Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

LOGO

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

  x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number 1-12557

 

 

CASCADE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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

2201 N.E. 201st Ave. Fairview, Oregon 97024-9718

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.50 per share

Name of exchange on which registered: New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ¨    No  x

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files ).  Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s 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.    x

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

 

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

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

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 31, 2010 was $418,388,202, based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 8, 2011 was 10,972,449.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year end of January 31, 2011, to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 1, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

     4   
   Item 1.   

Business

     4   
     

General

     4   
     

Products

     4   
     

Markets

     4   
     

Competition

     5   
     

Customers

     6   
     

Backlog

     6   
     

Research and Development

     6   
     

Environmental Matters

     6   
     

Employees

     6   
     

Construction Attachments

     6   
     

Foreign Operations

     6   
     

Available Information

     6   
     

Officers of the Registrant

     7   
   Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

     7   
   Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     11   
   Item 2.   

Properties

     12   
   Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

     12   
   Item 4.   

Reserved

     12   

PART II

     13   
   Item 5.   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     13   
   Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

     15   
   Item 7.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     15   
   Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     32   
   Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     34   
   Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     67   
   Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

     68   
   Item 9B.   

Other Information

     68   

PART III

     69   
   Item 10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     69   
   Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

     69   
   Item 12.   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     69   
   Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     70   
   Item 14.   

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     70   

PART IV

     71   
   Item 15.   

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     71   

SIGNATURES

     72   

NOTE: All references to fiscal years are defined as year ended January 31, 2011 (fiscal 2011), year ended January 31, 2010 (fiscal 2010) and year ended January 31, 2009 (fiscal 2009).

 


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Forward-looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any projections of revenue, gross profit, expenses, earnings or losses from operations, synergies or other financial items; any statements of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The risks, uncertainties, and assumptions referred to above include, but are not limited to:

 

   

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

 

   

Effectiveness of our cost reduction initiatives and reorganization plans;

 

   

Risks and complexities associated with international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations;

 

   

Competitive factors and the cyclical nature of the materials handling industry and lift truck orders;

 

   

Cost and availability of raw materials;

 

   

Environmental matters;

 

   

Assumptions relating to pension and other postretirement costs;

 

   

Impact of acquisitions.

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

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

General

Cascade Corporation (Cascade) was organized in 1943 under the laws of the state of Oregon. The terms “Cascade”, “we”, and “our” include Cascade Corporation and its subsidiaries. Our headquarters are located in Fairview, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, Oregon. We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of materials handling load engagement devices and related replacement parts, primarily for the lift truck industry and to a lesser extent the construction industry.

Products

We manufacture an extensive range of materials handling load engagement products that are widely used on lift trucks and, to a lesser extent, on construction and agricultural vehicles.

Our products are primarily manufactured and distributed under the Cascade name and symbol, for which we have secured trademark protection. The primary function of lift truck related products is to provide the lift truck with the capability of engaging, lifting, repositioning, carrying and depositing various types of loads and products. We offer a wide variety of functionally different products, each of which has numerous sizes, models, capacities and optional combinations. Lift truck related products are designed to handle loads with pallets and for specialized application loads without pallets. Examples of specialized products include devices specifically designed to handle loads such as appliances, carpet and paper rolls, baled materials, textiles, beverage containers, drums, canned goods, bricks, masonry blocks, lumber, plywood, and boxed, packaged and containerized products. Certain construction related products allow vehicles such as loaders, backhoes and rough terrain lift trucks to move materials in much the same manner as conventional lift trucks. Our other construction related products are used on excavators and loaders for both conventional and specialized ground engagement applications.

Our products are subject to strict design, construction and safety requirements established by industry associations and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Our major manufacturing facilities are ISO certified. Product specifications and characteristics are determined by the expected capacity to be lifted, the characteristics of the load, the environment in which employed, the terrain over which the load will be moved and the operational life cycle of the vehicle. Accordingly, while there are some standard products, the market demands a wide range of products in custom configurations and capacities.

The manufacturing of our products includes the purchase of raw materials and components: principally rolled bar, plate and extruded steel products; unfinished castings and forgings; hydraulic cylinders and motors; and hardware items such as fasteners, rollers, hydraulic seals and hose assemblies. Certain purchased parts are provided worldwide by a limited number of suppliers. Difficulties in obtaining alternative sources of rolled bar, plate and extruded steel products and other materials from a limited number of suppliers could affect operating results. We are not currently experiencing any significant shortages in obtaining raw materials, purchased parts, or other steel products.

Markets

We market our products throughout the world. Our primary customers are companies and industries that use lift trucks for materials handling. Examples of these industries include pulp and paper, grocery products, textiles, recycling and general consumer goods. Our products are sold to the end-user customer through the retail lift truck dealer distribution channel and to lift truck manufacturers as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment.

In major industrialized countries, lift trucks are a widely utilized method of materials handling. In these markets, lift trucks are generally considered maintenance capital investment. This tends to subject the industry in general to the cyclical patterns similar to the broader capital goods economic sector.

 

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However, many of our products measurably improve overall materials handling and lift truck productivity. Further, we are continually developing products to serve new types of materials handling applications to meet specific customer and industry requirements. In this sense, our products may also be generally considered a productivity enhancing investment. Historically, this has somewhat cushioned the negative impact of downward trends in the lift truck market on our net sales.

In emerging industrialized countries, China in particular, lift trucks are replacing manual labor and other less productive methods of materials handling. As such, lift trucks are generally considered productivity enhancing investments in these markets. We believe this makes the lift truck markets in these countries generally less susceptible to downward trends in overall capital goods spending.

Competition

We are one of the leading global independent suppliers of load engagement products for industrial lift trucks. We compete with a number of companies in different parts of the world. Our primary competitor is Bolzoni Auramo, an Italian public company. Most of our remaining competitors are privately-owned companies with a strong presence in local and regional markets. A small number of these competitors compete with us globally.

In addition, several lift truck manufacturers, who are customers of ours, are also competitors in varying degrees to the extent they manufacture a portion of their load engagement product requirements. Since we offer a broad line of products capable of supplying a significant part of the total requirements for the entire lift truck industry, our experience has shown that lower costs resulting from our relatively high unit volume would be difficult for any individual lift truck manufacturer to achieve for most products. We design and position our products to be the performance and service leaders in their respective product categories and geographic markets.

Our market share and gross profit throughout the world vary by geographic region due to the different competitive environments we face in each of these regions. Fluctuations in gross profit within a geographic region over time are generally due to a change in the competitive environment, such as new competitors entering a market or existing entities merging or otherwise leaving the market. Additionally, cyclical variations in product demand directly affect margins as higher manufacturing volumes generally result in greater fixed cost absorption and increased gross profit.

A further discussion of the competition in each geographic region follows:

North America—We are the leading manufacturer in North America and the preferred supplier of many OEMs as well as original equipment dealers (OEDs) and distributors. We compete in this region primarily with smaller regionally-based companies and a limited number of smaller foreign competitors. Our leading position is the result of our continued focus on providing high quality products and outstanding customer service.

Europe—While we are also a leading manufacturer in Europe, we compete with Bolzoni Auramo and several privately-owned companies with a strong presence in local and regional markets. Price competition in this region has historically resulted in lower gross profit margins than in other regions.

Asia Pacific—This region includes operations in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, India and South Africa. The competitive environment varies somewhat from country to country, and competitors vary in size from smaller regionally-based private companies to some larger lift truck manufacturers. In general, we believe we have established a strong presence in the majority of markets in this region.

China—We have operated in China for over 20 years and have established a strong presence in the lift truck market. As a result of the continued growth in China’s economy and the expanded use of lift trucks for various industrial purposes, we are seeing an increase in the number of competitors in the Chinese market, including European based manufacturers.

 

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Customers

Our products are marketed and sold primarily to lift truck OEDs, OEMs and distributors globally. Our primary markets are North America, Europe, China and Asia Pacific. In addition to sales to the lift truck market, we do sell products to OEMs who manufacture construction, mining, agricultural and industrial vehicles other than lift trucks.

No single customer accounts for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. Our sales to OEM customers account for approximately 40% of our consolidated net sales.

Backlog

Our products are manufactured with short lead times of generally less than two months. Accordingly, the level of backlog orders is not a significant factor in evaluating our overall level of business activity.

Research and Development

The majority of our research and development activities are performed at our corporate headquarters in Fairview, Oregon and at our manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Our engineering staff develops and designs substantially all of the products we sell and is continually involved in developing products for new applications. We generally do not consider patents to be important to our business.

Construction Attachments

We manufacture attachments for construction vehicles at two facilities on the West Coast of the United States. The construction attachments are for medium and heavy duty construction vehicles used in a variety of construction markets, including infrastructure, demolition, recycling, forestry, utility and general construction. The prevailing levels of commercial, infrastructure and general construction activity have a significant influence on sales of these products. Housing construction has some overall influence. These products are sold, primarily in the West Coast of the United States, through construction equipment dealers and major equipment manufacturers. We have approximately 40 employees working to design, manufacture and market these products.

Environmental Matters

From time to time, we are the subject of investigations, conferences, discussions and negotiations with various federal, state, local and foreign agencies with respect to cleanup of hazardous waste and compliance with environmental laws and regulations. “Risk Factors” (Item 1A), Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8) and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7) contain additional information concerning our environmental matters.

Foreign Operations

We have substantial operations outside the United States. There are additional business risks attendant to our foreign operations, including the risk that the relative value of the underlying local currencies may weaken when compared to the U.S. dollar. For further information about foreign operations, see “Risk Factors” (Item 1A), “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7) and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

Employees

At January 31, 2011, we had approximately 1,800 full-time employees throughout the world. The majority of these employees are not subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Available Information

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available free of charge on or through our website at www.cascorp.com when such reports are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website—www.sec.gov. Once filed with the

 

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SEC, such documents may be read and/or copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Officers of the Registrant

Robert C. Warren, Jr.—Chief Executive Officer and President (1)—Mr. Warren, 62, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascade since 1996. He was President and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 until 1996 and was formerly Vice President—Marketing. Mr. Warren joined Cascade in 1972.

Richard S. Anderson—Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (1)—Mr. Anderson, 63, has served as Chief Operating Officer since June 2008. Mr. Anderson has been employed by Cascade since 1972 and held several positions including his appointments as Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2008, Vice President—Material Handling Product Group in 1996 and Senior Vice President—International in 1999.

Frank R. Altenhofen, Vice President—Asia Pacific (1)—Mr. Altenhofen, 49, was appointed Vice President, Asia Pacific in June 2008 and was appointed Vice President, Americas in 2007. He started his career with Cascade in 1983 and held numerous manufacturing, marketing, and management positions including General Manager of Cascade’s operations in China, until his departure in 2001. Mr. Altenhofen’s experience from 2001 to 2007 includes four years as President of an international medical device company.

Peter D. Drake, Vice President—Americas (1)—Mr. Drake, 43, was appointed Vice President—Americas in June 2008. He started his career with Cascade in 1991 and has held a number of management positions including serving as Plant Manager for Cascade’s Portland facility from 2000 to 2008.

Kevin B. Kreiter, Vice President—Engineering and Marketing (1)—Mr. Kreiter, 57, has served in his current position since 2007. He has been employed by Cascade since 1979 and has held several positions within the engineering group, including his appointment as Vice President—Engineering in 2006.

Jeffrey K. Nickoloff, Vice President—Corporate Manufacturing (1)—Mr. Nickoloff, 55, has served in his current position since 2002. He has held several positions with Cascade, including his appointments as Director of North American Manufacturing in 2000 and Plant Manager in 1993. Mr. Nickoloff joined Cascade in 1979.

Joseph G. Pointer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1)—Mr. Pointer, 50, has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2008. He was the Vice President—Finance from 2000 to 2008. Prior to joining Cascade in 2000, Mr. Pointer was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Portland, Oregon.

Davide Roncari, Vice President—Europe (1)—Mr. Roncari, 38, was appointed Vice President—Europe in June 2008. He has held a number of management positions in Cascade’s European operations since 2003, including his most recent assignment as Director of Engineering—Europe and Director of Production for the Verona, Italy manufacturing operations.

