ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Encore Wire Corporation is a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 1989, with its principal executive office and manufacturing plants located at 1329 Millwood Road, McKinney, Texas 75069. The Company’s telephone number is (972) 562-9473. As used in this Annual Report, unless otherwise required by the context, the terms “Company” and “Encore” refer to Encore Wire Corporation and its consolidated entities.
Encore is a low-cost manufacturer of copper electrical building wire and cable. The Company is a significant supplier of both residential wire for interior electrical wiring in homes, apartments and manufactured housing, and commercial wire for electrical distribution in commercial and industrial buildings.
The principal customers for Encore’s wire are wholesale electrical distributors, who sell electric building wire and a variety of other products to electrical contractors. The Company sells its products primarily through manufacturers’ representatives located throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, through its own direct in-house marketing efforts.
Encore’s strategy is to further expand its share of the markets for building wire primarily by emphasizing a high level of customer service and low-cost production and the addition of new products that compliment its current product line. The Company maintains product inventory levels sufficient to meet anticipated customer demand and believes that the speed and completeness with which it fills customer orders are key competitive advantages critical to marketing its products. Encore’s low-cost production capability features an efficient plant design incorporating highly automated manufacturing equipment, an integrated production process and an incentivized work force.
Strategy
Encore’s strategy for expanding its share of the building wire markets emphasizes customer service and product innovations coupled with low-cost production.
Customer Service. Responsiveness to customers is a primary focus of Encore, with an emphasis on building and maintaining strong customer relationships. Encore seeks to establish customer loyalty by achieving a high order fill rate and rapidly handling customer orders, shipments, inquiries and returns. The Company maintains product inventories sufficient to meet anticipated customer demand and believes that the speed and completeness with which it fills orders are key competitive advantages critical to marketing its products.
Product Innovation. Encore has been a leader in bringing new ideas to a commodity product. Encore pioneered the widespread use of color feeder sizes of commercial wire and colors in the residential non-metallic wires. The colors have improved on the job safety and reduced installation times for contractors.
Low-Cost Production. Encore’s low-cost production capability features an efficient plant design and an incentivized work force.
Efficient Plant Design. Encore’s highly automated wire manufacturing equipment is integrated in an efficient design that reduces material handling, labor and in-process inventory.
Incentivized Work Force. Encore’s hourly manufacturing employees are eligible to receive incentive pay tied to productivity and quality standards. The Company believes that this compensation program enables the plant’s manufacturing lines to attain high output and motivates manufacturing employees to continually maintain product quality. The Company also believes that its stock option plan enhances the motivation of its salaried manufacturing supervisors. The Company has coupled these incentives with a comprehensive safety program that emphasizes employee participation.
Products
Encore offers an electric building wire product line that consists primarily of NM-B cable, UF-B cable, THWN-2 and other types of wire products, including its’ new armored cable introduced into the market in late 2006. The Company’s NM-B, UF-B, THWN-2 and armored cable are all manufactured with copper as the conductor. The Company also purchases small quantities of other types of wire to re-sell to the customers that buy the products it manufactures.
The Company maintains approximately 6,000 stock-keeping units (“SKUs”) of building wire. The principal basis for differentiation among SKUs are product diameter, insulation, color and packaging.
NM-B Cable. Non-metallic sheathed cable is used primarily as interior wiring in homes, apartments and manufactured housing. NM-B cable is composed of either two or three insulated copper wire conductors, with or without an uninsulated ground wire, all sheathed in a polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) jacket.
UF-B Cable. Underground feeder cable is used to conduct power underground to outside lighting and other applications remote from residential buildings. UF-B cable is composed of two or three PVC insulated copper wire conductors, with or without an un-insulated ground wire, all jacketed in PVC.
THWN-2 Cable. THWN-2 cable is used primarily as feeder, circuit and branch wiring in commercial and industrial buildings. It is composed of a single conductor, either stranded or solid, and insulated with PVC, which is further coated with nylon. Users typically enclose THWN-2 cable in protective pipe or conduit.
Armored Cable. Armored cable is used primarily as feeder, circuit and branch wiring, primarily in commercial and industrial buildings. It is composed of multiple conductors, either stranded or solid, and insulated with PVC, which are further coated with nylon and then fully encased in a flexible aluminum or steel “armored” protective sheath that eliminates the need to pull the wire through pipe or conduit.
Manufacturing
The efficiency of Encore’s highly automated manufacturing facility is a key element of its low-cost production capability. Encore’s residential wire manufacturing lines have been integrated so that the handling of product is substantially reduced throughout the production process.
The manufacturing process for the Company’s products involves up to seven steps: casting, drawing, stranding, compounding, insulating, jacketing and armoring.
Casting. Rod is produced by melting sheets of copper cathode and copper scrap, casting the molten copper into a bar and rolling the hot copper bar into a 5/16 inch copper rod to be drawn into copper wire.
Drawing. Drawing is the process of reducing 5/16 inch copper rod through converging dies until the specified wire diameter is attained. The wire is then heated with electrical current to soften or “anneal” the wire to make it easier to handle.
Stranding. Stranding is the process of twisting together from seven to sixty-one individual wire strands to form a single cable. The purpose of stranding is to improve the flexibility of wire while maintaining its electrical current carrying capacity.
PVC Compounding. PVC compounding is the process of mixing the various raw materials that are required to produce the PVC necessary to meet U/L specifications for the insulation and jacket requirements for the wire that is manufactured.
Insulating. Insulating is the process of extruding first PVC and then nylon (where applicable) over the solid or stranded wire.
Jacketing. Jacketing is the process of extruding PVC over two or more insulated conductor wires, with or without an un-insulated ground wire, to form a finished product. The Company’s jacketing lines are integrated with packaging lines that cut the wire and coil it onto reels or package it in boxes or shrink-wrap.
Armoring. Armoring is the process of covering two or more insulated conductor wires, with or without an un-insulated ground wire, with a spiral interlocking cover of aluminum or steel to form a finished product.
Encore manufactures and tests all of its products in accordance with the standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (“U/L”), a nationally recognized testing and standards agency. Encore’s machine operators and quality control inspectors conduct frequent product tests. At three separate manufacturing stages, the Company spark tests insulated wire for defects. The Company tests finished products for electrical continuity to ensure compliance with its own quality standards and those of U/L. Encore’s manufacturing lines are equipped with laser micrometers to measure wire diameter and insulation thickness while the lines are in operation. During each shift, operators take physical measurements of products, which Company inspectors randomly verify on a daily basis. Although suppliers pretest PVC and nylon compounds, the Company tests products for aging, cracking and brittleness of insulation and jacketing.
Customers
Encore sells its wire principally to wholesale electrical distributors throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, to retail home improvement centers. Most distributors supply products to electrical contractors. The Company sells its products to at least 57% of the top 200 wholesale electrical distributors (by volume) in the United States according to information reported in the June 2007 issue of Electrical Wholesaling magazine. It should be noted, however, that this list is fairly broad in scope and includes distributors who do not sell copper electric building wire. No customer accounted for more than ten percent of net sales in 2007.
