Clarion Technologies, Inc. Form 10-Q

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]     QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 25, 2004

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

For the transition period from _________ to _______

Commission file number 0-24690

CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
91-1407411
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

38 W. Fulton, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
(Address of principal executive offices)

Issuer’s telephone number: (616) 454-0055

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. [X] Yes [__] No

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

Act). [__] Yes [X] No

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock was 45,270,204 as of November 11, 2004.


INDEX

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1

Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 1
(a)     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(b)     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(c)     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(d)     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1
3
4
4

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 13

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures 14

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
14

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings 14
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 14
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 14
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 14
Item 5. Other Information 14
Item 6. Exhibits 14

Signatures
15

EXHIBITS
16

i


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)

Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended


September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003




Net sales     $ 30,592   $ 26,136   $ 88,313   $ 73,800  
Cost of sales    27,677    22,867    78,245    63,754  




     Gross profit    2,915    3,269    10,068    10,046  
   
Operating expenses:  
   Selling, general and administrative expenses    1,658    1,756    5,350    5,424  
   Restructuring and impairment (credits) expense    887  -    770  (207 )




     2,545    1,756    6,120    5,217  




     Operating income    370    1,513    3,948    4,829  
   
Interest expense    (1,119 )  (1,041 )  (3,359 )  (3,023 )
Stock issued for services rendered    -    (373 )  -    (373 )
Gain on extinguishment of debt    -    332    -    332  
Other income (expense), net    2    (7 )  (31 )  15  




     Income (loss) before income taxes    (747 )  424    558    1,780  
   
Provision for income taxes    -    -    -    -  




     Net income (loss)   $ (747 ) $ 424   $ 558   $ 1,780  




Net loss attributable to common shareholders   $ (3,436 ) $ (1,659 ) $ (6,639 ) $ (4,293 )




Average shares outstanding (basic and diluted)    45,242    44,869    45,184    44,506  




Loss per share attributable to common shareholders (basic and diluted)   $ (.08 ) $ (.04 ) $ (.15 ) $ (.10 )




See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

September 25, 2004 December 27, 2003


(UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
ASSETS            
Current assets:  
     Cash and cash equivalents   $ 62   $ 107  
     Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $145 and $160    14,235    10,090  
     Inventories    4,228    4,553  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets    285    668  


         Total current assets    18,810    15,418  
   
Property, plant and equipment, net    24,766    26,699  
   
Other assets:  
     Goodwill    24,521    24,521  
     Deferred program costs, net of accumulated amortization of $2,447 and $2,065    181    736  
     Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $612 and $535    291    315  
    Other long-term assets    14    14  


     25,007    25,586  


    $ 68,583   $ 67,703  


   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT  
Current liabilities:  
     Revolving line of credit   $ 5,400   $ 7,051  
     Accounts payable    15,639    10,876  
     Accrued liabilities    1,963    3,653  
     Mandatorily redeemable common stock    2,550    2,550  
     Current portion of long-term debt    5,988    4,292  


         Total current liabilities    31,540    28,422  
   
Long-term debt, net of current portion    20,581    25,307  
Accrued dividends    19,816    13,297  
Accrued interest    3,764    1,947  
Other liabilities    80    52  


         Total liabilities    75,781    69,025  
   
Redeemable Series A preferred stock    36,161    35,556  
Redeemable Series B preferred stock    19,126    19,052  
   
Shareholders' deficit:  
     Common stock    45    45  
     Additional paid-in capital    33,613    34,107  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (42 )  (16 )
     Accumulated deficit    (96,101 )  (90,066 )


         Total shareholders' deficit    (62,485 )  (55,930 )


    $ 68,583   $ 67,703  


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended

September 25, 2004 September 27, 2003


OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
     Net income   $ 558   $ 1,780  
     Depreciation and amortization    3,026    3,356  
     Restructuring and impairment (credits) expense    770  (207 )
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities    1,661    (295 )
     Stock issued for services rendered    -    373  
     Other, net    166    13  


         Cash provided by operating activities    6,181    5,020  
   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
     Capital expenditures    (2,302 )  (2,466 )
     Proceeds from sale of building    1,006    -  
     Proceeds from note receivable    -    739  
     Other    -    19  


         Cash used in investing activities    (1,296 )  (1,708 )
   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
     Net change in revolving credit borrowings    (1,651 )  (1,039 )
     Payment of deferred financing costs    (53 )  (331 )
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt    1,560    13,314  
     Repayments of long-term debt    (4,819 )  (15,198 )
     Proceeds from issuance of capital stock    33    21  


         Cash used in financing activities    (4,930 )  (3,233 )


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS    (45 )  79  
   
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR    107    41  


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD   $ 62   $ 120  


SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:  
       Interest paid   $ 1,000   $ 1,118  
       Income taxes paid    -    -  
       Capital lease obligations incurred    30    9  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1. OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Clarion Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Clarion” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and other adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

The Company has classified checks disbursed but not yet presented for payment as accounts payable. The amounts at September 25, 2004, and December 27, 2003, were $2,031,000 and $1,032,000, respectively.

