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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
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 number: 000-51759
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Delaware   81-0553291
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
11100 Mead Road, Suite 200,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
  (225) 298-5200
(Address of Principal Executive Offices,
including Zip Code)
  (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   Nasdaq Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
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 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 o No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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 þ   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
        (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 Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $257,244,652 (computed by reference to the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter).
As of March 1, 2010, there were 34,897,865 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the document listed below have been incorporated by reference into the indicated parts of this Form 10-K, as specified in the responses to the item numbers involved.
Part III   The registrant’s definitive proxy statement, for use in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed within 120 days after the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
           
  Business     4  
  Risk Factors     12  
  Unresolved Staff Comments     21  
  Properties     21  
  Legal Proceedings     23  
  (Removed and Reserved)     23  
           
  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     23  
  Selected Financial Data     25  
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     28  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     55  
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     56  
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     97  
  Controls and Procedures     97  
  Other Information     100  
           
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     100  
  Executive Compensation     100  
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     100  
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     100  
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services     100  
           
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     101  
        103  
      104  
 EX-10.9
 EX-21.1
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
     This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “intend,” “foresee” and similar expressions. These statements include, among others, statements regarding our expected business outlook, anticipated financial and operating results, our business strategy and means to implement the strategy, our objectives, the amount and timing of capital expenditures, the likelihood of our success in expanding our business, financing plans, budgets, working capital needs and sources of liquidity.
     Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions, which in turn are based on currently available information. Important assumptions relating to the forward-looking statements include, among others, assumptions regarding demand for our products, the expansion of product offerings geographically or through new applications, the timing and cost of planned capital expenditures, competitive conditions and general economic conditions. These assumptions could prove inaccurate. Forward-looking statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in

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any forward-looking statement. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
    general economic conditions and construction and industrial activity in the markets where we operate in North America, as well as the depth and duration of the current macroeconomic downturn and related decreases in construction and industrial activities, which may continue to significantly affect our revenues and operating results;
    the impact of conditions in the global credit markets and their effect on construction spending and the economy in general;
    relationships with new equipment suppliers;
    increased maintenance and repair costs;
    our indebtedness;
    the risks associated with the expansion of our business;
    our possible inability to integrate any businesses we acquire;
    competitive pressures;
    compliance with laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental matters and corporate governance matters; and
    other factors discussed under Item 1A — Risk Factors or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
     Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we are under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after we file this Annual Report on Form 10-K, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Investors, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider the above mentioned factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results or performance.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE REGISTRANT
     In connection with our initial public offering of our common stock in February 2006, we converted H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (“H&E LLC”), a Louisiana limited liability company and the wholly-owned operating subsidiary of H&E Holding L.L.C. (“H&E Holdings”) into H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Prior to our initial public offering, our business was conducted through H&E LLC. In order to have an operating Delaware corporation as the issuer for our initial public offering, H&E Equipment Services, Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of H&E Holdings, and immediately prior to the closing of the initial public offering on February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and H&E Holdings merged with and into us (H&E Equipment Services, Inc.), with us surviving the reincorporation merger as the operating company. Effective February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings no longer existed under operation of law pursuant to the reincorporation merger. In these transactions, holders of preferred limited liability company interests and holders of common limited liability company interests in H&E Holdings received shares of our common stock. We refer to these transactions collectively in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as the “Reorganization Transactions.” Unless we state otherwise, the information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K gives effect to these Reorganization Transactions. Also, except where specifically noted, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “the Company,” “we” or “us” mean H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. for periods prior to February 3, 2006, and H&E Equipment Services, Inc. for periods on or after February 3, 2006.

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PART I
Item 1.   Business
The Company
     We are one of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the United States focused on heavy construction and industrial equipment. We rent, sell and provide parts and service support for four core categories of specialized equipment: (1) hi-lift or aerial work platform equipment; (2) cranes; (3) earthmoving equipment; and (4) industrial lift trucks. We engage in five principal business activities in these equipment categories:
    equipment rentals;
 
    new equipment sales;
 
    used equipment sales;
 
    parts sales; and
 
    repair and maintenance services.
     By providing rental, sales, parts, repair and maintenance functions under one roof, we offer our customers a one-stop solution for their equipment needs. This full-service approach provides us with (1) multiple points of customer contact; (2) cross-selling opportunities among our rental, new and used equipment sales, parts sales and services operations; (3) an effective method to manage our rental fleet through efficient maintenance and profitable distribution of used equipment; and (4) a mix of business activities that enables us to operate effectively throughout economic cycles. We believe that the operating experience and extensive infrastructure we have developed throughout our history as an integrated services company provide us with a competitive advantage over rental-focused companies and equipment distributors. In addition, our focus on four core categories of heavy construction and industrial equipment enables us to offer specialized knowledge and support to our customers. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we generated total revenues of approximately $679.7 million. The pie charts below illustrate a breakdown of our revenues and gross profits for the year ended December 31, 2009 by business segment (see note 20 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our business segments):
     
Revenue by Segment
($ in millions)
  Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment
($ in millions)
(PIE CHART)   (PIE CHART)
     We have operated, through our predecessor companies, as an integrated equipment services company for approximately 49 years and have built an extensive infrastructure that includes 66 full-service facilities (as of March 1, 2010) located throughout the West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Our management, from the corporate level down to the branch store level, has extensive industry experience. We focus our rental and sales activities on, and organize our personnel

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principally by, our four core equipment categories. We believe this allows us to provide specialized equipment knowledge, improve the effectiveness of our rental and sales forces and strengthen our customer relationships. In addition, we operate our day-to-day business on a branch basis, which we believe allows us to more closely service our customers, fosters management accountability at local levels and strengthens our local and regional relationships.
Products and Services
     Equipment Rentals. We rent our heavy construction and industrial equipment to our customers on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. We have a well-maintained rental fleet that, at December 31, 2009, consisted of 16,003 pieces of equipment having an original acquisition cost (which we define as the cost originally paid to manufacturers or the original amount financed under operating leases) of approximately $675.1 million and an average age of approximately 40.0 months. Our rental business creates cross-selling opportunities for us in sales and service support activities.
     New Equipment Sales. We sell new heavy construction and industrial equipment in all four core equipment categories, and are a leading distributor for nationally-recognized suppliers including JLG Industries, Gehl, Genie Industries (Terex), Komatsu, and Bobcat. In addition, we are the world’s largest distributor of Grove and Manitowoc crane equipment. Our new equipment sales operation is a source of new customers for our parts sales and service support activities, as well as for used equipment sales.
     Used Equipment Sales. We sell used equipment primarily from our rental fleet, as well as inventoried equipment that we acquire through trade-ins from our customers and selective purchases of high-quality used equipment. For the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 81.6% of our used equipment sales revenues were derived from sales of rental fleet equipment. Used equipment sales, like new equipment sales, generate parts and service business for us.
     Parts Sales. We sell new and used parts to customers and also provide parts to our own rental fleet. We maintain an extensive in-house parts inventory in order to provide timely parts and service support to our customers as well as to our own rental fleet. In addition, our parts operations enable us to maintain a high quality rental fleet and provide additional product support to our end users.
     Service Support. We provide maintenance and repair services for our customers’ owned equipment and to our own rental fleet. In addition to repair and maintenance on an as-needed or scheduled basis, we provide ongoing preventative maintenance services and warranty repairs for our customers. We devote significant resources to training these technical service employees and over time, we have built a full-scale services infrastructure that we believe would be difficult for companies without the requisite resources and lead time to effectively replicate.
     In addition to our principal business activities mentioned above, we provide ancillary equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts shipping and loss damage waivers.
Industry Background
     The U.S. construction equipment distribution industry is fragmented and consists mainly of a small number of multi-location regional or national operators and a large number of relatively small, independent businesses serving discrete local markets. This industry is driven by a broad range of economic factors including total U.S. non-residential construction trends, construction machinery demand, and demand for rental equipment and has been adversely affected by the economic downturn and the decline in construction and industrial activities. Construction equipment is largely distributed to end users through two channels: equipment rental companies and equipment dealers. Examples of rental equipment companies include United Rentals, Hertz Equipment Rental and Rental Service Corporation. Examples of equipment dealers include Finning and Toromont. Unlike many of these companies which principally focus on one channel of distribution, we operate substantially in both channels. As an integrated equipment services company, we rent, sell and provide parts and service support. Although many of the historically pure equipment rental companies also provide parts and service support to customers, their service offerings are typically limited and may prove difficult to expand due to the infrastructure,

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training and resources necessary to develop the breadth of offerings and depth of specialized equipment knowledge that our service and sales staff provides.
Our Competitive Strengths
     Integrated Platform of Products and Services. We believe that our operating experience and the extensive infrastructure we have developed through years of operating as an integrated equipment services company provide us with a competitive advantage over rental-focused companies and equipment distributors. Key strengths of our integrated equipment services platform include:
    Ability to strengthen customer relationships by providing a full-range of products and services;
 
    Purchasing power gained through purchases for our new equipment sales and rental operations;
 
    High quality rental fleet supported by our strong product support capabilities;
 
    Established retail sales network resulting in profitable disposal of our used equipment; and
 
    Mix of business activities that enables us to effectively operate through economic cycles.
     Complementary, High Margin Parts and Service Operations. Our parts and service businesses allow us to maintain our rental fleet in excellent condition and to offer our customers high quality rental equipment. Our after-market parts and service businesses together provide us with a high-margin revenue source that has proven to be relatively stable throughout a range of economic cycles.
     Specialized, High Quality Equipment Fleet. Our focus on four core types of heavy construction and industrial equipment allows us to better provide the specialized knowledge and support that our customers demand when renting and purchasing equipment. These four types of equipment are attractive because they have a long useful life, high residual value and generally strong industry demand.
     Well-Developed Infrastructure. We have built an infrastructure that as of March 1, 2010 included a network of 66 full-service facilities, and a workforce that included a highly-skilled group of approximately 449 service technicians and an aggregate of 213 sales people in our specialized rental and equipment sales forces. We believe that our well-developed infrastructure helps us to better serve large multi-regional customers than our historically rental-focused competitors and provides an advantage when competing for lucrative fleet and project management business.
     Leading Distributor for Suppliers. We are a leading distributor for nationally-recognized equipment suppliers, including JLG Industries, Gehl, Genie Industries (Terex), Komatsu and Bobcat. In addition, we are the world’s largest distributor of Grove and Manitowoc crane equipment. These relationships improve our ability to negotiate equipment acquisition pricing and allow us to purchase parts at wholesale costs.
     Customized Information Technology Systems. Our information systems allow us to actively manage our business and our rental fleet. Our customer relationship management system provides our sales force with real-time access to customer and sales information.
     Experienced Management Team. Our senior management team is led by John M. Engquist, our President and Chief Executive Officer, who has approximately 35 years of industry experience. Our senior and regional managers have an average of approximately 22 years of industry experience. Our branch managers have extensive knowledge and industry experience as well.
Our Business Strategy
     Our business strategy includes, among other things, leveraging our integrated business model, managing our rental equipment, further developing our parts and services operations and selectively entering new markets and pursuing acquisitions. However, the timing and extent to which we implement these various aspects of our strategy depend on a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control, such as general economic conditions and construction activity in the United States. During 2009, we faced various economic and business challenges, including (i) a recessionary environment reflected by weak demand for our products and services, (ii) unfavorable credit markets which limited our customers’ access to capital, and (iii) continuing economic

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uncertainty into 2010. Please see Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Overview for a discussion of the actions we took in response to these challenges.
     Leverage Our Integrated Business Model. We intend to continue to actively leverage our integrated business model to offer a one-stop solution to our customers’ varied needs with respect to the four categories of heavy construction and industrial equipment on which we focus. We will continue to cross-sell our services to expand and deepen our customer relationships. We believe that our integrated equipment services model provides us with a strong platform for growth and enables us to effectively operate through economic cycles.
     Managing the Life Cycle of Our Rental Equipment. We actively manage the size, quality, age and composition of our rental fleet, employing a “cradle through grave” approach. During the life of our rental equipment, we (1) aggressively negotiate on purchase price; (2) use our customized information technology systems to closely monitor and analyze, among other things, time utilization (equipment usage based on customer demand), rental rate trends and targets and equipment demand; (3) continuously adjust our fleet mix and pricing; (4) maintain fleet quality through regional quality control managers and our on-site parts and services support; and (5) dispose of rental equipment through our retail sales force. This allows us to purchase our rental equipment at competitive prices, optimally utilize our fleet, cost-effectively maintain our equipment quality and maximize the value of our equipment at the end of its useful life.
     Grow Our Parts and Service Operations. Our strong parts and services operations are keystones of our integrated equipment services platform and together provide us with a relatively stable high-margin revenue source. Our parts and service operations help us develop strong, ongoing customer relationships, attract new customers and maintain a high quality rental fleet. We intend to further grow this product support side of our business and further penetrate our customer base.
     Enter Carefully Selected New Markets. We intend to continue our strategy of selectively expanding our network to solidify our presence in attractive and contiguous regions where we operate. We have a proven track record of successfully entering new markets and we look to add new locations in those markets that offer attractive growth opportunities, high demand for construction and heavy equipment, and contiguity to our existing markets. During 2009, we opened new branch facilities in Sacramento, Nashville and Baltimore. During the first quarter of 2010, we opened new branch facilities in Indianapolis, Louisville and Pasco (Washington).
     Make Selective Acquisitions. The equipment industry is fragmented and includes a large number of relatively small, independent businesses servicing discrete local markets. Some of these businesses may represent attractive acquisition candidates. We intend to evaluate and pursue acquisitions on an opportunistic basis which meet our selection criteria, including favorable financing terms, with the objective of increasing our revenues, improving our profitability, entering additional attractive markets and strengthening our competitive position.
History
     Through our predecessor companies, we have been in the equipment services business for approximately 49 years. H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. was formed in June 2002 through the combination of Head & Engquist Equipment, LLC (“Head & Engquist”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gulf Wide Industries, L.L.C. (“Gulf Wide”), and ICM Equipment Company L.L.C. (“ICM”). Head & Engquist, founded in 1961, and ICM, founded in 1971, were two leading regional, integrated equipment service companies operating in contiguous geographic markets. In the June 2002 transaction, Head & Engquist and ICM were merged with and into Gulf Wide, which was renamed H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (“H&E LLC”). Prior to the combination, Head & Engquist operated 25 facilities in the Gulf Coast region, and ICM operated 16 facilities in the Intermountain region of the United States.
     In connection with our initial public offering in February 2006, we converted H&E LLC into H&E Equipment Services, Inc. Prior to our initial public offering, our business was conducted through H&E LLC. In order to have an operating Delaware corporation as the issuer for our initial public offering, H&E Equipment Services, Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of H&E Holdings, and immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering, on February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and H&E Holdings merged with and into us (H&E Equipment Services, Inc.), with us surviving the reincorporation merger

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as the operating company. Effective February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and H&E Holdings no longer existed under operation of law pursuant to the reincorporation merger.
     We completed, effective as of February 28, 2006, the acquisition of all the outstanding capital stock of Eagle High Reach Equipment, Inc. (now known as H&E California Holdings, Inc.) and all of the outstanding equity interests of its subsidiary, Eagle High Reach Equipment, LLC (now known as H&E Equipment Services (California) LLC) (collectively, “Eagle”). Prior to the acquisition, Eagle was a privately-held construction and industrial equipment rental company serving the southern California construction and industrial markets out of four branch locations.
     We completed, effective as of September 1, 2007, the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of J.W. Burress, Incorporated (“Burress”) (now known as H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc.). Prior to the acquisition, Burress was a privately-held company operating primarily as a distributor in the construction and industrial equipment markets out of 12 locations in four states in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Customers
     We serve approximately 29,500 customers in the United States, primarily in the West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Our customers include a wide range of industrial and commercial companies, construction contractors, manufacturers, public utilities, municipalities, maintenance contractors and a variety of other large industrial accounts. They vary from small, single machine owners to large contractors and industrial and commercial companies who typically operate under equipment and maintenance budgets. Our branches enable us to closely service local and regional customers, while our well developed full-service infrastructure enables us to effectively service multi-regional and national accounts. Our integrated strategy enables us to satisfy customer requirements and increase revenues from customers through cross-selling opportunities presented by the various products and services that we offer. As a result, our five reporting segments generally derive their revenue from the same customer base. In 2009, no single customer accounted for more than 3.5% of our total revenues, and no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue on a segmented basis. Our top ten customers combined accounted for approximately 12.8% of our total revenues in 2009.
Sales and Marketing
     We have two distinct, focused sales forces; one specializing in equipment rentals and one focused specifically on new and used equipment sales. We believe maintaining separate sales forces for equipment rental and equipment sales is important to our customer service, allowing us to effectively meet the demands of different types of customers.
     Both our rental sales force and equipment sales force are divided into smaller, product focused teams which enhances the development of in-depth product application and technical expertise. To further develop knowledge and experience, we provide our sales forces with extensive training, including frequent factory and in-house training by manufacturer representatives regarding the operational features, operator safety training and maintenance of new equipment. This training is essential, as our sales personnel regularly call on customers’ job sites, often assisting customers in assessing their immediate and ongoing equipment needs. In addition, we have a commission-based compensation program for our sales force.
     We maintain a company-wide customer relationship management system. We believe that this comprehensive customer and sales management tool enhances our territory management program by increasing the productivity and efficiency of our sales representatives and branch managers as they are provided real-time access to sales and customer information.
     We have developed strategies to identify target customers for our equipment services in all markets. These strategies allow our sales force to identify frequent rental users, function as advisors and problem solvers for our customers and accelerate the sales process in new operations.
     While our specialized, well-trained sales force strengthens our customer relationships and fosters customer loyalty, we also promote our business through marketing and advertising, including industry publications, direct mail campaigns, the Internet and Yellow Pages.

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Suppliers
     We purchase a significant amount of equipment from the same manufacturers with whom we have distribution agreements. We purchased approximately 79% of our new equipment and rental fleet from three manufacturers during the year ended December 31, 2009. These relationships improve our ability to negotiate equipment acquisition pricing. As an authorized distributor for a wide range of suppliers, we are also able to provide our customers parts and service that in many cases are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. We are a leading distributor for nationally-recognized equipment suppliers including JLG Industries, Gehl, Genie Industries (Terex), Komatsu, Bobcat, Grove and Manitowoc. While we believe that we have alternative sources of supply for the equipment we purchase in each of our principal product categories, termination of one or more of our relationships with any of our major suppliers of equipment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations if we were unable to obtain adequate or timely rental and sales equipment.
Information Technology Systems
     We have specialized information systems that track (1) rental inventory utilization statistics; (2) maintenance and repair costs; (3) returns on investment for specific equipment types; and (4) detailed operational and financial information for each piece of equipment. These systems enable us to closely monitor our performance and actively manage our business, and include features that were custom designed to support our integrated services platform. The point-of-sale aspect of our systems enables us to link all of our facilities, permitting universal access to real-time data concerning equipment located at the individual facility locations and the rental status and maintenance history for each piece of equipment. In addition, our systems include, among other features, on-line contract generation, automated billing, applicable sales tax computation and automated rental purchase option calculation. We customized our customer relationship management system to enable us to more effectively manage our business. This customer relationship management system provides sales and customer information, a quote system and other organizational tools to assist our sales forces. We maintain an extensive customer database which allows us to monitor the status and maintenance history of our customers’ owned-equipment and enables us to more effectively provide parts and service to meet their needs. All of our critical systems run on servers and other equipment that is current technology and available from major suppliers and serviceable through existing maintenance agreements.
     In the first quarter of 2010, we began the first “go live” deployment of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to further enhance operating efficiencies and provide more effective management of our business operations, as well as to provide a platform to effectively support future growth. We expect to complete the company-wide implementation of the ERP by the end of the second quarter of 2010.
Seasonality
     Although our business is not significantly impacted by seasonality, the demand for our rental equipment tends to be lower in the winter months. The level of equipment rental activities is directly related to commercial and industrial construction and maintenance activities. Therefore, equipment rental performance will be correlated to the levels of current 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 some seasonality with the peak selling period during the spring season and extending through the summer. Parts and service activities are less affected by changes in demand caused by seasonality.
Competition
     The equipment industry is generally comprised of either pure rental equipment companies or manufacturer dealer/distributorship companies. We are an integrated equipment services company and rent, sell and provide parts and service support. Although there has been some past consolidation within the equipment industry, the equipment industry remains fragmented and consists mainly of a small number of multi-location regional or

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national operators and a large number of relatively small, independent businesses serving discrete local markets. Many of the markets in which we operate are served by numerous competitors, ranging from national and multi-regional equipment rental companies (for example, United Rentals, Hertz Equipment Rental and RSC Equipment Rental) to small, independent businesses with a limited number of locations.
     We believe that participants in the equipment rental industry generally compete on the basis of availability, quality, reliability, delivery and price. In general, large operators enjoy substantial competitive advantages over small, independent rental businesses due to a distinct price advantage. Although many rental equipment companies have either announced plans to begin or have begun to provide parts and service support to customers, their service offerings are typically limited and may prove difficult to expand due to the training, infrastructure and management resources necessary to develop the breadth of service offerings and depth of knowledge our service technicians are able to provide. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do.
     Traditionally, equipment manufacturers distributed their equipment and parts through a network of independent dealers with distribution agreements. As a result of consolidation and competition, both manufacturers and distributors sought to streamline their operations, improve their costs and gain market share. Our established, integrated infrastructure enables us to compete directly with our competitors on either a local, regional or national basis. We believe customers place greater emphasis on value-added services, teaming with equipment rental and sales companies who can meet all of their equipment, parts and service needs.
Environmental and Safety Regulations
     Our facilities and operations are subject to comprehensive and frequently changing federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws. These laws regulate (1) the handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes and, if any, the associated cleanup of properties affected by pollutants; (2) air quality; and (3) wastewater. We do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our business or financial condition or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with such requirements. Although we have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements, we do not expect to incur material capital expenditures for environmental controls or compliance.
     In the future, federal, state or local governments could enact new or more stringent laws or issue new or more stringent regulations concerning environmental and worker health and safety matters, or effect a change in their enforcement of existing laws or regulations, that could affect our operations. Also, in the future, contamination may be found to exist at our facilities or off-site locations where we have sent wastes. There can be no assurance that we, or various environmental regulatory agencies, will not discover previously unknown environmental non-compliance or contamination. We could be held liable for such newly-discovered non-compliance or contamination. It is possible that changes in environmental and worker health and safety laws or liabilities from newly-discovered non-compliance or contamination could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Employees
     As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 1,568 employees. Of these employees, 616 are salaried personnel and 952 are hourly personnel. Our employees perform the following functions: sales operations, parts operations, rental operations, technical service and office and administrative support. Collective bargaining agreements relating to two branch locations cover approximately 58 of our employees. We believe our relations with our employees are good, and we have never experienced a work stoppage.
     Generally, the total number of employees does not significantly fluctuate throughout the year. However, acquisition activity may increase the number of our employees or fluctuations in the level of our business activity could require some staffing level adjustments in response to actual or anticipated customer demand.

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Available Information
     We file electronically with the SEC annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials we have filed with or furnished to the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-3330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, ownership reports for insiders and any amendments to these reports filed with or furnished to the SEC are available free of charge through our Internet site (www.he-equipment.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. Additionally, we make available free of charge on our internet website:
    our Code of Conduct and Ethics;
 
    the charter of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee;
 
    the charter of our Compensation Committee; and
 
    the charter of our Audit Committee.

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Item 1A.   Risk Factors
     Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following risk factors and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making any investment decisions regarding our securities. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our securities could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Our business has been adversely affected by the economic downturn and a decline in construction and industrial activities, and continued decreased demand for equipment or depressed equipment rental rates and sales prices could result in additional declines in our revenues and operating results.
     Our equipment is principally used in connection with construction and industrial activities. Consequently, the economic downturn, and particularly the weakness in the construction industry and the decrease in industrial activity, has led to a significant decrease in the demand for our new and used equipment and has depressed equipment rental rates and the sales prices for the equipment we sell. Our business may also be negatively impacted, either temporarily or long-term, by:
    a reduction in spending levels by customers;
 
    unfavorable credit markets affecting end-user access to capital;
 
    adverse changes in federal and local government infrastructure spending;
 
    an increase in the cost of construction materials;
 
    adverse weather conditions which may affect a particular region;
 
    an increase in interest rates; or
 
    terrorism or hostilities involving the United States.
     The economic downturn and the decline in construction and industrial related activity has adversely affected our revenues and our operating results, as reflected in declining revenues and lower gross margins realized on our equipment rentals and on the sale of new and used inventory. Continued weakness or further deterioration in the non-residential construction and industrial sectors caused by these or other factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the future and may also have a material adverse effect on residual values realized on the disposition of our rental fleet.
The economic downturn makes it difficult for us to forecast trends, which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
     The economic downturn — which has included, among other things, significant reductions in available capital and liquidity from banks and other providers of credit, substantial reductions and/or fluctuations in equity and currency values worldwide and concerns that the worldwide economy may enter into a prolonged recessionary period — make it increasingly difficult for us, our customers and our suppliers to accurately forecast future product demand trends, which could cause us to maintain excess equipment inventory and increase our equipment inventory carrying costs. Alternatively, this forecasting difficulty could cause a shortage of equipment for sale or rental that could result in an inability to satisfy demand for our products and a loss of market share when the economy improves.
Current unfavorable conditions or further disruptions in the capital and credit markets may continue to adversely impact business conditions and the availability of credit.
     Disruptions in the global capital and credit markets as a result of the current economic downturn, continuing economic uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our customers’ ability to access capital and could adversely affect our access to

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liquidity needed for business in the future. Additionally, unfavorable market conditions could continue and impede the rate of economic recovery, which may continue to depress demand for our products and services or make it more difficult for our customers to obtain financing and credit on reasonable terms. Also more of our customers may be unable to meet their payment obligations to us, increasing delinquencies and credit losses. Moreover, our suppliers may be adversely impacted, causing disruption or delay of product availability. These events could negatively impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
     In addition, if the financial institution that has extended line of credit commitments to us is adversely affected by the conditions of the capital and credit markets, it may become unable to fund borrowings under those credit commitments, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and our ability to borrow funds, if needed, for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes.
We have, and may incur, significant indebtedness and may be unable to service our debt. This indebtedness could adversely affect our financial position, limit our available cash and our access to additional capital and prevent us from growing our business.
     We have a significant amount of indebtedness and may incur additional indebtedness. As of December 31, 2009, our total indebtedness was $254.1 million, consisting of the aggregate amounts outstanding under our senior unsecured notes ($250.0 million), notes payable ($1.9 million) and a capital lease obligation ($2.2 million). Although we currently have no amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facility, we have borrowing availability under the senior secured credit facility of $312.2 million, and may be able to incur additional other indebtedness. Although the indenture for our senior unsecured notes contains a fixed charge coverage ratio test that limits our ability to incur indebtedness, this limitation is subject to a number of significant exceptions and qualifications. Moreover, the indenture does not impose any limitation on our incurrence of certain liabilities that are not considered “Indebtedness” under the indenture (such as operating leases), nor does it impose any limitation on the amount of liabilities incurred by our subsidiaries, if any, that might be designated as “Unrestricted Securities” under the indenture.
     All borrowings under the senior secured credit facility as well as letters of credit outstanding under the senior secured credit facility ($7.8 million at December 31, 2009) are first-priority secured debt and effectively senior to our senior unsecured notes. Additionally, our senior unsecured notes are effectively subordinated to our notes payable obligations, capital lease obligation and our obligations under $92.9 million of first-priority secured manufacturer floor plan financings (to the extent of the value of their collateral).
     The level of our indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
    a portion of our cash flow from operations is dedicated to debt service and may not be available for other purposes;
    limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
    limiting our ability to obtain financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, and may impede our ability to secure favorable lease terms;
    making us more vulnerable to economic downturns and possibly limiting our ability to withstand competitive pressures; and
    placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less indebtedness.
To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. An inability to service our indebtedness could lead to a default under our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes, which may result in an acceleration of our indebtedness.
     To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to pay interest and principal in the future on our indebtedness and to fund our capital expenditures and acquisitions will depend upon

