SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

OR

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-21513

_______________

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

TEXAS

76-0509661

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

   

7272 Pinemont, Houston TX

77040

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

   

713/996-4700

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

_______________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes [ ] No [X]

_______________

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of May 1, 2004:

Common Stock: 3,989,901

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

March 31, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

(Unaudited)

   

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash

$ 884

 

$ 636

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts

     

of $1,484 and $1,420, respectively

21,664

 

19,412

Inventories, net

19,389

 

19,145

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,107

 

362

Deferred income taxes

893

 

876

Total current assets

43,937

 

40,431

Property and equipment, net

7,186

 

7,395

Deferred income taxes

378

 

403

Other assets

138

 

146

Total assets

$ 51,639

 

$ 48,375

       

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

     

Current portion of long-term debt

$ 1,301

 

$ 1,474

Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities

17,210

 

14,559

Accrued wages and benefits

1,643

 

1,426

Customer advances

3,409

 

2,922

Federal income taxes payable

378

 

1,040

Other accrued expenses

731

 

203

Total Current liabilities

24,672

 

21,624

Long-term debt, less current portion

16,238

 

16,675

Shareholders' equity:

     

Series A preferred stock, 1/10 th vote per share; $1.00 par value;

     

liquidation preference of $100 per share; ($112 at March 31, 2004)

     

1,000,000 shares authorized; 1,168 shares issued and outstanding

1

 

1

Series B convertible preferred stock, 1/10 th vote per share; $1.00

     

par value; $100 stated value; liquidation preference of $100 per

     

share ($1,500 at March 31, 2004); 1,000,000 shares authorized;

     

17,700 shares issued, 15,000 shares outstanding and 2,700

     

shares in treasury stock

18

 

18

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized;

     

4,257,760 shares issued; 3,989,901 and 4,070,520 shares outstanding,

     

and 267,859 and 187,240 shares in treasury stock, respectively

41

 

41

Paid-in capital

2,841

 

2,841

Retained earnings

11,059

 

10,404

Treasury stock

(2,235)

 

(1,897)

Notes receivable from shareholders

(996)

 

(1,332)

Total shareholders' equity

10,729

 

10,076

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 51,639

 

$ 48,375

       

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

2004

 

2003

Sales

$ 37,910

 

$ 37,461

Cost of sales

28,299

 

27,975

Gross profit

9,611

 

9,486

Selling, general and administrative expense

8,335

 

8,414

Operating income

1,276

 

1,072

Other income

17

 

22

Interest expense

(223)

 

(343)

Income before taxes

1,070

 

751

Provision for income taxes

392

 

283

Net income

678

 

468

Preferred stock dividend

23

 

23

       

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 655

 

$ 445

       

Basic income per share

$ 0.16

 

$ 0.11

Weighted average common shares outstanding

4,070

 

4,072

Diluted income per share

$ 0.12

 

$ 0.10

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding

5,514

4,533

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

 

MARCH 31

 

2004

 

2003

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net income

$ 678

 

$ 468

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided

     

by (used in) activities

     

Depreciation and amortization

236

 

257

Deferred income taxes

1

 

(11)

(Gain) on disposal of property and equipment

(1)

 

(2)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Trade accounts receivable

(2,252)

 

(3,244)

Inventories

(244)

 

(157)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(736)

 

(73)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

3,225

 

1,786

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

907

 

(976)

       

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Purchase of property and equipment

(27)

 

(151)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

1

 

2

Net cash (used in) investing activities

(26)

 

(149)

       

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Proceeds from debt

36,149

 

22,810

Principal payments on revolving line of credit, long-term debt,

     

and notes payable to bank

(36,759)

 

(22,168)

Dividends paid in cash

(23)

 

(23)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(633)

 

619

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

248

 

(506)

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

636

 

1,171

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

$ 884

 

$ 665

 

Noncash activities:

 

Financing activities exclude the exchange on March 31, 2004 of two notes receivable from Mr. Little, Chief Executive Officer, with a face value of $338,591 for 80,619 shares of DXP common stock.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

DXP ENTERPRISES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. DXP Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") believes that the presentations and disclosures herein are adequate to make the information not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all elimination entries and adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NOTE 2: THE COMPANY

DXP Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (DXP or the Company), a Texas corporation, was incorporated on July 26, 1996, to be the successor to SEPCO Industries, Inc. (SEPCO). The Company is organized into two segments: Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) and Electrical Contractor.

NOTE 3: STOCK OPTIONS

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. The pro forma information below is based on provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by FAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, issued in December 2002.

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31

 

2004

 

2003

 

(in thousands)

Pro forma impact of fair value method (FAS 148)

     

Reported net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 655

 

$ 445

Less: fair value impact of employee stock compensation

(6)

 

(12)

Pro forma net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 649

 

$ 433

 

 

Earnings per common share

 

Basic - as reported

$ 0.16

 

$ 0.11

Diluted - as reported

$ 0.12

 

$ 0.10

Basic - pro forma

$ 0.16

 

$ 0.11

Diluted - pro forma

$ 0.12

 

$ 0.10

       

Weighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions\

     

Risk free interest rate

4.0%

 

4.0%

Expected life

5 - 10 yrs.

 

5 - 10 yrs.

