SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004, Commission File Number 1-9235
THOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
93-0768752
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
419 W. Pike Street, Jackson Center, Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)
45334-0629
(Zip Code)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (937) 596-6849
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange on which registered:
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to the
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent files pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K.
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 126-2 of the act).
Yes X No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of January 31, 2004 was $789,785,790, based on the closing price of the registrants common shares on January 31, 2004, the last business day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Solely for the purpose of this calculation and for no other purpose, the non-affiliates of the registrant are assumed to be all shareholders of the registrant other than (i) directors of the registrants (ii) executive officers of the registrant who are identified as named executive officers pursuant to Item 11 of the regitrants Form 10-K and (iii) any shareholder that beneficially owns 10% or more of the registrants common stock. Such exclusion is not intended, nor shall it be deemed, to be an admission that such persons are affiliates of the registrant. The number of common shares of registrants stock outstanding as of October 1, 2004 was 57,148,160.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 7, 2004 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on form 10-K.
1
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General Development of Business
Our company was founded in 1980 and produces and sells a wide range of
recreation vehicles and small and mid-size buses in the United States and
Canada. We are incorporated in Delaware and are the successor to a corporation
of the same name which was incorporated in Nevada on July 29, 1980. Our
principal executive office is located at 419 West Pike Street, Jackson Center,
Ohio 45334 and our telephone number is (937)596-6849. Our Internet address is
www.thorindustries.com.
Our principal recreation vehicle operating subsidiaries are Airstream, Inc.
(
Airstream
), Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. (
Dutchmen
), Four Winds International,
Inc. (
Four Winds
), Keystone RV Company (
Keystone
), Komfort Corp. (
Komfort
),
Thor America, Inc. (
Thor America
), Citair, Inc. (
Citair
), Thor California, Inc.
(
Thor California
), and Damon Corporation
(Damon)
. Our principal small and
mid-size bus operating subsidiaries are Champion Bus, Inc. (
Champion
), ElDorado
National California, Inc. (
ElDorado California
), and ElDorado National Kansas,
Inc. (
ElDorado Kansas
).
On September 2, 2003, we acquired 100% of the common stock of Damon
Corporation, a major manufacturer of Class A motorhomes and the largest builder
of park models. The purchase price was $29,618,354. In addition, immediately
after the closing, the Company paid off a $12,972,498 bank debt assumed in
connection with the acquisition.
Recreation Vehicles
Airstream
Our Airstream subsidiary manufactures and sells premium and medium-high priced
travel trailers and motorhomes under the trade names
Airstream Classic
, and
Land Yacht
. Airstream Classic vehicles are distinguished by their rounded shape
and bright aluminum finish and, in our opinion, constitute the most recognized
product in the recreation vehicle industry. Airstream, responding to the
demands of the market for a lighter, lower-cost product, also manufactures and
sells the Airstream
Safari
,
International
and
Bambi
travel trailers. Airstream
also sells the
Interstate
and
Westfalia
Class C motorhomes.
Dutchmen
Our Dutchmen subsidiary manufactures and sells conventional travel trailers and
fifth wheels primarily under the trade names
Dutchmen
,
Four Winds, Aero and T@b
.
Four Winds
Our Four Winds subsidiary manufactures and sells Class C and Class A motorhomes.
Its products are sold under trade names such as
Four Winds
,
Hurricane
,
Infinity
,
Windsport, Mandalay
,
Dutchmen
,
Chateau
and
Fun Mover
.
Thor America
Our Thor America subsidiary manufactures and sells moderately priced travel
trailers and fifth wheels under the trade names
Citation
and
Chateau
.
Citair
Our Citair subsidiary produces moderately-priced travel trailers, fifth wheels,
Class C motorhomes and truck campers. It operates under the name
General Coach
and sells recreation vehicles under the trade names
Citation
and
Corsair
.
Keystone
Our Keystone subsidiary, acquired on November 9, 2001, manufactures travel
trailers and fifth wheels under trade names such as
Montana
,
Springdale
,
Hornet
,
Sprinter
,
Outback
,
Laredo
,
Everest
,
Mountaineer
,
Challenger
, and
Cougar
.
Komfort
Our Komfort subsidiary manufactures and sells travel trailers and fifth wheels
under the trade names
Komfort
and
Trailblazer
primarily in the western United
States and western Canada.
2
Thor California
Our Thor California subsidiary manufactures and sells travel trailers and fifth wheels under the trade names Wanderer , Tahoe and Jazz primarily in the western United States.
Damon Motor Coach
Damon Motor Coach builds gasoline and diesel Class A motor homes under the names Daybreak, Intruder , and Challenger .
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is the park model division of the newly acquired Damon Corporation. Park models are factory built second homes designed for recreational living. They are towed to a destination site such as a lake, woods or park and are considered a country cottage.
We believe that our recreation vehicle business is the largest unit and revenue manufacturer in North America based on retail statistics published by Statistical Surveys, Inc. and publicly reported results.
Buses
ElDorado National
ElDorado National, comprised of our ElDorado Kansas and ElDorado California subsidiaries, is a manufacturer of small and mid-size buses for transit, airport car rental and hotel/motel shuttles, paramedical transit for hospitals and nursing homes, tour and charter operations and other uses.
ElDorado National builds buses under trade names such as Aerolite , AeroElite , Aerotech , Escort , MST , Transmark , Axess and EZ Rider . ElDorado Nationals plants are located in Salina, Kansas and Riverside, California.
Champion Bus
Champion builds small and mid-size buses under trade names such as Challenger , CTS , and Crusader .
We believe that our bus division is the largest unit manufacturer of small and mid-size commercial buses in North America based on statistics published by the Mid-Size Bus Manufacturers Association.
3
Product Line Sales and Segment Information
Effective for the quarter ending April 30, 2004, the Company began presenting three reportable segments: 1.) towable recreation vehicles, 2.) motorized recreation vehicles, and 3.) buses. The towable recreation vehicle segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Airstream, Breckenridge, Dutchmen, General Coach Hensall and Oliver, Keystone, Komfort, Thor America and Thor California. The motorized recreation vehicle segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Airstream, Damon, Four Winds and Oliver. The bus segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Champion Bus, ElDorado California and ElDorado Kansas. Previously, the Company was organized into two reportable segments, total recreation vehicles and buses. Previous segment information has been restated to conform to the current reportable segment presentation.
The table below sets forth the contribution of each of the Companys product
lines to net sales in each of the last three fiscal years.
2004
2003
2002
($000)
Amount
%
Amount
%
Amount
%
$
1,433,997
65
$
1,126,740
72
$
785,327
63
539,010
25
227,672
14
188,370
15
214,732
10
216,992
14
271,603
22
$
2,187,739
100
$
1,571,404
100
$
1,245,300
100
Additional information concerning business segments is included in Note M of the Notes to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recreation Vehicles
Overview
We manufacture and sell a wide variety of recreation vehicles throughout the United States and Canada, as well as related parts and accessories. Recreation vehicle classifications are based upon standards established by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association or RVIA. The principal types of recreation vehicles that we produce include conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A and Class C motorhomes and park models.
Travel trailers are non-motorized vehicles which are designed to be towed by passenger automobiles, pickup trucks or vans. Travel trailers provide comfortable, self-contained living facilities for short periods of time. We produce conventional, and fifth wheel travel trailers. Conventional trailers are towed by means of a frame hitch attached to the towing vehicle. Fifth wheel trailers, designed to be towed by pickup trucks, are constructed with a raised forward section that is attached to the bed area of the pickup truck.
Park models are recreational dwellings towed to a permanent site such as a lake, woods or park. The maximum size of park models is 400 square feet. They provide comfortable self contained living and are second homes for their owners according to The Recreational Park Trailer Association.
A motorhome is a self-powered vehicle built on a motor vehicle chassis. Motorhomes are self-contained with their own lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, sewage holding and water storage facilities, so that they can be lived in without being attached to utilities.
Class A motorhomes, constructed on medium-duty truck chassis, are supplied complete with engine and drive train components by motor vehicle manufacturers such as Workhorse Custom Chassis, Spartan, Ford and Freightliner. We design, manufacture and install the living area and drivers compartment of Class A motorhomes. Class C motorhomes are built on a Ford, General Motors or Daimler Chrysler small truck or van chassis which includes an engine, drive train components, and a finished cab section. We construct a living area which has access to the drivers compartment and attaches to the cab section. Although they are not designed for permanent or semi-permanent living, recreation vehicles can provide comfortable living facilities for short periods of time.
4
Production
In order to minimize finished inventory, our recreation vehicles generally are produced to order. Our facilities are designed to provide efficient assembly line manufacturing of products. We are currently expanding our production facilities to accommodate increased demand. Capacity increases can be achieved at relatively low cost, largely by increasing the number of production employees or by acquiring or leasing additional facilities.
We purchase in finished form many of the components used in the production of our recreation vehicles. The principal raw materials used in the manufacturing processes for motorhomes and travel trailers are aluminum, lumber, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, and steel purchased from numerous suppliers. We believe that, except for chassis, substitute sources for raw materials and components are available with no material impact on our operations. We are able to obtain the benefit of volume price discounts for many of our purchases of raw materials and components by centralized purchasing.
Our relationship with our chassis suppliers is similar to all buyer/vendor relationships and no special contractual commitment is engaged in by either party. Historically, Ford and General Motors resort to an industry-wide allocation basis during restriction of supply. These allocations would be based on the volume of chassis previously purchased. Sales of motor homes and small buses rely on these chassis and are affected accordingly.
Generally, all of our operating subsidiaries introduce new or improved lines or models of recreation vehicles each year. Changes typically include new sizes and floorplans, different decors or design features, and engineering improvements.
Seasonality
Since recreation vehicles are used primarily by vacationers and campers, our recreation vehicle sales are seasonal and, in most geographical areas, tend to be significantly lower during the winter months than in other periods. As a result, recreation vehicle sales are historically lowest during the second fiscal quarter, which ends on January 31 of each year.