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our future operating performance and the availability of refinancing indebtedness, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions, the availability of capital, as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. For example, the current economic downturn and decline in construction and industrial activities have adversely affected our business and our revenues.
     Our future cash flow may not be sufficient to meet our 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. These actions may not be effected on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or at all, and these actions may not enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements. In addition, our existing or future debt agreements, including the indenture governing the senior unsecured notes and the senior secured credit facility agreement 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 acceleration of all of our indebtedness. See also Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes contain covenants that limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs, or to engage in other business activities.
     The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our debt agreements, including the senior secured credit facility, and the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes, may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. Our senior secured credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined therein) in the event that our excess borrowing availability is below $25 million. Our borrowing availability under the senior secured credit facility as of December 31, 2009 was $312.2 million, net of $7.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. The imposition of the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio may require that we limit our permitted capital expenditures, take action to reduce debt or act in a manner contrary to our business objectives. In addition, the senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing the senior unsecured notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, restrict our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to:
    incur additional indebtedness, assume a guarantee or issue preferred stock;
 
    pay dividends or make other equity distributions or payments to or affecting our subsidiaries;
 
    make certain investments;
 
    create liens;
 
    sell or dispose of assets or engage in mergers or consolidations;
 
    engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates;
 
    enter into sale leaseback transactions; and
 
    engage in certain business activities.
     These restrictions could limit our ability to obtain future financing, make strategic acquisitions or needed capital expenditures, withstand economic downturns in our business or the economy in general, conduct operations or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities that may arise. A failure to comply with the restrictions contained in the senior secured credit facility could lead to an event of default, which could result in an acceleration of our indebtedness. Such an acceleration would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the senior unsecured notes. A failure to comply with the restrictions in the senior unsecured notes indenture could result in an event of default under the indenture. Our future operating results may not be sufficient to enable compliance with the covenants in the senior secured credit facility, the indenture or other indebtedness or to remedy any such default. In addition, in the event of an acceleration, we may not have or be able to obtain sufficient funds to refinance our indebtedness or make any accelerated payments, including those

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under the senior unsecured notes. Also, we may not be able to obtain new financing. Even if we were able to obtain new financing, we cannot guarantee that the new financing will be on commercially reasonable terms or terms that are acceptable to us. If we default on our indebtedness, our business financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We are currently in compliance with the applicable covenants under our senior secured credit facility and our senior unsecured notes.
Our business could be hurt if we are unable to obtain additional capital as required, resulting in a decrease in our revenues and profitability.
     The cash that we generate from our business, together with cash that we may borrow under our senior secured credit facility, may not be sufficient to fund our capital requirements. In addition, our senior secured credit facility matures in August 2011. We may require additional financing to obtain capital for, among other purposes, purchasing equipment, completing acquisitions, establishing new locations and refinancing existing indebtedness. We may not be able to replace or refinance our senior secured credit facility on favorable terms or at all. Any additional indebtedness that we incur will make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures. Moreover, we may not be able to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional financing in the future, our business could be adversely affected by reducing our ability to increase revenues and profitability.
Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate, which could result in a decline in our profitability and make it more difficult for us to grow our business.
     Our revenue and operating results have historically varied from quarter to quarter. Periods of decline could result in an overall decline in profitability and make it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness and grow our business. We expect our quarterly results to continue to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, including:
    general economic conditions in the markets where we operate;
    the cyclical nature of our customers’ business, particularly our construction customers;
    seasonal sales and rental patterns of our construction customers, with sales and rental activity tending to be lower in the winter months;
    severe weather and seismic conditions temporarily affecting the regions where we operate;
    changes in corporate spending for plants and facilities or changes in government spending for infrastructure projects;
    the effectiveness of integrating acquired businesses and new start-up locations; and
    timing of acquisitions and new location openings and related costs.
     In addition, we incur various costs when integrating newly acquired businesses or opening new start-up locations, and the profitability of a new location is generally expected to be lower in the initial months of operation.
Fluctuations in the stock market, as well as general economic and market conditions, may impact the market price of our common stock.
     The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations in response to general economic changes and other factors including, but not limited to:
    variations in our quarterly operating results or results that vary from investor expectations;
    changes in the strategy and actions taken by our competitors, including pricing changes;
    securities analysts’ elections to discontinue coverage of our common stock, changes in financial estimates by analysts or a downgrade of our common stock or of our sector by analysts;

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    announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
    loss of a large supplier;
 
    investor perceptions of us and the equipment rental and distribution industry;
    our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and consolidations; and
    national or regional catastrophes or circumstances and natural disasters, hostilities and acts of terrorism.
     Broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. These fluctuations, as well as general economic and market conditions, including to those listed above and others, may harm the market price of our common stock.
We are subject to competition, which may have a material adverse effect on our business by reducing our ability to increase or maintain revenues or profitability.
     The equipment rental and retail distribution industries are highly competitive and the equipment rental industry is highly fragmented. Many of the markets in which we operate are served by numerous competitors, ranging from national and multi-regional equipment rental companies to small, independent businesses with a limited number of locations. We generally compete on the basis of availability, quality, reliability, delivery and price. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do, and may be able to reduce rental rates or sales prices. The market downturn and increased competitive pressures have caused us to significantly reduce our rates to maintain market share, resulting in lower operating margins and profitability. We may encounter increased competition from existing competitors or new market entrants in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We purchase a significant amount of our equipment from a limited number of manufacturers. Termination of one or more of our relationships with any of those manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on our business, as we may be unable to obtain adequate or timely rental and sales equipment.
     We purchase most of our rental and sales equipment from leading, nationally-known original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). For the year ended December 31, 2009, we purchased approximately 79% of our rental and sales equipment from three manufacturers. Although we believe that we have alternative sources of supply for the rental and sales equipment we purchase in each of our core product categories, termination of one or more of our relationships with any of these major suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations if we were unable to obtain adequate or timely rental and sales equipment.
Our suppliers of new equipment may appoint additional distributors, sell directly or unilaterally terminate our distribution agreements, which could have a material adverse effect on our business due to a reduction of, or inability to increase, our revenues.
     We are a distributor of new equipment and parts supplied by leading, nationally-known OEMs. Under our distribution agreements with these OEMs, manufacturers retain the right to appoint additional dealers and sell directly to national accounts and government agencies. In most instances, they may unilaterally terminate their distribution agreements with us at any time without cause. We have both written and oral distribution agreements with our new equipment suppliers. Under our oral agreements with the OEMs, we operate under our established course of dealing with the supplier and are subject to the applicable state law regarding such relationship. Any such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations due to a reduction of, or an inability to increase, our revenues.

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The cost of new equipment that we sell or purchase for use in our rental fleet may increase and therefore we may spend more for such equipment, and in some cases, we may not be able to procure equipment on a timely basis due to supplier constraints.
     The cost of new equipment from manufacturers that we sell or purchase for use in our rental fleet may increase as a result of increased raw material costs, including increases in the cost of steel, which is a primary material used in most of the equipment we use. These increases could materially impact our financial condition or results of operations in future periods if we were not able to pass such cost increases through to our customers.
Our rental fleet is subject to residual value risk upon disposition.
     The market value of any given piece of rental equipment could be less than its depreciated value at the time it is sold. The market value of used rental equipment depends on several factors, including:
    the market price for new equipment of a like kind;
 
    wear and tear on the equipment relative to its age;
 
    the time of year that it is sold (prices are generally higher during the construction season);
 
    worldwide and domestic demands for used equipment;
 
    the supply of used equipment on the market; and
 
    general economic conditions.
     We include in operating income the difference between the sales price and the depreciated value of an item of equipment sold. Although for the year ended December 31, 2009, we sold used equipment from our rental fleet at an average selling price of approximately 128.4% of net book value, we cannot assure you that used equipment selling prices will not decline. Any significant decline in the selling prices for used equipment could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We incur maintenance and repair costs associated with our rental fleet equipment that could have a material adverse effect on our business in the event these costs are greater than anticipated.
     As our fleet of rental equipment ages, the cost of maintaining such equipment, if not replaced within a certain period of time, generally increases. Determining the optimal age for our rental fleet equipment is subjective and requires considerable estimates by management. We have made estimates regarding the relationship between the age of our rental fleet equipment, and the maintenance and repair costs, and the market value of used equipment. Our future operating results could be adversely affected because our maintenance and repair costs may be higher than estimated and market values of used equipment may fluctuate.
Fluctuations in fuel costs or reduced supplies of fuel could harm our business.
     We could be adversely affected by limitations on fuel supplies or significant increases in fuel prices that result in higher costs to us of transporting equipment from one branch to another branch or one region to another region. A significant or protracted disruption of fuel supplies could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to facilitate our growth strategy by identifying or completing transactions with attractive acquisition candidates, which could impede our revenues and profitability.
     An important element of our growth strategy is to selectively pursue on an opportunistic basis acquisitions of additional businesses in order to add new customers within our existing markets. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify attractive acquisition candidates or complete the acquisition of any identified candidates at favorable prices and upon advantageous terms and conditions, including financing alternatives. Competition for attractive acquisition candidates may limit the number of acquisition candidates or increase the overall costs of

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making acquisitions. Furthermore, general economic conditions or unfavorable global capital and credit markets could affect the timing and extent to which we implement our strategy and limit our ability to successfully acquire new businesses. The difficulties we may face in identifying or completing acquisitions could impede our revenues and profitability.
We may be unsuccessful in integrating any future acquisitions, which may decrease our profitability and make it more difficult for us to grow our business.
     We may not have sufficient management, financial and other resources to integrate and consolidate any future acquisitions and we may be unable to operate profitably as a consolidated company. Any significant diversion of management’s attention or any major difficulties encountered in the integration of the businesses we acquire in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, which could decrease our profitability and make it more difficult for us to grow our business.
We may experience integration and consolidation risks associated with our growth strategy. Future acquisitions may also result in significant transaction expenses and risks associated with entering new markets and we may be unable to profitably operate our consolidated company.
     We periodically engage in evaluations of potential acquisitions and start-up facilities. 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. Any future acquisitions or the opening of new facilities may result in significant transaction expenses and risks associated with entering new markets in addition to the integration and consolidation risks described above. We may also be subject to claims by third parties related to the operations of these businesses prior to our acquisition and by sellers under the terms of our acquisition agreements. We may not have sufficient management, financial and other resources to integrate any such future acquisitions or to successfully operate new locations and we may be unable to profitably operate our consolidated company.
We are dependent on key personnel. A loss of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, which could result in a decline in our revenues and profitability.
     We are dependent on the experience and continued services of our senior management team, including Mr. Engquist. Mr. Engquist has approximately 35 years of industry experience and has served as an officer of Head and Engquist since 1990, a director of Gulf Wide since 1995, an officer and director of H&E LLC since its formation in June 2002 and an officer and director of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. since its inception. If we lose the services of any member of our senior management team, particularly Mr. Engquist, and are unable to find a suitable replacement, we may not have the depth of senior management resources required to efficiently manage our business and execute our strategy.
Disruptions in our information technology systems, including our customer relationship management system, could adversely affect our operating results by limiting our capacity to effectively monitor and control our operations.
     Our information technology systems facilitate our ability to monitor and control our operations and adjust to changing market conditions. Any disruption in any of these systems, including our customer management system, or the failure of any of these systems to operate as expected could, depending on the magnitude of the problem, adversely affect our operating results by limiting our capacity to effectively monitor and control our operations and adjust to changing market conditions.

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Issues arising from the implementation of our new enterprise resource planning system could adversely affect our operating results and ability to manage our business effectively.
     In 2008 we began the initial design implementation phases of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to further enhance operating efficiencies and provide more effective management of our business operations. The new ERP system will be deployed for use throughout the Company in a number of “go live” phases, the first of which was completed February 1, 2010, with company-wide deployment expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2010. Implementing a new ERP system is costly and involves risks inherent in the conversion to a new computer system, including loss of information, disruption to our normal operations, changes in accounting procedures and internal control over financial reporting, as well as problems achieving accuracy in the conversion of electronic data. Failure to properly or adequately address these issues could result in increased costs, the diversion of management’s and employees’ attention and resources and could materially adversely affect our operating results, internal controls over financial reporting and ability to manage our business effectively. While the ERP system is intended to further improve and enhance our information systems, large scale implementation of a new information system exposes us to the risks of starting up the new system and integrating that system with our existing systems and processes, including possible disruption of our financial reporting, which could lead to a failure to make required filings under the federal securities laws on a timely basis.
If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal controls, the Company may not be able to accurately report financial results or prevent fraud.
     Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and to assist in the effective prevention of fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could harm our business. We must annually evaluate our internal procedures to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires management and auditors to assess the effectiveness of our internal controls. If we fail to remedy or maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties or shareholder litigation.
     In addition, failure to maintain effective internal controls could result in financial statements that do not accurately reflect our financial condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain a system of internal controls that fully complies with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or that our management and independent registered public accounting firm will continue to conclude that our internal controls are effective.
The nature of our business exposes us to various liability claims, which may exceed the level of our insurance coverage and thereby not fully protect us.
     Our business exposes us to claims for personal injury, death or property damage resulting from the use of the equipment we rent or sell and from injuries caused in motor vehicle accidents in which our delivery and service personnel are involved. We carry comprehensive insurance, subject to deductibles, at levels we believe are sufficient to cover existing and future claims made during the respective policy periods. However, we may be exposed to multiple claims that do not exceed our deductibles, and, as a result, we could incur significant out-of-pocket costs that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of such insurance policies may increase significantly upon renewal of those policies as a result of general rate increases for the type of insurance we carry as well as our historical experience and experience in our industry. Although we have not experienced any material losses that were not covered by insurance, our existing or future claims may exceed the coverage level of our insurance, and such insurance may not continue to be available on economically reasonable terms, or at all. If we are required to pay significantly higher premiums for insurance, are not able to maintain insurance coverage at affordable rates or if we must pay amounts in excess of claims covered by our insurance, we could experience higher costs that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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Our future operating results and financial position could be negatively affected by impairment charges to our goodwill, intangible assets or other long-lived assets.
     When we acquire a business, we record goodwill equal to the excess of the amount we pay for the business, including liabilities assumed, over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets of the business we acquire. At December 31, 2009, we had goodwill of approximately $34.0 million. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 350, Intangibles—Goodwill & Other, we test goodwill for impairment on October 1 of each year, and on an interim date if factors or indicators become apparent that would require an interim test. In connection with our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2009 and 2008, and as further discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included herein, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairments of $9.0 million and $15.9 million, respectively.
     If the current economic conditions continue or further deteriorate resulting in significant declines in the Company’s stock price, or if there are significant downward revisions in the present value of our estimated future cash flows, additional impairments to one or more reporting units could occur in future periods, and such impairments could be material. A downward revision in the present value of estimated future cash flows could be caused by a number of factors, including, among others, adverse changes in the business climate, negative industry or economic trends, decline in performance in our industry sector, or a decline in market multiples for competitors. Our estimates regarding future cash flows are inherently uncertain and changes in our underlying assumptions and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to revenues, costs or other factors that may result in changes in our estimates of future cash flows. We can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge will not occur in a future period. Such a charge could negatively affect our results of operations and financial position. We will continue to monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of our goodwill and other long-lived assets (see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7).
Labor disputes could disrupt our ability to serve our customers and/or lead to higher labor costs.
     We currently have approximately 60 employees in Utah, a significant territory in our geographic footprint, who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and approximately 1,510 employees who are not represented by unions or covered by collective bargaining agreements. Various unions periodically seek to organize certain of our nonunion employees. Union organizing efforts or collective bargaining negotiations could potentially lead to work stoppages and/or slowdowns or strikes by certain of our employees, which could adversely affect our ability to serve our customers. Further, settlement of actual or threatened labor disputes or an increase in the number of our employees covered by collective bargaining agreements can have unknown effects on our labor costs, productivity and flexibility. In addition, proposed federal legislation would make it easier for unions to organize by requiring employers to recognize unions based on card check authorization rather than by secret ballot election, and would impose arbitration to settle first-time collective bargaining agreements if the parties have not reached agreement within 120 days of recognition. The enactment of such legislation could significantly increase labor costs in ways that are difficult to predict.
We have operations throughout the United States, which exposes us to multiple state and local regulations. Changes in applicable law, regulations or requirements, or our material failure to comply with any of them, can increase our costs and have other negative impacts on our business.
     Our over 60 branch locations in the United States are located in 24 different states, which exposes us to a host of different state and local regulations. These laws and requirements address multiple aspects of our operations, such as worker safety, consumer rights, privacy, employee benefits and more, and can often have different requirements in different jurisdictions. Changes in these requirements, or any material failure by our branches to comply with them, can increase our costs, affect our reputation, limit our business, drain management time and attention and generally otherwise impact our operations in adverse ways.

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We could be adversely affected by environmental and safety requirements, which could force us to increase significant capital and other operational costs and may subject us to unanticipated liabilities.
     Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, require the handling, use, storage and disposal of certain regulated materials. As a result, we are subject to the requirements of federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations. We may not be in complete compliance with all such requirements at all times. We are subject to potentially significant civil or criminal fines or penalties if we fail to comply with any of these requirements. We have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures in order to comply with these laws and regulations. However, the requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently, and could become more stringent in the future. It is possible that these requirements will change or that liabilities will arise in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
     Environmental laws also impose obligations and liability for the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substance spills or releases. These liabilities can be imposed on the parties generating or disposing of such substances or operator of the affected property, often without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous substances. Accordingly, we may become liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for remediation costs even if a contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by us, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to our ownership or operation of the property. Given the nature of our operations (which involve the use of petroleum products, solvents and other hazardous substances for fueling and maintaining our equipment and vehicles), there can be no assurance that prior site assessments or investigations have identified all potential instances of soil or groundwater contamination. Future events, such as changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, or the discovery of currently unknown contamination, may give rise to additional remediation liabilities which may be material.
Hurricanes or other adverse weather events could negatively affect our local economies or disrupt our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
     Our market areas in the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States are susceptible to hurricanes. Such weather events can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our properties and negatively affect the local economies in which we operate. Future hurricanes could result in damage to certain of our facilities and the equipment located at such facilities, or equipment on rent with customers in those areas. In addition, climate change could lead to an increase in intensity or occurrence of hurricanes or other adverse weather events. Our business or results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of future hurricanes or other adverse weather events.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
     None.
Item 2. Properties
     As of March 1, 2010, we had a network of 66 full-service facilities, serving approximately 29,500 customers across 24 states in the West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
     In our facilities, we rent, display and sell equipment, including tools and supplies, and provide maintenance and basic repair work. We own eight of our locations and lease 58 locations. Our leases typically provide for varying terms and renewal options. The following table provides data on our locations and the number of multiple branch locations in each city is indicated by parentheses:

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City/State   Leased/Owned   City/State   Leased/Owned
Alabama
      Maryland    
Birmingham
  Leased   Baltimore(2)   Leased(1) Owned(1)
Arizona
      Mississippi    
Phoenix
  Leased   Jackson   Leased
Tucson
  Leased   Montana    
Arkansas
      Billings   Leased
Little Rock
  Owned   Belgrade   Leased
Springdale
  Owned   Missoula   Leased
California
      New Mexico    
Bakersfield
  Leased   Albuquerque   Leased
La Mirada
  Leased   Nevada    
Sacramento
  Leased   Las Vegas   Leased
San Diego
  Leased   Reno   Leased
Santa Fe Springs
  Owned   North Carolina    
Fontana
  Leased   Arden   Leased
Colorado
      Charlotte(2)   Leased(2)
Denver
  Leased   Raleigh   Leased
Colorado Springs
  Leased   Winston-Salem   Leased
Florida
      Oklahoma    
Fort Myers
  Leased   Oklahoma City   Leased
Jacksonville
  Leased   Tulsa   Leased
Orlando
  Leased   South Carolina    
Pompano Beach
  Leased   Columbia   Leased
Tampa
  Leased   Greenville   Leased
Georgia
      Tennessee    
Atlanta
  Leased   Memphis   Leased
Idaho
      Nashville   Leased
Boise
  Leased   Texas    
Coeur D’Alene
  Leased   Austin   Leased
Indiana
      Corpus Christi   Leased
Indianapolis
  Leased   Dallas(2)   Leased(1) Owned(1)
Kentucky
      Houston(2)   Leased(2)
Louisville
  Leased   San Antonio   Owned
Louisiana
      Utah    
Alexandria
  Leased   Salt Lake City   Leased
Baton Rouge
  Leased   St. George   Leased
Belle Chasse
  Leased   Virginia    
Gonzales
  Leased   Norfolk   Leased
Kenner
  Leased   Ashland   Owned
Lafayette
  Leased   Roanoke   Owned
Lake Charles
  Leased   Warrenton   Leased
Shreveport(2)
  Leased(2)   Washington    
 
      Pasco   Leased
     Each facility location has a branch manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations. In addition, branch operating facilities are typically staffed with approximately 8 to 89 people, who may include technicians, salespeople, rental operations staff and parts specialists. While facility offices are typically open five days a week, we provide 24 hour, seven day per week service.

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     Our corporate headquarters employs approximately 180 people. Our corporate headquarters are located in four separate locations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where we occupy a total of approximately 35,450 square feet under four separate leases that extend through varying dates ending April 30, 2011. We believe that our existing facilities will be sufficient for the conduct of our business during the next fiscal year.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
     From time to time, we are party to various legal actions in the normal course of our business. We believe that we are not party to any litigation, that, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
     Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, trades on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “HEES.” The following table sets forth, for the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share for our common stock as reported by Nasdaq for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
                 
    High     Low  
Year ended December 31, 2008
               
First quarter
  $ 18.98     $ 11.64  
Second quarter
    15.04       12.02  
Third quarter
    15.05       8.98  
Fourth quarter
    9.67       4.67  
Year ended December 31, 2009
               
First quarter
  $ 7.76     $ 4.77  
Second quarter
    9.49       6.16  
Third quarter
    11.62       9.00  
Fourth quarter
    12.50       9.26  
Holders
     On March 1, 2010, we had 178 stockholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
     We have never paid or declared any dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial conditions, cash requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to declare and pay dividends is restricted by covenants in our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes and may be further limited by instruments governing future outstanding indebtedness we or our subsidiaries may incur.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
     For certain information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plan, see Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

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Performance Graph
     The Performance Graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on H&E Equipment Services, Inc. common stock for the period January 31, 2006, the date our initial public offering was priced for initial sale, through and including December 31, 2009, with the cumulative return of the Russell 2000 Index and an industry peer group selected by us. The peer group we selected is comprised of the following companies: United Rentals, Inc., RSC Holdings, Inc., Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Toromont Industries, Ltd., Finning International, Inc., and The Ashtead Group, PLC. RSC Holdings, Inc. is only included in the peer group beginning on May 23, 2007, the date its initial public offering was priced for initial sale.
     The Performance Graph comparison assumes $100 was invested in our common stock on January 31, 2006 and in each of the indices. Dividend reinvestment has been assumed and returns have been weighted to reflect relative stock market capitalization. No cash dividends have been declared on our common stock. The stock performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
(MAP)
 
*   $100 invested on 1/31/06 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.

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    1/31/06     12/31/06     12/31/07     12/31/08     12/31/09  
 
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
  $ 100.00     $ 137.61     $ 104.89     $ 42.83     $ 58.33  
Russell 2000 Index
    100.00       108.63       106.93       70.80       90.04  
Peer Group
    100.00       105.84       104.93       45.93       73.84  
     This stock performance information is “furnished” and shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or subject to Rule 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and irrespective of any general incorporation by reference language in any such filing, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
     There were no stock repurchases or other purchases of equity securities by the Company during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
     The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial information not included herein. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance or results of operations. You should read the consolidated historical financial data together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and with Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007(1)     2006(2)     2005  
            (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)          
Statement of operations data(3):
                                       
Revenues:
                                       
Equipment rentals
  $ 191,512     $ 295,398     $ 286,573     $ 251,374     $ 190,794  
New equipment sales
    208,916       374,068       355,178       241,281       156,341  
Used equipment sales
    86,982       160,780       148,742       133,897       111,139  
Parts sales
    100,500       118,345       102,300       82,106       70,066  
Services revenues
    58,730       70,124       64,050       53,699       41,485  
Other
    33,092       50,254       46,291       42,012       30,385  
 
                             
Total revenues
    679,732       1,068,969       1,003,134       804,369       600,210  
 
                             
Cost of revenues:
                                       
Rental depreciation
    87,902       104,311       94,211       78,159       54,534  
Rental expense
    42,086       49,481       45,374       40,582       47,027  
New equipment sales
    183,885       324,472       307,897       211,158       137,169  
Used equipment sales
    70,305       121,956       112,351       97,765       84,696  
Parts sales
    72,786       83,561       71,791       57,909       49,615  
Services revenues
    21,825       25,324       23,076       19,206       15,417  
Other
    35,445       49,824       42,394       36,409       30,151  
 
                             
Total cost of revenues
    514,234       758,929       697,094       541,188       418,609  
 
                             
Gross profit (loss):
                                       
Equipment rentals
    61,524       141,606       146,988       132,633       89,233  
New equipment sales
    25,031       49,596       47,281       30,123       19,172  
Used equipment sales
    16,677       38,824       36,391       36,132       26,443  
Parts sales
    27,714       34,784       30,509       24,197       20,451  
Services revenues
    36,905       44,800       40,974       34,493       26,068  
Other
    (2,353 )     430       3,897       5,603       234  
 
                             
Total gross profit
    165,498       310,040       306,040       263,181       181,601  
 
                                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses(4)
    144,460       181,037       165,048       143,615       111,409  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets(5)
    8,972       22,721                    
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    533       436       469       479       91  
 
                             
Income from operations
    12,599       106,718       141,461       120,045       70,283  
 
                             
 
                                       
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest expense(6)
    (31,339 )     (38,255 )     (36,771 )     (37,684 )     (41,822 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt(7)
                (320 )     (40,771 )      
Other, net
    619       934       1,045       818       372  
 
                             
Total other expense, net
    (30,720 )     (37,321 )     (36,046 )     (77,637 )     (41,450 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (18,121 )     69,397       105,415       42,408       28,833  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    (6,178 )     26,101       40,789       9,694       673  
 
                             
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,943 )   $ 43,296     $ 64,626     $ 32,714     $ 28,160  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net income (loss) per common share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70     $ 0.89     $ 1.10  
 
                             
Diluted
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70     $ 0.88     $ 1.10  
 
                             
 
                                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding (8):
                                       
Basic
    34,607       35,575       38,065       36,933       25,492  
 
                             
Diluted
    34,607       35,583       38,065       36,982       25,492  
 
                             

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    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2009   2008   2007(1)   2006(2)   2005
            (Amounts in thousands)                
Other financial data:
                                       
Depreciation and amortization(9)
  $ 99,293     $ 117,677     $ 104,281     $ 85,122     $ 59,860  
Statement of cash flows:
                                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    72,901       120,467       104,094       117,729       35,904  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    37,900       (36,675 )     (188,647 )     (191,988 )     (83,075 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (76,731 )     (87,288 )     90,012       77,935       49,440  
                                         
    As of December 31,
    2009   2008   2007(1)   2006(2)   2005
            (Amounts in thousands)                
Balance sheet data:
                                       
Cash
  $ 45,336     $ 11,266     $ 14,762     $ 9,303     $ 5,627  
Rental equipment, net
    437,407       554,457       577,628       440,454       308,036  
Goodwill(5)
    34,019       42,991       54,731       30,573       8,572  
Deferred financing costs, net
    5,545       6,964       8,628       9,296       8,104  
Intangible assets, net(10)
    988       1,579       10,642       34       80  
Total assets
    763,084       966,634       1,012,853       759,942       530,697  
Total debt(11)
    254,110       330,584       374,951       265,965       349,902  
Stockholders’ Equity/(Members’ Deficit)
    278,882       290,207       288,078       235,584       (5,140 )
 
(1)   Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 include the operating results of J.W. Burress, Incorporated (“Burress”) since the date of acquisition, September 1, 2007.
 
(2)   Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 include the operating results of Eagle High Reach Equipment, Inc. and Eagle High Reach Equipment, LLC (collectively “Eagle”) since the date of acquisition, February 28, 2006.
 
(3)   See note 20 to the consolidated financial statements discussing segment information.
 
(4)   Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 718, Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $0.7 million, $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
 
(5)   As more fully described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, and in connection with our impairment test, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment in 2009 of approximately $9.0 million, or $5.5 million after tax, related to our Equipment Rentals Component 1 reporting unit. In 2008, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairments totaling approximately $15.9 million, or $9.9 million after tax, related to our New Equipment and Service Revenues reporting units. Also in 2008, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $6.8 million, or $4.2 million after tax, related to our customer relationship intangible asset.
 
(6)   Interest expense is comprised of cash-pay interest (interest recorded on debt and other obligations requiring periodic cash payments) and non-cash pay interest.
 