Expected volatility

80%

 

80%

Expected dividend yield

0.0%

 

0.0%

NOTE 4: INVENTORY

The Company uses the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method of inventory valuation for approximately 80 percent of its inventories. Remaining inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many forces beyond management's control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. The reconciliation of FIFO inventory to LIFO basis is as follows:

 

March 31, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

(in Thousands)

       

Finished goods

$ 22,466

 

$ 22,324

Work in process

358

 

256

Inventories at FIFO

22,824

 

22,580

Less - LIFO allowance

(3,435)

 

(3,435)

Inventories

$ 19,389

 

$ 19,145

 

NOTE 5: EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated.

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31

 

2004

 

2003

Basic:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding

4,069,634

 

4,071,685

Net income

$ 678,000

 

$ 468,000

Convertible preferred stock dividend

(23,000)

 

(23,000)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 655,000

 

$ 445,000

Per share amount

$ 0.16

 

$ 0.11

       

Diluted:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding

4,069,634

 

4,071,685

Net effect of dilutive stock options - based on the
treasury stock method

1,023,884

 

41,339

Assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock

420,000

 

420,000

Total

5,513,518

 

4,533,024

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$ 655,000

 

$ 445,000

Convertible preferred stock dividend

23,000

 

23,000

Net income for diluted earnings per share

$ 678,000

 

$ 468,000

Per share amount

$ 0.12

 

$ 0.10

NOTE 6: SEGMENT REPORTING

The MRO Segment is engaged in providing maintenance, repair and operating products, equipment and integrated services, including engineering expertise and logistics capabilities, to industrial customers. The Company provides a wide range of MRO products in the fluid handling equipment, bearing, power transmission equipment, general mill, safety supply and electrical products categories. The Electrical Contractor segment sells a broad range of electrical products, such as wire conduit, wiring devices, electrical fittings and boxes, signaling devices, heaters, tools, switch gear, lighting, lamps, tape, lugs, wire nuts, batteries, fans and fuses, to electrical contractors.

The high degree of integration of the Company's operations necessitates the use of a substantial number of allocations and apportionments in the determination of business segment information. Sales are shown net of intersegment eliminations. All business segments operate primarily in the United States.

Financial information relating the Company's segments is as follows:

 

MRO

 

Electrical
Contractor

 

Total

           

2003

         

Sales

$ 36,901

 

$ 560

 

$ 37,461

Operating income

1,075

 

(3)

 

1,072

           

2004

         

Sales

$ 37,218

 

$ 692

 

$ 37,910

Operating income

1,241

 

35

 

1,276

 

NOTE 7: CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

In January 2004, the Company paid a former officer of the Company $100,000 to terminate a stock option agreement between the Company and the former officer. The terminated stock option agreement provided for the former officer to purchase 359,000 shares of DXP's common stock at $1.64 per share.

On March 31, 2004, DXP exchanged two of the notes receivable from Mr. Little, Chief Executive Officer, with a face value of $338,591, including accrued interest, for 80,619 shares of DXP's common stock held by three trusts for the benefit of Mr. Little's children. The shares were valued at the $4.20 per share closing market price on March 31, 2004.

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2004

 

%

 

2003

 

%

 

(in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)

               

Sales

$ 37,910

 

100.0

 

$ 37,461

 

100.0

Cost of sales

28,299

 

74.6

 

27,975

 

74.7

Gross profit

9,611

 

25.4

 

9,486

 

25.3

Selling, general and administrative expense

8,335

 

22.0

 

8,414

 

22.4

Operating income

1,276

 

3.4

 

1,072

 

2.9

Interest expense

(223)

 

0.6

 

(343)

 

0.9

Other income

17

 

--

 

22

 

--

Income before income taxes

1,070

 

2.8

 

751

 

2.0

Provision for income taxes

392

 

1.0

 

283

 

1.0

Net income

$ 678

 

1.8

 

$ 468

 

1.0

Per share amounts

             

Basic earnings per share

$ 0.16

     

$ 0.11

   

Diluted earnings per share

$ 0.12

     

$ 0.10

   

Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2003

SALES. Revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, increased $0.4 million, or 1.2%, to approximately $37.9 million from $37.5 million in 2003. Sales for the MRO Segment increased $0.3 million, or 0.9%, primarily due to increased sales of products for offshore energy production. Sales for the Electrical Contractor segment increased by $0.1 million, or 23.6%, for the current quarter when compared to same period in 2003. This increase is the result of selling more commodity type electrical products.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased by approximately 0.1% for the first quarter of 2004, when compared to the same period in 2003. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the MRO segment increased to 25.2% for the three months ended March 31,2004, from 25.1% in the comparable period of 2003. This increase can be primarily attributed to increased margins on pump related equipment sold by the MRO segment. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the Electrical Contractor segment decreased to 31.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2003, from 37.0% in the comparable period of 2003. This decrease resulted from increased sales of lower margin commodity type electrical products.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general and administrative expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, decreased by approximately $0.1 million when compared to the same period in 2003. This decrease is primarily attributed to a 13% reduction in the average number of employees in 2004 compared to 2003. As a percentage of revenue, the 2004 expense decreased by approximately 0.4% to 22.0% from 22.4% for 2003. This decrease is attributable to a reduced level of expenses being spread over an increased revenue amount.

