<PAGE>
Rule 424(b)(3) and (c)
Registration No. 333-84903
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
[LOGO]
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
EXCHANGE OFFER FOR
$175,000,000
11 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009
- ---------------------------------------------------------
The attached Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated November 16, 1999,
supplements the Prospectus dated November 12, 1999 of J.L. French Automotive
Castings, Inc. and should be attached to each copy of that Prospectus.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER REFERRED TO IN THE ATTACHED PROSPECTUS EXPIRES
5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, DECEMBER 17, 1999, UNLESS EXTENDED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE
PARTICIPATING IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 OF
THE ATTACHED PROSPECTUS.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED THE NOTES
TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, NOR HAVE ANY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS
DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This Prospectus Supplement is dated November 16, 1999.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
</TABLE>
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
OR
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
</TABLE>
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ TO ______________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-84903
------------------------
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 13-3983670
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation or organization)
4508 IDS CENTER 55402
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive
offices)
</TABLE>
(612) 332-2335
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / / No /X/
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock at
October 15, 1999 was 9,764 shares of class A common stock, 20,660 shares of
class B common stock, 5,165 shares of class C common stock, 6,590 shares of
class D-1 common stock, 6,817 shares of class D-2 common stock and 3,352 shares
of class E common stock.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
--------
<S> <C>
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
for the Three Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998.... 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998..... 4
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 1999
(unaudited) and December 31, 1998......................... 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998..... 6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)............................................... 7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 16
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS--UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30,
-------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................... $81,301 $72,905
Cost of sales............................................... 64,329 58,189
------- -------
Gross profit.............................................. 16,972 14,716
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 5,256 3,957
Recapitalization expenses................................... 799 --
Amortization expense........................................ 2,848 4,384
------- -------
Operating income.......................................... 8,069 6,375
Interest expense and other, net............................. 10,956 6,595
------- -------
Loss before benefit for income taxes...................... (2,887) (220)
Benefit for income taxes.................................... (1,154) (90)
------- -------
Net loss.................................................. $(1,733) $ (130)
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated statements.
3
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS--UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30,
-------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales....................................................... $246,990 $218,468
Cost of sales............................................... 187,735 166,656
-------- --------
Gross profit.............................................. 59,255 51,812
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 15,484 12,839
Recapitalization expenses................................... 21,950 --
Amortization expense........................................ 8,353 12,868
-------- --------
Operating income.......................................... 13,468 26,105
Interest expense and other, net............................. 24,779 15,439
-------- --------
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
and extraordinary loss.................................. (11,311) 10,666
Provision (benefit) for income taxes........................ (4,523) 4,286
-------- --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item................... (6,788) 6,380
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of
income taxes.............................................. 8,112 805
-------- --------
Net income (loss)......................................... $(14,900) $ 5,575
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated statements.
4
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPT. 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 18,162 $ 4,128
Accounts receivable, net.................................. 77,365 55,242
Inventories............................................... 23,109 17,077
Other current assets...................................... 5,011 10,042
-------- --------
Total current assets.................................... 123,647 86,489
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 157,266 147,505
Intangible and other assets, net............................ 172,772 170,799
-------- --------
$453,685 $404,793
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 14,141 $ 13,113
Accounts payable.......................................... 27,620 27,814
Accrued liabilities....................................... 22,819 23,329
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................... 64,580 64,256
Long-term debt, net of current maturities................... 284,276 198,467
Senior subordinated notes................................... 175,000 --
Other noncurrent liabilities................................ 6,832 5,165
-------- --------
Total liabilities....................................... 530,688 267,888
Convertible redeemable series A preferred stock............. -- 12,217
-------- --------
Stockholders' investment (deficit):
Common stock.............................................. -- --
Additional paid-in capital................................ 6,185 109,034
Retained earnings (deficit)............................... (83,748) 14,224
Accumulated other comprehensive income--foreign currency
translation adjustment.................................. 560 1,430
-------- --------
Total stockholders' investment (deficit)................ (77,003) 124,688
-------- --------
$453,685 $404,793
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated balance sheets.
5
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS--UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30,
--------------------
1999 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)......................................... $ (14,900) $ 5,575
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities--
Depreciation and amortization........................... 25,153 26,862
Other non-cash items.................................... 12,328 (281)
Changes in other operating items........................ (17,737) (6,358)
--------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities............. 4,844 25,798
--------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions, net......................................... (14,864) (74,579)
Capital expenditures, net................................. (20,829) (22,227)
--------- --------
Net cash used for investing activities................ (35,693) (96,806)
--------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Revolving credit facility borrowings...................... 21,407 17,728
Repayments on revolving credit facility borrowings........ (14,472) --
Long-term borrowings...................................... 606,761 72,988
Repayment of long-term borrowings......................... (357,288) (60,947)
Recapitalization.......................................... (359,993) --
Proceeds from sale of common stock........................ 162,185 38,005
Other, net................................................ (15,930) (4,839)
--------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities............. 42,670 62,935
--------- --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS............................................... 2,213 (199)
--------- --------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................... 14,034 (8,272)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period....................................... 4,128 14,438
--------- --------
End of period............................................. $ 18,162 $ 6,166
========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated statements.