(7)   On August 4, 2006, we used the net proceeds from the issuance of our senior unsecured notes, together with cash on hand and borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, to purchase $195.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding senior secured notes (representing approximately 97.8% of the previously outstanding senior secured notes), and the $53.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our then outstanding senior subordinated notes (representing 100% of the previously outstanding senior secured notes). In connection with these transactions, we recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of approximately $40.8 million. Subsequently, on July 31, 2007, we redeemed with available cash on hand,

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    all of our remaining $4.5 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the senior secured notes. In connection with the transaction, we recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.3 million.
 
(8)   In presenting shares of common stock outstanding, we have given retroactive effect to the completion of the Reorganization Transactions as if the 2006 Reorganization Transactions had occurred as of the beginning of the earliest year presented with respect to statement of operations data.
 
(9)   Excludes amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of loan discounts, which are both included in interest expense.
 
(10)   As more fully described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recorded a $6.8 million impairment, or $4.2 million after tax, in 2008 related to the acquired Burress customer relationships intangible asset.
 
(11)   Total debt represents the amounts outstanding, as applicable for the periods presented, under the senior secured credit facility, senior secured notes, senior subordinated notes, senior unsecured notes, notes payable and capital leases.
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties (see discussion of “Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those factors set forth under Item 1A—Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
     During 2009, we faced various economic and business challenges in connection with the macroeconomic downturn, including (i) weak demand for our products and services, (ii) unfavorable credit markets which limited our customers’ access to capital, and (iii) continuing economic uncertainty into 2010. In response to these extraordinary challenges, we focused our efforts in 2009 to scale our business to adapt to market conditions and strengthen our balance sheet through cash generation. These included (i) downsizing our rental fleet by reducing capital expenditures on our rental fleet, (ii) monitoring and reducing our inventory carrying levels based on lower demand, (iii) reducing operating and selling, general and administrative costs, including workforce reductions, and (iv) using excess cash to pay down debt and improve our leverage. As a result, we fully repaid our senior secured credit facility during 2009, leaving approximately $312.2 million of borrowing availability as of December 31, 2009 under the credit facility, net of approximately $7.8 million of outstanding standby letters of credit (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below). As many of these unfavorable economic conditions and business challenges appear to be continuing into 2010, we remain focused on managing our fleet, debt reduction and cash generation, with a view to positioning us to take advantage of future opportunities when the economic and business recovery occurs.
Background
     As one of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the United States focused on heavy construction and industrial equipment, we rent, sell and provide parts and service support for four core categories of specialized equipment: (1) hi-lift or aerial work platform equipment; (2) cranes; (3) earthmoving equipment; and (4) industrial lift trucks. By providing equipment rental, sales, on-site parts, repair and maintenance functions under one roof, we are a one-stop provider for our customers’ varied equipment needs. This full service approach provides us with multiple points of customer contact, enables us to maintain a high quality rental fleet, as well as

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an effective distribution channel for fleet disposal and provides cross-selling opportunities among our new and used equipment sales, rental, parts sales and service operations.
     As of March 1, 2010, we operated 66 full-service facilities throughout the Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, West Coast, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Our work force includes distinct, focused sales forces for our new and used equipment sales and rental operations, highly-skilled service technicians, product specialists and regional managers. We focus our sales and rental activities on, and organize our personnel principally by, our four core equipment categories. We believe this allows us to provide specialized equipment knowledge, improve the effectiveness of our rental and sales force and strengthen our customer relationships. In addition, we have branch managers at each location who are responsible for managing their assets and financial results. We believe this fosters accountability in our business, and strengthens our local and regional relationships.
     Through our predecessor companies, we have been in the equipment services business for approximately 49 years. H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (“H&E LLC”) was formed in June 2002 through the business combination of Head & Engquist, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gulf Wide, and ICM. Head & Engquist, founded in 1961, and ICM, founded in 1971, were two leading regional, integrated equipment service companies operating in contiguous geographic markets. In the June 2002 transaction, Head & Engquist and ICM were merged with and into Gulf Wide, which was renamed H&E LLC. Prior to the combination, Head & Engquist operated 25 facilities in the Gulf Coast region, and ICM operated 16 facilities in the Intermountain region of the United States.
     In connection with our initial public offering in February 2006, we converted H&E LLC into H&E Equipment Services, Inc. Prior to our initial public offering, our business was conducted through H&E LLC. In order to have an operating Delaware corporation as the issuer for our initial public offering, H&E Equipment Services, Inc. was formed as a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of H&E Holdings, and immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering, on February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and H&E Holdings merged with and into us (H&E Equipment Services, Inc.), with us surviving the reincorporation merger as the operating company. Effective February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings no longer existed under operation of law pursuant to the merger reincorporation.
     We completed, effective as of February 28, 2006, the acquisition of all the outstanding capital stock of Eagle High Reach Equipment, Inc. (now known as H&E California Holdings, Inc.) and all of the outstanding equity interests of its subsidiary, Eagle High Reach Equipment, LLC (now known as H&E Equipment Services (California) LLC) (collectively, “Eagle”). Prior to the acquisition, Eagle was a privately-held construction and industrial equipment rental company serving the southern California construction and industrial markets out of four branch locations.
     We completed, effective as of September 1, 2007, the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of J.W. Burress, Incorporated (“Burress”) (now known as H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc.). Prior to the acquisition, Burress was a privately-held company operating primarily as a distributor in the construction and industrial equipment markets out of 12 locations in four states in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Business Segments
     We have five reportable segments because we derive our revenues from five principal business activities: (1) equipment rentals; (2) new equipment sales; (3) used equipment sales; (4) parts sales; and (5) repair and maintenance services. These segments are based upon how we allocate resources and assess performance. In addition, we also have non-segmented revenues and costs that relate to equipment support activities.
    Equipment Rentals. Our rental operation primarily rents our four core types of construction and industrial equipment. We have a well-maintained rental fleet and our own dedicated sales force, focused by equipment type. We actively manage the size, quality, age and composition of our rental fleet based on our analysis of key measures such as time utilization (equipment usage based on customer demand), rental rate trends and targets, and equipment demand which we closely monitor. We maintain fleet quality through regional quality control managers and our parts and services operations.

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    New Equipment Sales. Our new equipment sales operation sells new equipment in all four core product categories. We have a retail sales force focused by equipment type that is separate from our rental sales force. Manufacturer purchase terms and pricing are managed by our product specialists.
 
    Used Equipment Sales. Our used equipment sales are generated primarily from sales of used equipment from our rental fleet, as well as from sales of inventoried equipment that we acquire through trade-ins from our equipment customers and through selective purchases of high quality used equipment. Used equipment is sold by our dedicated retail sales force. Our used equipment sales are an effective way for us to manage the size and composition of our rental fleet and provide a profitable distribution channel for disposal of rental equipment.
 
    Parts Sales. Our parts business sells new and used parts for the equipment we sell and also provides parts to our own rental fleet. To a lesser degree, we also sell parts for equipment produced by manufacturers whose products we neither rent nor sell. In order to provide timely parts and service support to our customers as well as our own rental fleet, we maintain an extensive parts inventory.
 
    Services. Our services operation provides maintenance and repair services for our customers’ equipment and to our own rental fleet at our facilities as well as at our customers’ locations. As the authorized distributor for numerous equipment manufacturers, we are able to provide service to that equipment that will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
     Our non-segmented revenues and costs relate to equipment support activities that we provide, such as transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage waivers, and are not generally allocated to reportable segments.
     You can read more about our business segments under Item 1—Business and in note 20 of the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Revenue Sources
     We generate all of our total revenues from our five business segments and our non-segmented equipment support activities. Equipment rentals and new equipment sales account for more than half of our total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2009, approximately 28.2% of our total revenues were attributable to equipment rentals, 30.7% of our total revenues were attributable to new equipment sales, 12.8% were attributable to used equipment sales, 14.8% were attributable to parts sales, 8.6% were attributable to our service revenues and 4.9% were attributable to non-segmented other revenues.
     The pie charts below illustrate a breakdown of our revenues and gross profits for the year ended December 31, 2009 by business segment (see note 20 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our business segments):
     
Revenue by Segment   Gross Profit by Segment
($ in millions)   ($ in millions)
(REVENUE BY SEGMENT LOGO)
  (GROSS PROFIT BY SEGMENT LOGO)

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     The equipment that we sell, rent and service is principally used in the construction industry, as well as by companies for commercial and industrial uses such as plant maintenance and turnarounds. As a result, our total revenues are affected by several factors including, but not limited to, the demand for and availability of rental equipment, rental rates and other competitive factors, the demand for new and used equipment, the level of construction and industrial activities, spending levels by our customers, adverse weather conditions and general economic conditions. For a discussion of the impact of seasonality on our revenues, see “Seasonality” below.
      Equipment Rentals. Revenues from equipment rentals depend on rental rates. Because rental rates are impacted by competition in specific regions and markets, we continuously monitor and adjust our rental rates. Equipment rental revenue is also impacted by the availability of equipment and by time utilization (equipment usage based on customer demand). We generate reports on, among other things, time utilization and rental rate trends on a piece-by-piece basis for our rental fleet. We recognize revenues from equipment rentals in the period earned on a straight-line basis, over the contract term, regardless of the timing of billing to customers.
 
      New Equipment Sales. We seek to optimize revenues from new equipment sales by selling equipment through a professional in-house retail sales force focused by product type. While sales of new equipment are impacted by the availability of equipment from the manufacturer, we believe our status as a leading distributor for some of our key suppliers improves our ability to obtain equipment. New equipment sales are an important component of our integrated model due to customer interaction and service contact and new equipment sales also lead to future parts and service revenues. We recognize revenue from the sale of new equipment 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.
 
      Used Equipment Sales. We generate the majority of our used equipment sales revenues by selling equipment from our rental fleet. The remainder of our used equipment sales revenues comes from the sale of inventoried equipment that we acquire through trade-ins from our equipment customers and selective purchases of high-quality used equipment. Our policy is not to offer specified price trade-in arrangements on

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      equipment for sale. Sales of our rental fleet equipment allow us to manage the size, quality, composition and age of our rental fleet, and provide a profitable distribution channel for the disposal of rental equipment. We recognize revenue for the sale of used equipment 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.
 
      Parts Sales. We generate revenues from the sale of new and used parts for equipment that we rent or sell, as well as for other makes of equipment. Our product support sales representatives are instrumental in generating our parts revenues. They are product specialists and receive performance incentives for achieving certain sales levels. Most of our parts sales come from our extensive in-house parts inventory. Our parts sales provide us with a relatively stable revenue stream that is less sensitive to the economic cycles that tend to affect our rental and equipment sales operations. We recognize revenues from parts sales 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.
 
      Services. We derive our services revenues from maintenance and repair services to customers for their owned equipment. In addition to repair and maintenance on an as-needed or scheduled basis, we also provide ongoing preventative maintenance services to industrial customers. Our after-market service provides a high-margin, relatively stable source of revenue through changing economic cycles. We recognize services revenues at the time services are rendered and collectibility is reasonably assured.
 
      Non-Segmented Revenues. Our non-segmented other revenue consists of billings to customers for equipment support and activities including: transportation, hauling, parts freight, environmental fees and loss damage waiver charges. We recognize non-segmented other revenues at the time of billing and after the related services have been provided.
Principal Costs and Expenses
     Our largest expenses are the costs to purchase the new equipment we sell, the costs associated with the used equipment we sell, rental expenses, rental depreciation and costs associated with parts sales and services, all of which are included in cost of revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our total cost of revenues was approximately $514.2 million. Our operating expenses consist principally of selling, general and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $144.5 million. In addition, we have interest expense related to our debt instruments. We are also subject to federal and state income taxes. Operating expenses and all other income and expense items below the gross profit line of our consolidated statements of income are not generally allocated to our reportable segments.
Cost of Revenues:
      Rental Depreciation. Depreciation of rental equipment represents the depreciation costs attributable to rental equipment. Estimated useful lives vary based upon type of equipment. Generally, we depreciate cranes and aerial work platforms over a ten year estimated useful life, earthmoving over a five year estimated useful life with a 25% salvage value, and industrial lift-trucks over a seven year estimated useful life. Attachments and other smaller type equipment are depreciated over a three year estimated useful life.
 
      Rental Expense. Rental expense represents the costs associated with rental equipment, including, among other things, the cost of servicing and maintaining our rental equipment, property taxes on our fleet, equipment operating lease expense and other miscellaneous costs of rental equipment.
 
      New Equipment Sales. Cost of new equipment sold primarily consists of the equipment cost of the new equipment that is sold, net of any amount of credit given to the customer towards the equipment for trade-ins.
 
      Used Equipment Sales. Cost of used equipment sold consists of the net book value of rental equipment for used equipment sold from our rental fleet, the equipment costs for used equipment we purchase for sale or the trade-in value of used equipment that we obtain from customers in equipment sales transactions.
 
      Parts Sales. Cost of parts sales represents costs attributable to the sale of parts directly to customers.

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      Services Support. Cost of services revenues represents costs attributable to service provided for the maintenance and repair of customer-owned equipment and equipment then on-rent by customers.
 
      Non-Segmented Other. These expenses include costs associated with providing transportation, hauling, parts freight, and damage waiver including, among other items, drivers wages, fuel costs, shipping costs, and our costs related to damage waiver policies.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
     Our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) include sales and marketing expenses, payroll and related benefit costs, insurance expenses, professional fees, property and other taxes, administrative overhead, depreciation associated with property and equipment (other than rental equipment) and amortization expense associated with the intangible assets acquired in the Burress acquisition (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the Burress acquisition). These expenses are not generally allocated to our reportable segments.
Interest Expense:
     Interest expense for the periods presented represents the interest on our outstanding debt instruments, including indebtedness outstanding under our senior secured credit facility, senior unsecured notes due 2016, notes payable and our capital lease obligation. See note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our senior unsecured notes. Interest expense also includes interest on our outstanding manufacturer flooring plans payable which are used to finance inventory and rental equipment purchases. See note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our manufacturer flooring plans payable. Non-cash interest expense related to the amortization cost of deferred financing costs is also included in interest expense.
Principal Cash Flows
     We generate cash primarily from our operating activities and historically, we have used cash flows from operating activities, manufacturer floor plan financings and available borrowings under our revolving senior secured credit facility as the primary sources of funds to purchase inventory and to fund working capital and capital expenditures (see also “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below).
Rental Fleet
     A significant portion of our overall value is in our rental fleet equipment. Net rental equipment at December 31, 2009 was $437.4 million, or approximately 57.3% of our total assets. Our rental fleet as of December 31, 2009, consisted of 16,003 units having an original acquisition cost (which we define as the cost originally paid to manufacturers or the original amount financed under operating leases) of approximately $675.1 million. As of December 31, 2009, our rental fleet composition was as follows (dollars in millions):
                                         
            % of     Original     % of Original     Average  
            Total     Acquisition     Acquisition     Age in  
    Units     Units     Cost     Cost     Months  
Hi-Lift or Aerial Work Platforms
    12,231       76 %   $ 413.8       61 %     42.8  
Cranes
    361       2 %     82.0       12 %     32.5  
Earthmoving
    1,412       9 %     133.7       20 %     29.6  
Industrial Lift Trucks
    444       3 %     18.7       3 %     34.8  
Other
    1,555       10 %     26.9       4 %     30.7  
 
                             
Total
    16,003       100 %   $ 675.1       100 %     40.0  
 
                             
     Determining the optimal age and mix for our rental fleet equipment is subjective and requires considerable estimates and judgments by management. We constantly evaluate the mix, age and quality of the equipment in our rental fleet in response to current economic and market conditions, competition and customer demand. The

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mix and age of our rental fleet, as well as our cash flows, are impacted by sales of equipment from the rental fleet, which are influenced by used equipment pricing at the retail and secondary auction market levels, and the capital expenditures to acquire new rental fleet equipment. In making equipment acquisition decisions, we evaluate current economic and market conditions, competition, manufacturers’ availability, pricing and return on investment over the estimated useful life of the specific equipment, among other things. Our rental fleet is well-maintained as a result of our in-house service capabilities and extensive maintenance program.
     On average, we increased the average age of our rental fleet equipment by approximately 6.7 months during the year ended December 31, 2009. The original acquisition cost of our overall gross rental fleet decreased approximately $110.4 million, or approximately 14.1%, during the year ended December 31, 2009, mostly due to a planned elimination of rental fleet growth capital expenditures and selective fleet replacement expenditures during the year in response to a challenging economic environment and credit market conditions (see also “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below), and to the impact from the sale of certain of our Yale® lift truck assets on July 31, 2009 (see “Results of Operations” below for a description of the transaction). Our average rental rates for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 15.5% lower than the comparative year ended December 31, 2008. The rental equipment mix among our four core product lines for the year ended December 31, 2009 remained largely consistent with that of the prior year comparable period both as a percentage of total units available for rent and as a percentage of original acquisition cost. However, the sale of certain of our Yale® lift truck assets on July 31, 2009 resulted in an approximate 3% to 4% shift in our rental fleet composition from lift trucks to primarily aerial work platform equipment as a percentage of total units available for rent and as a percentage of original acquisition cost.
Principal External Factors that Affect our Businesses
     We are subject to a number of external factors that may adversely affect our businesses. These factors, and other factors, are discussed below and under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements,” and in Item 1A—Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
    Economic downturns. The demand for our products is dependent on the general economy, the stability of the global credit markets, the industries in which our customers operate or serve, and other factors. Downturns in the general economy or in the construction and manufacturing industries, as well as adverse credit market conditions, can cause demand for our products to materially decrease. The current macroeconomic downturn, including current conditions in the global credit markets, is a principal factor currently affecting our business.
 
    Spending levels by customers. Rentals and sales of equipment to the construction industry and to industrial companies constitute a significant portion of our total revenues. As a result, we depend upon customers in these businesses and their ability and willingness to make capital expenditures to rent or buy specialized equipment. Accordingly, our business is impacted by fluctuations in customers’ spending levels on capital expenditures and by the availability of credit to those customers.
 
    Adverse weather. Adverse weather in a geographic region in which we operate may depress demand for equipment in that region. Our equipment is primarily used outdoors and, as a result, prolonged adverse weather conditions may prohibit our customers from continuing their work projects. Adverse weather also has a seasonal impact in parts of our Intermountain region, primarily in the winter months.
     We believe that our integrated business tempers the effects of downturns in a particular segment. For a discussion of seasonality, see “Seasonality” below.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
     We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of many accounting principles requires us to make assumptions, estimates and/or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates

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and/or judgments, however, are often subjective and they and our actual results may change based on changing circumstances or changes in our analyses. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts first become known. We believe the following critical accounting policies could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. See also note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a summary of our significant accounting policies.
     Revenue Recognition. Our revenue recognition policies vary by reporting segment. Our policy is to recognize revenue from equipment rentals in the period earned on a straight-line basis, 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 earned is appropriately stated in the periods presented. We recognize revenue from new equipment sales, used equipment sales and parts sales 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. We recognize services revenues at the time services are rendered. We recognize other revenues for support services at the time we generate an invoice including the charge for such completed services.
     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects our estimate of the amount of our receivables that we will be unable to collect. We develop our estimate of this allowance based on our historical experience with specific customers, our understanding of our current economic circumstances and our own judgment as to the likelihood of ultimate payment. Our largest exposure to doubtful accounts is in our rental operations. We perform credit evaluations of customers and establish credit limits based on reviews of customer current credit information and payment histories. We believe our credit risk is somewhat mitigated by our geographically diverse customer base and our credit evaluation procedures. During the year, we write off customer account balances when we have exhausted reasonable collection efforts and determined that the likelihood of collection is remote. Such write-offs are charged against our allowance for doubtful accounts. In the past five years, our write-offs have averaged approximately 0.29% of total annual rental revenues. Our write-offs for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were 0.48%, 0.29% and 0.25%, respectively. The actual rate of future credit losses, however, may not be similar to past experience. Our estimate of doubtful accounts 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 for doubtful accounts.
     Useful Lives of Rental Equipment and Property and Equipment. We depreciate rental equipment and property and equipment over their estimated useful lives (generally three to ten years), after giving effect to an estimated salvage value ranging from 0% to 25% of cost. The useful life of rental equipment 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 periodically review the assumptions utilized in computing rates of depreciation. 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.

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     The amount of depreciation expense we record is highly dependent upon the estimated useful lives and the salvage values assigned to each category of rental equipment. Generally, we assign estimated useful lives to our rental fleet ranging from a three-year life, five-year life with a 25% salvage value, seven-year life and a ten-year life. Depreciation expense on our rental fleet for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $87.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the estimated impact of a change in estimated useful lives for each category of equipment by two years was as follows:
                                                 
    Hi-Lift or Aerial Work           Earth-   Industrial Lift        
    Platforms   Cranes   moving   Trucks   Other   Total
            ($ in millions)        
Impact of 2-year change in useful life on results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009
                                               
Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2009
  $ 44.2     $ 11.6     $ 22.1     $ 5.3     $ 4.7     $ 87.9  
Increase of 2 years in useful life
    34.5       9.3       14.3       2.1       5.4       65.6  
Decrease of 2 years in useful life
    51.7       14.0       33.4       3.8       4.7       107.6  
     For purposes of the sensitivity analysis above, we elected not to decrease the useful lives of other equipment, which are primarily three-year estimated useful life assets; rather, we have held the depreciation expense constant at the actual amount of depreciation expense. We believe that decreasing the life of the other equipment by two years is an unreasonable estimate and would potentially lead to the decision to expense, rather than capitalize, a significant portion of the subject asset class. As noted in this sensitivity table, in general terms, a one-year increase in the estimated life across all classes of our rental equipment will give rise to an approximate decrease in our annual depreciation expense of $11.2 million. Additionally, a one-year decrease in the estimated life across all classes of our rental equipment will give rise to an approximate increase in our annual depreciation expense of $9.9 million.
     As previously mentioned, another significant assumption used in our calculation of depreciation expense is the estimated salvage value assigned to our earthmoving equipment. Based on our recent experience, we have used a 25% factor of the equipment’s original cost to estimate its salvage value. This factor is highly subjective and subject to change upon future actual results at the time we dispose of the equipment. A change of 5%, either increase or decrease, in the estimated salvage value would result in a change in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $1.5 million.
     Purchase Price Allocation. We have made significant acquisitions in the past and we may make additional acquisitions in the future that meet our selection criteria that solidify our presence in the contiguous regions where we operate with an objective of increasing our revenues, improving our profitability, entering additional attractive markets and strengthening our competitive position. Pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 (“ASC 350”), Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we record as goodwill the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Such fair market value assessments require judgments and estimates that can be affected by various factors over time, which may cause final amounts to differ materially from original estimates. For acquisitions completed through December 31, 2009, adjustments to fair value assessments have been recorded to goodwill over the purchase price allocation period (typically not exceeding 12 months).
     With the exception of goodwill, long-lived fixed assets generally represent the largest component of our acquisitions. Typically, the long-lived fixed assets that we acquire are primarily comprised of rental fleet equipment. Historically, virtually all of the rental equipment that we have acquired through purchase business combinations has been classified as “To be Used,” rather than as “To be Sold.” Equipment that we acquire and classify as “To be Used” is recorded at fair value, as determined by replacement cost of such equipment. Any significant inventories of new and used equipment acquired in the transaction are valued at fair value, less cost to sell.

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     In addition to long-lived fixed assets, we also acquire other assets and assume liabilities. These other assets and liabilities typically include, but are not limited to, parts inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other working capital items. Because of their short-term nature, the fair values of these assets and liabilities generally approximate the carrying values reflected on the acquired entities balance sheets. However, when appropriate, we adjust these carrying values for factors such as collectibility and existence. The intangible assets that we have acquired generally consist primarily of the goodwill recognized. Depending upon the applicable purchase agreement and the particular facts and circumstances of the business acquired, we may identify other intangible assets, such as trade names or trademarks, non-compete agreements and customer-related intangibles (specifically customer relationships). A trademark has a fair value equal to the present value of the royalty income attributable to it. The royalty income attributable to a trademark represents the hypothetical cost savings that are derived from owning the trademark instead of paying royalties to license the trademark from another owner. When specifically negotiated by the parties in the applicable purchase agreements, we base the value of non-compete agreements on the amounts assigned to them in the purchase agreements as these amounts represent the amounts negotiated in an arm’s length transaction. When not negotiated by the parties in the applicable purchase agreements, the fair value of non-compete agreements is estimated based on an income approach since their values are representative of the current and future revenue and profit erosion protection they provide. Customer relationships are generally valued based on an excess earnings or income approach with consideration to projected cash flows. We use an independent third party valuation firm to assist us with estimating the fair values of our acquired intangible assets.
     Goodwill. We have made acquisitions in the past that included the recognition of goodwill. Pursuant to ASC 350, goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if triggering events occur or other impairment indicators arise which might impair recoverability.
     Impairment of goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment (i.e. before aggregation or combination), or one level below an operating segment (i.e. a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. Pursuant to ASC 350 and ASC 280, Segment Reporting, and other relevant guidance, we have identified two components within our Rental operating segment (Equipment Rentals Component 1 and Equipment Rentals Component 2) and have determined that each of our other four operating segments (New Equipment, Used Equipment, Parts, and Service segments) represents a reporting unit, resulting in six total reporting units.
     We review goodwill for impairment utilizing a two-step process. As the first step of the impairment test, we determine whether the fair value of our goodwill reporting units is greater than their carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired. However, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss for the excess amount.
     For purposes of performing the first step of the impairment test described above,,we estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis and/or by applying various market multiples. The principal factors used in the discounted cash flow analysis are our internal projected results of operations, weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) and terminal value assumptions.
     Our internal projected results of operations serve as key inputs for developing our cash flow projections for a planning period of twelve years. Beyond this period, we also determine an assumed long-term growth rate representing the expected rate at which a reporting unit’s earnings stream is expected to grow. These rates are used to calculate the terminal value of our reporting units and are added to the cash flows projected during the twelve year planning period. In connection with our fourth quarter 2009 goodwill impairment testing, we utilized

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a long-term growth rate of three percent, which we believe is reasonable. The WACC is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise and represents the expected cost of new capital likely to be used by market participants. The WACC is used to discount our combined future cash flows. In connection with our 2009 goodwill impairment testing, we utilized a WACC of between 11.0% to 16.0%, which we believe is reasonable.
     During the fourth quarter of 2009, and as further discussed in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of approximately $9.0 million related to our Equipment Rentals Component 1 reporting unit. The impairment charge represented a 100% write down of the pre-impairment charge carrying value for the reporting unit. As of December 31, 2009, our remaining goodwill was comprised of the following carrying values of three reporting units (amounts in thousands):
         
    Carrying Value  
Reporting Unit   at 12/31/09  
Equipment Rentals Component 2
  $ 20,427  
Used Equipment Sales
    6,712  
Parts Sales
    6,880  
 
     
Total Goodwill
  $ 34,019  
 
     
     As of our most recent goodwill impairment test, the estimated fair value of each of these three reporting units exceeded its respective carrying value by the following percentages:
         
    % Excess of Estimated  
    Fair Value over Carrying  
Reporting Unit   Value  
Equipment Rentals Component 2
    16.0 %
Used Equipment Sales
    128.8 %
Parts Sales
    64.3 %
 
     
Total
    30.7 %
 
     
     The inputs and variables used in determining the fair value of a reporting unit require management to make certain assumptions regarding the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes as well as estimates of future cash flows. Our estimates regarding future cash flows are based on historical experience and projections of future operating performance, including revenues, margins, and operating expenses. These estimates involve risk and are inherently uncertain. Changes in our estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or the amount of goodwill impairment to be recognized. However, we believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and represent our most likely future operating results based upon current information available. Future deterioration in the macroeconomic environment, adverse changes within our industry, further deterioration in our common stock price, downward revisions to our projected cash flows based on new information, or other factors, some of which are beyond our ability to control, could result in a future impairment charge that could materially impact our future results of operations and financial position in the reporting period identified.
     Long-lived Assets and Intangible Assets. Our long-lived assets principally consist of rental equipment and property and equipment. Our intangible assets consist principally of the intangible assets acquired in the September 1, 2007 Burress acquisition. We review our long-lived assets and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In reviewing for impairment, the carrying value of such assets is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the asset’s recorded value, an impairment charge is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. The determination of future cash flows as well as the

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estimated fair value of long-lived and intangible assets involves significant estimates and judgment on the part of management. Our estimates and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate due to factors such as changes in economic conditions, changes in our business prospects or other changing circumstances. As further described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we recorded in 2008 a non-cash impairment charge of $6.8 million related to our Burress customer relationships intangible asset.
     We evaluate the remaining useful life of our intangible assets on a periodic basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining estimated amortization period. As further described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, as a result of our review of customer attrition rates and projected cash flows, we revised the remaining estimated amortization period of the Burress customer relationships intangible asset to approximately 3.3 years as of October 1, 2008, the date of our impairment testing.
     Inventories. We state our new and used equipment inventories at the lower of cost or market by specific identification. Parts and supplies are stated at the lower of the weighted average cost or market. We maintain allowances for damaged, slow-moving and unmarketable inventory to reflect the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated market value. Changes in product demand may affect the value of inventory on hand and may require higher inventory allowances. Uncertainties with respect to inventory valuation are inherent in the preparation of financial statements.
     Reserves for Claims. We are exposed to various claims relating to our business, including those for which we provide self-insurance. Claims for which we self-insure include: (1) workers compensation claims; (2) general liability claims by third parties for injury or property damage caused by our equipment or personnel; (3) automobile liability claims; and (4) employee health insurance claims. These types of claims may take a substantial amount of time to resolve and, accordingly, the ultimate liability associated with a particular claim, including claims incurred but not reported as of a period-end reporting date, may not be known for an extended period of time. Our methodology for developing self-insurance reserves is based on management estimates and independent third party actuarial estimates. Our estimation process considers, among other matters, the cost of known claims over time, cost inflation and incurred but not reported claims. These estimates may change based on, among other things, changes in our claim history or receipt of additional information relevant to assessing the claims. Further, these estimates may prove to be inaccurate due to factors such as adverse judicial determinations or other claim settlements at higher than estimated amounts. Accordingly, we may be required to increase or decrease our reserve levels.
     Income Taxes. We utilize the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Our deferred tax calculation requires management to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
     Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of ASC 740 related to the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which clarified the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements. ASC 740 prescribes a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits, with tax benefits arising from uncertain positions only being recognized when considered to be more likely than not sustained upon examination by the taxing authority. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition issues.

