AM GENERAL CORP
10-Q, 1998-09-14
MISCELLANEOUS TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT
Previous: TAKE TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE INC, 8-K, 1998-09-14
Next: MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TR FD INTERM TERM SER 400 DEF ASSET FDS, 497, 1998-09-14



<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, DC 20549
                                   FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ x ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE   
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 1998

                                      OR

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

For the transition period from ______ to ______

                       Commission file Number: 33-93302
                                        
                            AM General Corporation
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                        
           Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization )

           35-1852615
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

      105 North Niles Avenue
       South Bend, Indiana                                         46617
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code             (219) 284-2907

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:     None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:     None

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

900 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $.01 per share, are
outstanding as of September 14, 1998.
 
Documents Incorporated by reference: None.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
                            AM General Corporation
                                   Form 10-Q
                          Quarter Ended July 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                3

  ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                                               3

    Consolidated Balance Sheets                                               3

    Consolidated Statements of Operations                                     4

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                     5

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                6

  ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION 
          AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.                                          7

    Three Months Ended July 31, 1998 ("third quarter of 1998") 
      compared to Three Months Ended July 31, 1997 
      ("third quarter of 1997")                                               9

    Nine Months Ended July 31, 1998 ("first nine months of 1998")
      compared to Nine Months Ended July 31, 1997 
      ("first nine months of 1997")                                          12

    Liquidity and Capital Resources                                          15

    Year 2000 Business Matters                                               16

    Forward-Looking Statements                                               16

  ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                                  17

SIGNATURES                                                                   18
</TABLE> 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     AM General Corporation and Subsidiary
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
            (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share information)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         October 31,   July 31,
                        Assets                               1997        1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>
                                                                     (unaudited)
Current assets:
  Cash                                                     $  1,190      1,629
  Accounts receivable, net                                   52,661     54,868
  Inventories                                                87,299     86,187
  Prepaid expenses                                            2,802      1,373
  Deferred income taxes                                       6,198      6,622
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets                                        150,150    150,679
 
Income taxes receivable                                       1,379      4,460
Property, plant, and equipment, net                          44,920     43,200
Deferred income taxes                                        24,354     24,839
Goodwill, net                                                83,585     80,370
Other assets                                                 11,870     10,173
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           $316,258    313,721
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Liabilities and Stockholder's Deficit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                           33,784     28,724
  Accrued expenses                                           60,510     64,905
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities                                    94,294     93,629
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities                 83,195     91,289
Postretirement benefits other than pensions, 
  noncurrent portion                                        150,702    154,453
Other liabilities, excluding current maturities              13,570     10,356
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                           341,761    349,727
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholder's deficit:
  8% cumulative preferred stock, $1,000 par value.  
    Authorized 10,000 shares; issued and outstanding 
    5,000 shares                                              5,000      5,000
  Common stock, $.01 par value.  Authorized, issued and 
    outstanding 900 shares                                        0          0
  Paid-in capital                                             1,000      1,000
  Accumulated deficit                                       (31,503)   (42,006)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholder's deficit                                 (25,503)   (36,006)
Commitments and contingencies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           $316,258    313,721
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                     AM GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                            July 31,              July 31,
                                       ------------------    ------------------
                                        1997       1998       1997       1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
Net sales                              $94,215    92,053    $366,005    275,347
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost and expenses:
 
  Cost of sales                         86,750    82,166     328,953    251,462
  Depreciation and amortization          3,122     2,746       9,934      8,444
  Selling, general, and 
    administrative expenses              6,309     6,745      20,697     19,990
  Restructuring charges                     54         0       9,104          0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income/(Loss) before interest and 
  income taxes                          (2,020)      396      (2,683)    (4,549)
 
Interest income                            (57)      (87)       (165)      (228)
Interest expense                         2,989     3,256      10,292      9,976
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes                (4,952)   (2,773)    (12,810)   (14,297)
Income tax benefit                       1,344       561       3,595      3,794
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss                               $(3,608)   (2,212)   $ (9,215)   (10,503)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
 