OPERATING INCOME. Operating income for the first three months of 2004 increased 19.0% when compared to the same period in 2003. Operating income for the MRO segment increased 15.4% as a result of increased gross profit and reduced selling, general and administrative expense. Operating income for the Electrical Contractor segment improved to a profit in 2004 from a small loss in 2003. The improved operating income for the Electrical Contractor segment is the result of reduced selling, general and administrative expense combined with increased gross profit.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 decreased by $0.1 million, or 35.0%, to $0.2 million from $0.3 million during the same period in 2003. This decline results from a lower average debt balance for the first three months of 2004 when compared to the first quarter of 2003, as well as lower interest rates.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General Overview

As a distributor of MRO products and Electrical Contractor products, we require significant amounts of working capital to fund inventories and accounts receivable. Additional cash is required for capital items such as information technology and warehouse equipment. We also require cash to pay our lease obligations and to service our debt.

We generated cash in operating activities of approximately $0.9 million in the first three months of 2004 as compared to using $1.0 million in cash in operating activities during the first three months of 2003. This change between the two periods was primarily attributable to a larger increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

During the first three months of 2004, the amount available to be borrowed under our loan agreement with our bank lender (the "Credit Facility") increased from $9.6 million at December 31, 2003 to $11.1 million at March 31, 2004. This increase in availability resulted from the increase in accounts receivable collateral value and reducing total long-term debt by $0.6 million during the first three months of 2004. The funds to reduce long-term debt by $0.6 million were generated by operations, including the collection of $0.5 million of additional customer advances for orders for products, primarily for use in offshore energy production. We expect to purchase products and incur other costs to complete these orders during 2004. Therefore, we expect the amount available to be borrowed under the Credit Facility to decline and the amount of long-term debt to increase during 2004. However, management believes that the liquidity of our balance sheet at March 31, 2004, provides us with the ability to meet our working capital needs during 2004.

Credit Facility

Under the Credit Facility, all available cash is generally applied to reduce outstanding borrowings, with operations funded through borrowings under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility consists of a secured line of credit and a secured term loan.

The Credit Facility allows us to elect a rate of interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.25% or prime plus a margin ranging from 0.0% to 0.75%. At March 31, 2004 the prime based interest rate option was prime on the revolving portion of the Credit Facility and prime plus 0.25% on the term portion of the Credit Facility. At March 31, 2004 the LIBOR based interest rate option was LIBOR plus 2.5% on the revolving portion of the Credit Facility and LIBOR plus 2.75% on the term portion of the Credit Facility. The LIBOR interest option resulted in interest rates which were lower than the prime interest option. At March 31, 2004, $13.0 million was borrowed at a weighted average rate of 3.68% under the LIBOR option. The prime rate at March 31, 2004 was 4.0%.

The Credit Facility provides for borrowings up to an aggregate of the lesser of (i) a percentage of the collateral value based on a formula set forth therein or (ii) $30.0 million, and matures April 1, 2006. The Credit Facility is secured by receivables, inventory, real estate and machinery and equipment. The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as financial covenants that are measured monthly and require that we maintain a certain cash flow and other financial ratios. At March 31, 2004, we were in compliance with these covenants. Although we expect to be able to comply with the covenants of the Credit Facility, there can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to do so or that our lender will be willing to waive such non-compliance or amend such covenants. In addition to the $0.9 million of cash at March 31, 2004, we had $11.1 million available for borrowings under the Credit Facility at March 31, 2004.

Borrowings

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

Increase

 

2004

 

2003

 

(Decrease)

 

(in Thousands)

   

Current portion of long-term debt

$ 1,301

 

$ 1,474

 

$ (173)

Long-term debt, less current portion

16,238

 

16,675

 

(437)

Total long-term debt

$ 17,539

 

$ 18,149

 

$ (610) (2)

Amount available (1)

$ 11,063

 

$ 9,562

 

$ 1,501 (3)

(1) Represents amount available to be borrowed at the indicated date under the Credit Facility.

(2) The funds to reduce long-term debt by $0.6 million were generated by operations, including the collection

of $0.5 million of customer advances on orders for products, primarily for use in offshore energy production.

(3) The $1.5 million increase in the amount available is primarily a result of the increase in accounts receivable collateral value and the $0.6 million reduction in total long-term debt.

Performance Metrics

 

March 31,

   
 

2004

 

2003

 

Increase

 

(in Days)

Days of sales outstanding

55.6

 

53.1

 

2.5

Inventory turns

5.9

 

5.5

 

0.4

Accounts receivable days of sales outstanding were 55.6 at March 31, 2004 compared to 53.1 at March 31, 2003. The increase resulted primarily from March 2004 sales exceeding March 2003 sales by $1.9 million. The sales increase resulted in increased accounts receivable at March 31, 2004. Annualized inventory turns were 5.9 at March 31, 2004 compared to 5.5 at March 31, 2003. The improvement resulted from active inventory management.