The Company operates in a single geographic location, North America, and in a single reportable business segment, plastic injection molding. The accounting policies of this reportable business segment are described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS:

Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003




Numerator (in thousands):                    
   Net income   $ (747 ) $ 424   $ 558   $ 1,780  
   Preferred stock dividends accrued    (2,461 )  (1,876 )  (6,519 )  (5,462 )
   Accretion of preferred stock to mandatory  
     redemption value    (228 )  (207 )  (678 )  (611 )




   Net loss attributable to common  
      shareholders   $ (3,436 ) $ (1,659 ) $ (6,639 ) $ (4,293 )




Denominator:  
   Weighted-average shares outstanding for  
     basic and diluted EPS    45,242,498    44,868,743    45,183,912    44,506,024  




The denominator for computation of diluted EPS is the same as basic EPS for all periods presented because the assumed exercise of all common stock equivalents is antidilutive as a result of the net loss attributable to common shareholders incurred during each period.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based employee and non-employee Director compensation using the intrinsic value method under APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recorded if the current market price of the underlying stock does not exceed the exercise price at the date of grant.

4


The following table (in thousands, except per share data) illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share attributable to common shareholders as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123), to stock-based employee compensation and non-employee Director compensation.

Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003




Net loss attributable to common shareholders   $ (3,436 ) $ (1,659 ) $ (6,639 ) $ (4,293 )
   
   Deduct: Total stock-based compensation  
     expense determined under fair value based  
     method for allawards    23    84    104    292  

   Pro forma net loss attributable to   
      common shareholders   $ (3,459 ) $ (1,743 ) $ (6,743 ) $ (4,585 )

Earnings per share:  
   
   Basic and diluted, as reported   $ (0.08 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.10 )

   Basic and diluted, pro forma   $ (0.08 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.10 )

For purposes of the SFAS 123 pro forma disclosures, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:

2004
2003
Dividend yield     0.0     0.0    
Volatility, as a percent   54% to 64%   83% to 124%  
Risk-free interest rate   4.7% to 5.3%   4.5% to 4.9%  
Expected life in years after vest   9   9  
Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur  

5


Comprehensive Income

The Company’s total comprehensive income is comprised of all changes in shareholders’ deficit during the period other than from transactions with shareholders. Comprehensive income consists of the following (in thousands):

Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003




Net income   $ (747 ) $ 424   $ 558   $ 1,780  
   
   Other comprehensive   
     income (loss):  
     Market valuation   
     adjustment of interest rate   
     swap, net of tax    (118 )  98    (26 )  (95 )

   Comprehensive income   $ (865 ) $ 522   $ 532   $ 1,685  

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

The Company is exposed to various market risks, which include changes in interest rates. In accordance with the terms of the Senior Credit Agreement discussed in Note 5, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its term note and revolving credit facility. Interest rate swap agreements are contracts to exchange floating rates for fixed rate interest payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amounts of interest rate swap agreements are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The differential paid or received on interest rate swap agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

As amended, the interest rate swap agreement essentially fixes the interest rate on an initial notional amount of principal of $14,000,000, which decreases with each monthly settlement at a rate corresponding to the Company’s actual principal payments on the term debt (a notional amount of $13,530,000 at September 25, 2004). The interest rate swap agreement expires in 2008, and management currently has no intent to renew the agreement or enter into similar agreements in the near future. The fair value of the swap agreement at September 25, 2004 was approximately $(42,000) and is recorded as a long-term liability on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the swap agreement are reported as a component of other comprehensive income.

The counterparty to the Company’s interest rate swap agreement is a commercial bank with which the Company has other financial relationships. While the Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparty, and no material loss would be expected from such nonperformance. Fluctuations in interest rates are similarly not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s future operating results.

