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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)  

ý

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

OR

o

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

For the transition period from                        to            

Commission file numbers:

 

333-99587
    333-99589

H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Louisiana
(State of Incorporation)
  72-1287046
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

11100 Mead Road, Suite 200,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(Address of principal executive offices)

 


70816
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (225) 298-5200


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 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 ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

        H&E Holdings L.L.C. owns 100% of the registrant's limited liability company interests.





H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

 

Unaudited Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2004 and
December 31, 2003

 

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

 

5

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

17

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

25

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

25

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

26

Item 2.

 

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

26

Item 3.

 

Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

26

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

26

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

26

Item 6.

 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

26

2



H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

 
  March 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
 
  (In thousands)

 
ASSETS              
  Cash   $ 2,836   $ 3,891  
  Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,196 and $3,188, respectively     66,484     62,615  
  Inventories, net     41,784     44,078  
  Prepaid expenses and other assets     4,031     2,521  
  Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $110,904 and $113,546, respectively     242,453     259,282  
  Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,625 and $13,906, respectively     14,685     15,128  
  Deferred financing costs and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,251 and $2,751, respectively     11,954     11,235  
  Goodwill, net     3,204     3,204  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 387,431   $ 401,954  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S DEFICIT              
Liabilities:              
  Amount due on senior secured credit facility   $ 45,281   $ 43,958  
  Accounts payable     78,697     91,446  
  Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     24,873     15,901  
  Accrued loss from litigation     17,434     17,434  
  Related party obligation     1,193     1,235  
  Notes payable     961     1,063  
  Senior secured notes, net of discount     198,684     198,660  
  Senior subordinated notes, net of discount     43,123     43,010  
  Capital lease obligations     2,086     5,351  
  Deferred compensation payable     11,157     10,898  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     423,489     428,956  
   
 
 
               
Member's deficit     (36,058 )   (27,002 )
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and member's deficit   $ 387,431   $ 401,954  
   
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Revenues:              
  Equipment rentals   $ 35,552   $ 37,028  
  New equipment sales     25,297     20,370  
  Used equipment sales     23,262     18,410  
  Parts sales     13,908     12,205  
  Service revenue     8,610     8,587  
  Other     5,311     4,622  
   
 
 
    Total revenues     111,940     101,222  
   
 
 
Cost of Revenues:              
  Rental depreciation     12,251     13,791  
  Rental expense     13,404     12,151  
  New equipment sales     22,874     18,579  
  Used equipment sales     18,564     14,598  
  Parts sales     9,972     8,929  
  Service revenue     3,282     3,353  
  Other     5,114     4,605  
   
 
 
    Total cost of revenues     85,461     76,006  
   
 
 
    Gross profit     26,479     25,216  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

25,702

 

 

24,746

 
Loss from litigation         17,000  
Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment     27     (27 )
   
 
 
    Income (loss) from operations     804     (16,557 )
   
 
 
Other Income (Expense):              
  Interest expense     (9,887 )   (9,813 )
  Other, net     27     21  
   
 
 
    Total other expense, net     (9,860 )   (9,792 )
   
 
 
    Net loss   $ (9,056 ) $ (26,349 )
   
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net loss   $ (9,056 ) $ (26,349 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:              
  Depreciation on property and equipment     917     1,020  
  Depreciation on rental equipment     12,251     13,791  
  Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs     637     636  
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable     364     55  
  Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment     (27 )   27  
  Gain on sale of rental equipment     (4,169 )   (2,520 )
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Receivables, net     (4,233 )   2,205  
    Inventories, net     (2,674 )   1,066  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     (1,510 )   (2,155 )
    Accounts payable     (12,749 )   (18,034 )
    Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     8,673     8,297  
    Accrued loss from litigation         17,000  
    Deferred compensation payable     259     237  
   
 
 
      Net cash used in operating activities     (11,317 )   (4,724 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Purchases of property and equipment     (543 )   (683 )
  Purchases of rental equipment     (4,195 )   (8,584 )
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     96     1,736  
  Proceeds from sale of rental equipment     17,910     11,868  
   
 
 
      Net cash provided by investing activities     13,268     4,337  
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Borrowings on senior secured credit facility     107,708     106,328  
  Payments on senior secured credit facility     (106,385 )   (105,112 )
  Payment of deferred financing costs     (887 )   (227 )
  Payments of related party obligation     (75 )    
  Principal payments on notes payable     (102 )   (67 )
  Payments on capital lease obligations     (3,265 )   (1,166 )
   
 
 
      Net cash used in financing activities     (3,006 )   (244 )
   
 
 
Net decrease in cash     (1,055 )   (631 )
Cash, beginning of period     3,891     3,398  
   
 
 
Cash, end of period   $ 2,836   $ 2,767  
   
 
 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


 
  Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  2004
  2003
 
  (In thousands)

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing activities:            
    Assets transferred from new and used inventory to rental fleet   $ 4,968   $ 4,659

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash paid during the period for:            
    Interest   $ 1,804   $ 2,061
    Income taxes         97

        As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company had $47.7 and $51.8 million, respectively, in manufacturer flooring plans payable outstanding, which were used to finance purchases of inventory and rental equipment.

        As of March 1, 2004, the Company entered into a twelve month, non-competition agreement with a former vice-president. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $0.3 million intangible asset and accrued liability. The intangible asset will be amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    Organization and Nature of Operations

Basis of Presentation

        H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (H&E Equipment Services or the Company) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of H&E Holdings L.L.C. (H&E Holdings). H&E Holdings is principally a holding company conducting all of its operations through H&E Equipment Services. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of H&E Equipment Services and its wholly-owned subsidiaries H&E Finance Corp., GNE Investments, Inc. and Great Northern Equipment, Inc., collectively referred to herein as the Company.