Funding Commitments

Our internal cash flow projections indicate our cash generated from operations and available under our Credit Facility will meet our normal working capital needs during 2004. However, we may require additional debt or equity financing to meet our future debt service obligations, which may include additional bank debt or the public or private sale of equity or debt securities. In connection with any such financing, we may be required to issue securities that substantially dilute the interest of our shareholders. As described above, all of our Credit Facility matures on or before April 1, 2006. We will need to extend the maturity of, or replace our Credit Facility on or before April 1, 2006. However, we may not be able to renew and extend or replace the Credit Facility. Any extended or replacement facility may have higher interest costs, less borrowing capacity, more restrictive conditions and could involve equity dilution. Our ability to obtain a satisfactory credit facility may depend, in part, upon the level of our asset base for collateral purposes, our future financial performance and our ability to obtain additional equity.

 

DISCUSSION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The significant estimates made by us in the accompanying financial statements relate to reserves for accounts receivable collectibility, inventory valuations and self-insured medical claims. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of a company's financial position and results of operations, and require management's subjective or complex judgments. Below is a discussion of what we believe are our critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues when an agreement is in place, price is fixed, title for product passes to the customer or services have been provided, and collecitibility is reasonably assured.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Provisions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made monthly and adjustments are made periodically (as circumstances warrant) based upon the expected collectibility of all such accounts.

Inventory

Inventory consists principally of finished goods and is priced at lower of cost or market, cost being determined using both the first-in and first out (FIFO) and the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Reserves are provided against inventory for estimated obsolescence based upon the aging of the inventory and market trends.

Income Taxes

In accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $1.3 million as of March 31, 2004. We believe it is more likely than not that this net deferred tax asset will be realized based primarily on the assumption of future taxable income.

Management periodically re-evaluates these estimates as events and circumstances change. Together with the effects of the matters discussed above, these factors may significantly impact the Company's results of operations from period-to-period.

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Our market risk results from volatility in interest rates. This risk is monitored and managed. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to our Credit Facility. Based on our capital structure at March 31, 2003, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an estimated $0.2 million change in annual interest expense.

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was evaluated by our management with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, David R. Little (principal executive officer), and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mac McConnell (principal financial officer). Messrs. Little and McConnell have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, to help ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file with the SEC is accumulated and communicated to management and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods prescribed by the SEC.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter (the quarter ended March 31, 2004) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

No material developments have occurred in the asbestos related litigation disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

The following table summarizes all repurchases of DXP equity securities by DXP during the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

 

(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased

 

 

(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

 

 

(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 

(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

Month #1

(January 1, 2004 - January 31, 2004)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Month #2

(February 1, 2004 - February 29, 2004)

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

Month #3

(March 1, 2004 - March 31, 2004

 

80,619

 

$4.20

 

N/A

 

N/A

Total

 

80,619

 

$4.20

 

N/A

 

N/A

On March 31, 2004, DXP exchanged two of the notes receivable from Mr. Little with a face value of $338,591, including accrued interest, for 80,619 shares of DXP common stock held by three trusts for the benefit of Mr. Little's children. The shares were valued at the $4.20 per share closing market price on March 31, 2004.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

Our expectations with respect to future results of operations that may be embodied in oral and written forward-looking statements, including any forward-looking statements that may be contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are subject to risks and uncertainties that must be considered when evaluating the likelihood of our realization of such expectations. Our actual results could differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below .

Ability to Comply with Financial Covenants of Credit Facility

Our loan agreements with our bank lender (the "Credit Facility") requires that we comply with certain specified covenants, restrictions, financial ratios and other financial and operating tests. Our ability to comply with any of the foregoing restrictions will depend on our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and other factors, including factors beyond our control. A failure to comply with any of these obligations could result in an event of default under the Credit Facility, which could permit acceleration of our indebtedness under the Credit Facility. From time to time we have been unable to comply with some of the financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility (relating to, among other things, the maintenance of prescribed financial ratios) and have, when necessary, obtained waivers or amendments to the covenants from our lender. Although we expect to be able to comply with the covenants, including the financial covenants, of the Credit Facility, there can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to do so or that our lender will be willing to waive such non-compliance or further amend such covenants.

Risks Related to Internal Growth Strategy

Future results for us will depend in part on our success in implementing our internal growth strategy, which includes expanding our existing geographic areas and adding new customers. Our ability to implement this strategy will depend on our success in selling more to existing customers, acquiring new customers, hiring qualified sales persons, and marketing integrated supply arrangements such as those being pursued by us through our SmartSource program. Although we intend to increase sales and product offerings to existing customers and reduce costs through consolidating certain administrative and sales functions, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts.

Substantial Competition

Our business is highly competitive. We compete with a variety of industrial supply distributors, some of which may have greater financial and other resources than us. Although many of our traditional distribution competitors are small enterprises selling to customers in a limited geographic area, we also compete with larger distributors that provide integrated supply programs such as those offered through outsourcing services similar to those that are offered by our SmartSource program. Some of these large distributors may be able to supply their products in a more timely and cost-efficient manner than us. Our competitors include direct mail suppliers, large warehouse stores and, to a lesser extent, certain manufacturers.

Risks of Economic Trends

Demand for our products is subject to changes in the United States economy in general and economic trends affecting our customers and the industries in which they compete in particular. Many of these industries, such as the oil and gas industry, are subject to volatility while others, such as the petrochemical industry, are cyclical and materially affected by changes in the economy. As a result, we may experience changes in demand for our products as changes occur in the markets of our customers.