The Company has formally documented the relationship between the interest rate swap and the variable rate long-term borrowings, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking the derivative that has been designated as a cash flow hedge to the specific liability on the balance sheet. The Company also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative used in the hedging transaction is highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If the Company determines that the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

6


Reclassifications

Certain amounts previously reported in prior fiscal years in the condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company have been reclassified to conform with the presentation of the current quarter. In particular, interest on the Company’s senior subordinated debt, as well as dividends on the Company’s preferred stock, which, in each case, are accrued and compounded and become payable upon maturity of the debt and preferred stock, respectively, have been reclassified as long-term liabilities rather than short-term liabilities.

2. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

September 25,
2004
December 27,
2003


Raw materials     $ 2,059   $ 2,098  
Work in process    654    708  
Finished goods    1,515    1,747  


Total   $ 4,228   $ 4,553  


3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

In June 2004, the Company sold one of its Greenville, Michigan facilities for $1,000,000 and subsequently leased it back for a term of two years. The sale resulted in a loss of $164,000, which was recognized in the second quarter of 2004. The subsequent lease is classified as an operating lease. Accordingly, rent expense will be recognized over the life of the lease agreement.

In September 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year operating lease for an additional manufacturing location in Ames, Iowa. The facility contains approximately 124,000 of industrial manufacturing square footage, and will accommodate additional business obtained from customers in the consumer goods and appliance market. The additional business is expected to begin production over the next several months. The lease includes optional renewal terms extending through September 2024.

The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under capital and operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of September 25, 2004 (in thousands):

Fiscal year ended Capital Operating



2005     $ 153   $ 928  
2006    147    965  
2007    41    971  
2008    7    883  
2009    4    820  
2010 and thereafter    -    4,665  


Total minimum lease payments    352   $ 9,232  

Less amounts representing interest    (36 )

Present value of minimum lease payments   $ 316  

4. RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT CREDITS

In March 2003, management determined that the Company’s Greenville, Michigan facility would not be closed as planned due to the need for additional manufacturing capacity to accommodate increased orders from a significant customer. Accordingly, the remaining reserve of $207,000 associated with this anticipated sale was reversed in the first quarter of 2003. In June 2004, management determined that two leases related to machines at the former Montpelier, Ohio facility would not result in any additional expense for the Company. Accordingly, the related liability of $117,000 for these expected termination expenses was reversed in the second quarter of 2004.

7


As part of the Company's consolidation efforts, the Company is considering reducing the number of facilities within Michigan and has entered negotiations with a potential buyer for one of its facilities. As a result of those negotiations, it is reasonably possible that the Company could dispose of one of its facilities. During this process, it was determined that an asset impairment charge in the amount of $887,000 was required in the third quarter of 2004 to adjust the net carrying value of this manufacturing facility to its estimated fair value.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following obligations (in thousands):

September 25,
2004
December 27,
2003


Senior credit facility:            
   Revolving credit facility   $ 5,400   $ 7,051  
   Term debt    11,533    12,133  
   Capital expenditure line of credit    -    1,442  
Senior and other subordinated term notes, net of  
   unaccreted discount of $685 and $871    9,315    9,129  
Other subordinated promissory notes    5,405    6,490  
Capital lease obligations    316    405  


     31,969    36,650  
Less current portion    11,388    11,343  


    $ 20,581   $ 25,307  


The Company amended its senior credit facility on April 23, 2004. As amended, the revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature on April 30, 2005, and allows for aggregate borrowings of $10,000,000 at the prime rate plus 0.50% or, at the Company’s option, one, two, three or six-month LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to certain borrowing base limitations related to accounts receivable and inventory. In addition, an unused facility fee of 0.375% per annum is payable on the unused portion of the credit line. The term debt matures on April 15, 2007 and bears interest at the prime rate plus 0.75% or, at the Company’s option, one month LIBOR plus 3.5% plus an applicable margin. All tangible and intangible assets of the Company are collateralized under the senior credit facility.

The Company’s senior subordinated term notes currently bear interest at an annual rate of 15%. Payments of interest are currently deferred and capitalized. On June 30, 2005, the interest rate is scheduled to be reduced to 12%, and the Company is required to begin remitting quarterly interest payments to the holders of the notes.

Other subordinated promissory notes are comprised primarily of a note due to Electrolux Home Products, a division of White Consolidated Industries, Inc. (Electrolux), and certain notes payable to the Company’s senior subordinated lender and certain affiliates (A&M Notes). The Electrolux note was outstanding in the amount of $1,500,000 as of September 25, 2004, and is paid in equal monthly installments. The Electrolux note will mature no later than September 30, 2005. The A&M Notes were outstanding in the amount of $2,758,000 as of September 25, 2004, and the payment of interest is currently deferred and capitalized. The A&M Notes mature on June 30, 2005.