        The nature of the the Company's business is such that short-term obligations are typically met by cash flows generated from long-term assets. Consequently, consistent with industry practice, the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.

Nature of Operations

        H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. and its subsidiaries (as used herein, the "Company" and "H&E Equipment Services") is one of the largest integrated equipment rental, sales and service companies in the United States of America (United States). Unlike many of its competitors, which focus primarily on renting equipment, the Company also sells new and used equipment and provides extensive parts and service support. This integrated model enables the Company to effectively manage key aspects of its rental fleet through reduced equipment acquisition costs, efficient maintenance and profitable disposition of rental fleet equipment. Over the past 41 years, the Company has built an infrastructure that includes a network of 40 facilities, most of which have full-service capabilities, and a workforce that includes a highly-skilled group of nearly 500 service technicians and separate and distinct rental and equipment sales forces. The Company generates a significant portion of its gross profit from its parts and service operations, which management believes, provides the Company with a more stable operating profile than companies that focus solely on renting equipment.

        The Company's operations are principally connected with construction and industrial activities. Consequently, a downturn in construction or industrial activity may lead to a decrease in the demand for equipment or depressed rental rates and sales prices for the equipment the Company sells.

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods presented. Interim financial statements do not require all disclosures normally presented in year-end financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and, accordingly, certain disclosures have been omitted. Results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004. The information included in this report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        The Company prepares the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In applying many accounting principles, management makes assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. These assumptions, estimates and/or judgments are often subjective and may change based on changing circumstances or changes in management's analysis.

7



Material changes in these assumptions, estimates and/or judgments have the potential to materially alter the Company's results of operations.

Reclassifications

        Certain amounts in the prior-period condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current-period condensed consolidated financial statements.

2.    Litigation

        The Company is party to various litigation matters, in most cases (except for the legal proceeding referred to below) involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to the Company's business. The Company cannot estimate with certainty the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such pending matters (excluding the legal proceeding referred to below). However, management believes, based on their examination of such matters, that the Company's ultimate liability will not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.

        In July 2000, a complaint was filed by a competitor of the Company in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, State of North Carolina, County of Mecklenburg (the Court). On May 2, 2003, the Court handed down an Order and Opinion in favor of the plaintiff. In conjunction therewith, the Company recorded a $17.4 million loss for estimated damages, plaintiff's attorneys fees and other costs in 2003.

        On September 11, 2003, the Company filed a notice of appeal. In conjunction with the appeal and in accordance with the Court's order, the Company issued an irrevocable standby letter of credit for $19.0 million, representing the amount of the judgment plus $1.6 million in anticipated statutory interest for the sixteen months while the judgment is being appealed. If, at the end of sixteen months, the appeal is still pending, the Company will be required to extend the maturity of the irrevocable standby letter of credit for eight additional months and increase the amount by $0.8 million (eight months additional statutory interest at 8.0%). The Company will expense any additional statutory interest as interest expense in the statement of operations. For the duration of the letter of credit, the Company pays a 300 basis point fee on the amount available for issuance.

        While the Company is appealing this judgment, management believes that even if there is a reduction in the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff on appeal, the judgment could have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition.

3.    Senior Secured Credit Facility

        On February 10, 2004, the Company amended its senior secured credit agreement dated June 17, 2002, governing its senior secured credit facility. Principally, this amendment:

8


        The Company paid a loan amendment fee of $0.8 million that is being amortized over the remaining term of the loan. Based on these covenant changes, the Company's availability under the amended senior secured credit facility was approximately $80.2 million as of March 31, 2004. As of March 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in place at that time.

4.    Segment Information

        The Company has identified five reportable segments; equipment rentals, new equipment sales, used equipment sales, parts sales and service revenues. These segments are based upon how management allocates resources and assesses performance. Non-segmented revenues and non-segmented costs relate to equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage-waiver charges and are not allocated to the other reportable segments. Selling, general, and administrative expenses and all other income and expense items below gross profit are not generally allocated to reportable segments. The Company does not compile discrete financial information by its segments other than the information presented below. The following table presents unaudited information about the Company's reportable segments (in thousands):

 
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

 
  2004
  2003
Revenues:            
  Equipment rentals   $ 35,552   $ 37,028
  New equipment sales     25,297     20,370
  Used equipment sales     23,262     18,410
  Parts sales     13,908     12,205
  Service revenue     8,610     8,587
   
 
    Total segmented revenues     106,629     96,600
  Non-segmented revenues     5,311     4,622
   
 
    Total revenues   $ 111,940   $ 101,222
   
 
Gross Profit:            
  Equipment rentals   $ 9,897   $ 11,086
  New equipment sales     2,423     1,791
  Used equipment sales     4,698     3,812
  Parts sales     3,936     3,276
  Service revenue     5,328     5,234
   
 
    Total gross profit from revenues     26,282   $ 25,199
  Non-segmented gross profit     197     17
   
 
    Total gross profit   $ 26,479   $ 25,216
   
 

9


 
  As of March 31,

  As of December 31,

 
  2004
  2003
Segment Identified Assets:            
  Equipment sales, net   $ 26,578   $ 29,091
  Equipment rentals, net     242,453     259,282
  Parts sales and service revenue     15,206     14,987
   
 
    Total segment identified assets     284,237     303,360
  Non-segment identified assets     103,194     98,594
   
 
    Total assets   $ 387,431   $ 401,954
   
 

        The Company operates in the United States and had minimal international sales for any of the periods presented. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's sales on an overall or segment basis for any of the periods presented.

