e10vq
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
     
OR
     
[  ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FROM THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                                                TO                                                

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-7521

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
TEXAS
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  74-1504405
(I.R.S. Employer Identification
Number)

4001 HOMESTEAD ROAD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77028-5585
(Address of principal executive office) (zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (713) 672-9433


Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

     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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

           
  Yes     X     No          
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
                         Large accelerated filer (  )            Accelerated filer (  )            Non-accelerated filer (X)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
           
  Yes               No     X

     At September 30, 2006, the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s only class of stock was 6,666,626 shares of Common Stock.



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS — UNAUDITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — UNAUDITED
CONDENSED NOTES TO QUARTERLY REPORT — UNAUDITED
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
Certification Pursuant to Section 302
Certification Pursuant to Section 302
Certification Pursuant to Section 906
Certification Pursuant to Section 906


Table of Contents

Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                       
          SEPTEMBER 30, 2006   MARCH 31, 2006
         
Unaudited
 
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,132,198     $ 1,982,526  
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debts and cash discounts of $37,276 at September 30 and March 31, 2006
    18,221,454       17,494,313  
 
Inventories
    26,895,802       27,956,921  
 
Other
    377,933       117,243  
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    49,627,387       47,551,003  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
               
 
Land
    1,082,331       486,653  
 
Buildings and yard improvements
    4,183,601       4,088,149  
 
Machinery and equipment
    22,328,096       20,852,126  
 
Less accumulated depreciation
    (17,435,508 )     (17,653,265 )
 
   
     
 
 
    10,158,520       7,773,663  
OTHER ASSETS:
               
 
Cash value of officers’ life insurance
    631,011       606,223  
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 60,416,918     $ 55,930,889  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 17,592,532     $ 16,713,944  
 
Income taxes payable
          143,196  
 
Deferred credit for LIFO replacement
    271,403        
 
Dividends payable
    533,330       533,330  
 
Contribution to profit sharing plan
    135,000       256,000  
 
Employee compensation and related expenses
    790,698       736,723  
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    19,322,963       18,383,193  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    126,927       4,618  
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
    469,467       445,743  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
 
Common stock, par value $1:
               
   
Authorized shares — 10,000,000
               
   
Issued shares — 7,842,342 at September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006
    7,842,342       7,842,342  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    28,717,696       28,663,814  
 
Treasury stock at cost (1,175,716 shares at September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006)
    (5,475,964 )     (5,475,964 )
 
Retained earnings
    9,413,487       6,067,143  
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    40,497,561       37,097,335  
 
   
     
 
     
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 60,416,918     $ 55,930,889  
 
   
     
 

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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS — UNAUDITED

                                   
      Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Six Months Ended
September 30,
     
 
      2006   2005   2006   2005
     
 
 
 
Net sales
  $ 51,629,944     $ 42,730,045     $ 104,253,674     $ 88,787,630  
Costs and expenses
                               
 
Costs of goods sold
    48,223,703       38,990,994       95,970,757       81,935,166  
 
General, selling and administrative costs
    1,306,226       1,249,705       2,880,683       2,594,685  
 
Gain on sale of assets
(1,312,839 ) (1,312,839 )
                                   
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    48,217,090       40,240,699       97,538,601       84,529,851  
Interest and other income
    (66,335 )     (49,372 )     (123,783 )     (94,907 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings before income taxes
    3,479,189       2,538,718       6,838,856       4,352,686  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
                               
 
Current
    1,036,186       973,535       2,303,543       1,675,168  
 
Deferred
    175,140       (3,924 )     122,309       (22,356 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    1,211,326       969,611       2,425,852       1,652,812  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net earnings
  $ 2,267,863     $ 1,569,107     $ 4,413,004     $ 2,699,874  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
    6,666,626       7,139,747       6,666,626       7,139,747  
 
Diluted
    6,763,464       7,276,483       6,765,259       7,277,526  
Net earnings per share:
                               