Encore believes that the speed and completeness with which it fills customers’ orders is crucial to its ability to expand the market share for its products. The Company also believes that, in order to reduce costs, many customers do not maintain substantial inventories. Because of this trend, the Company seeks to maintain sufficient inventories to satisfy customers’ prompt delivery requirements.
Marketing and Distribution
Encore markets its products throughout the United States primarily through independent manufacturers’ representatives and, to a lesser extent, through its own direct marketing efforts.
Encore maintains the majority of its finished product inventory at its plant in McKinney, Texas. In order to provide flexibility in handling customer requests for immediate delivery of the Company’s products, additional product inventories are maintained at warehouses owned and operated by independent manufacturers’ representatives located throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2007, additional product inventories are maintained at the warehouses of independent manufacturers’ representatives located in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Norcross, Georgia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Edison, New Jersey; Louisville, Kentucky; Greensboro, North Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Santa Fe Springs, California; and Hayward, California. Some of these manufacturers’ representatives, as well as the Company’s other manufacturers’ representatives, maintain offices without warehouses in numerous locations throughout the United States.
Finished goods are typically delivered to warehouses and customers by trucks operated by common carriers. The decision regarding the carrier to be used is based primarily on cost and availability.
The Company invoices its customers directly for products purchased and, if an order has been obtained through a manufacturer’s representative, pays the representative a commission based on pre-established rates. The Company determines customers’ credit limits. The Company’s bad debt experience in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was 0.003%, 0.0% and 0.03% of net sales, respectively. The manufacturers’ representatives have no discretion to increase customers’ credit limits or to determine prices charged for the Company’s products, and all sales are subject to approval by the Company. Encore sells all of its products with a one-year replacement warranty. Warranty expenses have historically been nominal.
Employees
Encore believes that its hourly employees are highly motivated and that their motivation contributes significantly to the plant’s efficient operation. The Company attributes the motivation of these employees largely to the fact that a significant portion of their compensation comes from incentive pay that is tied to productivity and quality standards. The Company believes that its incentive program focuses its employees on maintaining product quality.
Encore emphasizes safety to its manufacturing employees through its safety program. On a weekly basis, each team of employees meets to review safety standards and, on a monthly basis, a group of participants from each team discusses safety issues and inspects each area of the plant for compliance. The Company’s safety program is an integral part of its focus on cost control.
As of December 31, 2007, Encore had 762 employees, 658 of whom were paid hourly wages and were primarily engaged in the operation and maintenance of the Company’s manufacturing and warehouse facility. The remainder of the Company’s employees were executive, supervisory, administrative, sales and clerical personnel. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good. The Company has no collective bargaining agreements with any of its employees.
Raw Materials
The principal raw materials used by Encore in manufacturing its products are copper cathode, copper scrap, PVC thermoplastic compounds, aluminum, steel, paper and nylon, all of which are readily available from a number of suppliers. Copper requirements are purchased primarily from producers and merchants at prices determined each
month primarily based on the average daily COMEX closing prices for copper for that month, plus a negotiated premium. The Company also purchases raw materials necessary to manufacture various PVC thermoplastic compounds. These raw materials include PVC resin, clay and plasticizer.
The Company produces copper rod in its own rod fabrication facility. The Company produces copper rod from purchased copper cathodes. The Company also reprocesses copper scrap generated by its operations and copper scrap purchased from others. In 2007, the copper rod fabrication facility manufactured the majority of the Company’s copper rod requirements.
The Company also compounds its own wire jacket and insulation compounds. The process involves the mixture of PVC raw material components to produce the PVC used to insulate the Company’s wire and cable products. The raw materials include PVC resin, clay and plasticizer. During 2007, this facility produced virtually all of the Company’s PVC requirements.
Competition
The electrical wire and cable industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with several companies who manufacturer and sell wire and cable products beyond the building wire segment in which the Company competes. The Company’s primary competitors include Southwire Company, Cerro Wire and Cable Co., Inc., United Copper Industries and AFC Cable Systems, Inc.
The principal elements of competition in the electrical wire and cable industry are, in the opinion of the Company, pricing, order fill rate and, in some instances, breadth of product line. The Company believes that it is competitive with respect to all of these factors.
Competition in the electrical wire and cable industry, although intense, has been primarily from U.S. manufacturers, including foreign owned facilities located in the United States. The Company has encountered no significant competition from imports of building wire. The Company believes this is because direct labor costs generally account for a relatively small percentage of the cost of goods sold for these products.
Intellectual Property Matters
The Company owns the following federally registered trademarks: U.S. Registration Number 2,687,746 for the “ENCORE WIRE” mark; U.S. Registration Number 2,528,340 for the mark “NONLEDEX”; U.S. Registration Number 1,900,498 for the ENCORE WIRE LOGO design mark; and U.S. Registration Number 2,263,692 for the mark “HANDY MAN’S CHOICE”. The current terms of trademark protection for these marks will expire on various dates between 2009 and 2015, but each term can be renewed indefinitely as long as the respective mark continues to be used in commerce. The Company also owns one pending application for the mark “SUPER SLICK”, Application Number 77/252.066. The application was filed on August 10, 2007 and was published for opposition on February 12, 2008. These trademarks provide source identification for the goods manufactured and sold by the Company and allow the Company to achieve brand recognition within the industry.
Internet Address/SEC Filings
The Company’s Internet address is http://www.encorewire.com. Under the “Investor Relations-Corporate Governance” section of our website, the Company provides a link to our electronic Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, director and officer reports under Section 16 and any amendments to these reports. All such filings are available free of charge and are available as soon as reasonably practicable after filing.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following are certain risk factors that could affect the Company’s business, financial results and results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause the actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Before purchasing the Company’s stock, an investor should know that making such an investment involves some risks, including the risks described below. This list highlights some of the major factors that could affect the Company’s operations or stock price, but cannot enumerate all the potential issues that management faces on a day-to-day basis, many of which are totally out of management’s control. If any of the risks mentioned or others actually occur, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected. In that case, the trading price of its stock could fluctuate significantly.
Product Pricing and Volatility of Copper Market
Price competition for copper electrical wire and cable is intense, and the Company sells its product in accordance with prevailing market prices. Copper, a commodity product, is the principal raw material used in the Company’s manufacturing operations. Copper accounted for approximately 86.5% and 82.3% of its costs of goods sold during 2007 and 2006, respectively, and the Company expects that copper will continue to account for a significant portion of these costs in the future. The price of copper fluctuates, depending on general economic conditions and in relation to supply and demand and other factors, and causes monthly variations in the cost of copper purchased by the Company. The Company cannot predict copper prices in the future or the effect of fluctuations in the costs of copper on the Company’s future operating results. Consequently, fluctuations in copper prices caused by market forces can significantly affect the Company’s financial results.