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     We are subject to ongoing tax examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, we may incur additional tax expense based on probable outcomes of such matters.
Results of Operations
     The tables included in the period-to-period comparisons below provide summaries of our revenues and gross profits for our business segments and non-segmented revenues. The period-to-period comparisons of our financial results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The revenue and gross profit/margin period-to-period comparisons below for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 have been negatively impacted in the most recent year by lower customer demand resulting from several factors, including: (i) the decline in construction and industrial activities; (ii) the current macroeconomic downturn; and (iii) unfavorable credit markets affecting end-user access to capital. Although our total gross profit margins have slowly trended downward since the year ended December 31, 2006, the rate of total gross profit margin decline has been the most significant in the year ended December 31, 2009 as a result of the above factors. Accordingly, we cannot forecast whether, or to what extent, we will continue to experience any further decline, or whether our responses to unfavorable business conditions will be meaningful in mitigating or reversing this decline. Continued weakness or further deterioration in the non-residential construction and industrial sectors could result in continuing declining revenues and gross profits/margins and may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the future. We continue to proactively respond to these unfavorable business factors through various operational and strategic measures, including closing underperforming branches and redeploying rental fleet assets to existing branches with higher demand or to branches in new markets where demand is higher; minimizing capital expenditures; reducing headcount; implementing cost reduction measures throughout the Company; and using some of the excess cash flow resulting from our planned reduction in capital expenditures to repay outstanding debt. We believe that these measures strengthen our balance sheet by improving our cash position and reducing our leverage. While we cannot predict the timing or impact of an economic recovery and/or improved conditions within the construction and industrial sectors, we believe that our efforts position us to take advantage of future opportunities when an economic and business recovery occurs.
     Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2009 reflect the sale of a substantial portion of our Yale® lift truck assets. On July 31, 2009, the Company sold certain of its Yale® lift truck assets in its rental fleet, new and used equipment inventories and parts inventories located in the Intermountain region of the United States to Arnold Machinery Company (the “Arnold Transaction”) for total cash proceeds of approximately $15.7 million. At the time of the sale, these Yale® lift trucks comprised approximately 71% of the total lift trucks in our rental fleet and approximately 3.5% of our total rental fleet assets (based on net book value). The Yale brand accounted for less than 5% of our total revenues in 2009 through the date of the Arnold Transaction. Details of the Arnold Transaction are presented below (amounts in thousands):
         
Revenues:
       
New equipment sales
  $ 1,161  
Used equipment sales
    13,437 (1)
Parts sales
    1,061  
Service revenues
    895 (2)
 
     
Total revenues
  $ 16,554  
 
     
 
       
Cost of revenues:
       
New equipment sales
  $ 1,125  
Used equipment sales
    12,830 (1)
Parts sales
    1,011  
 
     
Total cost of revenues
    14,966  
 
     
Gross profit
  $ 1,588  
 
     
 
(1)   — Amounts include revenues and cost of revenues related to Yale® lift truck rental fleet assets of $12.7 million and

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    $12.2 million, respectively.
 
(2)   — Represents the recognition of deferred revenue associated with the termination of related Yale® lift truck maintenance and repair contracts.
     Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2007 include the operating results of Burress since the date of acquisition, September 1, 2007. Therefore, our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2007 include only four months of Burress operations compared to a full 12 months for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2008
     Revenues.
                                 
    For the Year Ended              
    December 31,     Total     Total  
                    Dollar     Percentage  
    2009     2008     Decrease     Decrease  
    (in thousands, except percentages)  
Segment Revenues:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 191,512     $ 295,398     $ (103,886 )     (35.2 )%
New equipment sales
    208,916       374,068       (165,152 )     (44.2 )%
Used equipment sales
    86,982       160,780       (73,798 )     (45.9 )%
Parts sales
    100,500       118,345       (17,845 )     (15.1 )%
Services revenues
    58,730       70,124       (11,394 )     (16.2 )%
Non-Segmented revenues
    33,092       50,254       (17,162 )     (34.2 )%
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 679,732     $ 1,068,969     $ (389,237 )     (36.4 )%
 
                       
     Total Revenues. Our total revenues were $679.7 million in 2009 compared to $1.069 billion in 2008, a decrease of approximately $389.2 million, or 36.4%. Included in total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 were revenues of $16.6 million from the Arnold Transaction as further described above. Revenues decreased for all reportable segments as further discussed below.
     Equipment Rental Revenues. Our revenues from equipment rentals for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $103.9 million, or 35.2%, to $191.5 million from $295.4 million in 2008. Rental revenues decreased for all four core product lines. Revenues from aerial work platforms decreased $64.5 million, cranes decreased $8.5 million, earthmoving equipment decreased $16.2 million, lift trucks decreased $7.7 million and other equipment rentals decreased $7.0 million. These decreases were due to lower demand resulting from the macroeconomic downturn and the other factors discussed above, which also negatively impacted our rental rates. Our average rental rates for the year ended December 31, 2009 declined 15.5% compared to the same period last year.
     Rental equipment dollar utilization (annual rental revenues divided by the average original rental fleet equipment costs) for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 26.4% in 2009 compared to 36.8% in 2008, a decrease of approximately 10.4%. The decrease in comparative rental equipment dollar utilization was the result of the 15.5% decrease in average rental rates in the comparative period and an 11.1% decrease in rental equipment time utilization (equipment usage based on customer demand). Rental equipment time utilization was 54.8% for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 65.9% for the same period in 2008.
     New Equipment Sales Revenues. Our new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $165.2 million, or 44.2%, to $208.9 million from $374.1 million for the comparable period in 2008. Sales of new cranes decreased $92.3 million, sales of new aerial work platforms decreased $18.4 million, sales of new earthmoving equipment decreased $37.5 million, sales of new lift trucks decreased $9.9 million and sales of other new equipment decreased $7.1 million. The decrease in new equipment sales reflects lower demand for these product lines due to the macroeconomic downturn and the other factors discussed above.

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     Used Equipment Sales Revenues. Our used equipment sales decreased approximately $73.8 million, or 45.9%, to $87.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, from $160.8 million for the same period in 2008, primarily as a result of lower demand for used equipment. The Arnold Transaction accounted for $13.4 million of used equipment sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009. Sales of used cranes decreased $31.0 million while sales of used aerial work platform equipment and used earthmoving equipment decreased $30.6 million and $17.7 million, respectively. Inclusive of the sales revenues from the Arnold Transaction, used lift truck sales increased $7.4 million. Other used equipment sales decreased $1.9 million.
     Parts Sales Revenues. Our parts sales decreased $17.8 million, or 15.1%, to $100.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $118.3 million for the same period in 2008. The decline in parts revenues was due to a decrease in customer demand for parts due to the decline in construction and industrial activity in the past year.
     Services Revenues. Our services revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $11.4 million, or 16.2%, to $58.7 million from $70.1 million for the same period last year. The Arnold Transaction resulted in the recognition of $0.9 million in deferred services revenues in the current period related to the termination of related lift truck maintenance and repair contracts. The decline in service revenues was largely due to a decrease in demand for services due to the decline in construction and industrial activity in the past year.
     Non-Segmented Other Revenues. Our non-segmented other revenues consisted primarily of equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage waiver charges. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our other revenues were $33.1 million, a decrease of $17.2 million, or 34.2%, from $50.3 million in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the volume of these services in conjunction with the decline of our primary business activities.
     Gross Profit.
                                 
    For the Year Ended     Total Dollar     Total Percentage  
    December 31,     Change     Change  
    2009     2008     Decrease     Decrease  
            (in thousands, except percentages)          
Segment Gross Profit:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 61,524     $ 141,606     $ (80,082 )     (56.6 )%
New equipment sales
    25,031       49,596       (24,565 )     (49.5 )%
Used equipment sales
    16,677       38,824       (22,147 )     (57.0 )%
Parts sales
    27,714       34,784       (7,070 )     (20.3 )%
Services revenues
    36,905       44,800       (7,895 )     (17.6 )%
Non-Segmented gross profit (loss)
    (2,353 )     430       (2,783 )     (647.2 )%
 
                       
Total gross profit
  $ 165,498     $ 310,040     $ (144,542 )     (46.6 )%
 
                       
     Total Gross Profit. Our total gross profit was approximately $165.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to approximately $310.0 million in 2008, a decrease of $144.5 million, or 46.6%. Total gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 24.3%, a decrease of 4.7% from the 29.0% gross profit margin for the same period in 2008. The Arnold Transaction, inclusive of the $0.9 million of deferred services revenues recognized discussed above, contributed $1.6 million in total gross profit on a total gross profit margin of 9.6% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Gross profit (loss) and gross margin for all reportable segments are further described below:
     Equipment Rentals Gross Profit. Our gross profit from equipment rentals for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $80.1 million, or 56.6%, to $61.5 million from $141.6 million in the same period in 2008. The decrease in equipment rentals gross profit is the net result of a $103.9 million decrease in rental revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was partially offset by a $7.4 million net decrease in rental expenses and a $16.4 million decrease in rental equipment depreciation expense. The net decrease in rental expenses and rental equipment depreciation expense was primarily due to a smaller fleet size in 2009 compared to 2008. As a percentage of equipment rental revenues, maintenance and repair costs were 15.4% in 2009 compared to 12.5% in 2008 and depreciation expense was 45.9% in 2009 compared to 35.3% in 2008. These percentage increases

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were primarily attributable to the decline in comparative rental revenues.
     Gross profit margin in 2009 was 32.1%, down 15.8% from 47.9% in the same period in 2008. This gross profit margin decline was primarily due to the 15.5% decline in our average rental rates and the product mix of equipment rented, combined with the current year increase in rental and depreciation expenses as a percentage of equipment rental revenues.
     New Equipment Sales Gross Profit. Our new equipment sales gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $24.6 million, or 49.5%, to $25.0 million compared to $49.6 million for the same period in 2008 on a total new equipment sales decline of $165.2 million. Gross profit margin on new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 12.0%, a decrease of 1.3% from 13.3% in the same period last year, reflecting lower demand for new equipment and lower margins on new crane sales.
     Used Equipment Sales Gross Profit. Our used equipment sales gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $22.1 million, or 57.0%, to $16.7 million from $38.8 million for the same period in 2008 on a used equipment sales decrease of $73.8 million. Gross profit margin in 2009 was 19.2%, down 5.0% from 24.2% in the same period last year, as a result of the product mix of used equipment sold and margin contraction due to lower overall demand for used equipment, combined with the impact of the Arnold Transaction. The Arnold Transaction accounted for $0.6 million in gross profit with a gross profit margin of 4.5% on $13.4 million of used equipment sales. Our used equipment sales from the rental fleet, which comprised approximately 81.6% and 76.6% of our used equipment sales for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were approximately 128.4% of net book value for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 141.0% for the comparable period last year.
     Parts Sales Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our parts sales revenue gross profit decreased $7.1 million, or 20.3%, to $27.7 million from $34.8 million for the same period in 2008 on a $17.8 million decline in parts sales revenues. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 27.6%, a decrease of 1.8% from 29.4% in the same period last year, as a result of the mix of parts sold.
     Services Revenues Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our services revenues gross profit decreased $7.9 million, or 17.6%, to $36.9 million from $44.8 million for the same period in 2008 on an $11.4 million decline in services revenues. Gross profit margin in 2009 was 62.8%, down approximately 1.1% from 63.9% in the same period last year. The Arnold Transaction resulted in the recognition of $0.9 million in deferred services revenues and gross profit in the most recent year related to the termination of related lift truck maintenance and repair contracts.
     Non-Segmented Other Revenues Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our non-segmented other revenues realized a gross loss of approximately $2.4 million, a decrease of $2.8 million compared to a gross profit of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily as a result of declines in damage waiver income and environmental fees on lower equipment rental revenues.
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses decreased $36.5 million, or 20.2%, to $144.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $181.0 million for the same period last year. The net decrease in SG&A expenses was attributable to several factors. Employee salaries and wages and related employee expenses decreased $27.8 million as a result of workforce reductions in late 2008 and 2009 and other cost control measures instituted by the Company, including a 15.7% workforce headcount reduction since the beginning of 2009, combined with lower commissions that resulted from lower rental and sales revenues. In addition, insurance expenses decreased approximately $0.8 million due to reduced loss exposures, while warranty related expenses decreased $1.6 million. Fuel costs and utility expenses decreased $2.3 million and supplies and other corporate overhead expenses, including marketing and promotional expenses, decreased $3.6 million. Amortization expense related to intangible assets decreased $0.8 million. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in legal and professional fees resulting primarily from data conversion costs and other consulting fees related to our enterprise resource planning system implementation. Stock-based compensation expense was $0.7 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As a percent of total revenues, SG&A expenses were 21.3% for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of 4.4% from 16.9% in the prior year, reflecting the fixed cost nature of certain SG&A expenses and the 36.4%

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decline in comparative total revenues.
     Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $9.0 million in 2009 compared to total goodwill impairment charges in 2008 of approximately $15.9 million. Additionally, in 2008, we recorded a $6.8 million non-cash intangible asset impairment charge related to Burress customer relationships.
     In connection with our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2009 and as discussed further in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we determined that the goodwill associated with our Equipment Rentals Component 1 reporting unit was impaired and recorded a $9.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. In connection with our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2008, we determined that the goodwill associated with our New Equipment Sales and Services reporting units were impaired and recorded, in total, a $15.9 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. The specific amounts of the goodwill impairment related to the New Equipment Sales and Service Revenues reporting units were $8.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
     These goodwill impairment charges are largely a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions, declines in market multiples within our industry and an increase in our cost of capital as a result of recent significant deterioration in the capital markets and the related decline in market value of equity and debt securities. The impairment also reflects a reduction in our projected cash flows. The impairment charges are non-cash items and do not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from the Company’s financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility.
     During the fourth quarter of 2008 and as a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region where our Burress branch facilities operate, higher than expected customer attrition rates and revised lower projected cash flows for our Burress operations, we tested the Burress customer relationships intangible asset for impairment as of October 1, 2008 and determined that the intangible asset’s then-carrying value of approximately $7.9 million exceeded its undiscounted future cash flows. We then determined, using a discounted cash flow analysis, the intangible asset’s fair value to be approximately $1.1 million as of October 1, 2008, resulting in a non-cash impairment loss of $6.8 million. Fair value of the customer relationships asset was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The impairment charge is a non-cash item and will not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from our financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility
     Other Income (Expense). For the year ended December 31, 2009, our net other expenses decreased $6.6 million to $30.7 million compared to $37.3 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease was the net result of a $6.9 million decrease in interest expense to $31.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $38.3 million for the same period in 2008, which was partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in other income. The decrease in interest expense was due to several factors. Comparative interest expense incurred on our senior secured credit facility was approximately $4.7 million lower in the most recent year period largely as a result of a $81.5 million decrease in our average borrowings under the senior secured credit facility compared to the prior year and a lower effective average interest rate on those borrowings in the most recent year. Additionally, interest expense on our manufacturing flooring plan payables used to finance inventory purchases decreased approximately $2.2 million in the most recent year period, as a result of lower outstanding balances on those manufacturing flooring plan payables in the most recent year period and lower average interest rates, reflecting the decline in the prime interest rate since the prior year.
     Income Taxes. We recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to income tax expense of $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 34.1% compared to 37.6% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The effective income tax (benefit) rate for 2009 of 34.1% approximates the federal statutory rate of 35.0%. The decrease in our effective tax rate was the result of lower pre-tax income in relation to the permanent differences and the decrease of a permanent benefit related to tax deductible goodwill amortization, for which no deferred taxes can be recognized until realized, in accordance with ASC 740. Based on available evidence, both positive and negative, we believe it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2009 are fully realizable through future reversals of existing taxable

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temporary differences and future taxable income, and are not subject to any limitations.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2007
     Revenues.
                                 
    For the Year Ended     Total     Total  
    December 31,     Dollar     Percentage  
    2008     2007     Increase     Increase  
    (in thousands, except percentages)  
Segment Revenues:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 295,398     $ 286,573     $ 8,825       3.1 %
New equipment sales
    374,068       355,178       18,890       5.3 %
Used equipment sales
    160,780       148,742       12,038       8.1 %
Parts sales
    118,345       102,300       16,045       15.7 %
Services revenues
    70,124       64,050       6,074       9.5 %
Non-Segmented revenues
    50,254       46,291       3,963       8.6 %
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 1,068,969     $ 1,003,134     $ 65,835       6.6 %
 
                       
     Total Revenues. Our total revenues were $1.069 billion in 2008 compared to $1.003 billion in 2007, an increase of approximately $65.8 million, or 6.6%. Total revenues related to Burress in 2008 were $144.2 million compared to approximately $42.5 million in the four months ended December 31, 2007. Our segment revenues are further discussed below.
     Equipment Rental Revenues. Our revenues from equipment rentals for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $8.8 million, or 3.1%, to $295.4 million from $286.6 million in 2007. Total equipment rental revenues in 2008 related to Burress were $15.2 million compared to $4.9 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. The $8.8 million increase in total rental revenues was the net result of an $8.4 million increase in earthmoving equipment rentals, a $3.3 million increase in crane rentals and an increase of $0.5 million and $0.6 million in lift truck and other equipment rentals, respectively. These increases were offset by a $4.0 million decrease in aerial work platform equipment rentals. The increase in earthmoving equipment rental revenues is primarily due to the comparative impact of a full year of Burress rentals in the current year compared to four months in 2007. The increase in crane, lift truck and other equipment rental revenues reflects an overall increase in demand in 2008 compared to 2007.
     Rental equipment dollar utilization (annual rental revenues divided by the average quarterly original rental fleet equipment costs) for the year ended December 31, 2008 was approximately 36.8% compared to 40.3% in 2007, a decrease of 3.5%. Excluding Burress, our rental equipment dollar utilization for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was 38.2% and 39.7%, respectively, a decrease of 1.5%. The decrease in comparative rental equipment dollar utilization (exclusive of Burress) was primarily the result of a 2.2% decrease (exclusive of Burress) in average rental rates for the comparative periods and lower time utilization, combined with the impact of Burress rental operations. As discussed in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, Burress, at the time of the acquisition, operated primarily as a distributor and had insignificant rental operations. Following the acquisition and through 2008, we began to integrate our rental operations into the Burress business, which has expectedly resulted in lower average rental rates and lower rental equipment time utilization when compared to the Company with fully integrated and normalized Burress operations.
     Rental equipment time utilization (equipment usage based on customer demand) was 65.9% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 68.0% for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of 2.1%, which was primarily the result of a decrease in demand for aerial work platform equipment, the largest component of our rental fleet, both as a percentage of total units available for rent and as a percentage of total original acquisition costs.
     New Equipment Sales Revenues. Our new equipment sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased approximately $18.9 million, or 5.3%, to $374.1 million from $355.2 million in 2007. Total new equipment sales revenues in the current year related to Burress were $75.2 million compared to $16.3 million for the four months

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ended December 31, 2007. Sales of new cranes increased $36.1 million. The increase in new crane sales was primarily the result of the impact of a full year of Burress crane sales compared to four months last year. Our sales of new cranes were negatively impacted by new crane manufacturer supply constraints in the latter half of 2008. Aerial work platform equipment sales decreased $9.3 million and new earthmoving equipment sales decreased $7.6 million, reflecting lower product demand. Sales of lift trucks increased $0.7 million while sales of other new equipment decreased approximately $1.0 million. The declines in new equipment sales generally reflect lower demand.
     Used Equipment Sales Revenues. Our used equipment sales increased $12.0 million, or 8.1%, to $160.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, from approximately $148.8 million in 2007. Burress used equipment sales for the current year were $26.3 million compared to $11.0 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. Sales of used cranes increased $12.1 million, reflecting higher demand for used crane equipment, which was inhibited during the second half of the year as the Company controlled used crane sales to maintain an adequate crane fleet available for rent. Lift truck used equipment sales increased $2.0 million, reflecting higher demand, while used earthmoving equipment sales increased $1.1 million, substantially as a result of the comparative impact of Burress. Aerial work platform used equipment decreased $2.8 million, reflecting lower demand, while other used equipment sales decreased approximately $0.4 million.
     Parts Sales Revenues. Our parts sales increased $16.0 million, or 15.7%, to $118.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from approximately $102.3 million in 2007. Total parts sales revenues in the current year related to Burress were $16.7 million compared to approximately $6.9 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to increased customer demand for equipment parts.
     Services Revenues. Our services revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $6.1 million, or 9.5%, to $70.1 million from approximately $64.0 million in 2007. Total services revenues for the current year related to Burress were $7.2 million compared to $2.6 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to increased customer demand.
     Non-Segmented Other Revenues. Our non-segmented other revenues consisted primarily of equipment support activities including transportation, hauling, parts freight and damage waiver charges. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our other revenues increased $4.0 million, or 8.6% to $50.3 million from $46.3 million in 2007. Total non-segmented other revenues in 2008 related to Burress were $3.5 million compared to $0.8 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. The remaining increase was due to an increase in the volume of these services in conjunction with our primary business activities.
     Gross Profit.
                                 
                    Total     Total  
    For the Year Ended     Dollar     Percentage  
    December 31,     Change     Change  
    2008     2007     Incr/(Decr)     Incr/(Decr)  
    (in thousands, except percentages)  
Segment Gross Profit:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 141,606     $ 146,988     $ (5,382 )     (3.7 )%
New equipment sales
    49,596       47,281       2,315       4.9 %
Used equipment sales
    38,824       36,391       2,433       6.7 %
Parts sales
    34,784       30,509       4,275       14.0 %
Services revenues
    44,800       40,974       3,826       9.3 %
Non-Segmented gross profit
    430       3,897       (3,467 )     (89.0 )%
 
                       
Total gross profit
  $ 310,040     $ 306,040     $ 4,000       1.3 %
 
                       
     Total Gross Profit. Our total gross profit was $310.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to approximately $306.0 million in 2007, an increase of $4.0 million, or 1.3%. Total gross profit in the current year related to Burress was $22.6 million compared to $8.9 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. Total gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 29.0%, a decrease of 1.5% from the 30.5% gross profit margin in 2007. The lower gross margin was largely due to lower margins on equipment

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rentals and other revenues combined with the comparative impact of Burress. Total gross profit margin in the current year related to Burress was 15.7% compared to 21.0% for the four month period ended December 31, 2007. Gross profit and gross margin for all reportable segments are further described below:
     Equipment Rentals Gross Profit. Our gross profit from equipment rentals for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $5.4 million, or 3.7%, to $141.6 million from $147.0 million in 2007. Gross profit from Burress rental operations in 2008 was $2.4 million compared to $1.8 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007.
     The decrease in equipment rentals gross profit was the net result of an $8.8 million increase in rental revenues, which was offset by a $10.1 million increase in rental equipment depreciation expense and a $4.1 million increase in rental expenses. The increase in depreciation expense in 2008 was the result of average higher fleet costs in 2008 compared to the prior year. The increase in rental expenses was the result of increases in maintenance and repair costs and other costs resulting from a larger fleet size on average in 2008 compared to 2007. As a percentage of equipment rental revenues, maintenance and repair costs were 13.0% in 2008 compared to 12.6% in the prior year, an increase of 0.4%.
     Gross profit margin in 2008 was approximately 47.9%, down 3.4% from 51.3% in the prior year. This gross profit margin decline was primarily due to higher cost of sales related to depreciation expense combined with the comparative decline in our average rental rates, lower time utilization and the impact of Burress rental operations. Rental depreciation expense as a percentage of total equipment rental revenues was 35.3% and 32.9% for years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     New Equipment Sales Gross Profit. Our new equipment sales gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $2.3 million, or 4.9%, to $49.6 million compared to $47.3 million in 2007. Burress new equipment sales gross profit for 2008 was $9.8 million compared to $2.2 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007.
     Gross profit margin was 13.3% for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. Burress gross profit margin realized in 2008 was 13.0%, a 0.6% decrease from the 13.6% realized in the four month period ended December 31, 2007.
     Used Equipment Sales Gross Profit. Our used equipment sales gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $2.4 million, or 6.7%, to $38.8 million from $36.4 million in 2007. Gross profit on Burress used equipment sales was $2.5 million in 2008 compared to $1.1 million for the four month period ended December 31, 2007. Gross profit on sales of used cranes increased $3.7 million, while gross profit on used aerial work platform equipment decreased $0.9 million. Gross profit on other used equipment and used lift trucks decreased $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
     Gross profit margin in 2008 was 24.2%, down 0.3% from 24.5% in 2007. The decline in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher used equipment book values that resulted from the fair values assigned to Burress used equipment in purchase accounting as of the acquisition date. Burress used equipment gross profit margin for the full year was 9.3% in 2008 compared to 10.5% for the four months ended December 31, 2007. Our used equipment sales from the fleet were approximately 141.0% of net book value in 2008 compared to 137.6% for the prior year.
     Parts Sales Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our parts sales gross profit increased $4.3 million, or 14.0%, to $34.8 million from $30.5 million in 2007. Burress gross profit on parts sales was $4.7 million in 2008 compared to $2.1 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007.
     Gross profit margin in 2008 was 29.4% compared to 29.8% in 2007, a decrease of 0.4%, resulting from the mix of parts sold and the impact of Burress. Gross profit margin for 2008 related to Burress parts sales was 28.0% compared to 30.7% for the four months ended December 31, 2007.
     Services Revenues Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our services revenues gross profit increased $3.8 million, or 9.3%, to $44.8 million from $41.0 million in 2007. Burress gross profit on services revenues for 2008 was $4.6 million compared to $1.8 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007.