         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                     AM GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Nine Months Ended
                                                                 July 31,
                                                            -------------------
                                                              1997       1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss                                                  $ (9,215)   (10,503)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
    net cash provided by (used in ) operating activities:
      Restructuring charges                                    9,104          0
      less Restructuring payments                             (1,270)    (2,121)
      Depreciation and amortization of plant and equipment     5,931      4,446
      Other amortization                                       4,779      4,737
      Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts                (48)         0
      Increase in inventory reserve                            1,733        690
      Deferred income taxes                                   (6,787)      (909)
      Amortization of bond discount                               43         43
      Noncash other postretirement cost                        3,970      3,751
      Gain on sale of equipment                                   (5)       (10)
      Change in assets and liabilities:        
        Accounts receivable                                   15,305     (2,207)
        Inventories                                           37,945        427
        Prepaid expenses                                        (249)       285
        Other assets                                             102        175
        Accounts payable                                     (37,360)    (5,059)
        Accrued expenses                                       5,844      5,920
        Income taxes                                           3,145     (3,333)
        Other liabilities                                      2,312     (2,356)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities           35,279     (6,024)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of equipment                                 17      1,145
  Capital expenditures                                        (1,805)    (2,734)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                         (1,788)    (1,589)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net borrowings (repayments) under line-of-credit 
    agreement                                                (36,664)     8,052
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities          (36,664)     8,052
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in cash                                            (3,173)       439
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period               5,867      1,190
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                  $  2,694      1,629
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash items
  Interest paid                                             $ 11,871     11,592
  Taxes paid                                                     180        448
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                     AM General Corporation and Subsidiary

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statement presentation.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring
accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Operating results for the nine-month period ended July 31, 1998 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending
October 31, 1998.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and
footnotes thereto included in the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
October 31, 1997.

Note 2.  Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      July 31,
                                                        October 31,     1998
                                                           1997      (Unaudited)
                                                        -----------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>
Finished Goods                                            $42,528      43,189
Service Parts                                              16,451      17,959
Extended Service Program
  Production costs of goods currently
    in process                                              4,574       3,023
Raw Materials, supplies and work in progress               28,153      27,116
                                                          -------      ------
                                                           91,706      91,287
 
Less allowance for inventory obsolescence                  (4,407)     (5,100)
                                                          -------      ------
Total                                                     $87,299      86,187
                                                          =======      ======
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

GENERAL

AM General is the largest supplier of light tactical wheeled vehicles for the
Department of Defense ("DoD"). The Company is the original designer and sole
manufacturer of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle ("HUMVEE"), which
it sells to the US and foreign military services. The Company sells HUMVEEs to
foreign military services ("FMS") through the DoD's FMS program and on a direct
sale basis. In 1993, the Company began selling a modified version of the HUMVEE
("HUMMER") to industrial and retail users through its commercial dealer network.
In 1994, the Company began remanufacturing 2.5 ton medium tactical vehicles
under the Army's Extended Service Program ("ESP")

HUMVEE/HUMMERs

From November 1, 1993 through May 7, 1995, the Company's HUMVEE/HUMMER
production rate was approximately 47 units per day including 35 units per day
for the US Military and its FMS customers. On May 8, 1995 the Company reduced
its production rate to 25 units per day due to lower US and international
military demand. On February 3, 1997, the Company reduced its production rate
from 25 to 16.5 units per day due to continued lower military demand.

From 1990 through January 31, 1997, AM General sold 49,797 HUMVEEs under its A1
Series program with the DoD. With the sale of 601 vehicles to the FMS customer
in the first quarter of 1997, all units produced under the A-1 Series program
have been sold.

The Company began producing the latest generation of military HUMVEEs, the A2
series, in August 1995 under a contract for 1,201 units known as the R021
Contract. On December 23, 1995, the Company entered into a new multi-year annual
requirements contract for A2 HUMVEEs known as the X001 Contract which provides a
mechanism for the US Army to procure at least 2,350 HUMVEEs annually through the
year 2000. The contract, however, does not require the Army to purchase the
vehicles as funding for each of the respective years must be appropriated via
the annual Defense Budget. Through July 31, 1998, a total of 8,979 vehicles have
been ordered on the X001 Contract. The pending FY99 Defense Bill currently
contains the necessary funding for the fourth year of this contract.

