ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
The following is a discussion of the historical results of operations and
financial condition of the Company and factors affecting the Company's financial
resources. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed
consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, set forth herein
under "Financial Statements" and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended January 2, 2009.
This report includes certain financial measures computed using non-Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("non-GAAP") components as defined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Specifically, net sales, comparisons
to the prior corresponding period, both worldwide and in relevant geographic
segments, are discussed in this report both on a Generally Accepted Accounting
Principle ("GAAP") basis and excluding acquisitions and foreign exchange and
copper price effects ("non-GAAP"). The Company believes that by reporting
organic growth excluding the impact of acquisitions, foreign exchange and copper
prices, both management and investors are provided with meaningful supplemental
information to understand and analyze the Company's underlying sales.
Non-GAAP financial measures provide insight into selected financial
information and should be evaluated in the context in which they are presented.
These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and
should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial
information presented in compliance with GAAP, and non-financial measures as
reported by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts
reported by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures should be
considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including
the related notes, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this report.
Management does not use these non-GAAP financial measures for any purpose other
than the reasons stated above.
Acquisition of Businesses
In August of 2008, the Company acquired the assets and operations of QSN
Industries, Inc. ("QSN") and all of the outstanding shares of Quality Screw de
Mexico SA ("QSM"). QSN is based near Chicago, Illinois and QSM is based in
Aguascalientes, Mexico. In the fiscal month of September 2008, the Company
acquired all of the outstanding shares of Sofrasar SA ("Sofrasar") and
partnership interests and shares in Camille Gergen GmbH & Co, KG and Camille
Gergen Verwaltungs GmbH (collectively "Gergen") from the Gergen family and
management of the entities. Sofrasar is headquartered in Sarreguemines, France
and Gergen is based in Dillingen, Germany. In October of 2008, the Company
acquired all the assets and operations of World Class Wire & Cable Inc. ("World
Class"), a Waukesha, Wisconsin based distributor of electrical wire and cable.
The Company paid approximately $180.6 million in cash and assumed approximately
$17.4 million in debt for the five companies. As a result of these acquisitions,
sales were favorably affected in the 13 and 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009 by
$41.1 million and $86.4 million, respectively, while operating income was
negatively affected by $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
All of the acquisitions described herein were accounted for as purchases and
their respective results of operations are included in the condensed
consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition. Had these
acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the year of each acquisition, the
Company's operating results would not have been significantly different.
Financial Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
As a distributor, the Company's use of capital is largely for working capital
to support its revenue base. Capital commitments for property, plant and
equipment are limited to information technology assets, warehouse equipment,
office furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements, since the Company
operates almost entirely from leased facilities. Therefore, in any given
reporting period, the amount of cash consumed or generated by operations will
primarily be due to changes in working capital as a result of the rate of sales
increase or decrease.
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ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
In periods when sales are increasing, the expanded working capital needs will
be funded first by cash from operations, secondly from additional borrowings and
lastly from additional equity offerings. In periods when sales are decreasing,
the Company will have improved cash flows due to reduced working capital
requirements. During such periods, the Company will use the expanded cash flow
to reduce the amount of leverage in its capital structure until such time as the
outlook for improved economic conditions and growth are clear. Also, the Company
will, from time to time, issue or retire borrowings or equity in an effort to
maintain a cost-effective capital structure consistent with its anticipated
capital requirements.
Liquidity continues to be an area of intense focus throughout the investment
community and the Company believes it has a strong liquidity position,
sufficient to meet its liquidity requirements for the ensuing twelve months.