6
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared by J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc. (the "Company") without
audit. The information furnished in the condensed consolidated financial
statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of such financial statements. Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Although the
Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading, it is suggested that these condensed consolidated
financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company's audited
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Revenues and operating results for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year.
2. The following presents comprehensive income (loss), defined as changes in
the stockholders' investment of the Company, for the three and nine month
periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS NINE MONTHS ENDED
ENDED SEPT. 30, SEPT. 30,
------------------- -------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss)......................... $(1,733) $ (130) $(14,900) $5,575
Change in cumulative translation
adjustment.............................. 1,864 2,357 (870) 3,999
------- ------ -------- ------
Comprehensive income (loss)............... $ 131 $2,227 $(15,770) $9,574
======= ====== ======== ======
</TABLE>
3. On April 21, 1999, the Company completed a recapitalization transaction
(the "Recapitalization"). Pursuant to the Recapitalization Agreement,
immediately prior to the Recapitalization, each share of Class B, Class C
and Class D common stock was converted into one share of Class A common
stock. In addition, each share of Convertible Redeemable 7% Series A
preferred stock was converted into one share of Series B preferred stock
and 2.26372 shares of Class A common stock, and the Company restated its
Articles of Incorporation to authorize 20,000 shares of Class A common
stock, 30,000 shares of Class B common stock, 2,000 shares of Class C
common stock, 15,000 shares of Class D-1 common stock, 7,500 shares of
nonvoting Class D-2 common stock and 1,000 shares of Class E common stock.
Concurrently with the above transactions, new investors acquired 1,650.06
shares of Class A common stock, 17,099.89 shares of Class B common stock,
4,274.97 shares of Class C common stock, 5,509.97 shares of Class D-1
common stock, 5,699.96 shares of Class D-2 common stock and 2,802.48 shares
of Class E common stock for total consideration of $156.0 million. In
addition, the Company borrowed $295.0 million pursuant to a new Senior
Credit Facility and $130.0 million pursuant to a Subordinated Financing
Facility.
The proceeds from the equity investment, the Senior Credit Facility and the
Subordinated Financing Facility were used to retire $184.0 million of
existing indebtedness, to redeem the outstanding Series B preferred stock
for $12.3 million, $336.5 million to repurchase certain shares of Class A
common stock, $21.5 million to redeem all outstanding options and
approximately $6.2 million of fees associated with the transaction. The
redemption of stock options was recorded as compensation expense at the
date of the Recapitalization and recorded in the
7
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
condensed consolidated statements of operations as recapitalization
expense. As a result of the Recapitalization, approximately 87% of all
classes of the combined capital stock of the Company were acquired which
represented 85% of the shares eligible to vote. An additional payment of
$5.9 million was made to those persons who were stockholders prior to the
Recapitalization based on a post-closing determination of working capital
as of the closing date of the Recapitalization.
The Recapitalization, along with other recurring changes in retained
earnings, was included in stockholders' deficit during the nine months
ended September 30, 1999. The following is a rollforward of stockholders'
deficit for such period (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Beginning balance as of January 1, 1999..................... $ 124,688
Issuance of common stock.................................... 6,185
Equity investment........................................... 156,000
Recapitalization............................................ (347,776)
Net loss.................................................... (14,900)
Other changes............................................... (1,200)
---------
Ending balance as of September 30, 1999..................... $ (77,003)
=========
</TABLE>
In connection with the Recapitalization, the historical basis of all assets
and liabilities have been retained for financial reporting purposes, and
the repurchase of the existing common stock and issuance of new common
stock has been accounted for as an equity transaction. In addition, the
Company incurred approximately $6.2 million of fees and expenses to finance
the Recapitalization. These costs have been recorded as a reduction in
stockholders' investment.
In July 1999, the Company sold 1,629 shares of class A common stock to
certain employees for aggregate proceeds of approximately $6.9 million.
Approximately $700,000 of this amount was financed through notes to the
Company which bear interest at 9% and are due in 2004. These notes are
reflected as a reduction of stockholders' investment.
4. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPT. 30, DEC. 31,
1999 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials............................................. $ 3,645 $ 4,094
Components................................................ 3,057 2,815
Work in process........................................... 10,820 5,045
Finished goods............................................ 4,993 4,573
Supplies.................................................. 594 550
------- -------
$23,109 $17,077
======= =======
</TABLE>
5. In January 1998, the Company effectively acquired 100% of the outstanding
common stock of Morris Ashby Ltd. ("Morris Ashby"), located in the United
Kingdom, for approximately $54.0 million in cash, including certain
transaction costs, plus unsecured sterling loan notes issued to certain
electing shareholders in the amount of $26.4 million. In April 1998, the
Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Fundiciones Viuda
De Ansola, S.A. ("Ansola"), located in Spain, for approximately
$20.8 million in cash, including certain transaction costs.
8
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
In August 1999, the Company acquired Inyecta Alum, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican
supplier of aluminum die castings to DaimlerChrysler and GM, for an
aggregate purchase price of $14.9 million. This acquisition was financed
with cash on hand and available borrowings under the Company's revolving
credit facility. The pro forma effects of this transaction are not material
to the Company's results of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 and 1998.
The acquisitions noted above have been accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed have been recorded at their fair value as of the respective dates
of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the
assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded as goodwill.