Marketing and Distribution
We market our recreation vehicles through independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada. Each of our recreation vehicle operating subsidiaries maintains its own dealer organization, with some dealers carrying more than one of our product lines. As of July 31, 2004, there were approximately 1,518 dealers carrying our products in the U.S. and Canada. We believe that close working relationships between our management personnel and the many independent dealers provide us with valuable information on customer preferences and the quality and marketability of our products. Additionally, by maintaining substantially separate dealer networks for each of our subsidiaries, our products are more likely to be competing against competitors products in similar price ranges rather than against our other products. Park models are typically sold by park model dealers as well as by some travel trailer dealers.
Each of our recreation vehicle operating subsidiaries has an independent sales force to call on their dealers. Our most important sales promotions occur at the major recreation vehicle shows for dealers which take place throughout the year at different locations across the country. We benefit from the recreation vehicle awareness advertising and major marketing programs geared towards first-time buyers sponsored by the RVIA in national print media and television. We engage in a limited amount of consumer-oriented advertising for our recreation vehicles, primarily through industry magazines, the distribution of product brochures, direct mail advertising campaigns and the internet.
In our selection of individual dealers, we emphasize the dealers financial strength to maintain a sufficient inventory of our products, as well as their reputation, experience, and ability to provide service. Many of our dealers carry the recreation vehicle lines of one or more of our competitors. Each of our operating subsidiaries has sales agreements with their dealers and these agreements are subject to annual review. No single recreation vehicle dealer accounted for more than 5% of our consolidated net sales of recreation vehicles during fiscal 2004.
Substantially all of our sales to dealers are made on terms requiring cash on delivery or within 10 days thereafter. We generally do not finance dealer purchases. Most dealers are financed on a floorplan basis by a bank or finance company which lends the dealer all or substantially all of the wholesale purchase price and retains a security interest in the vehicles purchased. As is customary in the recreation vehicle industry, we will execute a repurchase agreement with a lending institution financing a dealers purchase of our products upon the lending institutions request and after completion of a credit investigation of the dealer involved. Repurchase agreements provide that for up to 12 months after a unit is financed and in the event of default
5
by the dealer we will repurchase the unit repossessed by the lending institution for the amount then due, which is usually less than 100% of dealers cost. The risk of loss under repurchase agreements is spread over numerous dealers and is further reduced by the high resale value of the units which we would be required to repurchase. In our experience, losses under repurchase agreements have not been significant and we believe that any future losses under these agreements would not have a material adverse effect on our company.
The losses incurred due to repurchase were approximately $642,000, $494,000, and $730,000 in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Joint Ventures
In March 1996, our Company and Cruise America, Inc. formed a 50/50 ownership joint venture, CAT Joint Venture LLC, to make short-term rentals of motorized recreation vehicles to the public. As of July 31, 2004 we were contingently liable for repurchase obligations of CAT Joint Venture inventory in the amount of approximately $7.6 million.
Financing
Thor Credit Corporation is a recreation vehicle retail finance company jointly owned 50/50 by our company and E*Trade Group, Inc., a major financial institution.
Backlogs
As of July 31, 2004, the backlog for motorized and towable recreation vehicle orders was approximately $108,991,000 and $251,573,000, respectively, compared to $59,924,000 and $141,188,000 respectively, at July 31, 2003. Backlog represents unfilled dealer orders on a particular day which can and do fluctuate widely seasonally. In the recreation vehicle business our manufacturing time is quite short.
Historically, the amount of our current backlog compared to our backlog in previous periods reflects general economic and industry conditions and, together with other relevant factors such as continued acceptance of our products by the consumer, may be an indicator of our revenues in the near term.
Warranties
We currently provide purchasers of our recreation vehicles with a standard one or two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship and a standard two year limited warranty on certain major components separately warranted by the suppliers of these components. The chassis and engines of our motorhomes are warranted for three years or 36,000 miles by their manufacturers. A wholly owned captive insurance company provides coverage for product warranties.
Small and Mid-Size Buses
Overview
Our line of small and mid-size buses are sold under the names ElDorado National and Champion Bus. Our line of small and mid-size buses consists of airport shuttle buses, intra-urban and inter-urban mass transportation buses, and buses for tourist uses.
Production
Our small and mid-size bus production facilities in Salina, Kansas; Riverside, California; and Imlay City, Michigan, are designed to provide efficient assembly line manufacturing of our small and mid-size buses. The vehicles are produced according to specific orders which are normally obtained by dealers. In April 2004, we moved out of leased premises in Chino to new owned facilities in Riverside, CA for the production of our current bus models as well as our newly introduced 40 foot bus line.
Some of the chassis, all of the engines and auxiliary units, and some of the seating and other components used in the production of our small and mid-size buses are purchased in finished form. Our Riverside, California, facility assembles chassis for our rear engine buses from industry standard components and assembles these buses directly on the chassis.
The principal raw materials used in the manufacturing of our small and mid-size buses are fiberglass, steel, aluminum, plywood, and plastic. We purchase most of the raw materials and components from numerous suppliers. We purchase most of our bus chassis from Ford and General Motors and engines from Cummins, Caterpillar, and John Deere. We believe that, except for chassis, raw materials and components could be purchased from other sources, if necessary, with no material impact on our operations.
6
Marketing and Distribution
We market our small and mid-size buses through a network of 67 independent dealers in the United States and Canada. We select dealers using criteria similar to those used in selecting recreation vehicle dealers. During fiscal 2004, one of our dealers, accounted for 19% of the Companys net bus revenue. We also sell our small and mid-size buses directly to certain national accounts such as major rental car companies, hotel chains, and transit authorities. Approximately 60% of our bus sales are derived from contracts with state and local transportation authorities, in some cases with partial funding from federal agencies.
Terms of sale are typically cash on delivery or through national floorplan financing institutions. Sales to some state transportation agencies and other government agencies may be on longer terms.
Backlog
As of July 31, 2004 the backlog for bus orders was approximately $134,414,000 compared to $108,256,000 at July 31, 2003. The time for fulfillment of bus orders is substantially longer than in the recreation vehicle industry because generally buses are made to customer specification. The existing backlog of bus orders is expected to be filled in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.
Historically, the amount of our current backlog compared to our backlog in previous periods reflects general economic and industry conditions and, together with other relevant factors such as continued acceptance of our products by the consumer, may be an indicator of our revenues in the near term.
Warranties
We currently provide purchasers of our small and mid-size buses with a limited warranty for one year or 12,000 miles against defects in materials and workmanship, excluding only certain specified components which are separately warranted by suppliers. We provide body structure warranty on buses ranging from 2 years 50,000 miles to 5 years 75,000 miles. The chassis and engines of our small and mid-size buses are warranted for three years or 36,000 miles by their manufacturers. A wholly owned captive insurance company provides coverage for product warranties.
Regulation
We are subject to the provisions of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the safety standards for recreation vehicles, buses and recreation vehicle and bus components which have been promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Because of our sales in Canada, we are also governed by similar laws and regulations issued by the Canadian government.
We are a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), a voluntary association of recreation vehicle manufacturers which promulgates recreation vehicle safety standards. We place an RVIA seal on each of our recreation vehicles to certify that the RVIAs standards have been met.
Both federal and state authorities have various environmental control standards relating to air, water, and noise pollution which affect our business and operations. For example, these standards, which are generally applicable to all companies, control our choice of paints, discharge of air compressor waste water and noise emitted by factories. We rely upon certifications obtained by chassis manufacturers with respect to compliance by our vehicles with all applicable emission control standards.
We are also subject to the regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. Our plants are periodically inspected by federal agencies concerned with health and safety in the work place, and by the RVIA, to ensure that our products comply with applicable governmental and industry standards.
We believe that our products and facilities comply in all material respects with applicable vehicle safety, environmental, RVIA, and OSHA regulations.
We do not believe that compliance with the regulations discussed above will have any material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
7
Competition
Recreation Vehicles
The recreation vehicle industry is characterized by relative ease of entry, although the codes, standards, and safety requirements introduced in recent years are a deterrent to new competitors. The need to develop an effective dealer network also acts as a barrier to entry. The recreation vehicle market is intensely competitive with a number of other manufacturers selling products which compete directly with our products. Competition in the recreation vehicle industry is based upon price, design, value, quality, and service. We believe that the quality, design, and price of our products and the warranty coverage and service that we provide allow us to compete favorably for retail purchasers of recreation vehicles. We estimate that we are the largest recreation vehicle manufacturer in terms of units produced and revenue.
Small and Mid-Size Buses
We estimate that we have a 35% market share of the U.S. and Canadian small and mid-size bus market. Our competitors offer lines of buses which compete with all of our products. Price, quality, and delivery are the primary competitive factors. As with recreation vehicles, we believe that the quality, design, and price of small and mid-size buses, the warranty coverage and service that we provide, and the loyalty of our customers allow us to compete favorably with similarly priced products of our competitors.
Trademarks and Patents
We have registered United States and Canadian trademarks or licenses covering the principal trade names and model lines under which our products are marketed. We are not dependent upon any patents or technology licenses for the conduct of our business.
Employee Relations
At July 31, 2004, we had approximately 7,208 employees in the United States and 263 employees in Canada. Of these 7,471 employees, 837 are salaried. Citairs and Thor Americas approximately 340 hourly employees are currently represented by certified labor organizations. Thor Americas contract was ratified on September 30, 2003 and will expire on October 1, 2006. Our Citair Hensall division contract was ratified on January 13, 2004 and will expire on September 30, 2006. Citair Olivers contract was ratified on October 17, 2003 and will expire on October 16, 2008. Employees of our other subsidiaries are not represented by certified labor organizations. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees.
Research and Development
During the fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, we expensed approximately $452,000, $1,067,000, and $1,405,000 respectively, on research and development activities.