Dependence on Key Personnel

We will continue to be dependent to a significant extent upon the efforts and ability of David R. Little, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Little or any other executive officer of our company could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on the life of Mr. Little or on the lives of our other executive officers. In addition, our ability to grow successfully will be dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management and technical and operational personnel. The failure to attract and retain such persons could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Dependence on Supplier Relationships

We have distribution rights for certain product lines and depend on these distribution rights for a substantial portion of our business. Many of these distribution rights are pursuant to contracts that are subject to cancellation upon little or no prior notice. Although we believe that we could obtain alternate distribution rights in the event of such a cancellation, the termination or limitation by any key supplier of its relationship with our company could result in a temporary disruption on our business and, in turn, could adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Associated With Hazardous Materials

Certain of our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Although we believe that we have adequate procedures to comply with applicable discharge and other environmental laws, the risks of accidental contamination or injury from the discharge of controlled or hazardous materials and chemicals cannot be eliminated completely. In the event of such an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result and any such liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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

  1. Exhibits.
  2. 3.1

     

    Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-61953), filed with Commission on August 20, 1998)

       

    3.2

     

    Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

       

    10.1

     

    Employment Agreement dated effective as of June 1, 2004, between DXP Enterprises, Inc.

    and Mac McConnell. (Filed herewith).

         

    31.1

     

    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. (Filed herewith).

         

    31.2

     

    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. (Filed herewith).

         

    32.1

     

    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith).

  3. Reports on Form 8-K.

On March 3, 2004, DXP filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC in connection with the press release announcing the Company's 2003 fourth quarter results.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DXP ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Registrant)

By: /s/MAC McCONNELL

Mac McConnell

Senior Vice-President/Finance and

Chief Financial Officer

Dated: May 6, 2004

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, David R. Little, the Chief Executive Officer of DXP Enterprises, Inc., certify that:

    1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DXP Enterprises, Inc.;
    2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 registrant's other certifying officers 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:

      1. 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 quarterly report is being prepared;
      2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's 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
      3. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

    1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
      1. all significant deficiencies and weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
      2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

May 6, 2004

/s/ David R. Little

David R. Little

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Mac McConnell, the Chief Financial Officer of DXP Enterprises, Inc., certify that:

      1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DXP Enterprises, Inc.;
      2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 registrant's other certifying officers 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:

    1. 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 quarterly report is being prepared;
    2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's 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

      1. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

    1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

      1. all significant deficiencies and weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
      2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

May 6, 2004

/s/ Mac McConnell

Mac McConnell

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of DXP Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/David R. Little

David R. Little

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 6, 2004

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

 

 

 

 

 

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of DXP Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/Mac McConnell

Mac McConnell

Chief Financial Officer

May 6, 2004

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (the "Agreement) by and between DXP Enterprises, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), and Mac McConnell (the "Executive") is made and entered into as of the Effective Date set forth in Section 1.3 below:

RECITALS

 

A.

 

The Company desires to employ the Executive in the capacity set forth on Exhibit A pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; and

 

B.

 

The Executive desires employment as an employee of the Company pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE I.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The terms of employment are as follows:

1.1

   

Employment. The Company hereby employs the Executive for and during the term hereof in the capacity set forth on Exhibit A, but Company may subsequently assign Executive to a different position or modify Executive's duties and responsibilities. The Executive hereby accepts employment under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.2

   

Duties of Executive. The Executive shall perform in the capacity described in Section 1.1 hereof and shall have such duties, responsibilities, and authorities as may be designated for such office. The Executive agrees to devote the Executive's best efforts, abilities, knowledge, experience and full business time to the faithful performance of the duties, responsibilities, and authorities which may be assigned to the Executive. Executive may not engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business, investment, or activity that interferes with Executive's performance of Executive's duties hereunder, is contrary to the interests of the Company, or requires any significant portion of Executive's business time. Executive shall at all times comply with and be subject to such policies and procedures as the Company may establish from time to time. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty of loyalty, fidelity and allegiance to act at all times in the best interests of the Company and to do no act which would injure Company's business, its interests, or its reputation.

1.3

   

Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the 1st day of June, 2004 (the "Effective Date") and shall continue in force and effect for one (1) year unless sooner terminated as provided in Section 2.1 hereof. Unless this Agreement is terminated before its annual anniversary date, the term hereof shall be automatically extended for one (1) year unless this Agreement is renewed or extended by written agreement between the Company and the Executive pursuant to terms and conditions mutually acceptable.

1.4

   

Compensation. The Company shall pay the Executive, as "Compensation" for services rendered by the Executive under this Agreement the following Salary plus Bonus.

 

a.

 

Salary: A base salary per month as set forth on Exhibit A, prorated for any partial period of employment ("Salary"). Such Salary shall be paid in installments in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practices.

 

b.

 

Bonus: A bonus as set forth in Exhibit "A" ("Bonus").

1.5

   

Employment Benefits. In addition to the Salary payable to the Executive hereunder, the Executive shall be entitled to the following benefits:

 

a.

 

Employment Benefits. As an employee of the Company, the Executive shall participate in and receive all general employee benefit plans and programs, as may be in effect from time to time, upon satisfaction by the Executive of the eligibility requirements therefore. Nothing in this Agreement is to be construed or interpreted to provide greater rights, participation, coverage, or benefits under such benefit plans or programs than provided to similarly situated employees pursuant to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans and programs.