Susan Chazin-Wright, Vice President—Human Resources (1)—Ms. Chazin-Wright, 58, was appointed as Vice President–Human Resources in March 2008. Prior to joining Cascade, Ms. Wright served as Director of Human Resources at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and as Vice President of Corporate Services at Denso Corporation, a Toyota affiliate automotive component manufacturer.

John A. Cushing—Treasurer—Mr. Cushing, 50, has served as Treasurer since 2001. He previously was Assistant Treasurer from 1999 until 2001. Prior to joining Cascade in 1999, Mr. Cushing was Assistant Treasurer for Fred Meyer, Inc., a retail company headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following are certain risks that we believe should be considered carefully in evaluating Cascade’s business. Our business, financial condition, cash

 

(1)—These individuals are considered executive officers of Cascade Corporation.

 

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flows or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The risks summarized below do not represent an exhaustive list, and additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business and operations.

Economic or industry downturns

Our business has historically experienced periodic cyclical downturns generally consistent with economic cycles in the markets in which we operate. The level of sales of our products reflects to a significant extent the capital investment decisions of the customers who buy our products and the lift trucks and other vehicles on which our products are used. These customers tend to delay capital projects, including the purchase of new equipment or upgrades, during industry or general economic downturns. Past downturns have been characterized by diminished product demand, excess manufacturing capacity and erosion of gross profit and net income. Therefore, a significant downturn in the markets of our customers, including lift truck manufacturers and to a lesser extent construction equipment manufacturers, or in general economic conditions will result in a reduction in demand for our products and negatively affect our business.

Effectiveness of cost reduction activities/reorganization plans

We are continually implementing ways to reduce costs and make our company more efficient, while achieving our objectives of customer satisfaction and the production of quality products. These cost reductions are achieved through “lean” principles that are applied throughout our organization. While evaluating and implementing these cost reduction initiatives, we may incur unexpected expenses and we may not achieve the anticipated savings once the plan is implemented.

Fluctuations in raw material costs and availability

To manufacture our products we purchase a variety of raw materials and components. These consist principally of rolled bar, plate and extruded specialty steel products, unfinished castings and forgings, hydraulic cylinders and motors and various hardware items. The price of steel is particularly significant to our manufacturing costs since most of our products are manufactured using specialty steel as a primary raw material and specialty steel based components as purchased parts. As a result, we are exposed to increases in the market prices of raw materials and components. We may not be able to mitigate these increases by changing the selling prices of our products or through other means.

We may also experience shortages of raw materials and purchased parts, which in certain cases are provided by a limited number of suppliers. Shortages may require us to curtail production, spend additional money to expedite product to our manufacturing locations, or to devote additional financial resources to maintaining inventories of raw materials and purchased parts in excess of our normal requirements.

Economic, political and other risks associated with international operations

Foreign operations represent over 55% of our sales. In the future, we expect revenue from foreign markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our total sales. As noted in “Properties” (Item 2), we own or lease facilities in several foreign countries throughout the world. Since we manufacture and sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. Accordingly, our future results could be negatively affected by a variety of factors, including:

 

   

Foreign currency exchange risks;

 

   

Difficulty in staffing and managing global operations;

 

   

Imposition of foreign exchange controls;

 

   

Changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, particularly in emerging markets such as China;

 

   

Seizure of our property or assets by a foreign government;

 

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Tariffs, quotas, other trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;

 

   

Restrictions on our ability to own or operate or repatriate profits from our subsidiaries, make investments or acquire new businesses in foreign jurisdictions;

 

   

Potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws;

 

   

Differing labor regulations;

 

   

Requirements relating to withholding taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries;

 

   

Civil unrest or war in any of the countries in which we operate;

 

   

Unexpected transportation delays or interruptions;

 

   

Difficulty in enforcement of contractual obligations governed by non-U.S. law and complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws; and

 

   

Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements.

Foreign currency fluctuations

Changes in economic or political conditions globally and in any of the countries in which we operate could result in exchange rate movements, new currency or exchange controls or other restrictions being imposed on our operations.

Because our combined financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, translation of sales or earnings generated in other currencies into U.S. dollars can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those sales or earnings. In addition, our debt service requirements are primarily in U.S. dollars, even though a portion of our cash flow is generated in foreign currencies. Significant changes in the value of these foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Fluctuations in currencies make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations. For purposes of accounting, the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated using period-end exchange rates, and the revenues, expenses and cash flows of our foreign operations are translated using average exchange rates during each period.

In addition to currency translation risks, we incur currency transaction risk whenever we enter into a purchase or a sales transaction using a currency other than the local currency of the transacting entity. Given the volatility of exchange rates, we cannot be assured we will be able to effectively manage our currency transaction and/or translation risks. We have purchased and may continue to purchase foreign currency hedging instruments protecting or offsetting positions in certain currencies to reduce the risk of adverse currency fluctuations. We only purchase these instruments to cover currency exposures. We have in the past experienced and expect to experience at times in the future an impact on earnings as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Reliance on customers

Approximately 60% of our products are sold to the end-user customer through OEDs. Therefore, a significant portion of our sales is dependent on the quality and effectiveness of these dealers, who are not subject to our control.

We sell approximately 40% of our products directly to OEMs, several of which are global manufacturers. The following actions taken by these OEMs could significantly affect our business:

 

   

Adjusting their inventories of our finished products as part of ongoing operations;

 

   

Shifting from local or regional sourcing of products to lower cost global sourcing;

 

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Altering the distribution channels of certain products by acquiring all or part of their dealer network or by exerting influence over their sale of replacement parts and attachments through their distribution channels;

 

   

Manufacturing their own attachments.

Competition

Our products do not depend upon proprietary technology to any significant degree, and therefore can be subject to intense competition. Competitive characteristics of our products include overall performance, ease of use, quality, safety, customer service and support, manufacturing lead times, global reach, brand reputation, breadth of product line and price. Our customers increasingly demand more technologically advanced and integrated products in certain cases and we must continue to develop our expertise and technical capabilities in order to manufacture and market these products successfully. To retain our competitive position, we will need to invest continuously in research and development and improve our manufacturing, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks.

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities

Our operations and properties are subject to stringent U.S. and foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations govern the investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties as well as air emissions, water discharges, waste management and disposal and workplace health and safety. We can be held responsible under these laws and regulations whether or not the original actions were legal and whether or not we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. We could be responsible for payment of the full amount of any liability, whether or not any other responsible party also is liable.

These laws and regulations affect a significant percentage of our operations, are different in every jurisdiction and can impose substantial fines and sanctions for violations. Further, they may require substantial clean-up costs for our properties, many of which are sites of long-standing manufacturing operations, and the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. We must conform our operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions as these requirements change.

We routinely deal with natural gas, oil and other petroleum products. As a result of our operations, we generate, manage and dispose of or recycle hazardous wastes and substances such as solvents, thinner, waste paint, waste oil, wash-down wastes and sandblast material. Hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances or wastes may have been disposed or released on, under or from properties owned, leased or operated by us or on, under or from other locations where such substances or wastes have been taken for disposal. These properties may be subject to investigatory, clean-up and monitoring requirements under U.S. and foreign, federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.

In prior years, we entered into settlement agreements with various environmental insurance providers with respect to litigation of claims under insurance policies issued by the providers to recover expenses incurred in connection with environmental and related proceedings. As a part of these settlement agreements, we released all of our rights to any future recovery under these policies.

Loss of senior management

The success of our business is dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Several members of our senior management team have been with us for over 20 years, including our President and Chief Operating Officer, who have each been with us for over 35 years. We may lose the services of key management personnel or fail to attract and develop additional personnel.

 

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Underfunded benefit plans

Our obligations under our postretirement benefit plan and certain foreign subsidiaries’ defined benefit pension plans are currently underfunded. At some time in the future we may have to make significant cash payments to fund these plans, which would reduce the cash available for our business.

As of January 31, 2011, our projected benefit obligations under our defined benefit pension plans exceed the fair value of assets by $1.1 million. The underfunding in our defined benefit pension plans is due in part to fluctuations in the discount rate and financial markets that cause the valuation of assets to change. As of January 31, 2011 our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation under our postretirement benefit plan, which is not funded, was $7.4 million. We expect any required cash payments to our plans that are not fully funded will be made from future cash flows from operations. If our cash contributions are insufficient to adequately fund the plans to cover our future obligations, the performance of the pension plan assets do not meet our expectations or assumptions are modified, our contributions could be materially higher than we expect. This would reduce the cash available for our business. Changes in U.S. or foreign laws governing these plans could require us to make additional contributions and changes to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States could require the recording of additional costs related to these plans.

Impact of acquisitions

We have historically expanded our business through acquisitions and expect we will do so in the future if appropriate opportunities arise. If we are not successful in integrating acquisitions, we may not realize the operating results we anticipated at the time of acquisition. In addition, industry downturns in the markets the acquired companies serve and general economic conditions may adversely affect our financial results. Future acquisitions may require us to incur additional debt and contingent liabilities, which may materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition. The acquisition and integration of businesses involve a number of risks, including:

 

   

Doing business in industries outside our present material handling business;

 

   

Difficulties in integrating operations and systems, and matching the business culture of the acquired business with our culture;

 

   

Difficulties in the assimilation and retention of employees;

 

   

Difficulties in retaining customers and integrating customer bases;

 

   

Diversion of management’s attention from existing operations due to the integration of acquired businesses;

 

   

Assumption of unexpected liabilities.

We may, in a bid to conserve cash for operations, undertake acquisitions that would be financed in part through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, or other arrangements. Such acquisition financing could result in a decrease of our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and adversely affect other leverage measures. If we were to undertake an acquisition by issuing equity securities, the issued securities may have a dilutive effect on the interests of the holders of our common shares.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties

We own and lease various types of properties located throughout the world. Our corporate office is located in Fairview, Oregon. We generally consider the productive capacity of our manufacturing facilities to be adequate and suitable to meet our requirements. Our primary locations are presented below:

 

Location

  

Primary

Activity

   Approximate
Aquare
Footage
     Status  

NORTH AMERICA

        

Springfield, Ohio

   Manufacturing      200,000         Owned   

Fairview, Oregon

   Manufacturing/Headquarters      155,000         Owned   

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

   Manufacturing      125,000         Owned   

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

   Manufacturing      73,000         Leased   

Woodinville, Washington

   Manufacturing      68,000         Leased   

Warner Robins, Georgia

   Manufacturing      65,000         Owned   

Findlay, Ohio

   Manufacturing      52,000         Owned   

San Juan Capistrano, California

   Manufacturing      9,000         Leased   

EUROPE

        

Almere, The Netherlands*

   Distribution      162,000         Owned   

Schalksmuhle, Germany*

   Distribution      81,000         Owned   

Verona, Italy

   Manufacturing      74,000         Leased   

Manchester, England

   Manufacturing      44,000         Owned   

Brescia, Italy

   Manufacturing      19,000         Owned   

Vaggeryd, Sweden

   Sales      2,000         Leased   

Apignay, France

   Sales      2,000         Leased   

Barcelona, Spain

   Sales      1,000         Leased   

Vantaa, Finland

   Sales      500         Leased   

ASIA PACIFIC

        

Brisbane, Australia

   Manufacturing      46,000         Leased   

Osaka, Japan

   Sales/Distribution      24,000         Owned   

Inchon, Korea

   Manufacturing      12,000         Owned   

Auckland, New Zealand

   Sales/Distribution      9,000         Leased   

Johannesburg, South Africa

   Sales      9,000         Leased   

Pune, India

   Sales      120         Leased   

CHINA

        

Xiamen, China

   Manufacturing      189,000         Leased   

Hebei, China

   Manufacturing      88,000         Leased   

Xiamen, China

   Manufacturing      87,000         Leased   

Hebei, China

   Manufacturing      65,000         Leased   

 

* Location is currently available for sale.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Neither Cascade nor any of our subsidiaries are involved in any material pending legal proceedings. We believe we are adequately insured against product liability, personal injury and property damage claims, which may occasionally arise.

