Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

LOGO

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 October 31, 2008

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 1-12557

CASCADE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Oregon   93-0136592
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2201 N.E. 201st Ave.

Fairview, Oregon

  97024-9718
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  x   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

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

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of November 19, 2008 was 10,852,530.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CASCADE CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended October 31, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
Part I – Financial Information:   

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):

  

Consolidated Statements of Income

   4

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   5

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

   6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   18

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   32

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   33
Part II – Other Information    34
Signatures    35
Exhibit Index    36

 

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Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 2) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, gross profit, expenses, earnings or losses from operations, synergies or other financial items; any statements of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties, and assumptions referred to above include, but are not limited to:

 

   

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

 

   

Fluctuations in lift truck orders or deliveries;

 

   

Foreign currency fluctuations;

 

   

Competitive factors in, and the cyclical nature of, the materials handling and construction equipment industries;

 

   

Effectiveness of our reorganization plans, capital expenditures and cost reduction initiatives;

 

   

Cost and availability of raw materials;

 

   

Risks associated with international operations;

 

   

Assumptions relating to pension and other postretirement costs;

 

   

Fluctuations in interest rates;

 

   

Impact of acquisitions;

 

   

Environmental matters.

We undertake no obligation to publicly revise or update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report. See “Risk Factors” (Item 1A) for additional information on risk factors with the potential to impact our business.

 

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited — in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31
    Nine Months Ended
October 31
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 139,134     $ 143,143     $ 439,104     $ 421,826  

Cost of goods sold

     99,635       99,102       314,556       289,270  
                                

Gross profit

     39,499       44,041       124,548       132,556  

Selling and administrative expenses

     21,003       22,656       68,299       65,842  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     22       (6 )     167       (1,178 )

Amortization

     659       764       2,001       2,406  

Insurance litigation recovery, net

     —         —         —         (15,977 )
                                

Operating income

     17,815       20,627       54,081       81,463  

Interest expense

     1,234       961       3,475       2,878  

Interest income

     (132 )     (169 )     (399 )     (551 )

Foreign currency losses, net

     1,745       746       2,372       1,048  
                                

Income before provision for income taxes

     14,968       19,089       48,633       78,088  

Provision for income taxes

     4,553       6,669       16,865       26,728  
                                

Net income

   $ 10,415     $ 12,420     $ 31,768     $ 51,360  
                                

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.96     $ 1.04     $ 2.94     $ 4.30  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.94     $ 1.00     $ 2.86     $ 4.11  

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     10,801       11,965       10,792       11,954  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     11,101       12,391       11,107       12,487  

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

 

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CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited - in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     October 31
2008
   January 31
2008
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 33,263    $ 21,223

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,231 and $1,623

     88,992      93,117

Inventories

     92,551      85,049

Deferred income taxes

     5,590      6,213

Prepaid expenses and other

     10,283      10,887
             

Total current assets

     230,679      216,489

Property, plant and equipment, net

     94,386      98,350

Goodwill

     104,656      118,826

Deferred income taxes

     6,405      5,948

Intangible assets, net

     18,886      20,916

Other assets

     2,003      1,971
             

Total assets

   $ 457,015    $ 462,500
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

     

Notes payable to banks

   $ 4,788    $ 2,484

Current portion of long-term debt

     457      423

Accounts payable

     26,829      32,727

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

     10,590      10,148

Other accrued expenses

     14,213      18,736
             

Total current liabilities

     56,877      64,518

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     109,769      107,809

Accrued environmental expenses

     3,418      4,314

Deferred income taxes

     3,324      5,710

Employee benefit obligations

     8,447      8,824

Other liabilities

     4,009      3,300
             

Total liabilities

     185,844      194,475
             

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

     

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, $.50 par value, 40,000 authorized shares; 10,852 and 10,840 shares issued and outstanding

     5,426      5,420

Additional paid-in capital

     2,412      —  

Retained earnings

     252,410      226,932

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     10,923      35,673
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     271,171      268,025
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 457,015    $ 462,500
             

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

 

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CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited — in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In
    Retained     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
    Total
Shareholders’
    Year-To-Date
Comprehensive
 
   Shares     Amount     Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Equity     Income (Loss)  

Balance at January 31, 2008

   10,840     $ 5,420     $ —       $ 226,932     $ 35,673     $ 268,025    

Net income

   —         —         —         31,768       —         31,768     $ 31,768  

Dividends ($ 0.58 per share)

   —         —         —         (6,290 )     —         (6,290 )     —    

Common stock issued

   30       15       115       —         —         130       —    

Tax effect from vesting of restricted stock

   —         —         (73 )     —         —         (73 )     —    

Common stock repurchased

   (18 )     (9 )     (901 )     —         —         (910 )     —    

Share-based compensation

   —         —         3,271       —         —         3,271       —    

Currency translation adjustment

   —         —         —         —         (24,750 )     (24,750 )     (24,750 )
                                                      

Balance at October 31, 2008

   10,852     $ 5,426     $ 2,412     $ 252,410     $ 10,923     $ 271,171     $ 7,018  
                                                      

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

 

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CASCADE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited - in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
October 31
 
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 31,768     $ 51,360  

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

    

Depreciation

     10,666       10,305  

Amortization

     2,001       2,406  

Share-based compensation

     3,271       3,229  

Deferred income taxes

     (803 )     1,917  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     167       (1,178 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (5,135 )     (13,552 )

Inventories

     (17,488 )     (16,379 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     (2,220 )     (873 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (2,753 )     6,791  

Income taxes payable and receivable

     2,160       594  

Other assets and liabilities

     344       (1,054 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     21,978       43,566  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (13,585 )     (14,262 )

Proceeds from disposition of assets

     505       2,638  

Business acquisitions

     —         (11,529 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (13,080 )     (23,153 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Cash dividends paid

     (6,290 )     (6,194 )

Payments on long-term debt

     (49,823 )     (82,642 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     51,500       93,200  

Notes payable to banks, net

     2,543       (624 )

Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans

     130       3,844  

Common stock repurchased

     (3,220 )     (43,463 )

Tax effect from share-based compensation awards

     (73 )     3,268  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (5,233 )     (32,611 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes

     8,375       (1,376 )
                

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     12,040       (13,574 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     21,223       36,593  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 33,263     $ 23,019  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements

    

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

 

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CASCADE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1—Description of Business

Cascade Corporation is an international company engaged in the manufacture of materials handling products that are widely used on industrial fork lift trucks and, to a lesser extent, construction, mining and agricultural vehicles. Accordingly, our sales are largely dependent on sales of lift trucks and replacement parts. Our sales are made throughout the world. We are headquartered in Fairview, Oregon, employing approximately 2,300 people and maintaining operations in 15 countries outside the United States.

Note 2—Interim Financial Information

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the interim periods ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for those interim periods. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year, and these financial statements do not contain the detail or footnote disclosures concerning accounting policies and other matters that would be included in full fiscal year financial statements. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008.