 
Basic
  $ 0.34     $ 0.22     $ 0.66     $ 0.38  
 
Diluted
  $ 0.34     $ 0.22     $ 0.65     $ 0.37  
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ 0.16     $ 0.16  

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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — UNAUDITED

                       
          Six Months Ended
September 30,
         
          2006   2005
         
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
 
Net earnings
  $ 4,413,004     $ 2,699,874  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation
    475,201       462,000  
   
Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes
    122,309       (22,356 )
   
Provision for postretirement benefits
    23,724       22,652  
   
Gain on sale of assets
    (1,312,839 )      
 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
               
   
Accounts receivable
    (727,141 )     397,630
   
Prepaid federal income taxes
          892,104  
   
Inventories
    1,061,119       2,157,920
   
Other
    (260,690     (108,704
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
               
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    878,588       (909,355 )
   
Contribution to profit-sharing plan payable
    (121,000 )     (130,000 )
   
Employee compensation and related expenses
    53,974       27,138  
   
Income taxes payable
    (143,196     446,096
   
Deferred credit for LIFO replacement
    271,403      
 
   
     
 
     
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    4,734,456       5,934,999
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (2,935,538 )     (443,572 )
 
(Increase) decrease in cash value of officers’ life insurance
    (24,788 )     (18,112 )
 
Proceeds from the sale of assets
    1,388,318        
 
   
     
 
     
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (1,572,008 )     (461,684 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
 
Cash dividends paid
    (1,066,660 )     (1,142,360 )
 
Principal payments on notes payable
          (2,897 )
 
Tax benefit related to stock options
    53,884        
 
   
     
 
     
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    (1,012,776 )     (1,145,257
 
   
     
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    2,149,672       4,328,058  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,982,526       205,375  
 
   
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 4,132,198     $ 4,533,433  
 
   
     
 

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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

CONDENSED NOTES TO QUARTERLY REPORT — UNAUDITED
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006.

NOTE B — INVENTORIES

     Inventories consist of prime coil, non-standard coil and tubular materials. Prime coil inventory consists primarily of raw materials, non-standard coil inventory consists primarily of finished goods and tubular inventory consists of both raw materials and finished goods. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or replacement market. Cost for prime coil inventory is determined under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Cost for non-standard coil inventory is determined using the specific identification method. Cost for tubular inventory is determined using the weighted average method.

     During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, LIFO inventories were reduced but are expected to be replaced by March 31, 2007. A deferred credit of $271,403 was recorded at September 30, 2006 to reflect replacement costs in excess of LIFO cost.

     A summary of inventory values follows:

                 
    September 30,   March 31,
    2006   2006
   
 
Prime Coil Inventory
  $ 8,410,897     $ 10,525,848  
Non-Standard Coil Inventory
    1,000,714       788,266  
Tubular Raw Material
    8,112,186       3,889,206  
Tubular Finished Goods
    9,372,005       12,753,601  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 26,895,802     $ 27,956,921  
 
   
     
 
NOTE C — LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company has a $6 million revolving credit facility which expires April 1, 2008. There were no amounts outstanding pursuant to the facility at September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006.

NOTE D — STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

     The Company followed Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), for its employee stock options through March 31, 2006. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options was equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense was recognized.

     If the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation for each of the periods ended September 30, 2006 and September 30, 2005, net income and earnings per common share would be the same as reported income and earnings per common share as no options were granted or unvested in the six months ended September 30, 2006 or September 30, 2005.

