ITEM 1.--BUSINESS
General
Hardinge Inc.'s principal executive offices are located at One Hardinge Drive, Elmira, New York 14902-1507; telephone (607) 734-2281. The Company has six wholly owned subsidiaries. Canadian Hardinge Machine Tools, Ltd. located near Toronto, Ontario was established by Hardinge Inc. in 1958. Hardinge Machine Tools, Ltd. was established in the United Kingdom in 1939 and became a wholly owned subsidiary in 1981 when it redeemed the shares previously held by others. Hardinge GmbH was established by the Company in Germany in 1987. In November 1995, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of L. Kellenberger & Co., AG of St. Gallen, Switzerland and its subsidiary, Kellenberger, Inc. (collectively referred to as "Kellenberger"). The Kellenberger, Inc. subsidiary was then liquidated in 1998. During 1996, Hardinge Shanghai Company, Ltd. was established near Shanghai, People's Republic of China. In April 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Hansvedt Industries, Inc. Additionally, the Company is a majority owner in Hardinge Taiwan Limited, located in Taichung City, (Taiwan) Republic of China.
The Company's headquarters is located in Chemung County, New York, which is on the south-central border of upstate New York. The Company has manufacturing facilities located in Chemung County, New York and St. Gallen, Switzerland. The Company assembles machinery at its Shanghai, PRC facility for deliveries to customers in Asia. The Company manufactures the majority of the products it sells, purchasing a few machine accessories from other manufacturers for resale.
References to Hardinge Inc., the "Company", or "Hardinge" are to Hardinge Inc. and its predecessors and subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. The Company changed its name in 1995 from Hardinge Brothers, Inc. to Hardinge Inc.
Products
Hardinge Inc. has been a manufacturer of industrial-use Super-Precision[R] and general precision turning machine tools since 1890. Turning machines, or lathes, are power-driven machines used to remove material from a rough-formed part by moving multiple cutting tools arranged on a turret assembly against the surface of a part rotating at very high speeds in a spindle mechanism. The multi-directional movement of the cutting tools allows the part to be shaped to the desired dimensions. On parts produced by Hardinge machines, those dimensions are often measured in millionths of inches. Hardinge considers itself to be a leader in the field of producing machines capable of consistently and cost-effectively producing parts to those dimensions.
In the late 1970's, Hardinge began to produce computer numerically controlled ("CNC") machines which use commands from an on-board computer to control the movement of cutting tools and rotation speeds of the part being produced. The computer control enables the operator to program operations such as part rotation, tooling selection and tooling movement for a specific part and then store that program in memory for future use. The machine is able to produce parts while left unattended when connected to automatic bar-feeding or robotics equipment designed to supply raw materials. Because of this ability, as well as superior speed of operation, a CNC machine is able to produce the same amount of work as several manually controlled machines, as well as reduce the number of operators required. Since the introduction of CNC turning machines, continual advances in computer control technology have allowed for easier programming and additional machine capabilities.
In 1994, the Company expanded its machine tool line to include CNC vertical turning machines and vertical machining centers, the first sales of which occurred during the first quarter of 1995. Prior to that, all of the Company's turning machines were horizontal which means that the spindle holding the rotating part and the turret holding the cutting tools are arranged on a horizontal plane. On a vertical turning machine, the spindle and turret are aligned on a vertical plane, with the spindle on the bottom. A vertical turning machine permits the customer to produce larger, heavier and more oddly shaped parts on a machine that uses less floor space when compared to a traditional horizontal turning machine.
A vertical machining center cuts material differently than a turning machine. These machines are designed to remove material from stationary, prismatic (box-like) parts of various shapes with rotating tools that are capable
of milling, drilling, tapping, reaming and routing. Machining centers have mechanisms that automatically change tools based on commands from a built-in computer control without the assistance of an operator. Machining centers are generally purchased by the same customers as turning machines. They are being marketed by the Company on the basis that a customer will be able to obtain machining centers with the same quality and reliability as the Company's turning machines and will be able to obtain its turning machines and machining centers from a single supplier.
The Company has further extended its machine offerings into the grinding machine sector of the metal-cutting machine tool industry with the acquisition of Kellenberger. Grinding is a machining process where a surface is shaped to closer tolerances with a rotating abrasive wheel or tool. Grinding machines can be used to finish parts of various shapes and sizes.
The grinding machines of Kellenberger are used to grind the inside and outside diameters of round, cylindrical parts. Such grinding machines are typically used to provide for a more exact finish on a part which has been partially completed on a lathe. The grinding machines of Kellenberger, which are manufactured in both CNC and manually controlled models, are generally purchased by the same type of customers as other Hardinge equipment and further the ability of the Company to be a sole source supplier for its customers. During 1997, Kellenberger and Hardinge combined their respective skills to introduce a new jointly developed line of grinders, the Kel-Vision.
Beginning in 1996, the Company took yet another step to address a new market segment with the introduction of its Cobra[TM] line of lathes, offering basic, no frills, yet very reliable and accurate machines. The Cobra line provides a relatively inexpensive product offering for potential customers with limited financial resources. Further refining its ability to provide products aimed at particular types of customer applications, Hardinge in 1998 introduced the Conquest Twin Turn 65 dual spindle, twin turret lathe. This is the most technologically advanced machine tool Hardinge has ever built. This machine is specially designed to manufacture complex parts within a single machining cycle.
In 1997, the Company entered the market for electrical discharge machines ("EDM") with its acquisition of Hansvedt Industries, Inc. EDM's are used to produce complex metal parts through a process of erosion with electricity using either a cutting wire or electrode. EDM's are used by many of the same customers who purchase other Hardinge products, adding a new dimension to the Company's product lines without moving beyond its core businesses.
Multiple options are available on the broad range of the Company's machines which allow customers to customize their machines for the specific purpose and cost objective they require. The Company produces machines for stock with popular option combinations for immediate delivery, as well as machines made to specific customer orders. In recent years, the Company has increasingly emphasized the engineering of complete systems for customers who desire one or more CNC machines to produce a specific part. In configuring complete systems, the Company provides, in addition to its machines, the necessary computer programming and tooling, as well as robotics and other parts handling equipment manufactured by it or others.
All Hardinge machines can be used to produce parts from all of the standard ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as plastics, composites and exotic materials.
In addition, the Company offers the most extensive line available in the industry of workholding and toolholding devices, which may be used on both its turning machines and those produced by others. The Company considers itself to be a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of workholding and toolholding devices. It also offers a complete line of six-foot and twelve-foot bar feed systems for its CNC and manual turning machines, which hold the workpiece steady and feed it into the turning machine. Also produced are a variety of other optional equipment and accessories for its machines. The Company has further expanded its workholding products with the addition of its Sure-Grip[TM] line of power jaw chucks.
The Company offers various warranties on its equipment and considers post-sales support to be a critical element of its business. Services provided include operation and maintenance training, maintenance, and in-field repair. The Company's intent, where practical, is to provide readily available replacement parts throughout the life of the machine.
Markets and Distribution
Sales are principally in the United States and Western Europe. In addition, sales are made to customers in Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, Australia and other foreign countries.