 

Item 4. Reserved

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

As of March 8, 2011, there were 149 shareholders of record of Cascade’s common stock including blocks of shares held by various depositories. It is our belief that when the shares held by the depositories are attributed to the beneficial owners, the total exceeds 2,000.

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the annual percentage change in the cumulative shareholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and an industry group of peer companies, in each case assuming investment of $100 on January 31, 2006, and reinvestment of dividends. The stock price performance shown in the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the stock performance graph shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

LOGO

Peer group 1is a historical group of companies which we share similar economic characteristics with and comprises the following companies: Actuant Corporation, Alamo Group Inc., Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation, Astec Industries, Inc., Columbus-McKinnon Corporation, Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc., IDEX Corporation, Lindsay Manufacturing Company and Nordson Corporation.

 

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Peer group 2 is a group of companies that are used to evaluate our executive compensation and comprises the following companies: Actuant Corporation, Alamo Group Inc., American Railcar Industries, Inc., Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation, Astec Industries, Inc., Blount International Inc., Columbus-McKinnon Corporation, Foster (LB) Corporation, IDEX Corporation, Miller Industries Inc. and The Greenbrier Companies.

Market Information

The high and low sales prices of our common stock based on intra-day prices on the New York Stock Exchange for each quarter during the last two fiscal years were as follows:

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011      2010  
     High      Low      High      Low  

First quarter

   $ 40.35       $ 25.33       $ 26.38       $ 12.81   

Second quarter

     43.36         27.34         31.91         15.11   

Third quarter

     40.65         27.55         28.83         22.85   

Fourth quarter

     51.82         34.65         32.26         21.36   

Dividends

The cash dividends declared during each quarter of the last two fiscal years were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
January 31
 
     2011      2010  

First quarter

   $ 0.02       $ 0.05   

Second quarter

     0.05         0.05   

Third quarter

     0.10         0.01   

Fourth quarter

     0.10         0.01   
                 
   $ 0.27       $ 0.12   
                 

Stock Exchange Listing and Transfer Agent

Cascade’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CASC.

Cascade’s registrar and transfer agent is BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 358015, Pittsburgh, P.A., 15252, (877) 268-3023.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

For information on our equity compensation plans, see Items 8 and 12 of this report.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts and employees)  

Income statement data:

          

Net sales

   $ 409,858      $ 314,353      $ 534,172      $ 558,073      $ 478,850   

Operating income (loss)(1)

   $ 42,276      $ (31,494   $ 11,477      $ 95,613      $ 68,351   

Net income (loss)(2)

   $ 21,406      $ (38,649   $ 1,267      $ 60,147      $ 45,481   

Cash flow data:

          

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ 27,778      $ 45,413      $ 41,086      $ 53,326      $ 57,109   

Cash flows from investing activities

   $ (4,790   $ (5,732   $ (16,134   $ (31,627   $ (33,582

Cash flows from financing activities

   $ (20,930   $ (44,659   $ (20,382   $ (33,432   $ (22,153

Free cash flow(3)

   $ 21,731      $ 39,479      $ 24,377      $ 30,518      $ 39,031   

Stock information:

          

Basic earnings per share(2)

   $ 1.97      $ (3.57   $ 0.12      $ 5.08      $ 3.64   

Diluted earnings per share(2)

   $ 1.93      $ (3.57   $ 0.11      $ 4.88      $ 3.48   

Dividends declared

   $ 0.27      $ 0.12      $ 0.78      $ 0.70      $ 0.61   

Balance sheet information:

          

Cash and marketable securities

   $ 25,037      $ 20,201      $ 31,185      $ 21,223      $ 36,593   

Working capital(4)

   $ 135,124      $ 112,378      $ 161,718      $ 151,971      $ 113,130   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 66,978      $ 73,408      $ 93,826      $ 98,350      $ 84,151   

Total assets

   $ 359,179      $ 341,931      $ 397,583      $ 462,500      $ 397,432   

Total debt

   $ 42,337      $ 59,416      $ 102,763      $ 110,716      $ 51,119   

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 248,556      $ 215,762      $ 236,967      $ 268,025      $ 271,636   

Other:

          

Capital expenditures

   $ 6,047      $ 5,934      $ 16,709      $ 22,808      $ 18,078   

Depreciation

   $ 9,980      $ 11,893      $ 13,801      $ 13,898      $ 13,753   

Amortization

   $ 156      $ 403      $ 2,519      $ 3,214      $ 1,472   

Share-based compensation expense(5)

   $ 2,654      $ 3,562      $ 4,421      $ 4,451      $ 4,033   

Interest expense, net of interest income

   $ 1,803      $ 1,561      $ 3,475      $ 3,315      $ 400   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     11,104        10,816        11,077        12,333        13,071   

Number of employees

     1,800        1,700        2,100        2,400        2,100   

 

(1) Amount includes $30,001 of restructuring costs in 2010, a $46,376 asset impairment charge in 2009 and a $15,977 insurance litigation recovery in 2008.

 

(2) Amount includes an after-tax restructuring charge of $29,519 ($2.73 per diluted share) in 2010, an after-tax asset impairment charge in 2009 of $31,576 ($2.85 per diluted share) and an after-tax insurance litigation recovery in 2008 of $10,026 ($0.81 per diluted share).

 

(3) A non-GAAP measure defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures.

 

(4) Defined as current assets less current liabilities.

 

(5) See Notes 2 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on share-based compensation.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is a discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial condition as of January 31, 2011, and the results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. This information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report.

 

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OVERVIEW

Our businesses globally manufacture and distribute material handling load engagement products primarily for the lift truck industry and to a lesser extent the construction industry. We operate our business in four geographic segments: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China. A further discussion of our business is contained in Item 1, “Business,” of this report.

RECENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS

Global Economic and Lift Truck Market Outlook

Starting in fiscal 2009, we experienced a significant decrease in our sales volumes due to the global economic crisis and ensuing recession, which resulted in lower gross margins and the need to implement a number of steps to control current and long-term costs. Toward the end of fiscal 2010 we started to experience signs of a recovery, as business levels began to improve. During fiscal 2011, we saw a continuation of the global recovery in the lift truck market, with increased sales and improved margins in most regions. However, even with these sales increases the global market for lift truck shipments for fiscal 2011 were 21% below levels for fiscal 2008, the peak year for lift truck shipments across the industry. Most regional markets remain below fiscal 2008 shipment levels including Europe at 50%, North America at 48% and Asia Pacific at 24%. China is the only region to experience an increase, where lift truck shipments were 69% higher than fiscal 2008.

In the event the global economy continues to improve we would expect strong lift truck shipment levels during fiscal 2012.

The following table shows the year-over-year percent increase (decrease) in global lift truck shipments over the past two fiscal years.

 

     Lift Truck Shipments  
     FY11 vs FY10     FY10 vs FY09  

North America

     3     (43 %) 

Europe

     19     (58 %) 

Asia

     30     (43 %) 

China

     68     5

Global

     36     (42 %) 

Currently, the lift truck market is the only direct economic or industrial indicator we have available for our markets. While results across this market do not correlate exactly with our business levels over the short term, since customers in the various end markets use our products to differing degrees, it does give us a good indication of trends over the year.

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

Use of Cash

In recent years we have been focusing on using excess cash to reduce our outstanding debt balance. At January 31, 2011 our cash balance was $25 million and our outstanding debt balance was $42 million. Given our current and projected liquidity position we are evaluating various growth opportunities, which might be within the lift truck and construction equipment industries or outside our current lines of business. The Board will also evaluate changes to our current dividend depending on our cash flows and operating results.

Europe Restructuring

During the past three fiscal years we have taken a number of steps to change the structure of our European business and improve operational efficiencies with the goal of achieving a sustainable level of operating income.

 

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Our restructuring costs during this time totalled approximately $34 million. Our most recent efforts have focused on implementing price increases for certain products and increasing the percentage of China-sourced products sold in Europe. We remain confident we will achieve our objective of profitability in Europe in fiscal 2012.

Natural Disasters

Our facility in Brisbane, Australia was significantly damaged in the January 2011 flooding in the Queensland, Australia region. We are continuing to assess the impact of the flooding on ongoing operations and we are working with our insurance carriers and landlord to assess the amount of damage to equipment and inventory. Although we expect to eventually recover from insurance proceeds a substantial portion of losses related to the flood, the resulting damage required a fourth quarter charge of $5.1 million. Recovery of insurance proceeds is expected during fiscal 2012. Through our global organization we are working to meet our customers’ needs while we restore our Australian facility to full operation.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan that occurred in March 2011 did not directly impact our facility in Osaka, Japan. However, it is too early to assess the indirect effect on our business. The impact to our consolidated results should not be material as Japan accounted for about 6% of our global revenue in fiscal 2011.

COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2011, 2010 and 2009

Executive Summary

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 409,858      $ 314,353      $ 534,172   

Gross profit %

     30     23     28

Operating income (loss)

   $ 42,276      $ (31,494   $ 11,477   

Income (loss) before taxes

   $ 39,535      $ (33,498   $ 4,391   

Provision for income taxes

   $ 18,129      $ 5,151      $ 3,124   

Effective tax rate

     46     (15 %)      71

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,406      $ (38,649   $ 1,267   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.93      $ (3.57   $ 0.11   

The following summarizes consolidated financial results. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Consolidated net sales increased 29% in fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes in all regions as a result of improving economic conditions and a stronger global lift truck market. Consolidated net sales decreased 40% in fiscal 2010 as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak lift truck market.

 

   

Our consolidated gross profit percentage increase in fiscal 2011 was primarily a result of improved cost absorption due to increased sales volumes and the benefit of cost cutting measures implemented during fiscal 2010. This increase was partially offset by a charge of $2.2 million for inventory write-offs in Australia due to extensive flooding in the region during January 2011.

 

   

The lower gross profit percentage in fiscal 2010 was primarily a result of operational costs associated with our European restructuring, including considerable costs associated with operational disruptions and inventory write-offs, and unabsorbed fixed and variable costs due to lower sales volumes, particularly in Europe and North America.

 

   

During fiscal 2011, we recorded charges of $2.5 million for fixed asset impairments, $2.2 million for inventory write-offs and $0.5 million for other costs as a result of the flooding in Australia in January 2011.

 

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During fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, we incurred restructuring costs related to closing certain European sales offices and shutting down production activities at our facilities located in France, Germany and The Netherlands. The following table outlines the type of restructuring costs incurred during these periods (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010      2009  

Employee wages and benefits

   $ 1      $ 17,276       $ 1,882   

Fixed asset write downs

     1,034        9,004         205   

Facility closures

     313        2,588           

Other restructuring

     (111     1,133         457   
                         

Total costs

   $ 1,237      $ 30,001       $ 2,544   
                         

 

   

During fiscal 2010, we recorded a $1.3 million environmental charge primarily related to our Springfield, Ohio location. This expense was the result of formalizing a revised remediation plan with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which will require additional cleanup activities related to groundwater contamination.

 

   

During fiscal 2009, we recognized a $46.4 million asset impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets associated with our construction attachment business as a result of the significant sales decline throughout the construction industry.

 

   

The effective tax rate of 46% in fiscal 2011 was negatively impacted due to our inability to recognize a tax benefit on losses incurred in several European countries and taxes on foreign dividends related to the repatriation of cash to the U.S.

 

   

The effective tax rate of (15%) in fiscal 2010 was negatively impacted due to our inability to recognize a tax benefit on losses incurred in several European countries and taxes due in countries where we generated income.

 

   

The effective tax rate of 71% for fiscal 2009 reflects a low level of net income as a result of impairments of intangible assets and goodwill that were not deductible for tax purposes.

