect at your work location.

 

PRIVACY OF INFORMATION

 

Cascade’s intent is to create an environment of confidence and trust. It is Cascade’s policy to acquire and retain only accurate, factual, job-related employee information required for the effective operation of Cascade’s business or required by law in the jurisdictions in which Cascade operates. Cascade intends to keep employee information confidential and release it only to authorized personnel with a clear need for such information or if compelled by law.

 

Customer and consumer information enables Cascade to better understand and meet customer and consumer needs. Cascade informs customers and consumers about the use and handling of the information they provide, including informing customers and consumers about the information collected, how such information is used and the choices they have concerning further uses of the information.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PRODUCT QUALITY

 

Cascade’s success depends upon consumer trust and satisfaction. Cascade’s commitment to quality, value and safety is essential to its continued growth and success. Cascade is committed to provide products that offer value to consumers and to maintain consumer trust in its products based on product quality, performance and safety. Cascade is committed to the following principles related to product safety:

 

      Products will be safe when used as intended.

      Safety testing will conform to industry and regulatory standards and promote and help assure safe products.

      Products will comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements with respect to product development and labeling.

 

SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING

 

Cascade’s success in the marketplace is based on the value that its products provide to consumers, as well as the truthfulness and accuracy of product and sales presentations and advertising. Cascade will not use false or deceptive advertising to promote its products, and will not give untrue assurances about product performance.

 

Advertising, packaging, promotional materials, and any verbal or written claims and descriptions of Cascade products must be accurate and factual. Claims that favorably compare Cascade products with those of competitors must be factual and based upon prior adequate substantiation. Deliberately misleading messages, omissions of important facts or false claims about competitors’ products are not acceptable.

 

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INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

 

As a global company, Cascade must know and comply with the letter and spirit of the laws of all countries where we do business and that affect our international operations. We must also be sensitive to the cultures and customs of the countries where we operate.

 

Most governments have laws and regulations that restrict trade and business transactions. This is particularly true for trade in goods and services that cross borders. You should be aware of situations that may be regulated by relevant governments and comply with those laws and regulations. Contact Cascade’s Chief Financial Officer, Vice President – Finance, or Corporate Legal Counsel if you have any questions.

 

TRADE CONTROLS (IMPORT AND EXPORT)

 

All governments regulate trade through restrictions on exports (e.g., license requirements) and imports (e.g., payments of duties) of goods, technology, and services. Some are more restrictive than others. For example, the U.S. government has significant restrictions on trade in military and related goods, technology, and services, and trade with certain countries (Special Trade Controls). Under these regulations exports include transfers to citizens of countries other than the U.S. even if they occur entirely within the U.S. or between countries outside of the U.S. if the export contains certain goods or technology that originated in the U.S.

 

Cascade will fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing exports and imports of goods and services including Special Trade Controls. Each Cascade location should evaluate its customers and suppliers to ensure that they are not included in any government lists of parties restricted from trade. For advice about any issues covered in this section, contact Cascade’s the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President – Finance, or Corporate Legal Counsel.

 

You should immediately report any investigation or inquiry by any government organization regarding alleged trade control violations or irregularities to the Chief Financial Officer or Vice President – Finance prior to taking any action.

 

BOYCOTTS

 

To boycott a country is to refrain from buying from or dealing with that country as a means of protest. U.S. government regulations prohibit all company operations, including those outside of the U.S., from participating in trade and related boycotts of specified countries’ goods and services. Participation by any Cascade location in a specified boycott is a violation of law and would subject us to fines and other penalties.

 

Cascade cannot agree to a contract, document or oral request containing language that could be interpreted as an attempt by any country to enforce a boycott. This requirement includes not only specific agreements, but also declining, for boycott reasons, to consider a financial or commercial opportunity in a boycotted country. Even providing information on business relationships with the country being boycotted may constitute a violation of U.S. law.

 

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Cascade must immediately report boycott requests even when we do not respond. You must immediately report any request for boycott-related information or receipt of boycott-related documents to the Chief Financial Officer or Vice President – Finance.