During the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009, the Company generated $259.6 million of
cash flow from operations which, along with $180.4 million of net proceeds from
the issuance of $200 million principal amount of 10% Senior Notes due 2014
("Notes due 2014"), was used to fund capital expenditures of $12.2 million and
reduce bank revolver and accounts receivable securitization borrowings by
$380.5 million. In the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009, the Company's debt-to-total
capital ratio was 46.9%, within our target range of 45% to 50%. Certain debt
agreements entered into by the Company's operating subsidiaries contain various
restrictions, including restrictions on payments to the Company. These
restrictions have not had, nor are expected to have, an adverse impact on the
Company's ability to meet its cash obligations. Subsequent to the second quarter
of 2009, the Company's primary operating subsidiary, Anixter Inc., amended its
revolving credit agreement and renewed its accounts receivable securitization
program. Based on the recently amended credit agreement, the Company has
approximately $309 million in available, committed, unused credit lines and only
$5 million of borrowings under the recently renewed $200 million accounts
receivable facility was outstanding as of July 3, 2009 as compared to
$195 million outstanding at the end of fiscal 2008.
While the Company's ongoing strategy remains consistent and focused on the
long term, the evolving macroeconomic environment continues to necessitate that
the Company focus on cost and working capital management as opposed to
concentrating primarily on sales and earnings growth. This continued shift in
emphasis recognizes that with appropriate working capital management to address
the slower economic environment, the Company's business can be a strong
generator of cash. The Company expects that global recession conditions will
persist for some portion or all of 2009 and anticipates that 2009 sales will be
less than those reported for 2008. As a result, the Company expects continued
strong cash flow which, combined with current cash balances and available credit
facilities, will provide more than ample liquidity to support the business
through 2009 and beyond.
Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities was $259.6 million in the 26 weeks
ended July 3, 2009 compared to $98.9 million in the corresponding period in
2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities reflects
$188.9 million of working capital reductions in the first half of 2009
associated with a decline in sales and lower copper prices.
Consolidated net cash used in investing activities decreased to $12.2 million
in the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009 from $17.1 million in the 26 weeks ended
June 27, 2008 primarily as a result of a decline in capital expenditures.
Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $25.0 million in 2009 as
the Company continues to invest in the consolidation of certain acquired
facilities in North America and Europe and invests in system upgrades and new
software to support its infrastructure and warehouse equipment.
Net cash used for financing activities was $199.9 million in the 26 weeks
ended July 3, 2009 compared to $75.1 million in the corresponding period in
2008. In the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009 the Company received net proceeds of
$180.4 million from the issuance of the Notes due 2014 (net of deferred
financing costs of $4.8 million associated with the offering). Using the
proceeds from the note offering together with cash generated from operations,
the Company reduced other borrowings by $380.5 million during the first half of
2009 (primarily short term borrowings). In the corresponding period in the prior
year, the Company increased borrowings by $20.0 million and repurchased
approximately 1.7 million of its outstanding common shares at a total cost of
$104.6 million. The first half of 2008 includes $5.8 million of cash from the
excess income tax benefit from employee stock incentive plans. Proceeds from the
issuance of common stock relating to the exercise of stock options were
$0.5 million in the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009 compared to $4.4 million in the
corresponding period in 2008.
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ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Financing
As of July 3, 2009 and January 2, 2009, the Company's short-term debt
outstanding was $23.6 million and $249.5 million, respectively, and the
Company's long-term debt outstanding was $897.3 million and $852.5 million,
respectively.
On March 11, 2009, the Company's primary operating subsidiary, Anixter Inc.,
completed the issuance of the Notes due 2014 which were priced at a discount to
par that resulted in a yield to maturity of 12%. The Notes due 2014 will pay
interest semiannually at a rate of 10% per annum and will mature on March 15,
2014. In addition, before March 15, 2012, Anixter Inc. may redeem up to 35% of
the Notes due 2014 at the redemption price of 110% of their principal amount
plus accrued interest, using the net cash proceeds from public sales of the
Company's stock. Net proceeds from this offering were approximately
$180.4 million after deducting discounts, commissions and expenses. The discount
associated with the issuance is being amortized through March 2014. Issuance
costs of approximately $4.8 million are being amortized through March 2014 using
the straight-line method. The Company fully and unconditionally guarantees the
Notes due 2014, which are unsecured obligations of Anixter Inc.