North America

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 206,079      $ 154,654      $ 257,077   

Transfers between areas

     24,611        15,086        29,083   
                        

Net sales and transfers

     230,690        169,740        286,160   

Cost of goods sold

     160,862        120,933        198,236   
                        

Gross profit

     69,828        48,807        87,924   

Gross profit %

     30     29     31

Selling and administrative

     43,785        41,251        47,850   

Asset impairment charge

                   46,376   
                        

Operating income (loss)

   $ 26,043      $ 7,556      $ (6,302
                        

Operating income (loss) %

     11     4     (2 %) 

 

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

 

     FY11 vs FY10     FY10 vs FY09  
     Change      Change %     Change     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 49,728         32   $ (101,744     (40 %) 

Foreign currency change

     1,697         1     (679     0
                                 

Total

   $ 51,425         33   $ (102,423     (40 %) 
                                 

The following summarizes financial results for North America. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 32% in fiscal 2011 primarily due to higher sales volumes as a result of improving economic conditions. Net sales decreased 40% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak lift truck market.

 

   

Shipments of product to other Cascade locations increased 63% in fiscal 2011 due to increased demand in Asia Pacific and China. Shipments of product to other Cascade locations decreased 48% during fiscal 2010 due to lower global customer demand and efforts to reduce existing inventory.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage increased in fiscal 2011 due to improved cost absorption as a result of higher sales volumes. The decrease in fiscal 2010 was due to significantly lower sales volumes which resulted in unabsorbed fixed and variable costs. This was offset by a reduction of overhead costs as a result of headcount reductions and other cost cutting measures.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 5% in fiscal 2011 primarily due to increased executive incentive compensation, sales commissions, reinstatement of previously frozen salary increases and other personnel costs as a result of improved financial performance in the current year. Selling and administrative costs decreased 12% in fiscal 2010 due to lower personnel and other general costs.

 

   

During fiscal 2010, we recorded a $1.3 million environmental charge, in selling and administrative costs, primarily related to our Springfield, Ohio location. This expense was the result of formalizing a revised remediation plan with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required additional cleanup activities related to groundwater contamination.

 

   

During fiscal 2009, we recognized a $46.4 million asset impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets associated with our construction attachment business as a result of the significant sales decline throughout the construction industry.

Europe

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 88,124      $ 81,068      $ 167,955   

Transfers between areas

     525        3,648        1,686   
                        

Net sales and transfers

     88,649        84,716        169,641   

Cost of goods sold

     76,563        90,021        144,388   
                        

Gross profit (loss)

     12,086        (5,305     25,253   

Gross profit (loss) %

     14     (6 %)      15

Selling and administrative

     17,932        19,695        26,554   

European restructuring costs

     1,237        30,001        2,544   
                        

Operating loss

   $ (7,083   $ (55,001   $ (3,845
                        

Operating loss %

     (8 %)      (65 %)      (2 %) 

 

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

 

     FY11 vs FY10     FY10 vs FY09  
     Change     Change %     Change     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 11,310        14   $ (82,173     (49 %) 

Foreign currency change

     (4,254     (5 %)      (4,714     (3 %) 
                                

Total

   $ 7,056        9   $ (86,887     (52 %) 
                                

The following summarizes financial results for Europe. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 14% in fiscal 2011 primarily due to higher sales volumes as a result of a stronger lift truck market. Net sales decreased 49% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak lift truck market

 

   

Our gross profit percentage improvement in fiscal 2011 is due to increased operational efficiencies as a result of our restructuring efforts and sales price increases implemented for certain products. The decrease in fiscal 2010 was due to costs associated with our European restructuring effort, including considerable operational disruption costs and inventory write-offs. In addition, significantly lower sales volumes resulted in unabsorbed overhead costs, as all facilities operated under reduced work schedules during fiscal 2010.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs decreased 5% in fiscal 2011 and 22% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower personnel costs, as a result of headcount reductions made as part of our European restructuring activities. Marketing, selling and travel costs were also lower in both years.

 

   

During fiscal 2011, we incurred $1.2 million in restructuring costs primarily related to closure of certain sales offices and a building write-down in Germany. Restructuring costs of $30 million incurred during fiscal 2010 were primarily a result of closing production activities at our facilities in Germany ($10.9 million), The Netherlands ($13.2 million) and France ($5.3 million). These costs included severance costs of $17.3 million, fixed asset write-downs of $9 million, costs for movement of equipment and facility shutdowns of $2.6 million and other restructuring costs of $1.1 million.

Asia Pacific

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 59,676      $ 44,102      $ 68,466   

Transfers between areas

     128        147        355   
                        

Net sales and transfers

     59,804        44,249        68,821   

Cost of goods sold

     45,797        32,972        52,458   
                        

Gross profit

     14,007        11,277        16,363   

Gross profit %

     23     25     24

Selling and administrative

     9,538        7,487        9,087   

Australia flood costs

     2,978                 
                        

Operating income

   $ 1,491      $ 3,790      $ 7,276   
                        

Operating income %

     2     9     11

 

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

 

     FY11 vs FY10     FY10 vs FY09  
     Change      Change %     Change     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 9,910         22   $ (23,734     (35 %) 

Foreign currency change

     5,664         13     (630     (1 %) 
                                 

Total

   $ 15,574         35   $ (24,364     (36 %) 
                                 

The following summarizes the financial results for Asia Pacific. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased 22% in fiscal 2011 due to higher sales volumes as a result of an improvement in economic conditions and lift truck market. Net sales decreased 35% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak lift truck market.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage decreased in fiscal 2011 primarily related to inventory write-offs of $2.2 million in Australia as a result of flooding in January 2011. The slight increase in fiscal 2010 was due to changes in product mix and fluctuations in foreign currency rates, primarily in Australia and Korea.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 14% in fiscal 2011 due primarily to selling and personnel costs. Selling and administrative costs decreased 17% in fiscal 2010 due to lower personnel, sales and other general costs.

 

   

In January 2011, our facility in Brisbane, Australia was severely damaged by flooding. In addition to the $2.2 million inventory write-off included in cost of goods sold, we incurred a $2.5 million fixed asset impairment charge and $0.5 million of flood-related costs. We anticipate that we will recover a substantial portion of losses related to the flood through insurance proceeds in fiscal 2012. Australian operations account for about 5% of our global revenue.

China

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales

   $ 55,979      $ 34,529      $ 40,674   

Transfers between areas

     23,517        10,549        23,219   
                        

Net sales and transfers

     79,496        45,078        63,893   

Cost of goods sold

     52,729        28,787        44,885   
                        

Gross profit

     26,767        16,291        19,008   

Gross profit %

     34     36     30

Selling and administrative

     4,942        4,130        4,660   
                        

Operating income

   $ 21,825      $ 12,161      $ 14,348   
                        

Operating income %

     27     27     22

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

 

     FY11 vs FY10      FY10 vs FY09  
     Change      Change %      Change     Change %  

Net sales change

   $ 20,779         60%       $ (6,584     (16%

Foreign currency change

     671         2%         439        1%   
                                  

Total

   $ 21,450         62%       $ (6,145     (15%
                                  

 

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The following summarizes the financial results for China. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Net sales increased in fiscal 2011 primarily due to higher sales volumes as a result of the continued expansion of the Chinese economy and a strong lift truck market. Net sales decreased 16% in fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales volumes as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak export lift truck market.

 

   

Transfers to other Cascade locations increased 123% in fiscal 2011 due to higher customer demand in Europe and Asia Pacific. The decrease of 55% in fiscal 2010 was due to lower customer demand in Europe and Asia Pacific and efforts to reduce inventory.

 

   

Our gross profit percentage decrease in fiscal 2011 was due to changes in product mix and higher intercompany transfers mostly to the Europe and Asia Pacific regions, which carry lower gross margins. The increase in fiscal 2010 gross profit percentage was due to changes in product mix and fewer intercompany transfers.

 

   

Selling and administrative costs increased 18% in fiscal 2011 due to higher research and development costs and increased incentive and personnel costs as a result of improved financial performance in the current year. Selling and administrative costs decreased 12% in fiscal 2010 due to lower personnel and other general costs.

Non-Operating Items

The following are financial highlights for non-operating items:

 

   

Interest expense remained flat in fiscal 2011 as a result of higher interest rates, partially offset by lower debt balances. The higher rates reflect modifications made to our credit facility to allow compliance with covenant ratios. Interest expense decreased $2.2 million during fiscal 2010 as a result of lower interest rates and our efforts to pay down debt. We reduced our outstanding debt by $17.1 million in fiscal 2011 and $43.3 million in fiscal 2010.

 

   

Foreign currency losses increased $0.5 million in fiscal 2011 as a result of greater volatility in foreign currency rates. Foreign currency losses decreased $3.2 million during fiscal 2010 as a result of more stable foreign currency rates and changes in our practices for managing foreign currencies put in place during the year.

 

   

Our effective tax rates were 46% for fiscal 2011, (15%) for fiscal 2010 and 71% for fiscal 2009. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2011 reflects an increase to tax expense from the recording of additional valuation allowances related to losses in Europe for which we were unable to realize tax benefits. Fiscal 2010 income tax expense was a result of taxes due in countries where we were generating income and taxes on foreign dividends related to the repatriation of cash to the U.S. In fiscal 2010, like fiscal 2011, we were unable to realize a tax benefit for losses incurred in several European countries. During fiscal 2009, the high tax rate was attributable to a low level of income as a result of impairments of intangible assets and goodwill that were not deductible for tax purposes. It is expected that in the near future, as Cascade reduces its losses in Europe, that the effective tax rate will decline.

 

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Fourth Quarter Results

 

     Three Months Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net sales

   $ 110,348      $ 80,572      $ 95,068   

Cost of goods sold

     78,686        62,179        72,122   
                        

Gross profit

     31,662        18,393        22,946   

Gross profit %

     29     23     24

Selling and administrative expenses

     20,545        19,146        18,368   

Australia flood costs

     2,978                 

European restructuring costs

     1,222        12,121        806   

Asset impairment charge

                   46,376   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     6,917        (12,874     (42,604

Interest expense, net

     289        421        399   

Foreign currency loss, net

     186        159        1,239   
                        

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     6,442        (13,454     (44,242

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     2,718        976        (13,741
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,724      $ (14,430   $ (30,501
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.33      $ (1.33   $ (2.82
                        

Operating income (loss) by region:

      

North America

   $ 7,423      $ 1,403      $ (41,827

Europe

     (2,423     (18,750     (3,439

Asia Pacific

     (3,458     701        1,065   

China

     5,375        3,772        1,597   
                        
   $ 6,917      $ (12,874   $ (42,604
                        

The following summarizes the financial results for the fourth quarter. All percentage comparisons to prior years exclude the impact of foreign currencies:

 

   

Consolidated net sales increased 36% in 2011 primarily due to higher sales volumes as a result of improving economic conditions and a stronger global lift truck market Global lift truck shipments were up 38% in 2011 compared to the prior year. Consolidated net sales decreased 19% in 2010 as a result of the general economic downturn and a weak lift truck market. Global lift truck shipments were down 25% in 2010 compared to 2009.

 

   

Our consolidated gross profit percentage increased in fiscal 2011 primarily as a result of improved cost absorption due to increased sales volumes and the benefit of cost cutting measures implemented during fiscal 2010. This increase was partially offset by a charge of $2.2 million for inventory write-offs in Australia due to the flooding. In fiscal 2010, our consolidated gross profit percentage decreased primarily as a result of operational costs associated with our European restructuring, including considerable operational disruption costs and inventory writeoffs. This decrease was offset by a favorable product mix and a reduction of overhead costs as a result of headcount reductions and other cost cutting measures implemented during fiscal 2010.

 

   

Selling and administrative expenses increased 8% in fiscal 2011 due primarily to increased sales commissions, higher executive incentive compensation, the reinstatement of previously frozen salary increases and other personnel costs as a result of improved financial performance in the current year. Selling and administrative expenses remained flat in fiscal 2010, due to reductions in personnel and lower discretionary spending, which was offset by a $1.3 million environmental charge primarily

 

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related to our Springfield, Ohio location. This expense was the result of formalizing a revised remediation plan with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required additional cleanup activities related to groundwater contamination.