 

THE FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT (“FCPA”)

 

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) applies to business transactions both inside the U.S. and in other countries. Its requirements relate to accurate and complete financial books and records, transactions with foreign government officials and prohibitions from directly or indirectly offering to pay, or authorizing payment to, foreign government officials for the purpose of influencing the acts or decisions of foreign officials. Violation of the FCPA can bring severe penalties and it is mandatory that all employees living or working in foreign countries or dealing with foreign entities become familiar with the FCPA and its requirements. You should immediately report any questions relating to these matters to Cascade’s Chief Financial Officer, Vice President – Finance or Corporate Legal Counsel.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES TO BUSINESS PARTNERS, CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS

 

Contractor and supplier relationships must be maintained in a manner consistent with all applicable laws, as well as with good business practices. Cascade is committed to seeking strong, mutually rewarding business relationships with companies and individuals who can enhance the quality of its products. Cascade encourages fair competition among potential suppliers, contractors and other vendors, and treats each company or individual with fairness, integrity and without discrimination. The selection of subcontractors, suppliers and vendors must be made on the basis of objective criteria, including quality, technical excellence, price, delivery, adherence to schedules, product or service suitability, maintenance of adequate sources of supply and Cascade’s purchasing policies and procedures.

 

Individuals who are involved in proposals, bid preparations or contract negotiations must be certain that all statements, communications and representations are accurate and truthful. You must always employ the highest ethical standards in business practices regarding source selection, negotiation, determination of contract awards, the administration of all purchasing activities and performance in compliance with specifications, requirements and clauses of contracts.

 

GIFTS & ENTERTAINMENT

 

To maintain trust in Cascade’s business relationships, you must always act with integrity. The giving or acceptance of inappropriate gifts can undermine business relationships, hurt Cascade’s reputation and put Cascade in legal jeopardy.

 

You have a responsibility to make sure that all decisions regarding the purchasing of materials, supplies and services are made on the basis of competitive price, quality and performance, and in a way that preserves Cascade’s integrity. Giving or accepting anything of value is inappropriate if it could be reasonably interpreted as an effort to influence a business relationship or decision.

 

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The difference between a gift and a bribe is a question of intent. It is impermissible to accept or request any form of kickback or bribe. A bribe or a kickback includes any item or favor provided for the purpose of improperly obtaining favorable treatment or seeking a competitive advantage.

 

In certain situations or on certain occasions, small gifts of nominal value may be presented by Cascade employees to suppliers, customers or potential customers, such as specialty advertising items bearing the corporate logo, tickets to local sports, civic or cultural events, restaurant meals or refreshments.

 

Standards governing the acceptance of gifts from suppliers or their agents mirror those relating to the giving of gifts to Cascade customers and potential customers, in that acceptance of a significant gift could be construed as improperly influencing the selection of a vendor or the awarding of a contract. It is not necessary to give gifts in order to do business with Cascade. Gifts of nominal value may be accepted on an infrequent basis, such as during the holiday season, as a reasonable business courtesy. Routine entertainment by suppliers that is business related - such as business meals, entertainment, recreation, sports outings or cultural events - is acceptable; however, you must obtain your supervisor’s approval. It is not acceptable to solicit gifts, gratuities or business courtesies for personal benefit or the benefit of a Cascade employee, family member or friend. Gifts should not be accepted from a supplier or potential supplier during, or in connection with, contract negotiations. Accepting cash or cash equivalents - including checks, money orders, vouchers, gift certificates, loans, stock or stock options - is not acceptable.

 

If you receive gifts or favors, you must immediately notify your supervisor or other points of contact. In some circumstances, you may be required to return the gift with a letter explaining Cascade policy or, if a gift is perishable or impractical to return, you may be required to distribute it to employees or donate it to charity, with a letter of explanation to the donor.

 

Employees who do business in certain countries often become aware of customs involving the exchange of gifts or the payment of certain fees. It is Cascade’s policy to comply with all applicable laws on these matters, particularly the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This law restricts payments to officials of foreign governments, political parties and candidates for office.

 

Ultimately, you must exercise prudent business judgment in deciding which situations are unacceptable. If there is ever any doubt as to the acceptability of any gift or entertainment activity, consult your supervisor or other points of contact.