Operating Results May Fluctuate
Encore’s quarterly results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuation in the demand for and shipments of the Company’s products. Therefore, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of results of operations have been and will be impacted by the volume of such orders and shipments. In addition, its operating results could be adversely affected by the following factors, among others, such as variations in the mix of product sales, price changes in response to competitive factors, increases in raw material costs and other significant costs, the loss of key manufacturers representatives who sell the Company’s product line, increases in utility costs (particularly electricity and natural gas) and various types of insurance coverage and interruptions in plant operations resulting from the interruption of raw material supplies and other factors.
Reliance on Senior Management
Encore’s future operating results depend, in part, upon the continued service of its senior management, including, Mr. Daniel L. Jones, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Frank J. Bilban, the Company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (neither of whom are bound by an employment agreement). The Company’s future success will depend upon its continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified managerial and technical personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company will retain its key managerial and technical employees or that it will be successful in attracting, assimilating or retaining other highly qualified personnel in the future.
Industry Conditions and Cyclicality
The residential, commercial and industrial construction industries, which are the end users of the Company’s products, are cyclical and are affected by a number of factors including changes in interest rates, the general condition of the economy and market demand. Industry sales of electrical wire and cable products tend to parallel general construction activity, which includes remodeling. Housing construction activity in the United States softened significantly in 2006 and continued its downward trend in 2007 which has adversely affected our business as further described herein. There can be no assurance that future downturns in the residential, commercial or industrial construction industries will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Competition
The electrical wire and cable industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with several manufacturers of wire and cable products that have substantially greater resources than the Company. Some of these competitors are owned and operated by large, diversified companies. The principal elements of competition in the wire and cable industry are, in the opinion of the Company, pricing, product availability and quality and, in some instances, breadth of product line. The Company believes that it is competitive with respect to all of these factors. While the number of firms producing wire and cable has declined in the past, there can be no assurance that new competitors will not emerge or that existing producers will not employ or improve upon the Company’s manufacturing and marketing strategy.
Patent and Intellectual Property Disputes
Disagreements about patents and intellectual property rights occur in the wire and cable industry. The unfavorable resolution of a patent or intellectual property dispute could preclude the Company from manufacturing and selling certain products or could require the Company to pay a royalty on the sale of certain products. Patent and intellectual property disputes could also result in substantial legal fees and other costs.
Common Stock Price May Fluctuate
Future announcements concerning Encore or its competitors or customers, quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of technological innovations, the introduction of new products or changes in product pricing policies by the Company or its competitors, developments regarding proprietary rights, changes in earnings estimates by analysts or reports regarding the Company or its industry in the financial press or investment advisory publications, among other factors, could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, world events, military conflicts or market or market-sector declines, may materially and adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.
Future Sales of Common Stock Could Affect Price of Common Stock
No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of the Common Stock.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Encore maintains its corporate office and manufacturing plant in McKinney, Texas, approximately 35 miles north of Dallas. The Company’s facilities are located on a combined site of approximately 121 acres and consist of buildings containing approximately 1,374,000 square feet of floor space, of which approximately 79,000 square feet is used for office space and 1,295,000 square feet is used for manufacturing and warehouse operations. The plant and equipment are owned by the Company and are not mortgaged to secure any of the Company’s existing indebtedness. Encore believes that its plant and equipment are suited to its present needs, comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, are properly maintained and adequately insured.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its property is the subject. However, the Company is a party to litigation and claims arising out of the ordinary business of the Company.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Information regarding Encore’s executive officers including their respective ages as of March 7, 2008, is set forth below:
Mr. Jones has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2005, after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 1998. In May 1997, Mr. Jones was named Executive Vice President of the Company, and in October 1997, he was named Chief Operating Officer. He previously held the position of Vice President-Sales and Marketing of Encore from 1992 to May 1997, after serving as Director of Sales since joining the Company in November 1989. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Bilban has served as Vice President-Finance, Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of Encore since June 2000. From 1998 until joining the Company in June 2000, Mr. Bilban was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alpha Holdings, Inc., a plastics manufacturing conglomerate. From 1996 until 1998, Mr. Bilban was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wedge Dia-Log Inc., an oil field services company. From 1991 until 1996, Mr. Bilban held financial positions, including Division Controller, with the CT Film Division of Rexene Corporation. From 1978 until 1991 he was employed in various financial capacities with several divisions of Outboard Marine Corporation.
All executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors to serve until the next annual meeting of the Board or until their respective successors are chosen and qualified.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company’s Common Stock is traded and quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Select Market under the symbol “WIRE.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per share for the Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated.
As of March 6, 2008, there were 61 record holders of the Company’s Common Stock.
The Company paid its first cash dividend in January 2007 and continued paying quarterly dividends of two cents per share all four quarters for a total of eight cents per share in 2007. Aside from periodic dividends, management intends to retain the majority of future earnings for the operation and expansion of the Company’s business. The Company repurchased 124,400 shares of its common stock during the year ended December 31, 2007. For further information see Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements under “Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007.
Performance Graph
The following graph is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, respectively.
The following graph sets forth the cumulative total stockholder return, which assumes reinvestment of dividends, of a $100 investment in the Company’s Common Stock, the Peer Group1 and CRSP Total Return Index for The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. companies).
The Company believes that although the companies included in the Peer Group engage in activities beyond the Company’s building wire line of business, they reasonably reflect the Company’s peers in the wire and cable industry.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG THE COMPANY, PEER GROUP AND CRSP TOTAL RETURN INDEX
FOR THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET
(U.S.)
A.
The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compounded daily returns that include all dividends.
B.
The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the previous trading day.
C.
If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a trading day, the preceding trading day is used.
D.
The index level for all series was set to $100.00 on 12/31/2002.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANICAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Introduction
The following management’s discussion and analysis is intended to provide a better understanding of key factors, drivers and risks regarding the Company and the building wire industry.
Executive Overview
Encore Wire, as stated throughout this report, sells a commodity product in a highly competitive market. Management strongly believes that the historical strength of the Company’s growth and earnings is attributable to the following main factors:
•
Industry leading order fill rates and responsive customer service.
•
Product innovations based on listening to and understanding customer needs.
•
Low cost manufacturing operations, resulting from a state of the art manufacturing plant.
•
A focused management team leading an incentivized work force.
•
Low general and administrative overhead costs.
•
A team of experienced independent manufacturers’ representatives with strong customer relationships across the United States.
These factors, and others, have allowed Encore Wire to grow from a startup in 1989 to $1.185 billion in net sales in 2007. Encore has built a loyal following of customers throughout the United States. These customers have developed a brand preference for Encore Wire in a commodity product line, due to the reasons noted above, among others. The Company prides itself on striving to grow sales only where profit margins are acceptable. Senior management monitors gross margins daily, frequently extending down to the individual order level. Management strongly believes that this focused approach to the building wire business has produced success thus far and will lead to continued success.