We have co-developed a bus using a fuel cell as its power source. Our cumulative expenditures on the project, which have been expensed, are approximately $1,332,000. We do not know whether or not it is feasible to produce this product at a reasonable cost and have no intention to commit material assets to the project unless its feasibility is established. At the present time the project is continuing field testing.
Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
Sales from our Canadian operations and export sales to Canada from our U.S. operations amounted to approximately 1.5% and 7.0% in fiscal 2004, 2.3% and 6.0% in fiscal 2003 and 2.3% and 5.3% in fiscal 2002, respectively of our total net sales to unaffiliated customers.
Forward Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain statements that are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. These forward looking statements involve uncertainties and risks. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from the Companys expectations. Factors which could cause materially different results include, among others, the success of new product introductions, the pace of acquisitions and cost structure improvements, competition and general economic conditions. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect any change in our expectations after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law.
8
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We own or lease approximately 4,523,000 square feet of plant and office space.
We believe that our present facilities, consisting primarily of steel clad,
steel or wood frame, and masonry construction, and the machinery and equipment
contained in these facilities, are well maintained and in good condition. We
believe that these facilities, together with facilities planned for fiscal
2005, are adequate for our current and foreseeable purposes and that we would
be able to obtain replacement for our leased premises at acceptable costs
should our leases not be renewed.
The following table describes the location, number and size of our facilities
as of July 31, 2004.
9
(1)
These leased storage facilities are occupied under a 1 year lease which
expires August 31, 2005, with three one year options to
renew.
(2)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2004 with
an option to extend for five years.
(3)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2005 with
an option to extend for three years.
(4)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2005 with
an option to extend for five years.
(5)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2005 with
an option to extend for five years.
(6)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2008 with
an option to extend for five years.
(7)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires October, 1,
2010.
(8)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in 2005.
(9)
These locations are occupied under net leases, expiring at various
periods starting in 2005. Leases have extension and or options to purchase.
(10)
This location is occupied under a net lease which expires in April 2005
with an option to extend for one year.
Table of Contents
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in certain litigation arising out of our operations in the normal course of our business most of which are based upon state lemon laws, warranty claims, other claims and accidents (for which we carry insurance above a specified deductible amount). We do not believe that any one of these claims is material. In addition to these claims, we are a defendant in a lawsuit in Ontario, Canada. This suit arises out of an agreement relating to the manufacture of a low floor bus. The plaintiff claims that we illegally utilized the concept of the low floor bus for our own profit and that we breached the contract with it in the manner specified in the complaint. The plaintiff has asked for substantial money damages including punitive damages. We have counter claimed against the plaintiff claiming that we overpaid it in excess of $800,000. The case is scheduled for trial on February 7, 2005. Although there can be no assurances, we are of the opinion that there will be no material cost to us as a result of this lawsuit.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters submitted.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Market Information
The Companys Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Set forth
below is the range of high and low prices for the common stock for each quarter
during the Companys two most recent fiscal years, as quoted in the New York
Stock Exchange Monthly Market Statistics and Trading Reports. High and low
stock prices were adjusted for the two-for-one stock split in January 2004.
Fiscal 2004
Fiscal 2003
High
Low
High
Low
$
32.30
$
20.79
$
18.59
$
13.73
33.28
26.34
21.39
13.15
34.67
22.00
16.15
10.73
33.97
25.40
22.93
15.50
(b) Holders
As of October 1, 2004, the number of holders of record of the Companys common stock was 187.
(c) Dividends
We paid quarterly dividends of $ .015 per share in each of the first two quarters of fiscal 2004 and $.03 per share in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2004 and $.005 per share in each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2003 and $.01 per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and any other factors which the board of directors may deem relevant.
10
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of July 31, 2004 about the
Companys Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options,
warrants and rights granted to employees or members of the Board of Directors
under all the Companys existing equity compensation plans, including the 1999
Stock Option Plan and the Thor Industries, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales in fiscal 2004 totaled $2,187,738,526 versus $1,571,404,414 in
fiscal 2003. Net income in fiscal 2004 totaled $106,085,336 versus $78,630,765
in 2003. Basic earnings per share of our common stock in fiscal 2004 were $1.85
compared to $1.38 in fiscal 2003. Our consolidated statements of income for the
years ended July 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 shown as a percentage of net sales
are:
11
Number of securities
Number of securities
remaining available for
to be issued
Weighted-average
future issuance under
upon exercise of
exercise price of
equity compensation plans
outstanding options,
outstanding options,
(excluding securities
Plan category
warrants and rights
warrants and rights
reflected in column (a))
(a)
(b)
(c)
792,344
$
18.07
688,336
0
NA
393,700
792,344
$
18.07
1,082,036
Fiscal years ended July 31,
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
($000, except per share amounts)
$
2,187,739
$
1,571,404
$
1,245,300
$
821,728
$
910,079
106,085
78,631
51,182
26,722
36,119
1.85
1.38
.94
.56
.75
1.84
1.37
.94
.56
.74
.09
.025
.02
.02
.02
$
762,587
$
608,941
$
497,503
$
309,067
$
282,131
(1)
Per share amounts were adjusted for the two-for-one stock split in January
2004 and July 2002.
(2)
Selected financial data for 2004 include the results of Damon Corporation,
which was acquired on September 2, 2003. Selected financial data for 2004, 2003
and 2002 include the results of Keystone RV Company, which was acquired on
November 9, 2001.
Executive Overview
We were founded in 1980 and have grown to be the largest manufacturer of Recreation Vehicles (RVs) and small and mid-size buses in North America. Our position in the travel trailer and fifth wheel segment of the industry gives us an approximate 28% market share and in the motorized segment of the industry an approximate 12% market share. Our market in small and mid-size buses is approximately 35%. We have recently entered the 40-foot bus market with a new facility in Southern California designed for that product as well as our existing 30-foot and 35-foot buses.
Our growth has been internal and by acquisition. Our strategy has been to increase our profitability in North America in the recreation vehicle industry and in the bus business by improving our facilities, product innovation, opportunistic acquisitions and manufacturing quality products. We have not purchased unrelated businesses and have no plans to do so in the future.
We rely on internally generated cash flows from operations to finance our growth although we may borrow to make an acquisition if we believe the incremental cash flows will assure rapid payback. We have invested significant capital to modernize our plant facilities and have expended approximately $54 million for that purpose in the past two years.
Our business model includes decentralized operating units and we compensate operating management based upon profitability of the unit which they manage. Our corporate staff provides financial management, centralized purchasing services, insurance, legal and human resources. Senior corporate management interacts regularly with operating management to assure that corporate objectives are understood clearly and are monitored appropriately.
Our RV products are sold to dealers who, in turn, retail those products. Our buses are sold through dealers to municipalities and private purchasers such as rental car companies and hotels. We do not directly finance dealers but do provide repurchase agreements in order to facilitate the dealers obtaining floor plan financing. We have a joint venture, Thor Credit, which provides retail credit to ultimate purchasers of recreation vehicles.
For management and reporting purposes, we segment our business into Recreation Vehicles Towables and Motorized and Buses.
Trends and Business Outlook
The most important determinants of demand for Recreation Vehicles are demographics. The baby boomer population is now reaching retirement age and retirees are a large market for our products. The baby boomer population in the United States is expected to grow 48% by 2010, or five times the expected 9% growth in the total United States population. We believe a primary indicator of the strength of the recreation vehicle industry is retail sales, which we closely monitor to determine industry trends.
Government entities are primary users of our buses. Demand in this segment is subject to fluctuations in government spending on transit. In addition, hotel and rental car companies are also major users of our small and mid-size buses and therefore airline travel is an important indicator for this market. The majority of our buses have a 5-year useful life, so that many of the buses we sold in 1999 and 2000 will need to be replaced.
Fuel price fluctuations have not historically influenced our sales materially and we do not anticipate that modest increases in interest rates will have a significant negative effect on such sales. Retail sales in the recreation vehicle industry have been strong due to low inflation, favorable interest rates, population trends and concerns about the safety of international travel. Both segments of our recreation vehicle business experienced record sales due to exceptional industry strength. To satisfy that demand, we have hired 1,130 employees since July 31, 2003, increasing our employee total by more than 19%.
Economic or industry-wide factors affecting our recreation vehicle business include raw material costs of commodities used in the manufacture of our product. Materials cost is the primary factor determining our cost of goods sold. During fiscal 2004, we increased product prices on our RVs segment by approximately 2.3% to offset increased raw material costs. Price increases for buses were less than 1% due to continued soft market conditions and competitive pressures. Additional increases in raw material costs would impact our profit margins if we were unable to raise prices for our products by corresponding amounts without negatively affecting sales.
Effective for the quarter ending April 30, 2004, the Company began presenting three reportable segments: 1.) towable recreation vehicles, 2.) motorized recreation vehicles, and 3.) buses. The towable recreation vehicle segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Airstream, Breckenridge, Dutchmen, General Coach Hensall and Oliver, Keystone, Komfort, Thor America and Thor California. The motorized recreation vehicle segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Airstream, Damon, Four Winds and Oliver. The bus segment consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Champion Bus, ElDorado California and ElDorado Kansas. Previously, the Company was organized into two reportable segments, total recreation vehicles and buses. Previous segment information has been restated to conform to the current reportable segment presentation.
12
Fiscal 2004 vs. Fiscal 2003
Net sales for fiscal 2004 were $2,187,738,526 compared to $1,571,404,414 for fiscal 2003, up 39.2%. Income before income taxes for fiscal 2004 was $168,219,502, a 33.2% increase from $126,244,258 in fiscal 2003. Included in fiscal 2004 are sales of $210,106,402 and income before income taxes of $10,928,806 for Damon Corporation acquired on September 2, 2003. Excluding Damon, net sales are up 25.9% and income before income taxes are up 24.6%. The increase in income before income taxes of $41,975,244 for fiscal 2004 is the result of the following items: $10,928,806 of income generated by Damon Corporation, $39,313,144 of income from increased recreation vehicle revenues, $1,801,901 of income from the gain on the sale and reclassification of certain equity securities previously held as investments available-for-sale, and no impairment losses versus a $1,580,334 loss last year. Offsetting these increases in income before income taxes was reduced income of $2,729,280 generated by our bus companies, and increased corporate costs of $8,919,661 primarily due to a charge relating to product liability and property insurance of approximately $6,500,000. The reduction in bus income before income taxes was due to continued competitive pressure on the pricing of buses and delayed purchases of buses affected by state and municipal budget constraints.