The Company primarily markets its machine tools through its direct sales force and through distributors and manufacturers' representatives in the United States and abroad. The Company uses a similar system of employee sales personnel and independent distributors in the United Kingdom and Canada. In other countries, the Company primarily sells through distributors.
The Company's U.S. distributors have the exclusive right to distribute its products in particular markets, although these markets are located in less industrialized areas of the country.
The Company's sales personnel earn a fixed salary plus commission based upon a percentage of net sales. Certain of the Company's distributors operate independent businesses, purchase machine tools and non-machine products from the Company and maintain inventories of these products and spare parts for their customers, while other distributors merely sell machine tools on behalf of the Company. The Company's commission schedule is adjusted to reflect the level of aftermarket support offered by its distributors.
The Company provides long-term financing for the purchase of its equipment by qualified customers. The Company regards this program as an important part of its marketing efforts, particularly to independent machine shops. Customer financing is offered for a term of up to seven years, with the Company retaining a security interest in the equipment. In response to competitive pressures, the Company occasionally offers this financing at below market interest rates or with deferred payment terms. The present value of the difference between the actual interest charged on customer notes for periods during which finance charges are waived or reduced and the estimated rate at which the notes could be sold to financial institutions is accounted for as a reduction of the Company's net sales.
The Company's non-machine products mainly are sold in the United States through telephone orders to a toll-free "800" telephone number, which is linked to an on-line computer order entry system maintained by the Company at its Elmira headquarters. In most cases, the Company is able to package and ship in-stock tooling and repair parts within 24 hours of receiving orders. With more popular items, the Company can package and ship within several hours.
The Company promotes recognition of its products in the marketplace through advertising in trade publications and participation in industry trade shows. In addition, the Company markets its non-machine products through publication of general catalogues and other targeted catalogues, which it distributes to existing and prospective customers.
A substantial portion of the Company's sales are to small and medium-sized independent job shops, which in turn sell machined parts to their industrial customers. Industries directly and indirectly served by the Company include automotive, medical equipment, aerospace, defense, recreational equipment, farm equipment, construction equipment, energy, and transportation. Sales to the automobile industry accounted for 13%, 17% and 9% of the Company's net sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company operates in a single business segment, industrial machine tools.
Competitive Conditions
The primary competitive factors in the marketplace for the Company's machine tools are reliability, price, delivery time, service and technological characteristics. There are many manufacturers of machine tools in the world. They can be categorized by the size of material their products can machine and the precision level they can achieve. In the size and precision level the Company addresses with its turning machines and machining centers, the primary competition comes from several Japanese manufacturers. Several German manufacturers also compete with the Company, primarily in Europe. The Kellenberger machines compete with Japanese, German and other Swiss manufacturers. Hansvedt EDMs compete primarily with similar products produced by European and Asian builders. Management considers its segment of the industry to be extremely competitive. The Company believes that it brings superior quality, reliability, value, availability, capability and support to its customers.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
The Company manufactures and assembles its lathes, machining centers, Hansvedt electrical discharge machines and related products at its Elmira, New York plant. The Kellenberger grinding machines and related products are manufactured at its St. Gallen, Switzerland plant. Products are manufactured by the Company from various raw materials, including cast iron, sheet metal, bar steel and bearings. Although the Company's operations are highly
integrated, it purchases a number of components from outside suppliers, including the computer and electronic components for its CNC lathes and machining centers. There are multiple suppliers for virtually all of the Company's raw material and components and the Company has not experienced a supply interruption in recent years.
A major component of the Company's CNC machines is the computer and related electronics package. The Company purchases these components for its lathes and machining centers primarily from Fanuc Limited, a large Japanese electronics company, except on occasions where a significant customer order specifies a different control. While the Company believes that design changes could be made to its machines to allow sourcing from several other existing suppliers, and occasionally does so for these special orders, a disruption in the supply of the Fanuc components could cause the Company to experience a substantial disruption of its operations, depending on the circumstances at the time. Kellenberger assembles an electronics package of its own design.
The Company utilizes several quality and process control programs, including Total Quality Management. The Company's quality management system is certified to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard of the International Standards Organization. The ISO 9001 Quality System is an internationally accepted quality standard for commercial operations, such as product design verification, reviewing the quality of suppliers, imperfection and testing requirements and maintaining quality records. The Company believes that these initiatives have helped it maintain the quality and reliability of its products.
Research and Development
The Company's ongoing research and development program involves creating new products and modifying existing products to meet market demands and redesigning existing products to reduce the cost of manufacturing. The research and development department is staffed with experienced design engineers with technical through doctorate degrees.
The cost of research and development, all of which has been charged to operations, amounted to $8,630,000, $8,415,000, and $7,932,000, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Patents
Although the Company holds several patents with respect to certain of its products, it does not believe that its business is dependent to any material extent upon any single patent or group of patents.
Seasonal Trends and Working Capital Requirements
The Company is not subject to significant seasonal trends. Its business, and that of the machine tool industry in general, is cyclical. However, the Company's quarterly results are subject to significant fluctuation based on the timing of its shipments of machine tools, which are largely dependent upon customer delivery requirements. Traditionally, the Company has experienced reduced activity during the third quarter of the year, largely as a result of vacations scheduled at its U.S. and European customers' plants and the Company's policy of closing its facilities during the first two weeks of July. As a result, the Company's third-quarter net sales, income from operations and net income typically have been the lowest of any quarter during the year.
The ability to deliver products within a short period of time is an important competitive criterion. Also, the Company feels it is important to provide availability of replacement parts for a machine throughout its useful life. These factors contribute to a requirement that the Company carry significant amounts of inventory.
For many years, the Company has periodically sold a substantial portion of the customer notes receivable generated by its customer financing program to various financial institutions. While the Company's customer financing program has an impact on its month-to-month borrowings, it has had little long-term impact on its working capital requirements because of the sales of these notes.
Backlog
The Company normally ships its machine products within two to three months after order. The Company's order backlog at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $32,260,000 and $56,857,000, respectively. The reduction in backlog during 1998 is largely a result of a general decline in orders and in particular from the automotive industry.
Orders are generally subject to cancellation by the customer prior to shipment. The level of unfilled orders at any given date during the year may be materially affected by the timing of the Company's receipt of orders and
the speed with which those orders are filled. Accordingly, the Company's backlog is not necessarily indicative of actual shipments or sales for any future period, and period-to-period comparisons may not be meaningful.
Governmental Regulations
The Company believes that its current operations and its current uses of property, plant and equipment conform in all material respects to applicable laws and regulations.
Environmental Matters
The Company's operations are subject to extensive federal and state legislation and regulation relating to environmental matters.
Certain environmental laws can impose joint and several liability for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances upon certain statutorily defined parties regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the original activity or disposal. Activities at properties owned by the Company and on adjacent areas have resulted in environmental impacts.
In particular, the Company's New York manufacturing facility is located within the Kentucky Avenue Well Field on the National Priorities List of hazardous waste sites designated for cleanup by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") because of groundwater contamination. The Kentucky Avenue Well Field site encompasses an area of approximately three square miles which includes sections of the Town of Horseheads and the Village of Elmira Heights in Chemung County, New York. The Company, however, has never been named as a potentially responsible party at the site or received any requests for information from EPA concerning the site. Environmental sampling on the Company's property within this site under supervision of regulatory authorities has identified off-site sources for such groundwater contamination and has found no evidence that the Company's property is contributing to the contamination.