The construction and remodeling industries drive demand for building wire. Housing construction activity in the United States softened significantly in 2006 and continued its downward trend in 2007. Nationally, commercial construction has been strong for the last three years but according to various industry forecasts the future is unclear for the next few years. Data on remodeling is not as readily available, however remodeling activity can trend up when new construction slows down.
Effective June 30, 2007, the Company consummated a reorganization in order to merge the operations of its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary, Encore Wire Limited, a Texas limited partnership, into the Company and reorganize the Company as an operating company. The reorganization simplified the Company’s corporate structure and was accomplished by a series of tax-free merger transactions. As a part of the reorganization, the Company became the primary obligor of the indebtedness under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement referred to in “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, below. The Company entered into amendments to each of such agreements and issued new notes to the banks and note holders.
General
Price competition for electrical wire and cable is intense, and the Company sells its products in accordance with prevailing market prices. Copper, a commodity product, is the principal raw material used by the Company in manufacturing its products. Copper accounted for approximately 86.5%, 82.3%, 76.8%, 73.0%, and 67.1% of the Company’s cost of goods sold during fiscal 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The price of copper fluctuates, depending on general economic conditions and in relation to supply and demand and other factors, which causes monthly variations in the cost of copper purchased by the Company. The price of copper rose gradually in 2003 and then accelerated its rise in the fourth quarter of 2003. In 2004, copper prices trended upward in the first quarter and then traded in a range during the remainder of 2004. In 2005, copper prices rose slowly and steadily through the first half of the year and then more rapidly in the second half of the year. In 2006, copper prices rose quickly from January through May and then slowly descended throughout the rest of the year. In 2007, copper prices began the year at what proved to be a low point and then moved upward and traded in a fairly wide range during the year with significant volatility. The Company cannot predict copper prices in the future or the effect of fluctuations in the cost of copper on the Company’s future operating results.
Results of Operations
The following table presents certain items of income and expense as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.
The following discussion and analysis relates to factors that have affected the operating results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Reference should also be made to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Net sales were $1.185 billion in 2007, compared to $1.249 billion in 2006 and $758.1 million in 2005. The 5% decrease in net sales in 2007 versus 2006 was primarily the result of a 6% decrease in the average selling price of product sold along with a change in the mix of product sold offset slightly by a 1% increase in the volume of copper pounds of product sold. The average price of copper purchased, however, increased by 5%. This increased cost of copper and decreased price of wire sold compressed the spread between the sales price of wire and the price of raw copper, affecting margins adversely. Margins were low throughout most of 2007, with the second quarter being the only quarter in which the Company experienced a significant increase in margins and earnings. Margins were at their lowest in the fourth quarter, during which copper prices were volatile and price cutting by competitors was rampant.
The 65% increase in net sales in 2006 versus 2005 was primarily the result of a 73% increase in the average selling price of product sold along with a change in the mix of product sold offsetting a 4.5% decrease in the volume of copper pounds of product sold. The large increases in average price in 2006 and 2005 were primarily driven by the increase in raw copper prices. Changes in the mix of product sold also impacted the average prices to a lesser extent. Sales volume increases are generally due to several factors, including increased customer acceptance and product availability. Also in 2006 and 2005, the Company realized an increase in the spread between the sales price of wire and the price of raw copper for the years as a whole, although the quarterly spreads varied widely. Margins were low early in 2005, and then rebounded sharply in the second half of 2005 resulting in higher spreads, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2005. Margins during 2006 were volatile. The first quarter of 2006 had lower spreads. However, during the second quarter as copper ran to a record high COMEX price of $4.07 on May 23, 2006, spreads rose to a record high. Margins and spreads slowly declined in the third quarter and then accelerated their decline in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Cost of goods sold was $1.073 billion in 2007, compared to $1.005 billion in 2006 and $632.8 million in 2005. Copper costs increased to $929.0 million in 2007 from $826.8 million in 2006 and $486.1 million in 2005. Copper costs as a percentage of net sales increased to 78.4% in 2007 from 66.2% in 2006 and 64.2% in 2005. The increase as a percentage of net sales was due to copper costs increasing more than other costs and more than the price of copper wire sold, in percentage terms as discussed above. Other raw material costs as a percentage of net sales were 6.3%, 5.0% and 8.3%, in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The increase in 2007 is due primarily to the decrease in average sales prices for the Company’s products as discussed above, along with an increase in plastic prices driven by higher oil prices. The decrease in 2006 is due primarily to the Company’s cost of other raw materials per pound of
copper sold increasing less than the price of copper wire sold. Depreciation, labor and overhead costs as a percentage of net sales were 6.5% in 2007, compared to 5.5% in 2006 and 8.1% in 2005. The percentage increase in 2007 was due to the lower production volumes and decrease in unit inventory at year-end, coupled with slightly higher overhead costs during the year. The percentage decrease in 2006 was due to these costs containing significant fixed components versus the elastic nature of the price of copper wire sold.
Inventories consist of the following at December 31 (in thousands):
Copper prices began 2007 at a relative low point in the first quarter and then trended upward significantly in the second quarter, trading in a fairly wide range during the year with significant volatility from month to month. The 2007 year-end price of copper was slightly below the 2006 year-end price. The unit volume of inventory on-hand also decreased in 2007. These factors resulted in the 2007 year-end inventory value of all inventories using the LIFO method being $74.9 million less than the FIFO value, $7.4 million less than at the end of 2006. This resulted in a corresponding decrease of $7.4 million in cost of goods sold for the year.
Copper prices trended upward dramatically in the first half of 2006, particularly in the second quarter and then slowly descended in the third quarter, accelerating their decrease in the fourth quarter of 2006. However, the 2006 year-end price of copper was still above the beginning of the year price. As of December 31, 2006, the value of all inventories using the LIFO method was less than the FIFO value by $82.3 million. This differential increased $45.8 million versus the December 31, 2005 differential of $36.4 million, resulting in a corresponding increase of $45.8 million in cost of goods sold for the year.
Copper prices trended upward slowly in the first half of 2005, then accelerated their increase during the remainder of 2005. As of December 31, 2005, the value of all inventories using the LIFO method was less than the FIFO value by $36.4 million. This differential increased $21.8 million versus the December 31, 2004 differential of $14.6 million, resulting in a corresponding increase of $21.8 million in cost of goods sold for the year.
Gross profit decreased to $111.3 million, or 9.4% of net sales in 2007 from $244.3 million, or 19.6% of net sales in 2006 and from $125.2 million or 16.5% of net sales in 2005. The changes in gross profit were due to the factors discussed above.