Other income increased by $950,309 due primarily to a gain on a sale of excess land at our ElDorado Kansas facility for approximately $222,000 and increased profits of Thor Credit and CAT joint venture for recreation vehicles retail financing and rentals, respectively.
Recreation vehicle revenues increased in fiscal 2004 by 45.7% to $1,973,006,616 compared to $1,354,412,440 in fiscal 2003 and accounted for 90.2% of total company revenues compared to 86.2% in fiscal 2003. Bus revenues in fiscal 2004 decreased by 1% to $214,731,910 compared to $216,991,974 in fiscal 2003 and accounted for 9.8% of the total company revenue compared to 13.8% in fiscal 2003.
Gross profit as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2004 decreased to 13.7% from 14.1% for the same period last year. This reduction in gross margin in 2004 is the result of competitive pressure in the bus business, losses at our Thor California operation during the first two quarters of 2004, cost increases in aluminum, copper, lumber, plywood and steel and changes in product mix in recreation vehicles. Price increases during our third and fourth quarters of 2004 on recreation vehicles improved our margins. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased slightly in 2004 in both the towable and motorized segments; however, the change in mix for the combined results for recreational vehicles resulted in a decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales in 2004.
Selling, general and administrative expenses and amortization of intangibles were $138,459,898 compared to $97,895,716 for the same period in fiscal 2003. As a percentage of sales, selling, general, and administrative expense was 6.3% in fiscal 2004 compared to 6.2% in fiscal 2003. The additional selling, general, and administrative costs are due to increased insurance, legal and professional fees as discussed earlier and increased costs associated with the overall 39.2% increase in revenues.
The overall effective tax rate was 36.9% for fiscal 2004 compared to 37.7% for fiscal 2003. The primary reduction of fiscal 2004 tax was the result of increased tax benefit from US sales to Canada and reduction of state and local taxes.
The following table represents the results of our reporting segments for fiscal
2004 and 2003:
Fiscal 2004
Fiscal 2003
Total
Towables
Motorized
Total RV
Buses
Corporate
Company
$
1,433,996,485
$
539,010,131
$
1,973,006,616
$
214,731,910
$
2,187,738,526
$
227,199,404
$
53,189,596
$
280,389,000
$
20,195,537
$
(47,795
)
$
300,536,742
15.8
%
9.9
%
14.2
%
9.4
%
13.7
%
Income Taxes
$
144,907,169
$
28,063,900
$
172,971,069
$
9,577,157
$
(14,328,724
)
$
168,219,502
10.1
%
5.2
%
8.8
%
4.5
%
7.7
%
Total
Towables
Motorized
Total RV
Buses
Corporate
Company
$
1,126,740,247
$
227,672,193
$
1,354,412,440
$
216,991,974
$
1,571,404,414
$
176,899,436
$
22,058,257
$
198,957,693
$
23,469,615
$
(160,419
)
$
222,266,889
15.7
%
9.7
%
14.7
%
10.8
%
14.1
%
Income Taxes
$
110,712,788
$
12,016,331
$
122,729,119
$
12,306,437
$
(8,791,298
)
$
126,244,258
9.8
%
5.3
%
9.1
%
5.7
%
8.0
%
13
Fiscal 2003 vs. Fiscal 2002
Net sales for fiscal 2003 were $1,571,404,414 compared to $1,245,299,721 for fiscal 2002. Income before income taxes for fiscal 2003 was $126,244,258, a 54.3% increase from $81,827,235 in fiscal 2002. The increase in income before income taxes of $44,417,023 is the result of the following items: $45,220,000 of income from increased recreation vehicle revenues, reduced impairment losses of $538,777 compared to fiscal 2002, and reduced corporate costs of $1,368,246. Offsetting these increases in income before income taxes was reduced income of $2,710,000 generated by our bus companies. The reduction in bus income before income taxes was due to continued competitive pressure on the pricing of buses and delayed purchases of buses affected by state and municipal budget constraints.
Other income increased by $675,372 due primarily to increased profits of Thor Credit, our joint venture retail finance company for recreation vehicles.
Recreation vehicle revenues increased in fiscal 2003 by 39.1% to $1,354,412,440 compared to $973,697,307 in fiscal 2002 and accounted for 86.2% of total company revenues compared to 78.2% in fiscal 2002. Bus revenues in fiscal 2003 decreased by 20.1% to $216,991,974 compared to $271,602,414 in fiscal 2002 and accounted for 13.8% of the total company revenues compared to 21.8% in fiscal 2002.
Gross profit as a percentage of sales for fiscal 2003 increased to 14.1% from 12.6% for fiscal 2002 primarily due to increased recreation vehicle sales and lower material cost in recreation vehicles. Recreation vehicle price increases averaged 2% for fiscal 2003. Price increases for buses were less than 1% due to soft market conditions and competitive pressures.
Selling, general and administrative expenses and amortization of intangibles were $97,895,716 compared to $75,419,423 for the same period in fiscal 2002. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense were 6.2% in fiscal 2003 compared to 6.1% in fiscal 2002. The additional selling, general and administrative costs are due primarily to increased costs associated with the 26.2% increase in revenues.
The overall effective tax rate was 37.7% for fiscal 2003 compared to 37.5% for fiscal 2002.
The following table represents the results of our reporting segments for fiscal
2003 and 2002:
Fiscal 2003
Total
Towables
Motorized
Total RV
Buses
Corporate
Company
$
1,126,740,247
$
227,672,193
$
1,354,412,440
$
216,991,974
$
1,571,404,414
$
176,899,436
$
22,058,257
$
198,957,693
$
23,469,615
$
(160,419
)
$
222,266,889
15.7
%
9.7
%
14.7
%
10.8
%
14.1
%
Income Taxes
$
110,712,788
$
12,016,331
$
122,729,119
$
12,306,437
$
(8,791,298
)
$
126,244,258
9.8
%
5.3
%
9.1
%
5.7
%
8.0
%
14
Fiscal 2002
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Towables
|
Motorized
|
Total RV
|
Buses
|
Corporate
|
Company
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales
|
$ | 785,326,795 | $ | 188,370,512 | $ | 973,697,307 | $ | 271,602,414 | | $ | 1,245,299,721 | |||||||||||||
Gross Profit
|
$ | 112,163,730 | $ | 17,974,857 | $ | 130,138,587 | $ | 27,621,123 | $ | (692,674 | ) | $ | 157,067,036 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
% of Net Sales
|
14.3 | % | 9.5 | % | 13.4 | % | 10.2 | % | | 12.6 | % | |||||||||||||
Income Before
Income Taxes
|
$ | 67,716,413 | $ | 9,792,144 | $ | 77,508,557 | $ | 15,016,402 | $ | (10,697,724 | ) | $ | 81,827,235 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
% of Net Sales
|
8.6 | % | 5.2 | % | 8.0 | % | 5.5 | % | | 6.6 | % |
Order Backlog | ||||||||
As of July 31, $(000)
|
||||||||
2003
|
2002
|
|||||||
Recreation Vehicles:
|
||||||||
Towables
|
$ | 141,188 | $ | 208,045 | ||||
Motorized
|
59,924 | 43,309 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total
|
$ | 201,112 | $ | 251,354 | ||||
Buses
|
$ | 108,256 | $ | 99,228 | ||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total Company
|
$ | 309,368 | $ | 350,582 | ||||
|
|
|
Financial Condition and Liquidity
As of July 31, 2004, we had $199,166,146 in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared to $172,233,135 on July 31, 2003. We classify our debt and equity securities as trading or available-for-sale securities. The former are carried on our consolidated balance sheets as Cash and cash equivalents or Investments short term. The latter are carried on our consolidated balance sheet as Investments investments available-for-sale.
On September 2, 2003, Thor acquired 100% of the common stock of Damon Corporation (Damon). Damon is engaged in the business of manufacturing Class A motorhomes and park models. The cash price of the acquisition was approximately $29,618,354, which was paid from internal funds. Immediately after the closing, the Company paid off a $12,972,498 bank debt assumed in connection with the acquisition.
Trading securities, principally investment grade securities composed of asset-based notes, mortgage-backed notes and corporate bonds, are generally bought and held for sale in the near term. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale. In each case, securities are carried at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available-for-sale, net of related tax effect, are not included in earnings, but appear as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our consolidated balance sheets until the gain or loss is realized upon the disposition of the investment or if a decline in the fair market value is determined to be other than temporary.
Due to the relative short-term maturity (average 3 months) of our trading securities, we do not believe that a change in the fair market value of these securities will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of future operations.
Working capital at July 31, 2004 was $256,198,030 compared to $190,689,508 on July 31, 2003. We have no long-term debt. We currently have a $30,000,000 revolving line of credit which bears interest at negotiated rates below prime and expires on November 27, 2004. There were no borrowings on this line of credit at July 31, 2004. The loan agreement executed in connection with the line of credit contains certain covenants, including restrictions on additional indebtedness, and requires us to maintain certain financial ratios. We believe that internally generated funds and the line of credit will be sufficient to meet our current needs and any additional capital requirements during the next 12 months. Capital expenditures of approximately $26,940,489 for the twelve months ended July 31, 2004 were primarily for planned expansions at our Keystone, Dutchmen, Four Winds, and ElDorado National California companies.
The Company anticipates capital expenditures in fiscal 2005 of approximately $50,000,000. The major components of these capital expenditures include approximately $12,000,000 to purchase currently leased buildings and $30,000,000 to expand capacity in our RV companies. The balance of capital expenditures will be for purchasing or replacement of machinery and equipment in the ordinary course of business.
15
Critical Accounting Estimates
The consolidated financial statements of Thor are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. We believe that of our accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgments, estimates, and complexity:
Impairment of Goodwill, Trademarks and Long-lived Assets
Thor at least annually reviews the carrying value of its goodwill and trademarks with indefinite useful lives. Long lived assets, identifiable intangibles that are amortized, goodwill and trademarks with indefinite useful lives are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from undiscounted future cash flows. This review is performed using estimates of future cash flows. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Management believes that the estimates of future cash flows and fair values are reasonable; however, changes in estimates of such cash flows and fair values could affect the evaluations.
Insurance Reserves
Generally, we are self-insured for workers compensation and group medical insurance. Under these plans, liabilities are recognized for claims incurred, including those incurred but not reported, and changes in the reserves. At the time a workers compensation claim is filed, a liability is estimated to settle the claim. The liability for workers compensation claims is determined by a third party administrator using various state statutes and reserve requirements. Group medical reserves are funded through a Trust and are estimated using historical claims experience. We have a self-insured retention for product liability and personal injury matters of $5,000,000 per occurrence. We have established a reserve on our balance sheet for such occurrences based on historical data and actuarial information. We maintain excess liability insurance aggregating $5,000,000 with outside insurance carriers to minimize our risks related to catastrophic claims in excess of all our self-insured positions. Any material change in the aforementioned factors could have an adverse impact on our operating results.
Warranty
Thor provides customers of our products with a warranty covering defects in
material or workmanship for periods generally ranging from one to two years,
with longer warranties on certain structural components. We record a liability
based on our best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and
existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. Factors we use
in estimating the warranty liability include a history of units sold, existing
dealer inventory, average cost incurred and a profile of the distribution of
warranty expenditures over the warranty period. A significant increase in
dealer shop rates, the cost of parts or the frequency of claims could have a
material adverse impact on our operating results for the period or periods in
which such claims or additional costs materialize. Management believes that the
warranty reserve is adequate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from
estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserves. Warranty reserves are
reviewed and adjusted as necessary on a quarterly basis.
Principal Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Our principal contractual obligations and commercial commitments at July 31,
2004 are summarized in the following charts.
16
Payments Due By Period
Contractual
Obligations
Total
Fiscal 2005
Fiscal 2006-2007
Fiscal 2008-2009
After 5 Years
$
16,225,214
$
4,020,734
$
5,744,346
$
3,607,952
$
2,852,182
$
16,225,214
$
4,020,734
$
5,744,346
$
3,607,952
$
2,852,182
Accounting Pronouncements
On November 1, 2003 we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46 addresses the reporting and consolidation of variable interest entities as they relate to a business enterprise. This interpretation incorporates and supercedes the guidance set forth in ARB No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements. It requires the consolidation of variable interests into the financial statements of a business enterprise if that enterprise holds a controlling interest via other means than the traditional voting majority. The requirements of FIN 46 are effective immediately for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and are effective for the first reporting period after December 15, 2003 for variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT RISK
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency related to its operations in Canada. However, because of the size of Canadian operations, a hypothetical 10% change in the Canadian dollar as compared to the U.S. dollar would not have a significant impact of the Companys financial position or results of operations. The Company is also exposed to market risks related to interest rates because of its investments in corporate debt securities. A hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL
STATEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED) - SEE ITEM 15
Quarterly Financial Data
17
October 31
January 31
April 30
July 31
($000, except per share amounts)
$
490,427
$
426,479
$
645,690
$
625,142
66,209
53,335
90,121
90,872
23,704
17,520
32,783
32,078
.42
.30
.57
.56
.41
.30
.57
.56
.015
.015
.03
.03
$
32.30
$
33.28
$
34.67
$
33.97
$
20.79
$
26.34
$
22.00
$
25.40
(1) | Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was decreased by $945,830 for an equity investment impairment charge, net of tax benefit. | |||
(2) | Per share amounts and market prices per common share were adjusted for the two-for-one stock split in January of 2004. | |||
(3) | Net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 was decreased by approximately $4,102,000 for charges relating to product and property liability insurance, net of tax benefit. |
PART III
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Companys management, with the participation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SECs rules and forms.
The Companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
18
There have been no significant changes in the Companys internal controls or in other factors which could significantly affect internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date the Company carried out its evaluation.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information with respect to Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant is included under the captions BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS and SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE, in the definitive Proxy Statement, dated on or about October 29, 2004, filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which portion of said Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
The Company has adopted a written code of ethics, the Thor Industries, Inc. Business Ethics Policy which is applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including the Companys principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and other executive officers identified pursuant to this Item 10 who perform similar functions (collectively, the Selected Officers). In accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of the code has been posted on the Companys website. The Company intends to disclose any changes in or waivers from its code of ethics applicable to any Selected Officer on its website at http://www.thorindustries.com or by filing a Form 8-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required in response to this Item is contained under the captions EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION; DIRECTOR COMPENSATION; RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN; SELECT EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN; PERFORMANCE GRAPH; COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION; and COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION in the definitive Proxy Statement, dated on or about October 29, 2004, filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which portion of said Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required in response to this Item is contained under the caption SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK FOR PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, in the definitive Proxy Statement, dated on or about October 29, 2004, filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which portion of said Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required in response to this Item is contained under the caption CERTAIN RELATIONS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT in the definitive Proxy Statement, dated on or about October 29, 2004, filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which portion of said Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required in response to this Item is contained under the caption INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FEES in the definitive Proxy Statement, dated on or about October 29, 2004, filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, which portion of said Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
19
This page left blank intentionally.
20
PART IV
ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, EXHIBITS, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(b) Reports on form 8-K
On May 5, 2004 and May 25, 2004, the Company filed reports on Form 8-K
announcing certain financial results for the third quarter and nine months
ended April 30, 2004.
21
Exhibit
Description
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) of
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2001)*
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation **
By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) of the Companys Registration Statement No.
33-13827)*
Form of Common Stock Certificate. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1987)*
Thor Industries, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
Companys Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated November 5, 1999)*
Thor Industries, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Companys
Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated December 3, 1997)*
Thor Industries, Inc. Select Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)
of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000)*
Thor Industries, Inc. Business Ethics Policy (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 of the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003)*
Subsidiaries of the Company**
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002**
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002**
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the
SarbanesOxley Act of 2002**
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act
of 2002**
Incorporated by reference
Filed herewith
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below
by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
22
THOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
/S/
Wade F. B. Thompson
Wade F. B. Thompson
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Date October 12, 2004
/S/ Peter B. Orthwein
(Signed)
/S/ Walter L. Bennett
Peter B. Orthwein
Walter L. Bennett
Vice Chairman, Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer
(Director)
(Principal Financial Officer & Principal
Accounting Officer)
Date October 12, 2004
Date October 12, 2004
/S/
Wade F. B. Thompson
(Signed)
/S/ Alan Siegel
Wade F. B. Thompson
Alan Siegel
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive
Director
Officer (Principal Executive Officer
and Director)
Date October 12, 2004
Date October 12, 2004
/S/ William C. Tomson
(Signed)
/S/ Neil D. Chrisman
William C. Tomson
Neil D. Chrisman
Director
Director
Date October 12, 2004
Date October 12, 2004
/S/ H. Coleman Davis
(Signed)
/S/ Jan H. Suwinski
H. Coleman Davis
Jan H. Suwinski
Director
Director
Date October 12, 2004
Date October 12, 2004
/S/ Geoffrey A. Thompson
Geoffrey A. Thompson
Director
Date October 12, 2004
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Thor Industries, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Thor
Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of July 31, 2004 and 2003, and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders equity and
comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended July 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in the index of item 15(a)(2). These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of July 31, 2004
and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the
years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
23
Dayton, Ohio
October 4, 2004
Table of Contents
Consolidated Balance Sheets, July 31, 2004 and 2003
2004
|
2003
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$ | 136,120,530 | $ | 132,124,452 | ||||
Investments-short term (Note A)
|
63,045,616 | 40,108,683 | ||||||
Accounts receivable:
|
||||||||
Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts
$558,365 in 2004 and $625,214 in 2003 |
132,615,992 | 94,296,951 | ||||||
Other
|
4,304,573 | 3,018,016 | ||||||
Inventories (Note D)
|
147,588,254 | 96,652,532 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and other (Note F)
|
14,291,395 | 12,431,573 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total current assets
|
497,966,360 | 378,632,207 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Property, plant and equipment:
|
||||||||
Land
|
17,263,271 | 12,058,354 | ||||||
Buildings and improvements
|
74,436,370 | 55,541,971 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment
|
40,046,081 | 31,644,155 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total cost
|
131,745,722 | 99,244,480 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation
|
32,982,694 | 25,829,440 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Net property, plant and equipment
|
98,763,028 | 73,415,040 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Investments:
|
||||||||
Joint ventures (Note L)
|
2,514,449 | 2,219,469 | ||||||
Investments available-for-sale (Note A)
|
| 2,860,466 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total investments
|