      In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) effective April 1, 2006. SFAS 123(R) permits adoption using one of two methods, a modified prospective method (“Prospective Method”) or a modified retrospective method (“Retrospective Method”). With the Prospective Method, costs are recognized beginning with the effective date based on the requirements of SFAS 123(R) for (i) all share-based payments granted after the effective date of SFAS 123(R), and (ii) all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. The Retrospective Method applies the

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requirements of the Prospective Method but further permits entities to restate all prior periods presented based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures. The Company adopted the Prospective Method on April 1, 2006 and there was no impact on the financial statements as all of the options were vested as of April 1, 2006.
     Under the Company’s 1989 and 1996 Stock Option Plans, options were granted to certain officers and key employees to purchase common stock of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the plans, no additional options may be granted. All options have ten-year terms and become fully exercisable at the end of six months of continued employment. The following is a summary of activity relative to options outstanding during each of the periods ended September 30:
                                 
    2006     2005  
 
          Weighted           Weighted
 
          Average           Average
 
          Exercise           Exercise
 
  Shares   Price   Shares   Price
 
                       
Outstanding at beginning of period
    137,212     $ 2.35       224,718     $ 2.62  
Granted
                       
Exercised
                       
Canceled or expired
    (2,894 )   $ 3.13       (10,979 )   $ 2.40  
 
                           
 
                               
Outstanding at end of period
    134,318     $ 2.33       213,739     $ 2.63  
 
                           
 
                               
Exercisable at the end of the period
    134,318     $ 2.33       213,739     $ 2.63  
 
                               
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period
            N/A               N/A  
Outstanding and exercisable stock options at September 30, 2006, were as follows:
                                         
            Outstanding     Exercisable  
    Weighted             Weighted             Weighted  
    Average             Average             Average  
Range of   Remaining             Exercise             Exercise  
Exercise Price   Years     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
$2.33
    6.2       134,318     $ 2.33       134,318     $ 2.33  
 
                                       

The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable and outstanding options at September 30, 2006 was $811,281.

NOTE E — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     The FASB issued Statement Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, (“SFAS 151”) regarding current period expenses generated from abnormal inventory costs associated with idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and spoilage. Effective in fiscal 2007, SFAS 151 will be applicable to the Company. SFAS 151 did not have a material impact in the period ended September 30, 2006 and the Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 151 will have a material impact in future periods.

     See also note D regarding the adoption of SFAS 123(R).

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NOTE F — SEGMENT INFORMATION

                                   
        Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
        September 30, September 30,
       

        2006   2005 2006   2005
       
 

 
Net sales
                             
 
Coil
  $ 26,806     $ 21,548   $ 54,691     $ 44,599  
 
Tubular
    24,824       21,182     49,563       44,189  
 
   
     
   
     
 
   
Total net sales
  $ 51,630     $ 42,730   $ 104,254     $ 88,788  
 
   
     
   
     
 
Operating profit
                             
 
Coil
  $ 505     $ 1,509   $ 2,057     $ 2,387  
 
Tubular
    2,202       1,650     4,988       3,384  
 
   
     
   
     
 
   
Total operating profit
    2,707       3,159     7,045       5,771  
 
Corporate expenses
    608       669     1,643       1,513  
 
Gain on sale of assets
    (1,313 )       (1,313 )      
 
Interest & other income
    (67 )     (49 )   (124 )     (95 )
 
   
     
   
     
 
   
Total earnings before taxes
  $ 3,479     $ 2,539   $ 6,839     $ 4,353  
 
   
     
   
     
 
                     
        September 30,
2006
  March 31,
2006
       
 
Segment assets
               
 
Coil
  $ 24,178     $ 24,528  
 
Tubular
    31,376       28,684  
 
   
     
 
 
 
  55,554     53,212  
  Corporate assets   4,863     2,719  
 
   
     
 
   
 
  $ 60,417     $ 55,931  
 
   
     
 

     Segment amounts reflected above are stated in thousands. General corporate expenses reflect general and administrative expenses not directly associated with segment operations and consist primarily of corporate executive and accounting salaries, professional fees and services, bad debts, accrued profit sharing expense, corporate insurance expenses and office supplies. Corporate assets consists primarily of cash and cash equivalents and the cash value of officers’ life insurance.

NOTE G — SALE OF ASSETS

     In September 2006, the Company closed on the sale of real property owned by the Company in Houston, Texas. This sale resulted in a before tax gain of $1,312,839. The proceeds from the sale of this property were used to purchase and improve real property associated with the new coil facility to be located in Decatur, Alabama.

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

Results of Operations

    Six Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2005

During the six months ended September 30, 2006, sales, costs of goods sold and gross profit increased $15,466,044, $14,035,591 and $1,430,453, respectively, from the comparable amounts recorded during the six months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in sales was related to an increase in tons sold as well as an increase in the average per ton selling price. Tons shipped increased from approximately 143,000 tons in the 2005 period to 157,000 tons in the 2006 period as the average per ton selling price increased from approximately $620 per ton in the 2005 period to approximately $664 per ton in the 2006 period. The increase in costs of goods sold was primarily related to the increase in sales. Average per ton costs of goods sold increased from approximately $572 in the 2005 period to $611 in the 2006 period. Gross profit as a percentage of sales remained approximately the same at approximately 7.7% and 7.9% in the 2005 and 2006 periods, respectively.

Coil product segment sales increased approximately $10,092,000 during the 2006 period. This segment experienced increases in both tons sold and average selling prices. Tons of coil products sold increased from approximately 71,000 tons in the 2005 period to 78,000 tons in the 2006 period while the average per ton selling price increased from approximately $631 per ton to approximately $700 per ton. Coil operating profit decreased approximately $330,000 as increased costs of material could not be passed along in total to customers in the short term. Coil operating profit as a percentage of coil segment sales decreased from approximately 5.4% in the 2005 period to 3.8% in the 2006 period.

In the 2006 period, the Company phased out its Lone Star coil facility located in Lone Star, Texas ("LSCF"). LSCF accounted for approximately 1% of total sales and generated a loss of approximately $8,000 in the 2006 period. Certain LSCF assets will be redeployed to the Company’s new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama.

The Company is dependent on Nucor Steel Company ("NSC") for its supply of coil inventory. In the 2006 period, NSC continued to supply steel coils in amounts that were adequate for the Company’s purposes. The Company does not currently anticipate any significant change in such supply from NSC.

Tubular product segment sales increased approximately $5,374,000 during the 2006 period. This increase was primarily related to an increase in tons shipped in the 2006 period. Tons shipped increased from approximately 73,000 tons in the 2005 period to 79,000 tons in the 2006 period. Tubular product segment operating profits as a percentage of segment sales were approximately 10.1% and 7.6% in the 2006 and 2005 periods, respectively. The Company experienced somewhat improved market conditions for its pipe products in the 2006 period as compared to conditions in the 2005 period.

During the 2006 period, Lone Star Steel Company ("LSS"), the Company’s primary supplier of tubular products and coil material used in pipe manufacturing, continued to supply such products in amounts that were adequate for the Company’s purposes. The Company does not currently anticipate any significant change in such supply from LSS.

During the 2006 period, general, selling and administrative costs increased $285,998 from the amount recorded during the 2005 period. This increase was related primarily to increases in commissions and bonuses associated with the increase in earnings and volume.

In September 2006, the Company sold the real property owned by the Company in Houston, Texas. This sale resulted in a before tax gain of $1,312,839. Proceeds received from the sale were used to purchase and improve real property associated with the Company’s new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama. The Company signed a 12 month rental agreement to rent corporate office space at this location for $1,400 per month.

Interest and other income increased $28,876 from the comparable amount recorded in the 2005 period. This increase was associated primarily with an increase in the average interest rates paid on invested cash positions in the 2006 period.

Federal income taxes increased $773,040 from the comparable amount recorded during the 2005 period. This increase was primarily related to the increase in earnings before taxes. Effective tax rates were 38.0% and 35.5% in the 2005 and 2006 periods, respectively. In the 2006 period, the Company benefited from a reduction in state taxes and from a tax decrease associated with manufacturing companies.