The senior credit facility requires the Company’s subordinated debt holders and preferred shareholders to forego interest and dividend payments, respectively, unless approved by the bank. The senior credit facility and senior subordinated term notes also prohibit the payment of dividends on common stock.

On July 30, 2004, the Company amended its senior credit facility and obtained a $3,000,000 line of credit for capital expenditures. On June 30, 2005, the line converts to a term loan which matures on April 15, 2007.

Based on the contractual terms of all debt agreements (as amended), principal maturities and capital lease obligations for the twelve-month period ended September 25 are as follows: 2005 — $11,388,000; 2006 — $1,737,000; 2007 — $19,519,000; 2008 — $7,000; 2009 — $3,000.

8


Our Senior Credit Agreement and Senior Subordinated Debt Agreement contain numerous restrictive covenants, including covenants related to targets for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), fixed charge coverage ratios, senior and total debt to EBITDA ratios, total liabilities to tangible capital fund ratios, working capital levels, and limits on capital expenditures and operating leases. At September 25, 2004, the Company was in technical default with respect to one of these covenants and, therefore, the Company has obtained a waiver of that default. The Company expects to be in compliance going forward.

6. INCOME TAXES

At December 27, 2003, the Company had NOL carryforwards for federal income tax reporting purposes of approximately $55,800,000. The amount that can be utilized each year is fixed; however, annual limitation amounts not previously utilized carry over to subsequent years and can be utilized to the extent of the total unexpired NOL carryforward amount. The maximum amount that can be utilized in fiscal 2004 is limited to approximately $987,000. The $53,000,000 of pre-change of control net operating loss carryforwards expire as follows, if not previously utilized: $100,000 in 2019, $12,700,000 in 2020, $28,000,000 in 2021 and $12,200,000 in 2022. The remaining net operating loss carryforwards of $2,800,000 expire in 2023, if not previously utilized. As a result of these NOL carryforwards, the Company does not anticipate incurring any federal income tax liability in 2004.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business, including certain litigation involving claims alleging damages under various contractual arrangements. After taking into consideration legal counsel’s evaluation of these claims and actions, the Company is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or future results of operations and cash flows.

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

OVERVIEW

The following information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2003.

We are primarily a company that provides our customers with plastic injection molding, post-molding assembly and finishing operations. Through the outsourcing of certain services, we also provide our customers with complex rapid prototyping, design and engineering services. By outsourcing certain services, we can cost effectively provide the ability to produce concept models, appearance models, engineering prototypes and pre-production samples. We also provide certain of these services directly. We believe, therefore, that we provide our customers with full service solutions, including access to modern design and machining equipment, including CAD/CAM systems, translators and plotters, electrical discharge machining equipment and miscellaneous support equipment.

We have seven manufacturing facilities located in the United States that are full service custom injection molding plants with post-molding secondary operations. Our current facilities collectively house 170 horizontal injection-molding machines with capacities ranging from 55 tons to 1,500 tons of clamping force. Each machine utilizes a computerized process controller that continuously monitors key process parameters on a real time basis and signals the operator if any parameter falls outside predetermined statistical limits. The injection molding process is supported by automated systems for raw material drying, conveying and regrinding. All of our plants have received TS 16949 certification with the exception of our Iowa facilities, which began production in December 2003.

We offer our customers value added post-molding secondary services, including ultrasonic inserting and welding, heat staking, solvent bonding, finishing, machining, assembly and on-line packaging. These important services support customers’ requirements for subassembled components, which provide cost savings and manufacturing efficiencies.

9


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The table below summarizes the components of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net sales:

Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003
September 25,
2004
September 27,
2003




Net sales      100.0 %  100.0 %  100.0 %  100.0 %
Cost of sales    90.5 %  87.5 %  88.6 %  86.4 %




     Gross profit    9.5 %  12.5 %  11.4 %  13.6 %
Selling, general and administrative  
expenses    5.4 %  6.7 %  6.1 %  7.3 %
   
Restructuring and impairment (credits) expense    2.9 %  -    (0.9 %)  (0.2 %)




     Operating income    1.2 %  5.8 %  4.4 %  6.5 %
Interest expense    (3.7 %)  (5.4 %)  (3.8 %)  (4.6 %)
Gain on extinguishment of debt    1.3 %  0.4 %
Other income, net    -    -    -    -  




Income before income taxes    (2.5 %)  1.7 %  0.6 %  2.3 %
Provision for income taxes    -    -    -    -  