Results of operations for these acquisitions have been included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements since the respective dates
of the acquisition.
6. Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPT. 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
--------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Senior Credit Facility:
Revolving credit facility........................... $ 7,081 $ --
Tranche A term loan................................. 103,596 --
Tranche B term loan................................. 152,105 --
-------- --------
Total senior credit facility...................... 262,782 --
Old Credit Facility................................... -- 95,044
Old Subordinated Notes................................ -- 78,610
Other, net............................................ 35,635 37,926
-------- --------
298,417 211,580
Less-current maturities............................... (14,141) (13,113)
-------- --------
Total long-term debt.............................. $284,276 $198,467
======== ========
</TABLE>
In connection with the recapitalization, French Automotive and certain of
its direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into the senior credit
facility. On October 15, 1999, the Company amended and restated its senior
credit facility in connection with its acquisition of Nelson (see Note 9)
to provide for an additional $100.0 million of available borrowings.
Following the repayment of a portion of the indebtedness under the senior
credit facility with the proceeds of the offering of the subordinated notes
discussed below and following its amendment, the senior credit facility now
consists of (a) approximately $187.5 million of term loans, consisting of
(1) a $155.0 million U.S. dollar-denominated term loan to French
Automotive, (2) a pound sterling-denominated term loan to French Automotive
in an amount equal to the pound sterling equivalent (determined as of the
date such loan was made) of U.S. $17.5 million and (3) a pound
sterling-denominated term loan to Morris Ashby in an amount equal to the
pound sterling equivalent (determined as of the date such loan was made) of
U.S. $17.5 million (collectively, the "tranche A term loan"); (b) a
$190.0 million tranche B term loan; and (c) a $90.0 million revolving
credit facility. The amendment increased the dollar-denominated portion of
the tranche A term loan from $70.0 million to $155.0 million and increased
the revolving credit facility from $75.0 million to $90.0 million. As of
September 30, 1999, rates on borrowings under the senior credit facility
varied from 7.6% to 8.4%.
9
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Borrowings under the tranche A term loan are due and payable April 21, 2005
and borrowings under the tranche B term loan are due and payable on
October 21, 2006. The revolving credit facility is available until
April 21, 2005. The senior credit facility is secured by all of the assets
of and guaranteed by all of our material present and future subsidiaries,
in each case with exceptions for certain foreign subsidiaries and to the
extent permitted by applicable law ("Guarantors").
7. In May 1999, the Company completed an offering of $175.0 million of 11 1/2%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 ("Subordinated Notes"). Net proceeds of
the offering, approximately $169.6 million, combined with $0.4 million of
cash were used to retire all of the borrowings under the Subordinated
Financing Facility, $2.5 million of borrowings under the tranche A term
loan and $37.5 million of borrowings under the tranche B term loan. The
Subordinated Notes contain certain restrictive covenants, and the Company
was in compliance with all such covenants at September 30, 1999.
8. The Company recorded an extraordinary loss, net of income tax benefits, of
$8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. The loss
includes the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and original
issue discount related to indebtedness that was retired in connection with
the Recapitalization. The loss also includes the write-off of unamortized
issuance costs related to the Subordinated Financing Facility which was
retired with the proceeds of the Subordinated Notes in May 1999.
9. SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," becomes effective for the years beginning after June 15, 2000.
SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that
every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either an
asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that
changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings
unless specific hedge criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying
hedges allow a derivative's gains or losses to offset related results on
the hedged item in the income statement and requires that a company must
formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions
that receive hedge accounting. The Company has not yet quantified the
impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 and has not yet determined the timing of
adoption.
During 1998, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement of Position (SOP) No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities." SOP 98-5 requires that start-up activities be expensed as
incurred, versus capitalizing and expensing them over a period of time. The
adoption of SOP 98-5 did not affect the Company's consolidated results of
operations or the financial position of the Company.
10. On October 15, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Nelson Metal Products Corporation ("Nelson") for an aggregate purchase
price of $179.8 million including transaction costs. Nelson is a full
service supplier of medium and large aluminum die castings for the
automotive industry, with manufacturing facilities in Grandville, Michigan
and Glasgow, Kentucky. Nelson's customers include GM and Ford. In
connection with the acquisition of Nelson, the Company (i) amended and
restated its senior credit facility to provide for additional borrowings of
$100.0 million; (ii) borrowed $30.0 million from Tower Automotive, Inc. in
exchange for the issuance of a 7.5% convertible subordinated promissory
note; and (iii) issued 8,310 shares of its common stock, representing 15.9%
of its outstanding common stock to some of its existing stockholders.
10
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
11. Supplemental cash flow information (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS NINE MONTHS ENDED
ENDED SEPT. 30, SEPT. 30,
------------------- -------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid for--
Interest................................ $6,091 $2,564 $24,259 $11,411
Income taxes............................ 187 3,562 1,849 5,753
</TABLE>
12. The following consolidating financial information presents balance sheet,
statement of operations and cash flow information related to the Company's
businesses. Each Guarantor is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company and has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 11.5% senior
subordinated notes issued by J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., on a
joint and several basis. Separate financial statements and other
disclosures concerning the Guarantors have not been presented because
management believes that such information is not material.