 

   

In January 2011, our facility in Australia was severely damaged by flooding. As a result, we incurred the following costs during the quarter (in thousands):

 

Inventory write downs

   $ 2,167   

Fixed asset write downs

     2,451   

Other flood-related costs

     527   
        

Total costs

   $ 5,145   
        

 

   

We incurred restructuring costs of $1.2 million in fiscal 2011 and $12.1 million in fiscal 2010, primarily related to the closure of certain European sales offices and shutting down production at our fork facility in Hagen, Germany.

 

   

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized a $46.4 million asset impairment charge for goodwill and intangible assets associated with our construction attachment business as a result of the significant downturn throughout the construction industry.

 

   

The income tax expense in fiscal 2010 was a result of taxes due in countries where we generated income and taxes on foreign dividends related to the repatriation of cash to the U.S. We were unable to realize a tax benefit in several European countries where we incurred losses.

CASH FLOWS

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is considered a liquidity measure and provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated after capital expenditures, which can then be used for strategic opportunities including, among others, investing in our business, making strategic acquisitions and strengthening our balance sheet. A limitation of free cash flow is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the cash balance for the period.

In addition, management refers to these financial measures to facilitate internal and external comparisons to our historical operating results, in making operating decisions and for budget planning purposes. These measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, gross profit, income from operations, cash flow from operating activities, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The following table presents a summary of our free cash flow:

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flow from operating activities

   $ 27,778      $ 45,413      $ 41,086      $ 53,326      $ 57,109   

Capital expenditures

     (6,047     (5,934     (16,709     (22,808     (18,078
                                        

Free cash flow

   $ 21,731      $ 39,479      $ 24,377      $ 30,518      $ 39,031   
                                        

The decrease in free cash flow during fiscal 2011 is primarily a result of higher levels of accounts receivable due to increased sales volumes. Free cash flow levels in fiscal 2010 were primarily the result of reductions in accounts receivable and inventory during the economic downturn.

 

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Statements of Cash Flows

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three years ended January 31, 2011 by classifying transactions into three major categories of activities: operating, investing and financing.

Our overall balance of cash and cash equivalents was $25 million at January 31, 2011 including a balance of $17 million in China. Legal restrictions and tax consequences in certain jurisdictions can limit our ability to repatriate cash to the United States. Certain transactions could result in negative tax consequences.

The following table presents net changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three years ended January 31, 2011.

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Operating activities

   $ 27,778      $ 45,413      $ 41,086   

Investing activities

     (4,790     (5,732     (16,134

Financing activities

     (20,930     (44,659     (20,382

Effect of exchange rate changes

     2,778        (6,006     5,392   
                        

Net change in cash

   $ 4,836      $ (10,984   $ 9,962   
                        

Operating

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

The following are operating activity highlights:

 

   

The increase in net income during fiscal 2011 was primarily a result of higher sales. The net loss in fiscal 2010 was a result of significantly lower sales volumes and gross margins and restructuring charges.

 

   

Inventories increased $4.4 million during fiscal 2011, decreased $34.1 million during fiscal 2010 and increased $16 million in fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2011 inventories increased due to additional product needed to meet increased customer demand and fluctuations in foreign currencies. During fiscal 2010, we limited purchases of materials, focused on lowering inventory quantities and wrote off inventory as a result of our European restructuring plan. During fiscal 2009, our inventories increased primarily as a result of increasing material costs, additional inventories of product produced in China and additional material purchases made in advance of price increases.

 

   

Accounts receivable increased $14 million in fiscal 2011 due to higher sales. Accounts receivable decreased $18.2 million and $21.4 million during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively, due to lower sales related to the economic downturn.

 

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Investing

During the three years ended January 31, 2011, our investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures. These capital expenditures are primarily for equipment and tooling related to product improvements, more efficient production methods and replacement for normal wear and tear. Capital expenditures by geographic segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011      2010      2009  

North America

   $ 3,021       $ 1,878       $ 6,646   

Europe

     361         2,678         4,415   

Asia Pacific

     1,278         581         2,796   

China

     1,387         797         2,852   
                          
   $ 6,047       $ 5,934       $ 16,709   
                          

The following are capital expenditures highlights:

 

   

During fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 we limited capital spending to only critical projects.

 

   

During fiscal 2010, capital expenditures were made to reallocate production capacity within Europe.

 

   

During fiscal 2012, we anticipate spending $10 million to $15 million on global capital expenditures.

Financing

The following were major financing activities:

 

   

Net borrowings against our line of credit were $39 million, $53 million, and $96 million as of January 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The decreases in our line of credit borrowing in fiscal 2011 and 2010 are a result of our focus on paying down debt with available cash.

 

   

We declared dividends of $0.27, $0.12, and $0.78 per share in fiscal 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The reduction in dividends in fiscal 2010 was due to our decision to pay down outstanding debt to maintain compliance with debt covenants during the economic downturn.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

The following are highlights regarding our financial condition and liquidity for fiscal 2011:

 

   

Our working capital, defined as current assets less current liabilities, increased from $112 million at January 31, 2010 to $135 million at January 31, 2011. Our current ratio increased from 3.3 to 1 at January 31, 2010 to 3.8 to 1 at January 31, 2011. The increases are primarily due to increases in cash, accounts receivable and inventory due to higher sales.

 

   

Total outstanding debt, including notes payable to banks, decreased from $59.4 million at January 31, 2010 to $42.3 million at January 31, 2011. We utilized cash from operations to pay down debt.

In October 2010, we entered into an amendment of our loan agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and Union Bank of California, N.A. The loan amendment (i) decreased the interest rate on the loan by 25 basis points to a range from 1.25% to 2.75% over LIBOR, and (ii) decreased the commitment fee on the loan by 5 basis points to a range from 0.25% to 0.45%, with the actual rate within each range to be determined based on our consolidated leverage ratio.

We were in compliance with our debt covenants at January 31, 2011.

As of January 31, 2011, outstanding borrowings under this line of credit totaled $38.5 million and an additional $1.6 million was used to issue letters of credit. The maximum amount that may be borrowed under this line of credit at January 31, 2011 was $115 million, thus resulting in available borrowings of approximately $75 million. Based on the most recent loan amendment, no principal payments are required until March 2012. The interest rate on the line of credit, which was based on LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% at January 31, 2011 was 2.1%.

 

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

OTHER MATTERS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We maintain defined benefit pension plans in England and France covering certain present and former employees. We calculate the liability and net periodic pension costs related to our defined benefit plans on an annual basis. The following are highlights of these defined benefit pension plans:

 

   

Our projected benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans was $8.5 million at January 31, 2011 compared to $8.7 million as of January 31, 2010. The decrease is the result of benefits paid during the year.

 

   

The unfunded pension liability, net of plan assets, was $1.1 million and $2 million as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The change is primarily a result of an increase in the value of plan assets.

 

   

The allocation of assets in our pension plan in England at January 31, 2011 is comprised of equities (51%), debt (42%), cash (2%) and real estate (5%). Equity includes domestic and international equity securities, such as common, preferred or other capital stock, as well as mutual funds. Debt includes domestic and international debt securities, such as U.S. and other foreign government securities, corporate bonds and commercial paper.

 

   

Our expected cash contribution to fund the pension plan in England in fiscal 2012 is $333,000.

 

   

Our defined benefit pension plan in France is not material.

Postretirement Health Care Plan

We maintain a postretirement health care benefit plan in the United States that provides health care coverage for approximately 140 eligible retirees and qualifying dependents. Another 84 current employees, all over 55 years of age, will be eligible to participate upon retirement. No additional employees will be eligible to participate in the plan. We calculate the liability and net periodic cost related to this health care plan on an annual basis. The following are highlights of the postretirement plan:

 

   

The postretirement plan is currently unfunded with an accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $7.4 million and $7.9 million at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The change is a result of a lower than anticipated increase in actual medical costs and fewer employees retiring before age 65 than expected.

 

   

Due to the continued trend of increasing health care costs, the overall cost of the plan may continue to rise in future years. We will continue to investigate various options to mitigate future cost increases.

 

   

We currently fund this plan on a pay-as-you-go basis. Annual cash contributions represent gross benefit payments less required retiree contributions and the medicare subsidy. Our expected cash contribution in fiscal 2012 is $336,000.

 

   

The impact of future health care costs as a result of recently signed health care legislation has not been included in the valuation.

Environmental Matters

We are engaged in ongoing environmental remediation efforts at our Fairview, Oregon and Springfield, Ohio manufacturing facilities. Current estimates provide for some level of remediation activities at both facilities

 

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through 2019. Costs of certain remediation activities at the Fairview facility are shared with The Boeing Company, with Cascade paying 70% of actual remediation costs. The following are highlights of environmental matters:

 

   

During fiscal 2010 we recorded a $1.3 million environmental charge primarily related to our Springfield, Ohio location. This expense is a result of formalizing a revised remediation plan with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which required additional cleanup activities related to groundwater contamination.

 

   

The environmental liability was $4.4 million and $5.1 million as of January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The liability decrease was primarily a result of payments made during fiscal 2011 for remediation activities at both the Fairview and Springfield sites.

 

   

We expect our cash payments for environmental matters during fiscal 2012 to be approximately $1.3 million.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of January 31, 2011:

 

     Payment due by fiscal year  
     Total      2012      2013 - 2014      2015 - 2016      After 2016  
     (In thousands)  

Long-term debt

   $ 42,337       $ 548       $ 39,596       $ 1,096       $ 1,097   

Estimated interest payments(1)

     1,204         886         221         72         25   

Operating leases

     8,532         2,633         3,989         1,910           

Environmental payments

     4,390         1,252         1,219         942         977   

Defined benefit pension obligations(2)

     8,456         605         1,183         1,245         5,423   

Postretirement benefit obligation(3)

     7,390         336         782         893         5,379   
                                            

Total(4)

   $ 72,309       $ 6,260       $ 46,990       $ 6,158       $ 12,901   
                                            

 

(1) Interest payments on the line of credit are calculated using an interest rate of 2.1% and an outstanding debt balance as of January 31, 2011 through the maturity date of March 2012. Interest payments on the note payable in Japan are calculated using an interest rate of 2.4% and assumes monthly principal payments through fiscal 2018.

 

(2) Represents committed and current minimum funding requirements for all plans. The total payments due in the future may vary from these estimates based on actual returns on plan assets, changes in assumptions, plan modifications and actuarial gains and losses.

 

(3) Payments represent gross benefit payments less required retiree contributions and the Medicare subsidy. The total payments due in the future may vary from these estimates based on changes in assumptions, plan modifications and actuarial gains and losses.

 

(4) We have omitted unrecorded tax liabilities from the contractual obligations and commitment table as amounts are immaterial.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis,

 

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including those related to inventories, impairment of goodwill, environmental liabilities, benefit plans, share-based compensation and deferred taxes. We base our estimates on our historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect our more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventory Reserves

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. We maintain reserves to write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence, material at too high of costs or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value, less costs to sell, based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write downs may be required, which would result in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of income being greater than expected in the period in which more information becomes available.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and eventual disposition in comparison with the carrying value. An estimate of future sales, gross margins and selling and administrative expenses are used to calculate future cash flows. The fair value of each asset is calculated using a cash flow methodology based on these assumptions. An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value.

During fiscal 2011, we recorded $2.5 million of write downs related to fixed assets damaged due to the flooding in Australia and $1 million related to the write down of our building in Germany as a result of our European restructuring. During fiscal 2010, we recorded $9 million of fixed asset write downs related to buildings and machinery that we were no longer using as a result of our European restructuring activities. See “Impairment of Goodwill” below for details relating to our goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge recorded during fiscal 2009.

Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is allocated based on the acquisition cost of a component within a reporting unit. Once allocated to a reporting unit, we do not make any adjustments to the manner in which that goodwill is allocated.

We review goodwill for impairment either annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets might exceed their current fair values. Certain factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review at an interim date outside of the annual review, include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or our overall business and significant industry or economic trends.