     Net income (loss)    (2.5 %)  1.7 %  0.6 %  2.3 %




Net sales

Net sales of $30,592,000 in the third quarter of 2004 were $4,456,000 (17.0%) higher than net sales of $26,136,000 in the third quarter of 2003. Net sales of $88,313,000 for the first nine months of 2004 were $14,513,000 (19.7%) higher than the comparable period of 2003. The increase is primarily driven by additional and new business from an existing major consumer goods customer ($10,470,000) along with business from a new consumer goods customer ($2,108,000). Netted against these increases was an overall net decrease in the automotive market ($3,483,000). In addition, $6,668,000 of revenue in the first nine months of 2004 was from tooling purchased by customers for new programs versus $1,091,000 in the same period of 2003. We outsource all production of tooling so this revenue results in minimal, if any, gross profit. Tooling projects will continue based on customer needs. We expect total revenue levels to continue to increase due to a long-term supply agreement with a major consumer goods customer and opportunities in our other core markets for new business that we are currently pursuing.

10


Gross profit

Gross profit, as a percentage of 2004 net sales, was 9.5% for the third quarter and 11.4% for the first nine months, compared to 12.5% and 13.6% in the corresponding periods of 2003. This decrease can primarily be attributed to additional tooling revenue in 2004, which generates minimal, if any, gross profit as a percent of net sales. For the remainder of 2004, we expect gross margins to remain level.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for the third quarter of 2004 decreased $98,000 or 0.7% to $1,658,000 from $1,756,000 for the same period in the prior year. SG&A decreased $73,000 or 1.3% to $5,350,000 for the first nine months of 2004, from $5,424,000 for the same period in 2003. SG&A decreased as a percentage of sales in the third quarter of 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003 and for the first nine months of 2004 as compared with the same period in 2003. We were able to decrease staffing and spending levels to better align with our business needs. Offsetting the decreases was commissions expense incurred in 2004 for business that was obtained in fourth quarter of 2003. Our near-term objective is to decrease SG&A as a percent of sales, even if the total expense increases to accommodate additional business.

Restructuring and impairment (credits) expense

In June 2004, the Company was informed that it would not incur any expenses for the termination of two leases of equipment associated with the former Montpelier, Ohio facility that was sold in May 2002. Accordingly, the related liability of $117,000 for these expected termination expenses was reversed in the second quarter of 2004.

In March 2003, management determined that our Greenville, Michigan facility would not be sold and would be returned to active use to provide additional manufacturing space to accommodate increased orders from a significant consumer goods customer. Accordingly, the remaining reserve of $207,000 associated with this anticipated sale was reversed in the first quarter of 2003.

As part of our consolidation efforts, we are considering reducing the number of facilities within Michigan and have entered negotiations with a potential buyer for one of our facilities. As a result of those negotiations, it is reasonably possible that we could dispose of one of our facilities. During this process, it was determined that an asset impairment charge in the amount of $887,000 was required in the third quarter of 2004 to adjust the net carrying value of this manufacturing facility to its estimated fair value.

Interest expense

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2004 was $1,119,000, an increase of $78,000 (7.5%) from the third quarter of 2003. Interest expense for the first nine months of 2004 was $3,359,000, an increase of $336,000 (11.1%) from the corresponding period of 2003. These increases are mainly due to the continued accrual and compounding of interest on subordinated debt.

Net income (loss)

We recorded net loss of $747,000 for the third quarter of 2004 and net income of $558,000 for the first nine months of 2004, compared to net income of $424,000 and $1,780,000 in the corresponding periods of 2003. The decrease in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2004 is primarily a result of decreased gross profit, increased interest expense, and impairment expense.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At September 25, 2004, we had negative working capital of $12,730,000 compared to negative $13,004,000 at December 27, 2003. The increase in working capital is mainly attributable to the increase in accounts receivable, a decrease in accrued liabilities and a decrease current portion of long-term debt resulting from the reclassification of accrued interest and dividends.

Our capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2004 were made to obtain additional machinery to accommodate new business.

11


In September 2004, the Company entered into a ten-year operating lease for an additional manufacturing location in Ames, Iowa. This lease increased the Company’s operating lease obligation as follows (in thousands):

Payments due by period





Total Less than
1 year
1-3 years 3-5 years More than
5 years






Operating lease obligations      9,232    928    1,936    1,703   $ 4,665  

On July 30, 2004, the Company amended its senior credit facility and obtained a $3,000,000 line of credit for capital expenditures. On June 30, 2005, the line converts to a term loan which matures on April 15, 2007.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

As discussed in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company’s ability to utilize NOL carryforwards has been limited due to a “change in ownership.” Due to this “change in ownership,” the Company’s ability to offset future tax liabilities with NOL carryforwards has been limited. Nevertheless, as a result of these NOL carryforwards, the Company does not anticipate incurring any federal income tax liability in 2004.

INFLATION

We do not believe that sales of our products are affected materially by inflation, although there can be no assurance that inflation will not affect sales in the future. We believe that our financial performance could be adversely affected by inflation in the plastic resin market. The primary plastic resins we use are produced from petrochemical feedstock mostly derived from natural gas liquids. Supply and demand cycles in the petrochemical industry, which are often impacted by OPEC policies, can cause substantial price fluctuations. Consequently, plastic resin prices may increase as a result of changes in natural gas liquid prices and the capacity, supply and demand for resin and petrochemical feedstock from which they are produced.

In many instances we have been able to pass through changes in the cost of our raw materials to customers in the form of price increases. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue such pass throughs, or that the timing of such pass throughs will coincide with our increased costs. To the extent that increases in the cost of plastic resin cannot be passed on to customers, or that the duration of time lags associated with a pass through becomes significant, such increases may have an adverse impact on gross profit margins and our overall profitability.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The statements contained in this document or incorporated by reference that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. In particular, any statement contained herein regarding the consummation and benefits of future acquisitions, as well as expectations with respect to future sales, operating efficiencies, and product expansion are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, include, among other things: overall economic and business conditions; the demand for our goods and services; competitive factors in the industries in which we compete; increases in production or material costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing; changes in government regulations; changes in tax requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations); interest rate fluctuations and other capital market conditions; the ability to achieve anticipated synergies and other cost savings in connection with acquisitions; and the timing, impact and other uncertainties of future acquisitions. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

12


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively fix the interest rate on approximately 77% of our term debt under the Senior Credit Agreement. Accordingly, our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates in connection with our outstanding variable rate short-term and long-term debt not affected by the swap agreement. Based on the balances and debt agreements in effect at September 25, 2004, an increase in interest rates of 1% could result in us incurring an additional $169,000 in annual interest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates of 1% could result in savings of $169,000 in annual interest expense. We do not expect this market risk exposure to have a material adverse effect on us. We do not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        (a)        Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act), have concluded that as of September 25, 2004, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

        (b)        Changes in Internal Controls. During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

13


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business, including litigation involving claims alleging damages under various contractual arrangements. After taking into consideration legal counsel’s evaluation of these claims and actions, the Company is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or future results of operations.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

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

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits (listed by number corresponding to the Exhibit Table as Item 601 in Regulation S-K) are filed with this report:

  10(gg) Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 9, 2004.

  10(hh) Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Subordinated Loan Agreement dated November 9, 2004.

  31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

  32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

14


SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.




Date: November 12, 2004
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


/s/ Edmund Walsh
——————————————
Edmund Walsh, Chief Financial Officer




15


EXHIBIT LIST

  10(gg) Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 9, 2004.

  10(hh) Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Senior Subordinated Loan Agreement dated November 9, 2004.

  31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  32.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

  32.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350).

16


EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

I, William Beckman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Clarion Technologies, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

  b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

  c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

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

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and




Date: November 12, 2004
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By: /s/ William Beckman
      ——————————————
      William Beckman
Its: Chief Executive Officer


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

I, Edmund Walsh, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Clarion Technologies, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

  b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

  c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

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

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting; and




Date: November 12, 2004
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By: /s/ Edmund Walsh
      ——————————————
      Edmund Walsh
Its: Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

        Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350):

        I, William Beckman Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc., certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) that:

        (1)        The quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 25, 2004, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and;

        (2)        The information contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 25, 2004, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Clarion Technologies, Inc.




Date: November 12, 2004
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By: /s/ William Beckman
      ——————————————
      William Beckman
Its: Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Clarion Technologies, Inc. and will be retained by Clarion Technologies, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

        Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350):

        I, Edmund Walsh, Chief Financial Officer of Clarion Technologies, Inc., certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350) that:

        (1)        The quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 25, 2004, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and;

        (2)        The information contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 25, 2004, fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Clarion Technologies, Inc.




Date: November 12, 2004
CLARION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


By: /s/ Edmund Walsh
      ——————————————
      Edmund Walsh
Its: Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Clarion Technologies, Inc. and will be retained by Clarion Technologies, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.