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30, 1998
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
J.L. FRENCH
AUTOMOTIVE NON-
CASTINGS, GUARANTOR GUARANTOR
INC. COMPANIES COMPANIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................. $ -- $152,100 $66,368 $ -- $218,468
Cost of sales......................... -- 114,568 52,088 -- 166,656
------ -------- ------- ------- --------
Gross profit........................ -- 37,532 14,280 -- 51,812
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 75 4,113 8,651 -- 12,839
Amortization expense.................. -- 11,344 1,524 -- 12,868
------ -------- ------- ------- --------
Operating income (loss)............. (75) 22,075 4,105 -- 26,105
Interest expense (income)............. (32) 10,987 4,484 -- 15,439
------ -------- ------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
equity in earnings (losses) of
sub-sidiaries and extraordinary
loss.............................. (43) 11,088 (379) -- 10,666
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes............................... -- 4,438 (152) -- 4,286
Equity in earnings (losses) of
subsidiaries........................ 5,618 -- -- (5,618) --
------ -------- ------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
loss.............................. 5,575 6,650 (227) (5,618) 6,380
Extraordinary loss.................... -- 805 -- -- 805
------ -------- ------- ------- --------
Net income (loss)................... $5,575 $ 5,845 $ (227) $(5,618) $ 5,575
====== ======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
12. Condensed consolidating guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
(continued):
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30, 1998
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
J.L. FRENCH
AUTOMOTIVE NON-
CASTINGS, GUARANTOR GUARANTOR
INC. COMPANIES COMPANIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)................... $ 5,575 $ 5,845 $ (227) $ (5,618) $ 5,575
Adjustments to reconcile net cash
provided by (used for) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization..... -- 20,889 5,973 -- 26,862
Other non-cash items.............. -- 158 (439) -- (281)
(Income)/loss from investment in
subsidiaries.................... (5,618) -- -- 5,618 --
Changes in other operating
activities...................... 6,234 (24,373) 11,781 -- (6,358)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating
activities...................... 6,191 2,519 17,088 -- 25,798
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions, net................... (38,183) -- (72,724) 36,328 (74,579)
Capital expenditures, net........... -- (17,059) (5,168) -- (22,227)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used for)
investing activities............ (38,183) (17,059) (77,892) 36,328 (96,806)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on revolving credit
facilities, net................... -- 15,107 2,621 -- 17,728
Long-term borrowings................ -- 45,000 27,988 -- 72,988
Repayment of long-term borrowings... -- (58,607) (2,340) -- (60,947)
Capital investment.................. 36,194 -- 38,139 (36,328) 38,005
Other, net.......................... (3,855) (210) (774) -- (4,839)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used for)
financing activities............ 32,339 1,290 65,634 (36,328) 62,935
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS.................... -- -- (199) -- (199)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS......................... 347 (13,250) 4,631 -- (8,272)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period................. 84 14,354 -- -- 14,438
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
End of period....................... $ 431 $ 1,104 $ 4,631 $ -- $ 6,166
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
12. Condensed consolidating guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
(continued):
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
J.L. FRENCH
AUTOMOTIVE NON-
CASTINGS, GUARANTOR GUARANTOR
INC. COMPANIES COMPANIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........... $ 186 $ 15,027 $ 2,949 $ -- $ 18,162
Accounts receivable, net............ 5,119 52,150 20,096 -- 77,365
Inventories......................... -- 10,629 12,480 -- 23,109
Other current assets................ 1,426 (551) 4,136 -- 5,011
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Total current assets.............. 6,731 77,255 39,661 -- 123,647
Property, plant and equipment, net.... -- 82,188 75,078 -- 157,266
Investment in subsidiaries............ 150,425 -- -- (150,425) --
Intangible and other assets, net...... 11,094 93,401 68,277 -- 172,772
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
$168,250 $252,844 $183,016 $(150,425) $453,685
======== ======== ======== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
INVESTMENT (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.................... $ -- $ 9,918 $ 17,702 $ -- $ 27,620
Accrued liabilities................. 6,804 8,324 7,691 -- 22,819
Current maturities of long-term
debt.............................. 9,666 -- 4,475 -- 14,141
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Total current liabilities......... 16,470 18,242 29,868 -- 64,580
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Long-term debt........................ 403,184 -- 56,092 -- 459,276
Other noncurrent liabilities.......... -- -- 6,832 -- 6,832
Inter-company......................... (173,842) 136,707 37,135 -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Total liabilities................. 245,812 154,959 129,927 -- 530,688
Stockholders' investment (deficit):
Additional paid-in capital.......... 6,186 84,856 52,976 (137,833) 6,185
Retained earnings (deficit)......... (83,748) 13,039 (447) (12,592) (83,748)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income............................ -- -- 560 -- 560
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
Total stockholders' investment
(deficit)....................... (77,562) 97,895 53,089 (150,425) (77,003)
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------
$168,250 $252,844 $183,016 $(150,425) $453,685
======== ======== ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
12. Condensed consolidating guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
(continued):
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30, 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
J.L. FRENCH
AUTOMOTIVE NON-
CASTINGS, GUARANTOR GUARANTOR
INC. COMPANIES COMPANIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................. $ -- $174,295 $72,695 $ -- $246,990
Cost of sales......................... -- 128,459 59,276 -- 187,735
-------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Gross profit........................ -- 45,836 13,419 -- 59,255
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 267 6,665 8,552 -- 15,484
Recapitalization expenses............. 5,501 16,449 -- -- 21,950
Amortization expense.................. 4 7,075 1,274 -- 8,353
-------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Operating income (loss)............. (5,772) 15,647 3,593 -- 13,468
Interest expense...................... 8,901 12,023 3,855 -- 24,779
-------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
equity in earnings (losses) of
subsidiaries and extraordinary
loss.............................. (14,673) 3,624 (262) -- (11,311)
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes............................... (5,869) 1,450 (104) -- (4,523)
Equity in earnings (losses) of
subsidiaries........................ (2,010) -- -- 2,010 --
-------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
loss.............................. (10,814) 2,174 (158) -- (6,788)
Extraordinary loss.................... 4,086 4,026 -- -- 8,112
-------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Net income (loss)................... $(14,900) $ (1,852) $ (158) $2,010 $(14,900)
======== ======== ======= ====== ========
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
12. Condensed consolidating guarantor and non-guarantor financial information
(continued):
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30, 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
J.L. FRENCH
AUTOMOTIVE NON-
CASTINGS, GUARANTOR GUARANTOR
INC. COMPANIES COMPANIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
----------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)................... $ (14,900) $ (1,852) $ (158) $ 2,010 $ (14,900)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
(used for) operating activities--
Depreciation and amortization..... 4 17,788 7,361 -- 25,153
Other non-cash items.............. 4,557 7,771 -- -- 12,328
Income (loss) in subsidiary....... 2,010 -- -- (2,010) --
Changes in other operating
activities...................... (34,771) 4,258 12,115 661 (17,737)
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used for)
operating activities.......... (43,100) 27,965 19,318 661 4,844
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions, net................... (14,958) -- (14,864) 14,958 (14,864)
Capital expenditures, net........... -- (13,198) (7,631) -- (20,829)
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash used for investing
activities.................... (14,958) (13,198) (22,495) 14,958 (35,693)
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Revolving credit facilities
borrowings (repayments)........... 1,000 (1,600) (6,905) -- (21,905)
Long-term borrowings................ 582,491 -- 19,195 -- 601,686
Repayment of long-term borrowings... (257,249) (41,625) (24,499) -- (323,373)
Recapitalization.................... (203,993) -- -- -- (203,993)
Capital investment.................. -- -- 14,958 (14,958) --
Issuance of common stock............ 6,185 -- -- -- 6,185
Other, net.......................... (71,306) 57,625 (2,249) -- (15,930)
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used for)
financing activities.......... 57,128 -- 500 (14,958) 42,670
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS.................... 1,094 -- 1,780 (661) 2,213
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
NET CHANGES IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS......................... 164 14,767 (897) -- 14,034
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period............... 22 260 3,846 -- 4,128
--------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
End of period..................... $ 186 $ 15,027 $ 2,949 $ -- $ 18,162
========= ======== ======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPT. 30, 1999 TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPT. 30, 1998
SALES--Sales for the third quarter of 1999 increased by $8.4 million, or 11.5%,
to $81.3 million from $72.9 million for the prior period. The increase was due
to the ramp up of production volumes on business that was launched during 1998,
principally transmission cases for Ford, and from the acquisition of Inyecta
Alum, S.A. de C.V. which was acquired in August 1999.
COST OF SALES--Cost of sales for the third quarter of 1999 increased by
$6.1 million, or 10.6%, to $64.3 million from $58.2 million for the prior
period. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 79.1% for the third quarter
of 1999 compared to 79.8% for the prior period. Gross margins for the third
quarter of 1999 showed improvements primarily as a result of manufacturing
process improvements, including increased productivity levels and reduced scrap
rates. These improvements were offset by (1) a decline in the European economy
and related automotive production, and (2) a change in the Company's product mix
to produce more parts with slightly lower margins.
S, G & A EXPENSES--Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
$1.3 million to $5.3 million for the third quarter of 1999 from $4.0 million for
the prior period. The increase was due primarily to expenses associated with
continued global product expansion, including expenses related to the
acquisition of Inyecta Alum. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and
administrative expenses were 6.5% for the third quarter of 1999 compared to 5.4%
for the prior period.
RECAPITALIZATION EXPENSES--The recapitalization expenses of $0.8 million
recorded during the third quarter of 1999 represent payments made to option
holders in excess of the exercise price. The options were repurchased in
connection with the recapitalization transaction (See "Liquidity and Capital
Resources").
AMORTIZATION EXPENSE--Amortization expense decreased from $4.4 million for the
third quarter of 1998 to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 1999, as a result
of reduced amortization of capitalized customer relationships, partially offset
by an increase in goodwill amortization from the acquisition of Inyecta Alum and
increased amortization of deferred debt costs related to borrowings under our
senior credit facility and the subordinated notes. Goodwill is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over 40 years.
INTEREST EXPENSE--Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 1999
was $11.0 million compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 1998. The
increase was due principally to borrowings incurred in connection with the
recapitalization and the acquisition of Inyecta Alum.
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES--The effective income tax rate was 40.0% for the tax
benefit arising in the three months ended September 30, 1999 compared to 40.9%
for the same period in 1998. The decrease in the effective income tax rate
related primarily to higher state income taxes and the effect of non deductible
goodwill amortization.
COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
SALES--Sales for the nine month period of 1999 increased by $28.5 million, or
13.1%, to $247.0 million from $218.5 million for the prior period. Approximately
$7.7 million of the increase was the result of the acquisitions of Ansola in
April 1998 and Inyecta Alum in August 1999. The remaining increase was due to
the ramp up of production volumes on business that was launched during 1998,
principally transmission cases for Ford.
COST OF SALES--Cost of sales for the nine month period of 1999 increased by
$21.0 million, or 12.7%, to $187.7 million from $166.7 million for the prior
period. Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 76.0% for the nine month
period of 1999 and 76.3% for the prior period. Gross margins for the nine
16
<PAGE>
month period of 1999 were positively affected by (1) manufacturing process
improvements, including increased productivity levels and reduced scrap rates
and (2) lower launch costs in 1999 due to the timing of the introduction of new
products. These improvements were offset by (1) a decline in the European
economy and related automotive production, (2) historically lower margins at
Ansola, Morris Ashby and Inyecta Alum which were included in the full nine month
results for 1999, and (3) a change in the Company's product mix to produce more
parts with slightly lower margins.
S, G & A EXPENSES--Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by
$2.7 million to $15.5 million for the nine month period of 1999 from
$12.8 million for the prior period. The increase was due primarily to selling,
general and administrative expenses associated with the expanded scope of
operations, including expenses related to the acquisitions of Ansola and Inyecta
Alum. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
were 6.3% for the nine month period of 1999 compared to 5.9% for the prior
period.
RECAPITALIZATION EXPENSES--The recapitalization expenses of $22.0 million
recorded during 1999 represent payments made to option holders in excess of the
exercise price. The options were repurchased in connection with the
recapitalization.
AMORTIZATION EXPENSE--Amortization expense decreased from $12.9 million for the
nine month period of 1998 to $8.4 million for the nine month period of 1999, as
a result of reduced amortization of capitalized customer relationships,
partially offset by an increase in goodwill amortization from the acquisitions
of Ansola and Inyecta Alum and increased amortization of deferred debt costs
related to borrowings under our senior credit facility and the subordinated
notes. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.
INTEREST EXPENSE--Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
was $24.8 million compared to $15.4 million for the same period in 1998. The
increase was due principally to borrowings incurred in connection with the
recapitalization.
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES--The effective income tax rate was 40.0%
for the tax benefit arising in the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared
to 40.2% for the same period in 1998. The decrease in the effective income tax
rate related primarily to higher state income taxes and the effect of non
deductible goodwill amortization.
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS--The Company recorded an extraordinary loss of $8.1 million
and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. These losses were the result of the write-off of deferred
financing fees associated with certain credit facilities that were repaid during
such periods.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
During the nine month period of 1999, we provided cash for operations of
$4.8 million, compared to the cash flow generated of $25.8 million for the nine
month period of 1998. Cash generated from operations before changes in working
capital items was $22.6 million for the nine month period of 1999 compared to
$34.2 million for the same period in 1998. Increases in working capital used
cash of $17.7 million during the nine month period of 1999 compared to uses of
$6.4 million in the same period in 1998. The increases in working capital are
primarily the result of the timing of cash receipts and cash payments.
Net cash used for investing activities was $35.7 million during the nine
month period of 1999 as compared to $96.8 million for the same period in 1998.
Capital expenditures totaled $20.8 million in the nine month period of 1999 and
$22.2 million in the nine month period of 1998 and were primarily for equipment
and dedicated tooling purchases related to new or replacement programs.
17
<PAGE>
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $42.7 million for the nine
month period of 1999 compared with $62.9 million for the same period in 1998.
Included in the 1999 source of funds is $169.6 million of cash that was provided
through the subordinated note offering discussed below.
On April 21, 1999, the Company completed a recapitalization in which a group
of equity investors, including affiliates of Onex Corporation and J2R
Corporation, acquired approximately 87% of the Company's common stock for
$156.0 million in cash. Stockholders prior to the recapitalization retained
approximately 13% of the Company's common stock and, together with holders of
outstanding options, received an aggregate of $370.3 million in cash in
connection with the redemption of their other equity interest, plus an
additional $5.9 million based upon a post-closing determination of the total
working capital as of the closing date of the recapitalization.
In connection with the recapitalization, French Automotive and certain of
its direct and indirect subsidiaries entered into the senior credit facility. On
October 15, 1999, the Company amended and restated its senior credit facility in
connection with its acquisition of Nelson to provide for an additional
$100.0 million of available borrowings. Following the repayment of a portion of
the indebtedness under the senior credit facility with the proceeds of the
offering of the subordinated notes discussed below and following its amendment,
the senior credit facility now consists of (a) approximately $187.5 million of
term loans, consisting of (1) a $155.0 million U.S. dollar-denominated term loan
to French Automotive, (2) a pound sterling-denominated term loan to French
Automotive in an amount equal to the pound sterling equivalent (determined as of
the date such loan was made) of U.S. $17.5 million and (3) a pound
sterling-denominated term loan to Morris Ashby in an amount equal to the pound
sterling equivalent (determined as of the date such loan was made) of U.S.
$17.5 million (collectively, the "tranche A term loan"); (b) a $190.0 million
tranche B term loan; and (c) a $90.0 million revolving credit facility. The
amendment increased the dollar-denominated portion of the tranche A term loan
from $70.0 million to $155.0 million and increased the revolving credit facility
from $75.0 million to $90.0 million. In connection with the recapitalization,
the Company borrowed $295.0 million under the senior credit facility. In
connection with the acquisition of Nelson, the Company borrowed $100.0 million
under the senior credit facility. As of October 15, 1999, the Company had
available borrowings under the senior credit facility of approximately
$31.5 million.
As of September 30, 1999, rates on borrowings under the senior credit
facility varied from 7.6% to 8.4%. Borrowings under the tranche A term loan are
due and payable April 21, 2005 and borrowings under the tranche B term loan are
due and payable on October 21, 2006. The revolving credit facility is available
until April 21, 2005. The senior credit facility is secured by all of the assets
of and guaranteed by all of our material present and future subsidiaries, in
each case with exceptions for certain foreign subsidiaries and to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
In connection with the recapitalization, the Company also entered into a
subordinated financing facility providing for borrowings of $130.0 million,
which was fully drawn in connection with the recapitalization. The subordinated
financing facility had a final maturity of October 21, 2008.
In May 1999, the Company completed an offering of $175.0 million of 11 1/2%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. Net proceeds of the offering, approximately
$169.6 million, combined with $0.4 million of cash were used to retire all of
the borrowings under the subordinated financing facility, $2.5 million of
borrowings under the tranche A term loan and $37.5 million of borrowings under
the tranche B term loan. The subordinated notes contain certain restrictive
covenants, and the Company was in compliance with all such covenants at
September 30, 1999.
In addition, in connection with the acquisition of Nelson in October 1999,
the Company borrowed $30.0 million from Tower Automotive, Inc. in exchange for
issuance of a 7.5% convertible subordinated promissory note due October 14,
2009. Interest on this promissory note is payable quarterly unless (1) the
payment of interest would cause the Company to breach any covenants in any
agreement under which a financial institution or pension fund has made loans to
the Company in excess of $10.0 million or (2) in the good faith judgment of the
Company's board of directors, the Company does not have
18
<PAGE>
funds available to pay interest on the promissory note, in which case the unpaid
interest will accrue until paid. The Company may prepay this promissory note at
any time, subject to Tower Automotive's right to convert the promissory note
into class A common stock.
The Company's principal source of liquidity is cash flow generated from
operations and borrowings under its $90.0 million revolving credit facility. The
Company's principal use of liquidity is to meet debt service requirements,
finance its capital expenditures and provide working capital. The Company
expects that capital expenditures in 1999 will be approximately $26 million, of
which approximately $8 million will be used for maintenance purposes. The
balance of the 1999 capital expenditures will be used for equipment purchases
and facility improvements to support new business awards.
The Company's ability to service its indebtedness will depend on its future
performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and
financial, business, regulatory and other factors. Some of these factors are
beyond the Company's control. The Company believes that, based upon current
levels of operations, it will be able to meet its debt service obligations when
due. However, because it is difficult to predict the Company's liquidity and
capital requirements in the future, it is not possible to predict whether it
will be able to meet its debt service obligations in the long term, i.e. beyond
the next twelve months. Even with respect to the short term, significant
assumptions underlie the Company's belief that it will be able to meet its debt
service obligations when due, including, among other things, that it will
continue to be successful in implementing its business strategy and that there
will be no material adverse developments in its business, liquidity or capital
requirements. If the Company were to continue to generate insufficient cash flow
from operations to service its indebtedness and to meet its other obligations
and commitments, the Company might be required to refinance its debt or to
dispose of assets to obtain funds for such purpose. There is no assurance that
refinancings or asset dispositions could be effected on a timely basis or on
satisfactory terms, if at all, or would be permitted by the terms of the
indenture or the senior credit facility. In the event that the Company is unable
to refinance the senior credit facility or raise funds through asset sales,
sales of equity or otherwise, its ability to pay principal of, and interest on,
the notes would be impaired.
SEASONALITY
French Automotive typically experiences decreased sales and operating income
during the third calendar quarter of each year due to production shutdowns at
OEMs for model changeovers and vacations.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Inflation potentially affects the Company in two principal ways. First, a
portion of the Company's debt is tied to prevailing short-term interest rates
which may change as a result of inflation rates, translating into changes in
interest expense. Second, general inflation can impact material purchases, labor
and other costs. While the contracts with the Company's customers allow it to
pass through increases in the price of aluminum, the Company does not have the
ability to pass through inflation-related cost increases for labor and other
costs. In the past few years, however, inflation has not been a significant
factor.
MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to various market risks arising from adverse changes
in market rates and prices, such as foreign currency exchange and interest
rates. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company's strategy for
management of currency risk relies primarily upon conducting its operations in
such countries' respective currency and it may, from time to time, engage in
hedging programs intended to reduce its exposure to currency fluctuations. The
counterparties are major financial institutions.
19
<PAGE>
The Company manages its interest rate risk by balancing the amount of its
fixed and variable debt. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes affect the
fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash flows.
Conversely for variable rate debt, interest rate changes generally do not affect
the fair market value of such debt, but do impact future earnings and cash
flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At September 30, 1999, all of
the Company's debt other than the outstanding notes was variable rate debt.
Holding other variable constant (such as foreign exchange rates and debt
levels), a one percentage point increase in interest rates would be expected to
have an estimated impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for the remainder of
the year of approximately $0.7 million.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
A portion of the Company's sales is derived from manufacturing operations in
the U.K. and Spain. The results of operations and the financial position of the
Company's operations in these countries are principally measured in their
respective currency and translated into U.S. dollars. The effects of foreign
currency fluctuations in such countries are somewhat mitigated by the fact that
expenses are generally incurred in the same currencies in which sales are
generated. The reported income of these operations will be higher or lower
depending on a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the
respective foreign currency.
Some of the Company's assets are located in foreign countries and are
translated into U.S. dollars at currency exchange rates in effect as of the end
of each period, with the effect of such translation reflected as a separate
component of stockholders' investment. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated
stockholders' investment will fluctuate depending upon the weakening or
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the respective foreign currency.
YEAR 2000
The Company is currently working to resolve the potential impact of the year
2000 on the processing to time-sensitive information by its computerized
information systems. Any of the Company's programs that have time-sensitive
software may recognize "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This
could result in miscalculations, classification errors or system failures.
The Company's facilities primarily use commercial, vendor-supported software
and hardware, which have been certified as year 2000 compliant. Because of the
Company's substantial investments in computerized systems that are year 2000
compliant, it does not anticipate any significant readiness problems with
respect to its systems. All of the Company's facilities have completed the
inventory and assessment and, with the exception of Nelson, any necessary
remediation of the internal information technology ("IT") and non-IT systems,
including business, operating and factory floor systems. Nelson is in the
process of conducting some remediation with respect to its materials purchasing
software and expects to complete this remediation by the end of November. As of
September 30, 1999, the Company had incurred costs of approximately $150,000
relating to year 2000 compliance and believes that future costs associated with
year 2000 compliance will be less than $100,000.
The most reasonably likely worst case scenario that the Company currently
anticipates with respect to year 2000 is the failure of some of its suppliers,
including utilities suppliers, to be ready. This could cause a temporary
interruption of materials or services that it needs to make its products, which
could result in delayed shipments to customers and lost sales and profits. In
order to assess this risk, the Company has sent surveys to all of its critical
supplier. The Company has received responses from 95% of these suppliers. Of
those suppliers who responded to the survey, all reported that they are year
2000 compliant. Although the Company will attempt to contact those suppliers who
did not respond to its survey, it has assessed the extent to which the failure
of these suppliers to be year 2000 compliant would impact its business and
examined the adequacy of the Company's contingency plans with respect to these
suppliers. Based on the survey results and based on the fact that the Company
has several weeks worth of raw materials on hand as part of its normal
production planning, the Company believes that it has made adequate contingency
plans to ensure that it will have an adequate supply of materials on hand and
that no further action is warranted. The Company is also currently in the
process of
20
<PAGE>
evaluating the adequacy of Nelson's contingency plans to ensure that there will
be an adequate supply of raw materials on hand to cover contingencies with
respect to its operations. Following this assessment, the Company will, if
necessary, contact Nelson's suppliers to receive assurances as to their year
2000 compliance.
The outcome of the Company's year 2000 program is subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties, some of which, such as the availability of qualified
computer personnel and the year 2000 responses of third parties, are beyond its
control. Therefore, there can be no assurances that the Company will not incur
material remediation costs beyond the above anticipated future costs, or that
its business, financial condition, or results of operations will not be
significantly impacted if year 2000 problems with its systems, or with the
products or systems of other parties with whom the Company does business, are
not resolved in a timely manner.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," becomes effective for years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS
No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allow a
derivative's gains or losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the
income statement and requires that a company must formally document, designate
and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. We
have not yet quantified the impact of adopting SFAS No. 133 and have not yet
determined the timing or method of adoption.
During 1998, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement of Position (SOP) No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities." SOP 98-5 requires that start-up activities be expensed as incurred,
versus capitalizing and expensing them over a period of time. The adoption of
SOP 98-5 did not affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or the
financial position of the Company.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this
Form 10-Q, including without limitation the statements under "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" are,
or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," "expect," "intends," and similar expressions, as they
relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company's management
as well as on assumptions made by and information currently available to the
Company at the time such statements were made. Various economic and competitive
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in
such forward-looking statements, including factors which are outside the control
of the Company, such as risks relating to: (i) the Company's ability to develop
or successfully introduce new products; (ii) general economic or business
conditions affecting the automotive industry; (iii) increased competition in the
automotive components supply market; and (iv) the Company's failure to complete
or successfully integrate additional strategic acquisitions. All subsequent
written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or
persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in their
entirety by such cautionary statements.
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See "Market Risk" and "Foreign Currency Transactions" sections of Item 2:
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
21
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 1. Legal Proceedings:
None.
Item 2. Change in Securities:
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities:
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:
None.
Item 5. Other Information:
None.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:
(a) Exhibits:
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
During the quarter for which this report is filed, the Company filed
the following Form 8-K Current Reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission:
None.
22
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
Date: November 16, 1999 By: /s/ THOMAS C. DINOLFO
-----------------------------------------
Thomas C. Dinolfo
VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
OFFICER)
</TABLE>
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