2,514,449 | 5,079,935 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Other assets:
|
||||||||
Goodwill (Note C)
|
140,857,162 | 130,554,872 | ||||||
Noncompete agreements (Note C)
|
3,580,962 | 3,739,589 | ||||||
Trademarks (Note C)
|
12,269,642 | 8,669,642 | ||||||
Other
|
6,635,161 | 8,850,173 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total other assets
|
163,342,927 | 151,814,276 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||||
Total
|
$ | 762,586,764 | $ | 608,941,458 | ||||
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
25
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended July 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
2004
2003
2002
$
2,187,738,526
$
1,571,404,414
$
1,245,299,721
1,887,201,784
1,349,137,525
1,088,232,685
300,536,742
222,266,889
157,067,036
137,661,270
97,180,897
74,849,247
798,628
714,819
570,176
(1,580,334
)
(2,119,111
)
1,801,901
1,788,967
2,085,409
1,541,867
(156,135
)
(389,606
)
(325,378
)
2,707,925
1,757,616
1,082,244
168,219,502
126,244,258
81,827,235
62,134,166
47,613,493
30,645,562
$
106,085,336
$
78,630,765
$
51,181,673
$
1.85
$
1.38
$
.94
$
1.84
$
1.37
$
.94
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
26
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended July 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Treasury Stock
|
Common Stock
|
Additional | Restricted | Accumulated | Compre- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paid-In | Stock | Other Compre- | Retained | hensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
Capital
|
Plan
|
hensive Loss
|
Earnings
|
Income
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 31, 2001
|
7,633,748 | $ | (29,598,666 | ) | 55,271,388 | $ | 5,527,139 | $ | 23,112,969 | $ | (352,402 | ) | $ | (1,685,309 | ) | $ | 222,942,676 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
| | | | | | | 51,181,673 | $ | 51,181,673 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option activity
|
| | 289,288 | 28,929 | 1,199,215 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock activity
|
| | 39,000 | 3,900 | 342,299 | (346,199 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued
|
| | 9,000,000 | 900,000 | 62,056,820 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
dividends - $.02
per common share
|
| | | | | | | (1,091,057 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized appreciation
on investments
|
| | | | | | 455,281 | | 455,281 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
|
| | | | | | (225,886 | ) | | (225,886 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense
|
| | | | | 167,539 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 31, 2002
|
7,633,748 | (29,598,666 | ) | 64,599,676 | 6,459,968 | 86,711,303 | (531,062 | ) | (1,455,914 | ) | 273,033,292 | $ | 51,411,068 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
| | | | | | | 78,630,765 | $ | 78,630,765 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares retired
|
(7,633,748 | ) | 29,598,666 | (7,633,748 | ) | (763,375 | ) | (10,247,113 | ) | | | (18,588,176 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option activity
|
| | 174,662 | 17,466 | 1,184,343 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock activity
|
| | 54,700 | 5,470 | 1,116,939 | (908,830 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
dividends - $.025
per common share
|
| | | | | | | (1,428,105 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized appreciation
on investments
|
| | | | | | 357,559 | | 357,559 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
|
| | | | | | 956,464 | | 956,464 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense
|
| | | | | 270,789 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 31, 2003
|
| | 57,195,290 | 5,719,529 | 78,765,472 | (1,169,103 | ) | (141,891 | ) | 331,647,776 | $ | 79,944,788 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income
|
| | | | | | | 106,085,336 | $ | 106,085,336 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares purchased
|
288,000 | (7,078,339 | ) | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares retired
|
(288,000 | ) | 7,078,339 | (288,000 | ) | (28,800 | ) | (402,654 | ) | | | (6,646,885 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option activity
|
| | 227,370 | 22,737 | 2,347,856 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock activity
|
| | 11,500 | 1,150 | 308,315 | (309,465 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
dividends - $.09
per common share
|
| | | | | | | (5,152,406 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized appreciation
on investments
|
| | | | | | (357,559 | ) | | (357,559 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency
translation adjustment
|
| | | | | | 563,172 | | 563,172 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation expense
|
| | | | | 351,156 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 31, 2004
|
| $ | | 57,146,160 | $ | 5,714,616 | $ | 81,018,989 | $ | (1,127,412 | ) | $ | 63,722 | $ | 425,933,821 | $ | 106,290,949 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
27
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended July 31, 2004, 2003
and 2002
2004
2003
2002
$
106,085,336
$
78,630,765
$
51,181,673
7,656,491
5,670,597
4,655,184
798,627
714,819
570,176
100,846
(7,130,157
)
4,219,343
1,580,334
2,119,111
(1,801,901
)
(199,964
)
58,708
(272,906
)
6,255
(29,322
)
1,297,824
330,233
(407,012
)
98,088
(121,497
)
1,164,756
(122,908,698
)
(74,562,479
)
(8,273,407
)
102,688,129
38,866,934
50,027,883
(22,106,684
)
(22,053,069
)
(2,914,958
)
(23,945,741
)
(1,987,178
)
4,570,827
3,261,846
(7,269,186
)
(48,238
)
9,144,734
13,525,306
10,149,604
20,923,312
17,964,414
16,260,239
2,123,945
1,446,532
665,332
83,216,190
45,671,331
133,638,285
(26,940,489
)
(27,264,463
)
(7,483,710
)
291,813
24,600
1,766,052
23,687
96,228
(29,618,354
)
(74,794,195
)
(56,267,030
)
(27,216,176
)
(80,415,625
)
(5,152,406
)
(1,428,105
)
(1,091,057
)
(7,078,339
)
(12,972,498
)
1,686,989
948,299
1,228,145
(23,516,254
)
(479,806
)
137,088
563,172
956,464
(225,886
)
3,996,078
18,931,813
53,133,862
132,124,452
113,192,639
60,058,777
$
136,120,530
$
132,124,452
$
113,192,639
$
62,431,155
$
48,154,350
$
17,787,259
$
156,135
$
389,606
$
325,378
$
309,465
$
908,830
$
346,199
$
7,078,339
$
29,598,666
$
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
28
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended July 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Thor Industries, Inc. and its wholly-owned
domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). All
inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Interest-bearing deposits and other investments
with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash
equivalents. Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments of $128,746,850
are held by a major financial institution. The remaining $70,419,296 is held at
various other
financial institutions.
Investments
The Company classifies its debt and equity securities as trading
or available-for-sale. Trading securities are bought and held principally for
the purpose of selling them in the near term. All securities not classified as
trading are classified as available-for-sale.
During the second quarter of
fiscal 2004, the Company decided to begin actively trading the equity
securities it held previously classified as available-for-sale securities.
Therefore, at July 31, 2004, these securities are classified as trading and the
balance in investments available-for-sale was reclassed to
Investments - short
term. Additionally, the balance in unrealized gain/loss on available-for-sale
securities which was previously included in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) was reclassified and recorded in the statement of consolidated
income caption Gains on sale of equity securities.
Trading securities and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair
value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on trading securities are included
in earnings. Unrealized holding gains and losses, on available-for-sale
securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component
of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes until
realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale
securities are determined on a specific-identification basis. Dividend and
interest income are recognized when earned.
At July 31, 2004, the Company held equity securities with a fair value of
$7,009 and a cost basis of $13,327 after recognized impairments in prior years.
The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,580,334 in the first quarter of
2003, and $2,119,111 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 relating to its
investment in an equity investment as it was determined that the decline in
market value of the investment was deemed to be other than temporary. These
impairment charges are included in the consolidated statement of income caption
Impairment of Equity Securities.
The Company holds certain corporate debt securities that are classified as
trading securities and reported as
Investments short term. Included in other income are net realized losses on
trading securities of $1,296,815 in fiscal 2004, $330,233 in fiscal 2003 and
net realized gains on trading securities of $407,013 in fiscal 2002.
Fair Value of Financial Investments
the carrying amount of cash equivalents,
investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value
because of the relatively short maturity of these financial instruments.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined
principally by the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) basis.
Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and
depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the assets as follows:
Buildings and improvements 10 to 39 years
Machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years
Other Assets
Other assets consist of goodwill, trademarks, and non-compete
agreements. Non-compete agreements are amortized using the straight-line method
over 5 to 10 years. Goodwill and trademarks are no longer amortized but are
tested at least annually for impairment. Trademarks are not amortized because
they have indefinite useful lives.
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles that are
amortized are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable from undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying value of a
long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for
the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair
value.
29
Product Warranties
Estimated warranty costs are provided at the time of sale
of the warranted products. Warranty reserves are reviewed and adjusted as
necessary on a quarterly basis.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of recreation vehicles and buses
are recognized when title passes, which is when shipped to dealers,
distributors, or contract buyers in accordance with shipping terms, which are
FOB shipping point.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities of the Companys Canadian operations
reported in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at current
exchange rates. Revenues and expenses reported in the consolidated statements
of income have been translated at the average exchange rate for the year.
Translation adjustments have been included in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are not significant.
Stock Split
The Company declared a two-for-one common stock split in the
fourth quarter of 2002 and again in the second quarter of 2004 that was
distributed to shareholders of record as of June 19, 2002 and January 5, 2004,
respectively. All share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted
for the effect of the common stock splits.
Stock Options
The Company measures cost for stock options issued to employees
and directors using the method of accounting prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board, or APB, Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees.
As an alternative to accounting for stock-based compensation under APB No. 25,
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, establishes a
fair-value method of accounting for employee stock options. The company uses
the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of
its option grants. The fair value is recognized over the option vesting period
which is three years. Had compensation cost for these grants been determined
using the fair-value method, the Companys net income and net earnings per
common share would have been:
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming dilution. The
difference between basic EPS and diluted EPS is the result of outstanding stock
options.
30
Accounting Pronouncements
On November 1, 2003, we adopted FASB Interpretation
No. 46 Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46 addresses the
reporting and consolidation of variable interest entities as they relate to a
business enterprise. This interpretation incorporates and supercedes the
guidance set forth in ARB No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements. It
requires the consolidation of variable interests into the financial statements
of a business enterprise if that enterprise holds a controlling interest via
other means than the traditional voting majority. The requirements of FIN 46
are effective immediately for variable interest entities created after January
31, 2003 and are effective for the first reporting period after December 15,
2003 for variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003. The
adoption of FIN 46 did not have an impact on the consolidated financial
statements.
Reclassification
Certain reclassifications have been made in fiscal 2003 and
fiscal 2002 consolidated financial statements to conform to the presentation
used in fiscal 2004.
B. ACQUISITIONS
On September 2, 2003, Thor acquired 100% of the common stock of Damon
Corporation (Damon). Damon is engaged in the business of manufacturing Class
A motorhomes and park models. The cash price of the acquisition was $29,618,354
which was paid from internal funds.