Our goodwill impairment assessment is performed at the reporting unit level. We define our reporting units as either operating segments or components, which are one level below an operating segment. Components of an operating segment are businesses where financial information is available and regularly reviewed by our management. Where appropriate, we aggregated components that have similar economic characteristics into a single reporting unit.

We define our operating segments to be North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China and define our reporting units for purposes of our goodwill impairment assessment to be North America Non-Construction, North America Construction, Europe and Australia. There is no goodwill in China or in the other components comprising our Asia Pacific operating segment, therefore these are not included as reporting units in our goodwill impairment assessment.

 

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The chart below outlines the relationship between our operating segments and goodwill reporting units:

 

Business

   Operating Segment      Goodwill Reporting Unit

North America

     X      

Non-Construction

      X

Construction

      X

Europe

     X       X

Asia Pacific

     X      

Australia

      X

Other

      N/A

China

     X       N/A

 

N/A—location does not have recorded goodwill.

Our impairment review is a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value is greater than the carrying amount, there is no goodwill impairment and the second step in the impairment review is not performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is greater than the fair value, the second step of the impairment test is necessary. The second step compares the implied fair value with the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the reporting unit’s goodwill carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. However, the impairment loss can not exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.

The first step of our goodwill impairment review utilizes a discounted projected cash flow model that uses estimates of future sales, sales growth rates, gross profits, expense and capital expenditure levels, a discount rate and estimated terminal values to determine the reporting unit fair value. We use discount rate, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), which is the expected rate of return based on an industry specific debt and equity capital structure and cost of debt, adjusted for geographic and company size specific factors, to discount future cash flows. The WACC can vary by reporting unit. WACC used in our impairment test at January 31, 2011 ranged from 12.3% to 15.5%.

After completing step one of our goodwill impairment review, as of January 31, 2011, we concluded that all reporting units with goodwill pass step one. As such, step two was not necessary.

Changes in certain economic and market factors could trigger an impairment review at an interim date outside of the annual review. If actual results are not consistent with our goodwill impairment review assumptions and judgments, we could be exposed to a material impairment charge on a portion or all of the $89 million of goodwill recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2011.

During fiscal 2009, we determined that the carrying value of goodwill and long-lived assets in our North American construction business exceeded the estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment charge. All of the goodwill related to our construction business was written off as a result of the significant downturn throughout the construction industry. The components of the impairment charge include the following (in thousands):

 

Goodwill

   $  29,157   

Customer relationships

     13,269   

Intellectual property

     3,950   
        
   $ 46,376   
        

Environmental Liabilities

We accrue environmental remediation and litigation costs if it is probable a liability has been incurred at the financial statement date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Our liability for environmental costs, other than for costs of assessments themselves, are generally determined after the completion of investigations and studies and are based on the estimated cost of remediation activities we are then required to undertake. The gross liability is based on our best estimate of undiscounted future costs using currently available technology and

 

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applying current regulations, as well as our own historical experience regarding environmental cleanup costs. The reliability and precision of the estimates are affected by numerous factors, such as site evaluation and reevaluation of the degree of remediation required, claims by third parties and changes to environmental laws and regulations. We adjust our liabilities as new remediation requirements are defined, as information becomes available permitting reasonable estimates to be made, and to reflect new facts.

Benefit Plans

We make a number of assumptions with regard to both future financial conditions and future actions by plan participants to calculate, on an actuarial basis, the amount of income or expense and assets and liabilities recognized in association with our defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. These assumptions include the expected return on plan assets, discount rates, expected increases in compensation levels, health care cost trend rates and expected rates of retirement and life expectancy for plan participants. We review the assumptions on an annual basis and make changes to reflect market conditions and the administration of the plans. While we believe the current assumptions are appropriate in the circumstances, actual results and changes in these assumptions in the future will result in adjustments that could impact the income or expense recognized in future years in relation to these plans.

The assumed rate of return on plan assets for our defined benefit plans is evaluated on an annual basis. We select the assumed rate of return based on information considering historical returns, our current and target asset allocation and the expected returns by asset class. We believe this assumption is reasonable given the asset composition and long-term historic trends. Our discount rate reflects the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. We increased our discount rate assumption to determine the January 31, 2011 liability to 5.6% from 5.5% at January 31, 2010 due to slight market increases in interest rates during the year. Our most significant defined benefit plan is in England. Interest rates on high-quality corporate bonds in that market have more influence on the overall discount rate.

Our discount rate, used to determine the liability for our postretirement plan, decreased to 5.25% at January 31, 2011 from the discount rate of 5.75% at January 31, 2010. We determine our discount rate using a “yield curve expected benefit payment” methodology. This methodology uses individual curve rates to discount each future year’s expected plan benefit payments. We select our health care cost trend rates based on recent plan experience and expectations about future increases in plan costs. We assume health care costs in fiscal 2012 will increase by 8.0% for plan participants under age 65 and 7.7% for all other plan participants. The ultimate future medical trend rate is 4.7%. The following presents the sensitivity of the key postretirement plan assumptions (in thousands):

 

     Increase
(Decrease)
 

The following represents the sensitivity of a 1% decrease in the discount rate:

  

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

   $ (18

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 929   

The following represents the sensitivity of a 1% increase in the health care trend cost:

  

Effect on net periodic benefit cost

   $ 61   

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

   $ 877   

Share-based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation, for which we receive employee services in exchange for our equity instruments, using a fair value method. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as a corporate headquarters expense in North America over the service period the award is expected to vest. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term of stock awards, the expected volatility of our

 

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common stock and expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, award recipient class and historical experience. Significant changes in the assumptions for future awards and actual forfeiture rates could materially impact share-based compensation expense and our results of operations. Subsequent changes in forfeiture rates will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8) for further discussion of our share-based awards and the related accounting treatment.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes and the determination of the resulting deferred tax assets and liabilities involves a significant amount of management judgment. We are subject to taxation from federal, state and international jurisdictions. The taxes paid to these jurisdictions are subject to audit, although to date the results of any tax audits have been minor.

Judgment is also applied in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of specific deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized. We have recorded on our consolidated balance sheets a valuation allowance against various deferred tax assets. We consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets. Subsequent changes in our assessment for the need for valuation allowances will be reflected in income in the period the determination is made.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At January 31, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Currently there are no significant prospective accounting pronouncements that are expected to have an impact on us.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

The table below illustrates the hypothetical increase or decrease in fiscal 2011 net sales of a 10% change in the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies which impact our operations (in millions):

 

Euro

   $ 7.3   

Chinese Yuan

     5.6   

Japanese Yen

     2.4   

Canadian Dollar

     2.1   

Australian Dollar

     1.9   

British Pound

     1.5   

Other currencies (representing 4% of consolidated net sales)

     1.8   
        
   $ 22.6   
        

 

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We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the impact of currency fluctuations on certain nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. The principal currencies hedged are denominated in Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Swedish Krona, Korean Won, Chinese Yuan and British Pounds. Our foreign currency forward exchange contracts have terms lasting up to six months, but generally less than one month. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8).

A majority of our products are manufactured using specialty steel. As such, our cost of goods sold is sensitive to fluctuations in specialty steel prices, either directly through the purchase of raw materials or indirectly through the purchase of components. However, due to the nature of specialty steel, we are not impacted by changes in commodity steel prices to the extent others might be.

Presuming that the full impact of steel price increases is reflected in all steel and steel based component purchases, we estimate our gross profit percentage would decrease by approximately 0.4% for each 1.0% increase in steel prices. Based on our statement of income for the year ended January 31, 2011, a 1.0% increase in steel prices would have decreased consolidated gross profit by approximately $1.4 million.

The majority of our debt as of January 31, 2011 has a variable interest rate, which is currently based on LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75%. Based on the outstanding balance of our variable rate debt of $38.5 million at January 31, 2011, a 1% increase in our interest rate would result in a $385,000 increase in annual interest expense.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cascade Corporation

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cascade Corporation and its subsidiaries at January 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the appendix appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon

April 4, 2011

 

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Cascade Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  

Net sales

   $ 409,858      $ 314,353      $ 534,172   

Cost of goods sold

     287,170        243,283        385,624   
                        

Gross profit

     122,688        71,070        148,548   

Selling and administrative expenses

     76,197        72,563        88,151   

Australia flood costs

     2,978                 

European restructuring costs

     1,237        30,001        2,544   

Asset impairment charge

                   46,376   
                        

Operating income (loss)

     42,276        (31,494     11,477   

Interest expense

     1,989        1,889        4,083   

Interest income

     (186     (328     (608

Foreign currency loss, net

     938        443        3,611   
                        

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     39,535        (33,498     4,391   

Provision for income taxes

     18,129        5,151        3,124   
                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,406      $ (38,649   $ 1,267   
                        

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.97      $ (3.57   $ 0.12   
                        

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.93      $ (3.57   $ 0.11   
                        

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     10,884        10,816        10,794   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     11,104        10,816        11,077   

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

 

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Cascade Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     January 31,  
     2011      2010  
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 25,037       $ 20,201   

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,196 and $1,328

     66,497         50,910   

Inventories

     67,041         63,466   

Deferred income taxes

     5,001         4,230   

Assets available for sale

     8,610         9,125   

Prepaid expenses and other

     11,170         12,334   
                 

Total current assets

     183,356         160,266   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     66,978         73,408   

Goodwill

     88,708         84,122   

Deferred income taxes

     16,606         21,022   

Other assets

     3,531         3,113   
                 

Total assets

   $ 359,179       $ 341,931   
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

     

Notes payable to banks

   $       $ 2,927   

Current portion of long-term debt

     548         499   

Accounts payable

     23,905         20,542   

Accrued payroll and payroll taxes

     9,299         7,683   

Accrued restructuring costs

     569         5,260   

Accrued incentive pay

     2,868         200   

Other accrued expenses

     11,043         10,777   
                 

Total current liabilities

     48,232         47,888   

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     41,789         55,990   

Accrued environmental expenses

     3,198         4,161   

Deferred income taxes

     4,452         4,839   

Employee benefit obligations

     7,864         9,120   

Other liabilities

     5,088         4,171   
                 

Total liabilities

     110,623         126,169   
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

     

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, $.50 par value, 40,000 authorized shares; 10,972 and 10,885 shares issued and outstanding

     5,486         5,443   

Additional paid-in capital

     9,254         7,119   

Retained earnings

     198,194         179,747   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     35,622         23,453   
                 

Total shareholders’ equity

     248,556         215,762   
                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 359,179       $ 341,931   
                 

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

 

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Cascade Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In

Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income
    Total
Shareholders’

Equity
    Annual
Comprehensive

Income (Loss)
 
    Shares     Amount            

Balance at January 31, 2008

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

Net income

                         1,267               1,267      $ 1,267   

Dividends ($ 0.78 per share)

                         (8,460            (8,460       

Common stock issued

    30        15        115                      130          

Common stock repurchase

    (18     (9     (901                   (910       

Share-based compensation

                  4,421                      4,421          

Tax effect on stock-based compensation

                  (61                   (61       

Translation adjustment

                                (28,550     (28,550     (28,550

Minimum pension/postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax of ($319)

                         (39     1,144        1,105        1,105   
                                                       

Balance at January 31, 2009

    10,852        5,426        3,574        219,700        8,267        236,967      $ (26,178
                   

Net loss

                         (38,649            (38,649   $ (38,649

Dividends ($ 0.12 per share)

                         (1,304            (1,304       

Common stock issued

    33        17        (17                            

Share-based compensation

                  3,562                      3,562          

Translation adjustment

                                16,470        16,470        16,470   

Minimum pension/postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax of $359

                                (1,284     (1,284     (1,284
                                                       

Balance at January 31, 2010

    10,885        5,443        7,119        179,747        23,453        215,762      $ (23,463
                   

Net income

                         21,406               21,406      $ 21,406   

Dividends ($ 0.27 per share)

                         (2,959            (2,959     (2,959

Common stock issued

    87        43        26                      69          

Share-based compensation

                  2,654                      2,654          

Tax effect on stock-based compensation

                  (545                   (545       

Translation adjustment

                                11,043        11,043        11,043   

Minimum pension/postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax of ($277)