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, sales and costs of goods sold increased $8,899,899 and $9,232,709, respectively, and gross profit decreased $332,810, from the comparable amounts recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2005. The increase in sales was related primarily to an increase in the average selling price per ton as the average increased from approximately $579 per ton in the 2005 quarter to $682 per ton in the 2006 quarter. In the 2005 quarter, the Company sold approximately 74,000 tons compared to approximately 76,000 tons in the 2006 quarter. The increase in costs of goods sold was primarily related to increased material costs. The average per ton cost of goods increased from approximately $529 in the 2005 quarter to $637 in the 2006 quarter. The decrease in gross profit resulted primarily from a reduction in margins earned on sales as average selling prices increased at a lower rate than did the average cost of material. The Company could not pass along all of the increased material costs to customers in the short term. Gross profit as a percentage of sales declined from approximately 8.8% in the 2005 quarter to approximately 6.6% in the 2006 quarter.

Coil product segment sales increased approximately $5,258,000 during the 2006 quarter. This increase was related primarily to an increase in average selling prices which increased from approximately $586 per ton in the 2005 quarter to $731 per ton in the 2006 quarter. The Company sold approximately 37,000 tons of coil products in both the 2005 and 2006 quarters. Coil operating profit decreased approximately $1,004,000 from the amount recorded in the 2005 quarter. Coil operations were adversely affected by an increase in the cost of material that could not be passed along to customers in the short term. Coil operating profits as a percentage of sales were approximately 7.0% and 1.9% in the 2005 and 2006 quarters, respectively.

Tubular product segment sales increased approximately $3,642,000 during the 2006 quarter. This increase was related primarily to an increase in the average per ton selling price which increased from approximately $572 per ton in the 2005 quarter to $636 per ton in the 2006 quarter. In addition, tons sold increased from approximately 37,000 tons in the 2005 quarter to 39,000 tons in the 2006 quarter. Tubular product segment operating profits as a percentage of segment sales were approximately 7.8% and 8.9% in the 2005 and 2006 quarters, respectively. The Company experienced somewhat improved market conditions for its pipe products in the 2006 quarter as compared to conditions in the 2005 quarter.

In September 2006, the Company sold the real property owned by the Company in Houston, Texas. This sale resulted in a before tax gain of $1,312,839. Proceeds received from the sale were used to purchase and improve real property associated with the Company’s new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama. The Company signed a 12 month rental agreement to rent corporate office space at this location for $1,400 per month.

Interest and other income increased $16,963 from the comparable amount recorded in the 2005 quarter. This increase was associated primarily with an increase in the average interest rates paid on invested cash positions in the 2006 quarter.

Federal income taxes increased $241,715 from the comparable amount recorded during the 2005 quarter. This increase was primarily related to the increase in earnings before taxes. Effective tax rates were 38.2% and 34.8% in the 2005 and 2006 quarters, respectively. In the 2006 quarter, the Company benefited from a reduction in state taxes and from a tax decrease associated with manufacturing companies.