Immediately after the closing, the Company paid off a $12,972,498 bank debt
assumed in connection with the acquisition.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the fair values of the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
The purchase price allocation includes $640,000 of non-compete agreements,
which will be amortized over seven to ten years, $10,302,290 of goodwill and
$3,600,000 for trademarks that are not subject to amortization. The Company has
made an election under Section 338 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing it to
deduct non-compete, goodwill and trademarks for tax purposes.
The primary reasons for the acquisition include Damons future earnings
potential, its fit with our existing operations, its market share, and its cash
flow. The results of operations for Damon are included in Thors operating
results beginning September 3, 2003. The Damon goodwill and its results are
included in the recreation vehicles reporting segment.
Pro forma Information (unaudited): Pro forma results of operations, as if the
acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the period is presented below.
These proforma results may not be indicative of the actual results that would
have occured under the ownership and management of the Company.
31
On November 9, 2001, Thor acquired 100% of the common and preferred stock of
Keystone RV Company (Keystone). Keystone is engaged in the business of
manufacturing travel trailers and fifth wheel recreation vehicles. The purchase
price of $151,104,000 consisted of cash of $88,824,000 and 4,500,000 shares of
Thor common stock valued at $62,280,000. The value of the common stock was
based on the average market price of Thors common shares over the two-day
period before and after the terms of the acquisition were agreed to and
announced.
The purchase price allocation includes $4,500,000 of non-compete agreements,
which will be amortized over seven to ten years, $120,026,403 of goodwill and
$7,000,000 for trademarks that are not subject to amortization. The non-compete
agreements, goodwill and trademarks are not deductible for tax purposes.
The primary reasons for the acquisition include Keystones future earnings
potential, its fit with our existing operations, its market share, and its cash
flows. The results of operations for Keystone are included in Thors operating
results beginning November 10, 2001. The Keystone goodwill and its results are
included in the recreation vehicle reporting segment.
Pro Forma Information (unaudited) Pro Forma results of operations, as if the
Keystone acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the period is presented
below. These proforma results may not be indicative of the actual results that
would have occurred under the ownership and management of the Company.
C. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at least
annually and more frequently if an event occurs which indicates the goodwill
may be impaired. On an annual basis, we test goodwill for impairment during the
fourth quarter. The components of other intangibles are as follows:
Aggregate amortization expense for non-compete agreements for the years ended, July 31,
2004, 2003 and
2002 were $798,627, $714,819, and $570,176, respectively. Non-compete agreements are
amortized on a straight-line basis.
Estimated Amortization Expense:
32
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill and trademarks for the 12 month
period ended July 31, 2004 are as follows:
As of July 31, 2004 goodwill and trademarks by segment totaled as follows:
D. INVENTORIES
Major classifications of inventories are:
E. LINE OF CREDIT
The Company has a $30,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit which bears
interest at prime less 2% (2.25% at July 31, 2004) and expires on November 27,
2004. There was no outstanding balance at July 31, 2004 and July 31, 2003. The
loan agreement executed in connection with the line of credit contains certain
covenants, including restrictions on additional indebtedness, and requires the
Company to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company intends to renew the
unsecured revolving line of credit prior to expiration.
F. INCOME TAXES
33
The differences between income taxes at the federal statutory rate and the
actual income taxes are as follows:
Income before income taxes includes foreign income of $2,191,601 in fiscal
2004, $3,586,649 in fiscal 2003 and $2,293,791 in fiscal 2002.
G. LEASES
The Company has operating leases principally for land, buildings and equipment.
Future minimum rental payments required under these operating leases are
$16,225,214, which includes the following amount due in each of the next five
fiscal years ending July 31: $4,020,734 in fiscal 2005; $3,135,431 in fiscal
2006; $2,608,915 in fiscal 2007; $1,986,444 in fiscal 2008; $1,621,508 in
fiscal 2009 and $2,852,182 thereafter. Rent expense was $6,171,891 in fiscal
2004, $5,636,059 in fiscal 2003, and $4,480,446 in fiscal 2002.
34
H. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Substantially all non-highly compensated employees can participate in a 401(k)
plan. Company contributions are at the discretion of the Companys board of
directors, except that Company contributions for union employees are based on
hours worked. Total expense for the plans was $645,320 in fiscal 2004, $484,499
in fiscal 2003, and $556,044 in fiscal 2002.
The Company has established a deferred compensation plan for executives who do
not participate in a 401(k) plan. This plan allows executives to defer a
portion of their compensation and to direct the Company to invest the funds in
mutual fund investments held by the Company. Participant benefits are limited
to the value of the investments held on their behalf. Investments held by the
Company are accounted for as trading securities and the obligation to the
participants is reported as a liability. No income or loss is recorded through
the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company does not make contributions
to the plan. The balance of investments held in this plan was $3,814,991 at
July 31, 2004 and $2,318,496 at July 31, 2003.
I. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
It is customary practice for companies in the recreation vehicle industry to
enter into repurchase agreements with financing institutions to provide
financing to their dealers. Generally, these agreements provide for the
repurchase of products from the financing institution in the event of a
dealers default.
Our principal commercial commitments at July 31, 2004 are summarized in the
following chart:
The risk of loss under these agreements is spread over numerous dealers and
further reduced by the resale value of the units which the company would be
required to repurchase. Losses under these agreements have not been significant
in the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements, and
management believes that any future losses under these agreements will not have
a significant effect on the Companys consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
The Company records repurchase and guarantee reserves based on prior experience
and known current events. The combined repurchase and recourse reserve balances
are approximately $546,000 as of July 31, 2004 and $516,000 as of July 31,
2003. The Company incurred losses due to repurchases of approximately $642,000,
$494,000 and $730,000 in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The Company obtains certain vehicle chassis from automobile manufacturers under
converter pool agreements. These agreements generally provide that the
manufacturer will supply chassis at the Companys various production facilities
under the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. The manufacturer
does not transfer the certificate of origin to the Company and, accordingly,
the Company accounts for the chassis as consigned, unrecorded inventory.
Chassis are typically converted and delivered to customers within 90 days of
delivery. If the chassis is not converted within 90 days of delivery to the
Company, the Company purchases the chassis and records the inventory. At July
31, 2004, chassis on hand accounted for as consigned, unrecorded inventory was
approximately $11,554,700.
The Company is involved in various litigation generally incidental to normal
operations. In addition to these claims, we are a defendant in a lawsuit in
Ontario, Canada. This suit arises out of an agreement relating to the
manufacture of a low floor bus. The plaintiff claims that we illegally utilized
the concept of the low floor bus for our own profit and that we breached the
contract with it in the manner specified in the complaint. The plaintiff has
asked for substantial monetary damages including punitive damages. We have
counter claimed against the plaintiff claiming that we overpaid them in excess
of $800,000. The case is scheduled for trial on February 7, 2005. In
managements opinion, the resolution of pending litigation is not expected to
have a material effect on the Companys financial condition, results of
operations or liquidity.
35
J. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
The Company purchased and retired 288,000 shares of Thors common stock in
fiscal 2004. This retirement resulted in a reduction of $7,078,339 in Treasury
Stock, $28,800 in Common Stock, $402,654 in Additional Paid-In Capital and
$6,646,885 in Retained Earnings in fiscal 2004.
The Company also retired 7,633,748 shares from treasury stock in fiscal 2003.
This retirement resulted in a reduction of $29,598,666 in Treasury Stock,
$763,375 in Common Stock, $10,247,113 in Additional Paid-In Capital and
$18,588,176 in Retained Earnings in fiscal 2003.
The Company declared a two-for-one common stock split in the fourth quarter of
2002 and again in the second quarter of 2004 that was distributed to
shareholders of record as of June 19, 2002 and January 5, 2004 respectively.
All share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted for the effect
of the common stock splits.
The Companys officers and key employees have been
granted stock options under the Companys 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan and
all options have been exercised. Additionally, on September 16, 1999 the
Companys Board of Directors approved the 1999 Stock Option Plan. 2,000,000
shares were authorized under the 1999 Plan. Options expire 10 years from the
date of grant and are vested evenly over 3 to 4 years from the date of grant.
A summary of option transactions under the Incentive Stock Option Plans is as
follows:
The Company applies Accounting Practices Board Opinion No. 25 and related
interpretations in accounting for the 1988 and 1999 Stock Option Plans.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for this plan.
The
following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at July 31,
2004, under the 1999 Incentive Stock Option Plans. 688,336 shares are available
for grant under the 1999 Plan.
The assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted during
fiscal 2004 and 2002 are as follows:
36
On September 29, 1997, the Companys board of directors approved a stock award
plan which allows for the granting of up to 600,000 shares of restricted stock
to selected executives. Restrictions expire 50% after 5 years following the
date of issue and the balance after six years. As of July 31, 2004, the Company
issued 206,300 shares of restricted stock under this plan and 393,700 shares
remain available for issuance. Compensation costs related to this plan were
$351,156 in fiscal 2004, $270,789 in fiscal 2003 and $167,539 in fiscal 2002
and are being amortized over the restriction period.
K. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately
$452,000 in fiscal 2004, $1,067,000 in fiscal 2003, and $1,405,000 in fiscal
2002.
L. JOINT VENTURES
In March 1996, the Company and Cruise America, Inc., an unrelated third party,
formed a joint venture, CAT Joint Venture LLC (CAT), to rent recreation
vehicles to the public. The Companys total investment of $1,349,492 includes a
subordinated note receivable of $710,000.
In March 1994, the Company and a financial services company formed a joint
venture, Thor Credit Corporation, to finance the sales of recreation vehicles
to consumer buyers. The Companys total investment is $1,164,957.
These
investments are 50% owned and are accounted for using the equity method.
During fiscal 2004, our Four Winds subsidiary had sales to Cruise America of
$48,963,000 and Cruise America had sales to CAT of $6,299,000.