                                1,126        1,126        1,126   
                                                       

Balance at January 31, 2011

    10,972      $ 5,486      $ 9,254      $ 198,194      $ 35,622      $ 248,556      $ 30,616   
                                                       

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

 

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Cascade Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,406      $ (38,649   $ 1,267   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Fixed asset write offs due to restructuring

     1,034        9,004          

Asset write offs due to Australia flooding

     4,618                 

Loss on asset impairment

                   46,376   

Depreciation

     9,980        11,893        13,801   

Amortization

     156        403        2,519   

Share-based compensation

     2,654        3,562        4,421   

Deferred income taxes

     3,106        3,233        (15,911

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     (49     98        403   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

     (13,959     18,172        21,386   

Inventories

     (4,371     34,126        (16,065

Prepaid expenses and other

     (4,060     2,488        (2,734

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     2,225        1,348        (13,753

Income taxes payable and receivable

     5,516        (833     (653

Other assets and liabilities

     (478     568        29   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     27,778        45,413        41,086   
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (6,047     (5,934     (16,709

Proceeds from disposition of assets

     1,257        202        575   
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (4,790     (5,732     (16,134
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Payments on long-term debt

     (70,770     (92,983     (68,945

Proceeds from long-term debt

     56,250        49,000        60,500   

Notes payable to banks, net

     (2,975     628        (326

Cash dividends paid

     (2,959     (1,304     (8,460

Common stock repurchased

                   (3,220

Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans

     69               130   

Tax effect on share-based compensation

     (545            (61
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (20,930     (44,659     (20,382
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes

     2,778        (6,006     5,392   
                        

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     4,836        (10,984     9,962   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     20,201        31,185        21,223   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 25,037      $ 20,201      $ 31,185   
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements

      

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

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Description of Business

Cascade Corporation is an international company engaged in the manufacture of materials handling products that are widely used on industrial lift trucks and, to a lesser extent, on construction, mining and agricultural vehicles. Accordingly, our sales are largely dependent on the sales of lift trucks and on the sales of replacement parts. Our sales are made throughout the world. We are headquartered in Fairview, Oregon, employing approximately 1,800 people and maintaining operations in 16 countries outside the United States.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cascade Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.

Allowances for Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on accounts receivable resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Such allowances are based on evaluation of the credit worthiness of our customers, an ongoing review of customer payments against terms, historical trends and economic circumstances.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Cost is computed on a standard basis, which approximates actual cost. We classify inventory into two categories: finished goods and raw materials and components. Finished goods inventory represents inventory that is readily available for sale without further manufacturing and spare parts. Raw materials and components include inventory to be used to build finished goods inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Tooling costs are capitalized as machinery and equipment. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and costs of improvements and renewals are capitalized. Upon disposal, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in operations. Useful lives on property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

Description

   Useful Lives

Buildings

   30 - 40

Land improvements

   15

Machinery and equipment

   2 - 10

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent items such as customer relationships, intellectual property, primarily patents and trade names, and non-compete agreements that are assigned a fair value at the date of acquisition. We amortize finite-lived assets on a straight-line basis over the periods that expected economic benefits will be provided. At the end of the estimated economic life, the fully-amortized intangible asset cost and corresponding accumulated amortization are eliminated. Useful lives on intangible assets are as follows:

 

Description

   Useful Lives

Customer relationships

   6 - 10

Intellectual property

   4 - 10

Other

   1 - 5

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the assets and eventual disposition in comparison with the carrying value. An estimate of future sales, gross margins and selling and administrative expenses are used to calculate future cash flows. The fair value of each asset is calculated using a cash flow methodology based on these assumptions. An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value. See Notes 6 “Goodwill”, 10 “Restructuring Activities” and 19 “Australian Flood” for further discussion of asset impairments.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Once allocated to a reporting unit, we do not make any adjustments to the manner in which goodwill is allocated.

We review goodwill for impairment either annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets might exceed their current fair values. Certain factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review at an interim date outside of the annual review, include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or our overall business and significant industry or economic trends.

Our goodwill impairment assessment is performed at the reporting unit level. We define our reporting units as either operating segments or components, which are one level below an operating segment. Components of an operating segment are businesses where financial information is available and regularly reviewed by our management. Where appropriate, we aggregated components that have similar economic characteristics into a single reporting unit.

We define our operating segments to be North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and China and define our reporting units for purposes of our goodwill impairment assessment to be North America Non-Construction, North America Construction, Europe and Australia. There is no goodwill in China or in the other businesses comprising our Asia Pacific operating segment, therefore these are not included as reporting units in our goodwill impairment assessment.

Our impairment review is a two-step process. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value is greater than the carrying amount, there is no goodwill impairment and the second step in the impairment review is not performed. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is greater than

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

the fair value, the second step of the impairment test is necessary. The second step compares the implied fair value with the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the reporting unit’s goodwill carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. However, the impairment loss can not exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill.

The first step of our goodwill impairment review utilizes a discounted projected cash flow model that uses estimates of future sales, sales growth rates, gross profits, expense and capital expenditure levels, a discount rate and estimated terminal values to determine the reporting unit fair value. We use a weighted average cost of capital (WACC), which is the expected rate of return based on an industry specific debt and equity capital structure and cost of debt, adjusted for geographic and company size specific factors, to discount future cash flows. The WACC can vary by reporting unit. WACC used in our impairment test at January 31, 2011 ranged from 12.3% to 15.5%.

If actual results are not consistent with our goodwill impairment review assumptions and judgments, we could be exposed to a material impairment charge.

Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

We record liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liability is incurred.

We incurred restructuring costs of $1.2 million in fiscal 2011, $30 million in fiscal 2010 and $2.5 million in fiscal 2009, primarily related to personnel costs and asset impairments as a result of shutting down production activities at our facilities located in France, Germany and The Netherlands. See Note 10 “Restructuring Activities” for more details.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we incurred charges of $5.1 million related to fixed asset impairments, inventory losses and other flood-related costs to restore production at our facility in Australia that was impacted by severe flooding. See Note 19 “Australia Flood” for more details.

Common Stock

We follow the practice of recording amounts received upon the exercise of awards by crediting common stock and additional paid-in capital. In addition, we credit additional paid-in-capital upon the recognition of share-based compensation expense. We realize an income tax benefit from the exercise or early disposition of certain stock awards. This benefit results in a decrease in current income taxes payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital.

Minimum Pension/Postretirement Liability Adjustment

We record a minimum pension/postretirement liability adjustment to the extent that the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets and accrued pension/postretirement liabilities. This adjustment is reflected as a reduction in shareholders’ equity, net of income tax benefits.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation, for which we receive employee services in exchange for our equity instruments, using a fair value method. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as a corporate headquarters expense in North America over the service period the award is expected to vest. Determining the fair value share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term of stock awards, the expected volatility of our common stock and expected dividends. In addition, judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

based awards that are expected to be forfeited. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, award recipient class and historical experience. Significant changes in the assumptions for future awards and actual forfeiture rates could materially impact share-based compensation expense and our results of operations. Subsequent changes in forfeiture rates will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised.

Foreign Currency Translation

We translate the balance sheets of our foreign subsidiaries using exchange rates at the end of a fiscal period. The cumulative effect on such translations is included in accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated balance sheets. Revenues, expenses and cash flows of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates for the period. Transaction gains and losses are included in foreign currency loss, net on our consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

Our earnings and cash flow are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We use foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate these fluctuations. Gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts, which generally mature in six months or less, are measured over the period of the contract by reference to the forward rate for a contract to be consummated on the same future date as the original contract.

Environmental Remediation

We accrue environmental costs if it is probable a liability has been incurred at the financial statement date and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Recorded liabilities have not been discounted. Environmental compliance and legal costs are expensed as incurred. Assets related to the reimbursement of amounts expended for environmental expenses are recognized only when realization is probable.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met:

Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists—Sales arrangements are supported by written or electronic documentation or evidence from a customer.

Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered—Revenue is recognized when title transfers and risk and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer. This generally occurs upon shipment of our product with “FOB Shipping Point” terms. Shipments with “FOB Destination” terms are recorded as revenue when products are delivered to the customer. Customers are responsible for payment even if the product is not sold to their end customer. Once shipping terms are met we have no continuing obligations or performance criteria requirements.

Fixed or determinable sales price—Sales are at fixed or established sales prices determined prior to the time the products are shipped with no customer cancellation, price protection or termination clauses.

Collectibility is reasonably assured—Based on our credit management policies, we generally believe collectibility is reasonably assured when product is shipped to a customer. Provisions for uncollectible accounts and return allowances are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on our historical experience.

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

We incur shipping, handling and other related costs for the shipment of goods to customers. These costs are recognized in the period in which the expenses occur and are classified as cost of goods sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping, handling and related costs are reported as a component of net sales.

Warranty Obligations

We record a liability on our consolidated balance sheet for costs related to certain warranties we provide with the sales of our products. This liability is estimated through historical customer claims, product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. The provision for income taxes is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in net deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and are related to developing new products and to improving existing products or processes. These costs primarily include salaries, consulting, supplies, legal costs related to patents and design costs. We incurred research and development costs of $2.5 million, $2.2 million, and $3 million for the years ended January 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and foreign currency forward exchange contracts. We place our cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions. Deposits held with financial institutions may exceed regulatory limits in countries in which we operate.

Accounts receivable are with a large number of customers, primarily equipment manufacturers and dealers, dispersed across a wide geographic base. We extend credit based on credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Our largest single customer accounts for 7% of our consolidated net sales. Our consolidated net sales to all original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are approximately 40% of total net sales. This percentage is consistent with recent years. Allowances are maintained for potential credit losses when deemed necessary. We determine these allowances by evaluating the aging of our receivables; analyzing our history of sales adjustments; and reviewing our high-risk customers. Past due receivable balances are written-off when our internal collection efforts have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due.

See Note 18 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” for discussion of foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 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. We base our

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

estimates on our historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments made by our management include matters such as obsolete inventory reserves, realizability of deferred income tax assets, realizability of goodwill and long-lived assets, share based compensation and benefit plan assumptions and future costs of environmental matters.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects potential dilution that could occur if stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARS) or unvested restricted stock were exercised or converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Currently there are no significant prospective accounting pronouncements that are expected to have an impact on us.

Note 3—Segment Information

Our operating units have several economic characteristics and attributes, including similar products, distribution patterns and classes of customers. As a result, we aggregate our operating units into four geographic operating segments related to the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of material handling load engagement products. We evaluate the performance of each of our operating segments based on income before interest, miscellaneous income/expense and income taxes. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of accounting policies.