Selling expenses, which include freight and sales commissions, were $51.1 million in 2007, $51.2 million in 2006 and $38.5 million in 2005. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses increased slightly to 4.3% in 2007, versus 4.1% in 2006 and 5.1% in 2005. 2007 was almost unchanged from 2006, while the percentage drop in 2006 was due to freight expenses dropping in relation to sales, which increased dramatically in 2006. General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 0.8% in 2007, 0.7% in 2006 and 1.0% in 2005. 2007 was almost unchanged from 2006, while in 2006 general and administrative costs decreased as a percent of net sales due to the semi-fixed nature of many of these costs.
Interest expense decreased to $5.8 million in 2007 from $7.7 million in 2006 and $3.9 million in 2005. The decrease in 2007 was due to the lower average debt levels versus 2006, while the increase in 2006 was due to the higher average debt levels in 2006 versus 2005. The Company capitalized interest expense relating to the construction of assets in the amounts of approximately $829,000 in 2007, $657,000 in 2006 and $213,000 in 2005.
The Company’s effective tax rate was 34.2% in 2007, 34.9% in 2006 and 33.2% in 2005. The lower effective tax rate in 2005 is primarily due to the Company adjusting deferred tax liabilities by $0.8 million in the first quarter, lower overall state tax expense and realizing an approximate 1% reduction from the benefits of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The Jobs Creation Act of 2004 also reduced the 2007 rate approximately 1.4% versus the 2006 rate and a cumulative 3.64% from 2004.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provides a deduction from income for qualified domestic production activities that generally will be phased in from 2005 through 2010. Subsequently, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) passed FSP FAS 109-1, which indicates that the available qualified domestic production activity deduction will be treated as a “special deduction” as described in SFAS No. 109. Accordingly, the impact of any deductions is being reported in the period for which the deduction will be claimed on the Company’s tax return.
As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company’s net income was $30.8 million in 2007, $115.1 million in 2006 and $50.1 million in 2005.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activities:
The Company maintains a substantial inventory of finished products to satisfy customers’ prompt delivery requirements. As is customary in the industry, the Company provides payment terms to most of its customers that exceed terms that it receives from its suppliers. Therefore, the Company’s liquidity needs have generally consisted of operating capital necessary to finance receivables and inventory. Capital expenditures have historically been necessary to expand the production capacity of the Company’s manufacturing operations. The Company has
historically satisfied its liquidity and capital expenditure needs with cash generated from operations, borrowings under its various debt arrangements and sales of its common stock.
The Company is party to a Financing Agreement with two banks, Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Financing Agreement”). In 2006, the Financing Agreement was amended twice. The Financing Agreement was first amended May 16, 2006, to expand the Company’s line of credit from $85,000,000 to $150,000,000, as disclosed in previous filings with the SEC. The Financing Agreement was amended a second time on August 31, 2006, to expand the Company’s line of credit from $150,000,000 to $200,000,000, as disclosed in previous filings with the SEC. In 2007, the Financing Agreement was amended to reflect the Company as the primary obligor of the indebtedness as a result of the reorganization transaction effective June 30, 2007. The Financing Agreement, as amended, extends through August 27, 2009 and provides for maximum borrowings of the lesser of $200,000,000 or the amount of eligible accounts receivable plus the amount of eligible finished goods and raw materials, less any reserves established by the banks. The calculated maximum borrowing amount available at December 31, 2007, as computed under the Financing Agreement, as amended, was $200,000,000.
The Company, through its agent bank, is also a party to a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2004 Note Purchase Agreement”) with Hartford Life Insurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life Insurance Company and London Life and Casualty Reinsurance Corporation (collectively, the “2004 Purchasers”), whereby the Company issued and sold $45,000,000 of 5.27% Senior Notes, Series 2004-A, due August 27, 2011 (the “Fixed Rate Senior Notes”) to the 2004 Purchasers, the proceeds of which were used to repay a portion of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness under its previous financing agreement. Through its agent bank, the Company was also a party to an interest rate swap agreement to convert the fixed rate on the Fixed Rate Senior Notes to a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed adder for the seven-year duration of these notes. Commensurate with declining interest rates, the Company elected to terminate, prior to its maturity, this swap agreement on November 29, 2007. As a result of this swap termination, the Company received cash proceeds and realized a net settlement gain of $929,231 that was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt in the consolidated balance sheet. This settlement gain will be amortized into earnings over the remaining term of the associated long term notes payable.
On September 28, 2006, the Company, through its agent bank, entered into a second Note Purchase Agreement (the “2006 Note Purchase Agreement”) with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Metlife Insurance Company of Connecticut and Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, whereby the Company issued and sold $55,000,000 of Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2006-A, due September 30, 2011 (the “Floating Rate Senior Notes”), the proceeds of which were used to repay a portion of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness under its Financing Agreement.
Obligations under the Financing Agreement, the Fixed Rate Senior Notes and the Floating Rate Senior Notes are unsecured and contain customary covenants and events of default. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2007. Under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement, the Company is allowed to pay cash dividends. At December 31, 2007, the total balance outstanding under the Financing Agreement, the Fixed Rate Senior Notes and the Floating Rate Senior Notes was $100,000,000. Amounts outstanding under the Financing Agreement are payable on August 27, 2009, with interest payments due quarterly. Interest payments on the Fixed Rate Senior Notes are due semi-annually, while interest payments on the Floating Rate Senior Notes are due quarterly. Obligations under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement are the only contractual borrowing obligations or commercial borrowing commitments of the Company.
On November 10, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program covering the purchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of its common stock dependent upon market conditions. Common stock purchases under this program were authorized through December 31, 2007 on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices determined by the President of the Company. There were no repurchases of stock in 2005 or 2006. This stock repurchase plan replaced the prior stock repurchase plan. On November 28, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an extension of the stock repurchase plan through December 31, 2008 for the remaining 990,000 shares. The Company repurchased 124,400 shares of its stock in 2007, all during the fourth quarter.
Cash provided by operations was $84.8 million in 2007 compared to cash provided by operations of $14.3 million in 2006 and cash used in operations of $5.0 million in 2005. The increase in cash provided by operations of $70.5 million in 2007 versus 2006 was due primarily to the $48.2 million positive change in accounts receivable, a $58.0 million positive change in inventory and a $46.1 million positive change in current income taxes payable. These positive cash flows were offset by the $84.3 million negative change in net income in 2007 versus 2006 and a $14.3 million negative change in prepaid expenses. Unlike 2006, 2007 did not see the large increases in accounts
receivable and inventory balances. Receivables were virtually flat in 2007 and net inventories declined by $21.9 million during the year. The positive change in taxes is due to the fact that at the end of 2006, the Company was owed a large tax refund as explained below. At the end of 2007 the Company is owed approximately $9.8 million from various tax jurisdictions, principally the I.R.S.