REMANUFACTURING

In September 1993, the Company was awarded the Extended Service Program ("ESP")
Contract, the first multiyear contract to teardown and remanufacture aging
2-1/2-ton military trucks under the ESP program. Approximately three old trucks
are completely disassembled - certain parts are reworked, others are scrapped
and specific new parts are added - for every two remanufactured vehicles under
this contract. As of July 31, 1998 the Company has manufactured and delivered
all of the base and option trucks to the US government under this contract.

The Company accounted for the base and option vehicles under the ESP Contract on
the Estimate at Completion ("EAC") basis, which recognized estimated profits in
the same percentage as revenues were recognized over the term of the contract.
Estimated contract costs and profits were reviewed periodically and adjustments
recorded as necessary. All known adjustments have been recorded.

During the first nine months of 1998, the Company successfully completed the
addition of 585 vehicles and negotiated a higher per unit selling price. The
Company does not account for these units on an EAC basis.

With the addition of these vehicles, the Company is assured of stable production
through the middle of November 1998 at the current production rate. Additional
units for 1999 production will be dependent upon the 1999 US Defense Bill
currently in discussion.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Due to anticipated delays in the passage of the 1999 Defense Bill, the Company
foresees a potential break in production at the Company's ESP facility. The
Company is unable at this time to estimate the duration of such a break in
production.

In compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act,
the Company is in the process of notifying the employees at the ESP facility of
the possible break in production. Should there be a long term break in
production, it would have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of
operation and its financial condition.

Further, should sufficient additional units not be authorized under the 1999
Defense Bill, it would also have a material adverse impact on the Company's
results of operation and its financial condition.

On November 10, 1996, the Company was awarded a $6.9 million Phase I contract by
the DoD to build 10 prototype vehicles for the US Army and Marines' Medium
Tactical Truck Remanufacture program. A competitor was awarded a similar
contract. Prototypes were delivered for testing in August 1997 and testing was
concluded in April 1998. In May, the US Army advised the Company of its decision
to cancel the 5-ton portion of the MTTR program. The remaining 7-ton truck
requirement for the US Marines is for 8,168 trucks including options. The
Company's competitor is an experienced manufacturer of tactical wheeled vehicles
for the DoD; accordingly, the Company anticipates a very high level of
competition for this award. On September 14, 1998 the Company submitted its bid
to the DoD for the MTTR contract. The Company believes the DoD will award the
final contract to the manufacturer of its choice in late 1998.

SPARE PARTS LOGISTICS OPERATION  ("SPLO") and SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SUPPORT ("STS")

The Company's SPLO operation sells after-market parts and support services for
vehicles manufactured by the Company. Its STS operation performs engineering
services related to the Company's military trucks and certain other military
vehicles.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Three Months Ended July 31, 1998 ("third quarter of 1998") compared to
Three Months Ended July 31, 1997 ("third quarter of 1997")

                     AM General Corporation and Subsidiary
                     TABLE OF NET SALES AND HUMVEE/HUMMER
                            UNIT SALES INFORMATION
                    (in millions, except unit information)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                       Three
                                                   Months Ended
                                                     July 31,                                                           %
                                            1997                  1998                        Change                 Change
                                       --------------       ---------------              ---------------         --------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>                  <C>                           <C>                     <C>
Net sales
HUMVEE/HUMMERs
   US Military             $                     33.1                  37.9                          4.8                   14.5%
   International (1)                              4.1                   2.3                         (1.8)                (43.9)%
   Commercial                                    17.9                  15.8                         (2.1)                (11.7)%
                                       --------------       ---------------              ---------------
      Total HUMVEE/HUMMERs                       55.1                  56.0                          0.9                    1.6%

ESP                                              17.7                  19.5                          1.8                   10.2%
SPLO                                             11.4                  12.9                          1.5                   13.2%
STS                                              10.0                   3.6                         (6.4)                (64.0)%
                                       --------------       ---------------              ---------------

      Total net sales      $                     94.2                  92.0                         (2.2)                 (2.3)%
                                       ==============       ===============              ===============


HUMVEE/HUMMER Unit Sales
   US Military                                    549                   602                           53                    9.7%
   International (1)                               83                    34                          (49)                (59.0)%
   Commercial                                     280                   239                          (41)                (14.6)%
                                       --------------       ---------------              ---------------
      Total HUMVEE/HUMMERs                        912                   875                          (37)                 (4.1)%