 

b.

 

Working Facilities. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall provide, at its expense, office space, furniture, equipment, supplies and personnel as shall be adequate for the Executive's use in performing Executive's duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

c.

 

Automobile Allowance. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall provide Executive with a vehicle in accordance with the Company's vehicle policy.

 

d.

 

Limitations. Company shall not by reason of this Article 1.5 be obligated to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending, or discontinuing, any such incentive compensation or employee benefit program or plan, so long as such actions are similarly applicable to covered employees similarly situated.

ARTICLE II.

TERMINATION

2.1

   

Termination. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement and the Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement at any time during the term hereof by reason of and in accordance with the following provisions:

 

a.

 

Death. If the Executive dies during the term of this Agreement and while in the employ of the Company, this Agreement shall automatically terminate as of the date of the Executive's death, and the Company shall have no further liability hereunder to the Executive or Executive's estate, except to the extent set forth in Section 2.2(a) hereof.

 

b.

 

Disability. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be prevented from performing the Executive's duties hereunder by reason of becoming disabled as hereinafter defined, the Company may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice to the Executive without any further liability hereunder to the Executive except as set forth in Section 2.2(b) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed to have become disabled when the Board of Directors of the Company, upon the written report of a qualified physician designated by the Board of Directors of the Company or by its insurers, shall have determined that the Executive has become mentally, physically and/or emotionally incapable of performing Executive's duties and services under this Agreement.

 

c.

 

Termination by the Company for Cause. Prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement, the Company may discharge the Executive for cause and terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice to the Executive without any further liability hereunder to the Executive, except to the extent set forth in Section 2.1(c) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "discharge for cause" shall mean termination of the Executive upon written notice to the Executive limited, however, to one or more of the following reasons:

   

(1)

Conviction of the Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;

   

(2)

The Executive's failure or refusal to comply with the Company's policies, standards, and regulations of the Company, which from time to time may be established;

   

(3)

The Executive's engaging in conduct amounting to fraud, dishonesty, gross negligence, willful misconduct or conduct that is unprofessional, unethical, or detrimental to the reputation, character or standing of the Company; or

   

(4)

The Executive's failure to faithfully and diligently perform the duties required hereunder or to comply with the provisions of this Agreement

     

Prior to terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.1(c), (2), or (4), the Company shall furnish the Executive written notice of the Executive's alleged failure to abide by or alleged breach of this Agreement. The Executive shall have thirty (30) days after the Executive's receipt of such notice to cure such failure to abide or breach and the Company's Board of Directors shall determine if the failure to abide or breach is cured.

 

d.

 

Termination by the Company with Notice. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason, other than as set forth in Subparagraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 2.1, with or without cause, in the Company's sole discretion, immediately upon written notice to the Executive without any further liability hereunder to the Executive, except to the extent set forth in Section 2.2(d) hereof.

 

e.

 

Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time for Good Reason (as hereinafter defined) in which event the Company shall have no further liability hereunder to the Executive except to the extent set forth in Section 2.2(e) hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Good Reason" shall mean, without the Executive's express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following circumstances:

   

(1)

The Company's failure to pay the Executive the Compensation pursuant to the terms of this Agreement that has not been cured within thirty (30) days after notice of such noncompliance has been given by the Executive to the Company;

   

(2)

The failure of the Company to obtain an agreement, from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement; or

   

(3)

Any failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement that has not been cured within thirty (30) days after notice of such noncompliance has been given by the Executive to the Company.

 

f.

 

Termination by the Executive with Notice. The Executive may terminate this Agreement for any reason other than Good Reason on thirty (30) days prior written notice, in the sole discretion of the Executive, in which event the Company shall have no further liability hereunder to the Executive, except to the extent set forth in Section 2.2(f) hereof.

2.2

   

Compensation upon Termination.

 

a.

 

Death. In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(a) hereof due to the death of the Executive, the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive or Executive's estate, except to pay to the Executive's spouse, or if none, to the estate of the Executive any accrued, but unpaid, Salary and any vacation or sick leave benefits, which have accrued as of the date of death but were then unpaid or unused. Any amount due the Executive hereunder shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the death of the Executive.

 

b.

 

Disability. In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(b) hereof due to Disability of the Executive, the Company shall be relieved of all of its obligations under this Agreement, except to pay the Executive any accrued, but unpaid Salary, and vacation or sick leave benefits which have accrued as of the date on which such permanent disability is determined, but then remain unpaid. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall not affect the Executive's rights to receive payments under the Company's disability insurance plan, if any. Any amount due the Executive hereunder shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the termination of the Executive's employment hereunder.

 

c.

 

Cause. In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by the Company for Cause pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(c) hereof, the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement except to pay the Executive any accrued, but unpaid, Salary and any vacation or sick leave benefits, which have accrued as of the date of termination of this Agreement, but were then unpaid or unused. Any amount due the Executive hereunder shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within sixty (60) days after the termination of the Executive's employment hereunder.

 

d.