The increase in cash flows provided in 2006 versus 2005 was due primarily to the $65.0 million increase in net income and a $23.5 million positive change in prepaid expenses offset by a $61.9 million negative change in taxes receivable. The taxes receivable change is due to the Company being required to make high estimated tax payments to the I.R.S. based on the record earnings trend early in 2006. The Company was owed a $17.8 million tax refund as of December 31, 2006. The decrease in cash in 2005 was due primarily to a $56.5 million increase in accounts receivable and a $28.8 million increase in inventories, offset by $16.7 million increase in net income, a $23.7 million increase in taxes payable and a $7.8 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The increases in cash required for accounts receivable and inventories were primarily due to the rise in raw material prices during 2005 that drove sales higher as discussed above, and in the case of inventories, an increase in the quantity of inventory on hand at year-end. Increases in taxes payable and accounts payable are primarily due to timing issues at year-end.
Cash used in investing activities increased to $28.2 million in 2007 from $22.1 million in 2006 and $16.9 million in 2005. In 2007, capital expenditures were made primarily to construct a new office building and continue the armored cable expansion. During 2006 and 2005, capital expenditures were made primarily in conjunction with the building of the new armored cable plant and machinery that will be used in the manufacture of armored cable.
The cash used in financing activities of $2.3 million in 2007 was used primarily for the stock repurchase program discussed above of $2.0 million and to pay dividends of $1.9 million, offset by the $0.9 million cash received to terminate a swap agreement discussed above and $0.6 million of proceeds from the issuance of company stock related to employees exercising stock options. The cash provided by financing activities of $29.8 million in 2006 was used primarily to fund increased working capital requirements and capital expenditures as discussed above. The cash provided by financing activities of $21.9 million in 2005 was used primarily to fund capital expenditures and increased working capital requirements.
During 2008, the Company expects its capital expenditures will consist of maintaining and adding manufacturing equipment for its building wire operations. The Company also expects its working capital requirements may increase during 2008 as a result of continued increases in sales and potential increases in the price of copper. The Company believes that the cash flow from operations and the financing available from its revolving credit facility will satisfy working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months.
Contractual Obligations
As shown below, the Company had the following contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements 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. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management
believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first out (LIFO) method, or market. The Company maintains only one inventory pool for LIFO purposes as all inventories held by the Company generally relate to the Company’s only business segment, the manufacture and sale of copper electrical building wire products. As permitted by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the Company maintains its inventory costs and cost of goods sold on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and makes a quarterly adjustment to adjust total inventory and cost of goods sold from FIFO to LIFO. The Company applies the lower of cost or market test by comparing the LIFO cost of its raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventories to estimated market values, which are based primarily upon the most recent quoted market price of copper and finished wire prices as of the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2007, a $0.20 reduction in the fair market value of copper per pound would not have resulted in any lower of cost or market reserve for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, larger decreases in copper prices could necessitate establishing an LCM reserve in future periods. Additionally, future reductions in the quantity of inventory on hand could cause copper that is carried in inventory at costs different from the cost of copper in the period in which the reduction occurs to be included in costs of goods sold for that period at the different price. Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized.
The Company has provided an allowance for losses on customer receivables based upon estimates of those customers’ inability to make required payments. Such allowance is established and adjusted based upon the makeup of the current receivable portfolio, past bad debt experience and current market conditions. If the financial condition of our customers was to deteriorate and impair their ability to make payments to the Company, additional allowances for losses might be required in future periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted FIN 48 at the beginning of 2007. The impact of the adoption was immaterial.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). This statement establishes a framework for fair value measurements in the financial statements by providing a single definition of fair value, provides guidance on the methods used to estimate fair value and increases disclosures about estimates of fair value. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and will be effective for non-financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this statement on its consolidated financial statements.
Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This report contains various forward-looking statements and information that are based on management’s belief as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on the Company’s operating results and stock price are:
•
Fluctuations in the global and national economy.
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Fluctuations in the level of activity in the construction and remodeling industries.
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Demand for the Company’s products.
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The impact of price competition on the Company’s margins.
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Fluctuations in the price of copper and other key raw materials.
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The loss of key manufacturers’ representatives who sell the Company’s product line.
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Fluctuations in utility costs, especially electricity and natural gas.
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Fluctuations in insurance costs of various types.
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Weather related disasters at the Company’s and/or key vendor’s operating facilities.
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Stock price fluctuations due to “stock market expectations.”
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Unforeseen future legal issues and/or government regulatory changes.
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Patent and intellectual property disputes.
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Fluctuations in the Company’s financial position or national banking issues that impede the Company’s ability to obtain reasonable financing.
This list highlights some of the major factors that could affect the Company’s operations or stock price, but cannot enumerate all the potential issues that management faces on a daily basis, many of which are totally out of management’s control. For further discussion of the factors described herein and their potential effects on the Company, see “Item 1. Business,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company does not engage in metal futures trading or hedging activities and does not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for trading or other speculative purposes. However, the Company is generally exposed to commodity price and interest rate risks.
The Company purchases copper cathode primarily from producers and merchants at prices determined each month based on the average daily COMEX closing prices for copper for that month, plus a negotiated premium. As a result, fluctuations in copper prices caused by market forces can significantly affect the Company’s financial results.
Interest rate risk is attributable to the Company’s long-term debt. The Company is a party to the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement. Amounts outstanding under the Financing Agreement, as amended, are payable on August 27, 2009, with interest payments due quarterly. Amounts outstanding under the $45 million 2004 Note Purchase Agreement are payable on August 27, 2011, with interest only payments due semi-annually. Amounts outstanding under the $55 million 2006 Note Purchase Agreement are payable on September 30, 2011, with interest only payments due quarterly. At December 31, 2007, the balance outstanding under the Financing Agreement was zero and the collective balance outstanding under the 2004 and 2006 Note Purchase Agreements was $100 million, and the average interest rate was 6.29%. There is inherent rollover risk for borrowings under the Financing Agreement as they mature and are renewed at current market rates. The extent of this risk is not quantifiable or predictable because of the variability of future interest rates and the Company’s future financing requirements. Holding borrowing levels at December 31, 2007 constant, an average 1% interest rate increase in 2008 would increase interest expense by $1,000,000.
For further information, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto appear on the following pages.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Encore Wire Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Encore Wire Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Encore Wire Corporation at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment, in accounting for equity-based compensation.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Encore Wire Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 6, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 6, 2008
Encore Wire Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes.
Encore Wire Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
See accompanying notes.
Encore Wire Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
See accompanying notes
Encore Wire Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes.
Encore Wire Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2007
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Business
The Company conducts its business in one segment - the manufacture of copper electrical wire, principally NM-B cable, for use primarily as interior wiring in homes, apartments, and manufactured housing, and THWN-2 cable and armored cable for use primarily as wiring in commercial and industrial buildings. The Company sells its products primarily through approximately 31 manufacturers’ representatives located throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, through its own direct marketing efforts. The principal customers for Encore’s building wire are wholesale electrical distributors.