5.    Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

        All of the indebtedness of H&E Equipment Services is guaranteed by GNE Investments, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Great Northern Equipment, Inc. These guarantor subsidiaries are all wholly-owned and the guarantees are made on a joint and several basis and are full and unconditional (subject to subordination provisions and subject to a standard limitation which provides that the maximum amount guaranteed by each guarantor will not exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed without making the guarantee void under fraudulent conveyance laws). There are no restrictions on H&E Equipment Services' ability to obtain funds from the guarantor subsidiaries by dividend or loan.

10



        The condensed consolidating financial information of H&E Equipment Services and its subsidiaries are included below. The condensed consolidating financial statements for H&E Finance Corp., the subsidiary co-issuer, is not presented because H&E Finance Corp. has no assets or operations.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)

 
  As of March 31, 2004
 
 
  H&E Equipment
Services

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                   
  Cash   $ 2,823   $ 13   $   $ 2,836  
  Receivables, net     64,497     1,987         66,484  
  Inventories, net     40,990     794         41,784  
  Prepaid expenses and other assets     4,031             4,031  
  Rental equipment, net     233,207     9,246         242,453  
  Property and equipment, net     14,391     294         14,685  
  Deferred financing costs and other intangible assets, net     11,954             11,954  
  Investment in guarantor subsidiaries     4,175         (4,175 )    
  Goodwill, net     3,204             3,204  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total assets   $ 379,272   $ 12,334   $ (4,175 ) $ 387,431  
   
 
 
 
 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Liabilities:                          
  Amount due on senior secured credit facility   $ 41,158   $ 4,123   $   $ 45,281  
  Accounts payable     78,697             78,697  
  Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     24,792     81         24,873  
  Accrued loss from litigation     17,434             17,434  
  Related party obligation     1,193             1,193  
  Inter-company balance     (3,955 )   3,955          
  Notes payable     961             961  
  Senior secured notes, net of discount     198,684             198,684  
  Senior subordinated notes, net of discount     43,123             43,123  
  Capital lease obligations     2,086             2,086  
  Deferred compensation payable     11,157             11,157  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     415,330     8,159         423,489  
   
 
 
 
 
                           
Member's equity (deficit)     (36,058 )   4,175     (4,175 )   (36,058 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities and member's
equity (deficit)
  $ 379,272   $ 12,334   $ (4,175 ) $ 387,431  
   
 
 
 
 

11


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)

 
  As of December 31, 2003
 
 
  H&E Equipment
Services

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                   
  Cash   $ 3,868   $ 23   $   $ 3,891  
  Receivables, net     61,318     1,297         62,615  
  Inventories, net     42,783     1,295         44,078  
  Prepaid expenses and other assets     2,521             2,521  
  Rental equipment, net     250,426     8,856         259,282  
  Property and equipment, net     14,872     256         15,128  
  Deferred financing costs, net     11,235             11,235  
  Investment in guarantor subsidiaries     4,464         (4,464 )    
  Goodwill, net     3,204             3,204  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total assets   $ 394,691   $ 11,727   $ (4,464 ) $ 401,954  
   
 
 
 
 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Liabilities:                          
  Amount due on senior secured credit facility   $ 39,679   $ 4,279   $   $ 43,958  
  Accounts payable     91,446             91,446  
  Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     15,741     160         15,901  
  Intercompany balance     (2,824 )   2,824          
  Accrued loss from litigation     17,434             17,434  
  Related party obligation     1,235             1,235  
  Notes payable     1,063             1,063  
  Senior secured notes, net of discount     198,660             198,660  
  Senior subordinated notes, net of discount     43,010             43,010  
  Capital lease obligations     5,351             5,351  
  Deferred compensation payable     10,898             10,898  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     421,693     7,263         428,956  
   
 
 
 
 

Member's equity (deficit)

 

 

(27,002

)

 

4,464

 

 

(4,464

)

 

(27,002

)
   
 
 
 
 
    Total liabilities and member's equity (deficit)   $ 394,691   $ 11,727   $ (4,464 ) $ 401,954  
   
 
 
 
 

12


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
 
 
  H&E Equipment
Services

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
Revenues:                          
  Equipment rentals   $ 34,499   $ 1,053   $   $ 35,552  
  New equipment sales     24,618     679           25,297  
  Used equipment sales     21,788     1,474         23,262  
  Parts sales     13,609     299         13,908  
  Service revenue     8,365     245         8,610  
  Other     5,187     124         5,311  
   
 
 
 
 
      Total revenues     108,066     3,874         111,940  
   
 
 
 
 

Cost of Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Rental depreciation     11,820     431         12,251  
  Rental expense     13,131     273         13,404  
  New equipment sales     22,275     599         22,874  
  Used equipment sales     17,475     1,089         18,564  
  Parts sales     9,775     197         9,972  
  Service revenue     3,210     72         3,282  
  Other     4,882     232         5,114  
   
 
 
 
 
      Total cost of revenues     82,568     2,893         85,461  
   
 
 
 
 
      Gross profit     25,498     981         26,479  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

24,629

 

 

1,073

 

 


 

 

25,702

 
  Gain on sale of property and equipment     26     1         27  
  Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries     (289 )       289      
   
 
 
 
 
      Income (loss) from operations     606     (91 )   289     804  
   
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense):                          
  Interest expense     (9,676 )   (211 )       (9,887 )
  Other, net     14     13         27  
   
 
 
 
 
      Total other expense, net     (9,662 )   (198 )       (9,860 )
   
 
 
 
 
      Net loss   $ (9,056 ) $ (289 ) $ 289   $ (9,056 )
   
 
 
 
 

13


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
 
 
  H&E Equipment
Services

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
Revenues:                          
  Equipment rentals   $ 36,207   $ 821   $   $ 37,028  
  New equipment sales     20,128     242         20,370  
  Used equipment sales     17,682     730         18,410  
  Parts sales     11,927     278         12,205  
  Service revenue     8,359     227         8,587  
  Other     4,540     81         4,622  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues     98,843     2,379         101,222  
   
 
 
 
 
Cost of Revenues:                          
  Rental depreciation     13,365     426         13,791  
  Rental expense     11,896     252         12,151  
  New equipment sales     18,379     201         18,579  
  Used equipment sales     14,059     541         14,598  
  Parts sales     8,736     193         8,929  
  Service revenue     3,281     72         3,353  
  Other     4,502     103         4,605  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total cost of revenues     74,218     1,788         76,006  
   
 
 
 
 
    Gross profit     24,625     591         25,216  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

24,002

 

 

744

 

 


 

 

24,746

 
  Loss from litigation     17,000             17,000  
  Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment     (44 )   17         (27 )
  Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries     (340 )       340      
   
 
 
 
 
    Loss from operations     (16,761 )   (136 )   340     (16,557 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense):                          
  Interest expense     (9,610 )   (203 )       (9,813 )
  Other, net     22     (1 )       21  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total other expense     (9,588 )   (204 )       (9,792 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Net loss   $ (26,349 ) $ (340 ) $ 340   $ (26,349 )
   
 
 
 
 

14


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
 
 
  H&E Equipment Services
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                          
  Net loss   $ (9,056 ) $ (289 ) $ 289   $ (9,056 )
Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                          
  Depreciation on property and equipment     885     32         917  
  Depreciation on rental equipment     11,820     431         12,251  
  Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs     637             637  
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable     311     53         364  
  Gain on sale of property and equipment     (26 )   (1 )       (27 )
  Gain on sale of rental equipment     (3,818 )   (351 )       (4,169 )
  Deficit in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries     289         (289 )    
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Receivables, net     (3,490 )   (743 )       (4,233 )
    Inventories, net     (3,087 )   413         (2,674 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     (1,510 )           (1,510 )
    Accounts payable     (12,749 )           (12,749 )
    Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     8,752     (79 )       8,673  
    Intercompany balance     (1,131 )   1,131          
    Deferred compensation payable     259             259  
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (11,914 )   597         (11,317 )
   
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                          
  Purchases of property and equipment     (473 )   (70 )       (543 )
  Purchases of rental equipment     (2,473 )   (1,722 )       (4,195 )
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     95     1         96  
  Proceeds from sale of rental equipment     16,570     1,340         17,910  
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities:     13,719     (451 )       13,268  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                          
  Borrowings on senior secured credit facility     107,708             107,708  
  Payments on senior secured credit facility     (106,229 )   (156 )       (106,385 )
  Payment of deferred financing costs     (887 )           (887 )
  Payments on related party obligation     (75 )           (75 )
  Principal payments on notes payable     (102 )           (102 )
  Payments on capital lease obligations     (3,265 )           (3,265 )
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash used in financing activities     (2,850 )   (156 )       (3,006 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash     (1,045 )   (10 )       (1,055 )
Cash, beginning of period     3,868     23         3,891  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash, end of period   $ 2,823   $ 13   $   $ 2,836  
   
 
 
 
 

15


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
 
 
  H&E
Equipment
Services

  Guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Elimination
  Consolidated
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                          
  Net loss   $ (26,349 ) $ (340 ) $ 340   $ (26,349 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                          
  Depreciation on property and equipment     1,002     18         1,020  
  Depreciation on rental equipment     13,365     426         13,791  
  Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs     636             636  
  Provision for losses on accounts receivables     55             55  
  Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment     44     (17 )       27  
  Gain on sale of rental equipment     (2,351 )   (169 )       (2,520 )
  Equity in earnings of guarantor subsidiaries     340         (340 )    
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Receivables, net     1,994     211         2,205  
    Inventories, net     838     228         1,066  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     (2,159 )   4         (2,155 )
    Accounts payable     (17,946 )   (88 )       (18,034 )
    Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities     8,220     77         8,297  
    Intercompany balance     (1,972 )   1,972          
    Accrued loss from litigation     17,000             17,000  
    Deferred compensation payable     237             237  
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (7,046 )   2,322         (4,724 )
   
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                          
  Purchases of property and equipment     (645 )   (38 )       (683 )
  Purchases of rental equipment     (6,089 )   (2,495 )       (8,584 )
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     1,719     17         1,736  
  Proceeds from sale of rental equipment     11,273     595         11,868  
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     6,258     (1,921 )       4,337  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                          
  Borrowings on senior secured credit facility     106,328             106,328  
  Payments on senior secured credit facility     (104,796 )   (316 )       (105,112 )
  Payment of deferred financing costs     (227 )           (227 )
  Principal payments on notes payable     (67 )           (67 )
  Payments on capital lease obligations     (1,166 )           (1,166 )
   
 
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     72     (316 )       (244 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash     (716 )   85         (631 )
Cash, beginning of period     3,331     67         3,398  
   
 
 
 
 
Cash, end of period   $ 2,615   $ 152   $   $ 2,767  
   
 
 
 
 

16



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

        The following discussion reviews our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein. The following discussion and analysis should also be read in conjunction with the financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Overview

        We are an integrated equipment rental, sales and service company located in the United States of America (United States) with a network of 40 facilities, most of which have full-service capabilities, and a workforce that includes a highly-skilled group of service technicians and separate and distinct rental and equipment sales forces. In addition to renting equipment, we also sell new and used equipment and provide extensive parts and service support. We generate a significant portion of our gross profit from parts sales and service revenue.

        Our integrated approach leads to revenue for each source being partially driven by the activities of the other revenue sources. Our revenues are dependent on several factors, including the demand for rental equipment, rental fleet availability, rental rates, the demand for new and used equipment, the level of industrial and construction activity and general economic conditions.

        We derive our revenues primarily from the following sources:


        Our cost of revenues includes depreciation, maintenance, property taxes, equipment lease expense, and other miscellaneous costs of rental equipment, cost of equipment sold and cost of parts sales and service revenue.

17


        We believe a significant portion of our overall value is in the rental fleet equipment. Our rental fleet as of March 31, 2004, consisted of 12,969 units having an original acquisition cost (defined as the cost originally paid to manufacturers) of approximately $471.7 million and an average age of 42.5 months. This includes equipment financed with operating leases.

        Determining the optimal age and mix for our rental fleet equipment is subjective and requires considerable estimates by management. We are constantly evaluating the mix, age and quality of the equipment in our rental fleet in response to current economic conditions, competition and customer demand. We reduced our overall gross rental fleet, through the normal course of business activities, by approximately $83 million over the last five quarters. While we reduced the size of our equipment rental fleet, the mix among our four core product lines remained consistent with that of prior years. With our in-house service capabilities and extensive maintenance program, we believe our fleet is one of the best maintained and the newest in the industry.

        Not only is mix and age of our rental fleet impacted by the normal sales of used equipment from the rental fleet and the capital expenditures to acquire new rental fleet equipment, but so are our cash flows. During the first quarter of 2004, we continued to monitor our capital expenditures. In making acquisition decisions, we evaluated current market conditions, competition, manufacturers' availablity, pricing and return on investment over the estimated life of the specific equipment, among other things.

        With the short supply and high-cost of steel, our challenge now is getting new equipment. Lead times from manufacturers have lengthened and some manufacturers are placing dealers on allocations. Because of the timing and availability of new equipment, our first quarter capital expenditures for rental fleet equipment were less than anticipated, although we have placed orders and expect to take delivery in the second quarter of this year. We strive to manage our rental fleet relative to the current market demand.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In applying many accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. These assumptions, estimates and/or judgments are often subjective and may change based on changing circumstances or changes in our analysis. Material changes in these assumptions, estimates and/or judgments have the potential to materially alter our results of operations. We have identified below those of our accounting polices that we believe could potentially produce materially different results were we to change underlying assumptions, estimates and/or judgments.

        Revenue Recognition.    Our policy is to recognize revenue from equipment rentals in the period earned, over the contract term, regardless of the timing of the billing to customers. A rental contract term can be daily, weekly or monthly. Because the term of the contracts can extend across financial reporting periods, we record unbilled rental revenue and deferred rental revenue at the end of reporting periods so rental revenue is appropriately stated in the periods presented. Revenue from the sale of equipment and parts is recognized at the time of delivery to, or pick-up by, the customer and when all obligations under the sales contract have been fulfilled and collectibility is reasonably assured. Service revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Other revenues consist primarily for rental equipment delivery and damage waiver charges.

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts. This allowance reflects our estimate of the amount of our receivables that we will be unable to collect. Our estimate could change based on changing circumstances, including changes in the economy or in the particular circumstances of individual customers. Accordingly, we may be required to increase or decrease our allowance.

18



        Useful Lives of Rental Equipment and Property and Equipment.    We depreciate rental equipment and property and equipment over their estimated useful lives, after giving effect to an estimated salvage value of 0% to 25% of cost. The useful life of an asset is determined based on our estimate of the period the asset will generate revenues, and the salvage value is determined based on our estimate of the minimum value we could realize from the asset after such period. We may be required to change these estimates based on changes in our industry or other changing circumstances. If these estimates change in the future, we may be required to recognize increased or decreased depreciation expense for these assets.

        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    Long-lived assets are recorded at that lower of amortized cost or fair value. We review long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over the remaining useful life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to three months ended March 31, 2003

        The following table sets forth selected statement of operations revenue data for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

   
   
 
 
  Total
Dollar
Change

  Total
Percent
Change

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Revenues:                        
  Equipment rentals:                        
    Cranes   $ 4.6   $ 5.6   $ (1.0 ) (17.9 )%
    Aerial work platforms     21.4     21.2     0.2   0.9 %
    Earthmoving     5.0     5.2     (0.2 ) (3.8 )%
    Lift trucks     1.9     2.1     (0.2 ) (9.5 )%
    Other     2.7     2.9     (0.2 ) (6.9 )%
   
 
 
     
      Total equipment rentals     35.6     37.0     (1.4 ) (3.8 )%
   
 
 
     
  New equipment sales:                        
    Cranes     13.0     12.0     1.0   8.3 %
    Aerial work platforms     2.6     1.5     1.1   73.3 %
    Earthmoving     6.7     2.5     4.2   168.0 %
    Lift trucks     2.3     2.5     (0.2 ) (8.0 )%
    Other     0.7     1.9     (1.2 ) (63.2 )%
   
 
 
     
      Total new equipment sales     25.3     20.4     4.9   24.0 %
   
 
 
     
  Used equipment sales:                        
    Cranes     7.2     7.1     0.1   1.4 %
    Aerial work platforms     3.2     2.7     0.5   18.5 %
    Earthmoving     8.0     5.7     2.3   40.4 %
    Lift trucks     2.9     1.9     1.0   52.6 %
    Other     2.0     1.0     1.0   100.0 %
   
 
 
     
      Total used equipment sales     23.3     18.4     4.9   26.6 %
   
 
 
     
 
Parts sales

 

 

13.9

 

 

12.2

 

 

1.7

 

13.9

%
  Service revenue     8.6     8.6       0.0 %
  Other     5.2     4.6     0.6   13.0 %
   
 
 
     
      Total revenues   $ 111.9   $ 101.2   $ 10.7   10.6 %
   
 
 
     

19


        Total Revenues.    Our first quarter 2004 total revenues were $111.9 million compared to $101.2 million in the first quarter of 2003, an increase of $10.7 million or 10.6%. Our revenues are attributable to:

1.
Equipment Rental Revenues.    Our revenues from equipment rentals decreased $1.4 million, or 3.8% to $35.6 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $37.0 million for the first quarter of 2003. The decrease is primarily attributable to having reduced the overall gross rental fleet (through the normal course of our business activities) by approximately $83 million over the last 15 months and due to lower time utilization for cranes. Rental equipment dollar utilization (quarterly rental revenues annualized, divided by the average quarterly original rental fleet equipment cost of $481.7 million and $543.9 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively) was approximately 29.6% for the first quarter of 2004 compared to approximately 27.2% for the first quarter of 2003.

2.
New Equipment Sales Revenues.    Our new equipment sales increased $4.9 million, or 24.0% to $25.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $20.4 million for the first quarter of 2003. During 2004, our sales of new cranes, aerial work platforms and earthmoving equipment improved but were offset by lower sales of lift truck and other new equipment. Sales of new equipment fluctuate based upon customer demand for their projects.

3.
Used Equipment Sales Revenues.    Our used equipment sales increased $4.9 million, or 26.6%, to $23.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $18.4 million for the first quarter of 2003. In 2004, we sold our used equipment at approximately 125% of net book value compared to 126% in 2003.

4.
Parts Sales and Service Revenue.    Our parts sales and service revenue increased $1.7 million, or 8.2%, to $22.5 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $20.8 million for the first quarter of 2003. The $1.7 million increase was attributable to increased parts sales.

5.
Other Revenues.    Our other revenues consisted primarily of equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage waiver charges. Our other revenues increased $0.6 million during the first quarter of 2004.

        The following table sets forth selected statement of operations gross profit data for the periods indicated (dollars in millions):

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,

   
   
 
 
  Total
Dollar
Change

  Total
Percent
Change

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Gross Profit:                        
  Equipment rentals   $ 9.9   $ 11.1   $ (1.2 ) (10.8 )%
 
New equipment sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Cranes     1.3     1.1     0.2   18.2 %
    Aerial work platforms     0.3     0.2     0.1   50.0 %
    Earthmoving     1.0     0.4     0.6   150.0 %
    Lift trucks     0.2     0.1     0.1   100.0 %
    Other     (0.4 )       (0.4 ) %
   
 
 
     
      Total new equipment sales     2.4     1.8     0.6   33.3 %
   
 
 
     
 
Used equipment sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Cranes     1.4     1.4       0.0 %
    Aerial work platforms     0.5     0.6     (0.1 ) (16.7 )%
    Earthmoving     1.4     1.1     0.3   27.3 %
    Lift trucks     0.8     0.5     0.3   60.0 %
    Other     0.6     0.2     0.4   200.0 %
   
 
 
     
      Total used equipment sales     4.7     3.8     0.9   23.7 %
   
 
 
     
 
Parts sales

 

 

3.9

 

 

3.3

 

 

0.6

 

18.2

%
  Service revenue     5.3     5.2     0.1   1.9 %
  Other     0.3         0.3   %
   
 
 
     
      Total gross profit   $ 26.5   $ 25.2   $ 1.3   5.2 %
   
 
 
     

20


        Total Gross Profit.    Our first quarter of 2004 total gross profit was $26.5 million compared to $25.2 million in the first quarter of 2003, an increase of $1.3 million, or 5.2%. Following is information concerning our gross profit:

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $1.0 million, or 4.0%, to $25.7 million for the first quarter of 2004 from $24.7 million for the first quarter of 2003. However, SG&A expenses, as a percent of total revenues, were 23.0% for the first quarter of 2004 compared to 24.4% for the first quarter of 2003. Approximately $0.7 million of the increase relates to manager and sales commissions, incentives, benefits and other costs associated with improved revenues. The Company recorded $0.3 million more in self-insurance claim expenses, due primarily to higher automobile and hauling vehicle insurance expenses in the first quarter of 2004 than in the first quarter of 2003. Depreciation expense on property and equipment is recorded in SG&A expense and was $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared to $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2003.