In May 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. APB 14-1, Accounting for
Convertible Debt Instruments that May be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion
(Including Partial Cash Settlement) ("FSP APB 14-1"). FSP APB 14-1 requires that
the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be
settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) be
separately accounted for in a manner that reflects an issuer's nonconvertible
debt borrowing rate. The FSP APB 14-1 requires bifurcation of a component of the
debt, classification of that component in equity and the accretion of the
resulting discount on the debt to be recognized as part of interest expense in
the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations. These provisions
impacted the accounting associated with the Company's Notes due 2013 which pay
interest semiannually at a rate of 1.00% per annum and the Company's Notes due
2033 which have an aggregate principal amount at maturity of $369.1 million. The
recognition and disclosure provisions of FSP APB 14-1 were effective for the
Company for the second fiscal quarter of 2009.
The effect of adopting FSP APB 14-1 has been included in the accompanying
condensed consolidated financial statements. FSP APB 14-1 requires retrospective
application to all periods presented. Accordingly, the Company recognized the
cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle on periods prior to
those presented herein as adjustments to assets, liabilities and equity with an
offsetting adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The condensed
consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statement
of cash flows for the 13 and 26 weeks ending June 27, 2008 were adjusted from
amounts previously reported to reflect the period specific effect of applying
the provisions of the FSP APB 14-1. The retrospective adoption of FSP APB 14-1
will result in a $12.5 million increase to annual interest expense from
previously reported amounts for fiscal 2008.
As a result of the adoption of FSP APB 14-1, interest expense increased for
the 13 and 26 weeks ended June 27, 2008 by $3.2 million and $6.2 million,
respectively, and the carrying amount of long-term debt decreased by
$65.0 million at January 2, 2009 from amounts previously reported. For further
information, see Note 1. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the
notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated interest expense was $17.3 million and $31.8 million in the 13
and 26 weeks ended July 3, 2009, respectively, as compared to $14.3 million and
$28.8 million in the corresponding periods in 2008. While interest rates on
approximately 97.2% of the Company's borrowings were fixed (either by their
terms or through hedging contracts) at the end of the first half of 2009, the
Company's weighted-average cost of borrowings increased to 6.8% in the 13 weeks
ended July 3, 2009 from 5.5% in the corresponding period in the prior year. The
Company's debt-to-total capitalization decreased to 46.9% at July 3, 2009 from
50.7% at January 2, 2009.
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ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Subsequent to the second quarter of 2009, Anixter Inc. amended its revolving
credit agreement and renewed its accounts receivable securitization program.
Based on the recently amended credit agreement, the Company has approximately
$309 million in available, committed, unused credit lines and only $5 million of
borrowings under the recently renewed $200 million accounts receivable facility
was outstanding as of July 3, 2009 as compared to $195 million outstanding at
the end of fiscal 2008. See Note 13. "Subsequent Events" in the notes to the
condensed consolidated financial statements for further information.
Second Quarter 2009 Results of Operations
Executive Overview
The Company competes with distributors and manufacturers who sell products
directly or through existing distribution channels to end users or other
resellers. The Company's relationship with the manufacturers for which it
distributes products could be affected by decisions made by these manufacturers
as the result of changes in management or ownership as well as other factors.
Although relationships with suppliers are good, the loss of a major supplier
could have a temporary adverse effect on the Company's business, but would not
have a lasting impact since comparable products are available from alternate
sources. For further information, see Item 1A "Risk Factors" in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2009.
Sales of $1,220.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 decreased
$396.2 million, or 24.5%, from $1,616.8 million in the same period in 2008.
After adjusting for $76.2 million of negative foreign exchange effects, an
estimated $50.7 million of negative copper prices effects and eliminating the
sales of $41.1 million associated with acquisitions, the Company had an organic
sales decline of approximately 19.2%. All geographic segments, as well as all
end markets (enterprise cabling and security, electrical wire and cable and OEM
supply) reported year-on-year sales declines.
The recessionary economic conditions produced decelerating sales growth rates
through the third quarter of 2008 and negative growth in the last three fiscal
quarters. The Company experienced a very flat daily sales trend through the
first and second quarters of 2009. The resulting effect was that the Company did
not experience the normal sequential growth pattern from the first to the second
quarter. In fact, because of those very flat daily sales patterns, on a
sequential basis, sales were actually down from the first quarter of 2009 due to
the number of holidays in the second quarter as compared to the holiday-free
first quarter.
