Note 1: Unaudited Information
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (the Company or AERT) has prepared the financial statements included herein without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, all adjustments have been made to the accompanying financial statements that are, in the opinion of the Company’s management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s operating results. With the exception of the adjustments to report the recapitalization transactions described in Note 8, all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. It is recommended that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K.
Note 2: Description of the Company
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., founded in 1988, recycles polyethylene plastic and develops, manufactures, and markets composite building materials that are used in place of traditional wood or plastic products for exterior applications in building and remodeling homes and for certain other industrial or commercial building purposes. The Company’s products are made primarily from approximately equal amounts of recycled polyethylene plastic, which has been cleaned, processed, and reformulated and waste wood fiber, which has been cleaned, sized and reprocessed utilizing our patented and proprietary technologies. The Company’s products have been extensively tested, and are sold by leading national companies such as BlueLinx Corporation (BlueLinx), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Lowe’s) and Therma-Tru Corporation. The Company’s products are primarily used in renovation and remodeling by consumers, homebuilders, and contractors as an exterior environmentally responsible (“Green”) building alternative for decking, railing, and trim products.
The Company currently manufactures all of its composite products at extrusion facilities in Springdale, Arkansas. The Company operates a plastic recycling, blending and storage facility in Lowell, Arkansas, where it also leases warehouses and land for inventory storage. In April 2011, the Company started a new Green Age recycling, cleaning and reformulation facility at Watts, Oklahoma. The marketing and sale of recycled plastic and filler resins to third parties commenced in late 2011 and is expected to increase in 2012.
The Company leases a warehouse in Westville, Oklahoma for inventory storage.
Note 3: Statements of Cash Flows
In order to determine net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net income has been adjusted by, among other things, changes in current assets and current liabilities, excluding changes in cash, current maturities of long-term debt and current notes payable. Those changes, shown as an (increase) decrease in current assets and an increase (decrease) in current liabilities, are as follows for the nine months ended September 30 (in thousands):
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Receivables
|
|
$ |
956 |
|
|
$ |
(730 |
) |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(2,926 |
) |
|
|
1,421 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Accounts payable – trade and related parties
|
|
|
(4,160 |
) |
|
|
396 |
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(946 |
) |
|
|
(5,791 |
) |
|
Changes in current assets and liabilities
|
|
$ |
(7,046 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,704 |
) |
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$ |
686 |
|
|
$ |
209 |
|
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Forgiven related party loan guaranty fees
|
|
|
731 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock transferred to equity
|
|
|
2,540 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
|
Accrued interest exchanged for equity/notes
|
|
|
2,237 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Accrued interest converted to long-term debt
|
|
|
882 |
|
|
|
2,025 |
|
|
Notes payable exchanged for equity
|
|
|
32,620 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Notes payable for financing insurance policies
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
673 |
|
|
Related party accounts payable exchanged for sale of fixed assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
Class A common stock issued in exchange for accrued liabilities
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Note payable for equipment
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Note 4: Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition Policy
The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, shipment has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price is determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company typically recognizes revenue at the time product is shipped or when segregated and billed under a bill and hold arrangement. Sales are recorded net of discounts, rebates and returns, which were $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012.
Estimates of expected sales discounts are calculated by applying the appropriate sales discount rate to all unpaid invoices that are eligible for the discount. The Company’s sales prices are determinable given that its sales discount rates are fixed and given the predictability with which customers take sales discounts.
Accrued Product Returns
Estimates of costs to refresh inventory are based on the original sales price of the product returned per store, the current rate of transportation to AERT’s facility in Springdale, Arkansas, costs for labor and repackaging materials, and costs to dispose of damaged product. Costs are reduced by the per pound cost of any damaged product that can be re-used in the manufacturing process.
An inventory refresh entails replacing existing deck boards at Lowe’s stores with newly designed product that is expected to enhance future sales. This is accounted for as an adjustment to revenue in the period in which the refresh agreement was reached. The replacement deck boards were accounted for as a sale in accordance with our revenue recognition policy. Product returns commenced in December 2011 and were completed in the third quarter of 2012.
Shipping and Handling
The Company records shipping fees billed to customers in net sales and records the related expenses in cost of goods sold.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Material, labor, and factory overhead necessary to produce the inventories are included at their cost. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
| |
|
December 31, 2011
|
|
|
September 30, 2012
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Parts and supplies
|
|
$ |
743 |
|
|
$ |
1,252 |
|
|
Raw materials
|
|
|
5,960 |
|
|
|
3,458 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
1,877 |
|
|
Finished goods
|
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
|
3,112 |
|
| |
|
$ |
11,120 |
|
|
$ |
9,699 |
|
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amounts less an estimated reserve for returns and discounts based on a review of historical rates of returns and expected discounts. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced, if needed, by a valuation allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management individually reviews all overdue accounts receivable balances and, based on an assessment of current creditworthiness, estimates the portion, if any, of the balance that will not be collected. Management provides for probable uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to an allowance account based on its assessment of the current status of the individual accounts. Balances, which remain outstanding after management uses reasonable collection efforts, are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to trade accounts receivable. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration Risk
The Company’s revenues are derived principally from national and regional building products distributors and BlueLinx, the Company’s primary decking customer. The ChoiceDek® brand of decking products sold to BlueLinx are in turn sold exclusively to Lowe’s. BlueLinx is also one of the Company’s MoistureShield® decking customers. The Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. The Company’s concentration in the building materials industry has the potential to impact its exposure to credit risk because changes in economic or other conditions in the construction industry may similarly affect the Company’s customers.
Note 5: Income Taxes
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, which are available to reduce future taxable income. If not utilized, the NOL carryforwards will expire between 2016 and 2030. In March 2011, H.I.G. AERT, LLC acquired a controlling interest in the Company, which will result in a significant restriction on the utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards. It is estimated that the utilization of future NOL carryforwards will be limited (per IRC 382) to approximately $0.8 million per year for the next 20 years. The impact of this limitation is approximately $30.0 million in NOL’s, which will expire before the Company can use them.
As there is insufficient evidence that the Company will be able to generate adequate future taxable income to enable it to realize its net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration, the Company maintains a valuation allowance to recognize its deferred tax assets only to the extent of its deferred tax liabilities.
Based upon a review of its income tax filing positions, the Company believes that its positions would be sustained upon an audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. The Company recognizes interest related to income taxes as interest expense and recognizes penalties as operating expense.
The Company is subject to routine audits by various taxing jurisdictions. The recent examination by the Internal Revenue Service of the Company’s 2010 federal tax return yielded changes that did not affect the tax that was reported on the return; therefore, the Service has accepted the return. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2009, except in the States of California and Texas, for which the 2008 tax year is still subject to examination.
Note 6: Earnings Per Share
The Company utilizes the two-class method for computing and presenting earnings per share. The Company currently has one class of common stock (the Common Stock) and one class of cumulative participating preferred stock, Series E (the Preferred Stock). Pursuant to the Series E Designation, holders of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to receive per share dividends equal to 6% per annum of the stated value of $1,000 per share of Series E Preferred Stock when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, holders of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to participate in any dividends declared on shares of the Company’s Common Stock on an as-converted basis. Therefore, the Preferred Stock is considered a participating security requiring the two-class method for the computation and presentation of net income per share – basic.
The two-class computation method for each period segregates basic earnings per common and participating share into two categories: distributed earnings per share (i.e., the Preferred Stock stated dividend) and undistributed earnings per share, which allocates earnings after subtracting the Preferred Stock dividend to the total of weighted average common shares outstanding plus equivalent converted common shares related to the Preferred Stock. Basic earnings per common and participating share exclude the effect of Common Stock equivalents, and are computed using the two-class computation method.
In computing diluted EPS, only potential common shares that are dilutive—those that reduce earnings per share or increase loss per share—are included. The exercise of options or conversion of convertible securities is not assumed if the result would be antidilutive, such as when a loss from continuing operations is reported. As a result, if there is a loss from continuing operations, diluted EPS would be computed in the same manner as basic EPS is computed, even if an entity has net income after adjusting for discontinued operations, an extraordinary item or the cumulative effect of an accounting change.
The following presents the two-class method for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012.
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
(in thousands, except share data)
| |
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
| |
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(971 |
) |
|
$ |
474 |
|
|
$ |
(518 |
) |
|
$ |
1,391 |
|
|
Preferred stock dividend
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
332 |
|
|
|
802 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
|
Income (loss) before dividends
|
|
|
(658 |
) |
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
2,374 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per common and participating share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributed earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
Preferred
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earned, unpaid dividends per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
|
|
$ |
15.26 |
|
|
$ |
16.20 |
|
|
$ |
39.05 |
|
|
$ |
47.88 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed earnings (loss) per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
Preferred
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
17.75 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
51.87 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total basic earnings (loss) per common and participating share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
Preferred
|
|
$ |
15.26 |
|
|
$ |
33.95 |
|
|
$ |
39.05 |
|
|
$ |
99.75 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic weighted average common shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common weighted average number of shares
|
|
|
89,429,437 |
|
|
|
89,631,162 |
|
|
|
78,379,744 |
|
|
|
89,631,162 |
|
|
Participating preferred shares - if converted
|
|
|
279,785,167 |
|
|
|
296,986,254 |
|
|
|
199,206,222 |
|
|
|
292,613,286 |
|
|
Total weighted average number of common shares
|
|
|
369,214,604 |
|
|
|
386,617,416 |
|
|
|
277,585,966 |
|
|
|
382,244,448 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total weighted average number of preferred shares
|
|
|
20,524 |
|
|
|
20,524 |
|
|
|
20,524 |
|
|
|
20,524 |
|
Although not included in a diluted EPS calculation due to being antidilutive, the Company had potentially dilutive securities outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 2012. The following schedule presents antidilutive securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012:
| |
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
| |
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
525,000 |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
525,000 |
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
Series E preferred stock
|
|
|
282,584,381 |
|
|
|
299,924,762 |
|
|
|
282,584,381 |
|
|
|
299,924,762 |
|
Although these financial instruments were not included due to being antidilutive, such financial instruments may become dilutive and would then need to be included with future calculations of diluted EPS.
Note 7: Debt
Revolving Line of Credit Agreement
On February 17, 2012, the Company’s line of credit agreement with Liberty Bank of Arkansas was modified pursuant to a Loan Modification Agreement (Revolving Line of Credit). This Agreement was entered into for the purpose of extending and modifying the loan to allow the Company additional time to procure and close additional financing that will be used to retire the indebtedness under the Loan. At September 30, 2012, the principal outstanding on the Revolving Line of Credit was $4.9 million, which is the maximum amount available to borrow. Unpaid principal that exceeds the borrowing base must be paid upon demand. Pursuant to the Agreement, Liberty Bank has waived any non-compliance to the current ratio covenant through December 31, 2012.
The modification to the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement lowered the interest rate to 7.15% per annum effective February 15, 2012 and extended the maturity date of the Agreement to February 15, 2013.
Mortgage, Security Agreement
On February 17, 2012, AERT entered into a Fifth Modification to (A) Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, and (B) Assignment of Leases and Rents (Mortgage, Security Agreement) with Liberty Bank of Arkansas. The purpose of modifying this Agreement was to effect an extension of the Mortgage loan for which the principal amount as of February 15, 2012 was $1.5 million. This Mortgage, Security Agreement evidences an extended and modified loan.
This amendment to the Mortgage, Security Agreement extends the maturity date to February 15, 2014. The interest rate was lowered to 6.5% per annum with payments of $16,000 per month commencing on March 15, 2012 and continuing until February 15, 2014. A balloon payment is due at loan maturity. The balance at September 30, 2012 was $1.5 million.
Note 8: Recapitalization
On March 18, 2011, the Company consummated related recapitalization transactions (the Transactions) with H.I.G. AERT, LLC, an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, LLC (H.I.G.) and with other existing preferred stockholders, pursuant to which, among other things, H.I.G. exchanged $32,620,816 of its secured debt in the Company, including interest accrued through March 17, 2011, for a combination of new debt and equity. (See Notes Payable – H.I.G. Long-Term Debt.)
Notes Payable
H.I.G. Long-Term Debt
Prior to the consummation of the Transactions, H.I.G. was the sole owner of four distinct obligations representing the Company’s debt: (i) $6,806,656 of principal plus accrued interest owed under that certain Promissory Note, dated July 1, 2009, issued by the Company in favor of H.I.G.; (ii) $13,281,084 of principal plus accrued interest owed under the Adair County Industrial Authority Solid Waste Recovery Facilities Revenue Bonds issued in 2007; (iii) $10,436,409 of principal plus accrued interest owed under the City of Springdale, Arkansas Industrial Development Refunding Revenue Bonds issued in 2008; and (iv) $2,096,667 of principal plus accrued interest owed under the Secured Promissory Note (2010 Note) issued on December 20, 2010. Items (i)-(iv) above are collectively referred to herein as the “Prior Debt.”
In connection with the consummation of the Transactions, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange Agreement with H.I.G. (the Exchange Agreement), and a Credit Agreement with H.I.G. (the Credit Agreement), each dated March 18, 2011. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and the Credit Agreement, in exchange for the Prior Debt and H.I.G. making approximately $6.9 million in additional new capital available to the Company, H.I.G. was issued (i) a Series A Term Note (Series A Note) in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000, (ii) a Series B Senior Term Note (Series B Note, and collectively with the Series A Note, the Notes) in the aggregate principal amount of $9,000,000 (or such lesser amount as is actually borrowed thereunder), and (iii) 20,524.149 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the Series E Preferred Stock). As a result, upon consummation of the Transactions (including the Series D Exchange Agreement described hereunder), H.I.G. holds $17,596,667 outstanding principal amount of senior secured debt of the Company and owns less than 80% of the outstanding common equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted, as-converted basis. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, until such time as H.I.G. no longer owns at least 20% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis, H.I.G. has the right to purchase securities in any subsequent issuance or sale of securities by the Company in an amount equal to the greater of (i) H.I.G.’s ownership percentage as of the business day prior to its receipt of notice of the proposed issuance or sale by the Company or (ii) 51%.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company issued to H.I.G. the Notes, which are secured by a grant of a security interest in all of the Company’s assets in accordance with the terms of a Security Agreement, Patent Security Agreement, Copyright Security Agreement and Trademark Security Agreement, each dated March 18, 2011. The Series A Note matures six years after the closing of the Transactions (the Closing) and, at the Company’s option, either (i) bears cash interest at 8.0% per annum or (ii) bears cash interest at 4.0% per annum, plus a rate of interest equal to 4.0% per annum payable in kind and added to the outstanding principal amount of the Series A Note (with the latter option only being available for the first 24 months following the Closing, after which the Series A Note will bear cash interest at 8.0% per annum). H.I.G. and Liberty Bank of Arkansas (Liberty Bank) concurrently entered into an Amended Intercreditor Agreement pursuant to which H.I.G. has priority vis-à-vis Liberty Bank with respect to its lien on all assets of the Company other than inventory, accounts receivable, deposit accounts, and receipts, revenues, cash and income derived from such inventory and accounts receivable and certain real estate, and Liberty Bank has priority vis-à-vis H.I.G. with respect to its lien on all inventory, accounts receivable, deposit accounts, and receipts, revenues, cash and income derived from such inventory and accounts receivable and certain real estate.
Upon the Closing, H.I.G. converted the $2.0 million principal amount of the 2010 Note and accrued interest thereon into borrowings under the Series B Note. An additional $5.5 million was funded and drawn under the Series B Note at Closing. On October 20, 2011 AERT and H.I.G. amended this Credit Agreement to provide the Company with an additional $5.0 million to be drawn, as needed. The company drew down $1.0 million on May 23, 2011, $2.0 million on October 21, 2011, and $1.0 million on November 18, 2011 to help fund operations. With the addition of paid in kind (PIK) interest, $0.7 million can be borrowed. The remaining principal balance is available to be drawn down from time to time in the future upon request by the Company, subject to H.I.G.’s approval in its sole discretion. The Series B Note matures six years after the Closing and, at the Company’s option, either (i) bears cash interest at 10.0% per annum or (ii) bears cash interest at 4.0% per annum, plus a rate of interest equal to 6.0% per annum payable in kind and added to the outstanding principal amount of the Series B Term Note. The Series B Note ranks pari passu to the Series A Note.
The Credit Agreement contains provisions requiring mandatory payments upon the Notes equal to 50% of the Company’s “Excess Cash Flow” (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and equal to 100% of proceeds from most non-ordinary course asset dispositions, additional debt issuances or equity issuances (subject to certain exceptions in each case or as H.I.G. otherwise agrees), and contains covenant restrictions on the incurrence of additional debt, liens, leases or equity issuances (subject to certain exceptions in each case or as H.I.G. otherwise agrees).
Guaranty Agreement
In connection with the execution of the Credit Agreement, Marjorie S. Brooks entered into a Second Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement in favor of H.I.G., dated March 18, 2011 (the H.I.G. Guaranty), pursuant to which Ms. Brooks agreed to guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement up to a maximum guaranteed amount of $6.0 million (plus certain potential expenses), replacing a prior guaranty Ms. Brooks had agreed to with respect to certain of the Prior Debt. In consideration for Ms. Brooks entering into the H.I.G. Guaranty and continuing to perform her obligations under a January 16, 2006 Guaranty Agreement, as amended, in favor of Liberty Bank (the Liberty Guaranty), the Company entered into a Guaranty Fee Agreement with Ms. Brooks, dated March 18, 2011 and February 15, 2012 (the Guaranty Fee Agreement), pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay to Ms. Brooks, for as long as the Liberty Guaranty remains in effect, a guaranty fee equal to 4.0% per annum multiplied by the average daily balance of the Company’s obligations under its Loan Agreement with Liberty Bank, as amended, for the month in which the fee is calculated. Ms. Brooks agreed to accept a payment of $0.3 million on or before July 31, 2011 in full satisfaction of previously accrued and unpaid guaranty fees, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Guaranty Fee Agreement, which included a $6.0 million guaranty of AERT’s obligation under the Credit Agreement dated March 18, 2011 between AERT and H.I.G. AERT, LLC. In May 2012, AERT received a release from Ms. Brooks, in which she forgave AERT the $0.3 million in loan guarantee fees due. In return, Ms. Brooks was released from her obligation under the H.I.G. Guaranty. Previously accrued loan guaranty fees of $731,000 payable to Ms. Brooks were cancelled in connection with the restructuring transaction.
Advisory Services Agreement
On March 18, 2011, the Company entered into an Advisory Services Agreement between H.I.G. Capital, LLC, an affiliate of H.I.G., and the Company (the Advisory Services Agreement) that provides for an annual monitoring fee between $250,000 and $500,000 (the Monitoring Fee) and reimbursement of all other out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by H.I.G. Capital, LLC. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Services Agreement, H.I.G. Capital, LLC will be entitled to a financial advisory fee and a supplemental management fee in connection with any acquisition, disposition or material public or private debt or equity financing of the Company, in each case which has been introduced, arranged, managed and/or negotiated by H.I.G. Capital, LLC or its affiliates. H.I.G. Capital, LLC was paid a $500,000 transaction fee under the Advisory Services Agreement in connection with the recapitalization.
Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Company issued 20,524.149 shares of newly authorized Series E Preferred Stock to H.I.G. at the Closing. The Series E Preferred Stock was authorized by the filing of a Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company filed on March 17, 2011 with the Delaware Secretary of State (the Series E Designation). Pursuant to the Series E Designation, holders of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to receive per share dividends equal to 6% per annum of the stated value of $1,000 per share of Series E Preferred Stock plus 6% per annum of the amount of all previously accrued but unpaid dividends when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, holders of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to participate in any dividends declared on shares of the Company’s Common Stock on an as-converted basis. Shares of the Series E Preferred Stock and all accrued dividends thereon are convertible at any time at the holder’s election into shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (the Conversion Shares) at a conversion price of $0.075 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The Series E Preferred Stock ranks senior to all other equity securities of the Company. Holders of the Series E Preferred Stock have the right to vote their ownership interests in the Series E Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. In addition, holders of the Series E Preferred Stock also have the right to elect four of the Company’s seven directors for as long as there remain outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock representing at least 20% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on an as-converted basis. If the outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock at any time represent less than 20% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on an as-converted basis, the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock will have the right to elect one of the Company’s seven directors. The Series E Designation contains customary protective voting provisions and other rights customarily granted to holders of preferred equity securities.
Also, on March 18, 2011, the Company and H.I.G. entered into a Registration Rights Agreement under which, among other things, the Company granted to H.I.G. certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights with regard to its Conversion Shares and Series D Converted Shares. The Registration Rights Agreement provides for the payment of reasonable expenses in connection with such registrations (including the payment of fees of counsel up to $10,000 for each registration statement) and contains other customary provisions.
In order to satisfy its obligations under the Exchange Agreement with regard to the reservation of the Conversion Shares, the Company was contractually obligated to present for stockholder approval an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to authorize 400,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock which was subsequently voted on July 14, 2011 with stockholder approval. On March 18, 2011, the Company, H.I.G., all of the prior Series D Preferred Stockholders, certain management stockholders and certain other stockholders, entered into a Voting Agreement undertaking to vote in favor of such increase in authorized capital stock.
Management has the responsibility to determine the fair value of the Company’s Series E Cumulative Preferred stock issued in the recapitalization. The Series E stock was evaluated using a discounted cash flow analysis and comparable data of similar public trading companies and private transactions. Based on this analysis, management has assigned the stated (liquidation) value as the fair value estimate of the Series E cumulative preferred stock.
The Series E convertible Preferred Stock is not redeemable except under certain conditions which may be out of the control of the Company. An event of default under the Series A and B Term notes, for example, the failure to meet specified financial covenants, may trigger a redemption right to the holders of the Series E Convertible Preferred stockholders. As a result, the carrying value of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock is reported in temporary equity.
The initial conversion price of the Series E Preferred Stock is fixed and will remain the conversion price subject to the anti-dilution adjustments described below. The conversion price of the Series E Preferred Stock is subject to customary weighted-average anti-dilution adjustments, which will be made (subject to certain exceptions) in the event that AERT:
|
·
|
issues or sells common stock for consideration per share less than a price equal to the current market price in effect immediately prior to such issuance or sale;
|
|
·
|
pays dividends or other distributions on the common stock in shares of common stock;
|
|
·
|
subdivides, splits or combines the shares of common stock;
|
|
·
|
subject to certain exceptions and limitations, issues options, rights or warrants entitling the holders to purchase common stock at less than the then-current market price (as defined in the certificate of designations for the Series E Preferred Stock);
|
|
·
|
issues or sells any securities that are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock and the lowest price per share for which one share of common stock is issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange thereof is less than the then-current market price;
|
|
·
|
makes changes to the terms of outstanding options, warrants, or convertible securities (including those that were outstanding as of March 18, 2011, the original issue date of the Series E Preferred Stock) and that would result in a dilutive effect on the Series E Preferred Stock; in general, in such event the adjustment shall be calculated as if the changed terms had been in effect from the initial issuance of such securities and such securities issued before March 18, 2011 shall be treated as if newly issued as of the date of such change; provided that no adjustment will be made in such case if such adjustment would result in an increase in the conversion price then in effect; and
|
|
·
|
takes any action that would result in dilution of the Series E Preferred Stock but is not specifically provided for in the Series E Preferred Stock certificate of designations (including granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features), in which case the Company’s Board of Directors shall in good faith determine and implement an appropriate adjustment in the conversion price so as to protect the rights of the holders of the Series E Preferred Stock, subject to certain qualifications.
|
Common Stock
The Class A common stock and the Class B common stock are substantially similar in all respects except that the Class B common stock has five votes per share while the Class A common stock has one vote per share. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible at any time at the holder’s option to one share of Class A common stock and, except in certain instances, is automatically converted into one share of Class A common stock upon any sale or transfer.
Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies
AERT is involved from time to time in litigation arising from the normal course of business that is not disclosed in its filings with the SEC. In management's opinion, this litigation is not expected to materially impact the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. v. Ross Systems, Inc.
The Company and Ross Systems, Inc. settled the cause of action that was brought by the Company against Ross Systems, Inc. The parties agreed to keep the terms of the settlement confidential and the Company continues to use Ross software with maintenance from Ross Systems, Inc. The net settlement recovery was offset against manufacturing and administrative costs previously incurred.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations (in thousands):
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
% Change
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$ |
17,831 |
|
|
$ |
17,803 |
|
|
|
(0.2 |
%) |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
14,812 |
|
|
|
14,193 |
|
|
|
(4.2 |
%) |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
83.1 |
% |
|
|
79.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
3,019 |
|
|
|
3,610 |
|
|
|
19.6 |
% |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
16.9 |
% |
|
|
20.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and administrative costs
|
|
|
2,771 |
|
|
|
2,069 |
|
|
|
(25.3 |
%) |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
15.5 |
% |
|
|
11.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
1,541 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net other income (expense)
|
|
|
(178 |
) |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
Net interest expense
|
|
|
(728 |
) |
|
|
(752 |
) |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
Income (loss) before dividends
|
|
|
(658 |
) |
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
-3.7 |
% |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(313 |
) |
|
|
(332 |
) |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(971 |
) |
|
$ |
474 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
(5.4 |
%) |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
______________________________________
* Not meaningful as a percentage change
NetSales
Third quarter 2012 net sales, at $17.8 million, were unchanged from third quarter 2011.
Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Margin and Selling and Administrative Costs
Cost of goods sold fell by 4.2% on similar volume for the third quarter year-over-year reflecting, in part, management’s continued efforts to reduce manufacturing overhead costs. Selling and administrative costs were down $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, which is in part attributed to the Company’s continued focus on cost-containment. In addition, the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. was offset against manufacturing and administrative costs previously incurred.
Earnings
Operating income improved by $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 from the third quarter of 2011 reflecting reduced manufacturing overhead as well as selling and administrative expenses.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations (in thousands):
| |
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
% Change
|
|
| |
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales
|
|
$ |
50,464 |
|
|
$ |
63,125 |
|
|
|
25.1 |
% |
|
Cost of goods sold
|
|
|
42,226 |
|
|
|
50,131 |
|
|
|
18.7 |
% |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
83.7 |
% |
|
|
79.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
8,238 |
|
|
|
12,994 |
|
|
|
57.7 |
% |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
16.3 |
% |
|
|
20.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and administrative costs
|
|
|
8,609 |
|
|
|
8,459 |
|
|
|
(1.7 |
%) |
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
17.1 |
% |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss from fixed asset disposition
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
(24 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
(445 |
) |
|
|
4,559 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
(0.9 |
%) |
|
|
7.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on recapitalization
|
|
|
3,029 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
80.8 |
% |
|
Net interest expense
|
|
|
(2,326 |
) |
|
|
(2,232 |
) |
|
|
(4.0 |
%) |
|
Income before dividends
|
|
|
284 |
|
|
|
2,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(802 |
) |
|
|
(983 |
) |
|
|
22.6 |
% |
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
|
|
$ |
(518 |
) |
|
$ |
1,391 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
% of net sales
|
|
|
-1.0 |
% |
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
______________________________________
* Not meaningful as a percentage change
NetSales
Net sales for the first nine months of 2012 increased 25.1% from the first nine months of 2011 due primarily to an increase in ChoiceDek® sales. The first nine months of 2011 ChoiceDek® sales were depressed due to BlueLinx reducing their ChoiceDek® inventory levels. MoistureShield® sales improved due to increased sales to our existing customers, the addition of BlueLinx MoistureShield® distribution facilities, and the addition of new customers in the first nine months of 2012.
Cost of Goods Sold, Gross Margin and Selling and Administrative Costs
Cost of goods sold was higher in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011 due to increased sales. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold decreased by 4.3 percentage points, reflecting manufacturing efficiencies primarily associated with economies of scale resulting from increased production. Selling and administrative costs were down 1.7% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This decrease is due in part to on-going efforts to reduce costs coupled with the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. being offset against manufacturing and administrative costs representing a recovery of such costs incurred in prior periods.
Earnings
Net income for the first nine months of 2012 was $1.9 million higher than net loss for the same period in 2011. This increase reflects the $4.8 million improvement in gross margin resulting from the 25.1% sales volume growth over the prior year assisted by cost controls throughout the Company. The 2011 first nine month net loss included a $3.0 gain on recapitalization (See Note 8).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity refers to the liquid financial assets available to fund our business operations and pay for near-term obligations. These liquid financial assets consist of cash as well as unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Our cash requirements have historically been satisfied through a combination of cash flows from operations and debt financings.
We continue to improve on liquidity by increasing plant efficiencies, decreasing our overhead costs, negotiating longer payment terms with vendors and increasing profitability within our product sector. Our Junction, Texas facility, which is currently unused, has a net book value of $0.1 million and is available for sale.
On October 20, 2011, AERT and H.I.G. amended their Credit Agreement on the Series B Senior Term Note with H.I.G. With the addition of PIK interest, as of September 30, 2012, the Company had $0.7 million available to be drawn, as needed.
Cash Flows
Cash Flows from Operations
Cash provided by operations in the first nine months of 2012 was $3.9 as compared to cash used in operations of $6.3 million in the first nine months of 2011. This $10.2 million change is primarily due to payment of accounts payable during the second and third quarters of 2011, a change in other assets due to the reduction of debt issuance costs and the gain on the H.I.G. recapitalization in the first quarter of 2011 offset by the reduction of the returns accrual associated with Lowe’s inventory refresh.
The changes in our revenue and cost of raw materials significantly impact the Company’s liquidity. The Company participates in the remodeling industry that has been depressed as a result of the reduction in home prices in recent years. There are some indications that this industry will improve within the next 12 months and thus have a positive impact on our sales; however, our business is dependent upon the economy and we cannot accurately predict cyclical economic changes and their impact on consumer buying. The Company has significant customer concentration, with one customer representing approximately 64% of our revenue. A loss of this customer, or a major reduction in their business would cause a significant reduction in our liquidity.
We believe that revenue will continue to recover sufficiently to generate adequate income to meet our cash and liquidity requirements over the next twelve months. However, we cannot be certain about future events and may require additional financing, temporary or permanent, to continue operations. The Company is committed to reducing overhead costs and purchases through continuous monitoring and departmental budget constraints.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2012 increased $1.2 million as compared to the same period in 2011. This increase in cash used resulted from additional capital expenditures at our Watts, Oklahoma plastic recycling facility and increased capital expenditures to improve our extrusion operations in Springdale, Arkansas.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $1.1 in the first nine months of 2012 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $7.0 million in the first nine months of 2011 that were primarily proceeds from the issuance of notes associated with the H.I.G. recapitalization.
Working Capital
At September 30, 2012, we had a working capital deficit of $2.3 million compared to a working capital deficit of $9.9 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in our deficit in 2012 was primarily due to the impact of increased sales and the reduction of the accrual for product returns that were associated with the Lowe’s inventory refresh required for the new ChoiceDek® Foundations™ introduction. Components of working capital that fluctuated significantly include accounts receivable, inventory, accruals related to class action, accrued product returns and current maturities of long term debt.
The changes in our property, plant and equipment for 2012 are primarily due to increased capital expenditures at our Watts, Oklahoma plastic recycling facility and at our extrusion facilities in Springdale, Arkansas. The depreciation of buildings and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Gains or losses on sales, or other dispositions of property, are credited or charged to income in the period incurred. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to income in the period incurred, unless it is determined that the useful life of the respective asset has been extended.
For purposes of testing impairment, we group our long-lived assets at the same level for which there are identifiable cash flows independent of other asset groups. Currently, there is only one level of aggregation for our assets. We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, primarily consisting of property, plant, and equipment related to the extrusion and rendering of plastic materials, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company believes the assets which most significantly drive the cash-flow-generating capacity at our facilities are the assets resulting in property, plant and equipment. As stated in Note 2 of our 10-K, buildings and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful life of each asset using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are: buildings — 15 to 30 years, leasehold improvements — 3 to 5 years, office equipment — 3 to 6 years, and machinery and equipment — 3 to 10 years. We assess the impairment of long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant, and equipment, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Examples of such events or circumstances include:
|
·
|
an asset group's inability to continue to generate income from operations and positive cash flow in future periods;
|
|
·
|
loss of legal ownership or title to an asset;
|
|
·
|
significant changes in our strategic business objectives and utilization of the asset(s); and
|
|
·
|
the impact of significant negative industry or economic trends.
|
Based on our last evaluation as of September 30, 2012, undiscounted estimated future cash flows substantially exceeded the carrying value of the asset group.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used in operations is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of our assets to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. The factors used to evaluate the future net cash flows, while reasonable, require a high degree of judgment and the results could vary if the actual results are materially different than the forecasts. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less selling costs.
We also periodically review the lives assigned to our assets to ensure that our initial estimates do not exceed any revised estimated periods from which we expect to realize cash flows from the asset. If a change were to occur in any of the above-mentioned factors or estimates, the likelihood of a material change in our reported results would increase.
Debt
In addition to the H.I.G. transaction on March 18, 2011, as discussed in Note 8, we continue to explore financing options, including various financial assistance programs sponsored by state and federal governments.
Line of Credit
The maturity date of the Company’s Revolving Line of Credit agreement with Liberty was extended in 2011 and again in 2012 to a maturity date of February 15, 2013. The Company is currently working to restructure or replace the line, which had a balance of $4.9 million at September 30, 2012. The line is secured by inventory, accounts receivable, chattel paper, general intangibles and other current assets, as well as by fixtures and equipment, and bears an interest rate that was reduced from 7.5% to 7.15% effective February 15, 2012. The full amount of the line is guaranteed as to payment by Marjorie S. Brooks, by Joe G. Brooks, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and by Stephen W. Brooks. Ms. Brooks' guaranty is collateralized by a subordinate lien on all of our assets subject to certain priority liens. Ms. Brooks receives a fee equal to 4% of the balance guaranteed as compensation for her guaranty.
Loan Extensions
Effective February 15, 2012, a $1.5 million mortgage loan from Liberty Bank was extended from April 15, 2012 to February 15, 2014. The interest rate was reduced from 7.0% to 6.5%.
Oklahoma Energy Program Loan
On July 14, 2010, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) under award number 14215 SSEP09, whereby ODOC agreed to a 15-year, $3.0 million loan to AERT at a fixed interest rate of 3.0%. The loan is being made pursuant to the ARRA State Energy Program for the State of Oklahoma, and is funding the second phase of AERT’s new recycling facility in Watts, Oklahoma. Payments on the loan commenced on May 1, 2012. The full loan amount of $3.0 million was spent on contract labor, contract materials, and equipment. In addition, $9.2 million has been contributed (in-kind) to the project by AERT. This phase of the improvements at our Watts, Oklahoma facility is now complete.
Debt Covenants
Our line of credit contains certain financial covenants:
|
Liberty Bank Line of Credit Debt Covenants
|
|
September 30, 2012
|
|
|
Compliance
|
|
Long-term debt service coverage ratio for last four quarters of at least 2.00 to 1.00
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
Current ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
No, Waived
|
|
Not more than 10% of accounts payable in excess of 75 days past invoice date
|
|
|
13.1 |
% |
|
No
|
|
Not more than 20% of accounts receivable in excess of 90 days past invoice date
|
|
|
0 |
% |
|
Yes
|
Our debt covenants per the Company’s agreement with H.I.G. are as follows:
|
H.I.G Debt Covenants
|
|
September 30, 2012
|
|
|
Compliance
|
|
Leverage ratio (4.5:1.00)
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
Fixed charge coverage ratio (1.00:1.00)
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
Yes
|
|
Minimun EBITDA ($6.5 million)
|
|
$9.3 million
|
|
|
Yes
|
H.I.G. Long-Term Debt
On March 18, 2011, the Company consummated related recapitalization transactions (the Transactions) with H.I.G. AERT, LLC, an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, LLC (H.I.G.) and with other existing preferred stockholders, pursuant to which, among other things, H.I.G. exchanged $32,620,816 of its secured debt in the Company, including interest accrued through March 17, 2011, for a combination of new debt and equity. (See Note 8 for further discussion.)
Uncertainties, Issues and Risks
There are many factors that could adversely affect AERT’s business and results of operations. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, decline in demand for our products, business or industry changes, government rules and regulations, environmental concerns, litigation, new products / product transition, product obsolescence, competition, acts of war, terrorism, public health issues, concentration of customer base, loss of a significant customer, availability of raw material (plastic) at a reasonable price, management’s failure to execute effectively, inability to obtain adequate financing (i.e. working capital), equipment breakdowns, low stock price, and fluctuations in quarterly performance.
Forward-Looking Information
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Prior to making an investment, prospective investors should carefully consider the following factors, among others, and seek professional advice. In addition, this Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements, which are often identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “should,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions, represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Prospective purchasers of our securities should carefully consider the information contained herein or in the documents incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing discussion contains certain estimates, predictions, projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that involve various risks and uncertainties. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect management’s current judgment regarding the direction of the business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, or other future performance suggested herein. Some important factors (but not necessarily all factors) that could affect the sales volumes, growth strategies, future profitability and operating results, or that otherwise could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement include the following: market, political or other forces affecting the pricing and availability of plastics and other raw materials; accidents or other unscheduled shutdowns affecting us, our suppliers’ or our customers’ plants, machinery, or equipment; competition from products and services offered by other enterprises; our ability to refinance short-term indebtedness; state and federal environmental, economic, safety and other policies and regulations, any changes therein, and any legal or regulatory delays or other factors beyond our control; execution of planned capital projects; weather conditions affecting our operations or the areas in which our products are marketed; adverse rulings, judgments, or settlements in litigation or other legal matters. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer, Joe G. Brooks, who is our principal executive officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, J. R. Brian Hanna, who is our principal financial and accounting officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of September 30, 2012. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2012, the end of the period covered by this report, AERT’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by AERT in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by AERT in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to AERT’s management, including AERT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, there have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings – (See Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies)
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed and incorporated by reference as part of this report.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
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RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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By: /s/ Joe G. Brooks
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Joe G. Brooks,
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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(principal executive officer)
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/s/ J. R. Brian Hanna
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J. R. Brian Hanna,
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Chief Financial Officer & Principal Accounting Officer
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Date: November 15, 2012
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Exhibit
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Number
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Description
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31.1
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by the Company's chairman and chief executive officer.
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31.2
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by the Company’s chief financial and accounting officer.
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32.1
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by the Company's chairman and chief executive officer.
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32.2
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Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by the Company's chief financial and accounting officer.
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