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     Gross profit margin in 2008 was 63.9% compared to 64.0% in 2007. Gross profit margin in 2008 related to Burress services revenues was 63.7% compared to 67.2% for the four months ended December 31, 2007.
     Non-Segmented Other Revenues Gross Profit. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our non-segmented other revenues gross profit decreased $3.5 million, or 89.0%, on an 8.6% improvement in current year revenues compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, reflecting higher fuel costs and the impact of Burress operations. Burress non-segmented other revenues realized a $1.3 million gross loss in 2008 compared to a $0.1 million gross loss for the four months ended December 31, 2007. Gross profit margin in 2008 was 0.9% compared to 8.4% in 2007.
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses increased $16.0 million, or 9.7%, to $181.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $165.0 million in the prior year. As a percentage of total revenues, SG&A expenses were 16.9% for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 0.4% from 16.5% in the prior year.
     Included in 2008 SG&A is approximately $18.0 million of Burress SG&A costs compared to $6.5 million for the four months ended December 31, 2007. Also included in SG&A is $2.2 million of 2008 expense associated with the amortization of the intangible assets acquired in the Burress acquisition compared to $1.0 million in the four months ended December 31, 2007 (see note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information related to our intangible assets and note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information related to the Burress acquisition). Bad debt expense increased $1.0 million, exclusive of Burress, primarily as a result of the downturn in the economy during 2008. The remaining increase, exclusive of Burress, was related to a $2.1 million net increase in employee salaries and wages and related employee expenses, a $1.4 million increase in facility related expenses, primarily rent expense, a $0.7 million increase in fuel related costs, and a $0.6 million increase in professional fees. These increases reflect additional SG&A costs attributable to the Company’s growth. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $2.2 million in insurance costs, primarily general liability insurance costs, as a result of lower average claim costs and a lower incidence rate. Stock-based compensation expense, included in the employee salaries and wages amounts discussed above, was $1.5 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Total impairment charges in 2008 were approximately $22.7 million and consisted of a $15.9 million goodwill impairment charge and a $6.8 million intangible asset impairment charge related to Burress customer relationships. There were no intangible asset impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     In connection with our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2008 and as discussed in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we determined that the goodwill associated with our New Equipment Sales and Services reporting units were impaired and recorded, in total, a $15.9 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. The specific amounts of the goodwill impairment related to the New Equipment Sales and Service Revenues reporting units were $8.8 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
     The goodwill impairment charges are largely a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions, declines in market multiples within our industry and an increase in our cost of capital as a result of recent significant deterioration in the capital markets and the related decline in market value of equity and debt securities. The impairment also reflects a reduction in our near-term earnings outlook. The impairment charges are non-cash items and do not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from the Company’s financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility. There were no goodwill impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     As a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions during 2008 in the Mid-Atlantic region where our Burress branch facilities operate, higher than expected customer attrition rates and revised lower projected cash flows for our Burress operations, we tested the Burress customer relationships intangible asset for impairment as of October 1, 2008 and determined that the intangible asset’s then-carrying value of approximately $7.9 million exceeded its undiscounted future cash flows. We then determined, using a discounted cash flow analysis, the intangible asset’s fair value to be approximately $1.1 million as of October 1, 2008, resulting in a non-cash impairment loss of $6.8 million. Fair value of the customer relationships asset was determined using a discounted

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cash flow analysis. The impairment charge is a non-cash item and will not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from our financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility
     Other Income (Expense). For the year ended December 31, 2008, our net other expenses increased by $1.3 million to $37.3 million compared to $36.0 million in 2007. Interest expense increased $1.5 million to $38.3 million from approximately $36.8 million the prior year. Other income decreased $0.1 million. Included in the 2008 results is a $0.3 million loss on early extinguishment of debt associated with the redemption of our senior secured notes on July 31, 2007. Comparative interest expense on our senior secured credit facility was $3.5 million higher in 2008 largely as a result of an increase in our average borrowings under the senior secured credit facility, which was partially offset by a comparative lower average interest rate. The increase in interest expense on our senior secured credit facility was partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease in interest expense on our manufacturing flooring plan payables used to finance inventory purchases, due primarily to lower average amounts outstanding during the comparative periods and lower average interest rates on amounts outstanding.
     Income Taxes. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $14.7 million to $26.1 million compared to $40.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was approximately 37.6% compared to 38.7% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily the result of a reduction in the state effective income tax rate in 2008 resulting from various discrete items recorded in the prior year. Based on available evidence, both positive and negative, we believe it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2008 are fully realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income, and are not subject to any limitations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Cash Flow from Operating Activities. Our cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $72.9 million. Our reported net loss of approximately $11.9 million, which, when adjusted for non-cash income and expense items, such as depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, provision for losses on accounts receivable, stock-based compensation expense, goodwill impairment and net gains on the sale of long-lived assets, provided positive cash flows of approximately $79.6 million. These cash flows from operating activities were also positively impacted by a decrease of $75.0 million in net accounts receivable, a $4.7 million decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets and a $23.2 million decrease in inventories. Partially offsetting these positive cash flows were a decrease of $64.8 million in accounts payable, a $34.8 million decrease in manufacturing flooring plans payable, and a $9.9 million decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities.
     Our cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $120.5 million. Our reported net income of $43.3 million, which, when adjusted for non-cash expense items, such as depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, deferred income taxes, provision for losses on accounts receivable, stock-based compensation expense, and net gains on the sale of long-lived assets, provided net positive cash flows of approximately $177.9 million. These cash flows from operating activities were also positively impacted by an increase of $8.8 million in accounts payable and a $3.3 million increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Partially offsetting these positive cash flows were increases in our inventories of $28.1 million, a $35.2 million decrease in manufacturing flooring plans payable, an increase of $5.4 million in prepaid expenses and other assets, and a $0.8 million increase in net receivables.
     Cash Flow from Investing Activities. For the year ended December 31, 2009, cash provided by our investing activities was $37.9 million. This was a net result of proceeds from the sale of rental and non-rental equipment of $72.4 million, which includes approximately $13.3 million in cash proceeds related to the Arnold Transaction. Partially offsetting these cash flows were purchases of rental and non-rental equipment totaling $34.5 million.
     For the year ended December 31, 2008, cash provided by our investing activities was offset by cash used to fund investing activities, resulting in net cash used of approximately $36.7 million. Proceeds from the sale of rental and non-rental equipment provided cash from investing activities of approximately $124.3 million.

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Offsetting these cash flows were purchases of rental and non-rental equipment totaling $150.5 million and payment of $10.5 million of additional cash consideration to the Burress shareholders in connection with the acquisition.
     Of the $10.5 million paid to the Burress shareholders, $5.3 million was paid in the second quarter ended June 30, 2008 pursuant to the acquisition agreement in connection with the Company’s Section 338 tax treatment election, and $5.2 million was related to the settlement of amounts owed the Burress shareholders and paid in the third quarter ended September 30, 2008 for the return of various Hitachi equipment and parts to John Deere.
     Cash Flow from Financing Activities. For the year ended December 31, 2009, cash provided by our financing activities was offset by cash used in financing activities, resulting in net cash used of approximately $76.7 million. Our total borrowings under our senior secured credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2009 were $536.3 million and total payments under the senior secured credit facility in the same period were $612.6 million. We also made payments under our related party obligation, notes payable and capital lease obligation totaling $0.3 million and acquired $0.1 million of treasury stock.
     For the year ended December 31, 2008, cash provided by our financing activities was offset by cash used in financing activities, resulting in net cash used of approximately $87.3 million. Our total borrowings under our senior secured credit facility during the year ended December 31, 2008 were $1.042 billion and total payments under the senior secured credit facility in the same period were $1.087 billion. We also purchased $42.6 million of treasury stock, which included $42.4 million of stock repurchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program as further described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. We also made payments under our related party obligation of $0.3 million and principal payments under our other debt obligations of $0.1 million.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
     We and our subsidiaries are parties to a $320.0 million senior secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation as administrative agent, and the lenders named therein, that matures on August 4, 2011. The revolving loans under this credit facility bear interest, at our option, either at the index rate or LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 2.00% based on our leverage ratio.
     Our senior secured credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in the event that our excess borrowing availability is below $25 million. At March 1, 2010, we had $312.0 million of available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, net of $8.0 million of outstanding letters of credit, and were in compliance with this covenant.
     In 2009, we took a number of actions in response to the impact on our business of the current macroeconomic downturn. We used excess cash to reduce outstanding debt with a view toward strengthening our balance sheet and fully repaid our senior secured credit facility.
Senior Unsecured Notes
     We currently have outstanding $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/8% senior unsecured notes due 2016. The senior unsecured notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis by all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries.
     We may redeem (i) up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior unsecured notes using net cash proceeds from equity offerings completed on or prior to July 15, 2009 and (ii) the senior unsecured notes at any time on or after July 15, 2011 at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest. In addition, if we experience a change of control, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest.
     The indenture governing our senior secured notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit

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our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness, assume a guarantee or issue preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or make other equity distributions or payments to or affecting our subsidiaries; (iii) purchase or redeem our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) sell or dispose of assets or engage in mergers or consolidation; (vii) engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates; (viii) enter into sale leaseback transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates; (viii) enter into sale leaseback transactions; and (ix) engage in certain business activities. Each of the covenants is subject to exceptions and qualifications.
Cash Requirements Related to Operations
     Our principal sources of liquidity have been from cash provided by operating activities and the sales of new, used and rental fleet equipment, proceeds from the issuance of debt, and borrowings available under our senior secured credit facility. Our principal uses of cash have been to fund operating activities and working capital, purchases of rental fleet equipment and property and equipment, fund payments due under facility operating leases and manufacturer flooring plans payable, and to meet debt service requirements. In the future, we may pursue additional strategic acquisitions. In addition, we may use cash from working capital and/or borrowings under our senior secured credit facility should we repurchase Company securities. In 2009 our principal use of cash was to repay outstanding debt under our senior secured credit facility. We anticipate that the above described uses will 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. Our gross rental fleet capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2009 were approximately $26.1 million, including approximately $11.0 million of non-cash transfers from new and used equipment to rental fleet inventory. Our gross property and equipment capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2009 were $19.4 million, which includes approximately $18.0 million in the most recent year related to the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system that is now being deployed for use throughout the Company in a number of “go live” phases, with an expected completed implementation by the end of the second quarter of 2010.
     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. Given the challenging economic environment in which we currently operate, we expect to eliminate growth capital expenditures for the rental fleet in the near term and employ a very selective approach toward replacement rental fleet capital expenditures. This approach will allow us to generate cash flow to further generate cash flow to permit the pay down of debt and/or for other general corporate purposes.
     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 unsecured notes, the senior secured credit facility and our other indebtedness), will depend upon our future operating performance and the availability of borrowings under our senior secured credit facility and/or other debt and equity financing alternatives available to us, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and conditions in the global credit and capital markets, as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations and given the current state of the capital markets, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. In 2009, we fully repaid our senior secured credit facility. As of March 1, 2010, we had $312.0 million of available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, net of $8.0 million of outstanding letters of credit.
     We cannot provide absolute assurance that our future cash flow from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our long-term obligations and commitments. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities 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. Given current economic and market

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conditions, including the significant disruptions in the global capital markets, we cannot assure investors 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 debt agreements, including the indenture governing our senior unsecured notes, and our senior secured credit facility, as well as any future debt agreements, contain or may contain restrictive covenants, which may prohibit 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 acceleration of all of our debt.
Certain Information Concerning Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements with the Company.
     We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as described above. Further, we do 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. We have also evaluated our relationships with related parties and determined that none of the related party interests represent variable interest entities pursuant to ASC 810, Consolidation.
     In the normal course of our business activities, we may lease real estate, rental equipment and non-rental equipment under operating leases. See “Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary” below.
Contractual and Commercial Commitments Summary
     Our contractual obligations and commercial commitments principally include obligations associated with our outstanding indebtedness and interest payments as of December 31, 2009.
                                         
    Payments Due by Year  
    Total     2010     2011-2012     2013-2014     Thereafter  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Long-term debt (including senior unsecured notes payable)
  $ 251,929     $ 32     $ 43     $ 38     $ 251,816  
Interest payments on senior unsecured notes (1)
    146,563       20,937       41,875       41,875       41,876  
Capital lease obligation (including interest) (2)
    3,066       252       504       504       1,806  
Operating leases (3)
    84,146       10,722       16,395       11,538       45,491  
Other long-term obligations (4)
    93,311       29,558       48,880       14,873        
 
                             
Total contractual cash obligations (5)
  $ 579,015     $ 61,501     $ 107,697     $ 68,828     $ 340,989  
 
                             
 
(1)   Future interest payments are calculated based on the assumption that all debt remains outstanding until maturity.
 
(2)   This includes a capital lease for which the related liability has been recorded (including interest) at the present value of future minimum lease payments due under the lease.
 
(3)   This includes total operating lease rental payments having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms longer than one year.
 
(4)   Amounts include $92.9 million in manufacturer flooring plans payable, which is used to finance our purchases of inventory and rental equipment.

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(5)   We had an unrecognized tax benefit of approximately $6.5 million at December 31, 2009. This liability is not included in the table above as approximately $6.3 million of this amount relates to federal income taxes and any liability subsequently determined and potentially assessed by the Internal Revenue Service would be offset against our Net Operating Losses for the related tax years and no cash payment would be required. The remaining $0.2 million relates to state income taxes and would require cash payments should the state taxing authorities determine and assess any tax liability with respect to the benefit.
     As of December 31, 2009, we had a standby letter of credit issued under our senior secured credit facility totaling $7.8 million. On January 1, 2010, we amended and renewed that letter of credit for approximately $8.0 million for a one-year term, expiring on January 1, 2011.
Seasonality
     Although we believe our business is not materially impacted by seasonality, the demand for our rental equipment tends to be lower in the winter months. The level of equipment rental activities are directly related to commercial and industrial construction and maintenance activities. Therefore, equipment rental performance will be correlated to the levels of current 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 some seasonality with the peak selling period during the spring season and extending through the summer. Parts and service activities are less affected by changes in demand caused by seasonality.
Inflation
     Although we cannot accurately anticipate the effect of inflation on our operations, we believe that inflation has not had for the three most recent fiscal years ended, and is not likely in the foreseeable future to have, a material impact on our results of operations.
Acquisitions and Start-up Facilities
     We periodically engage in evaluations of potential acquisitions and start-up facilities. 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. For further information regarding our risks related to acquisitions, see Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2009
     In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance now codified as ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). ASC 805 replaces prior guidance on business combinations and establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Under prior guidance, changes in valuation allowances, as a result of income from acquisitions, for certain deferred tax assets would serve to reduce goodwill, whereas under ASC 805, any changes in the valuation allowance related to income from acquisitions currently or in prior periods will serve to reduce income taxes in the period in which the allowance is reversed. Under ASC 805 transaction related expenses, which were previously capitalized as direct costs of the acquisition, will be expensed as incurred. We will apply the provisions of ASC 805 prospectively to business combinations consummated after January 1, 2009. The impact

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that ASC 805 may have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisition and changes to the valuation allowances.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued updated guidance related to business combinations, which is now codified as ASC 805-20, Business Combinations — Identifiable Assets, Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interest (“ASC 805-20”). ASC 805-20 amends and clarifies ASC 805 to address application issues regarding initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. In circumstances where the acquisition date fair value for a contingency cannot be determined during the measurement period and it is concluded that it is probable that an asset or liability exists as of the acquisition date and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a contingency is recognized as of the acquisition date based on the estimated amount. ASC 805-20 is effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact that ASC 805-20 may have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend upon the nature of the related acquisition contingency.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements, which is now codified as ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall — Implementation Guidance and Illustrations. The updated guidance provided a one year deferral of the effective date of ASC 820-10 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. We adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities effective January 1, 2009, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 820-10-65, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall — Transition and Open Effective Date Information (“ASC 820-10-65”). ASC 820-10-65 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10 when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased. ASC 820-10-65 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The adoption of ASC 820-10-65 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     Effective July 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) (“ASU 2009-05”). ASU 2009-05 provided amendments to ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities. ASU 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using certain techniques. ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of a liability. ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that both a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability at the measurement date and the quoted price for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market when no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required are Level 1 fair value measurements. Adoption of ASU 2009-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     In April 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance now codified as ASC 350-30, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“ASC 350-30”). ASC 350-30 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350-10, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of ASC 350-30 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350-10 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under ASC 350-10 and other generally accepted accounting principles. Our adoption of ASC 350-30 effective January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 825-10-65, Financial Instruments — Overall — Transition and Open Effective Date Information (“ASC 825-10-65”). ASC 825-10-65 amends ASC 825-10 to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements

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and also amends ASC 270-10 to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. See note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein for these related disclosures.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events — Overall (“ASC 855-10”), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this statement sets forth (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and (3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of ASC 855-10 did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. On February 24, 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, Subsequent Events (Topic 855): Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2010-09”). The amendments in ASU 2010-09 remove the requirement in ASC 855-10 for a SEC filer to disclose a date through which subsequent events have been evaluated in both issued and revised financial statements.
     In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified as ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“ASC 105”) as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, aside from those issued by the SEC. ASC 105 does not change current U.S. GAAP, but is intended to simplify user access to authoritative U.S. GAAP by providing all authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one place. ASC 105 became effective for us in our third quarter ending September 30, 2009. The adoption of ASC 105 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but does impact our financial reporting process by eliminating all references to pre-codification standards.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of FAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), which has not yet been codified in the ASC. This guidance is a revision to pre-existing guidance pertaining to the consolidation and disclosure of variable interest entities. Specifically, it changes how a reporting entity determines when or if an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance. This guidance will require a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. A reporting entity will be required to disclose how its involvement with a variable interest entity affects the reporting entity’s financial statements. This guidance will be effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, if any, upon adoption.
     In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (amendments to ASC 605, Revenue Recognition) (“ASU 2009-13”). ASU 2009-13 requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The amendments eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method. ASU 2009-13 should be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     Our earnings may be affected by changes in interest rates since interest expense on our senior secured credit facility is currently calculated based upon the prime rate plus 50 basis points for revolving credit advances under the facility and LIBOR plus 150 basis points for swing line loans under the facility. At December 31, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings under our senior secured credit facility. Further, we did not have significant exposure to changing interest rates as of December 31, 2009 on our fixed-rate senior unsecured notes or on our

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other notes payable. Historically, we have not engaged in derivatives or other financial instruments for trading, speculative or hedging purposes, though we may do so from time to time if such instruments are available to us on acceptable terms and prevailing market conditions are accommodating.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
     Index to consolidated financial statements of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries
     See note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for summarized quarterly financial data.
         
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    58  
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) (2) of this annual report on Form 10-K. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), H&E Equipment Services, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 5, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 5, 2010

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
                 
    2009     2008  
    (Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)  
Assets
               
Cash
  $ 45,336     $ 11,266  
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,736 and $5,524, respectively
    72,001       150,293  
Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence of $824 and $920, respectively
    94,987       129,240  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    6,999       11,722  
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $224,881and $210,961, respectively
    437,407       554,457  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $42,086 and $35,187, respectively
    65,802       58,122  
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $9,050 and $7,631, respectively
    5,545       6,964  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,492 and $1,900, respectively
    988       1,579  
Goodwill
    34,019       42,991  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 763,084     $ 966,634  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Amounts due on senior secured credit facility
  $     $ 76,325  
Accounts payable
    28,866       93,667  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    92,868       127,690  
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    37,271       47,206  
Related party obligation
          145  
Notes payable
    1,929       1,959  
Senior unsecured notes
    250,000       250,000  
Capital lease payable
    2,181       2,300  
Deferred income taxes
    69,146       75,109  
Deferred compensation payable
    1,941       2,026  
 
           
Total liabilities
    484,202       676,427  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized; 38,525,688 and 38,287,848 shares issued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 34,904,597 and 34,706,372 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    385       383  
Additional paid-in capital
    208,072       207,346  
Treasury stock at cost, 3,621,091 and 3,581,476 shares of common stock held at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    (56,118 )     (56,008 )
Retained earnings
    126,543       138,486  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    278,882       290,207  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 763,084     $ 966,634  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Revenues:
                       
Equipment rentals
  $ 191,512     $ 295,398     $ 286,573  
New equipment sales
    208,916       374,068       355,178  
Used equipment sales
    86,982       160,780       148,742  
Parts sales
    100,500       118,345       102,300  
Services revenues
    58,730       70,124       64,050  
Other
    33,092       50,254       46,291  
 
                 
Total revenues
    679,732       1,068,969       1,003,134  
 
                 
 
                       
Cost of revenues:
                       
Rental depreciation
    87,902       104,311       94,211  
Rental expense
    42,086       49,481       45,374  
New equipment sales
    183,885       324,472       307,897  
Used equipment sales
    70,305       121,956       112,351  
Parts sales
    72,786       83,561       71,791  
Services revenues
    21,825       25,324       23,076  
Other
    35,445       49,824       42,394  
 
                 
Total cost of revenues
    514,234       758,929       697,094  
 
                 
Gross profit
    165,498       310,040       306,040  
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    144,460       181,037       165,048  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    8,972       22,721        
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    533       436       469  
 
                 
Income from operations
    12,599       106,718       141,461  
 
                 
 
                       
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (31,339 )     (38,255 )     (36,771 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                (320 )
Other, net
    619       934       1,045  
 
                 
Total other expense, net
    (30,720 )     (37,321 )     (36,046 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (18,121 )     69,397       105,415  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (6,178 )     26,101       40,789  
 
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,943 )   $ 43,296     $ 64,626  
 
                 
Net income (loss) per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70  
 
                 
Diluted
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70  
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    34,607       35,575       38,065  
 
                 
Diluted
    34,607       35,583       38,065  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
                                                 
    Common Stock                              
                    Additional                     Total  
    Shares             Paid-in     Treasury     Retained     Stockholders’  
    Issued     Amount     Capital     Stock     Earnings     Equity  
Balances at December 31, 2006
    38,192,094     $ 382     $ 204,638     $     $ 30,564     $ 235,584  
 
Stock-based compensation
                1,255                   1,255  
Tax benefits associated with stock-based awards
                44                   44  
Repurchases of 15,755 shares of restricted common stock
                      (432 )           (432 )
Repurchases of 708,491 shares of common stock
                      (12,999 )           (12,999 )
Net income
                            64,626       64,626  
 
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2007
    38,192,094       382       205,937       (13,431 )     95,190       288,078  
 
Stock-based compensation
                1,453                   1,453  
Income tax deficiency from stock-based awards
                (44 )                 (44 )
Repurchases of 13,436 shares of restricted common stock
                      (215 )           (215 )
Repurchases of 2,843,794 shares of common stock
                      (42,362 )           (42,362 )
 
Issuance of common stock
    96,295       1                         1  
Restricted stock forfeitures of 541 shares of common stock
    (541 )                              
Net income
                            43,296       43,296  
 
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2008
    38,287,848       383       207,346       (56,008 )     138,486       290,207  
Stock-based compensation
                726                   726  
Surrendered restricted common stock
                      (110 )           (110 )
Issuance of non-vested restricted common stock
    237,840       2                         2  
Net loss
                            (11,943 )     (11,943 )
 
                                   
Balances at December 31, 2009
    38,525,688     $ 385     $ 208,072     $ (56,118 )   $ 126,543     $ 278,882  
 
                                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,943 )   $ 43,296     $ 64,626  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
    10,800       11,143       9,010  
Depreciation of rental equipment
    87,902       104,311       94,211  
Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs
    1,419       1,417       1,374  
Amortization of intangible assets
    591       2,223       1,060  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    3,246       3,064       2,212  
Provision for inventory obsolescence
    48       54       90  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (5,963 )     24,428       38,876  
Stock-based compensation expense
    726       1,453       1,255  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    8,972       22,721        
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                320  
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    (533 )     (436 )     (469 )
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net
    (15,676 )     (35,793 )     (33,536 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:
                       
Receivables, net
    75,046       (799 )     (31,448 )
Inventories, net
    23,182       (28,064 )     (57,431 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    4,722       (5,452 )     336  
Accounts payable
    (64,801 )     8,772       14,651  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    (34,822 )     (35,249 )     (4,876 )
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    (9,930 )     3,291       5,165  
Deferred compensation payable
    (85 )     87       (1,332 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    72,901       120,467       104,094  
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
          (10,461 )     (100,177 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (19,395 )     (24,587 )     (17,955 )
Purchases of rental equipment
    (15,121 )     (125,871 )     (194,054 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    1,448       1,172       940  
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment
    70,968       123,072       122,599  
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    37,900       (36,675 )     (188,647 )
 
                 
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards
          (44 )     44  
Purchases of treasury stock
    (110 )     (42,577 )     (13,431 )
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility
    536,311       1,042,821       1,076,106  
Payments on senior secured credit facility
    (612,633 )     (1,087,049 )     (964,416 )
Principal payments on senior secured notes
                (4,752 )
Payments of deferred financing costs
                (585 )
Payments of related party obligation
    (150 )     (300 )     (300 )
Payments of capital lease obligations
    (119 )     (111 )     (2,287 )
Principal payments on notes payable
    (30 )     (28 )     (367 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (76,731 )     (87,288 )     90,012  
 
                 
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    34,070       (3,496 )     5,459  
Cash, beginning of year
    11,266       14,762       9,303  
 
                 
Cash, end of year
  $ 45,336     $ 11,266     $ 14,762  
 
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
                       
Non-cash asset purchases:
                       
Assets transferred from new and used inventory to rental fleet
  $ 11,023     $ 42,548     $ 64,040  
Capital lease obligation incurred
  $     $     $ 4,698  
 
                       
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 30,110     $ 37,040     $ 33,232  
Income taxes, net of refunds received
  $ (567 )   $ 1,764     $ 2,632  

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2009 and 2008
(1) Organization and Nature of Operations
Organization
     In connection with our initial public offering of common stock in February 2006, we converted H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (“H&E LLC”), a Louisiana limited liability company and the wholly-owned operating subsidiary of H&E Holding L.L.C. (“Holdings”), into H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Prior to our initial public offering, our business was conducted through H&E LLC. In order to have an operating Delaware corporation as the issuer of our initial public offering, immediately prior to the closing of the initial public offering, on February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings merged with and into us (H&E Equipment Services, Inc.), with us surviving the reincorporation merger as the operating company. Effective February 3, 2006, H&E LLC and Holdings no longer existed under operation of law pursuant to the reincorporation merger. In these transactions (collectively, the “Reorganization Transactions”), holders of preferred limited liability company interests and holders of common limited liability company interests in Holdings received shares of our common stock.
Nature of Operations
     As one of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the United States focused on heavy construction and industrial equipment, we rent, sell and provide parts and service support for four core categories of specialized equipment: (1) hi-lift or aerial work platform equipment; (2) cranes; (3) earthmoving equipment; and (4) industrial lift trucks. By providing equipment sales, rental, on-site parts, and repair and maintenance functions under one roof, we are a one-stop provider for our customers’ varied equipment needs. This full-service approach provides us with multiple points of customer contact, enables us to maintain a high quality rental fleet, as well as an effective distribution channel for fleet disposal and provides cross-selling opportunities among our new and used equipment sales, rental, parts sales and service operations.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
     Our consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries H&E Finance Corp., GNE Investments, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E California Holdings, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California) LLC and H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., collectively referred to herein as “we” or “us” or “our” or the “Company.”
     All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in these consolidated financial statements. Business combinations are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition.
     The nature of our business is such that short-term obligations are typically met by cash flows generated from long-term assets. Consequently, and consistent with industry practice, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Use of Estimates
     We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires management to use its judgment to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. These assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. We review our estimates on an ongoing basis based on information currently available, and changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to revise these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
     In Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (“SAB 104”), the SEC Staff believes that revenue generally is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exist; (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; (3) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Consistent with SAB 104, our policy recognizes revenue from equipment rentals in the period earned on a straight-line basis, 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 multiple financial reporting periods, we record unbilled rental revenue and deferred revenue at the end of reporting periods so that rental revenues earned are appropriately stated in the periods presented. Revenue from the sale of new and used 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, risk of ownership has been transferred and collectibility is reasonably assured. Services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Other revenues consist primarily of billings to customers for rental equipment delivery and damage waiver charges and are recognized at the time an invoice is generated and after the service has been provided.
Inventories
     New and used equipment inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by specific-identification. Inventories of parts and supplies are stated at the lower of the average cost or market.
Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
     Rental Equipment
     The rental equipment we purchase is stated at cost and is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the equipment using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives vary based upon type of equipment. Generally, we depreciate cranes and aerial work platforms over a ten year estimated useful life, earthmoving equipment over a five year estimated useful life with a 25% salvage value, and industrial lift trucks over a seven year estimated useful life. Attachments and other smaller type equipment are depreciated over a three year estimated useful life. We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives and any salvage value assigned to rental equipment.
     Ordinary repair and maintenance costs and property taxes are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. When rental equipment is sold or disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gains or losses are included in income. We receive individual offers for fleet on a continual basis, at which time we perform an analysis on whether or not to accept the offer. The rental equipment is not transferred to inventory under the held for sale model as the equipment is used to generate revenues until the equipment is sold.

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     Property and Equipment
     Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the assets’ estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred. However, expenditures for additions or improvements that significantly extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized in the period incurred. At the time assets are sold or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts and the related gains or losses are reflected in income.
     We capitalize interest on qualified construction projects. Total interest costs capitalized in connection with the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Costs associated with internally developed software are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-40, Internal-Use Software (“ASC 350-40”), which provides guidance for the treatment of costs associated with computer software development and defines the types of costs to be capitalized and those to be expensed.
     We periodically evaluate the appropriateness of remaining depreciable lives assigned to property and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Generally, we assign the following estimated useful lives to these categories:
     
    Estimated
Category   Useful Life
Transportation equipment
  5 years
Buildings
  39 years
Office equipment
  5 years
Computer equipment
  3 years
Machinery and equipment
  7 years
     In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of our rental fleet and property and equipment might not be recoverable, the expected future undiscounted cash flows from the assets are estimated and compared with the carrying amount of the assets. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, an impairment loss is recorded. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the assets with their carrying amounts. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised values, as appropriate. We did not record any impairment losses related to our rental equipment or property and equipment during 2009, 2008 or 2007.
     Goodwill
     We have made acquisitions in the past that included the recognition of goodwill, which was determined based upon previous accounting principles. Pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), beginning January 1, 2009, we will record as goodwill the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired.
     We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur or other impairment indicators arise which might impair recoverability. Impairment of goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment (i.e. before aggregation or combination), or one level below an operating segment (i.e. a component). A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. We have identified two components within our Rental operating segment and have determined that each of our other operating segments (New, Used, Parts and Service) represent a reporting unit, resulting in six total reporting units. To determine if any of our

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reporting units are impaired, we must determine whether the fair value of each of our reporting units is greater than their respective carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the implied fair value of goodwill must be calculated and compared to its carrying value to measure the amount of impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination (purchase price allocation). The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess amount.
     We determine the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis or by applying various market multiples or a combination thereof. As a result of our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2009, we determined that the goodwill associated with our Equipment Rentals Component 1 reporting unit was impaired and recorded a $9.0 million, or $5.5 million after tax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge. In connection with our annual goodwill annual impairment test as of October 1, 2008, we determined that the goodwill associated with our New Equipment Sales and Services reporting units were impaired and recorded in total a $15.9 million, or $9.9 million after tax, non-cash goodwill impairment charge. The impairment charges eliminated the pre-impairment remaining carrying value for these reporting units (see goodwill reporting unit rollforward below). The impairment charges are largely due to worsening macroeconomic conditions in 2008 and 2009 and declining market multiples within our industry in 2008. The impairments also reflect a decrease in projected cash flows. The impairment charges are non-cash items and will not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from our financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility. There were no impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2007.
     The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for our reporting units for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows (amounts in thousands):
                                                         
    Equipment     Equipment                                
    Rentals     Rentals     New     Used                    
    Component     Component     Equipment     Equipment     Parts     Service        
    1     2     Sales     Sales     Sales     Revenues     Total  
Balance at January 1, 2008
  $ 8,972     $ 19,213     $ 7,828     $ 6,113     $ 6,125     $ 6,480     $ 54,731  
Additional Burress acquisition costs (see note 3)
          1,214       939       599       755       635       4,142  
 
                                                       
Impairment charges
                (8,767 )                 (7,115 )     (15,882 )
 
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    8,972       20,427             6,712       6,880             42,991  
Impairment charges
    (8,972 )                                   (8,972 )
 
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $     $ 20,427     $     $ 6,712     $ 6,880     $     $ 34,019  
 
                                         

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     Intangible Assets
     Our intangible assets are comprised of the intangible assets that we acquired in the September 1, 2007 Burress acquisition (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the Burress acquisition). The gross carrying values, accumulated amortization and net carrying amounts of our major classes of intangible assets as of December 31, 2009 were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
                                 
            Weighted-                
            Average                
    Gross     Amortization             Net  
    Carrying     Period (in     Accumulated     Carrying  
    Value     years)     Amortization     Amount  
Non-compete agreements
  $ 788       2.3     $ 458     $ 330  
Customer relationships
    2,691       2.0       2,033       658  
 
                       
Total
  $ 3,479       2.1     $ 2,491     $ 988  
 
                       
     The intangible asset related to various non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives ranging from three to five years from the date of the Burress acquisition. The straight-line method of amortization of these intangible assets reflects an appropriate allocation of the costs of these intangible assets to earnings in proportion to the amount of economic benefits obtained in each reporting period.
     Intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. The impairment loss to be recorded would be the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation technique.
     As a result of worsening macroeconomic conditions during 2008 in the Mid-Atlantic region where our Burress branch facilities operate, higher than expected customer attrition rates and based on revised lower projected revenues for Burress operations, we tested the Burress customer relationships intangible asset for impairment as of October 1, 2008 and determined that the intangible asset’s then-carrying value of approximately $7.9 million exceeded its undiscounted future cash flows. We then determined, using a discounted cash flow analysis, the intangible asset’s fair value to be approximately $1.1 million as of October 1, 2008, resulting in a non-cash impairment loss of $6.8 million, or $4.2 million after tax. The impairment charge was a non-cash item and did not affect our cash flows, liquidity or borrowing capacity under our senior credit facility, and the charge is excluded from our financial results in evaluating our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility.
     At the date of the acquisition of Burress, September 1, 2007, we estimated the remaining useful life of the Burress customer relationships to be approximately 6.0 years. Based on our analysis of customer attrition rates and other data as of October 1, 2008, we determined that a revision to the remaining estimated amortization period was appropriate and adjusted the intangible asset’s estimated remaining useful life to approximately 3.3 years at October 1, 2008. Amortization of the customer relationships intangible asset is based on the expected cash flows to be derived from the acquired Burress customer base.

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     Total amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $0.6 million, $2.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The following table presents the expected amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 for those intangible assets with remaining carrying value as of December 31, 2009 (dollar amounts in thousands):
                         
    Non-              
Year Ending   Compete     Customer        
December 31,   Agreements     Relationships     Totals  
2010
  $ 164     $ 356     $ 520  
2011
    99       302       401  
2012
    67             67  
2013
                 
2014
                 
Closed Branch Facility Charges
     We continuously monitor and identify branch facilities with revenues and operating margins that consistently fall below Company performance standards. Once identified, we continue to monitor these branches to determine if operating performance can be improved or if the performance is attributable to economic factors unique to the particular market with unfavorable long-term prospects. If necessary, branches with unfavorable long-term prospects are closed and the rental fleet and new and used equipment inventories are deployed to more profitable branches within our geographic footprint where demand is higher.
     As a result of the downturn in construction and industrial activities and its impact on our business, we closed or consolidated four branches during the year ended December 31, 2009 in markets where long-term prospects did not support continued operations. Under ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (“ASC 420”), exit costs include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) one-time termination benefits; (b) contract termination costs, including costs that will continue to be incurred under operating leases that have no future economic benefit; and (c) other associated costs. A liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized and measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, except for one-time termination benefits that are incurred over time. In connection with these branch closings, we recorded charges of approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. These charges consist of (i) approximately $0.2 million of leasehold improvement impairments, which is included in “Income from sales of property and equipment — net” in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, and (ii) $0.5 million of estimated costs, which is included in SG&A expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations, that will continue to be incurred under operating leases that have no future economic benefit to the Company. These estimated lease costs represent the fair value of the liability at the cease-use date. The fair value of the liability is determined based on the present value of remaining lease rentals, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained for the property even if the Company does not intend to enter into a sublease. Although we do not expect to incur material charges for branch closures occurring prior to December 31, 2009, additional charges are possible to the extent that actual future settlements differ from our estimates of such costs. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has not identified any other branch facilities with a more than likely probability of closing where the associated costs pursuant to ASC 420 are expected to be material.
Deferred Financing Costs and Initial Purchasers’ Discounts
     Deferred financing costs include underwriting, legal, accounting and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance, and amendments thereto, of the Company’s debt. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt using the straight-line method which approximates amortization using the effective interest method. Initial purchasers’ discounts are accreted over the terms of the related debt, utilizing the effective interest method. The amortization expense of deferred financing costs and accretion of initial purchasers’ discounts is included in interest expense as an overall cost of the related financings.
Reserves for Claims

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     We are exposed to various claims relating to our business, including those for which we provide self-insurance. Claims for which we self-insure include: (1) workers compensation claims; (2) general liability claims by third parties for injury or property damage caused by our equipment or personnel; (3) automobile liability claims; and (4) employee health insurance claims. These types of claims may take a substantial amount of time to resolve and, accordingly, the ultimate liability associated with a particular claim, including claims incurred but not reported as of a period-end reporting date, may not be known for an extended period of time. Our methodology for developing self-insurance reserves is based on management estimates and independent third party actuarial estimates. Our estimation process considers, among other matters, the cost of known claims over time, cost inflation and incurred but not reported claims. These estimates may change based on, among other things, changes in our claim history or receipt of additional information relevant to assessing the claims. Further, these estimates may prove to be inaccurate due to factors such as adverse judicial determinations or other claim settlements at higher than estimated amounts. Accordingly, we may be required to increase or decrease our reserve levels. At December 31, 2009, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets, totaled $3.4 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $2.0 million. At December 31, 2008, our claims reserves related to workers compensation, general liability and automobile liability totaled $4.2 million and our health insurance reserves totaled $2.3 million.
Sales Taxes
     We impose and collect significant amounts of sales taxes concurrent with our revenue-producing transactions with customers and remit those taxes to the various governmental agencies as prescribed by the taxing jurisdictions in which we operate. We present such taxes in our consolidated statements of operations on a net basis.
Advertising
     Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $0.6 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
     Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenues while the related shipping and handling costs are included in other cost of revenues.
Income Taxes
     The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company is a C-Corporation under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. We utilize the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 takes into account the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
     In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax provisions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of the income tax provision.
     Our deferred tax calculation requires management to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely

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than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
     The carrying value of financial instruments reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses payable and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term nature or maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts for our senior secured credit facility approximates fair value due to the fact that the underlying instrument includes provisions to adjust interest rates to approximate fair market value. The fair value of our letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements. The carrying amounts and fair values of our other financial instruments subject to fair value disclosures are presented in the table below (amounts in thousands) and have been calculated based upon market quotes and present value calculations based on market rates.
                 
    December 31, 2009  
    Carrying     Fair  
    Amount     Value  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 6.75%
  $ 92,868     $ 82,082  
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 8.375%
    250,000       247,500  
Notes payable to lenders with interest computed at 7.25% to 9.55%
    1,929       1,476  
Capital lease payable with interest computed at 5.929%
    2,181       1,944  
Letters of credit
          98  
                 
    December 31, 2008  
    Carrying     Fair  
    Amount     Value  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable with interest computed at 7.25%
  $ 127,690     $ 105,053  
Senior unsecured notes with interest computed at 8.375%
    250,000       132,500  
Notes payable to lenders with interest computed at 7.25% to 9.55%
    1,959       1,249  
Capital lease payable with interest computed at 5.929%
    2,300       2,210  
Letters of credit
          87  
Concentrations of Credit and Supplier Risk
     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. Credit risk can be negatively impacted by adverse changes in the economy or by disruptions in the credit markets. However, we believe that credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is somewhat mitigated by our large number of geographically diverse customers and our credit evaluation procedures. Although generally no collateral is required, when feasible, mechanics’ liens are filed and personal guarantees are signed to protect the Company’s interests. We maintain reserves for potential losses.
     We record trade accounts receivables at sales value and establish specific reserves for certain customer accounts identified as known collection problems due to insolvency, disputes or other collection issues. The amounts of the specific reserves estimated by management are based on the following assumptions and variables: the customer’s financial position, age of the customer’s receivables and changes in payment schedules. In addition to the specific reserves, management establishes a non-specific allowance for doubtful accounts by applying specific percentages to the different receivable aging categories (excluding the specifically reserved accounts). The percentage applied against the aging categories increases as the accounts become further past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is charged with the write-off of uncollectible customer accounts.
     We purchase a significant amount of equipment from the same manufacturers with whom we have distribution agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we purchased approximately 79% from three manufacturers providing our rental and sales equipment. We believe that while there are alternative sources of supply for the equipment we purchase in each of the principal product categories, termination of one or more of our relationships with any of our major suppliers of equipment could have a material adverse effect on our

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business, financial condition or results of operation if we were unable to obtain adequate or timely rental and sales equipment.
Earnings per Share
     Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The effect of potentially dilutive securities that are anti-dilutive are not included in the computation of dilutive income (loss) per share. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
Basic net income (loss) per share:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,943 )   $ 43,296     $ 64,626  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    34,607       35,575       38,065  
Net income (loss) per common share — basic
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70  
 
                 
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,943 )   $ 43,296     $ 64,626  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    34,607       35,575       38,065  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Effect of dilutive non-vested stock
          9        
 
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted
    34,607       35,583       38,065  
Net income (loss) per common share — diluted
  $ (0.35 )   $ 1.22     $ 1.70  
 
                 
Common shares excluded from the denominator as anti-dilutive:
                       
Stock options
    51       51       51  
Non-vested stock
    180       48       81  
 
                 
Stock-Based Compensation
     We adopted our 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) in January 2006 prior to our initial public offering of common stock. The Stock Incentive Plan was further amended and restated with the approval of our stockholders at the 2006 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company to provide for the inclusion of non-employee directors as persons eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. Prior to the adoption of the Stock Incentive Plan in January 2006, no share-based payment arrangements existed. The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which selects persons eligible to receive awards and determines the number of shares and/or options subject to each award, the terms, conditions, performance measures, if any, and other provisions of the award. Under the Stock Incentive Plan, we may offer deferred shares or restricted shares of our common stock and grant options, including both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options, to purchase shares of our common stock. Shares available for future stock-based payment awards under our Stock Incentive Plan were 4,112,332 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2009.
     We account for our stock-based compensation plan using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Under the provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period of the grant).

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     Non-vested Stock
     From time to time, we issue shares of non-vested stock typically with vesting terms of three years. The following table summarizes our non-vested stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
            Weighted Average  
    Number of     Grant Date Fair  
    Shares     Value  
Non-vested stock at January 1, 2008
    81,300     $ 24.60  
Granted
    96,295     $  
Vested
    (40,650 )   $ 24.60  
Forfeited
    (541 )   $ 12.02  
 
             
Non-vested stock at December 31, 2008
    136,404     $ 15.77  
Granted
    237,840     $ 6.64  
Vested
    (72,569 )   $ 19.07  
Forfeited
    (22,452 )   $ 7.60  
 
             
Non-vested stock at December 31, 2009
    279,223     $ 7.79  
 
             
     As of December 31, 2009, we had unrecognized compensation expense of $1.6 million related to non-vested stock award payments that we expect to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.
     The following table summarizes compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
Compensation expense
  $ 669     $ 1,188     $ 1,000  
     We receive a tax deduction when non-vested stock vests at a higher value than the value used to recognize compensation expense at the date of grant. In accordance with ASC 718, we are required to report excess tax benefits from the award of equity instruments as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits will be recorded when a deduction reported for tax return purposes for an award of equity instruments exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for the instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.
     Stock Options
     On June 5, 2007, we granted options to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock with a grant date fair value of $26.27 per share. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of our stock-based option awards with the following weighted-average assumptions for our 2007 fiscal year (no stock options were granted during 2009 or 2008):
         
    Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
Risk-free interest rate
    5.0 %
Expected life of options (in years)
    6.0  
Expected volatility
    33.0% — 35.0 %
Expected annual dividend yield
     
     The assumptions above are based on multiple factors. We determined the expected life of the option awards to be approximately 6.0 years by utilizing the simplified method as allowed by the SEC in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 (“SAB 110”). Since the Company is a public entity with limited historical data on the price of its publicly traded common stock and has no history of share-based exercise activity, we, as provided for in SAB 110, based our estimate of expected volatility on the historical, expected or implied volatility of similar entities within our industry whose share or option prices are publicly available.

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     The following table summarizes compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):
                         
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
Compensation expense
  $ 57     $ 265     $ 255  
     The following table represents stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                         
                    Weighted Average  
    Number of     Weighted Average     Contractual Life  
    Shares     Exercise Price     In Years  
Outstanding options at January 1, 2008
    51,000     $ 24.80          
Granted
                   
Exercised
                   
Canceled, forfeited or expired
                   
 
                     
Outstanding options at December 31, 2008
    51,000     $ 24.80       7.3  
Granted
                   
Exercised
                   
Canceled, forfeited or expired
                   
 
                     
Outstanding options at December 31, 2009
    51,000     $ 24.80       6.3  
 
                     
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009
    49,000     $ 24.75       6.2  
 
                     
     The closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2009 was $10.50. All options outstanding at December 31, 2009 have grant date fair values which exceed our December 31, 2009 closing stock price.
     The following table summarizes non-vested stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
            Weighted Average  
    Number of     Grant Date Fair  
    Shares     Value  
Non-vested stock options at January 1, 2008
    36,000     $ 24.88  
Granted
           
Vested
    (17,000 )   $ 24.80  
Forfeited
           
 
             
Non-vested stock options at December 31, 2008
    19,000     $ 24.95  
Granted
           
Vested
    (17,000 )   $ 24.80  
Forfeited
           
 
             
Non-vested stock options at December 31, 2009
    2,000     $ 26.27  
 
             
     We receive a tax deduction for stock option exercises during the period in which the options are exercised, generally for the excess of the price at which the stock is sold over the exercise price of the options.
Purchases of Company Common Stock
     On November 8, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program, under which we could purchase, from time to time, in open market transactions at prevailing prices or through privately negotiated transactions as conditions permit, up to $100 million of our outstanding common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we repurchased 2,843,794 and 708,491 shares, respectively, at a cost of approximately $42.3 million and $13.0 million, respectively. The repurchase program expired by its terms on December 31, 2008.

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     Purchases of our common stock are accounted for as treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets using the cost method. Repurchased stock is included in authorized shares, but is not included in shares outstanding.
Segment Reporting
     We have determined in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”) that we have five reportable segments. We derive our revenues from five principal business activities: (1) equipment rentals; (2) new equipment sales; (3) used equipment sales; (4) parts sales; and (5) repair and maintenance services. These segments are based upon how we allocate resources and assess performance. See note 20 to the consolidated financial statements regarding our segment information.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
     Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal Year 2009
     In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance now codified as ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). ASC 805 replaces prior guidance on business combinations and establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer: (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Under prior guidance, changes in valuation allowances, as a result of income from acquisitions, for certain deferred tax assets would serve to reduce goodwill, whereas under ASC 805, any changes in the valuation allowance related to income from acquisitions currently or in prior periods will serve to reduce income taxes in the period in which the allowance is reversed. Under ASC 805 transaction related expenses, which were previously capitalized as direct costs of the acquisition, will be expensed as incurred. We will apply the provisions of ASC 805 prospectively to business combinations consummated after January 1, 2009. The impact that ASC 805 may have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisition and changes to the valuation allowances.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued updated guidance related to business combinations, which is now codified as ASC 805-20, Business Combinations — Identifiable Assets, Liabilities and Any Noncontrolling Interest (“ASC 805-20”). ASC 805-20 amends and clarifies ASC 805 to address application issues regarding initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. In circumstances where the acquisition date fair value for a contingency cannot be determined during the measurement period and it is concluded that it is probable that an asset or liability exists as of the acquisition date and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a contingency is recognized as of the acquisition date based on the estimated amount. ASC 805-20 is effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact that ASC 805-20 may have on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend upon the nature of the related acquisition contingency.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair value measurements, which is now codified as ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall — Implementation Guidance and Illustrations. The updated guidance provided a one year deferral of the effective date of ASC 820-10 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. We adopted the provisions of ASC 820-10 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities effective January 1, 2009, and such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 820-10-65, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall — Transition and Open Effective Date Information (“ASC 820-10-65”). ASC 820-10-65 provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10 when the volume and level of activity for an

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asset or liability have significantly decreased. ASC 820-10-65 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The adoption of ASC 820-10-65 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     Effective July 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) (“ASU 2009-05”). ASU 2009-05 provided amendments to ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Overall, for the fair value measurement of liabilities. ASU 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using certain techniques. ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of a liability. ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that both a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability at the measurement date and the quoted price for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market when no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required are Level 1 fair value measurements. Adoption of ASU 2009-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
     In April 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance now codified as ASC 350-30, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets (“ASC 350-30”). ASC 350-30 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350-10, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of ASC 350-30 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350-10 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under ASC 350-10 and other generally accepted accounting principles. Our adoption of ASC 350-30 effective January 1, 2009 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 825-10-65, Financial Instruments — Overall — Transition and Open Effective Date Information (“ASC 825-10-65”). ASC 825-10-65 amends ASC 825-10 to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements and also amends ASC 270-10 to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included herein for these related disclosures.
     Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events — Overall (“ASC 855-10”), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this statement sets forth (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and (3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of ASC 855-10 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. On February 24, 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events (Topic 855): Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements (“ASU 2010-09”). The amendments in ASU 2010-09 remove the requirement in ASC 855-10 for a SEC filer to disclose a date through which subsequent events have been evaluated in both issued and revised financial statements.
     In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified as ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“ASC 105”) as the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, aside from those issued by the SEC. ASC 105 does not change current U.S. GAAP, but is intended to simplify user access to authoritative U.S. GAAP by providing all authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one place. ASC 105 became effective for us in our third quarter ending September 30, 2009. The adoption of ASC 105 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but does impact our financial reporting process by eliminating all references to pre-codification standards.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
     In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), which has not yet been codified in the ASC. This guidance is a revision to pre-existing guidance pertaining to the consolidation and disclosure of variable interest entities.

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Specifically, it changes how a reporting entity determines when or if an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance. This guidance will require a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. A reporting entity will be required to disclose how its involvement with a variable interest entity affects the reporting entity’s financial statements. This guidance will be effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, if any, upon adoption.
     In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (amendments to ASC 605, Revenue Recognition) (“ASU 2009-13”). ASU 2009-13 requires entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The amendments eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method. ASU 2009-13 should be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.
(3) Acquisitions
     We completed, effective as of September 1, 2007, and funded on September 4, 2007, the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of J.W. Burress, Incorporated (“Burress”) for an estimated total consideration of approximately $149.6 million, consisting of cash paid of $108.3 million, liabilities assumed of $38.9 million and transaction costs of approximately $2.4 million. The Burress purchase price was funded from available cash on hand and borrowings under our senior secured credit facility. Prior to the acquisition, Burress was a privately-held company operating primarily as a distributor in the construction and industrial equipment markets out of 12 locations in four states in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. We had no material relationship with Burress prior to the acquisition. The name of Burress was changed to H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., effective September 4, 2007. The acquisition marked our initial entry into three of the four Mid-Atlantic states that Burress operates in and is consistent with our business strategy.
     The Burress acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting as prescribed by pre-codification SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The aggregate purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an estimate of their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired has been allocated to goodwill. Goodwill generated from the acquisition was recognized given the expected contribution of Burress to our overall corporate strategy. We expect that all of the $28.3 million of the recorded goodwill acquired, together with the value of certain other intangible assets, will be amortized over a 15-year period for tax purposes and ratably tax deductible over that period.
     The purchase price of Burress, among other things, was based on a multiple of historical adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization). Among the items specifically excluded from the purchase price calculation was EBITDA derived from Burress’ distribution relationship with Hitachi. Upon the consummation of the acquisition, the Burress shareholders received notification from John Deere Construction & Forestry Company (“John Deere”), Hitachi’s North American representative, of termination of the Hitachi dealer agreement (the “Termination Letter”). Pursuant to the Termination Letter, all Hitachi related manufacturer flooring plans payable totaling approximately $9.2 million became due. We paid the approximate $9.2 million of payables during September 2007 with funds available under our senior secured credit facility. The possibility that the Hitachi relationship would be terminated was anticipated by the Company and Burress at the time the parties entered into the acquisition agreement and the amount of the outstanding Hitachi manufacturer flooring plans payable was included in the calculation of the purchase price. Additionally, certain Hitachi rental

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fleet, new equipment inventory and parts inventory were to be returned to John Deere or other designated Hitachi dealerships pursuant to the terms of the Termination Letter. We timely returned all such Hitachi rental fleet, new equipment inventory and parts inventory to John Deere pursuant to the termination notification and all related credits were issued by John Deere. Upon our return of the aforementioned equipment to John Deere, approximately $3.2 million of manufacturer flooring plans payable associated with that equipment was canceled and credits were issued to us for the returned equipment.
     Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Burress shareholders were entitled to receive additional consideration of approximately $15.1 million payable over three years if the consent of Hitachi, meeting the requirements of the acquisition agreement, had been obtained on or before December 29, 2007. However, the consent of Hitachi was not obtained on or before that date and accordingly, the Burress shareholders were not entitled to any additional consideration related to the previous distribution relationship with Hitachi.
     In connection with the Burress acquisition, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on September 1, 2007, by and among the Company, Great Northern Equipment, Inc., GNE Investments, Inc., H&E Finance Corp., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E California Holdings, Inc., J.W. Burress, Incorporated, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent, and the “Lenders” (as defined therein) amending and restating our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2006, and pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the principal amount of availability of the credit facility was increased from $250.0 million to $320.0 million, (ii) an incremental facility, at Agent’s and Company’s mutual agreement, in an aggregate amount of up to $130.0 million at any time after the closing of the amendment, subject to existing and/or new lender approval, was added, and (iii) Burress was added as a guarantor. We paid $0.4 million to the lenders and also incurred approximately $0.1 million in other transaction costs in connection with the transaction. See also note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our senior secured credit facility.
     The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation of the Burress acquisition based on the estimated fair values of the Burress assets acquired and liabilities assumed on September 1, 2007 (amounts in thousands):
         
Receivables
  $ 15,833  
Inventories
    23,740  
Rental equipment
    62,354  
Property and equipment
    7,277  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    382  
Intangible assets (a)
    11,688  
Goodwill
    28,300  
Accounts payable
    (8,758 )
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    (19,787 )
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    (5,693 )
Capital leases (b)
    (4,698 )
 
     
Net assets acquired
  $ 110,638  
 
     
 
(a)   Amount represents certain intangible assets acquired relating to the Burress acquisition. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding these intangible assets.
 
(b)   Represents the present value of our obligations under various capital leases assumed on the date of acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition date and during our third quarter ended September 30, 2007, we paid approximately $3.2 million to purchase all vehicles previously held under capital leases. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect the incremental cost basis of the vehicles, net of accumulated depreciation, from the lease buyouts in property and equipment and appropriately reflect no obligation under those vehicle leases. Additionally, Burress previously leased four branch facility locations under capital leases. On August 31, 2007, the terms for three of those capital leases related to Burress branch facility locations were amended, resulting in a lease classification change, pursuant to

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    ASC 840, Leases, from capital leases to operating leases as of September 1, 2007, the acquisition date. Therefore, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 reflects the one remaining capital lease obligation on a Burress branch facility for approximately $2.2 million.
     The following table contains unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations information for the year ended December 31, 2007, as if the Burress transaction had occurred on January 1, 2007 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
    2007  
Total revenues
  $ 1,116,849  
Gross profit
  $ 333,102  
Operating income
  $ 147,759  
Net income
  $ 65,054  
Basic net income per common share
  $ 1.71  
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 1.71  
     The above pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the results of operations that would have actually occurred had the Burress transaction occurred as presented. Further, the above pro forma amounts do not consider any potential synergies or integration costs that may result from the transaction. In addition, future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in such pro forma information.
(4) Receivables
     Receivables consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Trade receivables
  $ 74,972     $ 150,756  
Unbilled rental revenue
    2,240       3,985  
Income tax receivables
    518       1,057  
Other
    7       18  
 
           
 
    77,737       155,817  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts
    (5,736 )     (5,524 )
 
           
Total receivables, net
  $ 72,001     $ 150,293  
 
           
(5) Inventories
     Inventories consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
New equipment
  $ 71,017     $ 98,889  
Used equipment
    10,005       9,220  
Parts, supplies and other
    13,964       21,131  
 
           
Total inventories, net
  $ 94,986     $ 129,240  
 
           
     The above amounts are net of reserves for inventory obsolescence at December 31, 2009 and 2008 totaling $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

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(6) Property and Equipment
     Net property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Land
  $ 5,947     $ 5,947  
Transportation equipment
    37,241       40,072  
Building and leasehold improvements
    18,501       17,954  
Office and computer equipment
    36,059       19,278  
Machinery and equipment
    7,723       7,641  
Property under capital lease
    2,417       2,417  
 
           
 
    107,888       93,309  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (42,086 )     (35,187 )
 
           
Total net property and equipment
  $ 65,802     $ 58,122  
 
           
     Total depreciation and amortization on property and equipment was $10.8 million, $11.1 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Included in the office and computer equipment category above at December 31, 2009 and 2008 is approximately $27.1 million and $11.7 million, respectively, of capitalized costs, including $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of capitalized interest, related to the implementation of a new employee resource planning system, which was substantially complete and ready for its intended use on or around January 19, 2010.
(7) Accounts Payable
     Accounts payable consisted of trade accounts payable in the normal course of business of $28.9 million and $93.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
(8) Manufacturer Flooring Plans Payable
     Manufacturer flooring plans payable are financing arrangements for inventory and rental equipment. The interest cost incurred on the manufacturer flooring plans ranged between the prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2009) and 7.9% at December 31, 2009. Certain manufacturer flooring plans provide for a one to twelve-month reduced interest rate term or a deferred payment period. We recognize interest expense based on the effective interest method. We make payments in accordance with the original terms of the financing agreements. However, we routinely sell equipment that is financed under manufacturer flooring plans prior to the original maturity date of the financing agreement. The related manufacturer flooring plan payable is then paid at the time the equipment being financed is sold. The manufacturer flooring plans payable are secured by the equipment being financed.
     Maturities (based on original financing terms) of the manufacturer flooring plans payable as of December 31, 2009 for each of the next five years ending December 31 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
         
2010
  $ 29,373  
2011
    33,921  
2012
    14,702  
2013
    14,755  
2014
    117  
Thereafter
     
 
     
Total
  $ 92,868  
 
     

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(9) Accrued Expenses Payable and Other Liabilities
     Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Payroll and related liabilities
  $ 10,772     $ 14,875  
Sales, use and property taxes
    6,600       7,860  
Accrued interest
    10,145       10,422  
Accrued insurance
    3,723       4,805  
Deferred revenue
    2,755       3,598  
Other
    3,276       5,646  
 
           
Total accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
  $ 37,271     $ 47,206  
 
           
(10) Notes Payable
     The following table summarizes our notes payable as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollar amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Notes payable to lender maturing through 2016:
               
Payable in monthly installments of approximately $8.8. Interest is at 7.25%. Notes are collateralized by real estate
  $ 1,216     $ 1,234  
 
               
Notes payable to lender maturing through 2029:
               
Payable in monthly installments of approximately $6.8. Interest is at 9.55%. Notes are collateralized by real estate
    713       725  
 
           
 
               
Total notes payable
  $ 1,929     $ 1,959  
 
           
     Maturities of notes payable as of December 31, 2009 for each of the next five years ending December 31, are as follows (amounts in thousands):
         
2010
  $ 32  
2011
    27  
2012
    16  
2013
    18  
2014
    20  
Thereafter
    1,816  
 
     
Total
  $ 1,929  
 
     
(11) Senior Unsecured Notes
     We currently have outstanding $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8 3/8% senior unsecured notes due 2016. The senior unsecured notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis by all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries.
     The senior unsecured notes were issued at par and require semiannual interest payments on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning on January 15, 2007. No principal payments are due until maturity (July 15, 2016). We may redeem (i) up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior unsecured notes using net cash proceeds from equity offerings completed on or prior to July 15, 2009 and (ii) the senior unsecured notes at any time on or after July 15, 2011 at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest and

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additional interest. In addition, if we experience a change of control, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the senior unsecured notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest.
     The senior unsecured notes rank equal in right of payment to all of our and our guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of our or our guarantors’ future subordinated indebtedness and are effectively junior in priority to our and our guarantors’ obligations under all of our existing and future secured indebtedness, including borrowings under our senior secured credit facility and any other secured obligations, in each case, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. The senior unsecured notes are also effectively junior to all liabilities (including trade payables) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries.
     The indenture governing our senior secured notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness, assume a guarantee or issue preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or make other equity distributions or payments to or affecting our subsidiaries; (iii) purchase or redeem our capital stock; (iv) make certain investments; (v) create liens; (vi) sell or dispose of assets or engage in mergers or consolidation; (vii) engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates; (viii) enter into sale leaseback transactions with subsidiaries or affiliates; (viii) enter into sale leaseback transactions; and (ix) engage in certain business activities. Each of the covenants is subject to exceptions and qualifications. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with these covenants.
(12) Senior Secured Credit Facility
     We and our subsidiaries are parties to a $320.0 million senior secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation as administrative agent, and the lenders named therein, that matures on August 4, 2011. The senior secured credit facility is senior to all of our other outstanding debt, secured by substantially all the assets of the Company, and is guaranteed by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (see note 21 to the consolidated financial statements). Under the senior secured credit facility, we may borrow up to $320.0 million depending upon the availability of borrowing base collateral consisting of eligible trade receivables, inventories, property and equipment, and other assets. Additionally, upon the appropriate lender approval, the Company has access to an incremental facility in an aggregate amount of up to $130.0 million during the term of the senior secured credit facility.
     Revolving loans under this credit facility bear interest, at our option, either at the index rate or LIBOR rate, in each case plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 2.00% based on our leverage ratio. Average borrowings in 2009 under the senior secured credit facility were $37.9 million and the average interest rate on those outstanding borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately 2.35%. We are also required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum in respect of undrawn commitments.
     We had no outstanding balances under our senior secured credit facility as of December 31, 2009. Borrowing availability under the terms of the senior secured credit facility as of December 31, 2009, net of $7.8 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, totaled $312.2 million.
     Our senior secured credit facility requires us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in the event that our excess borrowing availability is below $25 million. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with our financial covenant under the senior secured credit facility. If at any time an event of default exists, the interest rate on the senior secured credit facility will increase by 2.0% per annum.
(13) Capital Lease Obligation
     As of December 31, 2009, we had a capital lease obligation, expiring in 2022, related to a branch facility acquired in the Burress acquisition. Future minimum capital lease payments, in the aggregate, existing at December 31, 2009 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):

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2010
  $ 252  
2011
    252  
2012
    252  
2013
    252  
2014
    252  
Thereafter
    1,806  
 
     
Total minimum lease payments
    3,066  
Less: amount representing interest
    (885 )
 
     
Present value of minimum lease payments
  $ 2,181  
 
     
(14) Income Taxes
     Income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
                         
    Current     Deferred     Total  
Year ended December 31, 2009:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ (199 )   $ (5,455 )   $ (5,654 )
State
    (16 )     (508 )     (524 )
 
                 
 
  $ (215 )   $ (5,963 )   $ (6,178 )
 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2008:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 160     $ 21,549     $ 21,709  
State
    1,513       2,879       4,392  
 
                 
 
  $ 1,673     $ 24,428     $ 26,101  
 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2007:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 1,644     $ 30,368     $ 32,012  
State
    269       8,508       8,777  
 
                 
 
  $ 1,913     $ 38,876     $ 40,789  
 
                 
     Significant components of our deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Accounts receivable
  $ 2,201     $ 2,118  
Inventories
    321       359  
Net operating losses
    26,622       15,686  
AMT and general business tax credits
    3,237       3,436  
Sec 263A costs
    1,061       1,429  
Accrued liabilities
    2,747       2,643  
Deferred compensation
    441       454  
Accrued interest
    519       535  
Stock-based compensation
    260       553  
Goodwill and intangible assets
    8,508       6,271  
Other assets
    170       477  
 
           
 
    46,087       33,961  
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
    (113,660 )     (107,506 )
Investments
    (1,573 )     (1,564 )
 
           
 
    (115,233 )     (109,070 )
 
           
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (69,146 )   $ (75,109 )
 
           

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     The reconciliation between income taxes computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the actual income tax expense (benefit) is below for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (amounts in thousands):
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
Computed tax at statutory rates
  $ (6,342 )   $ 24,289     $ 36,895  
Permanent items — other
    589       517       446  
Permanent items — excess of tax deductible goodwill
          (2,130 )     (2,130 )
Permanent items — impairment of goodwill
          537        
State income tax (benefit), net of federal tax effect
    (340 )     2,710       5,705  
Increase in uncertain tax positions
          222        
Other
    (85 )     (44 )     (127) )
 
                 
 
  $ (6,178 )   $ 26,101     $ 40,789  
 
                 
     At December 31, 2009, we had available federal net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $108.6 million, which expire in varying amounts from 2022 through 2029. We also had federal alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards at December 31, 2009 of approximately $3.0 million which do not expire.
     Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are fully realizable through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income. Therefore, a valuation allowance is not required to reduce the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009.
     A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follow (in thousands):
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1
  $ 6,456     $ 6,220     $ 6,220  
Increases in tax positions taken in prior years
    23       228        
Decreases in tax positions taken in prior years
                 
Increases in tax positions taken in current year
          8        
Decreases for tax positions taken in current year
                 
Settlements with taxing authorities
                 
Lapse in statute of limitations
                 
 
                 
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31
  $ 6,478     $ 6,456     $ 6,220  
 
                 
     The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2009 includes $0.2 million of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective income tax rate. Consistent with our historical financial reporting, to the extent we incur interest income, interest expense, or penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits, they are recorded in “Other net income or expense.” We have accrued $36,000 and $14,000 of interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively (no accrual existed at December 31, 2007). At this time, we do not expect to recognize significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.
     Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2006 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. We are also subject to examination in various state jurisdictions for 2005 and subsequent years.
(15) Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
     As of December 31, 2009, we lease certain real estate related to our branch facilities and corporate office, as well as certain office equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2029. Our real estate leases provide for varying terms, including customary renewal options and base

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rental escalation clauses, for which the related rent expense is accounted for on a straight-line basis during the terms of the respective leases. Additionally, certain real estate leases may require us to pay maintenance, insurance, taxes and other expenses in addition to the stated rental payments. Rent expense on property leases and equipment leases under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to approximately $11.5 million, $11.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
     Future minimum operating lease payments, in the aggregate, existing at December 31, 2009 for each of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter are as follows (amounts in thousands):
         
2010
  $ 10,722  
2011
    8,691  
2012
    7,704  
2013
    6,174  
2014
    5,364  
Thereafter
    45,491  
 
     
 
  $ 84,146  
 
     
Legal Matters
     We are also involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these various matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Letters of Credit
     The Company had outstanding letters of credit issued under its senior secured credit facility totaling $7.8 million and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2009 letter of credit expired in January 2010 and was renewed for $8.0 million, expiring in January 2011.
(16) Employee Benefit Plan
     We offer substantially all of our employees’ participation in a qualified 401(k)/profit-sharing plan in which we match employee contributions up to predetermined limits for qualified employees as defined by the plan. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we contributed to the plan $1.4 million, $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
(17) Deferred Compensation Plans
     In 2001, we assumed in a business combination nonqualified employee deferred compensation plans under which certain employees had previously elected to defer a portion of their annual compensation. Upon assumption of the plans, the plans were amended to not allow further participant compensation deferrals. Compensation previously deferred under the plans is payable upon the termination, disability or death of the participants. At December 31, 2009, we had obligations remaining under one deferred compensation plan. All other plans have terminated pursuant to the provisions of each respective plan. The remaining plan accumulates interest each year at a bank’s prime rate in effect at the beginning of January of each year. This rate remains constant throughout the year. The effective rate for the 2009 calendar plan year was 3.25%. The aggregate deferred compensation payable (including accrued interest of $1.3 million) at December 31, 2009 was $1.9 million.
(18) Related Party Transactions
     John M. Engquist, our Chief Executive Officer and President, and his sister, Kristan Engquist Dunne, each have a 16.7% beneficial ownership interest in a joint venture, from which we lease our Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Kenner, Louisiana branch facilities. Four trusts in the names of the children of John M. Engquist and Kristan

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Engquist Dunne hold in equal amounts interests totaling 16.6% of such joint venture. The remaining 50% interest is held by Tomarlee Commercial Properties, L.L.C., for which Mr. Engquist and Ms. Engquist Dunne each have a 25% interest and Mr. Engquist’s mother has a 50% interest. We paid such entity a total of approximately $0.3 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 in lease payments.
     Mr. Engquist has a 62.5% ownership interest in T&J Partnership from which we lease our Shreveport, Louisiana facility. Mr. Engquist’s mother and Kristan Engquist Dunne own 25% and 12.5% of the entity, respectively. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, we paid T&J Partnership a total of approximately $0.2 million each year in lease payments.
     Mr. Engquist and his wife, Martha Engquist, hold a 51% and 49% ownership interest, respectively, in John Engquist LLC, from which we previously leased our Alexandria, Louisiana branch facility. In November 2007, John Engquist, LLC sold the Alexandria, Louisiana property to an unaffiliated third party, which executed a new lease with the Company. In 2007, we paid such entity a total of $0.1 million in lease payments.
     We charter an aircraft from Gulf Wide Aviation, in which Mr. Engquist has a 62.5% ownership interest. Mr. Engquist’s mother and sister hold interests of 25% and 12.5%, respectively, in this entity. We pay an hourly rate to Gulf Wide Aviation for the use of the aircraft by various members of our management. In each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, our payments in respect of charter costs to Gulf Wide Aviation totaled approximately $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
     Mr. Engquist has a 31.25% ownership interest in Perkins-McKenzie Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Perkins-McKenzie”), an insurance brokerage firm. Mr. Engquist’s mother and sister each have a 12.5% and 6.25% interest, respectively, in Perkins-McKenzie. Perkins-McKenzie brokers a substantial portion of our commercial liability insurance. As the broker, Perkins-McKenzie receives from our insurance provider as a commission a portion of the premiums we pay to the insurance provider. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, commissions paid to Perkins-McKenzie on our behalf as insurance broker totaled approximately $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
     We purchase products and services from, and sell products and services to, B-C Equipment Sales, Inc., in which Mr. Engquist has a 50% ownership interest. In each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, our purchases totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and our sales to B-C Equipment Sales, Inc. totaled approximately $0.6 million, $39,000 and $14,000, respectively.
     On July 31, 2004, we entered into a consulting and non-competition agreement with Gary W. Bagley, our current Chairman of the Board. This agreement provided for an initial term of five years and pays Mr. Bagley a consulting fee of $150,000 annually plus provides certain Company health and welfare benefits. On April 30, 2007, this agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties and we entered into a new five-year consulting agreement with Mr. Bagley which pays Mr. Bagley an initial annual consulting fee of $167,000, which is adjusted 4% per annum each year of the agreement, plus provides certain Company health and welfare benefits. We expensed approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 related to these agreements.
     Dale W. Roesener, Vice President, Aerial Work Platforms, has a 47.6% ownership interest in Aero SRD LLC, from which we lease our Las Vegas, Nevada branch facility. Our lease payments to such entity totaled approximately $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     In connection with the recapitalization of Head & Engquist in 1999, we entered into a $3.0 million consulting and non-competition agreement with Thomas R. Engquist, the father of John M. Engquist, our Chief Executive Officer and President. The agreement provided for total payments over a ten-year term, payable in increments of $25,000 per month. Mr. Engquist was obligated to provide us consulting services and was to comply with the non-competition provision set forth in the Recapitalization Agreement between us and others dated June 19, 1999. The parties specifically acknowledged and agreed that in the event of the death of Mr. Engquist during the term of the agreement, the payments that otherwise would have been payable to Mr. Engquist under the agreement shall be paid to his heirs (including John M. Engquist). Due to Mr. Engquist’s passing away during 2003, we will not be provided with any further consulting services. Therefore, we recorded a

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     liability of $1.3 million during 2003 for the present value of the remaining future payments. The total amount paid under this agreement was $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. The agreement expired on its terms on June 30, 2009.
(19) Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
     The following is a summary of our unaudited quarterly financial results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
                                 
    First   Second   Third   Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter
2009:
                               
Total revenues
  $ 186,196     $ 180,241     $ 175,628     $ 137,667  
Operating income (loss) (1)
    11,115       8,585       5,183       (12,284 )
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes(1)
    3,149       754       (2,541 )     (19,483 )
Net income (loss) (1)
    2,178       263       (2,280 )     (12,104 )
Basic net income (loss) per common share(2)
    0.06       0.01       (0.07 )     (0.35 )
Diluted net income (loss) per common share(2)
    0.06       0.01       (0.07 )     (0.35 )
                                 
    First   Second   Third   Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter
2008:
                               
Total revenues
  $ 245,766     $ 282,644     $ 278,647     $ 261,912  
Operating income(3)
    26,179       34,863       37,160       8,516  
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes(3)
    16,228       25,597       27,915       (343 )
Net income (loss) (3)
    10,209       16,118       17,604       (635 )
Basic net income (loss) per common share(2)
    0.28       0.45       0.50       (0.02 )
Diluted net income (loss) per common share(2)
    0.28       0.45       0.50       (0.02 )
 
(1)     During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $9.0 million, or $5.5 million after tax, related to the impairment of goodwill. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on the impairment charge.
 
(2)     Because of the method used in calculating per share data, the summation of quarterly per share data may not necessarily total to the per share data computed for the entire year.
 
(3)     During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $22.7 million, or $14.4 million after tax, related to the impairment of goodwill and our customer relationships intangible asset. See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on the impairment charges.
(20) Segment Information
     We have identified five reportable segments: equipment rentals, new equipment sales, used equipment sales, parts sales and service revenues. These segments are based upon how management of the Company 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. There were no sales between segments for any of the periods presented. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as well as all other income and expense items below gross profit are not generally allocated to our reportable segments.
     We do not compile discrete financial information by our segments other than the information presented below. The following table presents information about our reportable segments (amounts in thousands):

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    Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
Segment Revenues:
                       
Equipment rentals
  $ 191,512     $ 295,398     $ 286,573  
New equipment sales
    208,916       374,068       355,178  
Used equipment sales
    86,982       160,780       148,742  
Parts sales
    100,500       118,345       102,300  
Services revenues
    58,730       70,124       64,050  
 
                 
Total segmented revenues
    646,640       1,018,715       956,843  
Non-Segmented revenues
    33,092       50,254       46,291  
 
                 
Total revenues
  $ 679,732     $ 1,068,969     $ 1,003,134  
 
                 
Segment Gross Profit (Loss):
                       
Equipment rentals
  $ 61,524     $ 141,606     $ 146,988  
New equipment sales
    25,031       49,596       47,281  
Used equipment sales
    16,677       38,824       36,391  
Parts sales
    27,714       34,784       30,509  
Services revenues
    36,905       44,800       40,974  
 
                 
Total gross profit from revenues
    167,851       309,610       302,143  
Non-Segmented gross profit (loss)
    (2,353 )     430       3,897  
 
                 
Total gross profit
  $ 165,498     $ 310,040     $ 306,040  
 
                 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Segment identified assets:
               
Equipment sales
  $ 81,022     $ 108,109  
Equipment rentals
    437,407       554,457  
Parts and service
    13,964       21,131  
 
           
Total segment identified assets
    532,393       683,697  
Non-Segmented identified assets
    230,691       282,937  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 763,084     $ 966,634  
 
           
     The Company operates primarily in the United States and our sales to international customers for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were 3.1%, 4.0% and 1.7%, respectively, of total revenues for the periods presented. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues on an overall or segmented basis for any of the periods presented.

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(21) Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries
     All of the indebtedness of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. is guaranteed by GNE Investments, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E California Holdings, Inc. and H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc. The guarantor subsidiaries are all wholly-owned and the guarantees, made on a joint and several basis, 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, Inc.’s ability to obtain funds from the guarantor subsidiaries by dividend or loan.
     The consolidating financial statements of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries are included below. The financial statements for H&E Finance Corp., the subsidiary co-issuer, are not included within the consolidating financial statements because H&E Finance Corp. has no assets or operations. The financial statements of H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., are included from the date of our acquisition of Burress, September 1, 2007.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                                 
    As of December 31, 2009  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
            (Amounts in thousands)          
Assets:
                               
Cash
  $ 45,326     $ 10     $     $ 45,336  
Receivables, net
    58,405       13,596             72,001  
Inventories, net
    72,508       22,479             94,987  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    6,876       123             6,999  
Rental equipment, net
    346,107       91,300             437,407  
Property and equipment, net
    54,672       11,130             65,802  
Deferred financing costs, net
    5,545                   5,545  
Intangible assets, net
          988             988  
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries
    (4,537 )           4,537        
Goodwill
    4,493       29,526             34,019  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 589,395     $ 169,152     $ 4,537     $ 763,084  
 
                       
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                               
Amount due on senior secured credit facility
  $     $     $     $  
Accounts payable
    28,866                   28,866  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    92,868                   92,868  
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    35,689       1,582             37,271  
Intercompany balance
    (169,213 )     169,213              
Notes payable
    1,216       713             1,929  
Senior unsecured notes
    250,000                   250,000  
Capital lease payable
          2,181             2,181  
Deferred income taxes
    69,146                   69,146  
Deferred compensation payable
    1,941                   1,941  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    310,513       173,689             484,202  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    278,882       (4,537 )     4,537       278,882  
 
                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 589,395     $ 169,152     $ 4,537     $ 763,084  
 
                       

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
                                 
    As of December 31, 2008  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
            (Amounts in thousands)          
Assets:
                               
Cash
  $ 11,251     $ 15     $     $ 11,266  
Receivables, net
    124,757       25,536             150,293  
Inventories, net
    103,540       25,700             129,240  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    11,467       255             11,722  
Rental equipment, net
    453,320       101,137             554,457  
Property and equipment, net
    45,517       12,605             58,122  
Deferred financing costs, net
    6,964                   6,964  
Intangible assets, net
          1,579             1,579  
Investment in guarantor subsidiaries
    8,448             (8,448 )      
Goodwill
    5,643       37,348             42,991  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 770,907     $ 204,175     $ (8,448 )   $ 966,634  
 
                       
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                               
Amount due on senior secured credit facility
  $ 76,325     $     $     $ 76,325  
Accounts payable
    93,667                   93,667  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    127,690                   127,690  
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    45,965       1,241             47,206  
Intercompany balance
    (191,461 )     191,461              
Related party obligation
    145                   145  
Notes payable
    1,234       725             1,959  
Senior unsecured notes
    250,000                   250,000  
Capital lease payable
          2,300             2,300  
Deferred income taxes
    75,109                   75,109  
Deferred compensation payable
    2,026                   2,026  
 
                       
Total liabilities
    480,700       195,727             676,427  
Stockholders’ equity
    290,207       8,448       (8,448 )     290,207  
 
                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 770,907     $ 204,175     $ (8,448 )   $ 966,634  
 
                       

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2009  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
            (Amounts in thousands)          
Revenues:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 155,583     $ 35,929     $     $ 191,512  
New equipment sales
    173,494       35,422             208,916  
Used equipment sales
    75,862       11,120             86,982  
Parts sales
    85,043       15,457             100,500  
Services revenues
    51,657       7,073             58,730  
Other
    27,076       6,016             33,092  
 
                       
Total revenues
    568,715       111,017             679,732  
 
                       
Cost of revenues:
                               
Rental depreciation
    69,791       18,111             87,902  
Rental expense
    33,997       8,089             42,086  
New equipment sales
    152,640       31,245             183,885  
Used equipment sales
    61,264       9,041             70,305  
Parts sales
    61,597       11,189             72,786  
Services revenues
    19,403       2,422             21,825  
Other
    27,855       7,590             35,445  
 
                       
Total cost of revenues
    426,547       87,687             514,234  
 
                       
Gross profit (loss):
                               
Equipment rentals
    51,795       9,729             61,524  
New equipment sales
    20,854       4,177             25,031  
Used equipment sales
    14,598       2,079             16,677  
Parts sales
    23,446       4,268             27,714  
Services revenues
    32,254       4,651             36,905  
Other
    (779 )     (1,574 )           (2,353 )
 
                       
Gross profit
    142,168       23,330             165,498  
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    119,920       24,540             144,460  
Impairment of goodwill
    8,972                   8,972  
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    (12,985 )           12,985        
Gain from sales of property and equipment
    455       78             533  
 
                       
Income (loss) from operations
    746       (1,132 )     12,985       12,599  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (19,415 )     (11,924 )           (31,339 )
Other, net
    548       71             619  
 
                       
Total other expense, net
    (18,867 )     (11,853 )           (30,720 )
 
                       
Loss before income taxes
    (18,121 )     (12,985 )     12,985       (18,121 )
Income tax benefit
    (6,178 )                 (6,178 )
 
                       
Net loss
  $ (11,943 )   $ (12,985 )   $ 12,985     $ (11,943 )
 
                       

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2009 and 2008
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2008  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
            (Amounts in thousands)          
Revenues:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 250,378     $ 45,020     $     $ 295,398  
New equipment sales
    292,651       81,417             374,068  
Used equipment sales
    124,076       36,704             160,780  
Parts sales
    97,250       21,095             118,345  
Services revenues
    60,519       9,605             70,124  
Other
    42,364       7,890             50,254  
 
                       
Total revenues
    867,238       201,731             1,068,969  
 
                       
Cost of revenues:
                               
Rental depreciation
    85,218       19,093             104,311  
Rental expense
    40,794       8,687             49,481  
New equipment sales
    253,496       70,976             324,472  
Used equipment sales
    90,467       31,489             121,956  
Parts sales
    68,504       15,057             83,561  
Services revenues
    21,948       3,376             25,324  
Other
    40,131       9,693             49,824  
 
                       
Total cost of revenues
    600,558       158,371             785,929  
 
                       
Gross profit:
                               
Equipment rentals
    124,366       17,240             141,606  
New equipment sales
    39,155       10,441             49,596  
Used equipment sales
    33,609       5,215             38,824  
Parts sales
    28,746       6,038             34,784  
Services revenues
    38,571       6,229             44,800  
Other
    2,233       (1,803 )           430  
 
                       
Gross profit
    266,680       43,360             310,040  
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    144,604       36,433             181,037  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    22,721                   22,721  
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    (5,578 )           5,578        
Gain from sales of property and equipment
    408       28             436  
 
                       
Income from operations
    94,185       6,955             106,718  
 
                       
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (25,613 )     (12,642 )           (38,255 )
Other, net
    825       109             934  
 
                       
Total other expense, net
    (24,788 )     (12,533 )           (37,321 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    69,397       (5,578 )     5,578       69,397  
Provision for income taxes
    26,101                   26,101  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 43,296     $ (5,578 )   $ 5,578     $ 43,296  
 
                       

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2007  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Revenues:
                               
Equipment rentals
  $ 241,578     $ 44,995     $     $ 286,573  
New equipment sales
    330,220       24,958             355,178  
Used equipment sales
    127,310       21,432             148,742  
Parts sales
    91,295       11,005             102,300  
Services revenues
    58,372       5,678             64,050  
Other
    40,310       5,981             46,291  
 
                       
Total revenues
    889,085       114,049             1,003,134  
 
                       
Cost of revenues:
                               
Rental depreciation
    79,661       14,550             94,211  
Rental expense
    38,188       7,186             45,374  
New equipment sales
    286,272       21,625             307,897  
Used equipment sales
    94,837       17,514             112,351  
Parts sales
    64,247       7,544             71,791  
Services revenues
    21,349       1,727             23,076  
Other
    35,435       6,959             42,394  
 
                       
Total cost of revenues
    619,989       77,105             697,094  
 
                       
Gross profit:
                               
Equipment rentals
    123,729       23,259             146,988  
New equipment sales
    43,948       3,333             47,281  
Used equipment sales
    32,473       3,918             36,391  
Parts sales
    27,048       3,461             30,509  
Services revenues
    37,023       3,951             40,974  
Other
    4,875       (978 )           3,897  
 
                       
Gross profit
    269,096       36,944             306,040  
 
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    137,093       27,955             165,048  
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    (443 )           443        
Gain from sales of property and equipment
    385       84             469  
 
                       
Income from operations
    131,945       9,073       443       141,461  
 
                       
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (27,175 )     (9,596 )           (36,771 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    (320 )                 (320 )
Other, net
    965       80             1,045  
 
                       
Total other expense, net
    (26,530 )     (9,516 )           (36,046 )
 
                       
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    105,415       (443 )     443       105,415  
Provision for income taxes
    40,789                   40,789  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 64,626     $ (443 )   $ 443     $ 64,626  
 
                       

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2009  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
Net loss
  $ (11,943 )   $ (12,985 )   $ 12,985     $ (11,943 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment
    8,611       2,189             10,800  
Depreciation on rental equipment
    69,791       18,111             87,902  
Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs
    1,419                   1,419  
Amortization of intangible assets
          591             591  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    3,246                   3,246  
Provision for inventory obsolescence
    48                   48  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    (5,963 )                 (5,963 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    726                   726  
Impairment of goodwill
    1,150       7,822             8,972  
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    (455 )     (78 )           (533 )
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net
    (13,735 )     (1,941 )           (15,676 )
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    12,985             (12,985 )      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                               
Receivables, net
    63,106       11,940             75,046  
Inventories, net
    24,047       (865 )           23,182  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    4,590       132             4,722  
Accounts payable
    (64,801 )                 (64,801 )
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    (34,822 )                 (34,822 )
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    (10,271 )     341             (9,930 )
Intercompany balances
    22,248       (22,248 )            
Deferred compensation payable
    (85 )                 (85 )
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    69,892       3,009             72,901  
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (18,816 )     (579 )           (19,395 )
Purchases of rental equipment
    (4,080 )     (11,041 )           (15,121 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    1,505       (57 )           1,448  
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment
    62,174       8,794             70,968  
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    40,783       (2,883 )           37,900  
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Purchase of treasury stock
    (110 )                 (110 )
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility
    536,311                   536,311  
Payments on senior secured credit facility
    (612,633 )                 (612,633 )
Payments of related party obligation
    (150 )                 (150 )
Payments on capital lease obligations
          (119 )           (119 )
Principal payments of notes payable
    (18 )     (12 )           (30 )
 
                       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (76,600 )     (131 )           (76,731 )
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    34,075       (5 )           34,070  
Cash, beginning of year
    11,251       15             11,266  
 
                       
Cash, end of year
  $ 45,326     $ 10     $     $ 45,336  
 
                       

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2008  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 43,296     $ (5,578 )   $ 5,578     $ 43,296  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment
    8,401       2,742             11,143  
Depreciation on rental equipment
    85,218       19,093             104,311  
Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs
    1,417                   1,417  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,223                   2,223  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    3,064                   3,064  
Provision for inventory obsolescence
    54                   54  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    24,428                   24,428  
Stock-based compensation expense
    1,453                   1,453  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    22,721                   22,721  
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    (408 )     (28 )           (436 )
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net
    (31,108 )     (4,685 )           (35,793 )
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    5,578             (5,578 )      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisition:
                               
Receivables, net
    3,264       (4,063 )           (799 )
Inventories, net
    3,963       (32,027 )           (28,064 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (5,690 )     238             (5,452 )
Accounts payable
    9,990       (1,218 )           8,772  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    (29,247 )     (6,002 )           (35,249 )
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    394       2,897             3,291  
Intercompany balances
    11,528       (11,528 )            
Deferred compensation payable
    87                   87 )
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    160,626       (40,159 )           120,467  
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
          (10,461 )           (10,461 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (22,902 )     (1,685 )           (24,587 )
Purchases of rental equipment
    (190,655 )     64,784             (125,871 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    949       223             1,172  
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment
    148,045       (24,973 )           123,072  
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (64,563 )     27,888             (36,675 )
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based awards
    (44 )                 (44 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (42,577 )                 (42,577 )
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility
    1,042,821                   1,042,821  
Payments on senior secured credit facility
    (1,096,701 )     9,652             (1,087,049 )
Payments of related party obligation
    (300 )                 (300 )
Payments on capital lease obligations
          (111 )           (111 )
Principal payments of notes payable
    (16 )     (12 )           (28 )
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (96,817 )     9,529             (87,288 )
 
                       
Net decrease in cash
    (754 )     (2,742 )           (3,496 )
Cash, beginning of year
    12,005       2,757             14,762  
 
                       
Cash, end of year
  $ 11,251     $ 15     $     $ 11,266  
 
                       

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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 
    Year Ended December 31, 2007  
    H&E Equipment     Guarantor              
    Services     Subsidiaries     Elimination     Consolidated  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 64,626     $ (443 )   $ 443     $ 64,626  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation on property and equipment
    7,212       1,798             9,010  
Depreciation on rental equipment
    79,661       14,550             94,211  
Amortization of loan discounts and deferred financing costs
    11,688       (10,314 )           1,374  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,060                   1,060  
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
    2,502       (290 )           2,212  
Provision for inventory obsolescence
    90                   90  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    38,876                   38,876  
Stock-based compensation expense
    1,255                   1,255  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    320                   320  
Gain from sales of property and equipment, net
    (385 )     (84 )           (469 )
Gain from sales of rental equipment, net
    (30,137 )     (3,399 )           (33,536 )
Equity in loss of guarantor subsidiaries
    443             (443 )      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisition:
                               
Receivables, net
    (41,306 )     9,858             (31,448 )
Inventories, net
    (29,545 )     (27,886 )           (57,431 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    321       15             336  
Accounts payable
    21,695       (7,044 )           14,651  
Manufacturer flooring plans payable
    8,909       (13,785 )           (4,876 )
Accrued expenses payable and other liabilities
    13,415       (8,250 )           5,165  
Intercompany balances
    (143,411 )     143,411              
Deferred compensation payable
    (1,332 )                 (1,332 )
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,957       98,137             104,094  
 
                       
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
          (100,177 )           (100,177 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (14,628 )     (3,327 )           (17,955 )
Purchases of rental equipment
    (231,568 )     37,514             (194,054 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
    614       326             940  
Proceeds from sales of rental equipment
    140,726       (18,127             122,599  
 
                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (104,856 )     (83,791 )           (188,647 )
 
                       
Cash flows from financing activities:
                               
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards
    44                   44  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (13,431 )                   (13,431  
Borrowings on senior secured credit facility
    1,076,106                   1,076,106  
Payments on senior secured credit facility
    (955,035 )     (9,381 )           (964,416 )
Principal payment of senior secured notes
    (4,752 )                 (4,752 )
Payments of deferred financing costs
    (585 )                 (585 )
Payments of related party obligation
    (300 )                 (300 )
Payments on capital lease obligations
          (2,287 )           (2,287 )
Principal payments of notes payable
    (357 )     (10 )           (367 )
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    101,690       (11,678 )           90,012  
 
                       
Net increase in cash
    2,791       2,668             5,459  
Cash, beginning of year
    9,214       89             9,303  
 
                       
Cash, end of year
  $ 12,005     $ 2,757     $     $ 14,762  
 
                       

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
     None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
     We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or furnishes under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.
     Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our current disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
     The design of any system of control is based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated objectives under all future events, no matter how remote, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may not deteriorate. Because of its inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
     The management of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
     All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Any evaluation or projection of effectiveness to future periods is also subject to risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
     Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on that evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on these criteria.
     The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, has been audited by BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.
Date: March 3, 2010
     
/s/ John M. Engquist
   
     
John M. Engquist
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
   
 
   
/s/ Leslie S. Magee
   
     
Leslie S. Magee
   
Chief Financial Officer
   

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
We have audited H&E Equipment Services, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). H&E Equipment Services, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, H&E Equipment Services, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and our report dated March 5, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 5, 2010

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Item 9B. Other Information
     None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for use in connection with the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
     We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. This code of conduct is available on the Company’s Web site at www.he-equipment.com. The information on our website is not a part of or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If the Company makes any amendments to this code other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grants any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of this code to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, the Company will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy Statement.
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy Statement.
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy Statement.
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Proxy Statement.

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PART I
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
     (1) Financial Statements
     The Company’s consolidated financial statements listed below have been filed as part of this report:
         
    Page  
    99  
    57  
    58  
    59  
    60  
    61  
    63  
 
       
(2) Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
       
 
       
    102  
     All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or the information appears in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
     (3) Exhibits
     See Exhibit Index on pages 104-106.

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SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007
                                         
            Additions                     Balance  
    Balance at     Charged to                     at  
    Beginning     Costs and     Recoveries     Impact of     End  
Description   of Year     Expenses     (Deductions)     Acquisition     of Year  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
Year Ended December 31, 2009
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 5,524     $ 3,245     $ (3,033 )   $     $ 5,736  
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
    920       48       (144 )           824  
 
                             
 
  $ 6,444     $ 3,293     $ (3,177 )   $     $ 6,560  
 
                             
 
                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2008
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 4,413     $ 3,064     $ (1,953 )   $     $ 5,524  
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
    992       54       (126 )           920  
 
                             
 
  $ 5,405     $ 3,118     $ (2,079 )   $     $ 6,444  
 
                             
 
                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2007
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
  $ 2,852     $ 2,502     $ (941 )   $     $ 4,413  
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
    1,326       352       (686 )           992  
 
                             
 
  $ 4,178     $ 2,854     $ (1,627 )   $     $ 5,405  
 
                             

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 3, 2010.
         
  H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ John M. Engquist    
    John M. Engquist   
    Its: President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
             
    Signature   Capacity   Date
By:
  /s/ John M. Engquist   President, Chief Executive   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  John M. Engquist   Officer and Director    
 
      (Principal Executive Officer)    
 
           
By:
  /s/ Leslie S. Magee   Chief Financial Officer   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  Leslie S. Magee   (Principal Financial and    
 
      Accounting Officer)    
 
           
By:
  /s/ Gary W. Bagley   Chairman and Director   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  Gary W. Bagley        
 
           
By:
  /s/ Keith E. Alessi   Director   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  Keith E. Alessi        
 
           
By:
  /s/ Paul N. Arnold   Director   March 4, 2010
 
           
 
  Paul N. Arnold        
 
           
By:
  /s/ Bruce C. Bruckmann   Director   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  Bruce C. Bruckmann        
 
           
By:
  /s/ Lawrence C. Karlson   Director   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  Lawrence C. Karlson        
 
           
By:
  /s/ John T. Sawyer   Director   March 3, 2010
 
           
 
  John T. Sawyer        

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Exhibit Index
     
2.1
  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 2, 2006, among the Company, H&E LLC and Holdings (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed February 3, 2006).
 
   
2.2
  Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 15, 2007, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., HE-JWB Acquisition, Inc., J.W. Burress, Incorporated, the Burress Shareholders (as defined therein), and Richard S. Dudley, as Burress Shareholders Representative (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed on May 17, 2007.
 
   
2.3
  Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 31, 2007, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., HE-JWB Acquisition, Inc., J.W. Burress, Incorporated, the Burress Shareholders (as defined therein), and Richard S. Dudley, as Burress Shareholders Representative (as defined therein) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed on September 4, 2007).
 
   
2.4
  Acquisition Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2005, among H&E Equipment Services, L.L.C., Eagle Merger Corp., Eagle High Reach Equipment, LLC, Eagle High Reach Equipment, Inc., SBN Eagle LLC, SummitBridge National Investments, LLC and the shareholders of Eagle High Reach Equipment, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File Nos. 333-99587 and 333-99589), filed January 5, 2006).
 
   
3.1
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 333-128996), filed January 20, 2006).
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed June 5, 2007).
 
   
3.3
  Amended and Restated Articles of Organization of Gulf Wide Industries, L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.4
  Amended Articles of Organization of Gulf Wide Industries, L.L.C., Changing Its Name To H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.5
  Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.6
  Certificate of Incorporation of H&E Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.7
  Certificate of Incorporation of Great Northern Equipment, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.8
  Articles of Incorporation of Williams Bros. Construction, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.9
  Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Williams Bros. Construction, Inc. Changing its Name to GNE Investments, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.10
  Bylaws of H&E Finance Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).

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3.11
  Bylaws of Great Northern Equipment, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
3.12
  Bylaws of Williams Bros. Construction, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
4.1
  Amended and Restated Security Holders Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2006, among the Company and certain other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed February 3, 2006).
 
   
4.2
  Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2006, among the Company and certain other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed February 3, 2006).
 
   
4.3
  Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2006, among the Company and certain other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed February 3, 2006).
 
   
4.4
  Form of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. common stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 333-128996), filed January 5, 2006).
 
   
4.5
  Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2006, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the 8 3/8% senior notes due 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 00-51759), filed August 8, 2006).
 
   
4.6
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2006, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., GNE Investments, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., H&E California Holdings, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E Finance Corp., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 00-51759), filed August 8, 2006).
 
   
10.1
  Consulting Agreement, dated April 10, 2007, between the Company and Gary W. Bagley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed April 30, 2007).**
 
   
10.2
  Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2007, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., GNE Investments, Inc., H&E Finance Corp., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E California Holdings, Inc., J.W. Burress, Incorporated, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed on September 4, 2007).
 
   
10.3
  Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2007, by and among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., Great Northern Equipment, Inc., GNE Investments, Inc., H3&E Finance Corp., H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC, H&E California Holdings, Inc., H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, as Agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed on November 13, 2007).
 
   
10.4
  Consulting and Noncompetition Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1999, between Head & Engquist Equipment, L.L.C. and Thomas R. Engquist (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).**
 
   
10.5
  Purchase Agreement by and among H&E Equipment Services L.L.C., H&E Finance Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, dated June 3, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99587), filed September 13, 2002).

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10.6
  Purchase Agreement, among H&E Equipment Services L.L.C., H&E Finance Corp., H&E Holdings L.L.C., the guarantors party thereto and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Inc. dated June 17, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of H&E Equipment Services L.L.C. (File No. 333-99589), filed September 13, 2002).
 
   
10.7
  H&E Equipment Services, Inc. 2006 Stock-Based Compensation Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Definitive Proxy Statement of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed April 28, 2006).**
 
   
10.8
  Form of Option Letter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 333-128996), filed January 20, 2006).**
 
   
10.9
  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers of H&E Equipment Services, Inc.*   **
 
   
18.1
  BDO Seidman, LLP Preferability Letter. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18.1 to Form 10-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (File No. 000-51759), filed March 7, 2008).
 
   
21.1
  Subsidiaries of the registrant.*
 
   
23.1
  Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.*
 
   
31.1
  Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
   
31.2
  Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
   
32.1
  Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
*   Filed herewith
 
**   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

106

exv10w9
(EQUIPMENT SERVICES LOGO)
Exhibit 10.9
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
[Date]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
We are pleased to inform you that on [ ] (the “Grant Date”), pursuant to the H&E Equipment Services, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), the Committee granted you [ ] shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01, (hereinafter either the “Restricted Stock” or “Award”) subject to the restrictions set forth below. You should be aware that any award granted to you under the Plan is a form of compensation to you and is considered personal and confidential information. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain valued employees by offering them a greater stake in the Company’s success and a closer identity with it, and to encourage ownership of the Company’s Stock by such employees. You should be aware that participation of all employees in the Plan is not the purpose of the Plan.
This Award is subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in the event of any contradiction, distinction or difference between this letter and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan will control. Unless otherwise stated, all capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in the Plan. By accepting this Award you (i) acknowledge that you have received and read a copy of the Plan and understand its terms and (ii) acknowledge that with respect to this Award and the Restricted Stock, you are bound by the terms of the Plan.
Subject to your continued employment with the Company the restrictions applicable to your Restricted Stock will lapse in accordance with the following schedule:
  [ ]   shares will vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date;
 
  [ ]   shares will vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date; and
 
  [ ]   shares will vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date.
     
     “Regional Strength with a Local Touch”
  (MAP)

 


 

Should your employment with the Company terminate for any reason before any portion of your Award vests, then that portion of your Award shall be forfeited with no further compensation due to you. Finally, if you are terminated by the Company for Cause, your entire Award, regardless of whether any or all of the shares of Restricted Stock that relate to such Award are vested, shall be forfeited with no further compensation due to you.
In the event that during your service with the Company, a Change in Control, as defined in the Plan, occurs, your Award will vest in full.
You may receive certificate(s) for the shares of Restricted Stock designating you as the registered owner. Upon such receipt, you agree to deliver the certificate(s) together with an original, signed and undated stock power (in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to the Company or the Company’s designee authorizing the Committee to transfer title to the certificate(s) representing any shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited under the terms of the Plan and this Award to the Company in the event that your employment with the Company should terminate for any reason prior to the lapse of the restrictions.
As described more fully in the attached description of the consequences of making or not making an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code (Exhibit B), your acceptance of this Award will not typically constitute a taxable event. Instead, you will recognize taxable income upon each vesting date described in the schedule above.
You may, however, make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) within 30 days of your receipt of this Award to include in your current year taxable income the grant date Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock. In such case, you would not recognize taxable income by virtue of the vesting schedule above and would recognize capital gain or loss only upon your ultimate disposition or forfeiture of the shares.
You must make appropriate arrangements with the Company to provide for the withholding of the taxes that will be due with respect to this Award as it vests. As defined in the Plan, the Company shall, at the election of the Participant, have the right to retain the number of shares of Company Stock whose Fair Market Value equals the amount legally required to be withheld in satisfaction of the applicable withholding taxes. As promptly thereafter as possible, the Company will issue to you, or if such certificates were previously issued, the Company will deliver to you, certificates for your vested shares of Restricted Stock.
You should also be aware that any transfer of this Restricted Stock is subject to the Company’s Insider Trading Policy which has previously been provided to you and is posted to the Company’s intranet.
The construction and interpretation of any provision of this Award or the Plan shall be final and conclusive when made by the Committee.
Nothing in this letter shall confer on you the right to continue in the service of the Company or interfere in any way with the right of the Company to terminate your service at any time.

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You should sign and return a copy of this agreement to the Chief Financial Officer indicating your agreement to the terms of this letter and the Award granted hereby. This acknowledgement must be returned within fifteen (15) days; otherwise, the Award will lapse and become null and void. Your signature will also acknowledge that this letter reflects our final agreement regarding the Award granted hereunder and supersedes any prior written or oral agreement, understanding or communication otherwise regarding your Award and that you have received and reviewed the Plan and that you agree to abide by the applicable terms of these documents as provided herein.
Very truly yours,

(SIGNATURE)
Enclosures
             
    The undersigned hereby agrees to the foregoing:
 
           
 
 
           
 
  Signature       Date

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Exhibit A
STOCK POWER
     For Value Received, [ ] hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto H&E Equipment Services, Inc.                      Shares of Restricted Stock of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (the “Company”) standing in his name on the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No.                      herewith, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint the Company to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
         
By:
       
 
 
 
   
 
       
Dated:
       
 
 
 
   
         
In the presence of:
      (Signature of Witness)
 
       
 
       
 
      (Printed Name of Witness)
 
       

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Exhibit B
Explanation of Election under Section 83(b) of the Code
If you are awarded Restricted Stock of the Company, you may make an election (an “83(b) Election”) under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. An Election Form and a Waiver Form have been supplied to you with your Award letter. YOU MUST COMPLETE EITHER THE ELECTION FORM (EXHIBIT D) OR THE WAIVER FORM (EXHIBIT C) NOTIFYING THE COMPANY OF AN 83(b) ELECTION OR DECLINE OF AN 83(b) ELECTION AND RETURN TO LESLIE MAGEE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, BY FAX AT (225) 298-5382 OR YOU MAY SCAN AND RETURN BY EMAIL TO LMAGEE@HE-EQUIPMENT.COM. To help you understand the effect of a Section 83(b) Election, a brief description of the tax consequences of Section 83 of the Code follows.
Overview of Section 83 of the Code
Section 83 of the Code applies to “restricted property” transferred in connection with the performance of services. Section 83 applies to Restricted Stock you acquire under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan. If you acquire Restricted Stock and do not make the election described below, Section 83 may cause several taxable events to occur while you own restricted property:
  -   There is generally no tax imposed on the transfer of restricted property from an employer to an employee, nor is there any tax if restricted property is sold by an employer to an employee for its then fair market value. Absent an 83(b) Election, you would have no immediate taxable event upon your Award of Restricted Stock.
 
  -   Absent an 83(b) Election, upon the lapse of the restrictions to which the Restricted Stock is subject, the difference between the amount you originally paid for your stock, if any, and its then fair market value, is subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates.
 
  -   Finally, the holding period for determining the tax treatment on a sale of your Restricted Stock is determined by reference to the date on which the restrictions lapsed, not the date of purchase. Accordingly, without an 83(b) Election, you would be taxed at unfavorable short-term capital gain rates upon a sale of a portion of your Restricted Stock unless you had held that stock for at least one year following its vesting date.
Section 83(b) Election
As an alternative to the rules above, Section 83(b) provides that you may elect, within 30 days of the receipt of restricted property, to include the fair market value of the property (determined without regard to the restrictions), less the price you paid for it, if any, in your gross income for the taxable year in which you acquired the property. The advantage of making an 83(b) Election in this situation is that any subsequent increase in value will be taxed only when you dispose of your shares, and then will be taxed at favorable long term capital gains rates (assuming you have held the stock for at least one year following its grant date).

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The taxable ordinary income upon an 83(b) Election will be the fair market value of the Restricted Stock on the date it was granted, less the price you paid for it, if any.
Procedure for 83(b) Election
In order to achieve the tax treatment provided by an 83(b) Election, you must make a valid, timely election to include in your taxable, ordinary income in the year you are awarded Restricted Stock, the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock less the price you paid, if any, for the Restricted Stock. You must complete the 83(b) election form attached to your Award letter and deliver the form, preferably by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the Internal Revenue Service Center where you file your federal income taxes within 30 days of the date you receive the Award. Upon making such election, you shall promptly furnish a copy of the election to the Company. If you decline such election, you shall promptly furnish a copy of the waiver form to the Company within 30 days of the date you receive the Award. PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT YOU MUST COMPLETE EITHER THE ELECTION FORM OR THE WAIVER FORM NOTIFYING THE COMPANY OF AN 83(b) ELECTION OR DECLINE OF AN 83(b) ELECTION. RETURN THE ELECTION OR WAIVER FORM TO LESLIE MAGEE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, BY FAX AT (225) 298-5382 OR YOU MAY SCAN AND RETURN BY EMAIL TO LMAGEE@HE-EQUIPMENT.COM.
UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN YOUR AWARD AGREEMENT, THE COMPANY SHALL BEAR NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU RESULTING FROM YOUR SECTION 83(b) ELECTION OR YOUR FAILURE TO MAKE SUCH ELECTION.
Upon making your 83(b) Election, you may receive certificate(s) for the Restricted Stock designating you as the registered owner. Upon such receipt, you agree to deliver the certificate(s) together with a signed and undated stock power to the Company or the Company’s designee authorizing the Committee to transfer title to the certificate(s) representing any Restricted Stock to the Company in the event that you forfeit any portion of your Restricted Stock under the terms of the Plan and Award Agreement.
At the time of your 83(b) Election, and when restrictions on your Restricted Stock lapse, you must make appropriate arrangements with the Company concerning withholding of any taxes that may be due with respect to such Common Stock. If you have properly and timely made the required election under Code Section 83(b), no federal income tax withholding will be required under current law when your restricted shares vest. You may tender cash payment to the Company in an amount equal to the required withholding or if you fail to make the required 83(b) Election so that you are taxable when restricted shares vest, you may request the Company to retain the number of shares of Common Stock whose Fair Market Value equals the amount to be withheld. Please contact Deonne Griffin in Human Resources for assistance in determining your required withholding. As promptly thereafter as possible, the Company will issue certificates for the vested shares.
**************************
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (a) avoiding

- 6 -


 

penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (b) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
**************************

- 7 -


 

EXHIBIT C
Waiver of 83(b) Election
     The undersigned, a recipient of [ ] shares of common stock of H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to a restricted stock award granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), hereby states as follows:
     1. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement Letter and the Plan relating to the offering of such shares. The undersigned has carefully reviewed the Plan and the Agreement pursuant to which the award was granted.
     2. The undersigned hereby states that the undersigned has decided (check as applicable):
                      (a)   to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, and is submitting to the Company an executed form entitled
“83(b) Election Form (Exhibit D) within 30 days of receipt of the Award,
 
      OR
 
                      (b)   not to make an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, and is submitting to the Company this executed form, Waiver of 83(b) Election, within 30 days of receipt of the Award.
             
Dated:
           
 
           
 
          Signature

- 8 -


 

EXHIBIT D
83(b) Election Form
Election to Include Value of Restricted Property in Gross Income
in Year of Transfer Under Code §83(b)
     The undersigned hereby elects under section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the property described below to include in gross income the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the property at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any lapse restriction) over the amount paid for such property, as compensation for services, and supplies the following information in accordance with Treasury regulation section 1.83-2(e):
     1. The name, address and taxpayer identification number of the undersigned is:
     
     Name:
  [ ]
     Address:
  [ ]
 
  [ ]
 
   
Social Security Number:
  [ ]
     2. The description of the property with respect to which the election is being made is [ ] shares of Restricted Stock (each a “Share”) of H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”).
     3. The date on which the property was transferred is [ ], and the taxable year for which this election is made is calendar year 2009.
     4. The nature of the restrictions to which this property is subject: The Shares will vest over a term of years contingent upon the undersigned’s continued service with the Company.
     5. The fair market value at time of transfer (determined without regard to any restrictions other than restrictions which by their terms will never lapse) of the property with respect to which this election is being made is [ ] per Share of Common Stock.
     6. The amount paid for the property is $0 per Share of Common Stock.
     7. A copy of this statement has been furnished to the Company, which is the person for whom services were performed. Also, a copy of this statement will be submitted with the income tax return of the undersigned for the taxable year in which the property was acquired.
Signed:                                                             
Dated:                                         ,                     

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                                        ,                     
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
Internal Revenue Service Center
                                                            
                                                            
                                                            
Re:   Filing of 83(b) Election
To Whom it May Concern:
     Enclosed for filing as of                                         , ___ (the postmark of this package) is an 83(b) election for taxpayer [ ]; social security number [ ].
     Kindly (i) accept the 83(b) election for filing effective today, (ii) date stamp the enclosed copies of this letter and of the 83(b) election as evidence of such filing and (iii) return the dated stamped copies of the letter and of the 83(b) election to me in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope. Thank you.
Sincerely,
         
 
     
 
  Name:   [ ]
 
  Address:   [ ]
 
      [ ]
Enclosures

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EMPLOYEE SUMMARY OF DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS
1.   Award Agreement Letter
 
    Sign and return within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the Award to:
 
    Leslie S. Magee
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
11100 Mead Road, Suite 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
 
2.   Stock Power (Exhibit A)
 
    Sign exactly as your name appears on the Stock Power and have witnessed. Leave all other fields blank. The original must be returned with the Award Agreement Letter above within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the Award.
 
3.   Waiver of 83(b) Election (Exhibit C)
 
    You must choose to waive OR select an 83(b) election. Make your appropriate selection, sign and return within thirty (30) days of receipt of Award to:
 
    Leslie S. Magee
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
FAX: 225.298.5382
EMAIL: lmagee@he-equipment.com
 
4.   83(b) Election Form (Exhibit D) Disregard if you have chosen to waive the 83(b) Election in #3 above.
 
    If you have made an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, you must complete this form.
  (a)   File original with the Internal Revenue Service Center where the taxpayer’s income tax return will be filed. Filing must be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Award.
 
  (b)   Attach one copy to the taxpayer’s income tax return for the taxable year in which the property was transferred.
 
  (c)   Submit one copy within thirty (30) days of receipt of Award to the Company:
 
      Leslie S. Magee
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
FAX:         225.298.5382
EMAIL:     lmagee@he-equipment.com

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exv21w1
Exhibit 21.1
Table of Subsidiaries of Registrant
     
Name   Jurisdiction of Incorporation
H&E Finance Corp
  DE
GNE Investments, Inc.
  WA
Great Northern Equipment, Inc.
  MT
H&E California Holdings, Inc.
  CA
H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC
  DE
H&E Equipment Services (Mid-Atlantic), Inc.
  VA

 

exv23w1
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-138242) of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. of our reports dated March 5, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of H&E Equipment Services, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.
         
   
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP    
BDO Seidman, LLP   
Dallas, Texas
March 5, 2010 
 

 

exv31w1
         
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, John M. Engquist, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc.;
 
  2   Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual 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 annual report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15e and 15d-15e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15f and 15d-15f) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such internal control 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)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   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
 
  (d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
  (a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  (b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Dated: March 3, 2010  By:   /s/ John M. Engquist    
    John M. Engquist   
    President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 

 

exv31w2
         
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     I, Leslie S. Magee, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of H&E Equipment Services, Inc.;
 
  2   Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual 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 annual report;
 
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15e and 15d-15e) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15f and 15d-15f) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such internal control 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)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  (c)   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
 
  (d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
  (a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  (b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
Dated: March 3, 2010  By:   /s/ Leslie S. Magee    
    Leslie S. Magee Chief   
    Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) 
 

 

exv32w1
         
Exhibit 32.1
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     In connection with the Annual Report of H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John M. Engquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Leslie S. Magee, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)   to my knowledge, the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
         
     
Dated: March 3, 2010  By:   /s/ John M. Engquist    
    John M. Engquist   
    President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
     
Dated: March 3, 2010  By:   /s/ Leslie S. Magee    
    Leslie S. Magee   
    Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)