 

Further guidance regarding gifts and entertainment can be found in the Company’s Travel and Expense Policy.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES TO OUR COMMUNITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

 

Cascade is an environmentally responsible company and operates its facilities in compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety regulations and in a manner that has the highest regard for the safety and well being of its employees and the general public.

 

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Necessary permits, approvals and controls are maintained at all Cascade facilities and Cascade strives to improve products, packaging and manufacturing operations to minimize their environmental impact.

 

You are responsible for complying with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and Cascade policies and to diligently follow the proper procedures with respect to the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Cascade insists that its suppliers and contractors also follow appropriate environmental laws and guidelines. If you have questions or concerns relating to Cascade’s environmental compliance requirements or activities, you should contact your local Safety/Environmental Manager, Plant Manager, or any point of contact listed at the back of this Code.

 

NEWS MEDIA INQUIRIES

 

Providing clear and accurate information to the media and general public maintains Cascade’s integrity in its relationships with the public. Requests for financial or business information about Cascade from the media, press, financial community or the public must be submitted in writing for review and approval to the Chief Financial Officer or Vice President - Finance. Requests for information or other contacts from the Securities & Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange or other regulators must all be referred to Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance. It is critical that you not respond to any such inquiry or contact yourself because any inappropriate or inaccurate response, even a denial or disclaimer of information, may result in adverse publicity and could otherwise seriously affect Cascade’s legal position.

 

Requests for interviews relating to Cascade or its affairs, or the issuance of any press releases, must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Chief Financial Officer.

 

GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES

 

Cascade occasional receives requests for information from government agencies. It is Cascade’s policy to answer all proper inquiries promptly and truthfully. Any information request from someone representing a government agency must be referred to your Plant or General Manager and to the Chief Financial Officer or Vice President – Finance.

 

PUBLIC ACTIVITIES

 

Cascade is committed to understanding the particular needs of the communities in which it operates and is proud of its contribution to the economic and social development of those locations. Cascade encourages its employees to become actively involved in the life of the communities in which Cascade operates. Cascade employees are free to:

 

      Support community, charitable, religious or political organizations

      Support causes of their choice

      Endorse an event, product or service

 

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      Provide testimonials

 

You must not use your job title or affiliation in connection with such support, endorsement or testimonial without approval from the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer. You also must make it clear that your views and actions do not necessarily represent those of Cascade. If you author an article or other publication and plan to be identified as a Cascade employee, you must submit a written copy of the article or publication for review and approval from the Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer. No Cascade employee may pressure another employee to express a view that is contrary to a personal belief or to contribute to or support a political, religious or charitable cause.

 

EthicsPoint Compliance Website

 

Cascade has selected a third party compliance website, EthicsPoint® to provide you with a simple, risk-free way to anonymously and confidentially report actual or suspected activities that may involve financial or criminal misconduct or violations of the Code. This webpage is hosted on EthicsPoint’s secure servers and is not part of the Cascade Corporation website or intranet. You may file a report on this site, www.ethicspoint.com, or contact EthicsPoint® by dialing toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 day a week:

 

Australia

1.800.339276

Canada

866-293-2422

France

0800-902500

Germany

0800-1016582

Hong Kong

800-964214

Italy

800-786907

Japan/J5

0044-22-11-2505

Japan/JP

00531-121520

Korea/K2

00308-110-480

Korea/KO

00798-1-1-009-8084

Netherlands

0800-022-6174

South Africa

080-09-92604

United Kingdom

080-09-92604

United States

866-293-2422

 

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CODE OF ETHICS CONTACTS

 

Cascade Corporation Officers

 

Corporate Address:

2201 N.E. 201st Avenue

 

Fairview, Oregon 97024

 

Robert C. Warren, President and Chief Executive Officer

Telephone:  (503) 669-6725

Email:      rwarren@cascorp.com

 

Terry H. Cathey, Chief Operating Officer

Telephone:  (503) 669-6793

Email:      tcathey@cascorp.com

 

Richard S. Anderson, Chief Financial Officer

Telephone:  (503) 669-6329

Email:  aanderso@cascorp.com

 