Environmental sampling at the Company's former New York manufacturing facility following the removal of an underground storage tank disclosed the presence of hydrocarbon contamination in surrounding soils. An environmental consultant retained by the Company prepared a site assessment and remedial action plan which were adopted and approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Pursuant to the timetable set forth in the remedial action plan, the Company completed the construction phase of the cleanup in the first quarter of 1996. On August 31, 1998, the New York State Department of Conservation notified the Company that it could decommission the pump and treat system, skim product from one of the wells, and bioremediate in three locations. The Company is following this process at a nominal yearly cost.
Although the Company believes, based upon information currently available to management, that it will not have material liabilities for environmental remediation, there can be no assurance that future remedial requirements or changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulation, which are subject to extensive regulatory discretion, will not result in material liabilities.
Employees
As of December 31, 1998, the Company employed 1,520 persons, 1,244 of whom were located in the United States. None of the Company's employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Management believes that relations with the Company's employees are good.
Foreign Operations and Export Sales
Information related to foreign and domestic operations and sales is included in Note 5 to consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report. The Company believes that its subsidiaries operate in countries where the economic climate is relatively stable.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.--PROPERTIES
Pertinent information concerning the principal properties of the Company and its subsidiaries is as follows:
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.--LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is from time to time involved in routine litigation incidental to its operations. None of the litigation in which the Company is currently involved, individually or in the aggregate, is material to its financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.--SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the fourth quarter of 1998, no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.--MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table reflects the highest and lowest values at which the stock traded in each quarter of the last two years. The Company has traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market[R] under the symbol "HDNG" since May 25, 1995. The table also includes dividends per share, by quarter. The 1997 values and dividends have been restated to reflect the Company's three-for-two stock split in May, 1998.
At February 1, 1999, there were 3,722 holders of record of common stock.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.--SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other information included herein (dollar amounts in thousands except per share data).
- ------------ (1) 1998 included a one-time charge of $950,000 (approximately $570,000 after tax). This charge resulted from costs incurred to relocate the manufacture and support of Hansvedt Inc. from Illinois to the Company's headquarters in Elmira, New York, and from a workforce reduction of approximately 200 full-time jobs, or 15% of the total employment. 1997 included a one-time charge of $1,960,000 ($l,200,000 after tax). This non-recurring charge involves outside costs incurred in connection with a major acquisition that the Company carried into the final stages of the due diligence process but decided not to complete.
(2) All share and per share data have been restated, where appropriate, to reflect: (a) the reclassification of stock in 1995, (b) compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and (c) the Company's three-for-two stock split in May, 1998.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations 1998 Compared to 1997
Net Sales. Net sales for the year 1998 were $259,625,000, compared to 1997 net sales of $246,579,000, an increase of $13,046,000 or 5.3%. The Company's overseas sales increased significantly during the year. European sales totaled $55,391,000 in 1998 compared to $43,071,000 in 1997, an increase of 28.6%. While sales of all products were somewhat stronger in Europe during 1998, higher sales of Kellenberger grinding machines accounted for a significant portion of this increase. Likewise, sales to the Far East and all other areas of the world totaled $24,283,000 in 1998 compared to $21,333,000 in 1997, a gain of 13.8%. The gain is primarily attributable to increased sales in the People's Republic of China. Sales to domestic U.S. customers decreased slightly, from $182,176,000 in 1997 to $179,951,000 in 1998, primarily as a result of declining shipments to automotive customers. Automotive sales represented 13.2% of total 1998 sales, compared to 17.0% during 1997.
Shipments of machines increased by $12,548,000 during 1998, accounting for 69.5% of net sales for that year compared to 68.1% in 1997. Shipments of non-machine products and services were slightly higher in 1998 than 1997, at $79,253,000 versus $78,755,000. During 1998 sales of non-machine products and services represented 30.5% of total sales compared to 31.9% for the previous year. The increase in machine sales was a result of new products introduced during 1997 and 1998 coupled with stronger sales of Kellenberger grinders.
At December 31, 1998 the Company's backlog of orders had decreased by approximately 43% from a year earlier. The drop is primarily the result of a significant reduction in incoming orders during the fourth quarter of 1998, when compared to previous quarters of 1998 and to the fourth quarter of 1997. The Company responded by reducing its U.S. workforce by approximately 200 jobs or 15%, and by initiating other cost reduction measures. Incremental costs to implement these measures were recorded during the fourth quarter of 1998 as more fully explained in this analysis under the caption "unusual expense".
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $92,097,000 during 1998, an increase of 11.7% or $9,679,000 from 1997's gross profit of $82,418,000. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was considerably higher in 1998 compared to 1997, at 35.5% compared to 33.4%. The margin improvement has been the result of increased utilization at the Company's factories in the United States and Switzerland, coupled with a more profitable mix of product sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a percentage of net sales during 1998 were 22.2% of sales compared to 20.3% during 1997. During 1998, the Company implemented a strategy to provide better service to our growing marketplace. This resulted in the hiring of additional personnel for both sales and service functions, and the opening of two new regional technical facilities in Ohio and Texas. Also during 1998 the Company participated in the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. This event is the premier showcase for Hardinge products. Hardinge's presence at this year's show was broadly expanded to accommodate its growing product lines. Since the show is held only biannually, 1997's SG&A expenses did not include similar costs.
Unusual Expense. 1998's fourth quarter included a one-time charge of $950,000 (approximately $570,000 after tax, or $.06 per share). This charge resulted from costs incurred to relocate the manufacture and support for Hansvedt electrical discharge machines from Illinois to the Company's headquarters in Elmira, NY, and from a workforce reduction of approximately 200 full-time jobs, or 15% of total employment. These actions were taken as a result of a significant decline in incoming orders during the fourth quarter of 1998. 1997's first quarter included a one-time charge of $1,960,000 (approximately $1,200,000 after tax, or $.13 per share). This non-recurring charge involved outside costs incurred in connection with a major acquisition that the Company carried into the final stages of the due diligence process but decided not to complete.
Income from Operations. Income from operations during 1998 totaled $33,640,000 compared to $30,499,000 in 1997. As a percentage of net sales, operating income was 13.0% in 1998 compared to 12.4% the previous year. Excluding the unusual expenses described above, operating income for 1998 and 1997 would have been 13.3% and 13.2% of net sales, respectively.
Interest Expense. Interest expense in 1998 was $2,324,000 compared to $2,378,000 in 1997. A slight increase in average borrowings in 1998 was offset by lower average interest rates.
Interest Income. Interest income for the years 1998 and 1997 was $597,000 and $705,000, respectively. The income resulted primarily from internally financed customer sales during both years. During 1998, interest rates charged on these notes were somewhat reduced from 1997 levels.
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was somewhat lower in 1998, at 36.4%, compared to 37.8% in 1997. The reduction in the tax rate is the result of higher utilization of US income tax credits in 1998.