Copper, a commodity product, is the principal raw material used in the Company’s manufacturing operations. Copper accounted for 86.5%, 82.3%, and 76.8% of its cost of goods sold during 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The price of copper fluctuates, depending on general economic conditions and in relation to supply and demand and other factors, and has caused monthly variations in the cost of copper purchased by the Company. The Company cannot predict copper prices in the future or the effect of fluctuations on the cost of copper on the Company’s future operating results.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). This statement establishes a framework for fair value measurements in the financial statements by providing a single definition of fair value, provides guidance on the methods used to estimate fair value and increases disclosures about estimates of fair value. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and will be effective for non-financial assets and liabilities in financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this statement on its consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. A provision for payment discounts and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized.
Freight Expenses
The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. Shipping and handling costs were approximately $19.5 million, $18.1 million, and $18.6 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):
The fair market value of the fixed rate debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on market yields, taking into consideration the underlying terms of the debt, such as coupon rate and term to maturity. The fair market value of the floating rate debt approximates its carrying value.
The Company had no interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2007. See Note 4.
Accounts receivable represent amounts due from customers (primarily wholesale electrical distributors, manufactured housing suppliers and retail home improvement centers) related to the sale of the Company’s products. Such receivables are uncollateralized and are generally due from a diverse group of customers located throughout the United States. The Company establishes an allowance for losses based upon the makeup of the current portfolio, past bad debt experience and current market conditions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s cash equivalents consisted of investments in a money market fund with a bank.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. The Company evaluates the market value of its raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods inventory primarily based upon current raw material and finished goods prices at the end of each period.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment for financial reporting is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows: buildings and improvements, 15 to 39 years; machinery and equipment, 3 to 10 years; and furniture and fixtures, 3 to 15 years. Accelerated cost recovery methods are used for tax purposes. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Stock-Based Compensation
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company applied the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”). In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), and related interpretations in accounting for its plan and, accordingly, did not recognize compensation expense for the plan because stock options were issued at exercise prices equal to the market value of its stock on the date of grant.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), which supersedes SFAS 123 and APB 25. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values using an option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes model, at the date of grant. The Company elected to use the modified-prospective method for adoption, which requires compensation expense to be recorded for all unvested stock options beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For all unvested options outstanding as of January 1, 2006, compensation expense previously measured under SFAS 123, but unrecognized, will be recognized using the straight-line method over the remaining vesting period, net of forfeitures. For share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant, as defined by SFAS 123R, will be recognized using the straight-line method from the date of grant over the related service period of the employee receiving the award.
The adoption of SFAS 123R reduced pre-tax income by $420,524, reduced net income by $273,340, and did not appreciably impact basic and diluted earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company also recognized $805,244 of excess tax benefits on stock based compensation which have been included in cash flows from financing activities upon adoption of SFAS 123R.
The following table illustrates the pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share for 2005 as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except for earnings per common share information):
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per common and common equivalent share are computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during each period. The dilutive effects of stock options, which are common stock equivalents, are calculated using the treasury stock method.
1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for based on the liability method, resulting in deferred income tax assets and liabilities arising due to temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. There were no differences between comprehensive income and reported income in the periods presented.
2. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following as of December 31:
During 2007, the Company liquidated a portion of the LIFO inventory layer established in 2006. As a result, under the LIFO method, this inventory layer was liquidated at historical costs, that were less than current costs, which favorably impacted net income for the full year by $454,000. During 2006 and 2005, there were no liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities.
3. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of December 31:
4. Long-Term Notes Payable
Long-term notes payable consist of the following as of December 31:
The Company is party to a Financing Agreement with two banks, Bank of America, N.A., as Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the “Financing Agreement”). In 2006, the Financing Agreement was amended twice. The Financing Agreement was first amended May 16, 2006, to expand the Company’s line of credit from $85,000,000 to $150,000,000, as disclosed in previous filings with the SEC. In 2007, the Financing Agreement was amended to reflect the Company as the primary obligor of the indebtedness as a result of the reorganization transaction described below that became effective June 30, 2007. The Financing Agreement was amended a second time on August 31, 2006, to expand the Company’s line of credit from $150,000,000 to $200,000,000, as disclosed in previous filings with the SEC. The Financing Agreement, as amended, extends through August 27, 2009, and provides for maximum borrowings of the lesser of $200,000,000 or the amount of eligible accounts receivable plus the amount of eligible finished goods and raw materials, less any reserves established by the banks. The calculated maximum borrowing amount available at December 31, 2007, as computed under the Financing Agreement, as amended, was $200,000,000. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a margin that varies from 0.875% to 1.75% depending upon the ratio of debt outstanding to adjusted earnings or (2) the base rate (which is the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or the prime rate) plus 0% to 0.25% (depending upon the ratio of debt outstanding to adjusted earnings). A commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.375% (depending upon the ratio of debt outstanding to adjusted earnings) is payable on the unused line of credit. On December 31, 2007, the balance borrowed and outstanding under the Financing Agreement was zero.
The Company, through its agent bank, is also a party to a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2004 Note Purchase Agreement”) with Hartford Life Insurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life Insurance Company and London Life and Casualty Reinsurance Corporation (collectively, the “2004 Purchasers”), whereby the Company issued and sold $45,000,000 of 5.27% Senior Notes, Series 2004-A, due August 27, 2011 (the “Fixed Rate Senior Notes”) to the 2004 Purchasers, the proceeds of which were used to repay a portion of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness under its previous financing agreement. Through its agent bank, the Company was also a party to an interest rate swap agreement to convert the fixed rate on the Fixed Rate Senior Notes to a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed adder for the seven-year duration of these notes. Commensurate with declining interest rates, the Company elected to terminate, prior to its maturity, this swap agreement on November 29, 2007. As a result of this swap termination, the Company received cash proceeds and realized a net settlement gain of $929,231 that was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt in the consolidated balance sheet. This settlement gain will be amortized into earnings over the remaining term of the associated long term notes payable.
On September 28, 2006, the Company, through its agent bank, entered into a second Note Purchase Agreement (the “2006 Note Purchase Agreement”) with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Metlife Insurance Company of Connecticut and Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, whereby the Company issued and sold $55,000,000 of Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series 2006-A, due September 30, 2011 (the “Floating Rate Senior Notes”), the proceeds of which were used to repay a portion of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness under its Financing Agreement.
Obligations under the Financing Agreement, the Fixed Rate Senior Notes and the Floating Rate Senior Notes are unsecured and contain customary covenants and events of default. The Company was in compliance with these covenants, as of December 31, 2007. Under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement, the Company is allowed to pay cash dividends. At December 31, 2007, the total balance outstanding under the Financing Agreement, the Fixed Rate Senior Notes and the Floating Rate Senior Notes was $100,000,000. Amounts outstanding under the Financing Agreement are payable on August 27, 2009, with interest payments due quarterly. Interest payments on the Fixed Rate Senior Notes are due semi-annually, while interest payments on the Floating Rate Senior Notes are due quarterly. Obligations under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement are the only contractual borrowing obligations or commercial borrowing commitments of the Company.