Gregory S. Anderson, Senior Vice President – Human Resources

Telephone:  (503) 669-6708

Email:  ganderso@cascorp.com

 

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President – Finance and Secretary

Telephone:  (503) 669-6727

Email:  jpointer@cascorp.com

 

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President – Corporate Manufacturing

Telephone:  (503) 669-6223

Email:  jnickolo@cascorp.com

 

Herre Hoekstra – Vice President and Managing Director – Europe

Telephone:  011-31-36-549-2911

Email: hhoekstr@cascorp.com

 

Kevin B. Kreiter, Corporate Vice President Engineering

Telephone:  (503) 669-6342

Email:  kkreiter@cascorp.com

 

Michael E. Kern, Corporate Vice President MHP Marketing and Sales

Telephone:  (503) 669-6790

Email:  mkern@cascorp.com

 

Robert Schuster, Regional Vice President - Asia-Pacific

Telephone:  61 73-373-7300

Email: rschuste@cascorp.com

 

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John A. Cushing, Treasurer

Telephone:  (503) 669-6705

Email:  jcushing@cascorp.com

 

Scott Towsey, Director Internal Audit

Telephone:  (503) 669-6782

Email: scott.towsey@cascorp.com

 

Cascade’s Corporate Legal Counsel

Jack B. Schwartz

Newcomb, Sabin, Schwartz & Landsverk

111 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 4040

Portland, Oregon 97204

Telephone:  (503) 228-8446

Email:  jschwartz@nsslaw.com

 

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EX-21 6 a06-8971_1ex21.htm EX-21

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

At January 31, 2006, consolidated, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cascade Corporation were as follows:

Name of Subsidiary

 

 

 

Place of Incorporation

Cascade Xiamen Forklift Truck Attachment Co., Ltd.

 

Peoples Republic of China

Jiahai (Hebei) Forks Co., Ltd.

 

Peoples Republic of China

Cascade (Africa) Pty. Ltd.

 

South Africa

Cascade Korea Limited

 

South Korea

Cascade (U.K.) Limited

 

United Kingdom

Cascade NV

 

The Netherlands

Cascade (Scandinavia) Hydraulik A.B.

 

Sweden

Cascade Hispania S.A.

 

Spain

Cascade (France) S.A.R.L.

 

France

Cascade France MHP, S.A.R.L.

 

France

Cascade GmbH

 

Germany

Cascade (Japan) Limited

 

Oregon

Cascade (Canada) Ltd.

 

Canada

Cascade Kenhar Ltd.

 

United Kingdom

Cascade Italia S.r.l.

 

Italy

Hyco-Cascade Ltd. (N.Z.)

 

New Zealand

Cascade (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

 

Australia

Cascade IFSC Ltd.

 

Ireland

 

The names of certain subsidiaries have been omitted because when considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary they would not, as of January 31, 2006, constitute a “Significant Subisidiary” as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X.

 



EX-23 7 a06-8971_1ex23.htm EX-23

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-103581, 333-111860 and 333-125215) of Cascade Corporation of our report dated April 13, 2006 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
April 13, 2006



EX-31.1 8 a06-8971_1ex31d1.htm EX-31

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
of Cascade Corporation

I, Robert C. Warren, Jr., certify that:

1.                 I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cascade Corporation;

2.                 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                 The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)               designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)              designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)               evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)              disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                 The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)               all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)              any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 14, 2006

 

/s/ ROBERT C. WARREN, JR.

 

Robert C. Warren, Jr.

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 



EX-31.2 9 a06-8971_1ex31d2.htm EX-31

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of Cascade Corporation

I, Richard S. Anderson, certify that:

1.                 I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Cascade Corporation;

2.                 Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.                 Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.                 The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)               designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)              designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)               evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)              disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.                 The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)               all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)              any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 14, 2006

 

/s/ RICHARD S. ANDERSON

 

Richard S. Anderson

 

Senior Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

1



EX-32 10 a06-8971_1ex32.htm EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the annual report of Cascade Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ ROBERT C. WARREN, JR.

 

Robert C. Warren, Jr.

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

April 14, 2006

 

/s/ RICHARD S. ANDERSON

 

Richard S. Anderson

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

April 14, 2006

 

 



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