Fountain Powerboat Industries, Inc. (the Company), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fountain Powerboats, Inc. (the
Subsidiary), designs, manufactures, and sells offshore sport boats, sport fishing boats and sport cruisers intended for that segment of the recreational power boat market where speed, performance, and quality are the main criteria for
purchase. The Company also produces military support craft for domestic and international government agencies, including the United States Customs Service, the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. The Companys strategy in
concentrating on these segments of the market is to maximize its use of the reputation of its Chairman and President, Reginald M. Fountain, Jr., as an internationally recognized designer and builder of high speed power boats.
The Companys products are sold through a network of authorized dealers
worldwide. The Company has targeted that segment of the market in which purchase decisions are generally predicated to a relatively greater degree on the products image, style, speed, performance, quality, and safety.
Products.
The majority of the companys recreational products are based upon a deep V-shaped fiberglass hull with a V-shaped pad,
a notched transom, and a positive lift step hull. This design enables the boat to achieve performance with standard reliable power which the Company believes are greater than those offered by any of its competitors worldwide. As a result, the
Company maintains that its boats are among the fastest, smoothest, safest, and best-handling boats of their kind.
The Companys sport boats, ranging from 27 to 47, are of inboard/outboard design. These boats are propelled by single, twin, or triple
gasoline or diesel engines ranging from 300 HP to more than 1075 HP each. The Company builds outboard powered center consoles, and outboard or stern drive cabin model offshore sport fishing boats ranging from 23 through 38. In addition
the company also has a line of express cruisers with 38 and 48 offerings. These boats are offered with gas or diesel options. The 48 utilizes surface drives which are very efficient, durable, and resist corrosion better than
traditional stern drives. The 48 was named Boating Magazines Boat of the Year award for 2002 in its December 2002 issue, which is the boating industries highest accolade. In addition, the Robb Report named the 48 the Best of the
Best for 2003 in their June 2003 issue. This boat also set the record from Key West, Florida to Cancun, Mexico in just 8 hours and 35 minutes in August 2003. The Company also builds custom racing boats for the APBA and SBI racing circuits.
In addition to Sportboats, Fishing boats, and the new Cruiser
Lines, the Company also produces a line of military/governmental boats of various configurations. These boats are commercial versions of the large sportboats and fishing boats, and along with the rigid inflatable boats (RIB), form a separate
military/commercial product line.
The Companys 47
Lightning Sport Boat operates at speeds of 75 to 100 mph and is very stable and suited for long range cruising in offshore waters. Its sleek styling makes it particularly attractive. Depending primarily upon the type of engines and options selected,
this boat retails at prices ranging from $400,000 to $625,000. This boats standard features include a custom windshield, integrated swim platform, flush deck hatches, and an attractively appointed cockpit and cabin.
2
The Companys redesigned 42 Lightning, comes with a newly designed positive lift hull, a full
wrap around windshield, as well as an impressive range of speed, stability and ride comfort. This top selling model equipped with special engines currently holds the world speed record for V-bottom boats at 171.883 mph recorded by APBA/UIM & SBI
on August 7, 2004. The retail price of the 42 ranges from $293,000 to $592,000.
The 42 Executioner was introduced in Fiscal 2004 with retro styling and competitive pricing for the 40+ foot sport boat market.
The 38 Lightning operates at speeds of between 70 and 100 mph. The retail price ranges from $269,000 to $344,000,
depending primarily upon the type of engines selected. This model was cited by Powerboat Magazine in 2002 as Offshore Performance Boat of the Year. In Fiscal 2002, the 38 Lightning incorporated a new superventilated hull that is
the most advanced superventilated hull produced by Fountain to date and it is based on their successful design, enhancing performance and interior space.
The 35 Lightning Sport Boat was totally redesigned and introduced in Fiscal 2000 to go with a higher freeboard, new twin-step design, and new deck
and interior. It operates at speeds between 70 and 100 mph. This boat won the 2001 Offshore Boat of the Year by Powerboat Magazine and has proven itself as the fastest boat in Factory II history, setting the kilo record at 94.187 mph. This
boats retail price ranges from $230,000 to $303,000, depending primarily upon the type of engines selected.
For Fiscal 2003 we reintroduced the 35 Executioner. Its retro styling and a competitive offshore entry level price has made it our number one
seller.
The 32 Fever was also reintroduced in Fiscal
2003. Retail price ranges from $154,000 to $168,000.
The
29 Fever is still one of the most popular boats. It operates at speeds of 65 to 85 mph and retail price ranges from $112,000 to $153,000 depending on engine size. It has great balance and speed for a single engine and operates in offshore sea
conditions with superior safety and handling. This boat is also offered with twin small block engines. This model has been awarded the 2001 Outstanding Sport Boat Performance Award by Powerboat Magazine and has set the 2000 APBA F-1 record at 89.873
mph.
The 27 Fever is a single engine model that
incorporates the same features, components and designs as our larger offshore performance boats. Its retail price ranges from $101,000 and $131,000.
The Company also builds and markets a sport fishing line. Our new generation of fishing boat is once again setting the standard for offshore fishing. The
34 and 38 are heavily campaigned on the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) tournament trail.
The 38 sport fish model is a wide beam center console with T-Top and cuddy cabin that was introduced in fiscal 2001. It features triple outboards
and retail price ranges from $218,000 to $245,000.
The
34 sport fish wide beam center console model was introduced in fiscal 2002 and is offered with twin or triple outboard engines. Its retail prices range from $194,000 to $224,000, depending upon engine selection. The addition of this model has
added greatly to our fish boat volume and profitability.
The
31 sport fish model features a center console with T-Top design and incorporates the same high performance, styling, and structural integrity as the sport boat models. It has a deck configuration engineered for the knowledgeable, experienced
sport fisherman. Retail price for this model ranges from $125,000 to $137,000.
The additional models include the 29 twin engine center console model and 23 single engine center console model. The design, construction, and performance of these models, together with the proven features
of the 31 center console model, makes a line that appeals to many experienced sport fishermen, in addition to the weekend warrior.
3
To further enhance its sport fishing line, the Company has a 31 walk around cabin model based upon
the proven 31 center console hull design. This model features a deck design that incorporates a cabin with standup headroom, an enclosed head with shower, and a full galley. With twin outboard engine power, this model is produced either as a
fishing machine or as a recreational cruiser.
The Company also
produces a 29 walk around cabin fishing boat with outboard engine power and a single stern drive 29 and a 32 walk around cabin fishing model with twin stern drive power.
The 38 sport fish cruiser was introduced at the Miami Boat Show in February of 2003 and is offered with twin gas or
diesel engines. The 38 sport fish cruiser offers the customer the luxury and amenities of an express fisher while maintaining the performance and handling of a Fountain sport boat. Retail price for this boat ranges from $338,000 to $371,000.
Our newest boat, the 38LX is the perfect combination for
fishing, performance, entertaining and over -nighting. Powered by triple Mercury outboards, the 38 is extremely efficient and runs in excess of 60 MPH. The price ranges from $285,000 to $300,000.
During the past three years the Company has made great strides in the express
cruiser market by developing the 38 and 48 express cruiser models. These boats offer customers the speed and performance that you would typically find in a sport boat with the amenities of a traditional cruiser. We do it by integrating
our positive lift bottom, notched transom and pad keel design, which greatly enhances the performance.
The 38 express cruiser was introduced at the Miami Boat Show in February of 2001. The 38 express cruiser offers the customer the luxury and
space of a full cruiser while maintaining the performance and handling of a Fountain sport boat. This boat been extremely well received by the market and retail price ranges from $323,000 to $367,000.
In Fiscal 2002, the Company introduced the latest in their express cruiser
and wide-beam lines. The 48 wide-beam express cruiser debuted offering a whole new level of comfort and luxury. With speeds of up to 65 mph, the 48 Express Cruiser launched the Company into a new expanding market segment with an edge in
performance and class. This 48 retail price ranges from $697,000 to $864,000, depending upon engine choice and option configurations.
In Fiscal 2005, the Company will introduce new and redesigned fish boat and sport boat models, to include:
23 Fish Boat
Built to succeed our 23 fish boat,
features a wide, deep hull for smooth ride no matter what the condition of the seas. Plus, the hulls double stepped, and available with twin Mercury engines, for added performance and safety. There is also plenty of fishing room, so the
fisherman can easily maneuver about.
33 Sport Fish
Cruiser
So versatile it appeals to serious fishermen as well as fun-loving families, this new boat is sure to make a big splash next year. Powered by twin 275 HP Mercury Verado outboards, it races to the fish and features every amenity
anglers demand. With large areas for entertaining, fishing and overnight capabilities for six, families will be just as impressed.
42 Poker Run
Speed rules in the world of sport boats, which is why we expect next years 42 Poker Run Edition to be a
superstar. Its a highly customized specialty boat aimed at the ever-growing poker-run market. Participants in these wildly popular events love to flaunt the speed of their boats, and nothing will leave a more lasting impression than our new
Poker Run Edition.
4
Following is a table showing the number of boats completed and shipped in each of the last three fiscal
years by product line:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal
2004
|
|
Fiscal
2003
|
|
Fiscal
2002
|
|
Sport boats
|
|
244
|
|
198
|
|
115
|
|
Wide beam fish boats
|
|
70
|
|
69
|
|
44
|
|
Wide beam cruisers
|
|
31
|
|
29
|
|
21
|
|
Sport fishing boats
|
|
66
|
|
89
|
|
48
|
|
Other
|
|
0
|
|
3
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
411
|
|
388
|
|
231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2004
the Company had a backlog of firm orders for 206 boats, totaling sales of $39,087,752, all of which will be completed during Fiscal 2005. At June 30, 2003 the sales backlog was 54 boats, totaling $7,585,761.
The Company conducts research and development projects for the design of its
plugs and molds for hull, deck, and small parts production. The design, engineering, and tooling departments currently employ approximately 32 full-time employees. Amounts spent on design, research, and development to build new plugs and molds in
recent years were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Design
Research &
Development
|
|
Construction
of New Plugs
and Molds
|
|
Fiscal 2004
|
|
$
|
871,386
|
|
$
|
1,060,533
|
|
Fiscal 2003
|
|
$
|
552,072
|
|
$
|
1,056,852
|
|
Fiscal 2002
|
|
$
|
952,332
|
|
$
|
1,370,526
|
For Fiscal 2005,
design, research and development planned expenses are estimated to be $958,000 and plug and mold construction expenditures are estimated to be $1,507,000. These expenditures will be used primarily to enhance and upgrade our line of fish boats to
give us a more predominant presence in the very active fish boat market.
Manufacturing capacity is sufficient to accommodate approximately 30 to 40 boats in various stages of construction at any one time. Construction of a current model boat, depending on size, takes approximately three to
ten weeks. The Company, with additional personnel, currently has the capacity to manufacture approximately 500 sport and fishing boats, and 75 cruisers per year.
The manufacturing process for the hulls and decks consists primarily of the hand lay-up of vinylester resins and
high quality stitched, bi-directional and quad-directional fiberglass over a foam core in the molds designed and constructed by the Companys engineering and tooling department. This creates a composite structure with strong outer and inner
skins with a thicker, light core in between. The lay-up of fiberglass by
5
hand rather than using chopped fiberglass and mechanical blowers, results in superior strength and appearance. The resin
used to bind the composite structure together is vinylester, which is stronger, better bonding, and more flexible than the polyester resins used by most other fiberglass boat manufacturers. Decks are bonded to the hulls using bonding agents, rivets,
screws and fiberglass to achieve a strong, unitized construction.
As one of the most highly integrated manufacturers in the marine industry, the Company manufactures many metal, plexiglass, plastic, and small parts (such as fuel tanks, seat frames, instrument panels, bow rails, brackets, T-tops, and
windscreens) to assure that its quality standards are met. In addition, the Company also manufactures all of its upholstery to its own custom specifications and benefits from receiving these parts just in time for assembly. All other component parts
and materials used in the manufacture of the Companys boats are readily available from a variety of suppliers at comparable prices exclusive of discounts. However, the Company purchases certain supplies and materials from a limited number of
suppliers in order to obtain the benefit of volume discounts.
Certain materials used in boat manufacturing, including the resins used to make the decks and hulls, are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive and are classified by the federal and state governments as hazardous materials.
Control of these substances is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and state pollution control agencies which require reports and inspect facilities to monitor compliance with their regulations. The Companys cost of compliance
with environmental regulations has not been material. The Companys manufacturing facilities are regularly inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and by state and local inspection agencies and departments. The Company
believes that its facilities comply with substantially all regulations. The Company, however, has been informed that it may incur or may have incurred liability for re-mediation of ground water contamination at a hazardous waste disposal site
resulting from the disposal of a hazardous substance at those sites by a third-party contractor of the Subsidiary. (See Legal Proceedings.)
Recreational powerboats must be certified by the manufacturer to meet U.S. Coast Guard specifications. Their safety is subject to federal regulation under
the Boat Safety Act of 1971, as amended, pursuant to which boat manufacturers may be required to recall products for replacement of parts or components that have demonstrated defects affecting safety. The Company has never had to conduct a product
recall. In addition, boats manufactured for sale in the European Community must meet CE Certification Standards.
Sales and Marketing.
Sales are made through approximately 55 dealer shipping locations throughout the United States. Most of these dealers are not exclusive to the Company and
carry the boats of other companies, including some boats that may be competitive with the Companys products. The territories served by any dealer are not exclusive to the dealer. However, the Company uses discretion in locating new dealers in
an effort to protect the interests of the existing dealers.
Following is a table of sales by geographic area for the last three fiscal years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2004
|
|
Fiscal 2003
|
|
Fiscal 2002
|
|
United States
|
|
$
|
57,580,728
|
|
$
|
50,796,277
|
|
$
|
35,450,436
|
|
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America
|
|
$
|
1,441,308
|
|
$
|
929,481
|
|
$
|
1,500,145
|
|
Europe and the Middle East
|
|
$
|
819,724
|
|
$
|
595,777
|
|
$
|
|
|
Asia
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
235,549
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
59,841,760
|
|
$
|
52,557,084
|
|
$
|
36,950,581
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
The Company targets a portion of its advertising program into foreign countries through various
advertising media. It continues to seek new dealers throughout Europe, South America, the Far East and the Middle East. In general, the Company requires payment in full or an irrevocable letter of credit from a domestic bank before it will ship a
boat overseas. Consequently, there is no credit risk associated with its foreign sales or risk related to foreign currency fluctuation.
For Fiscal 2004, one dealer accounted for 10.5% of sales, one accounted for 10.2% of sales and two each accounted for 5% of sales. For Fiscal 2003, one
dealer accounted for 10.3% of sales, one for 8.0% of sales and one accounted for 6.7% of sales. For Fiscal 2002 one dealer accounted for 11.8% of sales, one for 11.7% of sales and two each for 8% of sales. The Company believes that the loss of any
particular dealer could have an adverse affect on sales, yet the Company believes they could find other dealers within the same geographical area to replace any that are lost. The Company is actively pursuing the addition of new, quality dealers. As
sales continue to grow through dealer additions, it is reasonable to assume the Company will grow less dependent on any one dealer.
Field sales representatives call upon existing dealers and develop new dealers. The field sales force is headed by the Vice President of Sales who is
responsible for developing a full dealer organization for sport boats, sport fishing boats and express cruisers. The Company is seeking to establish separate sport boat, fishing boat, and cruiser dealers in most marketing areas due to the
specialization of each type of boat and the different sales programs required.
Although a sales order can be cancelled at any time, most boats are pre-sold to a dealer before entering the production line. To date, cancellations have not had a material effect on the Company. The Company normally
does not manufacture boats for its own inventory.
The Company
ships boats to some dealers on a cash-on-delivery basis. However, the majority of the Companys shipments are made pursuant to commercial dealer floor plan financing programs in which the Company participates on behalf of its
dealers. Under these arrangements, a dealer establishes lines of credit with one or more third-party lenders for the purchase of showroom inventory. When a dealer purchases a boat pursuant to a floor plan arrangement, it draws against its line of
credit and the lender pays the invoice cost of the boat directly to the Company. Generally, payment is made to the Company within five business days. When the dealer sells the boat to a retail customer, the dealer repays the lender, thereby
restoring its available credit line. The dealers make curtailment payments (principal payments) on the boats when required by their particular commercial lenders. As part of this sales promotion program the Company agrees to pay interest on the
floor plan for a certain period of time. Similar sales promotion programs were in effect during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002.
Each dealers floor plan credit facilities are secured by the dealers inventory, letters of credit, and perhaps other personal and real
property. In connection with the dealers floor plan arrangements, the Company (together with substantially all other major manufacturers) has agreed to repurchase any of its boats which a lender repossesses from a dealer and returns to the
Company in a new or like new condition. In the event that a dealer defaults under a credit line, the lender may then invoke the manufacturers repurchase agreements with respect to that dealer. In that event, all repurchase agreements of all
manufacturers supplying a defaulting dealer are generally invoked regardless of the boat or boats with respect to which the dealer has defaulted (See also Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).
The Company participates in floor plan arrangements with several major third-party lenders on behalf of its dealers, most of whom have financing arrangements with more than one lender. Except as described above, or where it has a direct repurchase
agreement with a dealer, the Company is under no material obligation to repurchase boats from its dealers. From time to time the Company will voluntarily repurchase a boat for the convenience of the dealer or for another dealer who needs a
particular model not readily available from the factory. The marketing of boats to retail customers is primarily the responsibility of the dealer, whose efforts are supplemented by the Company through advertising in boating magazines, and by
participation in boat shows.
7
Additionally, in order to further promote its products over the years, the Company has developed racing
programs to participate in the major classes of offshore powerboat races, many of which are regularly televised on networks such as Outdoor Channel. Additionally, Fountain single, twin and triple engine racing boats continue to hold their respective
world speed records. The result of these racing programs and world speed records has established the Companys products as the highest performing and safest designed offshore boats. The Company believes that the favorable publicity generated by
these performance programs contributes to its sales volume and brand recognition. The Company Founder and C.E.O., Reggie Fountain, has won numerous races in both factory and customer owned boats; he has also set numerous world speed records in both
factory and customer owned boats.
As part of the marketing
program for its line of sport fishing boats, the Company sponsors several outstanding sport fishermen. Fountain fishermen have won the coveted SKA Angler of the Year title in 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1997, which is more than any other
boat manufacturer. Currently, Fountain has an eleven (11) member team comprised of world class anglers who own Fountain boats. These fishermen can afford any boat but they choose to run a Fountain. Fountain is also a dominant force in the newly
formed American Striper Association (ASA). ASA tournaments are held throughout the northeast in areas ranging from Virginia to Maine. The Fountain fishing teams winning records have given the sport fishing boats favorable exposure to serious sport
fishermen, in particular with respect to the superior performance of Fountains fishing boat line.
Domestic retail demand for pleasure boats is seasonal with sales generally highest in the fourth quarter. A number of factors can influence demand for the
Companys products, including, but not limited to:
|
|
|
Economic conditions and consumer confidence in the United States and certain international regions;
|
|
|
|
Adverse weather in key geographic areas, including excessive rain, prolonged below average temperatures and severe heat or drought, particularly during the key selling season;
|
|
|
|
The level of inventories maintained by the dealers;
|
|
|
|
The Companys ability to provide competitive products;
|
|
|
|
Availability of effective distribution;
|
|
|
|
Prevailing interest rates and the availability of retail financing;
|
|
|
|
Consumer interest in recreational boating.
|
Product Warranty.
The Company warrants its boat hull and deck structure against defects in material and workmanship for a period of six years. Other boat components are
covered in accordance with the manufacturers warranty through the Company. The engine manufacturer warrants engines installed in the boats. Warranty expenses of $547,507 or .9% of sales were incurred in Fiscal 2004, and $645,344 of expense or
1.2% of sales were incurred in Fiscal 2003 and charged against net income. These amounts exclude expenses for new models that are attributable to research and development and model revision costs. A $710,000 reserve for warranty expenses net of the
research and development costs estimated to be incurred in future years had been established at June 30, 2004.
8
Competition.
Competition within the powerboat manufacturing industry is intense. While the high performance sports boat market comprises only a small segment of all
boats manufactured, the higher prices commanded by these boats make it a significant market in terms of total dollars spent. The manufacturers that compete directly with the Company in its market segment include:
Formula, a Division of Thunderbird Products Corporation
Baja Boats, a Division of Brunswick Corporation
Cigarette Racing Team, Inc.
Donzi, American Marine Holdings
Contender Boats
Wellcraft
Hydra Sports
Grady White
The Company believes that in its market segment, speed, performance, quality, image, and safety are the main competitive
factors, with style and price also being a consideration.
Market demographics and industry experience indicate that the fishing boat market is the best potential growth market. We are expanding our fishing boat offerings to met the rising demand in this market.
In addition, the Company believes the current product owners, many of whom
have purchased multiple and increasingly larger boats from the Company, provide a market ready for expansion into the cruiser segment.
Employees.
As of September 2004 the Company had 413 employees, of whom nine were executive and management personnel. Fifteen were engaged primarily in administrative
positions including accounting, personnel, marketing and sales activities. None of the Companys employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its employee relations to be excellent. The Company is an