When the second quarter of 2009 sequential drop in sales is evaluated against
the second quarter of 2008, when the Company experienced a more traditional
pattern of sequential growth from the first to the second quarter, the result
was the largest negative sales comparison experienced since the current economic
downturn began. Further, and as expected, year-on-year sales comparisons for the
second quarter of 2009 were negatively affected by the strengthening of the U.S.
dollar and the substantial decline in spot market copper prices that has
occurred since the second quarter of 2008. While these negatives were partially
offset by sales from businesses acquired in the second half of 2008,
collectively these three factors combined to account, on a net basis, for about
6 percentage points of the reported 25 percentage point year-on-year decline in
sales.
The Company generated strong cash flow in the second quarter. As expected in
a period of economic softness, this was achieved through a combination of the
lower working capital requirements associated with further declines in sales,
both organic as well as the deflationary effects of lower copper prices, and
aggressive working capital management. The Company anticipates that it will
continue to generate solid cash flow through the balance of the year.
In response to the fact the Company did not experience a traditional
quarterly pattern of sales growth from the first to second quarter of 2009, the
Company undertook additional expense reduction actions that resulted in
$5.7 million of severance costs in the second quarter which are expected to
yield annualized savings of approximately $28.0 million. The savings associated
with these actions will be realized beginning in the second half of 2009 pending
the actual timing of departure of the affected employees. Operating expense
control remains a high priority, and as the year progresses, the Company will
continue to evaluate activity levels and productivity to ensure its expense
structure is sized to meet the near-term realities of the economy while at the
same time balancing the Company's short term objectives with its longer term
strategies and programs.
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ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
The Company recorded a $100.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge
related to its European operations. The impairment charge is due to continued
operating losses during the quarter and a reduction in the projected future cash
flows from this operating segment based on the Company's forecast of a weaker
European economy. Primarily as a result of the impairment charge, an organic
sales decline, lower gross profit dollars as a result of lower copper prices, as
well as a 110 basis point decline in gross margins (due to an unfavorable sales
mix) offset by a 10.3% reduction in operating expenses, operating income
decreased from $121.8 million in the year ago quarter to an operating loss of
$58.7 million in the second quarter of 2009. As a result of lower sales and
gross margins as well as the impairment charge of $100.0 million in Europe,
operating margins were negative 4.8% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to
7.5% in the second quarter of 2008. The impairment charge reduced operating
margins by 8.2% in the second quarter.
The Company's net loss in the second quarter of 2009 was $89.8 million, or
$2.53 per diluted share, compared to net income of $65.0 million, or $1.66 per
diluted share, in the prior year period. The impairment charge of $100.0
represented a loss per share of $2.82 in the second quarter of 2009. The current
quarter's fully diluted net loss per share benefited from an approximately 9
percent drop in the fully diluted share count, as the net loss results in common
stock equivalents and convertible bonds being anti-dilutive.
The Company's operating results can be affected by changes in prices of
commodities, primarily copper, which are components in some of the products
sold. Generally, as the costs of current inventory purchases increase due to
higher commodity prices, the Company's mark-up percentage to customers remains
relatively constant, resulting in higher sales revenue and gross profit. In
addition, existing inventory purchased at previously lower prices and sold as
prices increase results in a higher gross profit margin. Conversely, a decrease
in commodity prices in a short period of time would have the opposite effect,
negatively affecting financial results. Importantly, however, there is no exact
measure of the effect of higher copper prices, as there are thousands of
transactions in any given quarter, each of which has various factors involved in
the individual pricing decisions. Therefore, all references to the effect of
copper prices are estimates. From 2005 through the third quarter of 2008, the
Company's financial performance has benefited from historically high copper
prices. However, during the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing through the
second quarter of 2009, copper prices have declined from the historically high
prices over the past three years. Market-based copper prices averaged
approximately $2.15 per pound during the second quarter of 2009 compared to
$3.80 per pound in the second quarter of 2008. As a result, sales and operating
income were unfavorably affected by $50.7 million and $10.8 million,
respectively.