Edgar Filing: ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES INC

f10q_110713.htm

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

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

Commission File Number 1-10367

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		71-0675758 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

914 N. Jefferson Street

Springdale, Arkansas

(Address of principal executive offices)

72764

(Zip Code)

(479) 756-7400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES: þ NO: o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).YES: þ NO: o

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

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company þ

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of September 30, 2013, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, which is the class registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, was 88,165,632 and the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Class B Common Stock was 1,465,530.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

	Form 10-Q Index
	PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		Page
Item 1	Financial Statements

	Balance Sheets, September 30, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012	1

	Statements of Operations (unaudited) Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012	3

	Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012	4

	Notes to Financial Statements	5

Item 2	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	12

Item 4	Controls and Procedures	18


	PART II--OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	19

Item 6	Exhibits	19

	Signatures	20

	Index to Exhibits	21

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)


	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
Assets	(unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash	$	45	$	346
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $69 and $46 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively		3,614		3,747
Accounts receivable -- related party		18		-
Insurance proceeds receivable		2,500		-
Inventories		10,057		9,468
Prepaid expenses		857		557
Total current assets		17,091		14,118

Land, buildings and equipment:
Land		2,220		1,989
Buildings and leasehold improvements		16,995		16,995
Machinery and equipment		48,170		47,179
Construction in progress		3,238		1,719
Total land, buildings and equipment		70,623		67,882
Less accumulated depreciation		41,584		38,145
Net land, buildings and equipment		29,039		29,737

Other assets:
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $541 and $262 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively		946		1,193
Other assets		434		413
Total other assets		1,380		1,606
Total assets	$	47,510	$	45,461

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)


	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit	(unaudited)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable – trade	$	3,873		$	4,105
Accounts payable – related parties		-			591
Current maturities of long-term debt		1,495			1,195
Accruals related to expected settlement of class action lawsuit		305			1,268
Other accrued liabilities		4,586			4,422
Working capital line of credit		2,201			2,327
Total current liabilities		12,460			13,908

Long-term debt, less current maturities		34,660			33,800

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 9)

Series E cumulative convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000 shares authorized, 20,524 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, including accrued unpaid dividends of $3,351 and $2,308 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively		23,875			22,832

Stockholders' deficit:
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 525,000,000 shares authorized; 88,165,632 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012		882			882
Class B convertible common stock, $.01 par value; 7,500,000 shares authorized; 1,465,530 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012		15			15
Additional paid-in capital		53,660			53,660
Accumulated deficit		(78,042	)		(79,636	)
Total stockholders' deficit		(23,485	)		(25,079	)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$	47,510		$	45,461

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
Net sales	$	14,705		$	17,803		$	57,588		$	63,125
Cost of goods sold		14,362			14,193			46,353			50,131
Gross margin		343			3,610			11,235			12,994

Selling and administrative costs		2,772			2,069			8,867			8,459
Gain from asset disposition		(3	)		-			(4	)		(24	)
Operating income (loss)		(2,426	)		1,541			2,372			4,559

Other income (expense):
Income from insurance proceeds		2,500			-			2,500			-
Other income (expense)		(76	)		17			(61	)		47
Net interest expense		(726	)		(752	)		(2,174	)		(2,232	)
Net income (loss)		(728	)		806			2,637			2,374
Dividends on preferred stock		(353	)		(332	)		(1,043	)		(983	)
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock	$	(1,081	)	$	474		$	1,594		$	1,391

Income (loss) per share of common stock (basic and diluted)	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	0.00

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)		89,631,162			89,631,162			89,631,162			89,631,162

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income applicable to common stock	$	1,594		$	1,391
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		3,726			4,244
Dividends on preferred stock		1,043			983
Accrued interest converted to long-term debt		1,751			1,599
Gain from fixed asset disposition		(4	)		(24	)
Income from insurance proceeds		(2,500	)		-
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable allowance		23			(108	)
Changes in other assets		(20	)		554
Changes in other current assets and current liabilities		(1,693	)		(4,704	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		3,920			3,935

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of land, buildings and equipment		(2,756	)		(2,835	)
Proceeds from disposition of equipment		11			4
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,745	)		(2,831	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of notes		-			426
Net payments on line of credit		(126	)		(1,250	)
Payments on notes		(1,318	)		(742	)
Releases from restricted cash		-			881
Decrease in restricted cash for payment of debt and construction costs		-			(426	)
Debt issuance costs		(32	)		-
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,476	)		(1,111	)

Decrease in cash		(301	)		(7	)
Cash, beginning of period		346			1,083
Cash, end of period	$	45		$	1,076

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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, which are, in the opinion of the Company’s management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s operating results. 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

AERT, founded in 1988, develops and commercializes technologies to recycle waste polyethylene plastics and develops, manufactures, and markets value-added, green building compounds. Our primary products are 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. Our 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. Our products have been extensively tested, and are sold by leading national companies such as the BlueLinx Corporation (BlueLinx), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Lowe’s) and Therma-Tru Corporation. Our 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. The Company operates a plastic recycling, cleaning and reformulation facility at Watts, Oklahoma. The Company also leases a warehouse in Westville, Oklahoma for inventory storage.

Note 3: Statements of Cash Flows

In order to determine net cash provided by 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 (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Receivables	$	74		$	(730	)
Inventories		(589	)		1,421
Prepaid expenses		426			-
Accounts payable - trade and related parties		(805	)		396
Accrued liabilities		(799	)		(5,791	)
	$	(1,693	)	$	(4,704	)
Cash paid for interest	$	422		$	633

Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Notes payable for financing insurance policies		727		673
Related party accounts payable exchanged for sale of fixed assets		-		20
Forgiven related party loan guaranty fee		-		313
Dividends on preferred stock transferred to equity		1,043		983
Accrued interest converted to long-term debt		1,751		1,599
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 for both 2012 and 2013.

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.

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):


	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(unaudited)
Parts and supplies	$	480	$	648
Raw materials		4,948		3,935
Work in process		2,487		2,034
Finished goods		2,142		2,851
	$	10,057	$	9,468

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms generally requiring payment within thirty days from the invoice date. Trade accounts are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Payments of accounts receivable are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customers’ remittance advice.

Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amounts less an estimated reserve provided 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 that remain outstanding after management has used 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

Credit Risk

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. Additionally, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. The Company regularly monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and believes that it has adequately provided for exposure to potential credit losses. One customer accounted for more than 50% of accounts receivable at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Major Customers

The Company’s revenues are derived principally from national and regional building products distributors. BlueLinx is the Company’s largest single customer, distributing both the ChoiceDek® brand of decking products sold exclusively at Lowe’s as well as the Company’s MoistureShield® decking products in select geographies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, BlueLinx represented more than 50% of the Company’s revenue. A loss of this customer, or a major reduction in their business, could cause a significant reduction in our liquidity. We are currently working to increase our distribution network that will reduce this customer’s concentration.

Cash

The Company maintains bank accounts that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000. At times, cash balances may be in excess of the FDIC limit. The Company believes no significant concentrations of risk exist with respect to its cash.

Note 5: Income Taxes

As of September 30, 2013, 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 2017 and 2031. In March 2011, H.I.G. AERT, LLC acquired a controlling interest in the Company, which resulted 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 19 years. The impact of this limitation is approximately $27.0 million in NOL’s, which will expire before the Company can use them. Subsequent to the H.I.G. reorganization, the Company has incurred $6.9 million of net operating losses that are not subject to annual limitation. The Company may not be able to generate enough future taxable income to enable it to use its net operating loss carryforwards prior to their expiration. The Company maintains a valuation allowance to recognize its deferred tax assets only to the extent of its deferred tax liabilities. The estimated annual effective income tax rate for 2013 is 0% due to the use of net operating loss carryforwards.

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 (EPS). The Company currently has two classes 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, 2013 and 2012:

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock		(1,081	)		474		1,594		1,391
Preferred stock dividend		353			332		1,043		983
Income (loss) before dividends		(728	)		806		2,637		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	$	17.19		$	16.20	$	50.81	$	47.88

Undistributed earnings (loss) per share:
Common	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00
Preferred		-		$	17.75	$	60.28	$	51.87

Total basic earnings (loss) per common and participating share:
Common	$	(0.01	)	$	0.00	$	0.00	$	0.00
Preferred	$	17.19		$	33.95	$	111.09	$	99.75

Basic weighted average common shares:
Common weighted average number of shares		89,631,162			89,631,162		89,631,162		89,631,162
Participating preferred shares - if converted		315,175,913			296,986,254		310,586,011		292,613,286
Total weighted average number of shares		404,807,075			386,617,416		400,217,173		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, 2012 and 2013. The following schedule presents antidilutive securities:

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2013

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2012

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2013

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2012

(unaudited)

Series E Preferred Stock

318,329,197

299,924,762

318,329,197

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: Line of Credit

AERT has a line of credit (Revolver Loan) agreement with AloStar Bank of Commerce (AloStar). The $8.0 million Revolver Loan is subject to a reserve of $1.0 million plus a maximum reserve of $1.0 million or the actual reserve for class action claims ($0.3 million at September 30, 2013). Interest is assessed at the greater of (a) 1.0% and (b) the LIBOR rate as shown in the Wall Street Journal on such day for United States dollar deposits for the one month delivery of funds in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the Revolver Loan for which such rate is being determined plus 4% at September 30, 2013. If the LIBOR cannot be determined, the interest will be calculated using the prime lending rate plus 2%. The interest rate at September 30, 2013 was 5%. The Revolver Loan is secured by 85% of accounts receivable after a reduction for amounts owed by international customers. The Revolver Loan is also secured by 60% of the eligible inventory or 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of the inventory. The Revolver at AloStar had a $2.2 million balance at September 30, 2013. The proceeds available to draw down on the Revolver loan at September 30, 2013 were $4.5 million.

Note 8: Related Party Transactions

Recapitalization

In 2011, the Company consummated related recapitalization transactions with H.I.G. AERT, LLC. In exchange for making approximately $6.9 million of additional capital available to the Company that was partially used to pay down notes and accounts payable, H.I.G. was issued (i) a Series A Term Note in the aggregate principal amount of $10 million and (ii) a Series B Senior Term Note in the aggregate principal amount of $9 million and (iii) 20,524.149 shares of Series E convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As a result, H.I.G. owns approximately 80% of the outstanding common equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted, as converted basis.

The recapitalization agreements have been accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring (ASC 470-60). The Credit Agreement contains provisions requiring mandatory payments upon the Notes equal to 50% of the Company’s “Excess Cash Flow” 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).

Advisory Services

The Company entered into an Advisory Services Agreement between H.I.G. Capital, L.L.C. and the Company (the Advisory Services Agreement) on March 18, 2011 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, L.L.C.

Raw Material Purchases

During 2013, AERT purchased raw materials from Green Country Recycling (GCR). Joe G. Brooks, AERT’s Chairman of the Board, acts as an advisor to GCR to help develop and commercialize new plastic recycling processes. Raw materials purchases as of September 30, 2013, in aggregate, total $0.2 million with no balance outstanding at the end of the quarter. The account payable has terms of 10 days net and bears no interest.

GCR is headquartered in the warehouse currently under lease by AERT in Westville, Oklahoma. The building rent is shared by GCR and AERT. Separate contracts with the lessor are in effect. Utility costs are shared. As of September 30, 2013, GCR has paid to AERT $41,000 for monthly utility costs and has an outstanding balance for utility costs incurred of $30,000.

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.

Note 10: Business Interruption

On July 17, 2013, the Company experienced a fire at its Springdale North extrusion facility and a silo fire on July 25, 2013, at its Lowell facility. These facilities were closed temporarily while the Company, local, state, and federal officials investigated and repairs were made. The Lowell plant re-commenced operations on July 30, while the first line at the extrusion plant re-commenced production on August 16. The remaining four extrusion lines were brought back into operation between August 17 and August 23, 2013. Final adjustments and repairs to the extrusion lines are still in progress.

The company has estimated the financial impact of the incident to be up to $7 million, most of which relates to business interruption. The insurers advanced $2.5 million in October 2013 in relation to the Springdale fire; however, no settlement has been reached. The Company has included the $2.5 million advance as a current receivable on the September 30, 2013 Balance Sheet and as “Income from insurance proceeds” on the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are on-going. AERT has received no assessment for fines or penalties as of September 30, 2013. AERT believes it has adequate insurance to repair and/or replace the production equipment. AERT is also confident that it has sufficient insurance to cover the costs of the business interruption.

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

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2013			2012			% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net sales	$	14,705		$	17,803			(17.4	%)
Cost of goods sold		14,362			14,193			1.2	%
% of net sales		97.7	%		79.7	%
Gross margin		343			3,610			(90.5	%)
% of net sales		2.3	%		20.3	%

Selling and administrative costs		2,772			2,069			34.0	%
Gain from asset disposition		(3	)		-			0.0	%
% of net sales		18.8	%		11.6	%
Operating income		(2,426	)		1,541			(257.4	%)
% of net sales		(16.5	%)		8.7	%

Other income (expense):
Income from insurance proceeds		2,500			-			*
Other income (expense)		(76	)		17			(547.1	%)
Net interest expense		(726	)		(752	)		(3.5	%)
Income before dividends		(728	)		806			(190.3	%)
% of net sales		(5.0	%)		4.5	%
Dividends on preferred stock		(353	)		(332	)		6.3	%
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock	$	(1,081	)	$	474			(328.1	%)
% of net sales		(7.4	%)		2.7	%

*Not a meaningful percent

Net Sales

Third quarter 2013 sales were down $3.1 million or 17.4% from third quarter 2012 largely due to lost production as a result of a fire on July 17, 2013 at the extrusion facility in Springdale. The first line at the extrusion plant re-commenced operations on August 16. The remaining four extrusion lines were brought back into operation between August 17 and August 23, 2013. Final adjustments and repairs to the extrusion lines are still in progress.

Cost of Goods Sold

Total cost of goods sold for the third quarter of 2013 was up 1.2% from the third quarter 2012 cost, reflecting increased manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs incurred due to the retention of our skilled labor force during the time of lost production. In the third quarter 2012, a portion of the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. was offset against manufacturing costs previously incurred.

Selling and Administrative Costs

Selling and administrative costs were up 34% for the third quarter 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012. In the third quarter 2012, a portion of the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. was offset against administrative costs previously incurred. Selling and administrative costs increased due to the hiring of additional employees, additional advertising and promotion expenses, and amortization of bank fees.

Earnings

Operating income decreased $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to loss of production and sales associated with the fire. The insurance company advanced $2.5 million in early October 2013 in relation to the Springdale fire; however, no settlement has been reached. The Company has included the $2.5 million advance as a current receivable on the September 30, 2013 Balance Sheet and as other income on the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Interest costs decreased 3.5% compared to the third quarter of 2012 largely reflecting reduced interest rates.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

The following table sets forth selected information from our statements of operations (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2013			2012			% Change
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net sales	$	57,588		$	63,125			(8.8	%)
Cost of goods sold		46,353			50,131			(7.5	%)
% of net sales		80.5	%		79.4	%
Gross margin		11,235			12,994			(13.5	%)
% of net sales		19.5	%		20.6	%

Selling and administrative costs		8,867			8,459			4.8	%
Gain from asset disposition		(4	)		(24	)		(83.3	%)
% of net sales		15.4	%		13.4	%
Operating income		2,372			4,559			(48.0	%)
% of net sales		4.1	%		7.2	%

Other income (expense):
Income from insurance proceeds		2,500			-			*
Other income (expense)		(61	)		47			(229.8	%)
Net interest expense		(2,174	)		(2,232	)		(2.6	%)
Income before dividends		2,637			2,374			11.1	%
% of net sales		4.6	%		3.8	%
Dividends on preferred stock		(1,043	)		(983	)		6.1	%
Net income applicable to common stock	$	1,594		$	1,391			14.6	%
% of net sales		2.8	%		2.2	%

* Not a meaningful percent

Net Sales

Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were down $5.5 million or 8.8% from the same period 2012 primarily due to lost production as a result of a fire on July 17, 2013 at the extrusion facility in Springdale. The first line at the extrusion plant re-commenced operations on August 16. The remaining four extrusion lines were brought back into operation between August 17 and August 23, 2013.

MoistureShield® and export sales increased in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to the Winter Buy discounts. As a result, the sales of MoistureShield® and export sales were lower in the first nine months of 2013 than they were in the first nine months of 2012.

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin

Total cost of goods sold for the first nine months of 2013 was 7.5% below 2012 cost for the same period, reflecting reduced sales for the first nine months of 2013. As a percentage of sales, gross margin for the first nine months of 2013 was 1.1 percentage points lower due to increased manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs incurred due to the retention of a skilled labor force during the time of the lost production. In the first nine months of 2012, a portion of the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. was offset against manufacturing costs previously incurred.

Selling and Administrative Costs

Selling and administrative costs were up 4.8% in the first nine months of 2013 compared to the first nine months of 2012. In the third quarter of 2012, a portion of the net settlement recovery from Ross Systems, Inc. was offset against administrative costs previously incurred. Selling and administrative costs were also up due to additional amortization of bank fees, recruiting costs, additional research and development expenses offset by a decrease in professional fees.

Earnings

Operating income decreased $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012. This decrease reflects lost sales as a result of reduced production due to the fire in our Springdale extrusion plant. The insurance company advanced $2.5 million in early October 2013 in relation to the Springdale fire; however, no settlement has been reached. The Company has included the $2.5 million advance as a current receivable on the September 30, 2013Balance Sheet and as other income on the Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On November 15, 2012, AERT entered into a $15.0 million Loan and Security Agreement (the Agreement) with AloStar Bank of Commerce (AloStar), a state banking institution organized under the laws of the State of Alabama; $8 million as a Revolver Loan and $7.0 million as an asset-based loan (term loan).

Upon execution of the Agreement, AloStar advanced funds from the term loan in full payment of the Liberty Bank Revolving Line of Credit and the Mortgage Security Agreement. The Revolver Loan will be used to cover operating expenses as needed. At September 30, 2013, $4.5 million was available for draw down.

The Company continues to improve on liquidity by increasing plant efficiencies, decreasing our overhead costs, negotiating better payment terms with vendors, reduced raw material costs, and increasing profitability within our product sector.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Operations

Cash provided by operations in the first nine months of 2013 was $3.9 million, the same amount as for the first nine months of 2012. A comparison between the first nine months of 2013 and the same period of 2012 shows a change in current assets and liabilities of $3.0 million. This change is due to:

$0.8 million change in accounts receivable reflecting lower sales in 2013

$4.7 million change in accrued liabilities due to the Lowe’s inventory refresh paid in 2012

$1.2 million change in accounts payable as a result of reduced purchases of raw materials in September 2013

$2.0 million change in inventories as a result of outstanding purchase orders issued for raw materials prior to the fire

The $2.5 million anticipated insurance proceeds reflected in the quarter ended September 30, 2013 were subsequently received in October 2013.

The changes in our revenue and cost of raw materials significantly impact the Company’s liquidity. We are in the remodeling industry that has been depressed as a result of the reduction in home prices in recent years. Our business is dependent upon the economy and we cannot accurately predict cyclical economic changes or the impact on consumer buying.

The Company has significant customer concentration, with one customer representing more than 50% of our revenue. A loss of this customer, or a major reduction in their business, could cause a significant reduction in our liquidity. We are currently working to expand our distribution network, which will reduce this customer’s concentration.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2013 decreased slightly from the same period last year. This change was due to reduced capital expenditures at our Watts facility in 2013 compared to 2012 offset by an increase in capital expenditures at our Springdale South extrusion plant.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $1.5 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to cash used in financing activities of $1.1 million in 2012. The change was primarily due to the pay down of the term note to AloStar in the first nine months of 2013.