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3—Segment Information (Continued)

 

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

 

     Year Ended January 31  

2011

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific      China      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 206,079      $ 88,124      $ 59,676       $ 55,979       $      $ 409,858   

Transfers between areas

     24,611        525        128         23,517         (48,781       
                                                  

Net sales and transfers

   $ 230,690      $ 88,649      $ 59,804       $ 79,496       $ (48,781   $ 409,858   
                                                  

Gross profit

   $ 69,828      $ 12,086      $ 14,007       $ 26,767         $ 122,688   

Selling and administrative

     43,785        17,932        9,538         4,942           76,197   

Australia flood costs

                   2,978                   2,978   

European restructuring costs

            1,237                          1,237   
                                            

Operating income (loss)

   $ 26,043      $ (7,083   $ 1,491       $ 21,825         $ 42,276   
                                            

Total assets

   $ 179,331      $ 77,032      $ 41,106       $ 61,710         $ 359,179   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 28,956      $ 10,563      $ 9,162       $ 18,297         $ 66,978   

Capital expenditures

   $ 3,021      $ 361      $ 1,278       $ 1,387         $ 6,047   

Depreciation expense

   $ 5,169      $ 2,043      $ 633       $ 2,135         $ 9,980   

2010

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific      China      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 154,654      $ 81,068      $ 44,102       $ 34,529       $      $ 314,353   

Transfers between areas

     15,086        3,648        147         10,549         (29,430       
                                                  

Net sales and transfers

   $ 169,740      $ 84,716      $ 44,249       $ 45,078       $ (29,430   $ 314,353   
                                                  

Gross profit (loss)

   $ 48,807      $ (5,305   $ 11,277       $ 16,291         $ 71,070   

Selling and administrative

     41,251        19,695        7,487         4,130           72,563   

European restructuring costs

            30,001                          30,001   
                                            

Operating income (loss)

   $ 7,556      $ (55,001   $ 3,790       $ 12,161         $ (31,494
                                            

Total assets

   $ 174,419      $ 83,515      $ 36,040       $ 47,957         $ 341,931   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 30,714      $ 14,583      $ 9,631       $ 18,480         $ 73,408   

Capital expenditures

   $ 1,878      $ 2,678      $ 581       $ 797         $ 5,934   

Depreciation expense

   $ 5,630      $ 3,745      $ 564       $ 1,954         $ 11,893   

2009

   North America     Europe     Asia Pacific      China      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 257,077      $ 167,955      $ 68,466       $ 40,674       $      $ 534,172   

Transfers between areas

     29,083        1,686        355         23,219         (54,343       
                                                  

Net sales and transfers

   $ 286,160      $ 169,641      $ 68,821       $ 63,893       $ (54,343   $ 534,172   
                                                  

Gross profit

   $ 87,924      $ 25,253      $ 16,363       $ 19,008         $ 148,548   

Selling and administrative

     47,850        26,554        9,087         4,660           88,151   

European restructuring costs

            2,544                          2,544   

Asset impairment charge

     46,376                                 46,376   
                                            

Operating (loss) income

   $ (6,302   $ (3,845   $ 7,276       $ 14,348         $ 11,477   
                                            

Total assets

   $ 180,782      $ 117,199      $ 41,698       $ 57,904         $ 397,583   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 33,614      $ 31,530      $ 9,033       $ 19,649         $ 93,826   

Capital expenditures

   $ 6,646      $ 4,415      $ 2,796       $ 2,852         $ 16,709   

Depreciation expense

   $ 6,388      $ 5,107      $ 481       $ 1,825         $ 13,801   

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 3—Segment Information (Continued)

 

The following table represents sales by place of destination:

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (In thousands)  

United States

   $ 178,259       $ 133,249       $ 221,363   

Europe, excluding United Kingdom

     59,495         62,248         132,141   

China

     51,523         32,621         38,733   

Japan

     24,236         16,490         28,613   

United Kingdom

     17,821         15,474         27,894   

Australia/New Zealand

     22,141         18,113         25,220   

Canada

     17,934         14,236         23,660   

Other countries (less than 5% of total sales individually)

     38,449         21,922         36,548   
                          
   $ 409,858       $ 314,353       $ 534,172   
                          

The following table represents the value of long-lived assets including property, plant and equipment (net), goodwill, intangible assets (net) and other long-term assets by the country in which they are located:

 

     January 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (In thousands)  

United States

   $ 28,622       $ 30,853   

Canada

     79,350         74,468   

China

     18,299         18,481   

Italy

     12,021         13,497   

Japan

     9,673         8,473   

Other countries (less than 5% of total long-lived assets individually)

     11,252         14,871   
                 
   $ 159,217       $ 160,643   
                 

Note 4—Inventories

During fiscal 2011, inventories increased due to additional product needed to meet increased customer demand and fluctuations in foreign currencies. Inventories stated at the lower of average cost or market are presented below by major class (in thousands):

 

     January 31,  
     2011      2010  

Finished goods

   $ 24,933       $ 24,573   

Raw materials and components

     42,108         38,893   
                 
   $ 67,041       $ 63,466   
                 

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 5—Property, Plant and Equipment

During fiscal 2011, property, plant and equipment decreased primarily due to depreciation expense and fixed asset write downs as a result of floods in Australia and our European restructuring activities. This was offset by increases to fixed assets due to acquisitions and fluctuations in foreign currencies.

 

     January 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Land

   $ 7,399      $ 7,360   

Buildings

     39,904        39,869   

Machinery and equipment

     160,206        161,493   
                
     207,509        208,722   

Accumulated depreciation

     (140,531     (135,314
                
   $ 66,978      $ 73,408   
                

Note 6—Goodwill

Goodwill

The following table provides a breakdown of goodwill activity by reporting unit for the two years ended January 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     North America      Europe     Asia Pacific     Total  

Balance at January 31, 2009

   $ 61,316       $ 10,040      $ 3,031      $ 74,387   

Foreign exchange impact

     8,943         852        (60     9,735   
                                 

Balance at January 31, 2010

     70,259         10,892        2,971        84,122   

Foreign exchange impact

     4,729         (116     (27     4,586   
                                 

Balance at January 31, 2011

   $ 74,988       $ 10,776      $ 2,944      $ 88,708   
                                 

During fiscal 2009, we determined that the carrying value of goodwill and long-lived assets in our North American construction business exceeded the estimated fair value resulting in a $46 million impairment charge. All of the goodwill related to our construction business was written off as a result of the significant downturn throughout the construction industry. The components of the fiscal 2009 impairment charge include the following (in thousands):

 

Goodwill

   $  29,157   

Customer relationships

     13,269   

Intellectual property

     3,950   
        
   $ 46,376   
        

 

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Table of Contents

Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 7—Warranty Obligations

Our warranty obligations, which are recorded in other accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet, are as follows:

 

     January 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Beginning obligation

   $ 1,348      $ 1,312   

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

     1,773        1,981   

Accruals for pre-existing warranties

     30        682   

Settlements during the period

     (1,849     (2,709

Foreign currency changes

     37        82   
                

Ending obligation

   $ 1,339      $ 1,348   
                

Note 8—Debt

 

     January 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Revolving line of credit, variable interest payable of 2.1% and 2.8% at January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, principal payable in March 2012; collateralized by substantially all of our assets

   $ 38,500      $ 52,500   

Note payable, interest at 2.4% at January 31, 2011 and 2010; principal payable monthly through fiscal 2018; collateralized by land and a building

     3,837        3,989   
                
     42,337        56,489   

Less current portion

     (548     (499
                

Long-term debt

   $ 41,789      $ 55,990   
                

Borrowing arrangements currently in place with commercial banks provide available lines of credit totaling $115 million, of which approximately $40 million was being used at January 31, 2011 through outstanding debt and the issuance of letters of credit, thus resulting in available borrowings of $75 million. Amounts under the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin between 1.25% and 2.75%, based on our consolidated leverage ratio. As of January 31, 2011, the interest rate was LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% and commitment fees on unused amounts are 0.3%.

In October 2010, we entered into an amendment of our loan agreement with Bank of America and Union Bank. The amendment (i) decreases the interest rate on the loan by 25 basis points to a range from 1.25% to 2.75% over LIBOR, and (ii) decreases the commitment fee on the loan by 5 basis points to a range from 0.25% to 0.45%, with the actual rate within each range to be determined based on our consolidated leverage ratio.

In July 2009, we entered into an amendment of our loan agreement with Bank of America and Union Bank. The loan amendment (i) granted the lenders a security interest in substantially all of our assets and (ii) modified certain debt covenant ratios by lowering the amount of capital asset expenditures deducted when calculating the ratios and excluded cash restructuring costs, which provided us with flexibility to pursue our European restructuring activities without violating our loan covenants.

We were in compliance with our debt covenants at January 31, 2011.

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 8—Debt (Continued)

 

Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended January 31

      

2012

   $ 548   

2013

     39,048   

2014

     548   

2015

     548   

2016

     548   

Thereafter

     1,097   
        
   $ 42,337   
        

Borrowings under notes payable to banks, which includes bank overdrafts and short-term lines of credit, were $2.9 million at January 31, 2010. The average interest rate on these notes was 5.7% at January 31, 2010. There were no borrowings as of January 31, 2011.

Note 9—Income Taxes

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of:

      

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 3,073      $ 602      $ 6,603   

State

     359        75        578   

Foreign

     11,639        2,941        11,180   
                        
     15,071        3,618        18,361   
                        

Deferred:

      

Federal

     4,807        1,137        (13,973

State

     106        35        (1,118

Foreign

     (1,855     361        (146
                        
     3,058        1,533        (15,237
                        

Total provision for income taxes

   $ 18,129      $ 5,151      $ 3,124   
                        

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes was as follows:

      

United States

   $ 13,819      $ (216   $ (22,770

Foreign

     25,716        (33,282     27,161   
                        
   $ 39,535      $ (33,498   $ 4,391   
                        

A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:

      

Federal statutory rate

   $ 13,837      $ (11,724   $ 1,537   

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

     334        753        (790

Foreign tax rate differential

     (4,224     3,284        (1,670

Federal tax on foreign distributions/income, net of foreign tax credits

     1,446        637        (618

Change in valuation allowance

     5,904        10,803        2,618   

Nondeductible/nontaxable items

     462        776        127   

Other

     370        243        149   

Prior year foreign tax credit

            379        (676

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

                   2,447   
                        
   $ 18,129      $ 5,151      $ 3,124   
                        

Effective tax rate

     45.9     (15.4 %)      71.1

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 9—Income Taxes (Continued)

 

The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):

 

     January 31,  
     2011     2010  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Accruals

   $ 4,629      $ 4,421   

Environmental

     1,582        1,909   

Employee benefits

     7,028        7,814   

Tax credits

     2,587        4,439   

Foreign net operating losses

     33,703        22,011   

Goodwill and intangible assets

     8,832        10,018   

Other

     1,003        574   
                
     59,364        51,186   

Less: Valuation allowance

     (33,433     (22,011
                
     25,931        29,175   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Depreciation

     (4,946     (5,021

Cumulative translation adjustment

     (3,620     (3,533

Other

     (210     (208
                
     (8,776     (8,762
                

Total net deferred tax asset

   $ 17,155      $ 20,413   
                

The net deferred tax asset is presented in our consolidated balance sheets as follows (in thousands):

 

     January 31,  
     2011     2010  

Deferred income taxes—current asset

   $ 5,001      $ 4,230   

Deferred income taxes—long-term asset

     16,606        21,022   

Deferred income taxes—long-term liability

     (4,452     (4,839
                
   $ 17,155      $ 20,413   
                

In assessing the realizability of our existing deferred tax assets, we consider on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis whether it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. As part of this evaluation, we consider all available positive evidence including projected future taxable income, scheduled reversals of existing deferred tax liabilities, taxable income in prior carryback years to the extent permitted under the tax law and available tax planning strategies. Based on all available positive evidence, we believe we will be able to generate sufficient taxable income to realize our existing deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, related to foreign net operating losses. Changes in our operations due to market conditions could require the recording of additional valuation allowances in the future. It is reasonably possible that a change to the valuation allowance in the next year could be material.

 

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Cascade Corporation

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 9—Income Taxes (Continued)

 

The increase in the valuation allowance in fiscal 2011 is due to losses incurred in Europe. The change in the valuation allowance for each year is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended January 31  
     2011     2010  

Beginning of year valuation allowance

   $ 22,011      $ 12,444   

Additional valuation allowance related to foreign net operating losses

     5,904        10,803   

Increase offset by change in deferred tax assets

     5,765          

Foreign currency changes

     (247     (1,236
                

End of year valuation allowance

   $ 33,433      $ 22,011   
                

As of January 31, 2011, we provide for a full valuation allowance on all net operating losses generated in the following jurisdictions as management has determined that it is not more-likely-than-not that we would realize these deferred tax assets in the foreseeable future (in thousands):

 

                   Deferred Tax Asset Summary  
     Net Operating Loss
Expiration Date
     Net
Operating
Losses
     Deferred
Tax Asset
Recorded
     Valuation
Allowance
    Net Deferred
Tax Asset
 

Germany

     None       $ 40,408       $ 12,216       $ (12,216   $   

The Netherlands

     2012-2019         43,405         10,851         (10,851       

France

     None         13,734         4,577         (4,577       

Italy

     2015-2016         11,903         3,274         (3,274       

United Kingdom

     None         5,420         1,517         (1,517       

Sweden

     None         3,395         <