 

Termination Pursuant to Section 2.1(d). In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(d) hereof, the Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) any accrued, but unpaid, Salary and any vacation or sick leave benefits, which have accrued as of the date of termination of this Agreement, but were then unpaid or unused, (ii) an amount payable in monthly installments equal to the Executive's full monthly Salary payable for a period of twelve (12) months and (iii) the Termination Bonus set forth in Exhibit A. Any amount due the Executive hereunder (i) of this Section shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the termination of the Executive's employment hereunder.

 

e.

 

Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Executive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(e) hereof, the Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) any accrued, but unpaid, Salary and any vacation or sick leave benefits which have accrued as of the date of termination-of the Agreement, but were then unpaid or unused, (ii) the full monthly Salary payable hereunder for a period of twelve (12) months after this Agreement is terminated by the Executive in accordance with the Company's regular payroll periods or over such lesser period as the Company may determine and (iii) the Termination Bonus set forth in Exhibit A. Any amount due the Executive hereunder (i) of this Section shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the termination of the Executive's employment hereunder.

 

f.

 

Termination Pursuant to Section 2.1(f). In the event the Executive's employment hereunder is terminated by the Executive pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1(f) hereof, all future compensation to which Executive is entitled and all future benefits for which Executive is eligible shall cease and terminate as of the date of termination. Executive shall be entitled to pro rata Salary through the date of termination. Any amount due the Executive hereunder shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within sixty (60) days after the termination of Executive's Employment hereunder.

 

g.

 

Termination of Obligations of the Company Upon Payment of Compensation. Upon payment of the amount, if any, due the Executive pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.

2.3

   

Merger or Acquisition. In the event the Company should consolidate, or merge into another corporation, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another entity, or divide its assets among a number of entities, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. The Company will require any and all successors (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to expressly assume and agree pursuant to an appropriate written assumption agreement to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to or contemporaneously with the effectiveness of any such successor shall be a breach of the Agreement and shall entitle the Executive, as his or her sole remedy, to terminate Executive's employment and this Agreement for Good Reason. 2.4 Offset. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any amounts due the Executive hereunder any obligations owed by the Executive to the Company.

ARTICLE III.

PROTECTION OF INFORMATION AND NON-COMPETITION

Protective Covenants. The Executive recognizes that his employment by the Company is one of the highest trust and confidence because (i) the Executive will become fully familiar with all aspects of the Company's business during the period of his employment with the Company, (ii) certain information of which the Executive will gain knowledge during his employment is proprietary and confidential information which is special and peculiar value to the Company, and (iii) if any such proprietary and confidential information were imparted to or became known by any person, including the Executive, engaging in a business in competition with that of the Company, hardship, loss or irreparable injury and damage could result to the Company, the measurement of which would be difficult if not impossible to ascertain. The Executive acknowledges that the Company has developed unique skills, concepts, designs, marketing programs, marketing strategy, business practices, methods of operation, trademarks, licenses, hiring and training methods, financial and other confidential and proprietary information concerning its operations and expansion plans ("Trade Secrets"). Therefore, the Executive agrees that it is necessary for the Company to protect its business from such damage, and the Executive further agrees that the following covenants constitute a reasonable and appropriate means, consistent with the best interest of both the Executive and the Company, to protect the Company against such damage and shall apply to and be binding upon the Executive as provided herein:

 

a.

 

Trade Secrets. The Executive recognizes that his position with the Company is one of the highest trust and confidence by reason by of the Executive's access to and contact with certain Trade Secrets of the Company. The Executive agrees and covenants to use his best efforts and exercise utmost diligence to protect and safeguard the Trade Secrets of the Company. The Executive further agrees and covenants that, except as may be required by the Company in connection with this Agreement, or with the prior written consent of the Company, the Executive shall not, either during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, directly or indirectly, use for the Executive's own benefit or for the benefit of another, or disclose, disseminate, or distribute to another, any Trade Secret (whether or not acquired, learned, obtained, or developed by the Executive alone or in conjunction with others) of the Company or of others with whom the Company has a business relationship. All memoranda, notes, records, drawings, documents, or other writings whatsoever made, compiled, acquired, or received by the Executive during the term of this Agreement, arising out of, in connection with, or related to any activity or business of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's operations, the marketing of the Company's products, the Company's customers, suppliers, or others with whom the Company has a business relationship, the Company's arrangements with such parties, and the Company's pricing and expansion policies and strategy, are, and shall continue to be, the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and shall, together with all copies thereof and all advertising literature, be returned and delivered to the Company by the Executive immediately, without demand, upon the termination of this Agreement, or at any time upon the Company's demand.

 

b.

 

Restriction on Soliciting Employees of the Company. The Executive covenants that during the term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of this Agreement, he will not, either directly or indirectly, call on, solicit, or take away, or attempt to call on, solicit, induce or take away any employee of the Company, either for himself or for any other person, firm, corporation or other entity. Further, Executive shall not induce any employee of the Company to terminate his or her employment with the Company.

 

c.

 

Covenant Not to Compete. The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that during the term of this Agreement and for the period set forth in Exhibit "A" following the termination of this Agreement ("Non- Compete Period"), he will not, directly or indirectly, either as an employee, employer, consultant, agent, principal, partner, shareholder (other than through ownership of publicly-traded capital stock of a corporation which represents less than five percent (5%) of the outstanding capital stock of such corporation), corporate officer, director, investor, financier or in any other individual or representative capacity, engage or participate in any business competitive with the business conducted by the Company within Texas, Oklahoma or Louisiana.

 

d.

 

Survival of Covenants. Each covenant of the Executive set forth in this Article III shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall be construed as an agreement independent of any other provision of this Agreement, and the existence of any claim or cause of action of the Executive against the Company whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of said covenant.

 

e.

 

Remedies. In the event of breach or threatened breach by the Executive of any provision of this Article III, the Company shall be entitled to relief by temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction or otherwise, in addition to other legal and equitable relief to which it may be entitled, including any and all monetary damages which the Company may incur as a result of said breach, violation or threatened breach or violation. The Company may pursue any remedy available to it concurrently or consecutively in any order as to any breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation, and the pursuit of one of such remedies at any time will not be deemed an election of remedies or waiver of the right to pursue any other of such remedies as to such breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation, or as to any other breach, violation, or threatened breach or violation.

The Executive hereby acknowledges that the Executive's agreement to be bound by the protective covenants set forth in this Article III was a material inducement for the Company entering into this Agreement and agreeing to pay the Executive the compensation and benefits set forth herein. Further, Executive understands the foregoing restrictions may limit his or her ability to engage in certain businesses during the period of time provided for, but acknowledges that Executive will receive sufficiently high remuneration and other benefits under this Agreement to justify such restriction.

ARTICLE IV.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1

   

Notices. all notices, requests, consents, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date personally delivered or on the date deposited in a receptacle maintained by the United States Postal Service for such purpose, postage prepaid, by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the respective parties as follows:

If to the Executive: As set forth in Exhibit "A"

If to the Company: DXP Enterprises, Inc.

7272 Pinemont

Houston, Texas 77040

ATTN: David R. Little

Either party hereto may designate a different address by providing written notice of such new address to the other party hereto.

4.2

   

Severability. If any provision contained in this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator pursuant to Section 5 below to be void, illegal or unenforceable, in whole or in part, then the other provisions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect as if the provision which was determined to be void, illegal, or unenforceable had not been contained herein. If the restrictions contained in Article III are found by a court to be unreasonable or overly broad as to geographic area or time, or otherwise unenforceable, the parties intend for said restrictions to be modified by said court so as to be reasonable and enforceable and, as so modified, to be fully enforced.

4.3

   

Waiver Modification, and Integration. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by any party. This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties concerning employment and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous representations, understandings and agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the employment of the Executive by the Company and all such prior or contemporaneous representations, understandings and agreements, both oral and written, are hereby terminated. This Agreement may not be modified, altered or amended except by written agreement of all the parties hereto.

4.4

   

Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding and effective upon the parties and their respective successors. Neither party shall assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that the Company shall have the right to assign this Agreement to an entity.

4.5

   

Governing Law. The parties intend that the laws of the State of Texas should govern the validity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.

4.6

   

Representation of Executive. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive has not previously assumed any obligations inconsistent with those contained in this Agreement. The Executive further represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive has entered into this Agreement pursuant to Executive's own initiative and that this Agreement is not in contravention of any existing commitments. The Executive acknowledges that the Company has entered into this Agreement in reliance upon the foregoing representations of the Executive.

4.7

   

Counterpart Execution. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

4.8

   

Company. For the purposes of this Agreement, Company shall include any parent, subsidiary division of the Company, or any entity, who directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company.

ARTICLE V.

ARBITRATION

5.1

   

Resolution of Disputes. In any dispute between the Parties, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to resolve the dispute. If the parties cannot resolve the dispute between themselves, they shall each, within ten (10) days, select one mediator to help resolve the dispute. If a resolution of the dispute does not occur through mediation within thirty (30) days after the selection of the two mediators, any Party may demand binding arbitration.

5.2

   

Arbitration. In the event any dispute cannot be resolved through mediation the Parties agree to submit such dispute to binding arbitration. Any such arbitration arising hereunder shall be conducted in Houston, Texas in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. The costs of arbitration shall be borne equally by the Parties. However, each Party shall be responsible for such Party's own attorneys' fees.

ARTICLE VI.

CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1

   

Confidentiality. This Agreement is confidential, and the substance may be disclosed only as mutually agreed by the Parties or as may be required by law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written effective as of the Effective Date.

THE COMPANY:

DXP Enterprises, INC., a Texas corporation

By: /s/ David R. Little

Printed Name: David R. Little

Title: Chairman & CEO

EXECUTIVE:

By: /s/ Mac McConnell

Mac McConnell

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

NAME

Mac McConnell

POSITION

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

MONTHLY BASE

$14,166.67

BONUS

Three fourths of one percent (0.75%) of the monthly profit before tax of DXP Enterprises, Inc., excluding sales of fixed assets and extraordinary items, as determined by DXP, which shall be payable monthly in accordance with the Company's regular bonus practices. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the annual total of the monthly bonus shall not exceed twice the annual base salary.

NON-COMPETE PERIOD

Twelve (12) Months

HOME ADDRESS

254 Maple Valley Road

Houston, TX 77056

TERMINATION BONUS

The sum equal to the total of twelve (12) previous monthly bonus payments made to Employee in accordance with Section 1.4(b) of this Agreement.