Working Capital

At September 30, 2013, the Company had working capital of $4.6 million compared to working capital of $0.2 million at December 31, 2012. The increase in working capital was primarily due to the receivable for fire damage and a reduction of the accrual for the class action lawsuit.

Buildings and Equipment

Property additions and betterments include construction costs and property purchases. 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 that its property, plant, and equipment generate sufficient cash flow. 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 — 2 to 6 years, 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.

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

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 balance on the loan at September 30, 2013 was $2.8 million.

H.I.G. Long Term Debt

In 2011, the Company consummated related recapitalization transactions (the Transactions) with H.I.G. AERT, LLC, an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital L.L.C. (H.I.G.). H.I.G. exchanged secured debt in the Company for a combination of new debt and equity. In exchange for $6.9 million of additional new capital available to the Company, H.I.G. was issued:

a Series A Term Note in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000,

a Series B Senior Term Note in the aggregate principal amount of $9,000,000 (or such lesser amount as is actually borrowed thereunder), and

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, H.I.G. owns approximately 80% of the outstanding common equity securities of the Company on a fully diluted, as converted basis.

The Series A Note matures on March 17, 2017 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 until March 17, 2013, after which time, the Series A Note will bear cash interest at 8.0% per annum). On July 16, 2013, payment of cash interest was waived until January 1, 2014.

The Series B Note matures on March 17, 2017 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 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 equally 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” 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.

Debt Covenants

The Company’s Revolver Loan with AloStar and the Company’s Credit Agreement with H.I.G. contain covenant restrictions, as defined in the respective agreements.

		September 30, 2013	Covenant	Compliance
AloStar

Adjusted EBITDA	=	$7.9M	=>$5.5M	Yes
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	=	2.1	> 1.10:1.00	Yes
Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA / Consolidated Fixed Charges
Capital Expenditures	=	$2.8M	< $4.5M	Yes

HIG:

Adjusted EBITDA	=	$7.9M	=>$8.0M	No, Waived
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	=	2.2	> 1.50	Yes
Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA / Consolidated Fixed Charges
Leverage Ratio	=	4.83	= < 3.25:1.00	No, Waived
Consolidated Indebtedness / Consolidated EBITDA
Capital Expenditures	=	$2.8	< $2.5M	No, Waived

On October 7, 2013, H.I.G. AERT LLC, the holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock, waived the Specified Events of Default as a result of AERT failing to have achieved a Leverage Ratio of below 3.25 to 1.0 for the four Fiscal Quarters ending September 30, 2013. H.I.G. AERT, LLC also waived the Specified Events of Default as a result of AERT exceeding the maximum capital expenditure requirement of $2.5 million and for failing to achieve EBITDA of greater than $8.0 million. In addition, on October 7, 2013, H.I.G. AERT LLC waived its right to deliver a Triggering Event Redemption Notice solely as a result of the Specified Events of Default.

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, Timothy D. Morrison, 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, 2013. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2013, 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, 2013, 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)

Item 6. Exhibits.

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed and incorporated by reference as part of this report.

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.


		ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
		RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

		By: /s/ Tim Morrison
		Tim Morrison,
		Chief Executive Officer
		(principal executive officer)

		/s/ J. R. Brian Hanna
		J. R. Brian Hanna,
		Chief Financial Officer & Principal Accounting Officer

Date: November 7, 2013

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Description


10.1		Waiver of Default – H.I.G. Credit Agreement

10.2		Waiver of “Special Events Defaults” per Series E Convertible Preferred Stock Rights

10.3		Waiver of “Special Events Defaults” per Series A Term Loan Interest

31.1		Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by the Company's chairman and chief executive officer

31.2		Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 302) by the Company’s chief financial and accounting officer

32.1		Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by the Company's chairman and chief executive officer

32.2		Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 906) by the Company's chief financial and accounting officer

101.IN		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document