During fiscal 2003, our Four Winds subsidiary had sales to Cruise America of
$26,486,000 and Cruise America had sales to CAT of $7,049,000.
37
M. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Effective for the quarter ending April 30, 2004, the Company began presenting
three reportable segments: 1.) towable recreation vehicles, 2.) motorized
recreation vehicles, and 3.) buses. The towable recreation vehicle segment
consists of the following operating companies that have been aggregated:
Airstream, Breckenridge, Dutchmen, General Coach Hensall and Oliver, Keystone,
Komfort, Thor America and Thor California. The motorized recreation vehicle
segment consists of the following operating companies that have been
aggregated: Airstream, Damon, Four Winds and Oliver. The bus segment consists
of the following operating companies that have been aggregated: Champion Bus,
ElDorado California and ElDorado Kansas. Previously, the Company was organized
into two reportable segments, total recreation vehicles and buses. Previous
segment information has been restated to conform to the current reportable
segment presentation.
Manufacturing and sales are conducted in the United States and, to a much
lesser extent, in Canada. Identifiable assets are those assets used in the
operation of each industry segment. Corporate assets primarily consist of cash
and cash equivalents, deferred income tax assets, the cash value of
Company-owned life insurance and various investments.
38
N. WARRANTY
Thor provides customers of our product with a warranty covering defects in
material or workmanship for periods generally ranging from one to two years,
with longer warranties of up to five years on certain structural components. We
record a liability based on our best estimate of the amounts necessary to
settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet
date. Factors we use in estimating the warranty liability include a history of
units sold, existing dealer inventory, average cost incurred and a profile of
the distribution of warranty expenditures over the warranty period. A
significant increase in dealer shop rates, the cost of parts or the frequency
of claims could have a material adverse impact on our operating results for the
period or periods in which such claims or additional costs materialize.
Management believes that the warranty reserves are adequate. However, actual
claims incurred could differ from estimates, requiring adjustments to the
reserves. Warranty reserves are reviewed and adjusted as necessary on a
quarterly basis.
SCHEDULE II
39
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
$
106,085,336
$
78,630,765
$
51,181,673
(884,440
)
(657,988
)
(250,969
)
$
105,200,896
$
77,972,777
$
50,930,704
$
1.85
$
1.38
$
.94
$
1.84
$
1.37
$
.94
$
1.84
$
1.37
$
.94
$
1.83
$
1.36
$
.93
Table of Contents
Year ended
Year ended
July 31, 2004
July 31, 2003
(Proforma)
(Proforma)
$
2,209,739,589
$
1,775,374,541
$
106,273,949
$
83,969,449
$
1.86
$
1.47
$
1.85
$
1.46
Table of Contents
Year ended
July 31, 2002
$
1,379,923,633
$
60,919,429
$
1.12
$
1.11
July 31, 2004
July 31, 2003
Accumulated
Accumulated
Cost
Amortization
Cost
Amortization
Non-compete agreements
$
14,713,367
$
11,132,405
$
14,073,367
$
10,333,778
$
762,914
$
676,247
$
676,247
$
676,247
$
352,761
Table of Contents
Goodwill
Trademark
$
130,554,872
$
8,669,642
10,302,290
3,600,000
$
140,857,162
$
12,269,642
Goodwill
Trademark
$
123,309,631
$
9,441,674
17,252,031
2,600,000
295,500
227,968
$
140,857,162
$
12,269,642
As of July 31,
2004
2003
$
13,604,925
$
6,342,179
41,117,720
25,267,593
72,323,887
52,499,474
30,161,715
19,108,412
157,208,247
103,217,658
9,619,993
6,565,126
$
147,588,254
$
96,652,532
Years ended July 31,
2004
2003
2002
$
50,672,969
$
43,300,270
$
20,996,098
10,503,397
9,890,039
5,571,289
856,954
1,553,341
917,638
62,033,320
54,743,650
27,485,025
100,846
(7,130,157
)
3,160,537
$
62,134,166
$
47,613,493
$
30,645,562
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Total
Term of
Commitment
Amount Commitment
Guarantee
$
2,848,000
less than 1 year
$
533,741,000
less than 1 year
Table of Contents
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Number
Weighted-Average
Number
Exercise
Outstanding
Remaining
Weighted-Average
Exercisable
Exercise
Price
at July 31, 2004
Contractual Life
Exercise Price
at July 31, 2004
Price
144,670
6 years
$
5.00
144,670
$
5.00
278,674
8 years
$
12.86
158,674
$
12.86
340,000
9 years
$
26.91
29,000
10 years
$
29.64
2004
2002
38
%
37
%
6 years
6 years
3.29
%
3.93
%
.26
%
.32
%
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Balance at
Charged to
Write-offs Net
Balance
Beginning
Costs and
of Recoveries/
at End of
Description
of Period
Expenses
Acquisitions
Payments
Period
$
625,214
$
(45,319
)
$
16,000
$
(37,530
)
$
558,365
$
10,333,778
$
798,627
$
$
$
11,132,405
$
245,964
$
431,030
$
$
(51,780
)
$
625,214
$
9,618,959
$
714,819
$
$
$
10,333,778
$
68,210
$
(62,332
)
$
274,540
$
(34,454
)
$
245,964
$
9,048,783
$
570,176
$
$
$
9,618,959
Exhibit 3.2
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED
(Pursuant to Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law)
FIRST
The name of the corporation is Thor Industries, Inc.
SECOND
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
corporation, as amended, is hereby amended to increase the number of
authorized shares of the corporation by removing Article FOURTH in its
entirely and replacing it with the following:
FOURTH the total number of shares of stock which the Corporation
shall have authority to issue is two hundred fifty-one million
(251,000,000) shares, consisting of two hundred fifty million
(250,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value ten cents ($0.10)
each, and one million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par
value ten cents ($0.10) each, which may be issued from time to time
in one or more series. The Board of Directors is hereby authorized to
fix, by resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any such
series, the voting powers, if any, and the designation, preferences
and rights of the shares in such series, and the qualification,
limitations or restrictions thereof, including, but not limited to,
the following:
(a)
the number of shares constituting that series and the distinctive
designation thereof;
(b)
the dividend rate on the shares of that series,
whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so,
from which date or dates, and the relative rights of priority, if
any, of payment of dividends on
shares of that series;
(c)
the voting rights, if any, of shares of that series
in addition to the voting rights provided by
law, and the terms of such voting rights;
(d)
the terms and conditions of the conversion
privileges, if any, of shares of that series, including
provision for adjustment of the conversion rate in such events as
the Board of Directors shall
determine;
(e)
the terms and conditions of redemption if shares of
that series shall be redeemable, including
the date or dates on or after which they shall be redeemable, and
the amount per share payable
in case of redemption, which amount may vary under different
conditions and at different
redemption dates;
(f)
the terms and amount of any sinking fund for the
redemption or purchase of shares of that
series, if any;
(g)
the rights of the shares of that series in the event
of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, and the relative rights
of priority, if any, of payment of shares of that series; and
(h)
any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of that
series.
Dividends on outstanding Preferred Stock shall be declared and paid,
or set apart for payment, before any dividend shall be declared and
paid, or set apart for payment, on the Common Stock with respect to
the same dividend period.
THIRD
The amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
herein certified has
been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and acknowledged this Certificate of Amendment this 17th day of December, 2003.
/S/ WALTER L. BENNETT | ||||
|
||||
|
Name: | Walter L. Bennett | ||
|
Title: | Executive Vice President and | ||
|
Chief Financial Officer |
40
Exhibit 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
The subsidiaries of the Registrant, excluding those which, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary as of July 31, 2004, are: |
Airstream, Inc.
(a Nevada corporation)
Thor America, Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation) Citair, Inc. (a Pennsylvania corporation) Citair, Inc. does business in Canada under the name General Coach. Damon Corporation (a Delaware corporation) Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Four Winds International, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Thor California, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Komfort Corp. (a Delaware corporation) Keystone RV Company (a Delaware corporation) ElDorado National California, Inc. (a California corporation) ElDorado National Kansas, Inc. (a Kansas corporation) Champion Bus, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) General Coach America, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) Thor Tech, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) T.H.O.R. Insurance Company Limited (a Bermuda corporation) |
41
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
I, Wade F.B. Thompson, certify that:
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Thor Industries, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the
period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report;
4.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being
prepared;
b.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls
and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls
and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based
on such evaluation; and
c.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal
control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal
quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants
auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent
functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design
or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
/S/ WADE F. B. THOMPSON
Wade F. B. Thompson
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
42
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
I, Walter L. Bennett, certify that:
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Thor Industries, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the
period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented
in this report;
4.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being
prepared;
b.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls
and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls
and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based
on such evaluation; and
c.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal
control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal
quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants
auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent
functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design
or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to
adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
/S/ WALTER L. BENNETT
Walter L. Bennett
Chief Financial Officer
43
Exhibit 32.1
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION
In connection with this annual report on Form 10-K of Thor Industries, Inc. for
the period ended July 31, 2004, I, Wade F. B. Thompson, Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Thor Industries, Inc., hereby certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that:
Date: October 12, 2004
1.
this Form 10-K for the period ended July 31, 2004 fully complies with the
requirements of
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
the information contained in this Form 10-K for the period ended July 31,
2004 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of Thor
Industries, Inc.
/S/ WADE F. B. THOMPSON
Wade F. B. Thompson
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
44
Exhibit 32.2
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION
In connection with this annual report on Form 10-K of Thor Industries, Inc. for
the period ended July 31, 2004, I, Walter L. Bennett, Chief Financial Officer of
Thor Industries, Inc., hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted
pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
Date: October 12, 2004
1.
this Form 10-K for the period ended July 31, 2004 fully complies with the
requirements of
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
the information contained in this Form 10-K for the period ended July 31,
2004 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of Thor
Industries, Inc.
/S/ WALTER L. BENNETT
Walter L. Bennett
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
45