Effective June 30, 2007, the Company consummated a reorganization in order to simplify its corporate structure and become an operating company. As a part of the reorganization, the Company became the primary obligor of the indebtedness under the Financing Agreement, the 2004 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2006 Note Purchase Agreement. The Company entered into amendments to each of such agreements and issued new notes to the banks, the 2004 Purchasers and the 2006 Purchasers.
The Company paid interest totaling $5.8 million, $7.7 million and $3.9 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company capitalized $829,000, $657,000 and $213,000 of interest in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
5. Income Taxes
The provisions for income tax expense are summarized as follows for the year ended December 31:
The differences between the provision for income taxes and income taxes computed using the federal income tax rate are as follows for the year ended December 31:
The tax effect of each type of temporary difference giving rise to the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2007 and 2006, is as follows:
The Company made income tax payments of $19.8 million in 2007, $99.5 million in 2006 and $3.9 million in 2005.
In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“the Act”) was passed, which provides a deduction for income from qualified domestic production activities which generally will be phased in from 2005 through 2010. Subsequently, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) passed FSP FAS 109-1, which indicates that the available qualified domestic production activity deduction will be treated as a “special deduction” as described in SFAS No. 109. This deduction lowered the Company’s effective tax rate by $656,000, or approximately 1.3%, for 2007.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the years subsequent to December 31, 2003 remain subject to examination. The Company’s income tax returns in major state income tax jurisdictions remain subject to examination for various periods subsequent to December 31, 2002. The Company has no reserves for uncertain tax positions and no adjustments were required upon adoption of FIN 48. Furthermore, the Company is not aware of any anticipated transactions or tax positions in the foreseeable future that would create a need to establish a reserve for any uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties resulting from audits by tax authorities have been immaterial and are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income.
6. Stock Options
The Company has one stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock options to its directors, officers and key employees. The Company grants stock option awards at prices equal to the market value of its stock on the date of grant. These options vest ratably over a period of five years from the time the options are granted with maximum terms of ten years.
During 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded $241,579 and $420,524, respectively, of stock based compensation included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The excess income tax benefit realized from tax deductions associated with stock based compensation totaled $158,959 and $273,340 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The following presents a summary of stock option activity for the year ending December 31, 2007 (aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
The fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes options pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:
We base expected volatilities on historical volatilities of our common stock. The expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting periods and management’s consideration of historical exercise patterns. The risk free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding to the expected life of the option.
SFAS 123R requires the estimation of forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense and adjustment of the estimated forfeiture rate over the requisite service period should actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment, which is recognized in the period of change and impacts the amount of un-recognized compensation expense to be recorded in future periods.
During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $9.18, $19.63, and $6.39, respectively, and the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.5 million, $2.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options of $777,291 was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.57 years.
7. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31:
Stock options to purchase common stock at exercise prices in excess of the average actual stock price for the period that were anti-dilutive and that were excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share are as follows:
8. Stockholders’ Equity
On November 10, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program covering the purchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of its common stock dependent upon market conditions. Common stock purchases under this program were authorized through December 31, 2007 on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prices determined by the President of the Company. There were no repurchases of stock in 2005 or 2006. This stock repurchase plan replaced the prior stock repurchase plan. On November 28, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an extension of the stock repurchase plan through December 31, 2008 for the then remaining 990,000 shares. The Company repurchased 124,400 shares of its stock in 2007, all during the fourth quarter.
9. Contingencies
There are no material pending proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its property is the subject. However, the Company is a party to litigation and claims arising out of the ordinary business of the Company.
10. Encore Wire 401-K Plan
The Company sponsors an employee savings plan (the “401-K Plan”) that is intended to provide participating employees with additional income upon retirement. Employees may contribute between 1% and 15% of eligible compensation to the 401-K Plan. The Company matches 50% of the first 6% deferred by employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401-K Plan and related Company matching contributions after one year of service. Employer matching contributions are vested at a rate of 20% per year and are fully vested after five years of employment. The Company’s matching contribution was $369,241, $327,007 and $280,082 in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
11. Related Party Transactions
The Company purchases certain finished goods inventory components from a company that is partially owned by a family member of an individual serving on its Board of Directors. The Company believes such purchases, which totaled approximately $6.2 million, $6.1 million and $6.6 million in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively,
were made at prices that are no less favorable than are available from non-affiliated parties. Additionally, for a minor portion of its freight requirements, the Company uses a freight carrier that is owned by a family member of one of the Company’s executive officers. During fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, amounts paid to the affiliated freight carrier were not significant. Each of these transactions were approved by the audit committee pursuant to the Related Party Transactions Policy.
12. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the two years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains controls and procedures designed to ensure that it is able to collect the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC, and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report conducted by the Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the Company is able to collect, process and disclose the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC within the required time periods.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2007, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements, has also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. Ernst & Young LLP’s attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appears directly below.
By:
/s/ Daniel L. Jones
Daniel L. Jones
President , Chief Executive Officer
and Director
By:
/s/ Frank J. Bilban
Frank J. Bilban
Vice President - Finance, Treasurer, Secretary
and Chief Financial Officer
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Encore Wire Corporation
We have audited Encore Wire Corporation’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying management’s report. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Encore Wire Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Encore Wire Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated March 6, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 6, 2008
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The section entitled “Election of Directors”, “Corporate Governance and Other Board Matters” and “Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” appearing in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008 sets forth certain information with respect to the directors of the Company, Section 16 (a) reporting obligations of directors and officers, the Company’s audit committee, and the Company’s code of ethics that is incorporated herein by reference. Certain information with respect to persons who are or may be deemed to be executive officers of the Company is set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this report.
In connection with Company’s long-standing commitment to conduct its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and in accordance with its ethical principles, the Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all employees, officers, directors, and advisors of the Company. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company is available under the “Investor Relations - Corporate Governance” section of the Company’s website at http://www.encorewire.com, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The section entitled “Executive Compensation” appearing in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008, sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of management of the Company and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Executive Officers” appearing in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008 sets forth certain information with respect to the ownership of the Company’s common stock, and is incorporated herein by reference. Certain information with respect to the Company’s equity compensation plans that is required to be set forth in this Item 12 is set forth under the caption “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.”
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The section entitled “Executive Compensation - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance and Other Board Matters - Board Independence” appearing in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008 sets forth certain information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Section entitled “Proposal Two - Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” appearing in the Company’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2008, sets forth certain information with respect to certain fees paid to accountants, and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
(1)
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 above are filed as part of this annual report.
(2)
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules included in Item 8 herein:
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
(3)
Exhibits:
The information required by this Item 15(a)(3) is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Encore Wire Corporation has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION
Date: March 7, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of Encore Wire Corporation and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS**