<PAGE> 1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended October 3, 1998 Commission File No. 0-11917
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
OHIO 34-0176110
(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
1500 North Mantua Street
P. O. Box 5193
Kent, OH 44240-5193
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (330) 673-9511
Number of Common Shares Outstanding as of November 13, 1998: 3,987,819
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 ninety (90) days.
YES X NO
------- -------
<PAGE 2>
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
INDEX
-----
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
--------
<S> <C> <C>
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1: Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - Periods ended
October 3, 1998, September 27, 1997 and
December 31, 1997 3
Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings - Three
Months Ended October 3, 1998 and September 27, 1997 4
Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings -
Nine Months Ended October 3, 1998 and
September 27, 1997 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months
Ended October 3, 1998 and September 27, 1997 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 13
Item 5: Other Information 13
Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 13
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
---------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Oct. 3, Sept. 27, Dec. 31,
1998 1997 1997
------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
- ------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 286 $ 991 $ 722
Accounts Receivable 59,747 51,816 43,896
Operating Supplies 2,973 2,617 2,662
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets 2,011 2,371 2,724
Deferred Income Taxes 1,993 1,729 2,032
--------- --------- ---------
Total Current Assets 67,010 59,524 52,036
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land and Land Improvements 6,325 6,232 6,283
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements 16,449 16,753 16,142
Equipment 182,505 162,177 166,902
--------- --------- ---------
205,279 185,162 189,327
Less Accumulated Depreciation 128,311 121,623 123,053
--------- --------- ---------
Net Property and Equipment 76,968 63,539 66,274
--------- --------- ---------
OTHER ASSETS AND INTANGIBLES 9,540 8,048 9,515
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 153,518 $ 131,111 $ 127,825
========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts Payable $ 11,693 $ 10,821 $ 10,187
Accrued Liabilities 17,356 14,497 10,822
Insurance Liabilities 7,025 7,334 6,738
Income Taxes Payable 1,587 3,012 1,647
Notes Payable, Bank 525 300
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 15,478 7,886 3,148
--------- --------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 53,664 43,550 32,842
LONG-TERM DEBT 32,310 18,317 24,104
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 1,344 1,892 1,381
INSURANCE LIABILITIES 9,727 10,701 10,913
OTHER LIABILITIES 1,024 635 698
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 98,069 75,095 69,938
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Shares - No Par Value;
Authorized 4,000,000 Shares;
None Issued
Common Shares - $1.00 Par Value;
Authorized 12,000,000 Shares;
Issued 8,728,440 Shares at
October 3, 1998, September 27, 1997
and December 31, 1997 8,728 8,728 8,728
Additional Paid-in Capital 5,400 4,164 4,625
Retained Earnings 90,856 83,541 85,510
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss) (853) (611) (535)
--------- --------- ---------
104,131 95,822 98,328
LESS:
Treasury Shares at cost:
4,672,109 Shares at
October 3, 1998; 4,396,719
Shares at September 27, 1997;
and 4,429,205 Shares at
December 31, 1997 (48,682) (39,806) (40,441)
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 55,449 56,016 57,887
--------- --------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 153,518 $ 131,111 $ 127,825
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE> 4
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 3, 1998 September 27, 1997
--------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES $ 86,457 100.0% $ 81,066 100.0%
--------- ------ --------- ------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating 57,634 66.6 53,950 66.6
Selling 11,939 13.8 11,050 13.6
General and Administrative 5,160 6.0 4,256 5.2
Depreciation and Amortization 5,161 6.0 4,537 5.6
--------- ------ --------- ------
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 79,894 92.4 73,793 91.0
--------- ------ --------- ------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS 6,563 7.6 7,273 9.0
INTEREST EXPENSE (787) (0.9) (603) (0.8)
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE) - NET 123 0.1 (110) (0.1)
--------- ------ --------- ------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 5,899 6.8 6,560 8.1
INCOME TAXES 2,441 2.8 2,689 3.3
--------- ------ --------- ------
NET EARNINGS $ 3,458 4.0% $ 3,871 4.8%
========= ====== ========= ======
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.84 $ 0.88
========= =========
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE -
ASSUMING DILUTION $ 0.72 $ 0.79
========= =========
BASIC EARNINGS SHARES 4,118,402 4,407,493
========= =========
DILUTED EARNINGS SHARES 4,829,699 4,921,005
========= =========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE> 5
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 3, 1998 September 27, 1997
--------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES $ 237,443 100.0% $ 223,774 100.0%
-------- ----- --------- -----
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating 161,781 68.1 151,604 67.7
Selling 32,135 13.5 29,037 13.0
General and Administrative 15,969 6.7 13,839 6.2
Depreciation and Amortization 14,593 6.2 12,717 5.7
-------- ----- --------- -----
TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES 224,478 94.5 207,197 92.6
-------- ----- --------- -----
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS 12,965 5.5 16,577 7.4
INTEREST EXPENSE (2,180) (0.9) (1,758) (0.8)
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE) - NET 350 0.1 (120)
-------- ----- --------- -----
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 11,135 4.7 14,699 6.6
INCOME TAXES 4,609 1.9 6,026 2.7
-------- ----- --------- -----
NET EARNINGS $ 6,526 2.8% $ 8,673 3.9%
======== ===== ========= =====
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ 1.57 $ 1.96
========= =========
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE -
ASSUMING DILUTION $ 1.39 $ 1.80
========= =========
BASIC EARNINGS SHARES 4,166,696 4,435,407
========= =========
DILUTED EARNINGS SHARES 4,688,473 4,814,503
========= =========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE> 6
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1998 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 3, Sept. 27,
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Earnings $ 6,526 $ 8,673
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation 14,336 12,445
Amortization 257 272
Deferred Income Taxes 2 (3)
Other (697) (139)
--------- ---------
20,424 21,248
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable (15,851) (12,011)
Other Assets 415 (908)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 8,040 8,144
Insurance Liabilities (899) 1,694
Income Tax Liabilities (60) 2,794
Other Liabilities 326 (247)
--------- ---------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 12,395 20,714
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Sales of Property and Equipment 1,220 550
Acquisitions (361) (449)
Capital Expenditures:
Land and Buildings (790) (241)
Equipment (25,014) (18,872)
--------- ---------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (24,945) (19,012)
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net Borrowings (Payments) Under Notes
Payable, Bank 225 (75)
Principal Payments of Long-Term Debt (5,387) (2,028)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt 25,923 5,957
Sales of Treasury Shares 1,828 734
Receipts from Stock Subscriptions 7
Dividends Paid (1,181) (1,132)
Repurchase of Common Shares (9,294) (4,801)
--------- ---------
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 12,114 (1,338)
--------- ---------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (436) 364
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 722 627
--------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 286 $ 991
========= =========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE> 7
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1998
UNAUDITED
---------
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
- ------------------------------
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of October 3,
1998 and September 27, 1997 and for the periods then ended have been prepared in
accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, but do not include all the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation have been included. Reclassifications have been made to the
prior-year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution was calculated by using the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including the dilutive
effect of stock options, during the period.
NOTE 2 - RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------
Due to the seasonal nature of some of the Company's services, the results of
operations for the periods ended October 3, 1998 and September 27, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
NOTE 3 - DIVIDENDS
- ------------------
On September 10, 1998, the Registrant paid a $.095 per share dividend to all
shareholders of record at September 1, 1998. This compares to an $.085 per
share dividend paid in the third quarter of 1997. For the nine months ended
October 3, 1998, the Registrant paid cumulative dividends of $.285 per share to
all shareholders of record. This compared to a $.255 cumulative per share
dividend paid in the first nine months of the prior year.
NOTE 4 - ACCRUED LIABILITIES
- ----------------------------
Accrued liabilities consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 3, Sept. 27, Dec. 31,
1998 1997 1997
---------- --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Compensation $ 8,904 $ 7,400 $ 5,648
Vacation 3,235 2,190 1,848
Medical Claims 1,703 2,152 1,948
Taxes, other than taxes on income 933 850 657
Other 2,581 1,905 721
------- ------- --------
$ 17,356 $ 14,497 $ 10,822
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 8
NOTE 5 - LONG-TERM DEBT
- -----------------------
Long-term debt consisted of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 3, Sept. 27, Dec. 31,
1998 1997 1997
---------- --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revolving Credit Agreement:
Prime rate borrowings $ 7,200 $ --- $ 2,800
London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR) borrowings 28,000 19,000 18,000
Term note agreement 10,000 5,400 4,800
-------- --------- -------
45,200 24,400 25,600
Subordinated notes - stock
redemption 1,761 357 357
Term loans and others 827 1,446 1,295
-------- --------- -------
47,788 26,203 27,252
Less current maturities 15,478 7,886 3,148
-------- --------- -------
$ 32,310 $ 18,317 $24,104
======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
NOTE 6 - ACQUISITIONS
- ---------------------
During the first nine months of 1998 and 1997, the Registrant acquired assets of
organizations which provide horticultural services for a purchase price of
$361,000 and $449,000, respectively and accounted for the transactions as
purchases. Their results of operations, which were not material, have been
included in the accompanying financial statements from their respective
acquisition dates. Goodwill and other intangibles recognized in connection with
these purchases are being amortized over three to fifteen years.
NOTE 7 - INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------
The Company has entered into an interest rate exchange agreement (swap) to
modify the interest rate characteristics of the Company's long-term variable
interest rate debt. The swap is accounted for using the settlement method or
the "matched swap" method in which the periodic net cash settlements of the swap
agreement are recognized in interest expense when they accrue. An interest rate
swap is considered to be a matched swap if it is linked through designation with
an asset or liability provided that it has the opposite interest rate
characteristics of the asset or liability. Generally, if the asset or liability
that is linked to the swap matures or is extinguished, or if the swap no longer
qualifies for settlement accounting the swap will be marked to market through
income. The swap term is matched with the term of the long-term debt. If the
Company decided to terminate the interest rate swap agreement any resulting gain
or loss would be deferred and amortized over the original life of the swap
contract or recognized with the offsetting gain or loss of the hedged
transaction.
<PAGE> 9
NOTE 8 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
- ------------------------------------------
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130
"Reporting Comprehensive Income", in the first quarter of 1998. SFAS No. 130
requires presentation of comprehensive income (net income plus all other changes
in net assets from non-owner sources) and its components in the financial
statements.
Total comprehensive income for the three and nine-month periods ended October 3,
1998 and September 27, 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -----------------
Oct. 3, Sept. 27, Oct. 3, Sept. 27,
1998 1997 1998 1997
------- --------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings $ 3,458 $3,871 $6,526 $ 8,673
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of related
tax effects (262) (67) (318) (210)
------ ------ ------ ------
Total comprehensive earnings $ 3,196 $3,804 $6,208 $ 8,463
======= ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
NOTE 9 - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
- ---------------------------------------------
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
It becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and
requires that public business enterprises report certain information about
operating segments in complete sets of financial statements of the enterprise
and in condensed financial statements of interim periods issued to shareholders,
as well as other information regarding products and services, geographic
information, and major customers. The Company has not yet completed its analysis
of SFAS No. 131 and accordingly has yet to determine the effect, if any, it will
have on future financial statement disclosures.
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities. It becomes effective for all fiscal
quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, and establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities.
The Company has not yet completed its analysis of SFAS No. 133 and accordingly
has yet to determine the effect, if any, it will have on future financial
statement reporting and disclosures.
<PAGE> 10
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
-----------------------------------------------------------
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
-------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 1998
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------
Operating activities provided $12,395,000 in cash during the first nine months
of 1998, a net decrease of $8,319,000 when compared to the $20,714,000 generated
in 1997. This decline was primarily attributable to lower net earnings, a net
increase in accounts receivable, a net reduction in insurance liabilities, and a
decrease in the Registrant's income tax liabilities. These factors which
contributed to the net decline in cash provided by operating activities were
partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense and a decrease in other
assets.
The Registrant's net earnings of $6,526,000 have declined $2,147,000 when
compared to last year. The lower level of earnings continues to reflect the
influence of two factors. First, the Registrant completed a major Consulting
service contract during the third quarter of last year. It also continues to
incur costs related to its implementation of a new enterprise-wide information
system, a process which commenced in January 1998.
Accounts receivable increased $15,851,000 to $59,747,000, $3,840,000 more than
the increase in 1997. Further, the Registrant's days outstanding of 63.3 days
have increased 3.6 days from last year, and .8 days from year end 1997. While
increases in the level of accounts receivable have been experienced in most
service lines, most significantly they have been realized in the Registrant's
western U.S. operation, specifically with its major customer. Although the
level of accounts receivable and days outstanding with respect to this customer
do fluctuate, the Registrant is not concerned as to the collectibility of this
account or the overall collectibility of accounts; however, it continues its
efforts to reduce both the level of accounts receivable and days outstanding.
The Registrant also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition for collection purposes, and when determined necessary, it
provides an allowance for doubtful accounts.
Insurance liabilities declined by $899,000, a net change of $2,593,000 when
compared with the 1997 increase of $1,694,000. This reduction continues to be a
function of relatively stable levels of estimated ultimate costs resulting from
a generally mature self-insurance program, coupled with an acceleration in
claims payments. As has been experienced throughout 1998, this acceleration in
claims payments is due to an anticipated "catching up" in processing by the
Registrant's excess insurer and claims administrator; these payments had
generally lagged during the transition to this insurer since September 1996.
While income tax liabilities have declined only $60,000 from year end 1997, this
represents a net change of $2,854,000 from the increase of $2,794,000 last year.
This net change resulted from a combination of a relatively lower tax liability
in the current year based on the Registrant's decreased earnings, coupled with
an increased tax liability in 1997, a function of lower estimated income tax
payments calculated on lower seasonally adjusted taxable income.
Depreciation expense of $14,336,000 represented an increase of $1,891,000 from
last year, and is due to a higher level of capital expenditures, particularly in
the current and immediately preceding two years.
Other assets declined by $415,000 in 1998, a net change of $1,323,000 from the
increase of $908,000 in 1997. The net change is mainly attributable to a three-
year prepayment of the Registrant's liability umbrella policy in September of
1997 and its subsequent amortization.
Investing activities used $24,945,000 in cash, an increase of $5,933,000 over
last year. The increase is mainly due to a higher level of capital expenditures
for equipment and is consistent with the Registrant's capital budget of
approximately $27,000,000.
<PAGE> 11
Financing activities provided $12,114,000 in cash, a $13,452,000 increase when
compared to the $1,338,000 used in 1997. Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt, net of principal repayments, totaled $20,536,000, an increase of
$16,607,000 over last year. This increase was required to fund the higher level
of capital expenditures, as well as a significantly higher level of common share
repurchases, a portion of which was attributable to the redemption of shares
held by a retiring director.
At October 3, 1998, the Registrant's principal source of liquidity consisted of
$286,000 in cash and cash equivalents; short-term lines of credit and amounts
available to be borrowed from banks via notes payable totaling $4,586,000, of
which $250,000 was drawn and $710,000 was considered drawn to cover outstanding
letters of credit; and the revolving credit agreement and temporary line of
credit totaling $50,000,000, of which $35,200,000 had been drawn and $9,715,000
was considered drawn to cover outstanding letters of credit. Including the
outstanding term note agreement, at that date the Registrant's credit facilities
totaled $64,600,000. The Registrant believes its available credit will exceed
credit requirements, and that its liquidity is adequate.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
Revenues of $237,443,000 for the first nine months of 1998 increased $13,669,000
or 6.1% when compared to last year. Third quarter revenues of $86,547,000 were
$5,391,000 higher than last year, or 6.7%. Year to date, revenues were improved
largely in the Registrant's Residential and Utility services. Utility service
revenues continue to be positively influenced by the additional work performed
by the Registrant's western utility operations, but have also improved in its
southern operations. Residential services continue to realize the benefits of
its heightened sales efforts as well as relatively good economic conditions.
Revenues were also strengthened by virtue of additional work obtained in Quebec
and Maine as a result of an ice storm in January, as well as work gained as a
result of severe weather in Michigan in June and from Hurricane Bonnie in the
southeastern U.S. in the third quarter.
Even though operating costs remained even at 66.6% of revenues in the third
quarter, for the first nine months of 1998 they were .4% higher at 68.1%. This
increase as a percentage of revenues will continue due to higher operating costs
associated with a relatively higher level of Utility service revenues coupled
with a lower level of Consulting service revenues attributable to completion of
the major contract in September 1997. Unlike Utility services, Consulting
services favorably influence operating costs because they are generally higher
priced services with inherently higher gross margins and attendant lower
operating costs; they are far less capital intensive than Utility services.
Accordingly, any increase in Utility revenues relative to the Registrant's
Consulting and Residential revenues will adversely impact its cost structure.
The Registrant therefore expects that as a percentage of revenues, operating
costs will continue to be somewhat higher in 1998 when compared to the prior
year.
Selling costs of $11,939,000 increased $889,000 in the third quarter, and as a
percentage of revenues increased .2%. For the first nine months these costs
increased $3,098,000 and .5% as a percentage of revenues. These increases
persist as a consequence of higher Residential field management wages associated
with its heightened sales efforts, as well as with increased sales commissions.
General and administrative costs increased $904,000 and .8% as a percentage of
revenues in the third quarter. Similarly, these costs increased $2,130,000 and
.5% as a percentage of revenues in the first nine months of 1998. The increases
are due to costs associated with the Registrant's implementation of an
enterprise-wide information system. Accordingly, the Registrant anticipates
that general and administrative costs, as a percentage of revenues, will remain
higher throughout 1998.
<PAGE> 12
In 1997, the Registrant completed development of its information technology plan
for the purpose of replacing its existing legacy systems with this new system.
Of primary importance and in accord with the information technology plan, the
new system will significantly enhance the Registrant's processes and its ability
to support future growth. The software vendor has also represented that this
new system is year 2000 compliant. In January 1998, the Registrant acquired and
commenced implementation of this new information system. The Registrant
estimates implementation will be completed by June of 1999. Consistent with the
implementation schedule, the blueprint phase of the project had been completed
as of July 4, 1998. Configuration, data conversion, testing, and going live
will follow over the remaining term of the implementation schedule. The
Registrant's current estimate for the ultimate cost of this new system is
approximately $12,000,000, and it is estimated that of this total, $3,000,000
will be expensed in 1998. The Registrant believes that another $8,000,000 of
this total, consisting of hardware, software license fees, consulting and
internal personnel costs related to design and configuration, will be
capitalizable. It also anticipates that depreciation of these costs will
commence in 1999, as system modules are ready to be placed in service. Through
October 3, 1998, the Registrant has expensed $2,600,000 related to the project.
The Registrant has not fully addressed the year 2000 readiness of its non-IT
systems, those systems with embedded technology, but recognizes the need to do
so over the next several quarters. The exception to this is that concurrent
with implementation of the new enterprise-wide application, the Registrant, with
assistance from outside consultants, is seeking competitive proposals from
several major vendors to provide it with telecommunication services throughout
North America. One critical element that the Registrant will be evaluating in
these proposals is the year 2000 readiness of each vendor. The Registrant
estimates that the telecommunication services provider selection process will
now be complete during its fourth quarter. The Registrant is also in the
process of assessing the year 2000 readiness of its existing phone systems.
While this process is incomplete, it does know that its Corporate headquarters
phone software must be upgraded at an estimated cost of $60,000.
The Registrant is in the early stages of assessing the year 2000 readiness of
external entities with which it interfaces. Material relationships include, but
are not limited to, those with existing utility customers in which electronic
billing is required as well as vendors such as the Registrant's principal bank
which will provide or already provides such services as lockbox processing,
treasury management services, and benefit plan administration. It is
anticipated that the assessment of year 2000 issues with material third party
relationships will be completed over the term of the enterprise-wide system
implementation schedule.
The Registrant currently is uncertain with respect to its most reasonably likely
worst case year 2000 scenario, but believes that most issues will have been
identified prior to going live with its enterprise-wide information system.
Given this uncertainty, the Registrant also has no contingency plans, but will,
to the extent considered necessary under the circumstances, develop such plans
as issues are identified.
The preceding comments regarding the year 2000 are forward looking statements
and as such represent the Registrant's best faith estimates of what costs will
be incurred. There can be no assurance that these estimates are accurate.
Depreciation and amortization for the first nine months of 1998 of $14,593,000
increased $1,876,000 or .5% as a percentage of revenues. The increase is the
result of the higher level of capital expenditures, primarily for Utility,
Residential and Commercial services. The Registrant anticipates that
depreciation and amortization will approximate $19,000,000 in 1998.
Interest expense of $2,180,000 has increased $422,000 when compared to last
year, and as a percentage of revenues increased .1% to .9%. These increases are
due to the higher debt levels in 1998.
Other income of $350,000 is $470,000 higher than the expense of $120,000 in
1997. The increase is primarily due to a gain realized upon the receipt of
insurance proceeds on the life of a retired officer of the Registrant. It is
also attributable to a gain on the sale of certain fully depreciated equipment
during the third quarter.
As a result of the above factors, earnings before income taxes for the first
nine months were $11,135,000 or 4.7% as a percentage of revenues, compared to
$14,699,000 or 6.6% in 1997. Effective income tax rates of 41.4% and 41.0% were
used to compute the tax provisions for 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
Registrant's resultant net earnings of $6,526,000 declined $2,147,000 or 1.1% as
a percentage of revenues when compared to last year.
<PAGE> 13
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------
ITEM 4: NONE
ITEM 5: NONE
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)Exhibits
27 Financial Data Schedule
(b)Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter for
which this report is filed.
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
BY: /s/ David E. Adante
-----------------------
David E. Adante
Executive Vice President, CFO and
Secretary-Treasurer
BY: /s/ Bradley L. Comport
-----------------------
Bradley L. Comport
Corporate Controller
November 13, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> OCT-03-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 286
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 59,747
<ALLOWANCES> 314
<INVENTORY> 2,973
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 67,010
<PP&E> 205,279
<DEPRECIATION> 128,311
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 153,518
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 53,664
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 8,728
<OTHER-SE> 46,721
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 153,518
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 237,443
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 224,478
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 350
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,180
<INCOME-PRETAX> 11,135
<INCOME-TAX> 4,609
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 6,526
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 6,526
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.57
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.39
</TABLE>