        Loss from Litigation.    In July 2000, a complaint was filed by one of our competitors in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, State of North Carolina, County of Mecklenburg (the Court). On May 2, 2003, the Court handed down an Order and Opinion in favor of the plaintiff. In conjunction therewith, we recorded a $17.4 million loss for estimated damages, plaintiff's attorneys fees and other costs in 2003.

        On September 11, 2003, we filed a notice of appeal. In conjunction with the appeal and in accordance with the Court's order, we issued an irrevocable standby letter of credit for $19.0 million, representing the amount of the judgment plus $1.6 million in anticipated statutory interest for the sixteen months while the judgment is being appealed. If, at the end of sixteen months, the appeal is

21



still pending, we will be required to extend the maturity of the irrevocable standby letter of credit for eight additional months and increase the amount by $0.8 million (eight months additional statutory interest at 8.0%). We will expense any additional statutory interest as interest expense in the statement of operations. For the duration of the letter of credit, we pay a 300 basis point fee on the amount available for issuance.

        While we are appealing this judgment, we believe that even if there is a reduction in the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff on appeal, the judgment could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

        Income Taxes.    We are a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a C Corporation for income tax purposes. At the end of the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, we have recorded a tax valuation allowance for the entire amount of our net deferred income tax assets. The valuation allowance was recorded given the cumulative losses we have incurred and our belief that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to recover the net deferred income tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Senior Secured Credit Facility Amendments

        On February 10, 2004, we amended the senior secured credit agreement dated June 17, 2002, governing our senior secured credit facility. Principally, this amendment:

        We paid a loan amendment fee of $0.8 million that is being amortized over the remaining term of the loan. Based on these covenant changes, our availability under the amended senior secured credit facility was approximately $80.2 million as of March 31, 2004. As of March 31, 2004, we were in compliance with the financial covenants in place at that time.

Cash Requirements Related to Operations

        Our principal sources of liquidity have been from cash provided by operations and the sales of used equipment, proceeds from the issuance of debt, and borrowings available under our amended senior secured credit facility. As of March 31, 2004, the total balance outstanding on the amended senior secured credit facility was $45.3 million, with $80.2 million net available in additional borrowings (taking into account the $24.5 million in standby letters of credit). Also on March 31, 2004, our total balance payable on capital lease obligations and notes payable were $2.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively

        Our principal uses of cash have been to fund operating activities and working capital, finance the purchase of rental fleet equipment, fund payments due under operating leases and manufacturer

22



flooring plans payable and to meet debt service requirements. We anticipate that these uses will continue to be the principal demands on our cash in the future.

        The amount of our future capital expenditures will depend on a number of factors including general economic conditions and growth prospects. We anticipate that we will fund rental fleet capital expenditures with the proceeds from the sales of used equipment, cash from operations and, if required, from borrowings under our amended senior secured credit facility. In response to changing economic conditions, we believe we have the flexibility to modify our capital expenditures by adjusting them (either up or down) to match our actual performance.

        To service our debt, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness (including the senior subordinated and senior secured notes and obligations under the amended senior secured credit facility) and to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance and the availability of refinancing indebtedness, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under the amended senior secured credit facility will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months.

        We cannot assure that our future cash flow will be sufficient to meet our long-term obligations and commitments. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our indebtedness and to meet our other commitments, we will be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness, selling material assets or operations or seeking to raise additional debt or equity capital. We cannot assure that any of these actions could be affected on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or at all, or that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements. In addition, our existing or future debt agreements, including the indentures and the amended senior secured credit facility, may contain restrictive covenants prohibiting us from adopting any of these alternatives. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the accelerations of all of our debt.

Certain Information Concerning Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        At March 31, 2004, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

        In the normal course of our business activities, we lease real estate, rental equipment and non-rental fleet equipment under operating leases. See "Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary" below.

Sources and Uses of Cash

        Cash flow from operating activities.    For the first quarter of 2004, our cash used in operating activities was $11.3 million. The significant components of our operating activities that provided cash were depreciation expense of $13.2 million, an increase in accrued expenses payable and other liabilities of $8.6 million and a net decrease in other assets and other liabilities of $1.3 million. Significant components of our operating activities that used cash consisted of an $9.1 million net loss, gain on sale of both rental and non-rental equipment of $4.2 million, a $4.2 million increase in accounts receivable, a $12.7 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses payable, an increase in inventories of $2.7 million and a $1.5 million increase in prepaid expenses and other assets.

23


        Cash flow from investing activities.    For the first quarter of 2004, cash provided by our investing activities was $13.3 million. This is a result of proceeds from the sale of rental and non-rental equipment of $18.0 million offset by purchasing $4.7 million in rental and non-rental equipment.

        Cash flow from financing activities.    For the first quarter of 2004, cash used in our financing activities was $3.0 million. For the quarter, our total borrowings under the amended senior secured credit facility were $107.7 million and total payments under the amended senior secured credit facility were $106.4 million. Financing costs paid in cash for the refinancing totaled $0.9 million. Payments on capital leases and other notes were $3.4 million.

Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary

        The following summarizes our contractual obligations at March 31, 2004, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods.