HUMVEE/HUMMER Average Unit
 Selling Prices
   US Military             $                   60,262                62,957                        2,695                    4.5%
   International (1)                           49,349                67,647                       18,298                   37.1%
   Commercial                                  63,757                66,109                        2,352                    3.7%
      Total                                    60,417                64,000                        3,583                    5.9%
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes FMS and Direct International Sales

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Net Sales

The decrease in net sales was due primarily to lower STS, Commercial HUMMER and
International Military HUMVEE sales partially offset by higher US Military
HUMVEE, ESP and SPLO sales. The decrease in STS sales is due to higher sales in
the third quarter of 1997 in connection with the delivery of the ESP technical
data package and sales in connection with the Phase I award of the MTTR
contract. The decrease in Commercial HUMMER sales is attributed to a decline in
HUMMER unit sales partially offset by an increase in unit selling prices due to
more expensive vehicle options and a general price increase. The decrease in
International HUMVEE sales is due to the overall softness in the international
market.

US Military HUMVEE sales increased primarily due to an increase in unit
deliveries, higher average unit selling prices which is attributed to the sale
of more expensive models and an increase in revenues in connection with
engineering changes directed by the US Military.

The increase in ESP sales is primarily due to the delivery of units with higher
average unit selling prices. These units were added to the ESP contract at a
higher negotiated selling price rather than at the lower contract option selling
price. The increase in SPLO sales is primarily attributed to higher deliveries
of US military orders.


Average HUMVEE/HUMMER Unit Selling Prices

Average unit selling prices for all models increased by 5.9% from the third
quarter of 1997 primarily due to higher unit selling prices for all models.
Average unit selling prices for the US Military increased 4.5% over the third
quarter of 1997 due primarily to a higher ratio of more expensive models and
higher selling prices due to an annual economic price adjustment. Commercial
HUMMER average unit selling prices increased 3.7% primarily due to price
increases on the 1998 model and a reduction of sales incentives. Average unit
selling prices for International HUMVEEs increased 37.1% due to the sale of a
higher proportion of more expensive models.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $9.9 million for the third quarter of 1998, an increase of $2.4
million or 32.0% from gross profit of $7.5 million for the third quarter of
1997. The Company's gross profit margin increased from 7.9% in the third quarter
of 1997 to 10.7% in the third quarter of 1998. The increase in gross profit is
primarily due to higher gross profit in connection with the delivery of 107 of
the 585 ESP vehicles added to the ESP contract. Additionally, US Military gross
profits increased due to the sale of more expensive models and the higher gross
profit in connection with the A2 series HUMVEE engineering changes. The increase
in gross profit was partially offset by a reduction in STS gross profit due to
the higher level of STS sales in the third quarter of 1997.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.7 million for the third quarter of
1998, a decrease of $.4 million or 12.9% from depreciation and amortization
expense of $3.1 million for the third quarter of 1997. The decrease was
primarily due to lower amortization of ESP related tooling.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $6.7 million for the
third quarter of 1998, an increase of $.4 million or 6.3% from SG&A expense of
$6.3 million for the third quarter of 1997. The increase is primarily attributed
to higher IR&D related costs in connection with the Phase I contract for MTTR.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Operating Income/(Loss)

Operating income for the third quarter of 1998 was $.4 million an increase of
$2.4 million or 120% from an operating loss of $2.0 million for the third
quarter of 1997. The improvement is primarily attributed to higher gross profit
and lower depreciation expense partially offset by higher SG&A expense.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest expense for the third quarter of 1998 was $3.3 million, an increase of
$.3 million or 10% from interest expense of $3.0 million for the third quarter
of 1997. Average debt outstanding during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 was
$98.6 million at a weighted average interest rate of 12.2%. Average debt
outstanding during the third quarter of fiscal 1997 was $86.7 million at a
weighted average interest rate of 12.6%.

Interest income during the third quarter of 1998 was $.1 million which was
unchanged from the third quarter of 1997.

Income Tax Benefit

Income tax benefit was recorded at the statutory rate adjusted for permanent
differences primarily resulting from the amortization of goodwill. Income tax
benefit was $.5 million for the third quarter of 1998, a decrease of $.8 million
from income tax benefit of $1.3 million for the third quarter of 1997. The
decrease in income tax benefit was due to the decrease in taxable loss.

Net Loss

As discussed above, the decrease in net loss was primarily due to higher
operating income partially offset by higher interest expense and a lower income
tax benefit.

                                       11
<PAGE>

Nine Months Ended July 31, 1998 ("first nine months of 1998") compared to
Nine Months Ended July 31, 1997 ("first nine months of 1997")

                     AM General Corporation and Subsidiary
                     TABLE OF NET SALES AND HUMVEE/HUMMER
                            UNIT SALES INFORMATION
                    ( in millions, except unit information)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Nine Months Ended
                                        July 31,
                                 ------------------------                         %
                                    1997          1998          Change          Change
                                 ---------      ---------      ----------      -------
<S>                              <C>                <C>            <C>          <C>
Net sales
HUMVEE/HUMMER
   US Military                   $   141.0          114.1          (26.9)       (19.1)%
   International (1)                  52.0            4.9          (47.1)       (90.6)%
   Commercial                         56.9           48.0           (8.9)       (15.6)%
                                 ---------      ---------      ---------
      Total HUMVEE/HUMMERs           249.9          167.0          (82.9)       (33.2)%

ESP                                   55.5           59.8            4.3          7.7%
SPLO                                  35.4           36.9            1.5          4.2%
STS                                   25.2           11.6          (13.6)       (54.0)%
                                 ---------      ---------      ---------

      Total net sales            $   366.0          275.3          (90.7)       (24.8)%
                                 =========      =========      =========


HUMVEE/HUMMER Unit Sales
   US Military                       2,329          2,060           (269)       (11.5)%
   International (1)                 1,011             78           (933)       (92.3)%
   Commercial                          929            726           (203)       (21.8)%
                                 ---------      ---------      ---------
      Total HUMVEE/HUMMERs           4,269          2,864         (1,405)       (32.9)%


HUMVEE/HUMMER Average Unit
Selling Prices
   US Military                   $  60,541         55,388         (5,153)        (8.5)%
   International (1)                51,523         62,821         11,298         21.9%
   Commercial                       61,200         66,116          4,916          8.0%
      Total HUMVEE/HUMMERs          58,549         58,310           (239)        (0.4)%
</TABLE>


(1) Includes FMS and Direct International Sales

                                       12

<PAGE>
 
Net Sales

The decrease in net sales was due primarily to lower demand for US and
International Military HUMVEE and Commercial HUMMER sales. Further, the decrease
in International Military HUMVEE sales is primarily attributed to the sale of
the 601 units for the FMS customer in the first nine months of 1997.

STS sales were lower due to higher sales in the first nine months of 1997 in
connection with Phase I MTTR contract sales and the delivery of the ESP
Technical Data Package. ESP sales were higher primarily due to the delivery of
trucks with higher negotiated selling prices. SPLO sales were higher due to
higher US Military sales.

Average HUMVEE/HUMMER Unit Selling Prices

Average unit selling prices for all models decreased slightly by .4% from the
first nine months of 1997 primarily due to lower average unit selling prices for
US Military HUMVEEs partially offset by higher unit selling prices for
Commercial HUMMERs and International HUMVEEs. Average unit selling prices for US
Military HUMVEEs decreased 8.5% over the first nine months of 1997 due primarily
to a higher ratio of more expensive models sold in the first nine months of
1997. Commercial HUMMER average unit selling prices increased 8.0% primarily due
to a price increase on the 1998 model and lower sales incentives. Average unit
selling prices for International HUMVEEs increased by 21.9% primarily due to the
sale of higher priced A2 HUMVEEs sold in the first nine months of 1998 as
compared to a higher proportion of lower priced HUMVEEs sold during the first
nine months of 1997.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $23.9 million for the first nine months of 1998, a decrease of
$13.1 million or 35.4% from gross profit of $37.0 million for the first nine
months of 1997. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to the overall
decrease in sales and the gross profit in connection with the 601 units sold to
the FMS Customer in the first nine months of 1997. The Company's gross profit
rate declined from 10.1% in the first nine months of 1997 to 8.7% in the first
nine months of 1998 primarily due to a higher proportion of lower gross profit
related revenues.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.4 million for the first nine months
of 1998, a decrease of $1.5 million or 15.1% over depreciation and amortization
expense of $9.9 million for the first nine months of 1997. The decrease was
primarily due to lower depreciation expense with respect to the Indianapolis
stamping plant which was closed in 1997 and lower amortization of tooling during
the first nine months of 1998 in connection with the completion of the base and
option ESP trucks and the reduction in unit production from 25 to 16.5 units per
day which began at the beginning of the second quarter of 1997.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $20.0 million for the
first nine months of 1998, a decrease of $.7 million or 3.4% from SG&A expense
of $20.7 million for the first nine months of 1997. The decrease is primarily
attributed to lower advertising costs.

Restructuring Charge

In anticipation of continued softness in the demand for Military HUMVEEs,
primarily International, the Company implemented a plan to improve its operating
results and financial liquidity during the first nine months of 1997. The plan
consisted of 1) a reduction in the HUMVEE/HUMMER production rate, 2) a reduction
in corporate overhead costs, and 3) a cost review of Indianapolis Stamping Plant
parts based on reduced HUMVEE/HUMMER volumes.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Effective February 3, 1997, the HUMVEE/HUMMER production line rate was reduced
from 25 to 16.5 units per day. During the first nine months of 1997, the Company
recorded special charges of $7.5 million in connection with its decision to
close the Indianapolis Stamping Plant and $1.6 million with respect to employee
layoff costs in connection with its plan to reduce fixed and corporate overhead
costs. There were no comparable costs recorded by the Company during the first
nine months of 1998.

Operating Loss

The Company reported an operating loss of $4.5 million for the first nine months
of 1998, an increase of $1.8 million or 66.7% from an operating loss of $2.7
million for the first nine months of 1997. The increase in operating loss is
primarily attributed to lower gross profits partially offset by the $9.1 million
Restructuring charge recorded in the first nine months of 1997 and lower SG&A
and amortization expense during the first nine months of 1998.

Interest Income and Expense

Interest expense for the first nine months of 1998 was $10.0 million, a decrease
of $.3 million or 2.9% from interest expense of $10.3 million for the first nine
months of 1997. Average debt outstanding during the first nine months of 1998
was $99.5 million at a weighted average interest rate of 12.2%. Average debt
outstanding during the first nine months of 1997 was $104.5 million at a
weighted average interest rate of 12.5%.

Interest income during the first nine months of 1998 was $.2 million which was
unchanged from interest income during the first nine months of 1997.

Income Tax Benefit

Income tax benefit was recorded at the statutory rate adjusted for permanent
differences primarily resulting from the amortization of goodwill. Income tax
benefit was $3.8 million for the first nine months of 1998, an increase of $.2
million from income tax benefit of $3.6 million for the first nine months of
1997. The increase in income tax benefit was due to the increase in taxable
loss.

Net Loss

As discussed above, the increase in net loss was primarily due to lower
operating income partially offset by lower net interest expense and a higher
income tax benefit.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's liquidity requirements result from capital investments, working
capital requirements, postretirement health care and pension funding, interest
expense, and, to a lesser extent, principal payments on its indebtedness. The
Company has met these requirements in each fiscal year since its inception in
1992 with cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its
Revolving Credit Facility.

Cash used in operating activities was $6.0 million for the first nine months of
1998 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $35.3 million for the
first nine months of 1997. The key factors affecting cash flow from operating
activities were the net loss reduced by non-cash charges to operating income
including depreciation, amortization and non-cash postretirement expenses,
decreases in accounts payable and increases in accounts receivable.

Accounts receivable levels at the end of the first nine months of 1998 were
$54.9 million, an increase of $2.2 million or 4.2% from accounts receivable of
$52.7 million at the end of the prior fiscal year. The increase in accounts
receivable is primarily due to higher unbilled contract modifications due to A2
series HUMVEE directed engineering changes.

Inventory levels at the end of the first nine months of 1998 were $86.2 million,
a reduction of $1.1 million or 1.3% from inventory levels of $87.3 at the end of
the prior fiscal year. The improvement in inventory is due to the reduction of
ESP related raw materials partially offset by slightly higher levels of finished
goods. Included in the finished goods inventory are 231 completed A2 series
HUMVEE units for an FMS customer. Management anticipates that these units will
be on contract and delivered by the end of the first quarter of 1999. When the
units are delivered for sale the finished goods inventory will decrease by
approximately $12 million.