Note 3—Segment Information

Our operating units have several economic characteristics and attributes, including similar products, distribution patterns and classes of customers. As a result, we aggregate our operating units into four geographic operating segments related to the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of material handling load engagement products. We evaluate the performance of each of our operating segments based on operating income, which consists of income before interest, foreign currency losses and income taxes. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies contained in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008.

Revenues and operating results are classified according to the country of origin. Transfers between areas represent sales between our geographic operating segments. The costs of our corporate office are included in North America. Identifiable assets are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Net sales and transfers, operating results and identifiable assets by geographic operating segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

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Segment Information

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended October 31  

2008

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific     China    Eliminations     Consolidation  

Net sales

   $ 69,692     $ 42,144     $ 17,291     $ 10,007    $ —       $ 139,134  

Transfers between areas

     7,696       460       199       6,701      (15,056 )     —    
                                               

Net sales and transfers

   $ 77,388     $ 42,604     $ 17,490     $ 16,708    $ (15,056 )   $ 139,134  
                                               

Gross profit

   $ 24,355     $ 6,693     $ 3,640     $ 4,811      $ 39,499  

Selling and administrative

     11,304       6,325       2,206       1,168        21,003  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     15       (61 )     44       24        22  

Amortization

     586       73       —         —          659  
                                         

Operating income

   $ 12,450     $ 356     $ 1,390     $ 3,619      $ 17,815  
                                         

Total assets

   $ 225,190     $ 127,858     $ 45,763     $ 58,204      $ 457,015  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 34,508     $ 32,966     $ 7,153     $ 19,759      $ 94,386  

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,252     $ 689     $ 268     $ 337      $ 3,546  

Depreciation expense

   $ 1,585     $ 1,292     $ 116     $ 464      $ 3,457  
     Three Months Ended October 31  

2007

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific     China    Eliminations     Consolidation  

Net sales

   $ 73,757     $ 43,408     $ 15,460     $ 10,518    $ —       $ 143,143  

Transfers between areas

     8,940       434       27       5,258      (14,659 )     —    
                                               

Net sales and transfers

   $ 82,697     $ 43,842     $ 15,487     $ 15,776    $ (14,659 )   $ 143,143  
                                               

Gross profit

   $ 28,393     $ 6,891     $ 3,966     $ 4,791      $ 44,041  

Selling and administrative

     12,885       6,607       2,129       1,035        22,656  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     10       —         (18 )     2        (6 )

Amortization

     599       165       —         —          764  
                                         

Operating income

   $ 14,899     $ 119     $ 1,855     $ 3,754      $ 20,627  
                                         

Total assets

   $ 241,142     $ 133,579     $ 39,216     $ 47,039      $ 460,976  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 35,233     $ 38,474     $ 2,249     $ 16,622      $ 92,578  

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,505     $ 1,983     $ 292     $ 376      $ 5,156  

Depreciation expense

   $ 1,680     $ 1,264     $ 94     $ 378      $ 3,416  
     Nine Months Ended October 31  

2008

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific     China    Eliminations     Consolidation  

Net sales

   $ 208,853     $ 139,904     $ 55,331     $ 35,016    $ —       $ 439,104  

Transfers between areas

     24,882       1,484       345       19,532      (46,243 )     —    
                                               

Net sales and transfers

   $ 233,735     $ 141,388     $ 55,676     $ 54,548    $ (46,243 )   $ 439,104  
                                               

Gross profit

   $ 73,148     $ 21,699     $ 13,245     $ 16,456      $ 124,548  

Selling and administrative

     35,699       21,950       7,004       3,646        68,299  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     154       (76 )     30       59        167  

Amortization

     1,770       231       —         —          2,001  
                                         

Operating income (loss)

   $ 35,525     $ (406 )   $ 6,211     $ 12,751      $ 54,081  
                                         

Capital expenditures

   $ 5,657     $ 4,271     $ 1,173     $ 2,484      $ 13,585  

Depreciation expense

   $ 4,908     $ 4,040     $ 374     $ 1,344      $ 10,666  
     Nine Months Ended October 31  

2007

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific     China    Eliminations     Consolidation  

Net sales

   $ 219,708     $ 128,430     $ 44,346     $ 29,342    $ —       $ 421,826  

Transfers between areas

     25,843       1,131       125       11,817      (38,916 )     —    
                                               

Net sales and transfers

   $ 245,551     $ 129,561     $ 44,471     $ 41,159    $ (38,916 )   $ 421,826  
                                               

Gross profit

   $ 85,590     $ 22,420     $ 11,145     $ 13,401      $ 132,556  

Selling and administrative

     37,760       19,148       6,132       2,802        65,842  

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     (1,184 )     8       (35 )     33        (1,178 )

Amortization

     1,826       579       —         1        2,406  

Insurance litigation recovery, net

     (15,977 )     —         —         —          (15,977 )
                                         

Operating income

   $ 63,165     $ 2,685     $ 5,048     $ 10,565      $ 81,463  
                                         

Capital expenditures

   $ 6,006     $ 3,344     $ 741     $ 4,171      $ 14,262  

Depreciation expense

   $ 5,330     $ 3,724     $ 291     $ 960      $ 10,305  

 

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Note 4—Inventories

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008, inventories increased due to material price increases and additional purchases of raw materials made in advance of price increases. Inventories stated at the lower of average cost or market are presented below by major class (in thousands):

 

     October 31
2008
   January 31
2008

Finished goods

   $ 31,759    $ 31,618

Raw materials and components

     60,792      53,431
             
   $ 92,551    $ 85,049
             

Note 5—Goodwill

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008, goodwill decreased due to fluctuations in foreign currencies. We have no goodwill recorded in China. The following table provides a breakdown of goodwill by geographic region (in thousands):

 

     October 31
2008
   January 31
2008

North America

   $ 91,510    $ 103,965

Europe

     10,122      11,893

Asia Pacific

     3,024      2,968
             
   $ 104,656    $ 118,826
             

Note 6—Share-Based Compensation Plans

We have granted three types of share-based awards, stock appreciation rights (SARS), restricted stock and stock options, under our share-based compensation plans to officers, key managers and directors. The grant prices are established by our Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee based on the end of day market price of our common stock on the grant date. We issue new common shares upon the exercise of all awards.

SARS provide the holder the right to receive an amount, payable in our common shares, equal to the excess of the market value of our common shares on the date of exercise (“intrinsic value”) over the base price at the time the right was granted. The base price may not be less than the market price of our common shares on the date of grant. All SARS vest ratably over a four year period and have a term of ten years.

Our SARS plan permits the issuance of restricted shares of common stock. Upon the granting of restricted stock, common shares are issued to the recipient, but the shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or disposed of by the recipient until vested. Regardless of vesting, restricted shares have full voting rights and any dividends declared will be paid to the restricted stock recipient. Restricted shares vest ratably over a period of three years for officers and four years for directors. The number of restricted shares issued to directors is based on the market value of our shares on the date of grant.

The SARS plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of 750,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of SARS or issuance of restricted stock. As of October 31, 2008, a total of 246,000 shares of common stock have been issued under the SARS plan, which includes a total of 65,000 shares of restricted stock.

Stock options provide the holder the right to receive our common shares at an established price. We have reserved 1,400,000 shares of common stock under our stock option plan. As of October 31, 2008, a total of 1,090,000 shares have been issued upon the exercise of stock options. No additional stock options can be granted under the terms of the plan. All outstanding stock options vest ratably over a four year period and have a term of ten years.

 

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A summary of the plans’ status at October 31, 2008 together with changes during the nine months then ended are presented in the following tables (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Stock Options    Stock Appreciation Rights
     Outstanding
Awards
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
   Outstanding
Awards
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

Balance at January 31, 2008

   286     $ 13.39    815     $ 34.84

Granted

   —         —      47       44.24

Exercised

   (7 )     18.60    —         —  

Forfeited

   —         —      (56 )     41.16
                 

Balance at October 31, 2008

   279     $ 13.26    806     $ 34.95
                 

 

     Restricted Stock Awards
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

Unvested restricted stock at January 31, 2008

   42     $ 73.73

Granted

   23       44.24

Vested

   (14 )     73.73

Forfeited

   —         —  
        

Unvested restricted stock at October 31, 2008

   51     $ 60.51
        

We calculate share-based compensation cost for stock options and SARS using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The range of assumptions used to compute share-based compensation are as follows:

 

     Granted in
Fiscal 2009
    Granted Prior to
Fiscal 2009

Risk-free interest rate

     3.5 %   2.3 - 5.1%

Expected volatility

     40 %   40 - 42%

Expected dividend yield

     1.8 %   1.0 - 2.8%

Expected life (in years)

     6.5     5 - 7

Weighted average fair value at date of grant

   $ 16.71     $4.16 - 33.31

We calculate share-based compensation cost for restricted stock by multiplying the fair market value of our common shares on the grant date by the number of restricted shares expected to vest. Share-based compensation is expensed ratably over the applicable vesting period. Additional information regarding the assumptions used to calculate fair value of our share-based compensation plans is presented in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008.

 

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As of October 31, 2008, there was $6.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards granted under the plans, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. The following table represents as of October 31, 2008 the share-based compensation costs to be recognized in future periods (in thousands) for awards granted to date:

 

Fiscal Year

   Amount

2009*

     1,149

2010

     3,327

2011

     1,518

2012

     519

2013

     90
      
   $ 6,603
      

 

* Represents last three months of fiscal 2009.

Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters

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

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

Our specific environmental matters consist of the following:

Fairview, Oregon

In 1996, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued two Records of Decision affecting our Fairview, Oregon manufacturing facility. The Records of Decision required us to initiate remedial activities related to the cleanup of groundwater contamination at and near the facility. Remediation activities have been conducted since 1996 and current estimates provide for some level of activity to continue through 2019. Costs of certain remediation activities at the facility are shared with The Boeing Company, with Cascade paying 70% of these costs. The recorded liability for ongoing remediation activities at our Fairview facility was $4.0 million and $4.8 million at October 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008, respectively.

Springfield, Ohio

In 1994, we entered into a consent order with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required the installation of remediation systems for the cleanup of groundwater contamination at our Springfield, Ohio facility. The current estimate is that the remediation activities will continue through 2013. The recorded liability for ongoing remediation activities in Springfield was $804,000 at October 31, 2008 and $900,000 at January 31, 2008.

 

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Insurance Litigation

On April 9, 2007, we entered into a settlement agreement with Employers Reinsurance Corporation with respect to litigation to recover various expenses incurred in connection with environmental and related proceedings. The recovery from the settlement, recorded during the three months ended April 30, 2007, was $16.0 million, net of expenses. In connection with the settlement, we released all rights we might have under insurance policies issued by Employers Reinsurance Corporation and certain related entities. This concluded all litigation against our insurance companies with regard to environmental matters.

Legal Proceedings

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

Note 8—Earnings Per Share

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

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31
   Nine Months Ended
October 31
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 10,415    $ 12,420    $ 31,768    $ 51,360
                           

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

     10,801      11,965      10,792      11,954
                           
   $ 0.96    $ 1.04    $ 2.94    $ 4.30

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 10,415    $ 12,420    $ 31,768    $ 51,360
                           

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

     10,801      11,965      10,792      11,954

Dilutive effect of stock awards

     300      426      315      533
                           

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

     11,101      12,391      11,107      12,487
                           
   $ 0.94    $ 1.00    $ 2.86    $ 4.11

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted weighted average common shares includes the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights and the amount of unvested restricted stock. Unexercised SARS as of October 31, 2008 totaling 104,000 awards and unvested restricted stock as of October 31, 2008 totaling 26,000 shares were excluded from the fiscal 2009 three months and nine months calculations of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive. The remaining SARS, restricted stock and stock options were included in our calculation of incremental shares because they are dilutive.

 

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Note 9—Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table presents information that supplements the consolidated statements of cash flow (in thousands):

 

     For the Nine Months Ended
October 31
 
     2008    2007  

Cash paid during the period for:

     

Interest

   $ 3,622    $ 2,650  

Income taxes

   $ 14,383    $ 20,825  

Supplemental disclosure of investing activities:

     

Business acquistions:

     

Accounts receivable and other assets

   $ —      $ 935  

Inventories

     —        818  

Property, plant and equipment

     —        296  

Goodwill

     —        6,423  

Intangible asset - customer relationships

     —        5,400  

Intangible asset - intellectual property and other

     —        1,900  

Accounts payable and other liabilities assumed

     —        (708 )

Notes payable assumed

     —        (931 )

Deferred income taxes

     —        (2,604 )
               

Net cash paid for acquisitions

   $ —      $ 11,529  
               

 

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Note 10—Benefit Plans

The following table represents the net periodic cost related to our defined benefit plans in England and France and our postretirement health benefit plan in the United States (in thousands):

 

     Defined Benefit
Three Months Ended
October 31
    Postretirement Benefit
Three Months Ended
October 31
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net periodic benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 5     $ 15     $ 26     $ 30  

Interest cost

     133       133       108       106  

Expected return on plan assets

     (118 )     (130 )     —         —    

Recognized prior service cost

     —         —         (19 )     (19 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     20       22       1       48  
                                
   $ 40     $ 40     $ 116     $ 165  
                                
     Defined Benefit
Nine Months Ended
October 31
    Postretirement Benefit
Nine Months Ended
October 31
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net periodic benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 17     $ 44     $ 78     $ 90  

Interest cost

     426       393       324       317  

Expected return on plan assets

     (380 )     (382 )     —         —    

Recognized prior service cost

     —         —         (57 )     (57 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     66       66       3       144  
                                
   $ 129     $ 121     $ 348     $ 494  
                                

Note 11—Recent Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS 157 – In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 provides a common definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. In February 2008, the FASB issued final Staff Positions that will (1) defer the effective date of this statement for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities and (2) remove certain leasing transactions from the scope of the statement. We applied SFAS 157 to all other fair value measurements effective February 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

FSP 157-2 In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position on Statement 157, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Our significant nonfinancial assets and liabilities that could be impacted by this deferral include assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination and goodwill tested annually for impairment. FSP 157-2 will become effective for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP 157-2 on our financial statements.

FSP 157-3 In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-3 “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (FSP 157-3). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance. We adopted FSP 157-3 for the period ended October 31, 2008. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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SFAS 159 – In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (SFAS 159), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS 159 allows companies the choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Application of SFAS 159 was required for our financial statements beginning February 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

SFAS 141(R) & SFAS 160 – In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (SFAS 141(R)), “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 160 (SFAS 160), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51”. SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Further, SFAS 141(R) also changes the accounting for acquired in-process research and development assets, contingent consideration, partial acquisitions and transaction costs. Under SFAS 160, all entities are required to report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests will be treated as equity transactions. SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 will become effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of these standards on our financial statements.

SFAS 161 – In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (SFAS 161), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS 161 expands disclosures for derivative instruments by requiring entities to disclose the fair value of derivative instruments and their gains or losses in tabular format. SFAS 161 also requires disclosure of information about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements, counterparty credit risk, and strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments. SFAS 161 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt this new accounting standard on February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our financial statements.

SFAS 162  In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (SFAS 162), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. SFAS 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” We do not expect any changes to our financial accounting and reporting as a result of the adoption of this standard.

 

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Note 12—Warranty Obligations

We record a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for costs related to warranties with the sales of our products. This liability is estimated through historical customer claims, product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Our warranty obligations, which are recorded in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

Balance at January 31

   $ 1,900     $ 1,754  

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

     1,487       1,929  

Settlements during the period

     (1,677 )     (1,922 )

Foreign currency changes

     (253 )     136  
                

Balance at October 31

   $ 1,457     $ 1,897  
                

Note 13—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the nine months ended October 31, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive income decreased due to fluctuations in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, British Pound and Canadian dollar. The following table presents the changes in and the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):

 

     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  
     Translation Adjustment     Minimum Pension Liability
Adjustment
    Total  

Balance at January 31, 2008

   $ 37,492     $ (1,819 )   $ 35,673  

Currency translation adjustment

     (25,059 )     309       (24,750 )
                        

Balance at October 31, 2008

   $ 12,433     $ (1,510 )   $ 10,923  
                        

Note 14—Income Taxes

As of October 31, 2008 our liability for uncertain tax positions under FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) was $1.2 million. There were no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits during the current period. The reserve for unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2008 included an accrual for interest and penalties of $166,000.

We are subject to taxation primarily in the U.S., Canada and China, as well as various state and other foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently reviewing our U.S. income tax return for fiscal years 2004—2007. The IRS has proposed an adjustment of $5 million related to interest deductions reported on tax returns for the 2004 and 2005 tax years. These adjustments would result in an additional federal and state tax liability of approximately $1.8 million. We are in the process of appealing the issue with the IRS and have determined that we will more-likely-than-not prevail on the issue. No amount has been recorded in our financial statements as of October 31, 2008 related to this matter. As of October 31, 2008, we remain subject to examination in various state and foreign jurisdictions for the 1998-2007 tax years.

Note 15—Gain on Sale of Assets

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we recognized a $1.1 million gain on the sale of land in Fairview, Oregon.

Note 16 – Acquisitions

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we purchased 100% of the stock of American Compaction Equipment, Inc., a manufacturer of construction attachments located in San Juan Capistrano, California. The total purchase price was approximately $11.5 million, net of assumed liabilities. Results of operations for American Compaction Equipment, Inc. have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date of May 1, 2007.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our businesses globally manufacture and distribute material handling load engagement products primarily for the lift truck industry and to a lesser extent the construction industry. We operate in four geographic segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China. All references to fiscal periods are defined as the period ended October 31, 2007 (fiscal 2008) and the period ended October 31, 2008 (fiscal 2009).

RECENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS

Global Economic Conditions

The biggest challenge facing us is the effect of the global economic slowdown, which resulted in a drop in demand for lift trucks and our products globally. Below is a summary of the current impact on our business:

 

   

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2009 our sales in North America were down 5% compared to the prior year.

 

   

Third quarter sales in Europe and China were down 3% and 15%, respectively, after posting increases of 2% and 23%, respectively, in the first six months of the year.

 

   

Lift truck orders globally have declined in the third quarter compared to the prior year. October 2008 monthly order rates reflect decreases in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China of 39%, 30%, 29% and 14%, respectively. The current level of lift truck orders in North America represents a decline to order levels last experienced in 2001.

 

   

Due to lower sales volumes we have taken steps to manage costs through pay and hiring freezes and reduction of spending levels. We are continuing to look for additional opportunities to reduce both production and administrative costs.

 

   

We have reduced personnel levels at locations where business is not expected to return to reasonable levels in the near term. These reductions have occurred throughout North America and include workforce reductions as part of our European reorganization, which is discussed in more detail below. Since the beginning of the year our global workforce has been reduced by 7%.

 

   

While we have seen a recent stabilization of material costs, we are still working to achieve gross margins comparable to the prior year in the face of decreased sales volumes.

 

   

We expect decreased demand for our products to continue for the remainder of fiscal 2009 and in fiscal 2010.

European Business

We are continuing with the reorganization of our European business, which includes the rationalization of our European production capacity and efforts to transition our European factories to our North American operating model and fully implement “Lean Principles” throughout the organization.

We have taken further steps in the third quarter with a reduction of our workforce in Hagen, Germany. This reduction along with the previously announced reductions in The Netherlands total 10% of our European workforce. We have incurred severance and other costs of approximately $1.3 million and $1.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively, related to our reorganization activities. We will be making other operational and reorganization changes which will result in additional costs of approximately $7 million in the upcoming quarters.

We are seeing gradual improvements over time as a result of the reorganization that is in process. Improving operational performance in Europe, the world’s largest lift truck market, remains a high priority.

 

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COMPARISON OF THIRD QUARTER OF FISCAL 2009 AND FISCAL 2008

Executive Summary

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31
   Change     Change %  
     2008    2007     
     (In thousands except per share amounts)        

Net sales

   $ 139,134    $ 143,143    $ (4,009 )   (3 %)

Operating income

   $ 17,815    $ 20,627    $ (2,812 )   (14 %)

Net income

   $ 10,415    $ 12,420    $ (2,005 )   (16 %)

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.94    $ 1.00    $ (0.06 )   (6 %)

The following are financial highlights for the third quarter of fiscal 2009:

 

   

Net sales, excluding the impact of foreign currencies, decreased 3% during fiscal 2009 due to the global economic slowdown. Lower sales volumes in North America, Europe and China offset the strength of the Asia Pacific market.

 

   

Our consolidated gross profit percentage decreased to 28% in fiscal 2009 from 31% in fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of material price increases experienced in all geographic segments and lower sales volumes. The third quarter gross profit percentage is consistent with the first two quarters of fiscal 2009.

North America

 

     Three Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008    %     2007    %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 69,692    90 %   $ 73,757    89 %   $ (4,065 )   (6 %)

Transfers between areas

     7,696    10 %     8,940    11 %     (1,244 )   (14 %)
                            

Net sales and transfers

     77,388    100 %     82,697    100 %     (5,309 )   (6 %)

Cost of goods sold

     53,033    69 %     54,304    66 %     (1,271 )   (2 %)
                            

Gross profit

     24,355    31 %     28,393    34 %     (4,038 )   (14 %)

Selling and administrative

     11,304    14 %     12,885    15 %     (1,581 )   (12 %)

Loss on disposition of assets, net

     15    —         10    —         5     —    

Amortization

     586    1 %     599    1 %     (13 )   (2 %)
                            

Operating income

   $ 12,450    16 %   $ 14,899    18 %   $ (2,449 )   (16 %)
                            

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year quarter are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ (3,609 )   (5 %)

Foreign currency change

     (456 )   (1 %)
              

Total

   $ (4,065 )   (6 %)
              

The following are financial highlights for North America for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales decreased 5% primarily as a result of lower sales volumes due to the general economic downturn, which was partially offset by sales price increases. Third quarter North America lift truck industry shipments from 2008 to 2009 decreased 12%. We have found that lift truck industry statistics provide an indication of the direction of our business activity. However, changes in our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, because certain industry sectors of the economy use our products more than others.

 

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Our gross profit percentage decreased 3% during fiscal 2009 due to higher material costs, changes in product mix, lower sales volumes and new product introduction costs, which were partially offset by sales price increases. The current quarter gross profit percentage is consistent with the first two quarters of fiscal 2009.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs decreased 11% during the current year due to a reduction in personnel, consulting and other general costs.

Europe

 

     Three Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008     %     2007    %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 42,144     99 %   $ 43,408    99 %   $ (1,264 )   (3 %)

Transfers between areas

     460     1 %     434    1 %     26     6 %
                             

Net sales and transfers

     42,604     100 %     43,842    100 %     (1,238 )   (3 %)

Cost of goods sold

     35,911     84 %     36,951    84 %     (1,040 )   (3 %)
                             

Gross profit

     6,693     16 %     6,891    16 %     (198 )   (3 %)

Selling and administrative

     6,325     15 %     6,607    16 %     (282 )   (4 %)

Gain on disposition of assets, net

     (61 )   —         —      —         (61 )   —    

Amortization

     73     —         165    —         (92 )   (56 %)
                             

Operating income

   $ 356     1 %   $ 119    0 %   $ 237     199 %
                             

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year quarter are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ (1,213 )   (3 %)

Foreign currency change

     (51 )   0 %
              

Total

   $ (1,264 )   (3 %)
              

The following summarizes Europe’s financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales decreased 3%, primarily as a result of weakening economic conditions in Europe. Although lift truck industry shipments increased 11% in the current year, recent European lift truck industry order rates are down 30% and appear to be more reflective of the current economic conditions.

 

   

Our current year gross profit percentage is consistent with the prior year at 16%. We have been able to mitigate the impact of material cost increases with sales price increases and more efficient manufacturing as a result of cost reductions. The current quarter gross profit reflects approximately $1 million of costs related to our European restructuring.

 

   

Selling and administrative expenses decreased 5% due to lower personnel, selling, and other general costs. Included in the current quarter is approximately $270,000 of costs related to our European restructuring.

 

   

Overall we are starting to see positive signs in parts of our European business as a result of the restructuring. Operating income has increased even with the inclusion of $1.3 million of restructuring costs in the current year.

 

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Asia Pacific

 

     Three Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008    %     2007     %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 17,291    99 %   $ 15,460     100 %   $ 1,831     12 %

Transfers between areas

     199    1 %     27     —         172     637 %
                             

Net sales and transfers

     17,490    100 %     15,487     100 %     2,003     13 %

Cost of goods sold

     13,850    79 %     11,521     74 %     2,329     20 %
                             

Gross profit

     3,640    21 %     3,966     26 %     (326 )   (8 %)

Selling and administrative

     2,206    13 %     2,129     14 %     77     4 %

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     44    —         (18 )   —         62     —    
                             

Operating income

   $ 1,390    8 %   $ 1,855     12 %   $ (465 )   (25 %)
                             

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year quarter are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 2,225     14 %

Foreign currency change

     (394 )   (2 %)
              

Total

   $ 1,831     12 %
              

The following are financial highlights for Asia Pacific for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 14% due to higher shipping volumes as a result of strong business activity in Korea and Australia. Lift truck industry shipments in Asia Pacific increased 9% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage in Asia Pacific decreased 5% due to material cost increases, fluctuations in foreign currency rates and increased sales of lower margin products.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 6% due to higher personnel, marketing and other general expenses. However, as a percentage of net sales and transfers, selling and administrative costs decreased from 14% in fiscal 2008 to 13% in fiscal 2009.

China

 

     Three Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008    %     2007    %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 10,007    60 %   $ 10,518    67 %   $ (511 )   (5 %)

Transfers between areas

     6,701    40 %     5,258    33 %     1,443     27 %
                            

Net sales and transfers

     16,708    100 %     15,776    100 %     932     6 %

Cost of goods sold

     11,897    71 %     10,985    70 %     912     8 %
                            

Gross profit

     4,811    29 %     4,791    30 %     20     —    

Selling and administrative

     1,168    7 %     1,035    6 %     133     13 %

Loss on disposition of assets, net

     24    —         2    —         22     —    
                            

Operating income

   $ 3,619    22 %   $ 3,754    24 %   $ (135 )   (4 %)
                            

 

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Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year quarter are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ (1,561 )   (15 %)

Foreign currency change

     1,050     10 %
              

Total

   $ (511 )   (5 %)
              

The following are financial highlights for China for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales decreased 15% due to a general slowdown in the Chinese economy, which included a decline in the lift truck industry. For the current year third quarter, lift truck industry shipments in China have decreased 1%. It is difficult to determine whether we have lost market share during the quarter, although we are seeing increased competition in this market.

 

   

Transfers to other Cascade geographic areas increased during fiscal 2009 due to the export of Chinese-made products to Europe and Asia Pacific.

 

   

The gross profit percentage decreased 1% due to material cost increases, changes in product mix and higher intercompany transfers, which carry lower gross margins. Price increases implemented during the current year helped to mitigate these factors.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 3%, due to marketing, consulting and other general costs.

Non-Operating Items

The following are financial highlights for non-operating items during the third quarter of fiscal 2009:

 

   

Interest expense increased $273,000 during fiscal 2009 primarily due to additional borrowings as a result of our share repurchase program and our inventory increase. This was offset by a lower effective interest rate during the current year.

 

   

Foreign currency losses increased $1 million during fiscal 2009 primarily due to foreign currency changes. This is a result of significant changes in foreign currency rates for the Euro, British Pound, Canadian dollar, Korean Won and Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar.

 

   

The effective tax rate decreased from 35% in the prior year to 30% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The current quarter rate reflects the benefit of an income tax refund received in China related to a non-recurring tax exemption.

Lift Truck Market Outlook

Based on our review of industry data and general economic conditions, we believe the global lift truck market and our sales will be down as much as 30% for the remainder of fiscal 2009 and in fiscal 2010.

Additional information on lift truck industry trends can be found at www.cascorp.com/investor/industrytrends. This website address is intended to provide an inactive, textual reference only. The information at this website is not a part of this Form 10-Q and is not incorporated by reference.

 

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COMPARISON OF THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF FISCAL 2009 AND FISCAL 2008

Executive Summary

 

     Nine Months Ended
October 31
   Change     Change %  
     2008    2007     
     (In thousands except per share amounts)        

Net sales

   $ 439,104    $ 421,826    $ 17,278     4 %

Operating income

   $ 54,081    $ 81,463    $ (27,382 )   (34 %)

Net income

   $ 31,768    $ 51,360    $ (19,592 )   (38 %)

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.86    $ 4.11    $ (1.25 )   (30 %)

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008 we settled an insurance litigation matter which accounted for a $16 million increase to operating income and a $10 million after tax increase to net income. We believe the exclusion of the insurance litigation recovery provides a more appropriate comparison with the current year results:

 

     Nine Months Ended
October 31
   Change     Change %  
     2008    2007     
     (In thousands except per share amounts)        

Net of insurance litigation recovery:

          

Operating income

   $ 54,081    $ 65,486    $ (11,405 )   (17 %)

Net income

   $ 31,768    $ 41,334    $ (9,566 )   (23 %)

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.86    $ 3.31    $ (0.45 )   (14 %)

The calculation of operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share, excluding the insurance litigation recovery settlement is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Nine months ended
October 31, 2007
 

Operating income as reported

   $ 81,463  

Less: insurance litigation recovery

     (15,977 )
        

Adjusted operating income, excluding insurance litigation recovery

   $ 65,486  
        

Net income as reported

   $ 51,360  

Less: insurance litigation recovery, net of income taxes of $5,951

     (10,026 )
        

Adjusted net income, excluding insurance litigation recovery

   $ 41,334  
        

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     12,487  
        

Diluted earnings per share, excluding insurance litigation recovery

   $ 3.31  
        

The following are financial highlights for the first nine months of fiscal 2009:

 

   

During the current year consolidated net sales were essentially flat, excluding the impact of foreign currency changes. The strength of markets in Asia Pacific, China and Europe were offset by a weaker North American market. Global lift truck shipments increased 10% compared to fiscal 2008.

 

   

Our consolidated gross profit percentage decreased to 28% in fiscal 2009 from 31% in fiscal 2008 primarily as a result of significant material price increases experienced in all geographic segments.

 

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North America

 

     Nine Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008    %     2007     %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 208,853    89 %   $ 219,708     89 %   $ (10,855 )   (5 %)

Transfers between areas

     24,882    11 %     25,843     11 %     (961 )   (4 %)
                             

Net sales and transfers

     233,735    100 %     245,551     100 %     (11,816 )   (5 %)

Cost of goods sold

     160,587    69 %     159,961     65 %     626     —    
                             

Gross profit

     73,148    31 %     85,590     35 %     (12,442 )   (15 %)

Selling and administrative

     35,699    15 %     37,760     15 %     (2,061 )   (5 %)

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     154    —         (1,184 )   —         1,338     —    

Amortization

     1,770    1 %     1,826     1 %     (56 )   (3 %)

Insurance litigation recovery, net

     —      —         (15,977 )   (7 %)     15,977     —    
                             

Operating income

   $ 35,525    15 %   $ 63,165     26 %   $ (27,640 )   (44 %)
                             

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ (11,640 )   (5 %)

Foreign currency change

     785     0 %
              

Total

   $ (10,855 )   (5 %)
              

The following are financial highlights for North America for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales decreased 5% primarily as a result of lower sales volumes due to the general economic downturn, which was partially offset by sales price increases. North America lift truck industry shipments from 2008 to 2009 decreased 10%. We have found that lift truck industry statistics provide an indication of the direction of our business activity. However, changes in our net sales do not correspond directly to the percentage changes in lift truck industry shipments, because certain industry sectors of the economy use our products more than others.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage decreased 4% during fiscal 2009, due to higher material costs, changes in product mix, lower sales volumes, new product introduction costs and other cost increases, which were partially offset by sales price increases. Our gross profit percentage has been consistent each quarter during the current year.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs decreased 6% during the current year due to a reduction in personnel, consulting and other general costs.

 

   

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we realized a $1.1 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land in Fairview, Oregon.

 

   

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we entered into a settlement agreement with Employers Reinsurance Corporation with respect to litigation to recover various expenses incurred in connection with environmental and related proceedings. The recovery from this settlement was $16.0 million, net of expenses.

 

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Europe

 

     Nine Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008     %     2007    %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 139,904     99 %   $ 128,430    99 %   $ 11,474     9 %

Transfers between areas

     1,484     1 %     1,131    1 %     353     31 %
                             

Net sales and transfers

     141,388     100 %     129,561    100 %     11,827     9 %

Cost of goods sold

     119,689     85 %     107,141    83 %     12,548     12 %
                             

Gross profit

     21,699     15 %     22,420    17 %     (721 )   (3 %)

Selling and administrative

     21,950     15 %     19,148    15 %     2,802     15 %

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     (76 )   —         8    —         (84 )   —    

Amortization

     231     —         579    —         (348 )   (60 %)
                             

Operating income (loss)

   $ (406 )   0 %   $ 2,685    2 %   $ (3,091 )   (115 %)
                             

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount    Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 1,226    1 %

Foreign currency change

     10,248    8 %
             

Total

   $ 11,474    9 %
             

The following summarizes the financial results for Europe for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 1%, primarily due to price increases. During the last two quarters net sales were below the prior year. Lift truck industry shipments for the same period increased 14%. Given current industry statistics, we may have lost some market share in Europe.

 

   

The 2% decrease in current year gross profit percentage is primarily due to material cost increases, which were only partially offset by sales price increases and the benefits of lower production costs. The current year gross profit reflects approximately $1 million of costs related to our European restructuring.

 

   

Selling and administrative expenses increased 6%, because of higher marketing, personnel and other general costs. Included in the current year is approximately $760,000 of costs related to our European restructuring. As a percentage of net sales and transfers, selling and administrative costs remained consistent at 15%.

Asia Pacific

 

     Nine Months Ended October 31     Change    Change %  
     2008    %     2007     %       
     (In thousands)             

Net sales

   $ 55,331    99 %   $ 44,346     100 %   $ 10,985    25 %

Transfers between areas

     345    1 %     125     —         220    176 %
                            

Net sales and transfers

     55,676    100 %     44,471     100 %     11,205    25 %

Cost of goods sold

     42,431    76 %     33,326     75 %     9,105    27 %
                            

Gross profit

     13,245    24 %     11,145     25 %     2,100    19 %

Selling and administrative

     7,004    13 %     6,132     14 %     872    14 %

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     30    —         (35 )   —         65    —    
                            

Operating income

   $ 6,211    11 %   $ 5,048     11 %   $ 1,163    23 %
                            

 

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Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount    Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 9,096    21 %

Foreign currency change

     1,889    4 %
             

Total

   $ 10,985    25 %
             

The following are financial highlights for Asia Pacific for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 21% due to higher shipping volumes as a result of strong lift truck markets and the production of additional products in China for sale in this region. Lift truck industry shipments in Asia Pacific increased 13% in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage in Asia Pacific decreased 1% due to increased sales of lower margin products, which were partially offset by benefits of sourcing lower cost product from China.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 8% due to higher personnel, marketing, and other general costs. As a percentage of net sales and transfers, selling and administrative costs decreased from 14% in fiscal 2008 to 13% in fiscal 2009.

China

 

     Nine Months Ended October 31     Change     Change %  
     2008    %     2007    %      
     (In thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 35,016    64 %   $ 29,342    71 %   $ 5,674     19 %

Transfers between areas

     19,532    36 %     11,817    29 %     7,715     65 %
                            

Net sales and transfers

     54,548    100 %     41,159    100 %     13,389     33 %

Cost of goods sold

     38,092    70 %     27,758    67 %     10,334     37 %
                            

Gross profit

     16,456    30 %     13,401    33 %     3,055     23 %

Selling and administrative

     3,646    7 %     2,802    7 %     844     30 %

Loss on disposition of assets, net

     59    —         33    —         26     —    

Amortization

     —      —         1    —         (1 )   —    
                            

Operating income

   $ 12,751    23 %   $ 10,565    26 %   $ 2,186     21 %
                            

Details of the change in net sales compared to the prior year are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount    Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 2,777    9 %

Foreign currency change

     2,897    10 %
             

Total

   $ 5,674    19 %
             

The following are financial highlights for China for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. All percentage comparisons to the prior year exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 9% as a result of our capacity expansion in China and the growth in the lift truck industry. Lift truck industry shipments in China have increased 15% in the current year.

 

   

Transfers to other Cascade geographic areas increased during fiscal 2009, due to the export of Chinese-made products to Europe and Asia Pacific.

 

   

The gross profit percentage decreased 3% due to material price increases, changes in product mix and higher intercompany transfers, which carry lower gross margins. Price increases implemented during the current year helped to mitigate these factors.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 20%, due to marketing, consulting and other additional costs to support our expanded operations in China. As a percentage of net sales and transfers, selling and administrative costs remained consistent at 7%.

 

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Non-Operating Items

The following are financial highlights for non-operating items during the first nine months of fiscal 2009:

 

   

Interest expense increased $597,000 during fiscal 2009 primarily due to additional borrowings as a result of our share repurchase program and our inventory increase. This was offset by a lower effective interest rate during the current year.

 

   

Foreign currency losses increased $1.3 million during fiscal 2009 primarily due to foreign currency changes. This is a result of significant changes in foreign currency rates for the Euro, British Pound, Canadian dollar, Korean Won and Australian dollar.

 

   

The effective tax rate is slightly higher in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. Our rate in both periods has been negatively impacted by the recording of additional valuation allowances related to pre-tax losses in Europe. Valuations allowances related to pre-tax losses increased $1.9 million and $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

CASH FLOWS

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 by classifying transactions into three major categories of activities: operating, investing and financing.

Operating

Our primary source of liquidity is cash generated from operating activities. The major operating activity is net income adjusted for changes in working capital and non-cash operating items such as depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $21.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year. The following are the major differences between the current and prior year operating activities:

 

   

During fiscal 2008, net income was significantly higher due to the insurance litigation settlement.

 

   

During the current year, accounts receivable increased $5.1 million compared to an increase of $13.6 million in the prior year. The smaller increase in the current year is due in part to lower sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and our emphasis on collections during the current year.

 

   

Accounts payable decreased during the current year as a result of fewer inventory purchases in the third quarter of the current year.

Overall our inventory in fiscal 2009 has continued to increase primarily as a result of increasing material costs, additional inventories of product produced in China and additional material purchases made in advance of price increases. With a stabilization of material prices we have eliminated most advance purchases and anticipate a reduction in inventory levels in the coming quarters.

 

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Investing

Our primary investing activity is capital expenditures, which are primarily for equipment and tooling related to product improvements, more efficient production methods and replacement for normal wear and tear. Capital expenditures by geographic segments were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
October 31
   Nine Months Ended
October 31
     2008    2007    2008    2007

North America

   $ 2,252    $ 2,505    $ 5,657    $ 6,006

Europe

     689      1,983      4,271      3,344

Asia Pacific

     268      292      1,173      741

China

     337      376      2,484      4,171
                           
   $ 3,546    $ 5,156    $ 13,585    $ 14,262
                           

The following are investing activity highlights during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008:

 

   

China’s capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 relate primarily to the completion of two new manufacturing facilities. China’s capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 relate to equipment upgrades and work on a building to manufacture construction attachments.

 

   

The increase in capital expenditures in Europe during the current year relates primarily to costs for equipment associated with the planned introduction of new products and more efficient production methods.

 

   

Capital expenditures in North America during fiscal 2009 is consistent with the prior year. The majority of these costs relate to equipment and tooling replacements.

 

   

We expect capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2009 to be approximately $4 million. We believe this level of capital expenditures is sufficient to meet operational requirements.

 

   

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008 we purchased 100% of the stock of American Compaction Equipment, Inc., a manufacturer of construction attachments located in San Juan Capistrano, California for $11.5 million, net of assumed liabilities.

Financing

The following are major financing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008:

 

   

During fiscal 2009, net borrowings were $4.2 million, compared to net borrowings of $9.9 million during fiscal 2008. The additional borrowings in the prior year are a result of our share repurchase program, which was partially offset by a higher level of net income.

 

   

We concluded our share repurchase program at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In total, we repurchased 2,435,000 shares of common stock for $130 million over 18 months.

 

   

We declared dividends of $0.58 and $0.52 per share during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

   

The issuance of common stock related to the exercise of share-based awards generated $130,000 and $3.8 million of cash for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

The following are highlights regarding our financial condition and liquidity for the first nine months of fiscal 2009:

 

   

Our working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, increased from $152.0 million at January 31, 2008 to $173.8 million at October 31, 2008. Our current ratio increased from 3.4 to 1 at January 31, 2008 to 4.1 to 1 at October 31, 2008. The increases are due to increases in inventory and cash and a decrease in accounts payable and other accrued expenses.

 

   

Total outstanding debt, including notes payable to banks, increased from $110.7 million at January 31, 2008 to $115 million at October 31, 2008.

 

   

Borrowing arrangements currently in place, with Bank of America and Union Bank of California, provide lines of credit totaling $146.3 million, of which $106 million was outstanding and an additional $3.1 million was used to issue letters of credit at October 31, 2008. The borrowings available under the line of credit decreases $1.25 million quarterly through the debt expiration date of December 7, 2011. The interest rate on the lines of credit, which is currently based on LIBOR plus a margin of 1%, was 2.50% and 4.66% at October 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008, respectively. The lines of credit contain certain covenants relating to net worth and leverage ratios. We were in compliance with these covenants at October 31, 2008.

 

   

Borrowings under notes payable to banks, which includes overdrafts and short-term lines of credit, increased $2.3 million from January 31, 2008 to October 31, 2008. The average interest rate on these notes was 2.8% and 4.3% at October 31, 2008 and January 31, 2008, respectively.

 

   

Our current plans are to fund our existing postretirement obligation as costs are incurred. Any defined benefit obligations will be funded to meet minimum statutory funding requirements or any additional funding requirements which we have committed to in specific plan agreements. Currently, these additional funding requirements are limited to annual contributions of $400,000 through fiscal year 2011 to a defined benefit plan in England.

 

   

We believe our cash and cash equivalents, existing credit facilities and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our expected working capital, capital expenditure and debt retirement requirements for the next twelve months.

OTHER MATTERS

The following table represents the percentage change from January 31, 2008 to October 31, 2008, in the end of month foreign currency rates compared to the U.S. dollar used by our significant operations. As a result of these changes, foreign currency translation adjustments decreased shareholders’ equity by $24.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

 

Currency

   Change %  

Euro

   (14 %)

British Pound

   (19 %)

Canadian Dollar

   (17 %)

Chinese Yuan

   5 %

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis, including those related to uncollectible receivables, inventories, impairment of goodwill, warranty obligations, environmental liabilities, benefit plans, share-based compensation and deferred taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A description of our critical accounting policies and related judgments and estimates that affect the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008.

 

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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At October 31, 2008, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

SFAS 157 – In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 provides a common definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. In February 2008, the FASB issued final Staff Positions that will (1) defer the effective date of this statement for one year for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities and (2) remove certain leasing transactions from the scope of the statement. We applied SFAS 157 to all other fair value measurements effective February 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

FSP 157-2 In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position on Statement 157, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis, to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Our significant nonfinancial assets and liabilities that could be impacted by this deferral include assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination and goodwill tested annually for impairment. FSP 157-2 will become effective for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP 157-2 on our financial statements.

FSP 157-3 – In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-3 “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (FSP 157-3). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP 157-3 was effective upon issuance. We adopted FSP 157-3 for the period ended October 31, 2008. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

SFAS 159 – In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (SFAS 159), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS 159 allows companies the choice to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Application of SFAS 159 was required for our financial statements beginning February 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

SFAS 141(R) & SFAS 160 – In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) (SFAS 141(R)), “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 160 (SFAS 160), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51”. SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Further, SFAS 141(R) also changes the accounting for acquired in-process research and development assets, contingent consideration, partial acquisitions and transaction costs. Under SFAS 160, all entities are required to report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests will be treated as equity transactions. SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 will become effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of these standards on our financial statements.

 

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SFAS 161 – In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (SFAS 161), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS 161 expands disclosures for derivative instruments by requiring entities to disclose the fair value of derivative instruments and their gains or losses in tabular format. SFAS 161 also requires disclosure of information about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements, counterparty credit risk, and strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments. SFAS 161 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt this new accounting standard on February 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our financial statements.

SFAS 162  In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (SFAS 162), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. SFAS 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” We do not expect any changes to our financial accounting and reporting as a result of the adoption of this standard.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

The table below illustrates the hypothetical increase in net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 resulting from a 10% weaker U.S. dollar during the quarter, measured against foreign currencies that affect our operations (in millions):

 

Euro

   $ 3.3

Chinese yuan

     1.0

British pound

     0.8

Japanese yen

     0.7

Canadian dollar

     0.7

Other currencies (representing 8% of consolidated net sales)

     1.1

A 10% weaker U.S. dollar during the quarter, measured against foreign currencies that affect our operations, would have increased our operating income by $1.2 million. The majority of this increase would be the result of the Chinese yuan ($331,000) and Canadian dollar ($663,000).

We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the impact of currency fluctuations on certain nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. The principal currencies hedged are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Euros, Chinese yuan, Swedish krona and British pounds. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts have terms lasting up to three months, but generally less than one month. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

A majority of our products are manufactured using steel as the primary raw material and steel based components as purchased parts. As such, our cost of goods sold is sensitive to fluctuations in steel prices, either directly through the purchase of steel as raw material or indirectly through the purchase of steel based components. Presuming that the full impact of commodity steel cost increases is reflected in all steel and steel based component purchases, we estimate our gross profit percentage sensitivity to be approximately 0.3% for each 1.0% increase in commodity steel cost without offsetting sales price increases. Based on our statement of income for the quarter ended October 31, 2008, a 1% increase in commodity steel costs would have decreased consolidated gross profit by approximately $400,000.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we experienced some stabilization in prices for steel and steel components, which comprise approximately 40% of our total product cost. We have continued to move aggressively to offset prior price increases through a variety of means, including sales price increases, cost reduction activities and alternative sourcing arrangements. Unfortunately, we have been unable to mitigate the full impact of material cost increases, resulting in some erosion of gross profit.

Manufacturing of our products includes the purchase of various raw materials and components. Certain of these items are provided worldwide by a limited number of suppliers. We have experienced some delays in obtaining certain raw materials and components, but the impact on our operations to date has not been significant. We are currently obtaining alternative sourcing arrangements for these items.

The majority of our debt as of October 31, 2008 has a variable interest rate, which is currently based on LIBOR plus a margin of 1%. During the quarter ended October 31, 2008, our interest rate on our debt fluctuated between 2% and 6% due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. Based on the average outstanding balance of our variable rate debt during the quarter, a 1% increase in our interest rate would result in a $1.1 million increase in annual interest expense.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended October 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There are no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

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

The following exhibits are included with this report:

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Cascade Corporation.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Cascade Corporation.
32       Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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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.

 

    CASCADE CORPORATION
December 5, 2008    
    /s/ JOSEPH G. POINTER
    Joseph G. Pointer
    Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

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

 

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