 
  Payments Due by Year
 
  Total
  2004
  2005-2006
  2007-2008
  Thereafter
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Long-term debt (including subordinated notes payable)   $ 253,961   $ 240   $ 443   $ 278   $ 253,000
Interest payments on senior secured notes     189,126     16,688     44,500     44,500     83,438
Interest payments on senior subordinated notes     62,938     4,969     13,250     13,250     31,469
Senior secured credit facility     45,281                 45,281
Capital lease obligations (including interest)     2,309     1,021     1,288        
Related party obligation (including interest)     1,650     225     600     600     225
Operating leases(1)     76,973     17,736     38,215     11,795     9,227
Other long-term obligations(2)     59,503     12,719     27,766     13,780     5,238
   
 
 
 
 
  Total contractual cash obligations   $ 691,741   $ 53,598   $ 126,062   $ 84,203   $ 427,878
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
This includes total operating lease rental payments (including interest) having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms longer than one year.

(2)
This includes: (i) Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., Inc's annual management fees through 2012 (based upon the lesser of 1.75% of estimated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization excluding operating lease expense or $2.0 million per year) for $11.5 million,
(ii) payments under a non-competition agreement with a former vice-president for $0.3 million and (iii) payments for secured floor plan financing for $47.7 million.

        Additionally, as of March 31, 2004, we have standby letters of credit totaling $24.5 million that expire in September 2004 and January 2005.

Seasonality

        Our business is seasonal with demand for our rental equipment tending to be lower in the winter months. The level of equipment rental operations is directly related to commercial and industrial construction and maintenance activities. Therefore, equipment rental performance will be correlated to the levels of construction activities. The severity of weather conditions can have a temporary impact on the level of construction activities.

        Equipment sales cycles are also subject to seasonality with the peak selling period during spring season and expanding through summer. Parts and service activities are less affected by changes in demand caused by seasonality.

24



Inflation

        Although we cannot accurately anticipate the effect of inflation on our operations, we believe that inflation has not had, and is not likely in the foreseeable future to have, a material impact on our results of operations.

Acquisitions

        We periodically engage in evaluations of potential acquisitions and start-up facilities. Currently, there are no definitive agreements or letters of intent with respect to any material acquisition. The success of our growth strategy depends, in part, on selecting strategic acquisition candidates at attractive prices and identifying strategic start-up locations. We expect to face competition for acquisition candidates, which may limit the number of acquisition opportunities and lead to higher acquisition costs. We may not have the financial resources necessary to consummate any acquisitions or to successfully open any new facilities in the future or the ability to obtain the necessary funds on satisfactory terms.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Certain of the statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "seek," "on-track," "plan," "intend," or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. You are cautioned that our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and, consequently, our actual results may materially differ from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Certain of these factors are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. We make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        Our earnings are effected by changes in interest rates due to the fact that interest on the revolving line of credit is calculated based upon LIBOR plus 300 basis points. We are also required to pay the lenders a commitment fee equal to 0.5% per annum in respect of undrawn commitments under the revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2004, we had variable rate debt representing 15.7% of total debt. A portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates that are linked to changing market interest rates. Based upon the balances outstanding at March 31, 2004, a one percent increase in market rates would increase our annual interest expense approximately $0.9 million. We do not have significant exposure to the changing interest rates on our fixed-rate senior secured notes, senior subordinated notes or the capital lease obligations, which represented 84.3% of total debt. The annual interest rates on our senior secured credit facility averaged 6.8% in 2004 compared to 5.1% in 2003.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

25



PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

        We are party to various litigation matters, in most cases (except for the legal proceeding referred to below) involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to our business. We cannot estimate with certainty our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such pending matters (excluding the legal proceeding referred to below). However, we believe, based on our examination of such matters, that our ultimate liability will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

        In July 2000, a complaint was filed by one of our competitors in the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, State of North Carolina, County of Mecklenburg (the Court). On May 2, 2003, the Court handed down an Order and Opinion in favor of the plaintiff. In conjunction therewith, we recorded a $17.4 million loss for estimated damages, plaintiff's attorneys fees and other costs in 2003.

        On September 11, 2003, we filed a notice of appeal. In conjunction with the appeal and in accordance with the Court's order, we issued an irrevocable standby letter of credit for $19.0 million, representing the amount of the judgment plus $1.6 million in anticipated statutory interest for the sixteen months while the judgment is being appealed. If, at the end of sixteen months, the appeal is still pending, we will be required to extend the maturity of the irrevocable standby letter of credit for eight additional months and increase the amount by $0.8 million (eight months additional statutory interest at 8.0%). We will expense any additional statutory interest as interest expense in the statement of operations. For the duration of the letter of credit, we pay a 300 basis point fee on the amount available for issuance.

        While we are appealing this judgment, we believe that even if there is a reduction in the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff on appeal, the judgment could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.


Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

        None.


Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

        None.


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

        None.


Item 5. Other information.

        None.


Item 6. Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K.

26



SIGNATURES

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

    H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C.

Dated: May 17, 2004

 

By:

/s/  
JOHN M. ENGQUIST      
John M. Engquist
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Dated: May 17, 2004

 

By:

/s/  
LINDSAY C. JONES      
Lindsay C. Jones
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

27




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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C. TABLE OF CONTENTS
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES L.L.C. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (In thousands)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (In thousands)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In thousands)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In thousands)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

        I, John M. Engquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C., certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: May 17, 2004

 
 
   
By: /s/  JOHN M. ENGQUIST      
John M. Engquist
President and Chief Executive Officer
   



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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Lindsay C. Jones, Chief Financial Officer of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C., certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: May 17, 2004


By:

 

/s/  
LINDSAY C. JONES      
Lindsay C. Jones
Chief Financial Officer

 

 



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CERTIFICATIONS