Net Income. Net income was $20,283,000, or $2.15 per share, in 1998 compared to 1997's $17,940,000, or $1.90 per share after restatement for the Company's May 1998 3-for-2 stock split. Excluding the unusual expenses described above, net income would have been $20,853,000 in 1998 ($2.21 per share) and $19,140,000 in 1997 ($2.03 per share after restatement for the stock split). This would have represented an increase of $1,713,000, or 8.9% over 1997. The increase was brought about by 1998's improved margin rate on the increased sales volume described earlier, offset partially by the described increases in SG&A expenses.
1997 Compared to 1996
Net Sales. Net sales for the year 1997 were $246,579,000, an increase of 11.9% over 1996's net sales of $220,295,000. Sales in domestic U.S. markets increased by 23.6% during 1997 to a total of $182,176,000 compared to $147,390,000 in 1996. Significantly higher deliveries to automotive customers during 1997 and the continuing success of the Company's new Cobra[TM] line of low cost lathes were partially responsible for this increase. Shipments to the automotive industry accounted for 17% of the Company's 1997 sales, compared to 9% during 1996. Also, the acquisition of Hansvedt Industries, Inc. in April, 1997 added incremental sales of yet another new product line for Hardinge, electrical discharge machines. Sales to European customers totaled $43,071,000, a decrease of $13,180,000 or 23.4% from 1996's total of $56,251,000. This softening in the European market was apparent throughout the year, but lessened as the year progressed, from a shortfall of 44.4% in the first quarter to 6.0% in the fourth quarter. A significant factor affecting European sales was the approximate 15% weakening of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar, based on average exchange rates for 1997 compared to 1996. Sales by the Company's Swiss subsidiary, Kellenberger, increased by over 4% from 1996 to 1997 as recorded in Swiss francs. However, when translated to U.S. dollars the results indicate a decrease of over 11% as a result of the difference in exchange rates. Sales to all other areas of the world increased by 28.1%, from $16,654,000 in 1996 to $21,333,000 in 1997.
Shipments of machines increased by $23,099,000 during 1997, accounting for 68.1% of net sales for that year compared to 65.7% in 1996. Shipments of non-machine products and services also increased by $3,185,000 during 1997. However, as a result of the larger increase in machine sales, the percentage of net sales represented by non-machine products and services decreased from 34.3% in 1996 to 31.9% in 1997. The large increase in machine sales was a result of the same factors described above which caused the increase in domestic sales.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $82,418,000 during 1997, an increase of 9.8% or $7,387,000 from 1996's gross profit of $75,031,000. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was slightly lower in 1997 compared to 1996, at 33.4% compared to 1996's 34.1%. It is generally true that the margin percentage is favorably affected by an increased proportion of domestic sales, where channel of distribution costs are typically less than in other parts of the world. However, in 1997 a significant portion of these increased domestic sales were made to large automotive customers where the Company experiences somewhat lower margins. Also, the Company's machine sales have traditionally generated lower gross margins than sales of non-machine products and services. The fact that 1997's sales included a higher percentage of machine revenues than 1996 contributed to a somewhat lower margin in 1997.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") as a percentage of net sales were slightly lower in 1997 than 1996, at 20.3% compared to 20.5%.
Unusual Expense. 1997's first quarter included a one-time charge of $1,960,000 (approximately $1,200,000 after tax, or $.13 per share). This non-recurring charge involved outside costs incurred in connection with a major acquisition that the Company carried into the final stages of the due diligence process but decided not to complete.
Income from Operations. Income from operations totaled $30,499,000 in 1997 compared to $29,973,000 in 1996. As a percentage of net sales, operating income was 12.4% in 1997 compared to 13.6% the previous year. Excluding the unusual expense described above, operating income for 1997 would have been 13.2% of net sales. The slight reduction in percentage from 1996 is attributable to the lower gross margin rate previously discussed.
Interest Expense. Interest expense in 1997 was $2,378,000 compared to $2,770,000 in 1996. The reduction was the result of lower average outstanding borrowings in 1997.
Interest Income. Interest income for the years 1997 and 1996 was $705,000 and $889,000, respectively. The income resulted primarily from internally financed customer sales during both years.
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was nearly unchanged in 1997 compared to 1996, at 37.8% in 1997 and 38.5% in 1996.
Net Income. Net income was $17,940,000, or $1.90 per share, in 1997 compared to $17,288,000, or $1.85 per share, in 1996. Excluding the unusual expense described above, net income would have been $19,140,000 in 1997, or $2.03 per share. This would have represented an increase of $1,852,000, or 10.7% over 1996. The increase was brought about by margin on the increased sales volume described earlier, coupled with the stable rate of SG&A expenses. The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings per Share, which requires presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share amounts. The above earnings per share represent diluted earnings per share as defined by that statement. All previous earnings per share amounts have been restated to comply with the new treatment. Also, earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the three-for-two stock split which took place in May, 1998.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's current ratio at December 31, 1998 was 5.25:1 compared to 3.82:1 at December 31, 1997. Current assets remained approximately unchanged, while current liabilities decreased by $11,305,000 from 1997 to 1998, primarily as a result of decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Operating activities generated cash in 1998 of $21,495,000 compared to $26,988,000 in 1997, a decrease of $5,493,000. This decrease was a result of several factors. A reduction in accounts payable of $7,047,000 during 1998 which, compared to an increase of $6,241,000 during 1997, required additional cash of $13,288,000. Added to this was a small inventory reduction in 1998 of $860,000 compared to the large reduction during 1997 of $10,159,000 resulting from the completion and shipment of several large automotive orders during that year. These changes accounted for an additional $9,299,000 in cash usage for 1998 compared to 1997. Finally, offsetting these factors was a generation of cash during 1998 of $16,376,000 which was the result of a small decline in accounts receivable during 1998 of $1,791,000 compared to a large increase during 1997 in the amount of $14,585,000.
The Company provides long-term financing for the purchase of its equipment by qualified customers. The Company regards this program as an important part of its marketing efforts, particularly to independent machine shops. Customer financing is offered for a term of up to seven years, with the Company retaining a security interest in the purchased equipment. In the event of a customer default and foreclosure, which are uncommon, it is the practice of the Company to recondition and resell the equipment. It has been the Company's experience that such equipment resales have realized the approximate remaining contract value.
In order to reduce debt and finance current operations, the Company periodically sells a substantial portion of its underlying customer notes receivable to various financial institutions. In 1998, the Company sold $39,939,000 of customer notes compared to $34,165,000 sold during 1997, reflecting the increase in notes available for sales as the number of shipments financed through the Company's program have increased in 1998 compared to 1997. Although the Company has no formal arrangements with financial institutions to purchase its customer notes receivable, it has not experienced difficulty in arranging such sales. While the Company's customer financing program has an impact on its month-to-month borrowings from time-to-time, it has had little long-term impact on its working capital because of the sales of the underlying customer notes receivable. Long-term customer notes receivable held by the Company totaled $13,063,000 and $11,951,000 at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively.
Total capital expenditures in 1998 were $17,620,000. The majority of these expenditures were for the purchase of new manufacturing equipment at the Company's Elmira, New York and St. Gallen, Switzerland production facilities. These assets will accommodate the Company's increasing range of product types and sizes and will result in greater productivity in the Company's manufacturing operations. During 1998 the Company also significantly increased the number of Hardinge machines capitalized for use as demonstration and training machines as a result of broadening its product line and opening new technical centers.
The Company used cash of $4,588,000 in its April, 1997 purchase of 100% of the outstanding shares of Hansvedt Industries, Inc., an Urbana, Illinois-based manufacturer of electrical discharge machines.
The Company has revolving loan agreements with several U.S. banks providing for unsecured borrowing up to $70,000,000 on a revolving basis, $20,000,000 through November 1, 1999, and $50,000,000 through August 1, 2002. At November 1, 1999 any amounts outstanding on the $20,000,000 facility convert, at the Company's option, to term loans payable quarterly over four years through 2003. Notes issued under these revolving credit agreements are classified as long-term debt, as it is the Company's intention to maintain the principal amounts outstanding either through the existing credit facilities or new borrowing arrangements. As of December 31, 1998, total borrowings under these agreements were $23,669,000.
The Company's Kellenberger subsidiary maintains unsecured overdraft facilities with commercial banks which permit borrowing in Swiss francs equivalent to approximately $6,550,000. At December 31, 1998, total borrowings under these agreements were $1,018,000.
These facilities, along with a $7,000,000 unsecured short term line with another bank, provided for immediate access of up to $83,550,000 at December 31, 1998. Outstanding borrowings under these arrangements totaled $28,686,000 at that time.
During the first quarter of 1996, the Company entered into a long term borrowing agreement for $17,750,000 with a syndication of banks. The proceeds were used to repay revolving loan borrowing which had originally been used to finance the acquisition of Kellenberger. Quarterly interest payments on this term loan began during 1996, and principal repayments commenced in 1998. The agreement contains financial and other covenants consistent with the revolving loan agreements.
The Company currently intends to use its improved financial condition to seek growth opportunities in new products, international markets, and strategic acquisitions. Management believes that the currently available funds and credit facilities, and internally generated funds, will provide sufficient financial resources for its ongoing operations.
Market Risk The following information has been provided in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's requirements for disclosure of exposures to market risk arising from certain market risk sensitive instruments.
The Company's earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of its floating interest rate debt. However, due to its purchase of interest rate swap agreements, the effects of interest rate changes are limited. If market interest rates on debt subject to floating interest rates were to have increased by 2% over the actual rates paid for the previous year, interest expense would have increased by $420,000 in 1998 and $419,000 in 1997, after considering the effect of the interest rate swap agreements. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the Company's borrowing cost and interest rate swap agreements. These analyses do not consider the effects of the reduced level of economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of significant magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no changes in the Company's financial structure.
A portion of the Company's operations consist of manufacturing and sales activities in foreign jurisdictions. The Company manufactures its products in the United States and Switzerland using production components purchased internationally, and sells the products in those markets as well as other European and Asian markets. Also, the U.S. parent purchases grinding machines manufactured in Switzerland by its Swiss subsidiary. The Company's subsidiaries in the U.K., Germany, Switzerland and Canada sell products in native currency to customers in other foreign countries. As a result the Company's financial results could be significantly affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which the Company distributes its products. The company's operating results are exposed to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, U.K. pound, Swiss franc, German mark, and Japanese yen. For example, when the U.K. pound or Swiss franc strengthens against other European currencies, the value of sales denominated in these other currencies decreases when translated to pounds or Swiss francs. When the U.S. dollar strengthens against the Japanese yen, the price of competitive Japanese imports to the United States decreases. To mitigate the short-term
effect of changes in currency exchange rates on the Company's functional currency based purchases and sales, the Company regularly hedges by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge approximately 3 to 6 months' planned purchase and sales transactions.
Year 2000 Disclosure
The Year 2000 issue arises from the use of two-digit date fields in certain computer programs which may cause problems as the year changes from 1999 to 2000. If the Company's computer systems do not correctly recognize date information, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. The Company has identified risk associated with the Year 2000 problem in the following areas: (i) systems used by the Company to operate its business; (ii) systems used by the Company's critical suppliers; and (iii) warranty or other potential claims from the Company's customers. The Company has evaluated its risks in these areas and is in the process of implementing a program to minimize any potential impact on operations arising out of the Year 2000 problem. The Company's efforts have been directed by a Steering Committee consisting of executive officers and other appropriate personnel. Costs associated with the program are not expected to be significant and are being expensed as incurred with funding through operating cash flows.
With respect to IT (Information Technology) systems, the Company has reviewed, tested and corrected, where necessary, all internally-generated software for the ability to recognize the year 2000. Where the Company relies on outside software vendors, the Company has received written assurance of, and tested for, such software's ability to properly perform beyond December 31, 1999.
Non-information technology ("Non-IT") systems include plant floor machinery and systems with embedded technology such as microprocessors or microcontrollers which operate such facility-related items as phone systems, access controls and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The Company has identified, tested where possible and received when available written confirmation that its facility-related non-IT equipment is Year 2000 compliant and has requested written assurance from its key equipment suppliers that their internal operations and products are and will be Year 2000 compliant. Currently, a majority of suppliers have provided information indicating they are addressing the Y2K issue in their own operations.
The Company believes that its past and current products are Year 2000 compliant and therefore exposure to warranty and other potential claims is not expected to be outside the ordinary course of business. With respect to the computerized control systems in place on the Company's machines sold in prior years, the Company's primary supplier of these controls has provided written assurance that both their previously-supplied and current controls are Year 2000 compliant.
As part of its Year 2000 compliance program, the Company has developed a contingency plan to address what it views as the most likely worst-case scenario resulting from one or more of the above-identified risks being realized. At this time, the Company believes that the failure of a third-party's system to perform as represented poses the greatest risk to the Company's operations. The contingency plan identifies alternative suppliers and addresses other potential third-party failures. While the Company believes it has addressed all critical Year 2000 issues, there is no guarantee against internal, external and third-party system failures related to the Year 2000 problem. Such failures could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Euro Conversion
The Company sells products in several European countries which will begin conversion in 1999 to the new common currency (the Euro) to be used by members of the European Union. The Company does not anticipate any significant risk to its operations as a result of the conversion.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is required to be adopted in years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company expects to adopt the new statement effective January 1, 2000. The statement will require the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm
commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.
The Company has not yet determined what the effect of Statement 133 will be on earnings and financial position of the Company.
This report contains statements, including those relating to the year 2000 issue, of a forward-looking nature relating to the financial performance of Hardinge Inc. Such statements are based upon information known to management at this time. The company cautions that such statements necessarily involve uncertainties and risk and deal with matters beyond the company's ability to control, and in many cases the company cannot predict what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Among the many factors that could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are fluctuations in the machine tool business cycles, changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. or internationally, the mix of products sold and the profit margins thereon, the relative success of the company's entry into new product and geographic markets , the company's ability to manage its operating costs, actions taken by customers such as order cancellations or reduced bookings by customers or distributors, competitors' actions such as price discounting or new product introductions, governmental regulations and environmental matters, changes in the availability and cost of materials and supplies, the implementation of new technologies and currency fluctuations. Any forward-looking statement should be considered in light of these factors. The company undertakes no obligation to revise its forward- looking statements if unanticipated events alter their accuracy.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.--QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Market Risk" in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition, of this Form 10K.
ITEM 8
ITEM 8 - -FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES December 31, 1998
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
Report of Independent Auditors
Board of Directors Hardinge Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Hardinge Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP
Syracuse, New York January 22, 1999
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Thousands)
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued) (In Thousands)
See accompanying notes.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Income (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
See accompanying notes.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (In Thousands)
See accompanying notes.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In Thousands)
See accompanying notes.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 1998
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
Hardinge Inc. is a machine tool manufacturer, which designs, manufactures and distributes metal cutting lathes, grinding machines, machining centers, electrical discharge machines and tooling and accessories related to metal cutting machines. Sales are principally in the United States and Western Europe. Sales are also made to customers in Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and other foreign countries. A substantial portion of the Company's sales are to small and medium-sized independent job shops, which in turn sell machined parts to their industrial customers. Industries directly and indirectly served by the Company include automotive, medical equipment, aerospace, defense, recreational equipment, farm equipment, construction equipment, energy and transportation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property additions, including major renewals and betterments, are recorded at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Upon retirement or disposal of an asset, the asset and related allowance for depreciation are eliminated and any resultant gain or loss is credited or charged to income. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line and sum of the years digits methods. Total depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $6,869,000, $6,825,000, and $6,300,000 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Goodwill
Intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, comprised of costs in excess of net business assets acquired and brands and trademarks, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangibles resulting from business acquisitions and measures the amount of impairment, if any, by assessing current and future levels of income and cash flows as well as other factors, such as business trends and prospects and market and economic conditions. Amortization expense was $144,000 and $60,000 for 1998 and 1997, respectively. Accumulated amortization was $204,000 and $60,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method according to Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 109. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Foreign Currency Translation
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 52, all balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated at current exchange rates and income statement items are translated at an average exchange rate for the year. The gain or loss resulting from translating subsidiary financial statements is recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity as other comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in operations.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Gains and losses on contracts designated as hedges of existing assets and liabilities are accrued as exchange rates change and are recognized in income. Gains and losses on contracts designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries are accrued as exchange rates change and are recognized in Shareholders' Equity as a foreign currency translation adjustment. Gains and losses on contracts designated as hedges of identifiable foreign currency firm commitments are deferred and included in the measurement of the related foreign currency transaction.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is required to be adopted in years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company expects to adopt the new statement effective January 1, 2000. The statement will require the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.
The Company has not yet determined what the effect of Statement 133 will be on earnings and financial position of the Company.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of shares includes common stock equivalents related primarily to restricted stock. Restricted shares awarded under the Company's long-term incentive stock plans are treated as issued shares at time of award and are treated for diluted earnings per share as outstanding in accordance with the treasury stock method over the period of their vesting. The number of shares outstanding has been adjusted to reflect the stock transactions as explained in Note 4 to the financial statements.
Research and Development Costs
The cost of research and development, all of which has been charged to operations, amounted to $8,630,000, $8,415,000, and $7,932,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company grants restricted shares of common stock and stock options to certain officers and other key employees. The Company accounts for restricted share grants and stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. They are summarized as follows:
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from product sales upon shipment of the product.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
2. Financing Arrangements
Long-term debt consists of:
In August 1997, the Company entered into an unsecured credit arrangement with three banks which provides for borrowing in several currencies up to the equivalent of $50,000,000 on a revolving loan basis through August 1, 2002. Interest charged on the debt is based on London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a fixed percentage. A commitment fee of up to 1/4 of 1% is payable on the unused portion of the facility. At December 31, 1998, total borrowings under the facility were $12,669,000. Approximately $1,660,000 of the borrowing was denominated in British pounds sterling and $8,009,000 in Swiss francs. At December 31, 1997, total borrowings under the facility were $12,614,000. Approximately $2,086,000 of the borrowing was denominated in British pounds sterling and $7,528,000 in Swiss francs.
In November 1996, the Company entered into an unsecured credit arrangement with a bank which provides for borrowing in several currencies up to the equivalent of $20,000,000 on a revolving loan basis through November 1, 1999. The credit agreement provides for repayment of the then outstanding principal beginning January 1, 2000 in 16 consecutive equal quarterly installments. Interest charged on the debt is based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. A commitment fee of up to 1/4 of 1% is payable on the unused portion of the facility. At December 31, 1998, total borrowings under this arrangement were $11,000,000.
In May 1998, the Company entered into an interest swap arrangement with a financial institution which effectively fixes the interest rate on $15,000,000 of the Company's revolving debt at 6.01% through June, 2003.
All debt under both revolving credit arrangements has been classified as long-term debt, as it is the Company's intention to maintain the principal amounts outstanding through the existing credit facilities.
In February 1996, the Company entered into an unsecured term loan arrangement with a syndication of banks for the purpose of financing its November 1995 acquisition of L. Kellenberger & Co. AG. The loan provides for repayment of the outstanding principal in twenty equal installments beginning May 1998. Interest is charged on the debt based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. The Company has entered into a cross-currency interest rate swap agreement which effectively converts the $17,750,000 term loan to a borrowing of 21,000,000 Swiss francs with an effective interest rate of 4.49%. The swap agreement has been designated as a hedge against the Company's net investment in Kellenberger. At December 31, 1998 the balance owed on this loan was $15,088,000.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
2. Financing Arrangements (continued)
The Company also has a $7,000,000 unsecured short-term line of credit with a bank with interest based on a fixed percent over the one-month LIBOR. As of December 31, 1998, the $4,000,000 borrowed on this line carries an average interest rate of 6.05%. The agreement is negotiated annually and requires no commitment fee.
The Company's Kellenberger subsidiary maintains unsecured overdraft facilities with commercial banks that permit borrowings in Swiss francs equivalent to approximately $6,550,000. These lines provide for interest at a fixed percentage over LIBOR and carry no commitment fees on unused funds. At December 31, 1998, total borrowings under these lines were $1,018,000 with an average interest rate of 6.50%. At December 31, 1997, total borrowings under these lines were $3,282,000 with an average interest rate of 5.26%.
The debt agreements require, among other things, that the Company maintain specified levels of tangible net worth, working capital, and specified ratios of debt to earnings and earnings to interest cost. Interest paid in 1998, 1997, and 1996 totaled $2,086,000, $2,498,000, and $2,799,000, respectively.
The Company conducts some of its sales and service operations from leased office space with lease terms up to 15 years and uses certain data processing equipment under lease agreements expiring at various dates during the next five years. Rent expense under these leases totaled $1,871,000, $1,601,000, and $1,378,000 during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1998 total $5,275,000, with payments over the next five years of $1,639,000, $1,371,000, $1,222,000, $362,000, and $263,000, respectively.
The Company has provided financing terms of up to seven years for qualified customers who purchase equipment. The Company may choose, when appropriate, to sell underlying notes receivable contracts to financial institutions to reduce debt and finance current operations. During 1998, 1997, and 1996, the Company sold notes totaling $39,939,000, $34,165,000, and $27,255,000, respectively. The remaining outstanding balance of all notes sold as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $74,786,000 and $61,505,000, respectively. Gains and losses from the sales of notes receivable have not been material. Recourse against the Company from default of any of the notes included in the sales is limited to 10% of the then outstanding balance of the underlying notes.
3. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had state investment tax credits expiring at various dates through the year 2008, and foreign tax credit carryforwards expiring in 2001 for which no benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
3. Income Taxes (continued)
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Pretax income was $27,611,000, $24,813,000, and $22,872,000 from domestic operations and $4,302,000, $4,013,000, and $5,220,000 from foreign operations for 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
Significant components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations are as follows:
Income tax payments totaled $11,239,000, $9,754,000, and $9,467,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
3. Income Taxes (continued)
The following is a reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the United States statutory rate to amounts shown in the consolidated statements of income.
Undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries, which amounted to approximately $15,626,000 at December 31, 1998, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
4. Shareholders' Equity
Treasury Shares The number of shares of common stock in treasury was 40,909, 24,216, and 18,547 at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In 1998, the company purchased a net 40,143 treasury shares and distributed 23,450 shares from treasury pursuant to the long-term incentive plan. In 1997, the Company purchased a net 14,564 treasury shares and issued 8,895 shares under the long-term incentive plan from treasury. In 1996, the Company purchased a net 42,855 treasury shares and issued 187,457 shares under the long-term incentive plan from treasury. The changes in treasury shares for 1997 and 1996 have been restated to reflect the 3-for-2 stock split in May 1998.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
On May 16, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one Right to purchase Series A Preferred Stock for each outstanding share of Company common stock held as of May 16, 1995. Each Right entitles the holder of the Right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock (a "Unit") at a purchase price of $80.00 per Unit. The Rights will become exercisable ten business days after any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Common Stock or commences a tender or exchange offer upon consummation of which such person or group would, if successful, own 30% or more of the Common Stock. The Rights, which will expire ten years from the date of issuance, may be redeemed by the Board of Directors, at $.01 per Right, at any time prior to the expiration of ten business days after the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding Common Stock.
Stock Split
On April 28, 1998, the Board of Directors approved a three-for-two stock split of the Company's common shares to be paid in the form of a 50 percent stock dividend. As a result of the split, 3,281,351 additional shares were issued on May 29, 1998 to shareholders of record on May 8, 1998 and retained earnings were reduced by $32,813. Any fractional shares resulting from the split were paid in cash. All references in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to common shares outstanding and earnings per share have been restated to reflect this stock split.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
4. Shareholders' Equity (continued)
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations required by Statement No. 128. The table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
5. Industry Segment and Foreign Operations
The Company operates in one business segment--industrial machine tools. Domestic and foreign operations consist of:
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
5. Industry Segment and Foreign Operations (continued)
Export sales from Hardinge's U.S. operations include the following:
Sales attributable to Western European Operations are based on those sales generated by subsidiaries located in Europe.
Interarea sales are accounted for at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales, reduced by estimated costs not incurred on these sales. Operating income excludes interest income and interest expense directly attributable to the related operations.
In 1998, 1997 and 1996, sales to one customer in the automotive industry represented approximately 5%, 9% and 5%, respectively, of consolidated sales.
6. Employee Benefits
Pension and Postretirement Plans
The Company accounts for the pension plan and postretirement benefits in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statements No. 87 and 106. The following disclosures related to the pension and postretirement benefits are presented in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 132 which became effective in 1998. All prior year disclosures have been restated to conform with the requirements of this Statement.
The Company provides a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering all eligible domestic employees. The Plan bases benefits upon both years of service and earnings. The Company's policy is to fund at least an amount necessary to satisfy the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. The amount to be funded is subject to annual review by management and its consulting actuary.
The Company provides a contributory retiree health plan covering all eligible domestic employees who retired at normal retirement age prior to January 1, 1993 and all retirees who will retire at normal retirement age after January 1, 1993 with at least 10 years of active service. Employees who elect early retirement are eligible for the plan benefits if they have 15 years of active service at retirement. Benefit obligations and funding policies are at the discretion of the Company's management. Retiree contributions are adjusted annually and contain other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance, all of which vary according to the retiree's date of retirement. The accounting for the plan anticipates future cost-sharing changes to the written plan that are consistent with the Company's expressed intent to limit its contributions to 125% of the average aggregate 1993 claim cost. The Company also provides a non-contributory life insurance plan to retirees. Because the amount of liability relative to this plan is insignificant, it is combined with the health plan for purposes of this disclosure.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
6. Employee Benefits (continued)
A summary of the components of net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit costs is presented below.
A summary of the Pension and Postretirement Plans' funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets is as follows:
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
6. Employee Benefits (continued)
Actuarial assumptions used to determine pension costs and other postretirement benefit costs include:
Pension plan assets include 248,886 shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $4,589,000 and $6,181,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Dividends paid on those shares were $139,000 and $129,000 in 1998 and 1997 respectively. The remaining plan assets consisted of United States Government securities, corporate bonds and notes, other common stocks and an insurance contract.
The annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits (the health care cost trend) used to calculate the liability for the postretirement benefits was assumed to be 9.50% for December 31, 1997, decreasing gradually to 5.5% by the year 2006. The annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed to be 9.0% as of December 31, 1998, decreasing gradually to 5.5% by the year 2006 and remaining at that level thereafter.
In 1998, the postretirement benefit plan changed from a self-funded plan to an insured plan under third party coverage. The effect of this change, which was treated as a negative plan amendment, was to decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $310,000 as of December 31, 1997.
The health care cost trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported due to the 125% cap on the Company's portion of the medical plan claims. A one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $150,000 and increase the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 1998 by $18,000.
Group Health Plans
The Company has contributory group benefit plans which provide medical benefits to all of its domestic employees.
Savings Plan
The Company maintains a 401(k)plan which covers all eligible domestic employees of the Company subject to minimum employment period requirements. Provisions of the plan allow employees to defer from 1% to 20% (1% to 15% in 1997 and 1996) of their pre-tax salary to the plan. Those contributions may be invested at the option of the employees in a number of investment alternatives, one being Hardinge Inc. common stock. The Company contributes to the plan on a matching formula of 25% of an employee's contribution up to 5% of the employee's compensation. The Company's match is in Hardinge Inc. common stock. The Company contributed $363,000, $324,000, and $253,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996 respectively, for this match. The Company may also contribute a discretionary contribution to the plan to be distributed among all participants. In 1996, the Company contributed $250,000 as a discretionary contribution.
Long-Term Incentive Plans
In 1996, the Board of Directors established an Incentive Stock Plan to assist in attracting and retaining key employees. The Plan allows the Board to grant restricted stock, performance share awards, stock options and stock appreciation rights up to an aggregate of 450,000 shares of common stock to these employees. Reference to share amounts in the plan have been restated, where appropriate, for the Company's 3-for-2 stock split in May, 1998.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
6. Employee Benefits (continued)
During 1998, certain officers were awarded a total of 98,500 restricted shares of common stock. During 1997 and 1996, shares of restricted common stock were awarded to certain officers and key managers totaling 52,500 and 201,975, respectively. Restrictions on 99,725 shares from the 1993 and 1996 Incentive Stock Plans were released in 1998. Restrictions on 18,450 shares, which were the final shares from the 1988 Incentive Stock Plan, expired in 1997. Restrictions on 19,500 shares of common stock from a similar 1993 Incentive Stock Plan were released during 1997.
As of December 31, 1998, a total of 686,375 restricted shares of common stock were outstanding under the two plans. All shares of restricted stock are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on transfer, and unconditional vesting occurs upon the completion of a specified period ranging from three to eight years from date of grant.
Deferred compensation associated with these grants is measured by the market value of the stock on the date of grant and totaled $2,485,500, $945,000, and $3,467,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. This deferred compensation is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the specified service period. The unamortized deferred compensation at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, totaled $4,842,000, $4,256,000, and $5,095,000, respectively, and is included in deferred employee benefits as a reduction of shareholders' equity.
Stock options for 15,750, 31,500, and 59,250 shares were issued in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively under the 1996 Plan. As of December 31, 1998, a total of 96,875 options remained outstanding under the plan. The options expire ten years from the date of issue and vest over periods varying from immediate vesting to three years. The Company accounts for the stock options issued under the Plan using the intrinsic value method as defined by Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Since all such options have been issued at exercise prices equal to the trading price of Hardinge stock at date of issue, no expense is recognized. The Company has considered valuation of stock options using the fair value method as determined by Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. Application of the fair value method, however, would only reduce 1998, 1997 and 1996 net income by $73,000, $68,000 and $15,000, respectively, and is not deemed to be material.
Foreign Operations
The Company also has employees in certain foreign countries that are covered by defined contribution and benefit pension plans and other employee benefit plans. Related obligations and costs charged to operations are not material.
7. Financial Instruments
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the carrying value of financial instruments such as cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximated their fair values, based on the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying amounts of debt under the revolving agreements classified as long-term debt approximate fair value as the underlying instruments are comprised of notes that are repriced on a short-term basis.
In May 1998, the Company entered into a five year interest rate swap arrangement with a financial institution (See Note 2). At December 31, 1998, the fair market value of this instrument was $527,000 in favor of the financial institution.
The carrying amount of the term loan dated February, 1996 approximates its fair value as the underlying interest rate is variable. Related to this term loan, the Company entered into a seven-year cross-currency interest rate swap agreement (see Note 2). The fair value of the instrument was $1,276,000 and $2,475,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997 respectively, based on current settlement value as determined by a financial institution.
The fair value of notes receivable, short-term and long-term, was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the rate at which the Company could sell those notes at year end under standard terms experienced
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
7. Financial Instruments (continued)
on recent sales (a fixed percentage over U.S. Treasury notes). At December 31, 1998 and 1997 the carrying value of these notes approximated the fair value.
The fair value of other long term debt was determined based on rates obtained from financial institutions on funds available for terms approximating the remaining term of that debt. At December 31, 1998, carrying and fair value of that debt were approximately equal.
The Company regularly enters into foreign currency contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on purchases of materials used in production and cash settlements of intercompany sales. Any gains or losses from these contracts have not been material. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had notional principal amounts of approximately $5,232,000 and $8,535,000 in contracts to purchase currency in the future from major commercial banks. The fair value of these contracts is not material.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company sells products to companies in diversified industries, with a substantial majority of sales occurring in North America and Western Europe. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of the financial condition of its customers. The Company offers financing terms of up to seven years for its customers in the United States and Canada and files a lien against the equipment purchased under those terms. No collateral is required for sales made on open account terms with payment due within thirty days. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, 21% and 36%, respectively, of the accounts receivable were from the three major U.S. automobile manufacturers, with receivables from one representing 11% at December 31, 1998 and 21% at December 31, 1997 of the consolidated accounts receivable. In addition, at December 31, 1998, receivables from one of the Company's distributors totaled 6% of the consolidated accounts receivable.
8. Acquisitions
On April 14, 1997, Hardinge completed a stock purchase agreement under which it acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Hansvedt Industries, Inc., an Urbana, Illinois-based manufacturer of electrical discharge machines (EDM) and related equipment. Electrical discharge machines are used to produce complex metal parts through a process of erosion with electricity using either a cutting wire or electrode. Hansvedt Industries, which was privately held and is the largest U.S. manufacturer of EDM equipment, had 1996 revenues of $8,000,000. The acquisition was financed using Hardinge's existing credit lines.
9. Unusual Expense
1998's fourth quarter included a one-time charge of $950,000 (approximately $570,000 after tax, or $.06 per share). This charge resulted from costs incurred to relocate the manufacture and support for Hansvedt electrical discharge machines from Illinois to the Company's headquarters in Elmira, NY, and from a workforce reduction of approximately 200 full-time jobs, or 15% of total employment. These actions were taken as a result of a significant decline in incoming orders during the fourth quarter of 1998. 1997's first quarter included a one-time charge of $1,960,000 (approximately $1,200,000 after tax, or $.13 per share). This non-recurring charge involves outside costs incurred in connection with a major acquisition that the Company carried into the final stages of the due diligence process but decided not to complete.
HARDINGE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
10. Reporting Comprehensive Income
In June, 1997 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Statement No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. The Company adopted this Statement for the year ended December 31, 1998 and has reclassified its financial statements for earlier periods provided for comparative purposes. Under this Statement, changes in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment of $278,000, $968,000 and ($2,003,000)for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively have been reported under shareholders' equity as adjustments to comprehensive income.
11. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Summarized quarterly financial information for 1998 and 1997 is as follows:
1997 weighted shares outstanding and earnings per share have been restated to reflect the Company's 3-for-2 stock split in May 1998.
Earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average shares outstanding for each period presented. As a result of the changes in outstanding shares from quarter to quarter, the total of the four quarters for 1997 does not equal the annual earnings per share for the year.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.--CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.--DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Certain information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's proxy statement filed with the Commission on March 12, 1999. Additional information required to be furnished by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is as follows:
List of Executive Officers of the Registrant
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.--EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's proxy statement filed with the Commission on March 12, 1999.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.--SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrant's proxy statement filed with the Commission on March 12, 1999.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.--CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the Registrants's proxy statement filed with the Commission on March 12, 1999.
PART IV
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.--EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) The financial statements of the Registrant listed in ITEM 8. of this Report are incorporated herein by reference.
(2) The financial statement schedules of the Registrant listed in ITEM 8. of this Report are incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Exhibits filed as part of this Report: See (c) below.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant during the last quarter of the period covered by this report: None
(c) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K filed as a part of this Report on Form 10-K: Item Description
- ---------- *Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
HARDINGE INC. ------------------------------------- (Registrant)
February 23, 1999 /s/ Robert E. Agan - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Robert E. Agan Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
February 23, 1999 /s/ J. Patrick Ervin - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- J. Patrick Ervin Executive Vice President--Operations
February 23, 1999 /s/ Richard L. Simons - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Richard L. Simons Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary (Principal Financial Officer)
February 23, 1999 /s/ John W. Bennett - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- John W. Bennett Director
February 23, 1999 /s/ Daniel J. Burke - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Daniel J. Burke Director
February 23, 1999 /s/ Richard J. Cole - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Richard J. Cole Director
February 23, 1999 - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- James L. Flynn Director
February 23, 1999 /s/ E. Martin Gibson - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- E. Martin Gibson Director
February 23, 1999 /s/ Douglas A. Greenlee - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Douglas A. Greenlee Vice President and Director
February 23, 1999 - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- J. Philip Hunter Director and Secretary
February 23, 1999 /s/ Albert W. Moore - ----------------------------- ------------------------------------- Albert W. Moore Director