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FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
      The Company remained in a strong, liquid position at September 30, 2006. Current ratios were 2.6 at both September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006. Working capital was $30,304,424 at September 30, 2006 and $29,167,810 at March 31, 2006.
      During the six months ended September 30, 2006, the Company maintained assets and liabilities at levels it believed were commensurate with operations. Changes in current assets and liabilities during the 2006 period were related primarily to the ordinary course of business of the Company. The Company expects to continue to monitor, evaluate and manage balance sheet components depending on changes in market conditions and the Company’s operations.
      During the six months ended September 30, 2006, the Company purchased approximately $2,936,000 in fixed assets. These assets were related primarily to improvements to the small diameter pipe mill which began operations at Lone Star, Texas in April 2004 and to land, land improvements and equipment associated with the new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama. In connection with this planned new operation, the Company phased out LSCF in the six months ended September 30, 2006. At the Decatur site, the Company intends to construct a coil processing facility using, in part, assets used at its Lone Star facility. The Company expects that the Decatur processing facility will initially operate a hot roll steel temper mill and a hot roll steel cut-to-length and leveling line. The Company expects that the Decatur facility will commence operations in fiscal 2008. In addition to the funds to be used to purchase the real property in Alabama, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized up to an additional $16 million to be used for capital expenditures and working capital related to the acquisition and improvement of the Decatur facility.
      In September 2006, the Company sold the real property owned by the Company in Houston, Texas. This sale resulted in a before tax gain of $1,312,839. The proceeds of the sale were used to purchase and improve real property associated with the new coil operation to be located in Decatur, Alabama. The Company signed a 12 month rental agreement to rent corporate office space at this location for $1,400 per month.
      The Company has an arrangement with a bank which provides for a revolving line of credit facility (the “revolving facility”). Pursuant to the revolving facility, which expires April 1, 2008, the Company may borrow up to $6 million at the bank’s prime rate or 1.5% over LIBOR. The Company uses the revolving facility to support cash flow and will borrow and repay the note as working capital is required. At September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving facility.
      The Company has in the past and may in the future borrow funds on a term basis to build or improve facilities. The Company currently has no plans to borrow funds on a term basis.
      Notwithstanding the current market conditions, the Company believes its cash flows from operations and borrowing capability under its revolving facility are adequate to fund its expected cash requirements for the next 24 months.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
      The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. One such accounting policy which requires significant estimates and judgments is the valuation of LIFO inventories in the Company’s quarterly reporting. The quarterly valuation of inventory requires estimates of the year end quantities which is inherently difficult. Historically, these estimates have been materially correct. In addition, the Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable by providing for specifically identified accounts where collectibility is doubtful. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates estimates and judgments. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
      From time to time, the Company may make certain statements that contain “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996) and that involve risk and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, future results of operations, future production capacity, product quality and proposed expansion plans. Forward-looking statements may be made by management orally or in writing including, but not limited to, this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results and trends in the future may differ materially depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to changes in the demand and prices of the Company’s products, changes in the demand for steel and steel products in general and the Company’s success in executing its internal operating plans, including any proposed expansion plans.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
      In the normal course of business the Company is exposed to market risks primarily from changes in the cost of steel in inventory and in interest rates. The Company closely monitors exposure to market risks and develops appropriate strategies to manage risk. With respect to steel purchases, there is no recognized market to purchase derivative financial instruments to reduce the inventory exposure risk on changing commodity prices. The exposure to market risk associated with interest rates relates primarily to debt. Recent debt balances are minimal and, as a result, direct exposure to interest rate changes is not significant.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
      The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer (CEO) and principal financial officer (CFO), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006 to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
      There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

      Not applicable

Item 1A. Risk Factors

      Not applicable

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  a). Not applicable
 
  b). Not applicable
 
  c). Not applicable

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  a). Not applicable
 
  b). Not applicable

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on September 7, 2006, the Company’s shareholders elected eight directors to the Company’s Board of Directors. The number of shares voted for and withheld with respect to the election of each director was as follows:

                 
         
Name   Shares Voted For   Shares Withheld
Jack Friedman
  5,530,775     708,881  
Harold Friedman
    5,595,829       643,827  
William E. Crow
    5,599,357       640,299  
Charles W. Hall
    5,491,963       747,693  
Alan M. Rauch
    6,014,077       225,579  
Hershel M. Rich
  6,097,159     142,497  
Kirk K. Weaver
    6,097,389       142,267  
Joe L. Williams
    5,589,672       649,984  

Item 5. Other Information

      Not applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

a).     Exhibits

  31.1 — Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow
 
  31.2 — Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper
 
  32.1 — Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow
 
  32.2 — Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper

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SIGNATURES

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

  FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
Date November 14, 2006      
  By   /s/  BEN HARPER
     
  Ben Harper, Senior Vice President-Finance
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
       

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit No. Description


 
Exhibit 31.1
  — Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow
 
Exhibit 31.2
  — Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper
 
Exhibit 32.1
  — Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by William E. Crow
 
Exhibit 32.2
  — Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by Ben Harper