During the first nine months of 1998, the Company spent $2.7 million on capital
expenditures primarily for year 2000 compliant software, machinery and equipment
and tooling for vehicle production, as compared to $1.8 million during the first
nine months of 1997. During the first nine months of 1998, capital expenditures
were offset by $1.1 million of proceeds from the sale of assets with respect to
the Company's former Indianapolis stamping facility. There were no significant
asset sales in the first nine months of 1997. The Company expects its remaining
capital expenditures in fiscal 1998 to be funded from operating cash flow and
availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company's Revolving Credit Facility has a maximum borrowing limit of $60
million, is secured by eligible inventories and receivables, as defined therein,
and expires on October 31, 1999. As of July 31, 1998, the Company had borrowings
of $17.0 million outstanding and approximately $23.7 million of excess
availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. When the 231 A2 series HUMVEE
units described above have been sold and the revenues are received therefrom,
the loan balance will be reduced by approximately $16.0 million.

The ability of the Company to meet its debt service requirements and to comply
with its loan covenants will be dependent upon future operating performance and
financial results of the Company, which will be subject to financial, economic,
political, competitive and other factors affecting the Company, many of which
are beyond its control.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Year 2000 Business Matters

The Year 2000 problem is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a major system
failure or miscalculations.

In September 1997, the Company formed an internal committee to perform a
comprehensive review of its computer systems, the purpose of which was to
identify the systems that could be affected by the "Year 2000" issue and
recommend a solution. The committee made a review of the Company's current
systems and evaluated three alternatives which included fixing the defective
code internally, outsourcing the project to a third party or purchasing new
software. Factors affecting the committee's decision included the cost benefit
analysis of fixing the code versus replacing the software with newer and more
cost effective technology. Upon completion of its review, the committee reached
a conclusion and recommended that the Company purchase and implement new
software.

The committee focused on a company wide solution and selected the market leaders
offering such software. Further, the committee narrowed its search to software
that specialized in the aerospace and defense industries. From October 1997
through June 1998 the committee participated in software demonstrations and
evaluated proposals for implementation from a variety of information technology
consultants. In June, the committee reached a consensus on its choice of
software and the implementation consultant and management approved its
recommendation. The committee began the implementation process in July 1998.

The Company anticipates the project will conclude in May 1999. Costs in
connection with the implementation will not have a material adverse impact on
the Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the
actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other important
factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions; funding
for government HUMVEE and ESP orders; volume of international and commercial
orders for HUMVEE/HUMMERs; the outcome of the MTTR competition; the outcome of
pending litigation; the loss of any significant customers; the loss of any major
supplier; and the availability of qualified personnel.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


         (a)  Listing of Exhibits

              Exhibit Number            Description
              ----------------------------------------------------------------
              27                        Financial Data Schedule

         (b) Reports on Form 8-K.  Registrant did not file any reports on Form
         8-K during the quarter for which this report is filed.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
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.


Date:  September 14, 1998                           AM GENERAL CORPORATION
                                                       Registrant


                                                 By _________________________
                                                      Paul J. Cafiero
                                                      Vice President and
                                                        Chief Financial Officer
                                                     Duly authorized officer and
                                                     principal financial officer

                                       18

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         OCT-31-1998              OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                            NOV-01-1997              NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                              JUL-31-1998              JUL-31-1997
<CASH>                                          1,629                    2,694
<SECURITIES>                                        0                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  55,218                   42,219
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (350)                    (350)
<INVENTORY>                                    86,187                   82,211
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              150,679                  137,308
<PP&E>                                         98,338                   96,441
<DEPRECIATION>                                 55,138                   50,213
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                313,721                  307,226
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          93,629                   74,124
<BONDS>                                        74,287                   74,231
                               0                        0
                                     5,000                    5,000
<COMMON>                                            0                        0
<OTHER-SE>                                   (42,006)                 (31,177)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  313,721                  307,226
<SALES>                                       275,347                  366,005
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              275,347                  366,005
<CGS>                                         251,462                  328,953
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 279,896                  368,688
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    0                        0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             10,204                   10,127
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              (14,297)                 (12,810)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (3,794)                  (3,595)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 0                        0
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0                        0
<CHANGES>                                           0                        0
<NET-INCOME>                                 (10,503)                  (9,215)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                       0                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                       0                        0
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission