ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
Table of Contents



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K

     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
    For the year ended December 31, 2002.
 
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 0-22276


Allied Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Georgia
  58-0360550
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
ID Number)

160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200, Decatur, Georgia 30030

(Address of principal executive office)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (404) 373-4285

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
No par value Common Stock
  American Stock Exchange
(Title of Class)   (Name of Exchange on which Registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes þ          No o

      Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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 an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).     Yes o          No þ

      As of March 3, 2003 Registrant had outstanding 8,443,961 shares of common stock. The aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing sales price of the common stock on March 3, 2003 as reported on the American Stock Exchange, was approximately $20.1 million.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

      Portions of the proxy statement for Registrant’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held June 19, 2003 are incorporated by reference in Part III.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
EX-4.3(A) FIRST AMENDMENT TO FINANCING AGREEMENT
EX-10.9 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
EX-10.12(A) AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT
EX-21 SUBSIDIARIES OF ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
EX-23.1 CONSENT OF KPMG LLP
EX-23.2 NOTICE RE: CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Table of Contents

ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
Page
Caption Number


PART I        
Item 1.
  Business     2  
Item 2.
  Properties     11  
Item 3.
  Legal Proceedings     12  
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     13  
 
PART II        
Item 5.
  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     14  
Item 6.
  Selected Consolidated Financial Data     15  
Item 7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     17  
Item 7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     28  
Item 8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     28  
Item 9. 28
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure        
PART III        
Item 10.
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     28  
Item 11.
  Executive Compensation     29  
Item 12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     29  
Item 13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     29  
Item 14.
  Controls and Procedures     29  
 
PART IV        
Item 15.
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K     29  

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PART I

 
Item 1. Business

1.     General

      Allied Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Allied”), founded in 1934, is a holding company which operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries are Allied Automotive Group, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries referred to as the “Allied Automotive Group” or “Automotive Group”) and Axis Group, Inc. (“Axis” or the “Axis Group”). Allied Automotive Group is the largest motor carrier in North America specializing in the transportation of new and pre-owned automobiles, sport utility vehicles (“SUV’s”), and light trucks utilizing specialized tractor trailers (“Rigs or Rig”) and serves and supports all of the major domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers. The Axis Group provides distribution services to the used and new finished vehicle distribution market and other segments of the automotive industry that complement the Automotive Group’s services.

      Allied Automotive Group offers a full range of automotive delivery services including transporting new, used and off-lease vehicles to dealers from plants, rail ramps, ports and auctions, and providing vehicle rail-car loading and unloading services. Allied Automotive Group represented approximately 97% of the Company’s consolidated 2002 revenues. Allied Automotive Group operates primarily in the short-haul segment of the automotive transportation industry with an average length of haul of less than 200 miles. General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota and Honda represent the Company’s largest customers, accounting for in total approximately 87% of 2002 revenues. Allied Automotive Group also provides services to all other major foreign manufacturers, including Mazda, Nissan, Isuzu, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi. All of Allied Automotive Group’s major car hauling competitors are privately held and there is minimal public information available with respect to such companies, but Allied Automotive Group believes that its 2002 revenues were substantially greater than those of its closest competitor.

      The Company provides distribution and transportation support services to the pre-owned and new vehicle market and other segments of the automotive industry through the Axis Group that complement Allied Automotive Group’s new vehicle distribution services operations. Axis provides carrier management services for various automotive clients, leases equipment for containerized international shipment of vehicles, and provides vehicle processing services at ports and inland distribution centers. Axis, through its subsidiary CT Group, Inc., provides a variety of related support services to the pre-owned vehicle market, including marshalling and yard management services. In addition, Axis provides logistics and distribution services in Mexico, as well as vehicle tracking for more than 1.5 million Toyota vehicles annually. Axis sold its interest in a joint venture in Brazil for $3.0 million in April 2002.

2.     Services

      Allied Automotive Group is the largest motor carrier in North America specializing in the transportation of new automobiles, SUV’s and light trucks for all the major domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers. Allied Automotive Group also believes it can increase the number of secondary market vehicles (used automobiles) it delivers by utilizing its large fleet and expansive terminal network to deliver secondary market vehicles on a backhaul basis.

      The Company provides corresponding services to its customers through its Axis Group subsidiary. Axis Group is aggressively pursuing opportunities to provide distribution and support services to customers in the automotive industry and seeks to leverage its proprietary information systems in order to efficiently provide such services. These services include identifying new and innovative distribution methods for customers, providing solutions to improve the management of inventory of new and used vehicles, and providing reconditioning services to the used and remarketed vehicle market. Axis Group has also targeted growth in the secondary markets through expansion of its carrier management services.

      Information regarding revenues, operating profit and total assets of each operating segment of the Company for the fiscal years 2000 through 2002, and information regarding revenues and long-lived assets of

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the Company attributed to the geographic areas in which the Company conducted business during those fiscal years, is set forth in note 17 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3.     Customer Relationships

      Allied Automotive Group has written multi-year contracts with substantially all of its customers. Allied Automotive Group’s contracts with its customers establish rates for the transportation of vehicles and generally are based upon a fixed rate per vehicle transported and a variable rate for each mile a vehicle is transported including an administrative processing fee. The contracts provide that the rate per vehicle may vary depending on the size and weight of the vehicle and can be terminated by either party upon specified days’ notice. The contracts between Allied Automotive Group and its customers covering approximately 64% of the Company’s 2002 revenues, permit Allied Automotive Group to recover for increases in fuel prices. None of Allied Automotive Group’s contracts with its customers allow it to recover increases in fuel taxes or labor costs unless it is mutually agreed to by Allied Automotive Group and its customers.

      Allied Automotive Group operates under a 36 month contract as to ramp locations and a 39 month contract as to plant locations for Ford vehicles which provides that the Allied Automotive Group is the primary carrier for 22 locations in the United States and 10 Canadian locations. This contract was entered into in September 2002. Each party to the contract has the right to terminate the agreement by location on 75 days’ notice.

      Allied Automotive Group is the primary carrier for 16 locations in the United States and 13 in Canada for DaimlerChrysler under a contract that expires on January 31, 2005. This contract may be terminated by location on 150 days’ notice by either party. Allied Automotive Group has a contract with General Motors which expires in March 2004 and provides that Allied Automotive Group is the primary carrier for 36 locations in the United States and Canada. General Motors does not have the right to re-source business under the terms of the contract. Allied Automotive Group operates under a two-year agreement with Toyota that expires in September 2003. This contract may be terminated by Toyota, by location, on 60 days’ notice.

4.     Proprietary Management Information Systems

      The Company, through its subsidiaries, has made a long-term commitment to utilize technology to serve its customers. Allied Automotive Group’s advanced management information system is a unique centralized, fully integrated information system utilizing a mainframe computer together with client servers. The system is based on a company-wide information database, which allows Allied Automotive Group to quickly respond to customer information requests without having to combine data files from several sources. Updates with respect to vehicle load, dispatch and delivery are immediately available for reporting to customers and for better control and tracking of customer vehicle inventories. Through electronic data interchange (EDI), Allied Automotive Group communicates directly with manufacturers in the process of delivering vehicles and electronically bills and collects from manufacturers. Allied Automotive Group also utilizes EDI to communicate with inspection companies, railroads, port processors, and other carriers.

      Subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group also utilize the information system to allow them to operate their businesses more efficiently. For example, the information systems of Allied Automotive Group automatically design an optimal load for each Rig, taking into account factors such as the capacity of the Rig, the size of the vehicles, the route, the drop points, applicable weight and height restrictions and the formula for paying drivers. The system also determines the most economical and efficient load sequence and drop sequence for the vehicles to be transported. Axis has developed and utilizes a yard management system and a vehicle track and trace system that includes an estimated time of arrival engine to identify product delivery dates to final dealer destinations.

5.     Management Strategy

      The Company has adopted a performance management strategy which it believes contributes to driver productivity, cargo claim prevention, enhanced efficiency, safety, and the stability of its operations. The

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Company’s management strategy and culture is results-driven and designed to enhance employee performance through high standards, accountability, precise metrics, careful selection, and continuous training of new employees, with individual performance goals established for each employee and performance measured regularly through the Company’s management information system. During 2002, the Company made significant changes and additions to its management team which the Company believes has increased the quality and leadership ability of this group.

      More specifically, David Rawden joined Allied Holdings as Senior Vice President in March 2002. Mr. Rawden heads the Company’s newly formed Business Process Engineering Department. Mr. Rawden’s department is devoted to re-engineering core processes throughout the organization to maximize speed and efficiency. Mr. Rawden is also responsible for the Company’s risk management activities, including cargo claims, workers compensation and traffic accidents.

      The Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan in December 1998 to provide all employees the opportunity to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, which is intended to provide a strong incentive for employees to achieve the Company’s goals and align the interests of the employees with those of the Company’s shareholders.

6.     Risk Management and Insurance

      Each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries is responsible for defining risks and securing appropriate insurance programs and coverages at cost effective rates for the Company. Allied Automotive Group utilizes third party administrators to administer workers’ compensation, auto and general liability claims. Allied Automotive Group is self-insured for workers’ compensation claims in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Liability and workers’ compensation claims are subject to periodic audits by Allied Automotive Group’s commercial insurance carriers. In the United States, Allied Automotive Group currently retains up to $650,000 of liability for each claim for workers’ compensation and up to $500,000 of liability for automobile and general liability, including personal injury and property damage claims. In addition to the $500,000 per occurrence deductible for automobile liability, there is a $1,500,000 aggregate deductible for those claims which exceed the $500,000 per occurrence deductible subject to a $1,000,000 per claim limit. Allied Automotive Group has also applied a $1,000,000 interaggregate limit to the layer from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. This additional exposure is limited to $1,000,000 in the aggregate, for losses between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Allied Automotive Group also retains up to $250,000 of liability for each cargo damage claim and physical damage claim to its owned and leased automobiles and tractor trailer units. In Canada, Allied Automotive Group retains up to CDN $500,000 of liability for each claim for personal injury, property damage or cargo damage. Also, in Canada, there is a CDN $500,000 aggregate limit for losses above CDN $500,000 and losses in excess of CDN $500,000 are limited to CDN $500,000.

      The Company records the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of the claims. The amount recorded is based on management’s evaluation of the nature and severity of claims and estimates of future claim development based on historical trends.

      If Allied Automotive Group were to experience a material increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or workers’ compensation claims or unfavorable developments in existing claims, the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected. The Company formed Haul Insurance Limited in December 1995 as a captive insurance subsidiary to provide reinsurance coverage to its licensed insurance carriers for certain types of losses within the retentions indicated, primarily non-self insured workers’ compensation, automobile liability and general liability, as indicated above. Other coverages are provided by nonrelated primary and reinsurance companies.

7.     Equipment, Maintenance and Fuel

      Allied Automotive Group has historically invested heavily in both new equipment and equipment remanufacture, which have served to increase efficiency and extend the useful life of Rigs. Currently, new 75-foot Rigs cost approximately $150,000 and have a useful life of approximately 15 years when properly

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maintained and remanufactured. Allied Automotive Group operates approximately 3,800 company-owned Rigs with an average age of 6.8 years based on the original purchase date or the remanufacturing date if the Rig has been remanufactured. The average remaining life of the company-owned Rigs, assuming a total useful life of 15 years, is 6 years.

      During 2002, Allied Automotive Group spent approximately $12.8 million on a fleet remanufacturing program, remanufacturing 10.0% of its owned active fleet. Remanufacturing costs approximately $35,000 per Rig compared to a cost per new Rig of approximately $150,000. In addition, in accordance with the fleet remanufacturing program, Allied replaced engines in approximately 350 Rigs during 2002 at an additional cost of $5.9 million. Allied Automotive Group expects this program to enable the Company to remanufacture approximately 15.0% of its existing active fleet each year.

      All of Allied Automotive Group’s terminals have access to a central parts warehouse through the management information system. The system calculates maximum and minimum parts inventory quantities based upon usage and automatically reorders parts. Minor modifications of equipment are performed at terminal locations. Major modifications involving change in length, configuration or load capacity are performed by the trailer manufacturers.

      In order to reduce fuel costs, Allied Automotive Group purchased approximately 38% of its fuel in bulk in 2002. Also, fuel is purchased by drivers on the road from a few major suppliers that offer competitive discounts and central billing.

8.     Competition

      After the acquisition of certain subsidiaries of Ryder System, Inc. (Ryder) in 1997, Allied Automotive Group became the largest transporter of new vehicles in the United States and Canada. In the years 1997 through 2001 after the Ryder acquisition, Allied Automotive Group lost market share primarily due to increased non-unionized competition. In 2001, Allied Automotive Group’s market share was also impacted by the decision to close four unprofitable terminal locations. In 2002, Allied Automotive Group’s market share was further affected by its decision to exit substantially all business with Nissan in the United States. In recent months, the Company has implemented customer service measures intended to increase customer retention and has implemented an organic growth strategy to capitalize on changes taking place in the automotive distribution industry.

      Automotive manufacturers are making fundamental changes to their vehicle distribution systems in an effort to increase the speed of delivery of finished vehicles to dealers with a goal of reducing inventory and improving the reliability of delivery, including the use of fourth party logistics companies by automotive manufacturers. An example is the relationship between Ford and Autogistics, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS Logistics, whereby Ford has engaged Autogistics to oversee its delivery network. All Ford vehicles in North America are shipped under the direction of Autogistics. In addition, General Motors has formed Vector SCM, a joint venture with CNF, Inc., which is General Motors’ global lead logistics service provider, and DaimlerChrysler has formed Insight, a joint venture with the Union Pacific Railroad. Management of Allied Automotive Group believes that the formation of these joint ventures will provide it with an opportunity to collaborate more directly with logistics professionals. The Company’s aspiration is to increase market share on the basis of superior customer value propositions, and by differentiating itself from its competitors on the basis of its experienced drivers, effective management, productive and service-driven operations, extensive and flexible distribution network, and superior management of risk, particularly in cargo claims, worker injuries and traffic accidents. The Company also desires to differentiate its service based on the speed and reliability of its execution. However, there can be no assurance that the use of fourth party logistics companies by the automotive manufacturer will not have a negative impact on the Allied Automotive Group.

      Major motor carriers specializing in the delivery of new vehicles that are competitors of the Allied Automotive Group include Leaseway, Jack Cooper, Cassens, Hadley and E & L, all of which utilize union labor, and Swift, Wagoneer and Fleet Car, all of which utilize non-union labor. These companies may be able to provide similar services to those provided by Allied Automotive Group at lower costs. The number of motor carriers, as well as the market share represented by motor carriers, utilizing non-union labor has increased, and

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as a result, these non-union carriers may be able to provide delivery services at a cost to customers that is less than the cost of Allied’s services.

9.     Employees and Owner Operators

      Subsidiaries of the Company have approximately 6,600 employees, including approximately 4,300 drivers, which are employees of Allied Automotive Group. All employee drivers and shop and yard personnel of Allied Automotive Group are currently represented by various labor unions. The majority of the employees of the operating subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group are covered by the Master Agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) which expires on May 31, 2003. The Master Agreement was entered into in June 1999 and provided for an increase of approximately 3% per year in wage and benefits in excess of the prior contract with the IBT.

      The Master Agreement was entered into by the IBT and various companies, including certain operating subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group and approximately 13 other unionized car-haul companies as members of the National Automobile Transporters Labor Division (the NATLD). Certain operating subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group and the 13 other car-haul companies were members of the NATLD at the time of execution of the Master Agreement and authorized the NATLD to negotiate and execute the Master Agreement covering all of the respective terminals and operations of the participants in this multi-employer, multi-union bargaining unit. In December 2001, Allied Automotive Group provided notice of its withdrawal from the NATLD, which took effect on March 22, 2002 in order to establish an opportunity to negotiate on a more direct basis with the IBT. Certain operating subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group remain subject to the terms of the Master Agreement but are not members of the NATLD.

      Direct negotiations with the IBT for a new agreement officially began on March 3, 2003. The NATLD is also in the process of renegotiating its contract with the IBT. Certain operating subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group seek in the negotiation to continue their relationship with the IBT on terms that are agreeable to union members and provide the companies with the ability to continue to successfully compete in an industry which has recently had an increase in the amount of business handled by non-union car haul companies. Failure to negotiate a new Master Agreement on such terms could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

      The compensation and benefits paid by Allied Automotive Group to union employees are established by union contracts. There can be no assurance that negotiation of new union contracts as the current contracts expire will not result in increased labor costs to the Company or work stoppages, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Subsidiaries of Allied Automotive Group also utilize approximately 600 owner-operators, with approximately 150 of these owner-operators driving exclusively from terminals in Canada for Allied Systems (Canada) Company, a subsidiary of Allied Automotive Group, and approximately 450 driving exclusively from terminals in the United States. The owner-operators are either paid a percentage of the revenues they generate or receive normal driver pay plus a truck allowance.

10.     Regulation

      Certain subsidiaries of the Company are regulated in the United States by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and various state agencies, and in Canada by the National Transportation Agency of Canada and various provincial transport boards. Truck and trailer length, height, width, maximum weight capacity and other specifications are regulated federally in the United States, as well as by individual states and provinces. In recent years, the automotive manufacturers have increased the percentage of vehicles that are light trucks and SUV’s as well as increased the size and weight of many vehicles, as a result, and because of the regulations on truck and trailer length, height, width, and maximum weight capacity, the number of vehicles Allied Automotive Group delivers per load has decreased. Allied Automotive Group successfully negotiated rate increases on most of its SUV and light truck business in 1999 to account for this reduction in the number of deliveries per load. Interstate motor carrier operations are subject to safety requirements prescribed by the DOT. The DOT also regulates certain safety features incorporated in the design of Rigs. The motor carrier transportation industry is also subject to regulatory and legislative changes which can affect the

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economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating policies or influencing the demand for, and the cost of providing, services to shippers. While the Company believes it is in material compliance with these various regulatory requirements, any failure to so comply, as well as any changes in the regulation of the industry through legislative, judicial, administrative or other action, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

      In addition, Allied Automotive Group’s terminal operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations enforced by federal, state, provincial, and local agencies, including those related to the treatment, storage and disposal of wastes, and those related to the storage and handling of lubricants. Allied Automotive Group maintains regular ongoing testing programs for those underground storage tanks (USTs) located at its terminals for compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

11.     Revenue Variability

      The Company’s revenues are variable and can be impacted by sudden unexpected changes in original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”), production levels or unanticipated changes in product type or configuration. In addition, the Company’s revenues are seasonal, with the second and fourth quarters generally experiencing higher revenues than the first and third quarters. The volume of vehicles shipped during the second and fourth quarters is generally higher due to the introduction of new models which are shipped to dealers during those periods, and the higher spring and early summer sales of automobiles, light trucks and SUV’s. During the first and third quarters, vehicle shipments typically decline due to lower sales volume during those periods and scheduled plant shutdowns.

12.     Risk Factors

      The Company’s future financial condition and results of operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those set forth below and in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     Substantial Leverage

      The Company has consolidated indebtedness which is substantial in relation to its stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had total long-term debt of approximately $248.5 million (excluding approximately $129.5 million of trade payables and other accrued liabilities) and stockholders’ equity of approximately $10.3 million. In addition, the Company has additional borrowings available under its revolving credit facility which is discussed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s leveraged financial position exposes it to the risk of increased interest rates, may impede its ability to obtain financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, and may make the Company more vulnerable to economic downturns and limit its ability to withstand competitive pressures.

      The Company’s debt instruments contain a number of affirmative, negative, and financial covenants, which limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, incur debt, incur liens, make investments, make dividend or other distributions or enter into a merger or consolidation transaction. As of December 31, 2002, the Company was in compliance with the terms of its various long-term debt covenants. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to comply with its debt covenants in the future or that, if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

      The Company will need to use a large portion of its future earnings to pay principal and interest on its substantial debt obligations, which will reduce the amount of money available for use in its operations, capital reinvestment, or for responding to potential business opportunities as they arise. The ability of the Company to generate the cash necessary to service its debt is subject to a number of external factors beyond its control, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate sufficient cash through its operations to enable it to meet its obligations. If the Company does not generate enough cash to enable it to meet its debt obligations, it may be required to take actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or financing its debt or seeking additional equity capital. There can be no assurance that any of

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these actions could be effected on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and the terms of existing or future indebtedness may restrict the Company from adopting any of these alternatives.

      Any failure of the Company to comply with the covenants contained in its debt instruments, if not waived, or to adequately service its debt obligations, could result in a default under its debt instruments. If a default occurs under any of the Company’s debt instruments, the lenders thereunder may elect to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. Borrowings under the Company’s credit facility are collateralized with the assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. If the Company were unable to repay any borrowing under its credit facility when due, the lenders thereunder would have the right to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the debt. Any default under the Company’s debt instruments, particularly any default that resulted in acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Labor Matters

      Certain subsidiaries of the Company, along with certain competitors of the Company, which utilize union labor and are engaged in the car-haul business, are parties to the Master Agreement with the IBT. As a result of being a party to the Master Agreement along with these other entities, the Company may not have exclusive control over issues relating to bargaining with the IBT upon expiration of the Master Agreement. The Master Agreement expires May 31, 2003. Negotiation of a new contract with the IBT has begun and Allied is attempting to negotiate a contract between the Company and the IBT, exclusive of any other car-haul companies utilizing union labor. There can be no assurance that negotiation of a new contract upon expiration of the current Master Agreement will not result in increased labor costs to the Company, or that such contracts can be negotiated without work stoppages, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Increases in Fuel Prices

      Fuel is a major expense incident to the transportation of automotive vehicles, and the cost and availability of fuel are subject to economic and political factors and events, which the Company can neither control nor accurately predict. The current unrest in Venezuela, for example, has significantly increased the Company’s fuel costs. Similarly, the involvement by the United States in an armed conflict in the Middle East may increase fuel prices, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company attempts to minimize the effect of fuel price fluctuations by periodically purchasing fuel in advance, but there can be no assurance that such activity will effectively manage the Company’s exposure. In addition, the Company has negotiated fuel surcharges with customers representing approximately 64% of the Company’s customers, which enables it to pass on fuel costs to such customers. Nevertheless, the Company’s remaining customers are not subject to a specific fuel surcharge, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to impose fuel surcharges on its customers. In addition, the customer fuel surcharges typically reset at the beginning of each quarter based on the fuel prices from the previous quarter. Therefore, there is a one-quarter lag between the time fuel prices change and the adjustment to the fuel surcharge. Higher fuel prices resulting from fuel shortages or other factors could materially and adversely affect the Company if the Company is unable to pass on the full amount of fuel price increases to its customers through fuel surcharges or higher rates. In addition, higher fuel prices, even if passed on to customers, or a shortage of supply, could have a detrimental effect on the automotive transportation industry and the business of the Company in general.

     Dependence on Automotive Industry

      The automotive transportation industry is dependent upon the volume of new automobiles and light trucks manufactured, imported and sold. The automotive industry is highly cyclical, and the demand for new automobiles and light trucks is directly affected by such external factors as general economic conditions in the United States, unemployment, consumer confidence, federal policies, the possibility of war, terrorist activities, and the availability of affordable new car financing. As a result, the Company’s results of operations are adversely affected by cyclical downturns in the general economy or in the automotive industry and by

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consumer preferences in purchasing new automobiles, SUV’s, and light trucks. Inventories of new vehicles in the first quarter of 2003 are currently significantly higher than the 2002 levels and sales of new vehicles in the first quarter of 2003 are lower than the 2002 levels. As a result, automotive manufacturers have recently announced reductions in new vehicle production in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the second quarter of 2002. A significant decline in the volume of automobiles, SUV’s, and light trucks manufactured as well as sold in North America could similarly have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Self Insurance Claims

      An increase in the number or severity of accidents, stolen equipment, or other loss events over those anticipated could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s profitability as the Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its risks. In addition, the insurance market is contracting and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain insurance coverage. While the Company currently has insurance coverage, there can be no more assurance that the Company will be able to obtain insurance coverage in the future or obtain coverage at competitive premium rates.

     Dependence on Major Customers

      Allied Automotive Group’s business is highly dependent upon General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota and Honda, its largest customers. The Company operates under written contracts with General Motors, UPS Autogistics, Inc. on behalf of Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota and Honda. The contracts with UPS Autogistics, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota can be terminated by location for any reason or no reason based on 60 to 150 days’ notice. Although Allied Automotive Group believes that its relationships with these customers is mutually satisfactory, there can be no assurance that these relationships will not be terminated in whole or in part in the future. Furthermore, automotive manufacturers are relying increasingly on fourth party logistics companies and re-engineering vehicle delivery practices, which could result in a reduction of services provided by the Company for some or all of its major customers. A significant reduction in the production by these manufacturers or the loss of General Motors, UPS Autogistics, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota or Honda as a customer, or a significant reduction in the services provided for any of these customers by Allied Automotive Group would have a material adverse effect upon the Company.

     Competition

      The automotive transportation industry is highly competitive, as Allied Automotive Group currently competes with other motor carriers of varying sizes, as well as with railroads. Allied Automotive Group also competes with non-union motor carriers that may be able to provide services at lower cost. The development of new methods for hauling vehicles could also lead to increased competition.

     Foreign Operations

      Although the majority of the Company’s operations are in the United States, the Company derives a portion of its revenues and earnings from operations in foreign countries, primarily Canada. The risks of doing business in foreign countries include potential adverse changes in the political policies of foreign governments and diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the United States, hostility from local populations, adverse effects of currency exchange controls, deterioration of foreign economic conditions, currency fluctuations, foreign exchange restrictions and changes in taxation structure. Due to the foregoing risks, any of which, if realized, could have a material adverse effect on the Company, the Company believes that its business activities outside of the United States involve a higher degree of risk than its domestic activities.

     Dependence on Key Personnel

      The success of the Company is dependent upon its senior management team, as well as its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The Company’s credit facility provides that the facility may be terminated in the event Hugh E. Sawyer ceases to be involved in the day to day operation of the Company, unless a successor reasonably acceptable to the lenders is appointed within 90 days of his cessation of

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involvement with the Company. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to retain its existing senior management or to attract additional qualified personnel.

13.     Industry Overview

      The following table summarizes historic new vehicle production and sales in the United States and Canada, the primary sources of the Company’s revenues:

                                             
2002 2001
vs. vs.
2001 2000
2002 2001 Change 2000 Change





New Vehicle Production (in millions of units)
                                       
United States:
                                       
 
Big Three*
    9.3       8.7       6.9 %     9.9       (12.1 )%
 
Other
    2.7       2.5       8.0 %     2.5       0.0 %
     
     
             
         
   
Total
    12.0       11.2       7.1 %     12.4       (9.7 )%
     
     
             
         
Canada:
                                       
 
Big Three*
    2.0       1.9       5.3 %     2.3       (17.4 )%
 
Other
    0.6       0.6       0.0 %     0.6       0.0 %
     
     
             
         
   
Total
    2.6       2.5       4.0 %     2.9       (13.8 )%
     
     
             
         
New Vehicle Sales (in millions of units) United States:
                                       
 
Big Three*
    11.1       11.6       (4.3 )%     12.1       (4.1 )%
 
Import
    2.7       2.5       8.0 %     2.3       8.7 %
 
Transplant
    3.0       3.0       0.0 %     2.9       3.4 %
     
     
             
         
   
Total
    16.8       17.1       (1.8 )%     17.3       (1.2 )%
     
     
             
         
Canada:
                                       
 
Big Three*
    1.3       1.1       18.2 %     1.1       0.0 %
 
Other
    0.4       0.5       (20.0 )%     0.4       25.0 %
     
     
             
         
   
Total
    1.7       1.6       6.25 %     1.5       6.7 %
     
     
             
         


Represents General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

Source: DRI-WEFA

      Domestic automotive manufacturing plants are typically dedicated to manufacturing a particular model or models. Vehicles destined for dealers within a radius of approximately 250 miles from the plant are usually shipped by Rigs. The remaining vehicles are shipped by rail to rail ramps throughout the United States and Canada where trucking companies handle final delivery to dealers. The rail or truck carrier is responsible for loading the vehicles on railcars or trailers and for any damages incurred while the vehicles are in the carrier’s custody. Automobiles manufactured in Europe and Asia are shipped into the United States and Canada and usually are delivered directly to dealers from seaports by truck or shipped by rail to rail ramps and delivered by trucks to dealers. Vehicles transported by ship are normally prepared for delivery in port processing centers, which involves cleaning and may involve installing accessories. The port processor releases the vehicles to the carrier which loads the vehicles and delivers them to a rail ramp or directly to dealers.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains, and from time to time the Company and its officers, directors, or employees may make other forward-looking statements, including statements regarding, among

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other items, (i) the Company’s strategy, intentions or expectations, (ii) general industry trends, competitive conditions and customer preferences, (iii) the Company’s management information systems, (iv) the Company’s remanufacturing program, (v) the Company’s efforts to reduce costs, (vi) the adequacy of the Company’s sources of cash to finance its current and future operations and (vii) resolution of litigation without material adverse effect on the Company. This notice is intended to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to such forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among others, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are the following: economic recessions or downturns in new vehicle production or sales; war in the Middle East; increases in the cost and availability of fuel; the highly competitive nature of the automotive distribution industry; dependence on the automotive industry; the impact of recent price increases implemented by the Company on the Company’s market share; loss or reduction of revenues generated by the Company’s major customers or the loss of any such customers; the variability of OEM production and seasonality of the automotive distribution industry; the Company’s highly leveraged financial position; the ability of the Company to negotiate its IBT contract on terms favorable to the Company; labor disputes involving the Company or its significant customers; the dependence on key personnel who have been hired or retained by the Company; the availability of strategic acquisitions or joint venture partners; increased frequency and severity of work related accidents and workers’ compensation claims; availability of appropriate insurance coverages; increased expenses due to layoffs of employees; changes in regulatory requirements which are applicable to the Company’s business; changes in vehicle sizes and weights which may adversely impact vehicle deliveries per load; risks associated with doing business in foreign countries; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, and readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report or in any statement referencing the risk factors and other cautionary statements set forth in this Annual Report.

Item 2.     Properties

      The Company’s executive offices are located in Decatur, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. The Company leases approximately 92,000 square feet of space for its executive offices, which the Company believes is sufficient to permit the Company to conduct its operations. The Company operates from 88 terminals throughout the United States and Canada, which are located at or near manufacturing plants, ports, and railway terminals. The Company currently owns 21 of its terminals and leases the remainder of its facilities. Most of the leased facilities are leased on a year to year basis from railroads at rents that are not individually material to the Company.

      During the 1990’s, changes in governmental regulations have gradually permitted the lengthening of Rigs from 55 to 75 feet. Allied Automotive Group has worked closely with manufacturers to develop specialized equipment to meet the specific needs of manufacturers. Allied Automotive Group’s Rigs are substantially maintained at 43 Allied garages located throughout the United States and Canada by approximately 575 Allied maintenance personnel, including supervisors. These shops are located in 21 facilities owned by Allied Automotive Group and 22 facilities leased by Allied Automotive Group. Rigs are scheduled for regular preventive maintenance inspections. Each shop is equipped to handle repairs resulting from inspection or driver write up, including repairs to electrical systems, air conditioners, suspension, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, and minor engine repairs. Major engine overhaul and engine replacement are performed by outside vendors. The trend has been to use engine suppliers’ outlets for engine repairs due to the long-term warranties obtained by Allied Automotive Group.

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Item 3.     Legal Proceedings

      The Company is involved in various litigation and environmental matters relating to employment practices, damages, and other matters arising from operations in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters, other than those discussed below, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

      Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc. v. Commercial Carriers, Inc., et al., Index No. 1997/8920 (the “Gateway Case”) and Commercial Carriers, Inc. v. Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., et al. (the “CCI Case”), Index No. I 2000/8184. The claims at issue in both the Gateway Case and the CCI Case center around the contention that the Company breached legal duties with respect to a failed business transaction involving Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., Ryder Truck Rental, Inc. and Ryder System, Inc. In the Gateway Case, the Company sought and received summary judgment in its favor on the sole claim (for tortious interference with contract) asserted against it by Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., but that ruling was reversed on appeal. While the appellate court held that summary judgment in favor of the Company was premature, the Company will be permitted to raise at trial and/or further dispositive motions the substantive arguments upon which its initial summary judgment motion was based. Subsequent to its summary judgment ruling, the trial court permitted the filing and service of cross-claims against the Company by the other defendants in that action. In the CCI Case, the Company has accepted service of a separate complaint asserting claims against the Company by the other defendants in the Gateway Case. It is anticipated that the claims asserted in both the Gateway Case and the CCI Case will be resolved in a unified proceeding. With respect to the entirety of this litigation, the Company intends to continue its vigorous defense against the claims asserted against it, as management believes all of those claims are without merit. While the ultimate results of this litigation cannot be predicted, if this litigation is resolved in a manner that is adverse to the Company, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

      Ryder Systems, Inc. v. Allied Holdings, Inc., AH Acquisition Corp. and Allied Automotive Group, Inc., Case No. 01-3553-CIV-MARRA in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, relates to the Company’s August 1997 stock acquisition of certain businesses formerly owned by Ryder, and the respective responsibilities of Ryder and Allied for certain third-party injury claims associated with the acquired businesses. Ryder’s original complaint was filed on August 16, 2001. In response, the Company moved to dismiss, and the court granted that motion with leave for Ryder to amend its complaint. On December 26, 2001, Ryder timely filed its amended complaint. Following the dismissal with prejudice of one of the counts asserted by Ryder in its amended complaint, Ryder filed, on or about August 1, 2002, a Second Amended Complaint. Ryder’s five-count Second Amended Complaint alleges, in Count one, that the Company breached its agreement with Ryder by failing to undertake certain actions (including posting letters of credit and bonds) to substitute the Company for Ryder under an insurance policy covering third-party claims and with various state agencies that regulate matters such as self-insured workers’ compensation. In Counts two and three, the Second Amended Complaint alleges that if these obligations are not required by contract, the legal doctrines of promissory estoppel and negligent misrepresentation created them. In Count four, the Second Amended Complaint seeks a declaration that the Company is required to undertake these actions. In Count five, Ryder seeks a declaration that the Company is obligated to take certain steps to transfer from Ryder to the Company the ownership and administrative responsibility for two pension plans. The Company has filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts, which motion is currently pending. The Company intends to continue its vigorous defense against the claims asserted against it, and management believes all of those claims are without merit. The Company has also raised several counterclaims. The ultimate results of this litigation cannot be predicted. However, if Ryder prevails on its claims and the court orders the Company to substitute itself for Ryder by, among other things, posting substantial letters of credit, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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

      None

Executive Officers of the Registrant

      The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries:

             
Name Age Title



Robert J. Rutland
    61     Chairman and Director
Hugh E. Sawyer
    49     President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Guy W. Rutland, IV
    39     Senior Vice President of Chaplaincy and Performance Management and Director
Daniel H. Popky
    38     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Thomas M. Duffy
    42     Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
David A. Rawden
    45     Senior Vice President, Business Process Engineering

      Mr. Rutland has been Chairman of the Company since 1995, and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from February 2001 to June 2001. Mr. Rutland served as Chairman from December 1995 to December 1999. Mr. Rutland was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1986 to December 1995. Prior to October 1993, Mr. Rutland was Chief Executive Officer of each of the Company’s subsidiaries.

      Mr. Sawyer has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since June 2001. Mr. Sawyer served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Communications Corp. from April 2000 to June 2001. Mr. Sawyer served briefly as President of Allied Automotive Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, from January 2000 to April 2000. Mr. Sawyer was President and Chief Executive Officer of National Linen Service, a subsidiary of National Service Industries, Inc. from 1996 to 2000, and President of Wells Fargo Armored Service Corp., a subsidiary of Borg-Warner Corp., from 1988 to 1995.

      Guy W. Rutland IV has been Senior Vice President of Chaplaincy and Performance Management since July 2001. Mr. Rutland was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Allied Automotive Group from February 2001 to July 2001. Mr. Rutland was Senior Vice President — Operations of Allied Automotive Group from November 1997 to February 2001. Mr. Rutland was Vice President — Reengineering Core Team of Allied Automotive Group from November 1996 to November 1997. From January 1996 to November 1996, Mr. Rutland was Assistant Vice President of the Central and Southeast Region of Operations for Allied Systems, Ltd. From March 1995 to January 1996, Mr. Rutland was Assistant Vice President of the Central Division of Operations for Allied Systems, Ltd. From June 1994 to March 1995, Mr. Rutland was Assistant Vice President of the Eastern Division of Operations for Allied Systems, Ltd. From 1993 to June 1994 Mr. Rutland was assigned to special projects with an assignment in Industrial Relations/Labor Department and from 1988 to 1993, Mr. Rutland was Director of Performance Management.

      Mr. Popky has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since November 1998. He was appointed President of Allied Industries, Inc. in December 1997 and served in such capacity until Allied Industries was merged with Allied Automotive Group in September 2000. Mr. Popky was Senior Vice President, Finance of the Company from December 1997 to November 1998. From December 1995 to December 1997, Mr. Popky was Vice President, Finance of the Company. From January 1995 to December 1995 Mr. Popky was Vice President and Controller and from October 1994 to January 1995 he was Assistant Vice President and Controller for the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Popky held various positions with Arthur Andersen LLP for 9 years.

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      Mr. Duffy has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since November 2000 and was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from June 1998 until November 2000. From May 1997 to June 1998, Mr. Duffy was a partner with the law firm of Troutman Sanders LLP. Prior to May 1997, Mr. Duffy was a partner with the law firm of Peterson Dillard Young Asselin & Powell LLP.

      Mr. Rawden has been Senior Vice President, Business Process Engineering of the Company since March 2002. Mr. Rawden previously served as a Principal with Jay Alix & Associates in their Turnaround and Crisis Management business unit from November 1990 to March 2002. Mr. Rawden has over eleven years experience in successful turnarounds in a wide variety of industries.

PART II

Item 5.     Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

      The Company began trading its common stock on the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) under the symbol AHI, effective April 8, 2002. The Company’s common stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) from March 3, 1998 until the change to the AMEX. The common stock began trading on September 29, 1993 on the Nasdaq Stock Market until March 3, 1998. Prior to September 29, 1993, there had been no established public trading market for the common stock.

      As previously announced, the Company no longer met the NYSE’s requirements for continued listing and had been operating under a plan that was approved by the NYSE in August 2001. The plan was to bring the Company’s total market capitalization and shareholders’ equity above NYSE’s continued listing requirement of $50 million by November 29, 2002. The Company believes, however, that the change to AMEX better allows for management of the business without the uncertainty and distractions associated with meeting NYSE standards. Management does not expect a significant change in shareholder liquidity as a result of the move to the AMEX.

      The following table sets forth the high and low per share sales price of the Company’s common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the NYSE until April 7, 2002, and as reported by the AMEX from April 8, 2002.

                                 
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001


Period: High Low High Low





First Quarter
  $ 5.20     $ 2.10     $ 4.50     $ 2.70  
Second Quarter
  $ 5.78     $ 4.55     $ 2.94     $ 2.21  
Third Quarter
  $ 4.85     $ 2.50     $ 2.60     $ 1.18  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 3.70     $ 2.46     $ 2.70     $ 1.00  

      As of March 3, 2003, there were approximately 2,500 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. The Company has paid no cash dividends in the last two years.

      The Company is a party to a credit facility with a syndicate of lenders, as well as certain 8 5/8% Senior Notes maturing in 2007, each of which contains covenants restricting the payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

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      Equity Compensation Plan Information:

                         
Number of Securities
Number of Securities Weighted-Average Remaining Available for Future
to be Issued Upon Exercise Exercise Price of Issuance Under Equity
Plan Category of Outstanding Options Outstanding Options Compensation Plans

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
    1,612,300     $ 3.45       401,526 (2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    0       0       0  
     
     
     
 
Total
    1,612,300     $ 3.45       401,526  
     
     
     
 


(1)  Consists of the Company’s 1993 Long-Term Incentive Plan as adopted in 1993, amended in 2000 and amended and restated in 2001. For a description of the Company’s equity compensation plan, see note 18 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(2)  Includes the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which has 144,768 shares available for future issuance.
 
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

      The selected consolidated financial data presented below for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2002 are derived from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2001 have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been audited by KPMG LLP. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.

                                             
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998





Statement of Operations Data:
                                       
Revenues
  $ 898,060     $ 896,767     $ 1,069,154     $ 1,081,309     $ 1,026,799  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                                       
 
Salaries, wages and fringe benefits
    483,545       515,916       584,527       585,380       547,780  
 
Operating supplies and expenses
    138,542       149,111       189,136       185,541       169,498  
 
Purchased transportation
    99,109       97,756       104,545       103,967       109,884  
 
Insurance and claims
    43,500       50,837       47,736       48,252       40,339  
 
Operating taxes and licenses
    33,583       33,262       39,389       41,288       40,779  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    54,880       60,358       60,884       58,019       53,295  
 
Rents
    6,342       6,813       8,570       8,974       10,072  
 
Communications and utilities
    6,419       7,022       7,333       9,060       9,341  
 
Other operating expenses
    10,384       16,126       13,826       10,317       8,711  
 
Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets
    748       (2,725 )     1,340       628       (1,250 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total operating expenses
    877,052       934,476       1,057,286       1,051,426       988,449  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    21,008       (37,709 )     11,868       29,883       38,350  
     
     
     
     
     
 

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Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)

2002 2001 2000 1999 1998





Other income (expense):
                                       
 
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint ventures, net of tax
    0       4,072       5,066       1,733       (470 )
 
Gain on sale of joint ventures
    0       16,230       0       0       0  
 
Writedown of joint venture
    0       (10,042 )     0       0       0  
 
Interest expense
    (30,627 )     (37,574 )     (33,813 )     (32,001 )     (26,146 )
 
Interest income
    2,463       3,874       5,509       2,112       3,270  
 
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
    2,750       0       0       0       0  
 
Other, net
    157       360       0       0       0  
     
     
     
     
     
 
      (25,571 )     (23,080 )     (23,238 )     (28,156 )     (23,346 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
(Loss) income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (4,563 )     (60,789 )     (11,370 )     1,727       15,004  
 
Income tax benefit (provision)
    1,129       21,293       5,069       (178 )     (6,527 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (3,434 )     (39,496 )     (6,301 )     1,549       8,477  
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
    (4,092 )     0       0       0       0  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net (loss) income
  $ (7,526 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (6,301 )   $ 1,549     $ 8,477  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
Net (loss) income per share — basic
  $ (0.91 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )   $ 0.20     $ 1.09  
 
Net (loss) income per share — diluted
  $ (0.91 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )   $ 0.20     $ 1.08  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    8,301       8,128       7,946       7,810       7,747  
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    8,301       8,128       7,946       7,851       7,846  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
 
Current assets
  $ 203,079     $ 208,014     $ 213,492     $ 225,617     $ 195,759  
 
Current liabilities
    140,251       129,532       125,571       128,771       145,730  
 
Total assets
    485,508       537,104       610,539       649,920       621,627  
 
Long-term debt & capital lease obligations, less current portion
    237,690       286,533       324,876       330,101       291,096  
 
Stockholders’ equity
    10,314       17,997       59,141       66,914       62,853  
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA*:
                                       
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ 21,008     $ (37,709 )   $ 11,868     $ 29,883     $ 38,350  
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets
    748       (2,725 )     1,340       628       (1,250 )
 
Depreciation and amortization
    54,880       60,358       60,884       58,019       53,295  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 76,636     $ 19,924     $ 74,092     $ 88,530     $ 90,395  
     
     
     
     
     
 

Adjusted EBITDA includes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and gains and losses on disposal of assets.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

      The Company, through its subsidiaries, generates revenues providing services to the automotive industry. Allied Automotive Group is the largest motor carrier in North America specializing in the transportation of new automobiles, light trucks and SUV’s for all of the major domestic and foreign automotive manufacturers. Revenues increased $1.3 million in 2002 to $898.1 million from $896.8 million in 2001, and the net loss was reduced to $7.5 million in 2002 from $39.5 million in 2001. The significant reduction in the net loss was due to the execution of the Company’s turnaround initiatives related to increased pricing, improved revenue quality, productivity and the continued elimination of non-contributing expenses and assets.

      The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of expense items to revenues for the periods indicated:

                               
Year Ended December 31,

2002 2001 2000



Revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                       
 
Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
    53.9       57.5       54.7  
 
Operating supplies and expenses
    15.5       16.6       17.7  
 
Purchased transportation
    11.0       10.9       9.8  
 
Insurance and claims
    4.9       5.7       4.5  
 
Operating taxes and licenses
    3.7       3.7       3.7  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    6.1       6.7       5.7  
 
Rents
    0.7       0.8       0.8  
 
Communications and utilities
    0.7       0.8       0.7  
 
Other operating expenses
    1.1       1.8       1.2  
 
Loss (gain) on sale of operating assets
    0.1       (0.3 )     0.1  
     
     
     
 
     
Total operating expenses
    97.7       104.2       98.9  
     
     
     
 
 
Operating (loss) income
    2.3       (4.2 )     1.1  
     
     
     
 
 
Other income (expense):
                       
   
Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of tax
    0.0       0.5       0.5  
   
Gain on sale of joint ventures
    0.0       1.8       0  
   
Writedown of joint venture
    0.0       (1.1 )     0  
   
Interest expense
    (3.4 )     (4.2 )     (3.2 )
   
Interest income
    0.3       0.4       0.5  
   
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
    0.3       0.0       0.0  
   
Other, net
    (0.0 )     0.0       0.0  
     
     
     
 
      (2.8 )     (2.6 )     (2.2 )
     
     
     
 
 
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.5 )     (6.8 )     (1.1 )
     
     
     
 
 
Income tax benefit (provision)
    0.1       2.4       0.5  
     
     
     
 
 
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.4 )     (4.4 )     (0.6 )
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
    (0.4 )     0.0       0.0  
     
     
     
 
 
Net (loss) income
    0.8 %     (4.4 )%     (0.6 )%
     
     
     
 

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     2002 Compared to 2001

      Revenues were $898.1 million in 2002 versus revenues of $896.8 in 2001, an increase of $1.3 million, or 0.1%. The Company recorded a net loss of $7.5 million in 2002 compared to a net loss of $39.5 million in 2001, an improvement of $32.0 million, or 81.0%. Basic and diluted loss per share for 2002 was $0.91, versus basic and diluted loss per share of $4.86 in 2001.

      The increase in revenues was primarily the result of the price increase implemented in the fall of 2001, which was partially offset by a decline in the number of vehicles delivered. Revenue per vehicle delivered increased from $90.14 in 2001 to $92.41 in 2002, a 2.5% increase. Total vehicle deliveries declined by 2.5% in 2002 versus 2001 while new vehicle production in the United States and Canada increased 6.6%. Allied Automotive Group vehicle deliveries declined versus an increase in production primarily due to the closing of unprofitable terminal locations by the Company in 2001 and in 2002, combined with a drop in market share. During the fourth quarter of 2002, Allied Automotive Group reached a strategic decision to exit substantially all business with Nissan in the United States. Allied Automotive Group’s Nissan business in the United States generated approximately $25.0 million in revenues during 2002. Allied Automotive Group confirmed that Nissan would have required rate reductions in 2003 and Allied Automotive Group was not prepared to grant price concessions. These declines were offset by organic growth within the Allied Automotive Group as a result of aggressively pursuing profitable business in those locations considered to optimize its network of terminals and fleet operations.

      During the first quarter of 2003, the Company amended its Credit Facility agreement to adjust two financial covenants: the minimum consolidated EBITDA covenant as defined in the Credit Facility, (“Covenant EBITDA”), and the maximum fixed charges coverage ratio. These financial covenants were amended by the Company and its lenders due to the potential adverse financial impact from external factors in 2003 including, but not limited to, general economic conditions in the United States, consumer confidence and the war with Iraq. See additional discussion of the terms and conditions of the amendment to the Credit Facility under the caption “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this section.

      The net loss for 2002 included a $1.7 million after-tax gain on the early extinguishment of the Company’s subordinated notes and a $4.1 million after-tax charge related to the impairment of goodwill at the Company’s Axis Group subsidiary. The impairment charge resulted from the Company’s adoption of SFAS 142 as described below.

      For 2002, adjusted EBITDA was $76.6 million versus $19.9 million for 2001. The significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA was due primarily to the ongoing execution of the Company’s turnaround initiatives related to improved revenue quality, driver productivity, workforce reductions, the elimination of non-contributory expenses and assets, reductions in traffic accidents, and improvement in workers compensation claims and cargo claims expenses.

      The following is a discussion of the changes in the Company’s major expense categories:

      Salaries, wages and fringe benefits decreased from 57.5% of revenues in 2001 to 53.9% of revenues in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to continued productivity and efficiency improvements implemented as part of the Company’s turnaround initiatives. These productivity and efficiency improvements included a better day-to-day management of the Company’s labor needs for drivers. The Master Agreement with the IBT allows for temporary layoffs of the driver workforce based on driver requirements. Failure to negotiate a new Master Agreement with the IBT upon the May 31, 2003 expiration of the current agreement without a work stoppage or without material increases in labor costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the Company incurred $9.2 million of workforce reduction expenses in 2001 compared to $2.3 million of such expenses in 2002. The workforce reduction expense was part of the Company’s turnaround initiatives.

      In connection with the driver workforce, on March 24, 2003 the Company successfully negotiated the renewal of its contract with its employees represented by the Teamsters Union in Eastern Canada. Allied Systems (Canada) Company and the Teamsters Union in Eastern Canada have been operating under a contract that expired on October 31, 2002. The new contract, which was ratified by the Teamsters in Eastern

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Canada on March 23, 2003, will expire on October 31, 2005. The contract covers the drivers, mechanics and yard personnel represented by the Teamsters Union in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and represents approximately 70% of the Company’s employees in Canada.

      Economic provisions of the new agreement include a wage freeze for the first two years of the agreement and a freeze on the current health and welfare contributions of Allied Systems (Canada) Company during the three-year term of the agreement. Allied Systems (Canada) Company has also agreed to increase pension contributions in each year of the agreement and to increase wages two percent effective November 1, 2004 and an additional one percent effective May 1, 2005. The additional pension contributions will increase costs approximately $100,000 or 0.2 percent in year one of the agreement, and approximately $280,000 or 0.6 percent in year two of the agreement. The wage and pension increases in year three of the agreement will increase costs approximately $1.6 million or 3.2 percent of costs. As noted previously, the Company’s Master Agreement with the IBT in the United States expires on May 31, 2003. In the event that the IBT and the Company negotiate a new agreement and agree to wage increases in the first two years of a new contract, the Company’s new agreement in Canada also provides that the wages in each of the first two years will be increased by an amount equivalent to the negotiated percentage increases in the United States.

      Operating supplies and expenses decreased from 16.6% of revenues in 2001 to 15.5% of revenues in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction in the maintenance costs of Rigs in service. The decreased maintenance costs are a result of the Company operating approximately 8.0% fewer Rigs in 2002 as well as improved efficiency in its field operations, including 46 dedicated garage operations managed by the Company. These efforts are consistent with the Company’s turnaround initiatives.

      Purchased transportation increased from 10.9% of revenues in 2001 to 11.0% of revenues in 2002. The increase in 2002 over 2001 was due primarily to a shift in the mix of owner-operators versus company drivers and an increase in business at locations where owner-operators are utilized for vehicle deliveries. All costs for owner operators are included in purchased transportation expense.

      Insurance and claims expense decreased from 5.7% of revenues in 2001 to 4.9% of revenues in 2002. The decrease was primarily a result of lower cargo claims experienced on shipping vehicles as well as a reduction in auto liability claims costs. The number of vehicles damaged in transit declined approximately 15% in 2002 versus 2001 and the number of traffic accidents per million miles driven declined approximately 30.1% in 2002 versus 2001. The Company is aggressively managing these costs as part of its on-going turnaround initiatives.

      Depreciation and amortization expense decreased from 6.7% of revenues in 2001 to 6.1% of revenues in 2002. The decrease is due primarily to the sale of non-performing assets during 2001 and lower capital spending in 2001 and 2002 compared to depreciation expense. The Company has instituted a Rig manufacturing program to remanufacture existing owned Rigs rather than purchasing new Rigs. Remanufacturing existing Rigs requires less capital spending than purchasing new Rigs. The first phase of the program began in 2002 and is expected to continue through 2004 at an approximate total capital investment of $75 to $85 million for the remanufacturing of approximately 1,500 Rigs over the three-year period. As of December 31, 2002 approximately 350 Rigs were remanufactured and approximately 350 engines were replaced in tractors. The remaining decrease is due to the reduction of amortization expense resulting from the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, which became effective January 1, 2002. During 2001, the Company recorded $3.5 million of amortization expense related to goodwill. The overall decrease in depreciation and amortization was offset by a charge of $2.1 million to accelerate the depreciation on Rigs that were recently idled.

      Other operating expenses decreased from 1.8% of revenues in 2001 to 1.1% of revenues in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to lower professional fees for consultants. During 2001, the Company engaged outside consultants, including Jay Alix & Associates, to aid in the planning and analysis of its turnaround initiatives and the refinancing of its revolving credit facility and subordinated debt, which was completed in 2002.

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      Gain/loss on disposition of assets decreased from a gain of $2.7 million in 2001 to a loss of $748,000 in 2002. As part of the Company’s turnaround initiatives, the Company has disposed of non-performing assets. The asset sales in 2001 generated $11.8 million of cash proceeds versus proceeds of $4.7 million in 2002.

      Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of tax, decreased from $4.1 million in 2001 to $0 in 2002. The decrease is due to the sale of the Company’s joint venture interest in the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of 2001 and the sale of its joint venture interest in Brazil in the second quarter of 2002. There were no equity in earnings or losses from the Brazilian joint venture in 2002.

      Interest expense decreased from 4.3% of revenues in 2001 to 3.4% of revenues in 2002. The decrease was due to higher debt levels and effective interest rates in 2001 versus 2002, as well as the incurrence in 2001 of additional costs related to the amendment of the Company’s revolving credit facility and its senior subordinated notes.

      The income tax benefit decreased from $21.3 million in 2001 to $1.1 million in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in the pre-tax loss from $60.8 million in 2001 to $4.6 million in 2002.

      The adoption of SFAS No. 142 is a required change in accounting principles, and the cumulative effect of adopting this standard as of January 1, 2002 resulted in a non-cash, after-tax decrease to net income of $4.1 million for the Company. Pursuant to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company ceased amortizing goodwill and annually tests goodwill for impairment. In 2001, the Company recorded $3.5 million of amortization expense related to goodwill.

      The adoption of SFAS No. 145 required that the after-tax gain of $1.7 million on the early extinguishment of debt the Company recorded during the first quarter of 2002 to be reclassified from an extraordinary item, net of tax, to other income of $2.8 million, before tax.

      As part of the Company’s turnaround efforts in the first quarter of 2002, the Allied Holdings Inc. Defined Benefit Pension Plan, (“Plan”), was amended in February 2002 to freeze the Plan. The amendment resulted in a curtailment of the Plan effective April 30, 2002, under which employees do not accumulate any new benefits and new employees are not added to the Plan. The Company’s net pension expense for 2001 was $2.6 million. As a result of freezing the Plan, the Company’s net pension expense was $390,000 for 2002.

     2001 Compared to 2000

      Revenues were $896.8 million in 2001 compared to $1.07 billion in 2000, a decrease of $172 million, or 16%. The Company posted a net loss in 2001 of $39.5 million compared to net loss of $6.3 million in 2000. Basic and diluted loss per share for 2001 was $4.86, versus basic and diluted loss per share of $0.79 in 2000. The operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of revenues) for 2001 was 104.5% compared to 98.8% in 2000.

      The decrease in revenues was primarily the result of a decline in the number of vehicles delivered due to a decrease in new vehicle production and sales by the auto manufacturers. Total vehicle deliveries dropped 17% in 2001 versus 2000 while new vehicle production in the United States and Canada declined 11%. Allied Automotive Group’s vehicle deliveries declined more than the production drop primarily due to the closing of unprofitable terminal locations together with a drop in market share primarily from increased nonunionized competition. Offsetting the revenue decline from lower delivery volumes was an increase in the revenue generated per vehicle delivered from $92.06 in 2000 to $93.12 in 2001, a 1.2% increase. This increase is primarily the result of the implementation by the Company of a new administrative processing fee. Included in the results for 2001 are $9.2 million of workforce reduction expenses related to the elimination of positions at the Company’s corporate office as well as at unprofitable terminal locations.

      During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company posted significantly improved results with net loss decreasing from $7.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 to a net loss of $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2001. During the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company benefited from the execution of turnaround initiatives that raised prices, eliminated noncontributory expenses and assets, closed nonperforming locations, and better managed cash. Results during the fourth quarter of 2001 included unusual charges of $4.5 million related to

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these initiatives. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2001, the Company reduced its total debt by $59.3 million. Results for the fourth quarter of 2000 include a $1.5 million charge related to workforce reduction expense.

      The following is a discussion of the changes in the Company’s major expense categories:

      Salaries, wages and fringe benefits increased from 54.7% of revenues in 2000 to 57.5% of revenues in 2001. The increase was primarily due to inefficiencies resulting from the volume decline, which was offset by continued productivity and subsequent efficiency improvements implemented by the Company’s turnaround initiatives. In addition, the Company incurred $9.2 million of workforce reduction expenses in 2001 compared to $2.5 million in 2000.

      Operating supplies and expenses decreased from 17.7% of revenues in 2000 to 16.6% of revenues in 2001. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in fuel costs experienced during 2001. In addition, Allied Automotive Group experienced a full year of negotiated fuel surcharges designed to offset higher fuel prices than anticipated when contracts were negotiated. The surcharges were only in place for the last three-quarters of 2000 and Allied Automotive Group estimated that higher fuel costs, net of the surcharges, reduced 2000 first quarter earnings by approximately $1.6 million.

      Purchased transportation increased from 9.8% of revenues in 2000 to 10.9% of revenues in 2001. The increase was due primarily to the increase in the mix of loads hauled by owner-operators versus company drivers. All costs for owner-operators are included in purchased transportation expense. Owner-operators generally have more seniority than company drivers so as volumes decline, a greater percentage of company trucks are idled as lay-offs are based on seniority.

      Insurance and claims increased from 4.5% of revenues in 2000 to 5.7% of revenues in 2001. The increase was due to higher than expected cargo claims on shipped vehicles. Allied Automotive Group is aggressively managing its cargo claims as a result of its turnaround plan.

      Depreciation and amortization increased from 5.7% of revenues in 2000 to 6.7% of revenues in 2001. The increase was primarily due to the reduction in revenues as a result of the volume decline experienced in 2001. Depreciation and amortization was $60.4 million in 2001, slightly less than the $60.9 million of depreciation and amortization in 2000.

      Other operating expenses increased from 1.2% of revenues in 2000 to 1.8% of revenues in 2001. The increase was primarily the result of higher legal and professional fees related to the Company’s turnaround efforts. The Company engaged the services of a specialized turnaround consulting firm, Jay Alix & Associates from June 2001 until March 2002.

      Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of tax, decreased by $1.0 million in 2001, from $5.1 million in 2000 to $4.1 million in 2001. The decrease was due to lower earnings from Axis Group’s joint ventures in the United Kingdom which were sold during the fourth quarter of 2001.

      Axis Group completed the sale of its joint ventures in the United Kingdom during December 2001 to AutoLogic Holdings, plc for approximately $20.5 million in cash. As a result of the sale the Company recorded a gain on the sale of the joint ventures of $16.2 million.

      In addition, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $10.0 million on Axis Group’s interest in the Brazilian joint venture. Axis Group sold its investment in the joint venture in Brazil for $3.0 million during the second quarter of 2002.

      Interest expense increased from $33.8 million, or 3.2% of revenues, in 2000 to $37.6 million, or 4.2% of revenues, in 2001. The increase was primarily due to higher interest rates on the Company’s revolving credit facility and subordinated notes and additional fees incurred as a result of amendments to the Company’s revolving credit facility in April 2001.

      Interest income decreased from 0.5% of revenues in 2000 to 0.4% of revenues in 2001, or from $5.5 million in 2000, to $3.9 million in 2001. The decrease was due to lower investment income from the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary Haul Insurance Limited.

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      During 2001, Allied Automotive Group closed certain terminal locations as a part of its turnaround initiative plan. As a result, the Company disposed of certain properties associated with the closings together with other surplus real estate and recorded $3.9 million of gains on the sale of these properties. During 2000, Allied Automotive Group disposed of some of its older Rigs, which resulted in write-downs of approximately $1.3 million. These items are included in other expense, net in the Company’s financial statements.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

      The Company’s sources of liquidity are funds provided by operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders. The Company’s primary liquidity needs are for the remanufacturing and maintenance of Rigs and terminal facilities, the payment of operating expenses and the payment of interest and principal associated with long-term debt.

      Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $58.5 million for 2002, versus $28.0 million for 2001. The increase was due primarily to improved results from operations that decreased the loss before income taxes and cumulative change in accounting principle of $39.5 million for 2001 to $3.4 million for 2002. In addition, short-term investments held by the Company’s captive insurance company increased by $4.9 million in 2001, but decreased by $4.0 million in 2002. During 2002, the Company’s captive insurance company maintained a larger percentage of its assets in cash and cash equivalents versus short-term investments.

      Net cash used in investing activities totaled $11.4 million in 2002, versus net cash provided by investing activities of $19.4 million for 2001. The change is due primarily to the receipt of $20.6 million for the sale of the Company’s joint venture in the United Kingdom in 2001 and cash received prior to the sale of $8.6 million. Cash received from the sale of property and equipment decreased from $11.8 million in 2001 to $4.7 million in 2002, which is due primarily to the sale of excess real estate and non-performing assets in 2001.

      Net cash used in financing activities totaled $47.5 million in 2002, versus $39.9 million in 2001. During 2002 long-term debt was reduced by $40.7 million, compared to $35.8 million in 2001. The repayment of debt was due primarily to a reduction in the net loss experienced by the Company and lower working capital requirements. Contributing to the increase in cash provided by operations were the proceeds from the sale of the investment in the joint venture in the United Kingdom and Brazil as well as cash received from the conversion of certain insurance policies. The Company also paid $9.2 million in deferred financing costs related to the refinancing of its revolving credit facility and the repurchase of its senior subordinated notes in 2002, versus $3.6 million paid in 2001.

      On February 25, 2002, the Company refinanced its revolving credit facility and $40 million senior subordinated notes with a new credit facility including certain term loans (the Term Loans) (collectively the Credit Facility). Proceeds from the term loans were used to repurchase the $40 million of senior subordinated notes for $37.25 million. The Credit Facility includes a revolving credit facility (the Revolver) that allows the Company to borrow under a revolving line of credit up to the lesser of $120 million or a borrowing base amount as defined in the Credit Facility agreement. The interest rate for the Revolver is based upon the prime rate plus 1.5% or LIBOR plus 4.5% with a minimum interest rate of 6.5%. Annual commitment fees are due on the undrawn portion of the commitment. At December 31, 2002, $24.6 million was outstanding under the Revolver, and approximately $19 million was committed under letters of credit. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had approximately $48.4 million available under the Revolver. The Revolver matures on February 25, 2005.

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      The Credit Facility contains four loans with the following terms:

                 
Term Loan A Term Loan B Term Loan C Term Loan D




Date of note
  February 25, 2002   February 25, 2002   February 25, 2002   February 25, 2002
Maturity date
  February 25, 2005   February 25, 2005   February 25, 2005   February 28, 2005
Original amount
  $17,500,000   $25,000,000   $11,000,000   $29,250,000
Unpaid balance
  $7,474,000   $25,684,000   $11,432,000   $29,250,000
Interest rate
  Prime + 2.75% or Min of 7.75%   Prime + 6.5% or Min of 11.5%   Prime + 9% or Min of 14%   Prime + 3.5%

      Term Loan A is repayable in installments over three years, with interest payable monthly based upon the prime rate plus 2.75% with a minimum interest rate of 7.75%. Term Loan B is repayable in installments over three years, with interest payable monthly based upon the prime rate plus 6.50%. The interest rate on Term Loan B includes interest paid in kind of 3.50% that will be payable upon maturity. The minimum interest for Term Loan B is 11.50%. Term Loan C is payable in full at maturity with interest payable monthly based upon the prime rate plus 9.00%. The interest rate on Term Loan C also includes interest paid in kind of 5.00% that will be payable upon maturity. The minimum interest for Term Loan C is 14.00%. Term Loan D is payable in full at maturity with interest payable quarterly based upon the prime rate plus 3.50%. In addition, the Company currently has outstanding indebtedness of $150 million under a series of 8 5/8% Senior Notes maturing in 2007.

      Giving effect to the scheduled maturities under the Credit Facility and the Senior Notes, future maturities of long-term debt for the Company as of December 31, 2002 are as follows (in thousands):

         
2003
  $ 10,785  
2004
    12,623  
2005
    75,067  
2006
    0  
2007
    150,000  
     
 
    $ 248,475  
     
 

      The Credit Facility agreement sets forth a number of affirmative, negative and financial covenants binding on the Company. The negative covenants limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, incur debt, incur liens, make investments, sell assets, or declare or pay any dividends on its capital stock. The financial covenants require the Company to maintain minimum consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and also includes leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company amended its Credit Facility agreement to adjust two financial covenants: the minimum consolidated Covenant EBITDA and the maximum fixed charges coverage ratio. Prior to the amendment, the minimum consolidated Covenant EBITDA increased from $60 million at December 31, 2002 to $70 million at December 31, 2003. The minimum consolidated Covenant EBITDA is tested monthly and the increases were at varying amounts each month. The amendment reduced the increases and the minimum consolidated Covenant EBITDA from $70 million to $65 million. Therefore, the minimum consolidated Covenant EBITDA will now increase from $60 million at December 31, 2002 to $65 million at December 31, 2003. In addition, the fixed charges coverage ratio covenant was amended based on the reduction in the Covenant EBITDA. The financial covenants were amended by the Company and its lenders due to the potential adverse financial impact from external factors in 2003 including, but not limited to, the war with Iraq and higher fuel prices.

      There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to comply with these or its other debt covenants or that, if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants. Failure of the Company to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments, if not waived, or to adequately service debt obligations, could result in a default under the Credit Facility. Any default under the Company’s debt instruments, particularly any default that results in an acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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      Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest on assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, including a pledge of stock of certain subsidiaries. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Company jointly and severally guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Credit Facility.

      Management anticipates that the Company will provide sufficient resources to fund operations, including capital expenditure requirements and debt service through at least 2003. Also, as described further in Part II of this report, the Company is currently negotiating a new Master Agreement with the IBT regarding its union employees in the United States and is involved in various litigation matters, including the Gateway Development & Manufacturing case and the Commercial Carriers, Inc. case. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of the negotiations with the IBT or the litigation against the Company and while the Company believes that these claims are without merit, if the negotiations with the IBT or the litigation is resolved in a manner that is adverse to the Company, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and significantly increase the Company’s need for additional liquidity.

      In addition to its debt obligations, the Company leases equipment, office space, computer equipment, and certain terminal facilities under noncancelable operating lease agreements, which expire in various years through 2007, and leases certain terminal facilities under month-to-month leases. The Company’s minimal rental commitments, net of sub-lease income, for 2003 totals approximately $10.3 million.

     Disclosures About Market Risks

      The market risk inherent in the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions are the potential loss arising from adverse changes in investment prices, interest rates, fuel prices, and foreign currency exchange rates.

     Investments

      The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. The Company places its investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in the Company’s investment policy guidelines. The policy also limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer, and type of instrument. Short-term investments at December 31, 2002, which are recorded at fair value of $60.7 million, have exposure to price risk. This risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted prices and amounts to $6.1 million.

     Interest Rates

      The Company primarily issues long-term debt obligations to support general corporate purposes including capital expenditures and working capital needs. The majority of the Company’s long-term debt obligations bear a fixed rate of interest. A one-percentage point increase in interest rates affecting the Company’s floating rate long-term debt would reduce pre-tax income by $984,000 over the next fiscal year. A one-percentage point change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term debt.

     Fuel Prices

      Allied Automotive Group is dependent on diesel fuel to operate its fleet of Rigs. Diesel fuel prices are subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, government policies, and changes in global demand and global production. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, Allied Automotive Group periodically purchases fuel in advance of consumption. A 10% increase in diesel fuel prices would reduce pre-tax income by $3.9 million over the next fiscal year assuming 2002 levels of fuel consumption. Fuel prices in the first quarter of 2003 are approximately 20% higher than fuel prices in the fourth quarter of 2002.

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     Self Insurance Claims

      An increase in the number or severity of accidents, stolen equipment, or other loss events over those anticipated could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s profitability as the Company is self-insured for a significant portion of its risks. In addition, the insurance market is contracting and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain insurance coverage. While the Company currently has insurance coverage, there can be no more assurance that the Company will be able to obtain insurance coverage in the future.

     Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

      Although the majority of the Company’s operations are in the United States, the Company does have foreign subsidiaries (primarily Canada). The net investments in foreign subsidiaries translated into dollars using year-end exchange rates at December 31, 2002, is $65.4 million. The potential loss in fair value impacting other comprehensive income resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to $6.5 million. At December 31, 2002 a payable balance of $11.7 million related to intercompany transactions was recorded on the Company’s Canadian subsidiary. The potential loss from a hypothetical 10% change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates related to this balance amounts to $1.2 million as of December 31, 2002. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

     Revenue Variability

      The Company’s revenues are variable and can be impacted by sudden unexpected changes in OEM production levels. In addition, the Company’s revenues are seasonal, with the second and fourth quarters generally experiencing higher revenues than the first and third quarters. The volume of vehicles shipped during the second and fourth quarters is generally higher due to the introduction of new models which are shipped to dealers during those periods and the higher spring and early summer sales of automobiles and light trucks. During the first and third quarters, vehicle shipments typically decline due to lower sales volume during those periods and scheduled plant shut downs. Except for the impact of rising fuel costs discussed herein, inflation has not significantly affected the Company’s results of operations.

     Contractual Obligations

      Long-term contractual obligations, other than long-term debt obligations, are not recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The table below sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations (in thousands):

                                         
Payments Due by Year

Less Than More Than
Contractual Obligations Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years






Long-Term Obligations
  $ 248,475     $ 10,785     $ 87,690     $ 150,000     $ 0  
Operating Lease Obligations
    41,904       10,273       27,027       4,604       0  
Purchase Obligations*
    15,639       4,812       10,827       0       0  
     
     
     
     
     
 
    $ 306,018     $ 25,870     $ 125,544     $ 154,604     $ 0  
     
     
     
     
     
 


In April 2001, the Company entered into a five-year commitment with IBM to provide its mainframe computer processing services. The agreement includes outsourcing at determinable prices defined within the agreement.

     Critical Accounting Policies

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors it considers as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable

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accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of management’s estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.

      A summary of the significant accounting policies followed in preparation of the financial statements is contained in Note 2 of the financial statements attached hereto. Other footnotes describe various elements of the financial statements and the assumptions on which specific amounts were determined.

      The Company’s critical accounting policies include the following:

      CLAIMS AND INSURANCE RESERVES — Reserves for self-insured workers’ compensation, automobile, and general liability losses are subject to actuarial estimates based on historical claims experience adjusted for current industry trends. The Company receives third-party actuarial valuations to assist in the determination of its claims and insurance reserves. The actuarial estimates for self-insured workers compensation and automobile liability are discounted using management’s estimate of weighted risk free interest rates for each claim year to their present values. The claims and insurance reserves are adjusted periodically as such claims mature to reflect changes in actuarial estimates based on actual experience.

      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE VALUATION RESERVES — Substantially all revenue is derived from transporting new automobiles and light trucks from manufacturing plants, ports, auctions, and railway distribution points to automobile dealerships. Revenue is recorded when the vehicles are delivered to the dealerships. The Company makes significant estimates to determine the collectibility of its accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Estimates include assessments of the potential for customer billing adjustments based on the timing of delivery, the accuracy of pricing, as well as evaluation of the historical aging of customer accounts. In addition, estimates include periodic evaluations of the credit worthiness of customers including the impact of market and economic conditions on their viability to satisfy amounts owed to the Company.

      ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES — As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements the Company is required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax exposure, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciation expense, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, the Company must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent the Company establishes a valuation allowance or increases this allowance in a period, the Company must include an expense within the tax provision in the statements of operations.

      Significant management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against the net deferred tax assets. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $7.1 million as of December 31, 2002 due to uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to utilize some of the deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain capital losses carried forward and foreign tax credits, before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on management’s estimate of taxable income by jurisdiction in which the Company operates and the period over which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or the Company adjusts these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could materially impact the financial position and results of operations.

      The net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2002 was $12.1 million, net of a valuation allowance of $7.1 million.

      PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT — The Company operates approximately 3,800 company-owned Rigs, “revenue equipment,” in connection with its business. Property and equipment, including revenue equipment, are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life down to estimated salvage value. The actual life, if different than estimated, could have an impact on depreciation expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

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      GOODWILL — The Company adopted SFAS 142 as of January 1, 2002. Pursuant to adoption, goodwill is no longer amortized but is evaluated annually for impairment, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying value. The fair value of goodwill is derived by using a discounted cash flow analysis. This analysis involves estimates and assumptions by management regarding future revenue streams and expenses. Changes to these assumptions and estimates could have a material effect on the carrying value of goodwill and result in an impairment charge in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

      In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company as of the date of adoption.

      In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections. The Statement updates, clarifies and simplifies existing accounting pronouncements. The Statement requires that in certain circumstances previous items classified as extraordinary that do not meet the criteria in Opinion 30 must be reclassified. The Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The Company elected early adoption of the standard. Accordingly, the after-tax gain on early extinguishment of debt that was reported as an extraordinary item in the first quarter of 2002 has been reclassified and is currently reported as other income.

      In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Cost Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). This Statement requires recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred, as opposed to when the entity commits to an exit plan under EITF No. 94-3. The Statement is effective prospectively for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Management does not anticipate that the Statement will have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company as of the date of adoption.

      In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The disclosure requirements, which are effective for financial statements of annual periods ending after December 15, 2002 have been implemented and had no impact on these financial statements

      In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent

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disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 7A.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      The information required under this item is provided under the caption “Disclosures about Market Risks” under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 
Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

      Financial statements and supplementary data are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this Report.

 
Item 9.      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

      During the first quarter of 2002, the Company solicited and received formal proposals for accounting and tax services from several accounting firms. Effective April 4, 2002 the Company (a) engaged KPMG LLP as independent accountants and (b) dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP (“Andersen LLP”) as independent accountants. The decision to change accountants was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee.

      The reports of Andersen LLP for the past two fiscal years contained no adverse opinion, disclaimer of opinion, or opinion that was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

      During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years preceding the effective date of the change in accountants there were no:

        1. disagreements between the Company and Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Andersen LLP, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in their reports;
 
        2. reportable events involving Andersen LLP that would have required disclosure under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K;
 
        3. consultations between the Company and KPMG LLP regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.

PART III

      Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this report in that the Registrant will file a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A (the Proxy Statement) not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement which specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference. Such information does not include the Compensation Committee Report, the Performance Graph or the Audit Committee Report included in the Proxy Statement.

 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

      The information concerning the Company’s directors required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement. The information concerning the Company’s executive officers required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section in Part I, entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

      The information regarding compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is to be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

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Item 11. Executive Compensation

      The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement.

 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

      The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement.

 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

      The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement.

 
Item 14. Controls and Procedures

      (a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company maintains a system of “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a — 14(c) and 15d — 14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them in a timely manner of material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

      (b) Changes in Internal Controls. Since the evaluation date, no significant changes were made to the Company’s internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

PART IV

 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

      (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

        (1) Financial Statements:

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         
Page

Independent Auditors’ Report
    F-1  
Report of Independent Public Accountants
    F-2  
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2002 and 2001
    F-3  
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
    F-4  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
    F-5  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
    F-6  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    F-7  

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        (2) Financial Statement Schedules:

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

         
Page

Report of Independent Public Accountants
    S-1  
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
    S-2  

  All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.

        (3) Exhibits: The list of exhibits required by this item is set forth in “(C) Exhibits” below.

      (b) Reports on Form 8-K.

        None.

      (c) Exhibits.

      Exhibit Index filed as part of this report

         
Exhibit
No. Description


  3.1     Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File Number 33-66620) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1993, as amended on September 2, 1993 and September 17, 1993 and deemed effective on September 29, 1993).
  3.2     Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on April 16, 2001).
  4.1     Form of certificate representing shares of the Company’s common stock (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File Number 33-66620) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1993, as amended on September 2, 1993 and September 17, 1993 and deemed effective on September 29, 1993).
  4.2     Indenture by and among the Company, the Guarantors listed therein, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee, dated September 30, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File Number 333-37113) filed with the Commission on October 3, 1997).
  4.3     Financing Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2002, by and among Allied Holdings, Inc., Allied Systems, Ltd. (L.P.), each subsidiary of Allied Holdings, Inc. listed as a “Guarantor” on the signature pages thereto, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto as a Senior Lender, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto as a Subordinated Term Loan D Lender, Ableco Finance LLC, as collateral agent, and Foothill Capital Corporation, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 27, 2002).
  4.3(a)*     First Amendment to Financing Agreement, dated as of March 4, 2003, by and among Allied Holdings, Inc., Allied Systems, Ltd. (L.P.), each subsidiary of Allied Holdings, Inc. listed as a “Guarantor” on the signature pages thereto, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto as a Senior Lender, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto as a Subordinated Term Loan D Lender, Ableco Finance LLC, as collateral agent, and Foothill Capital Corporation, as administrative agent.
  10.1†     Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan of Allied Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on April 16, 2001).

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Exhibit
No. Description


  10.2†     Allied Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan and Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Trust (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Number 33-76108) filed with the Commission on March 4, 1994).
  10.3†     Allied Holdings, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Number 333-51102) filed with the Commission on December 1, 2000).
  10.4†     Allied Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File Number 333-62440) filed with the Commission on June 6, 2001).
  10.5†     Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Hugh E. Sawyer (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 14, 2001).
  10.5(a)†     First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Hugh E. Sawyer (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.6†     Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Daniel Popky (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.6(a)†     First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Daniel Popky (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.7†     Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Thomas Duffy (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.7(a)†     First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Thomas Duffy (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.8†     Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and Robert J. Rutland (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.9†*     Employment Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and David Rawden, as amended.
  10.10†     Employment Agreement among Allied Holdings, Inc., Axis Group, Inc. and Jack Gross (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 15, 2002).
  10.11**     Agreement between Allied Automotive Group, Inc. and UPS Autogistics, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 13, 2001).
  10.11(a)**     Amendment No. 2 to Agreement between Allied Automotive Group, Inc. and UPS Autogistics, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 14, 2002).
  10.12**     Agreement between the Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on April 16, 2001).
  10.12(a)**     Amendment to Agreement between the Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
  10.13**     Agreement between the Company and General Motors Corporation (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on April 16, 2001).
  10.13(a)**     Amendment to Agreement between the Company and General Motors Corporation (incorporated by reference from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 13, 2001).

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Exhibit
No. Description


  10.14**     Acquisition Agreement among Allied Holdings, Inc., AH Acquisition Corp., Canadian Acquisition Corp., Axis International Incorporated and Ryder System, Inc., dated August 20, 1997 (incorporated by reference from Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 29, 1997).
  10.15     Sale and Purchase Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and AutoLogic Holdings plc, dated November 19, 2001, regarding the sale of the remaining issued share capital of ANSA Logistics Limited, Autocar Logistics Limited and up to an additional 32% of the issued share capital of Vehicle Logistics Corporation BV (incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 20, 2001).
  10.16     IBM Global Services National Agreement between Allied Holdings, Inc. and International Business Machines Corporation, dated April 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March 27, 2002).
  21.1*     Subsidiaries of Allied Holdings, Inc.
  23.1*     Consent of KPMG LLP.
  23.2*     Notice regarding consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
  24.1*     Powers of Attorney (included within the signature page of this Report).


  Filed herewith

**  Confidential treatment has been requested and/or granted with respect to portions of this exhibit.

  †  Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

(d) Financial Statement Schedules. The list of exhibits required by this item is set forth above.

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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.

     
    ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
 
Date: March 27, 2003
  By: /s/ HUGH E. SAWYER

Hugh E. Sawyer,

President and

Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: March 27, 2003
  By: /s/ DANIEL H. POPKY

Daniel H. Popky,

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert J. Rutland and Hugh E. Sawyer, jointly and severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

             
Signature Title Date



/s/ ROBERT J. RUTLAND

Robert J. Rutland
  Chairman and Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ GUY W. RUTLAND, III

Guy W. Rutland, III
  Chairman Emeritus and Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ HUGH E. SAWYER

Hugh E. Sawyer
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ DAVID G. BANNISTER

David G. Bannister
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ WILLIAM P. BENTON

William P. Benton
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ THOMAS E. BOLAND

Thomas E. Boland
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ GUY W. RUTLAND, IV

Guy W. Rutland, IV
  Executive Vice President and Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ J. LELAND STRANGE

J. Leland Strange
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ BERNER F. WILSON, JR.

Berner F. Wilson, Jr.
  Director   March 27, 2003
 
/s/ ROBERT R. WOODSON

Robert R. Woodson
  Director   March 27, 2003

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CERTIFICATIONS

I, Daniel H. Popky, certify that:

  1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allied Holdings, 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 annual 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 officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

  a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared;
 
  b)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)  presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  5.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)  all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data 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 controls; and

  6.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
     
Date: March 27, 2003
 
/s/ DANIEL H. POPKY

Daniel H. Popky

Senior Vice President

Finance and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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CERTIFICATIONS

I, Hugh E. Sawyer, certify that:

  1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Allied Holdings, 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 annual 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 officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

  a)  designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared;
 
  b)  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)  presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

  5.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)  all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data 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 controls; and

  6.  The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
     
Date: March 27, 2003
 
/s/ HUGH E. SAWYER

Hugh E. Sawyer

President and Chief Executive Officer

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

The Board of Directors

Allied Holdings, Inc.:

      We have audited the 2002 consolidated financial statements of Allied Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audit of the 2002 consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the 2002 consolidated financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audit. The 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule of Allied Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. Those auditors’ report, dated February 27, 2002 on those financial statements and financial statement schedule was unqualified, before the revision described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, and included an explanatory paragraph that described the fact that the financial statements of Ansa Logistics Limited, an investment recorded using the equity method of accounting was audited by other auditors; the equity investment represented less than 1% of total assets at December 31, 2001 and the equity in net income for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was $2,100,000 and $2,197,000, respectively, of the total Company’s net loss of $(39,496,000) and $(6,301,000); respectively, the amounts included for Ansa Logistics Limited were based solely on the report of the other auditors.

      We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the 2002 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related 2002 financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

      As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

      As discussed above, the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements of Allied Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries, as listed in the accompanying index, were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in note 7, these financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2002. In our opinion, the disclosures for 2001 and 2000 in note 7 are appropriate. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 and 2000 financial statements of Allied Holdings, Inc. other than with respect to such disclosures and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 and 2000 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

  /s/ KPMG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 17, 2003

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Table of Contents

Note:  The following report of independent accountants is a copy of the report previously issued in connection with the Company’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP, the Company’s former independent public accountants.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Allied Holdings, Inc.:

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. (a Georgia corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      We did not audit the financial statements of Ansa Logistics Limited, the investment in which is reflected in the accompanying financial statements using the equity method of accounting. The investment in Ansa Logistics Limited represents less than 1% of total assets at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the equity in its net income for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 is $2,100,000 and $2,197,000, respectively, of the total Company’s net loss of $(39,496,000) and $(6,301,000), respectively. The statements of Ansa Logistics Limited were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Ansa Logistics Limited, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

      In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Allied Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

  /s/ Arthur Andersen, LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 25, 2002
(except with respect to the
matter discussed in the
fourth paragraph of Note 4,
as to which the date
is March 27, 2002)

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2002 and 2001
(In thousands)
                     
2002 2001


ASSETS
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 10,253     $ 10,543  
 
Short-term investments
    60,732       64,794  
 
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,587 and $11,058 in 2002 and 2001, respectively
    58,512       72,292  
 
Inventories
    5,071       5,349  
 
Deferred tax assets
    39,826       32,403  
 
Prepayments and other current assets
    28,685       22,633  
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    203,079       208,014  
Property and equipment, net
    176,663       214,641  
Goodwill, net
    85,241       90,230  
Other non-current assets
    20,525       24,219  
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 485,508     $ 537,104  
     
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 10,785     $ 2,625  
 
Trade accounts payable
    36,585       40,232  
 
Accrued liabilities
    92,881       86,675  
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    140,251       129,532  
     
     
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    237,690       286,533  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    7,467       9,363  
Deferred income taxes
    27,746       21,383  
Other long-term liabilities
    62,040       72,296  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
 
Preferred stock, no par value. Authorized 5,000 shares; none outstanding
    0       0  
 
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 20,000 shares; 8,421 and 8,274 outstanding at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively
    0       0  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    46,801       46,520  
 
Treasury stock, 139 shares at cost at December 31, 2002 and 2001
    (707 )     (707 )
 
Accumulated deficit
    (26,420 )     (18,894 )
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    (9,360 )     (8,922 )
     
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    10,314       17,997  
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 485,508     $ 537,104  
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
(In thousands, except per share data)
                             
2002 2001 2000



Revenues
  $ 898,060     $ 896,767     $ 1,069,154  
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                       
 
Salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
    483,545       515,916       584,527  
 
Operating supplies and expenses
    138,542       149,111       189,136  
 
Purchased transportation
    99,109       97,756       104,545  
 
Insurance and claims
    43,500       50,837       47,736  
 
Operating taxes and licenses
    33,583       33,262       39,389  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    54,880       60,358       60,884  
 
Rents
    6,342       6,813       8,570  
 
Communications and utilities
    6,419       7,022       7,333  
 
Other operating expenses
    10,384       16,126       13,826  
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets, net
    748       (2,725 )     1,340  
     
     
     
 
   
Total operating expenses
    877,052       934,476       1,057,286  
     
     
     
 
   
Operating income (loss)
    21,008       (37,709 )     11,868  
     
     
     
 
Other income (expense):
                       
 
Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of tax
    0       4,072       5,066  
 
Gain on sale of joint venture
    0       16,230       0  
 
Write down of joint venture
    0       (10,042 )     0  
 
Interest expense
    (30,627 )     (37,574 )     (33,813 )
 
Interest income
    2,463       3,874       5,509  
 
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
    2,750       0       0  
 
Other, net
    (157 )     360       0  
     
     
     
 
      (25,571 )     (23,080 )     (23,238 )
     
     
     
 
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (4,563 )     (60,789 )     (11,370 )
Income tax benefit
    1,129       21,293       5,069  
     
     
     
 
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (3,434 )     (39,496 )     (6,301 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
    (4,092 )     0       0  
     
     
     
 
   
Net loss
  $ (7,526 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (6,301 )
     
     
     
 
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
                       
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:
                       
 
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.41 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax:
                       
 
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.50 )   $ 0     $ 0  
Net loss:
                       
 
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.91 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )
     
     
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                       
 
Basic and Diluted
    8,301       8,128       7,946  
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
                                                                     
Accumulated
Comprehensive Common Stock Additional Other
Income
Paid-in Treasury Retained Comprehensive
(Loss) Shares Amount Capital Stock Earnings Income (Loss) Total








Balance, December 31, 1999
            7,997     $ 0     $ 44,437     $ (186 )   $ 26,903     $ (4,240 )   $ 66,914  
 
Net loss
  $ (6,301 )     0       0       0       0       (6,301 )     0       (6,301 )
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                                                               
   
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes of $1,601
    (2,504 )     0       0       0       0       0       (2,504 )     (2,504 )
     
                                                         
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (8,805 )                                                        
     
                                                         
 
Issuance of common stock
            146       0       750       0       0       0       750  
 
Repurchases of common stock
            (110 )     0       0       (521 )     0       0       (521 )
 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
            154       0       803       0       0       0       803  
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2000
            8,187       0       45,990       (707 )     20,602       (6,744 )     59,141  
 
Net loss
  $ (39,496 )     0       0       0       0       (39,496 )     0       (39,496 )
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                                                               
   
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes of $956
    (1,373 )     0       0       0       0       0       (1,373 )     (1,373 )
   
Minimum pension liability, net of income taxes of $504
    (805 )     0       0       0       0       0       (805 )     (805 )
     
                                                         
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (41,674 )                                                        
     
                                                         
 
Issuance of common stock
            179       0       349       0       0       0       349  
 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
            (92 )     0       181       0       0       0       181  
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2001
            8,274       0       46,520       (707 )     (18,894 )     (8,922 )     17,997  
 
Net loss
  $ (7,526 )     0       0       0       0       (7,526 )     0       (7,526 )
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                                                               
   
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes of $(316)
    376       0       0       0       0       0       376       376  
   
Minimum pension liability, net of income taxes of $509
    (814 )     0       0       0       0       0       (814 )     (814 )
     
                                                         
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (7,964 )                                                        
     
                                                         
 
Issuance of common stock
            159       0       338       0       0       0       338  
 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
            (12 )     0       (57 )     0       0       0       (57 )
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
            8,421     $ 0     $ 46,801     $ (707 )   $ (26,420 )   $ (9,360 )   $ 10,314  
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
(In thousands)
                                 
2002 2001 2000



Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
 
Net loss
  $ (7,526 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (6,301 )
     
     
     
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
   
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
    (2,750 )     0       0  
   
Interest expense paid in kind
    1,115       248       0  
   
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    4,004       4,795       1,616  
   
Depreciation and amortization
    54,880       60,358       60,884  
   
Gain on disposal of assets and other, net
    905       (3,890 )     1,340  
   
Gain on sale of joint ventures
    0       (16,230 )     0  
   
Write down of joint ventures
    0       10,042       0  
   
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    4,092       0       0  
   
Deferred income taxes
    (1,632 )     (21,703 )     (8,419 )
   
Compensation expense related to stock options and grants
    (57 )     181       803  
   
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
    0       (4,072 )     (5,066 )
   
Amortization of Teamsters Union contract costs
    2,400       2,403       2,490  
   
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
     
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
    13,667       40,679       8,196  
     
Inventories
    270       1,980       497  
     
Prepayments and other current assets
    (9,786 )     293       2,716  
     
Short-term investments
    4,062       (4,902 )     (15,567 )
     
Trade accounts payable
    (3,603 )     (5,430 )     2,056  
     
Accrued liabilities
    (1,556 )     2,776       (12,658 )
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    58,485       28,032       32,587  
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
 
Purchases of property and equipment
    (21,786 )     (21,463 )     (32,275 )
 
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
    0       0       (8,352 )
 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    4,725       11,762       977  
 
Investment in joint ventures
    0       (464 )     (616 )
 
Cash received from joint ventures
    0       8,624       1,509  
 
Proceeds from sale of equity investment in joint venture
    3,000       20,560       0  
 
Decrease (increase) in the cash surrender value of life insurance
    2,641       420       (541 )
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (11,420 )     19,439       (39,298 )
     
     
     
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
 
Repayments to revolving credit facility, net
    (74,263 )     (35,966 )     (5,173 )
 
Additions to long-term debt
    82,750       0       0  
 
Repayment of long-term debt
    (47,535 )     (109 )     (128 )
 
Payment of deferred financing costs
    (9,262 )     (3,574 )     (421 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    338       349       750  
 
Repurchase of common stock
    0       0       (521 )
 
Other, net
    434       (612 )     1,282  
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (47,538 )     (39,912 )     (4,211 )
     
     
     
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    183       611       (689 )
     
     
     
 
       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (290 )     8,170       (11,611 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    10,543       2,373       13,984  
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 10,253     $ 10,543     $ 2,373  
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000
 
(1) Organization and Operations

      Allied Holdings, Inc. (the Company), a Georgia corporation, is a holding company which operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries. The principal operating divisions of the Company are Allied Automotive Group, Inc. (Allied Automotive Group) and Axis Group, Inc. (Axis Group). Allied Automotive Group, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of transporting automobiles and light trucks from manufacturing plants, ports, auctions, and railway distribution points to automobile dealerships. Axis Group, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of securing and managing vehicle distribution services, automobile inspections, auction and yard management services, intra-modal transport, vehicle accessorization, and dealer preparatory services for the automotive industry.

 
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     (a) Principles of Consolidation

   The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

     (b) Foreign Currency Translation

   The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity, net of related income taxes.

     (c) Revenue Recognition

   Substantially all revenue is derived from transporting new automobiles and light trucks from manufacturing plants, ports, auctions, and railway distribution points to automobile dealerships, providing vehicle rail-car loading and unloading services, yard management services, and other distribution and transportation support services to the pre-owned and new vehicle market. Revenue is recorded by the Company when the vehicles are delivered to the dealerships or when services are performed.

     (d) Cash and Cash Equivalents

   The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

     (e) Inventories

   Inventories consist primarily of tires, parts, materials, and supplies for servicing the Company’s tractors and trailers. Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.

     (f) Tires on Tractors and Trailers

   New tires on tractors and trailers are capitalized and amortized to operating supplies and expenses on a cents per mile basis.

     (g) Property and Equipment

   Property and equipment are stated at cost. Major property additions, replacements, and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs which do not extend the useful lives of these assets are expensed

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

currently. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method for financial reporting and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are: 4 to 10 years for tractors and trailers, 6 years for costs capitalized for the remanufacturing program, 5 to 30 years for buildings, facilities and leasehold improvements, and 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and service cars.

   The company evaluates impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operation in accordance with statements. FASB 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

     (h) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

   SFAS No. 144 provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. SFAS No. 144 also changes the criteria for classifying an asset as held for sale; and broadens the scope of businesses to be disposed of that qualify for reporting as discontinued operations and changes the timing of recognizing losses on such operations. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 on January 1, 2002.

   In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.

   Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested annually for impairment, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

   Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the Company accounted for long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of.

     (i) Equity Investments

   The Company accounted for its investments under the equity method of accounting with its share of the ventures’ earnings or loss reflected as equity in earnings of joint venture, net of tax in the consolidated statements of operations. During 2002, there were no earnings or losses from equity investments. In addition, at December 31, 2002, the Company had no investments accounted for under the equity method.

     (j) Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

   The Company maintains life insurance policies for certain employees of the Company. Under the terms of the policies, the Company will receive, upon the death of the insured, the lesser of aggregate premiums paid or the cash surrender value amount of the policy. Any excess proceeds over the company’s interest in the policies are retained by the employee’s beneficiary. The Company records the increase or decrease in cash surrender value each year as a reduction or increase of premium expense.

     (k) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

   Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

   In connection with SFAS No. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Statement required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this, the Company was required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002.

   The Company was required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit within six months of January 1, 2002. To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would be required to perform the second step of the transitional impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. The second step was required for one reporting unit. In this step, the Company compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill, both of which were measured as of the date of adoption.

   The implied fair value of goodwill was determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets (recognized and unrecognized) and liabilities of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation was the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. The carrying amount exceeded the implied fair value for the Axis reporting unit, which resulted in recognition of a $4.1 million impairment loss, net of related taxes. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally 40 years, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. All other intangible assets were amortized on a straight-line basis for 10 years. The amount of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, if any, was measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds.

     (l) Reclassification

   Certain amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

     (m) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

   SFAS No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the following information about the fair value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. For purposes of the following disclosure, the fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation.

   The amounts disclosed represent management’s best estimates of fair value. In accordance with SFAS No. 107, the Company has excluded certain financial instruments and all other assets and liabilities from its disclosure. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented are not intended to, and do not, represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

      The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of these instruments.

Short-Term Investments

      The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of debt and equity securities, all classified as trading securities, which are carried at their fair value based on the quoted market prices of those investments. Accordingly, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in net earnings.

Other Non-Current Assets

      Other non-current assets primarily include the cash surrender value of life insurance, deferred financing costs, deposits, as well as a trademark owned by a subsidiary of the Axis Group. The carrying amount of these assets, excluding the trademark, approximates fair value due to the nature of the assets. The fair value of the trademark is based on an analysis performed by an independent appraisal firm.

Long-Term Debt

      The carrying amount of the Credit Facility approximates fair value based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms and average maturities. The fair value of the Senior Notes is based on the year-end quoted market price.

      The financial instruments are generally executed with major financial institutions which expose the Company to acceptable levels of market and credit risks and may at times be concentrated with certain counterparties or groups of counterparties. The creditworthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review and full performance is anticipated.

      The asset and (liability) amounts recorded in the balance sheet and the estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2002 consisted of the following (in thousands):

                 
Carrying
Amount Fair Value


Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 10,253     $ 10,253  
Short-term investments
    60,732       60,732  
Other non-current assets
    20,525       20,416  
Long-term debt
    (248,475 )     (202,785 )

     (n) Claims and Insurance Reserves

   In the United States, the Company retains liability up to $650,000 for each workers’ compensation claim and $500,000 for each claim for automobile and general liability, including personal injury and property damage claims. In addition to the $500,000 per occurrence deductible for automobile liability, there is a $1,500,000 aggregate deductible for those claims which exceed the $500,000 per occurrence deductible, subject to a $1,000,000 per claim limit. Allied has also applied a $1,000,000 interaggregate limit to the layer from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. This additional exposure is limited to $1,000,000 in the aggregate for losses between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Furthermore, the Company retains liability up to $250,000 for each cargo damage claim. In Canada, the Company retains liability up to CDN $500,000 for each claim for personal injury, property damage, and cargo damage. Also, in Canada, there is a CDN $500,000 aggregate limit for losses above CDN $500,000 and losses in excess of CDN $500,000 are limited to CDN $500,000.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Reserves for self-insured workers’ compensation, automobile, and general liability losses are based on actuarial estimates that are based on the Company’s historical claims experience adjusted for current industry trends, and discounted using management’s estimate of weighted average risk free interest rates for each claim year to their present values. The undiscounted amount of these reserves at December 31, 2002 and 2001 was approximately $109,558,000 and $108,614,000, respectively. These claims and insurance reserves are adjusted periodically as such claims mature to reflect changes in actuarial estimates based on actual experience.

      The Company provides reserves primarily on an actuarially determined basis for the estimated cargo, auto, general and workers’ compensation liability for both reported and claims incurred but not reported. The estimated costs of all known and estimated losses are accrued by the Company. In the opinion of management, adequate provision has been made for all incurred claims.

     (o) Stock Option Plan

      The Company applies the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations including FASB Interpretation No. 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation, an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25, issued in March 2000, to account for its fixed-plan stock options. Under this method, compensation expense is recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic value based method of accounting described above, and has adopted only the disclosure requirements SFAS No. 123. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost for the long-term incentive plan based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plan, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below at December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 (in thousands, except per share data):

                             
2002 2001 2000



Net loss:
                       
 
As reported
  $ (7,526 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (6,301 )
 
Pro forma
  $ (8,238 )   $ (40,024 )   $ (6,602 )
Loss per share:
                       
 
As reported:
                       
   
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.91 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )
 
Pro forma:
                       
   
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.99 )   $ (4.92 )   $ (0.83 )

      The fair value of the Company’s stock options used to compute pro forma net income and earnings per share disclosures is the estimated present value at grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2002, 2001, and 2000: dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 72%, 85%, and 65%, respectively, a risk-free interest rate of 3.19%, 4.30%, and 5.65%, respectively, and an expected holding period of five years.

      The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

     (p) Income Taxes

   Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. 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 and operating loss and tax credit carryforward. 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

     (q) Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

   The Company has a defined benefit pension plan for management and office personnel in the United States. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation during the five years before retirement. The cost of this program is being funded currently.

      The Company also sponsors a defined benefit health care plan for substantially all retirees and employees. The Company measures the costs of its obligation based on its best estimate. The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the postretirement benefits.

     (r) Earnings Per Share

   SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share, requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years presented. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities and other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Options for approximately 345,326, 581,684, and 288,848 shares outstanding at December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the impact would have been antidilutive. The number of weighted average shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, was 8,301,000, 8,128,000, and 7,946,000, respectively.

     (s) Commitments and Contingencies

   Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

     (t) Derivatives and Hedging Activities

   SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      From time to time, the Company enters into futures contracts to manage the risk associated with changes in fuel prices. Gains and losses from fuel hedging contracts are recognized as part of fuel expense when the Company uses the underlying fuel being hedged. The Company does not enter into fuel hedging contracts for speculative purposes. During 2002, 2001, and 2000, the Company did not have any fuel hedging contracts or other derivative instruments that fall under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities.

     (u) Use of Estimates

   The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment; valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets; self-insurance reserves; and assets and obligations related to employee benefits. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(3)     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

      In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company also records a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation will be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 is not expected to have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company as of the date of adoption.

      In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Cost Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). This Statement requires recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred, as opposed to when the entity commits to an exit plan under EITF No. 94-3. The Statement is effective prospectively for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. Management does not anticipate that the Statement will have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company as of the date of adoption.

      In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The disclosure requirements, which are effective for financial statements of annual periods ending after December 15, 2002 have been implemented and had no impact on these financial statements.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating SFAS No. 148 to determine if it will adopt SFAS 123 to account for employee stock options using the fair value method, and if so, when it will begin the transition to this method.

(4)     Investments

      The Company’s investments consist of federal, state, and municipal government obligations, corporate securities, and equity securities. All of the Company’s investments are held for settlement of insurance claims and are not available to the Company for operations. In addition, the Company had $7,700,000 and $7,800,000 in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, which are also for settlement of insurance claims. At December 31, 2002, all of the investments were classified as trading securities as defined in SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      A summary of investments at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

                                     
2002

Unrealized Amounts
Amortized
Cost Gains Losses Fair Value




Fixed maturities:
                               
 
United States government and United States government sponsored agencies
  $ 20,136     $ 857     $ (5 )   $ 20,988  
 
Asset and mortgage-backed securities
    3,868       147       (73 )     3,942  
 
Corporate and other
    23,030       1,342       (2 )     24,370  
 
Foreign government and foreign government sponsored debt securities
    398       17       0       415  
 
Equity securities
    11,982       790       (1,755 )     11,017  
     
     
     
     
 
   
Investments carrying value
  $ 59,414     $ 3,153     $ (1,835 )   $ 60,732  
     
     
     
     
 
                                     
2001

Unrealized Amounts
Amortized
Cost Gains Losses Fair Value




Fixed maturities:
                               
 
United States government and United States government sponsored agencies
  $ 21,964     $ 378     $ (141 )   $ 22,201  
 
Asset and mortgage-backed securities
    4,036       88       (47 )     4,077  
 
Corporate and other
    20,679       587       (100 )     21,166  
 
Foreign government and foreign government sponsored debt securities
    3,665       173       0       3,838  
 
Equity securities
    15,451       846       (2,785 )     13,512  
     
     
     
     
 
   
Investments carrying value
  $ 65,795     $ 2,072     $ (3,073 )   $ 64,794  
     
     
     
     
 

      The fair value of investment securities is generally based on quoted market prices.

      Scheduled maturities of investments in debt securities at December 31, 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

                   
Amortized Cost Fair Value


Due in one year or less
  $ 1,878     $ 1,894  
Due after one year through five years
    22,861       24,038  
Due after five years through ten years
    12,604       13,354  
Due after ten years
    10,089       10,429  
     
     
 
 
Total
  $ 47,432     $ 49,715  
     
     
 

      Expected and scheduled maturities may differ because the issuers of certain securities may have the right to call, prepay, or otherwise redeem such obligations without penalty.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Sales of securities for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 are summarized below (in thousands):

                           
2002 2001 2000



Fixed maturities:
                       
 
Cash proceeds
  $ 29,925     $ 117,564     $ 29,416  
 
Gross realized gains
    758       1,407       403  
 
Gross realized losses
    (170 )     (136 )     (227 )
Equity securities:
                       
 
Cash proceeds
    5,889       4,920       4,167  
 
Gross realized gains
    340       493       482  
 
Gross realized losses
    (4,057 )     (265 )     (88 )
 
(5) Prepayments and Other Current Assets

      Prepayments and other current assets consist of the following at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Tires on tractors and trailers
  $ 7,082     $ 12,095  
Prepaid insurance
    1,773       1,960  
Prepaid pension cost
    14,968       3,712  
Other
    4,862       4,866  
     
     
 
    $ 28,685     $ 22,633  
     
     
 

(6)     Property and Equipment

      The detail of property and equipment at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

                         
2002 2001 Useful Lives



Tractors and trailers
  $ 421,615     $ 416,510       4 to 10 years  
Buildings and facilities (including leasehold improvements)
    44,925       49,403       5 to 30 years  
Land
    11,958       13,563          
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
    41,819       39,820       3 to 10 years  
Service cars and equipment
    3,111       2,860       3 to 10 years  
     
     
         
      523,428       522,156          
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    346,765       307,515          
     
     
         
    $ 176,663     $ 214,641          
     
     
         

      Depreciation expense amounted to $54,670,000, $56,298,000, and $57,179,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

      The Company initiated an extensive remanufacturing program in 2002 in an effort to upgrade the existing fleet. The remanufacturing program includes structural improvements to tractors and trailers as well as engine replacements. The remanufacturing is expected to increase the useful life of a Rig to an average of 15 years. These remanufactured assets are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 6 years, using the straight-line

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

method of depreciation. Total capital expenditures related to the remanufacturing program, including engine replacements, were approximately $19.0 million.

      During 2002, the Company performed an analysis of certain fleet equipment that was recently idled. The assets were evaluated in order to determine if they were candidates for the fleet remanufacturing and engine replacement program. Approximately 1,000 tractors or trailers were not considered viable candidates for the program and a decision was made that they would not be placed back into operations. As a result, depreciation was accelerated to the reduced useful life resulting in an additional charge of $2.1 million to depreciation expense in 2002.

(7)     Goodwill

      In accordance with SFAS No. 142, effective January 1, 2002, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill but reviews it annually for impairment, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying value. Goodwill amortization for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was $3,537,000 and $3,531,000 respectively.

      Pursuant to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company evaluated its reporting units within the guidance of SFAS No. 142 and SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. The Company’s reporting units are the Allied Automotive Group and the Axis Group. The adoption of SFAS No. 142 required the Company to perform a transitional impairment assessment on all goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets as of January 1, 2002. The Company compared the fair value of goodwill to current carrying value. Fair values were derived using discounted cash flow analyses using a discount rate comparable to market rate of return on assets. The assumptions used in these discounted cash flow analyses were also consistent with the Company’s internal planning and represents the Company’s best estimates. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle was a $5.2 million decrease to the Axis Group goodwill due to less than expected performance by one of the business units. The deferred income tax benefit related to this change was approximately $1.1 million. The $4.1 million cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle, net of income taxes, is included in the accompanying statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002. The Company completed its annual review of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2002. No impairment was indicated.

      The following table sets forth the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                         
Allied
Automotive
Group Axis Group Total



Balance as of December 31, 2001
  $ 72,839     $ 17,391     $ 90,230  
Increase in carrying amount due to a change in currency rates
    204       1       205  
Impairment loss
    0       (5,194 )     (5,194 )
     
     
     
 
Balance as of December 31, 2002
  $ 73,043     $ 12,198     $ 85,241  
     
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The following table summarizes and reconciles net loss before the cumulative effect of the accounting change for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, adjusted to exclude amortization expense recognized in such periods related to goodwill (in thousands, except per share data):

                             
2002 2001 2000



Reported net loss before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3,434 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (6,301 )
Add back after-tax amounts:
                       
 
Goodwill amortization
    0       2,375       2,442  
     
     
     
 
Adjusted net loss before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3,434 )   $ (39,496 )   $ (3,859 )
     
     
     
 
Loss per share before accounting change:
                       
   
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.41 )   $ (4.86 )   $ (0.79 )
Goodwill amortization:
                       
   
Basic and diluted
    0       0.29       0.31  
     
     
     
 
Adjusted loss per share before accounting change:
                       
   
Basic and diluted
  $ (0.41 )   $ (4.57 )   $ (0.48 )
     
     
     
 

(8)     Other Non-Current Assets

      Other non-current assets consist of the following at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Cash surrender value of life insurance
  $ 6,203     $ 8,844  
Deferred financing costs
    10,377       5,120  
Deposits and other
    3,945       7,255  
Investment in Brazil joint venture
    0       3,000  
     
     
 
    $ 20,525     $ 24,219  
     
     
 

(9)     Equity Investments

      During 2001, Axis Group had interests in four joint ventures for the purpose of managing the distribution of vehicles in the United Kingdom and Brazil. Axis Group initially invested $10,395,000 in the ventures.

      On December 10, 2001, Axis Group completed the sale of its interest in joint ventures held by the Company’s subsidiary, Axis International, Inc., for approximately $20.5 million in cash. The Company sold the following equity interests held by Axis Group: (i) 50% interest in Autocar Logistics Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, (ii) 50% interest in Ansa Logistics Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, and (iii) 32% interest in Vehicle Logistics Corporation BV, a company registered in the Netherlands. The gain on the sale of the Company’s interest in the joint ventures was $16.2 million.

      During 2001, Axis Group recorded an impairment charge of $10.0 million on its equity interest in the Brazilian joint venture. The Company sold its investment in Brazil for $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2002, which approximated the net book value. There was no equity in earnings or losses from this joint venture in 2002.

      The Company accounts for the investments under the equity method of accounting with its share of the ventures’ net of tax earnings or loss reflected as equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of tax, in the consolidated statements of operations. The related equity investments are included in other assets in the

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Income taxes related to the joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2001, and 2000 were $2,500,000, and $2,100,000, respectively.

      The Company did not have any equity in earnings of or losses from joint ventures in 2002 and the majority of the Company’s equity in earnings of joint ventures in 2001 was derived from its joint venture in the United Kingdom, Ansa Logistics Limited. In addition, at December 31, 2002, the Company had no investments accounted for under the equity method. Summarized financial information of Ansa Logistics Limited for the year ended December 31, 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

           
2001

Current assets
  $ 29,509  
Other assets
    4,895  
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 34,404  
     
 
Current liabilities
  $ 30,875  
     
 
Revenues
  $ 99,702  
     
 
Operating income
  $ 5,974  
     
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 6,207  
     
 
Net income
  $ 4,199  
     
 

      The summarized financial information was derived from financial statements of Ansa Logistics Limited, which were audited by other auditors whose report thereon is dated March 27, 2002.

(10)     Accrued and Other Long-Term Liabilities

      Accrued and other long-term liabilities consists of the following at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Wages and benefits
  $ 41,903     $ 34,992  
Claims and insurance reserves
    35,487       33,721  
Other
    15,491       14,250  
     
     
 
    $ 92,881     $ 82,963  
     
     
 

      As part of its turnaround initiatives, the Company implemented a program to achieve a significant reduction in corporate overhead expenses and to upgrade certain personnel. Targeted in the plan were workforce reductions as well as additional efforts to decrease discretionary spending and eliminate fixed costs. During 2002 the Company has continued to incur severance expense as part of its ongoing initiative to improve personnel quality and productivity. Accordingly, the Company terminated approximately 135 and 190 corporate and field employees during 2002 and 2001, respectively. The following table summarizes the activity in the accrual for termination benefits for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Beginning balance
  $ 3,741     $ 1,600  
Additions to reserve charged to salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
    2,321       9,210  
Cash payments
    (4,986 )     (7,069 )
     
     
 
Ending balance
  $ 1,076     $ 3,741  
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The accrual for termination benefits of $1.1 million and $3.7 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, is included in accrued liabilities — wages and benefits above, and as such, the Company expects to pay the accrued benefits within the next twelve months. The long-term portion of claims and insurance reserves is included in the balance sheets as other long-term liabilities and amounts to approximately $60,995,000 and $68,625,000 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

(11)     Lease Commitments

      The Company leases equipment, office space, computer equipment, and certain terminal facilities under noncancelable operating lease agreements that expire in various years through 2007. Rental expenses under these leases amounted to approximately $11,413,000, $11,327,000, and $10,918,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

      The Company also leases certain terminal facilities under cancelable leases (i.e., month-to-month terms). The total rental expenses under these leases were approximately $3,508,000, $4,051,000, and $4,037,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.

      The Company has operating lease commitments for approximately 425 Rigs. The terms of the leases are seven years and expire between 2003 and 2007. The lease agreements contain residual guarantees of up to 20.0% of the original costs of the Rigs.

      During 1999, the Company entered into a sublease agreement with a third party for a leased building under which the Company’s commitment expires in 2007. This sublease agreement with the third party expires in 2004. In 2002, the Company entered into additional sublease agreements with third parties for a leased building under which the Company’s commitment expires in 2009. These sublease agreements with third parties expire in 2007. Total sublease income earned during 2002, 2001, and 2000 was approximately $1,016,000, $964,000, and $1,016,000.

      Future minimum rental commitments and related sublease income under all noncancelable operating lease agreements, excluding lease agreements that expire within one year, are as follows as of December 31, 2002 (in thousands):

                   
Sublease
Commitments Income


2003
  $ 11,388     $ 1,115  
2004
    10,969       499  
2005
    10,273       141  
2006
    6,571       146  
2007
    4,248       148  
Thereafter
    504       0  
     
     
 
 
Total
  $ 43,953     $ 2,049  
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(12)     Long-Term Debt

      Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                 
2002 2001


Revolving credit facility
  $ 24,635     $ 98,900  
Term Loan A
    7,474       0  
Term Loan B
    25,684       0  
Term Loan C
    11,432       0  
Term Loan D
    29,250       0  
Senior notes
    150,000       150,000  
Senior subordinated notes and other
    0       40,258  
     
     
 
      248,475       289,158  
Less current maturities of long-term debt
    (10,785 )     (2,625 )
     
     
 
    $ 237,690     $ 286,533  
     
     
 

      On September 30, 1997, the Company issued $150 million of 8 5/8% senior notes (the “Notes”) through a private placement. Subsequently, the Notes were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The net proceeds from the Notes were used to fund the acquisition of Ryder Automotive Carrier Services, Inc. and RC Management Corp., pay related fees and expenses, and reduce outstanding indebtedness. The Notes mature on October 1, 2007.

      Borrowings under the Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company’s obligations under the Notes are guaranteed by substantially all of the subsidiaries of the Company (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Haul Insurance Ltd., Arrendadora de Equipo Para el Transporte de Automoviles, S. de R.L. de C.V. and Axis Logistica, S. de R.L. de C.V. do not guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Notes (the “Nonguarantor Subsidiaries”). There are no restrictions on the ability of Guarantors to make distributions to the Company.

      The Notes set forth a number of negative covenants, which are binding on the Company. The covenants limit the Company’s ability to, among other things, purchase or redeem stock, make dividend or other distributions, make investments, and incur or repay debt (with the exception of payment of interest or principal at stated maturity).

      Concurrent with the issuance of the Notes, the Company closed on a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Company also previously issued $40.0 million of senior subordinated notes (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”) through a private placement.

      On February 25, 2002, the Company refinanced the Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Subordinated Notes with a new credit facility including certain term loans (the “Term Loans”) (the new credit facility and the term loans, collectively, the “Credit Facility”). Proceeds from the Term Loans were used to repurchase the $40.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes for $37.25 million. In conjunction with the extinguishment of this debt, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $2.75 million, during the first quarter of 2002. The Credit Facility includes a revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) that allows the Company to borrow under a revolving line of credit up to the lesser of $120 million or a borrowing base amount as defined in the Credit Facility. The interest rate for the Revolver is based upon the prime rate plus 1.5% or LIBOR plus 4.5% at management’s discretion with a minimum interest rate of 6.5%. Annual commitment fees are due on the undrawn portion of the commitment. At December 31, 2002, $24.6 million was outstanding under the Revolver, and approximately $19.0 million was committed under letters of credit. As of December 31, 2002

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

the Company had approximately $48.4 million available under the Revolver. The Revolver matures on February 25, 2005.

      Borrowings under the Company’s Credit Facility are collateralized with the assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. If the Company were unable to repay any borrowing under its Credit Facility when due, the lenders thereunder would have the right to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the debt. Any default under the Company’s debt instruments, particularly any default that resulted in acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.

      The Credit Facility includes four Term Loans. Term Loan A is repayable in installments over three years, with interest payable monthly. Term Loan B is repayable in installments over three years, with interest payable monthly. The interest rate on Term Loan B includes PIK interest of 3.5% that will be payable upon maturity. Term Loan C is payable in full at maturity with interest payable monthly. The interest rate on Term Loan C also includes PIK interest of 5.0% that will be payable upon maturity. Term Loan D is payable in full at maturity with interest payable quarterly.

      The following table summarizes the terms of the loans in the Credit Facility:

                                 
Term Loan A Term Loan B Term Loan C Term Loan D




Date of note
    February 25, 2002       February 25, 2002       February 25, 2002       February 25, 2002  
Maturity date
    February 25, 2005       February 25, 2005       February 25, 2005       February 28, 2005  
Original amount
    $17,500,000       $25,000,000       $11,000,000       $29,250,000  
Unpaid balance
    $7,474,000       $25,684,000       $11,432,000       $29,250,000  
Interest rate
    Prime + 2.75% or       Prime + 6.5% or       Prime + 9% or       Prime + 3.5%  
      Min of 7.75%       Min of 11.5%       Min of 14%          

      The Credit Facility agreement sets forth a number of affirmative, negative, and financial covenants binding on the Company. The negative covenants limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, incur debt, incur liens, make investments, sell assets, or declare or pay any dividends on its capital stock. The financial covenants require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization amount and include maximum leverage and minimum fixed charges coverage ratios. The Company did not have any violations in 2002.

      There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to comply with these covenants or its other debt covenants or that if it fails to do so, it will be able to obtain amendments to or waivers of such covenants. Failure of the Company to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments, if not waived, or to adequately service debt obligations, could result in default under the Credit Facility. Any default under the Company’s debt instruments, particularly any default that results in an acceleration of indebtedness or foreclosure on collateral could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

      Future maturities of long-term debt are as follows at December 31, 2002 (in thousands):

         
2003
  $ 10,785  
2004
    12,623  
2005
    75,067  
2006
    0  
2007
    150,000  
     
 
    $ 248,475  
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(13)     Employee Benefits

     (a) Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

      The Company maintains the Allied Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a trusteed noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for management and office personnel in the United States, under which, benefits are paid to eligible employees upon retirement based primarily on years of service and compensation levels at retirement. Contributions to the Plans reflect benefits attributed to employees’ services to date and services expected to be rendered in the future. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually at a rate that is intended to fund future service benefits at a level percentage of pay and past service benefits over a 30-year period. The Company froze employee participation in the Allied Defined Benefit Pension Plan in April 2002.

      The Company also provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for eligible employees who retired prior to July 1, 1993 and their dependents, and for certain employees participating in the 1999 voluntary early retirement plan. Generally, the health care plan pays a stated percentage of most medical expenses reduced for any deductibles and payments by government programs or other group coverage. The life insurance plan pays a lump-sum death benefit based on the employee’s salary at retirement. These plans are unfunded. Employees retiring after July 1, 1993 are not participants in the 1999 voluntary early retirement plan and are not entitled to any postretirement medical or life insurance benefits, under this plan.

      In 1997, the Company assumed the obligations of a postretirement benefit plan to provide retired employees with certain health care and life insurance benefits. Substantially all employees employed at the time of the acquisition and not covered by union-administered medical plans and who had retired as of September 30, 1997 were eligible for these benefits. Benefits were generally provided to qualified retirees under age 65 and eligible dependents. Employees retiring after September 30, 1997 are not entitled to any postretirement medical or life insurance benefits. Furthermore, the Company took over two defined pension plans for a certain terminal, which are currently active. One of the plan’s benefits provides a monthly benefit based on years of service upon retirement. The other plan provides benefits to eligible employees upon retirement based primarily on years of service and compensation levels at retirement, under this plan.

      All disclosures related to the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans have been prepared in accordance with SFAS No. 132.

      The change in the projected benefit obligation of the defined benefit pension plans and the postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following during fiscal years 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                                     
Defined Benefit Postretirement Benefit
Pension Plans Plans


2002 2001 2002 2001




Change in benefit obligation:
                               
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of fiscal year
  $ 37,306     $ 44,103     $ 9,626     $ 7,819  
   
Service cost
    91       2,194       0       0  
   
Interest cost
    2,738       2,757       636       571  
   
Foreign currency translation
    0       (27 )     0       0  
   
Plan amendments and other
    0       148       (4 )     0  
   
Actuarial loss (gain)
    3,192       (2,530 )     1,099       2,474  
   
Canada Plan vested benefits transfer
    (20 )     (6,533 )     0       0  
   
Benefits paid
    (3,137 )     (2,806 )     (1,446 )     (1,238 )
     
     
     
     
 
 
Benefit obligation at end of fiscal year
  $ 40,170     $ 37,306     $ 9,911     $ 9,626  
     
     
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The change in plan assets and funded status of the defined benefit pension plans and the postretirement benefit plans consisted of the following during fiscal years 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                                     
Defined Benefit Postretirement Benefit
Pension Plans Plans


2002 2001 2002 2001




Change in plan assets:
                               
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 33,310     $ 32,960     $ 0     $ 0  
   
Actual return on plan assets
    (3,749 )     (2,585 )     0       0  
   
Employer contributions
    11,685       12,274       1,446       1,238  
   
Canada Plan vested benefits transfer
    (20 )     (6,533 )     0       0  
   
Benefits paid
    (3,137 )     (2,806 )     1,446       (1,238 )
     
     
     
     
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 38,089     $ 33,310     $ 0     $ 0  
Funded status
    (2,080 )     (3,996 )     (9,911 )     (9,626 )
Unrecognized actuarial loss
    17,580       7,996       1,846       108  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    231       545       (700 )     (185 )
Unrecognized transition asset
    (20 )     (70 )     0       0  
Additional minimum liability
    (3,323 )     (2,150 )     0       0  
     
     
     
     
 
Accrued benefit cost
  $ 12,389     $ 2,325     $ (8,767 )   $ (9,703 )
     
     
     
     
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:
                               
   
Pension asset
  $ 14,968     $ 3,712     $ 0     $ 0  
   
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
    (2,579 )     (1,387 )     (8,767 )     (9,703 )
     
     
     
     
 
    $ 12,389     $ 2,325     $ (8,767 )   $ (9,703 )
     
     
     
     
 

      The Company recognizes a minimum pension liability for under funded plans. The minimum liability is equal to the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over plan assets. A corresponding amount is recognized as either an intangible asset, to the extent of previously unrecognized prior service cost or a reduction of shareholders’ equity. The Company had recorded additional liabilities of $3,323,000 and $2,150,000 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. An intangible asset of $691,000 and $841,000 was recorded as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      The following assumptions were used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected pension benefit obligation and postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2002 and 2001:

                                 
Defined
Benefit Postretirement
Pension Plans Benefit Plans


2002 2001 2002 2001




Weighted average discount rate
    6.75 %     7.50 %     6.75 %     7.50 %
Weighted average expected long-term rate of return on assets
    8.50 %     9.75 %     N/A       N/A  
Weighted average rate of compensation increase
    N/A       2.68 %     N/A       N/A  

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The net periodic benefit cost recognized for the defined benefit pension plans and the postretirement benefit plans includes the following components at December 31, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):

                                     
Defined Benefit Postretirement
Pension Plans Benefit Plans


2002 2001 2002 2001




Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                               
 
Service cost
  $ 91     $ 2,194     $ 0     $ 0  
 
Interest cost
    2,738       2,757       636       571  
 
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,754 )     (2,639 )     0       0  
 
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)
    499       139       (17 )     (115 )
 
Amortization of prior service cost
    89       229       (35 )     (34 )
 
Amortization of transition asset
    (50 )     (50 )     0       0  
 
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
    38       (27 )     0       0  
     
     
     
     
 
   
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 651     $ 2,603     $ 584     $ 422  
     
     
     
     
 

      The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capital cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care trend rate) for the health plans is 9.0% and 11% for participants prior to age 65 and after age 65, respectively for 2002 grading to 5.5% over 6 years and 9 years, respectively. The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capital cost of covered benefits (i.e. health care trend rate) for the health plans is 6.9% for 2001, grading to 5.0% over five years for participants prior to and after age 65. The effect of a 1% increase in the assumed trend rate would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2002 by approximately $775,000. The effect of this change on the periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2002 would be approximately $40,000.

      At December 31, 2002, plan assets consisted primarily of U.S. and international corporate bonds and stocks, convertible equity securities, and U.S. and Canadian government securities.

      A substantial number of the Company’s employees are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multiemployer pension plans. The Company contributed and charged to expense approximately $39,972,000, $41,466,000, and $46,192,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, for such plans. These contributions are determined in accordance with the provisions of negotiated labor contracts and are generally based on the number of man-hours worked. In the event the Company withdraws from participating in these plans, the Company could incur a withdrawal liability. If withdrawal were to occur, the liability would be actuarially determined based on factors at the time of withdrawal and as such, the liability is not readily determinable as of December 31, 2002. In the opinion of management, the Company has no intention to withdraw from the plans.

      Also, a substantial number of the Company’s employees are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multiemployer health and welfare benefit plans. The Company contributed and charged to expense approximately $41,080,000, $40,491,000, and $47,040,000 in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, in connection with these plans. These required contributions are determined in accordance with the provisions of negotiated labor contracts.

     (b) 401(k) Plan

      The Company has a 401(k) plan covering all of its employees in the United States. The Company eliminated its 401(k) employer contribution in 2001 and re-instated the employer contribution in 2002 for employees below the level of Vice President. The Company contributes the lesser of 3% of participant wages or $1,000 per year for each nonbargaining unit participant in the plan, excluding employees at the Vice

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

President level and above. The Company contributed approximately $406,000, $0, and $682,000, to the plan during the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. The Company did not pay administrative expenses for the 401(k) plan in fiscal years 2002 or 2001. The Company’s administrative expenses for the 401(k) plan were $101,000 in fiscal year 2000.

     (c) Employee Stock Purchase Plan

      During December 1998, the Company approved an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP). The ESPP allows eligible employees, as defined, the right to purchase common stock of the Company on a quarterly basis at 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first business day of the calendar quarter or on the last business day of the calendar quarter. There are 700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock reserved under the ESPP, of which 160,000 and 179,000 shares were issued to employees during 2002 and 2001, respectively. At December 31, 2002, the remaining shares available under the ESPP are 145,000.

     (d) Long-term Incentive Plan

      The Company has a long-term incentive plan which allows the issuance of grants or awards of incentive stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance units and performance shares to employees and directors of the Company.

(14)     Income Taxes

      The loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle consisted of the following (in thousands):

                           
2002 2001 2000



U.S
  $ (7,224 )   $ (62,872 )   $ (37,197 )
Foreign
    2,661       2,083       25,827  
     
     
     
 
  Total loss before tax and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ (4,563 )   $ (60,789 )   $ (11,370 )
     
     
     
 

      The following summarizes the components of the income tax benefit (in thousands):

                             
2002 2001 2000



Current:
                       
 
Federal
  $ 616     $ 0     $ (10 )
 
State
    342       (38 )     249  
 
Foreign
    (455 )     448       3,111  
Deferred:
                       
 
Federal
    (13,679 )     (15,739 )     362  
 
State
    (1,487 )     (1,723 )     (1,762 )
 
Foreign
    1,009       21       691  
 
Tax (expense) benefit of federal, state, and foreign operating loss carryforwards
    7,260       (6,898 )     (2,944 )
 
Tax expense (benefit) of foreign tax credit carryforwards, net of valuation allowance
    5,265       2,636       (4,766 )
     
     
     
 
   
Total income tax benefit
  $ (1,129 )   $ (21,293 )   $ (5,069 )
     
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The provision for income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying federal statutory rates due to the following (in thousands):

                           
2002 2001 2000



Benefit computed at the federal statutory rate
  $ (1,551 )   $ (20,668 )   $ (3,866 )
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effects
    (909 )     (2,130 )     (1,360 )
Tax benefit associated with sale of joint ventures
    0       (1,151 )     0  
Amortization of goodwill
    0       524       505  
Nondeductible expenses
    623       909       346  
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory U.S. federal rate
    0       0       880  
Equity income in affiliates, reflected net of tax
    0       (964 )     (1,729 )
Reversal of previously accrued taxes
    0       (2,221 )     0  
Valuation allowance
    410       4,717       0  
Other, net
    298       (309 )     155  
     
     
     
 
 
Total income tax benefit
  $ (1,129 )   $ (21,293 )   $ (5,069 )
     
     
     
 

      The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows (in thousands):

                     
2002 2001


Deferred tax assets:
               
 
Claims and insurance expense
  $ 60,326     $ 23,982  
 
Accrued compensation expense
    9,991       4,492  
 
Postretirement benefits
    5,918       3,862  
 
Other liabilities not currently deductible
    6,331       3,461  
 
Bad debt allowances
    3,725       4,455  
 
Tax carryforwards
    18,825       31,161  
 
Cumulative other comprehensive income
    5,032       5,224  
 
Other, net
    1,082       4,271  
     
     
 
   
Total deferred tax assets
    111,230       80,908  
     
     
 
Valuation allowance
    (7,115 )     (4,717 )
     
     
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
 
Prepaids currently deductible
    (6,076 )     (6,822 )
 
Depreciation and amortization
    (74,974 )     (54,384 )
 
Other, net
    (10,985 )     (3,965 )
     
     
 
   
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (92,035 )     (65,171 )
     
     
 
   
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
  $ 12,080     $ 11,020  
     
     
 

      The Company has certain tax carryforwards available to offset future income taxes consisting of net operating losses that expire in 2021, foreign tax credits that expire from 2004 to 2007, capital losses that expire in 2007, and alternative minimum tax credits that have no expiration dates.

      The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2002 was an increase of $2,398,000 relating to certain foreign tax credits and capital losses that are not expected to be realized.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Management believes, based on the Company’s earnings history, the actions the Company has taken and are in process to improve its financial performance, expectations of future taxable income, and other relevant considerations that it is more likely than not that the future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize the remaining net deferred tax assets which exist at December 31, 2002.

      In March 2001, the Internal Revenue Service closed its examination of the Company’s tax returns for years up to and including 1997. The examination did not result in any additional tax liabilities. As a result of completing the audits, the Company reversed a portion of the previously accrued taxes, increasing the tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2001 by $2,221,000.

 
(15) Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
                         
2002 2001 2000



Cash paid during the year for interest
  $ 26,607     $ 37,726     $ 33,263  
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds
    876       1,520       955  
Liabilities assumed in connection with businesses acquired*
    0       0       865  


Includes trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred income taxes, and other long-term liabilities.
 
(16) Commitments and Contingencies

     (a) Customer Contracts

      The Company negotiates fixed rates with its customers for the delivery of vehicles. The delivery rates are based on contract agreements that expire at various dates through January 2005. During 2001, the Company renegotiated rates for all of its customers to include an administrative processing fee for services provided.

     (b) Litigation, Claims, and Assessments

      The Company is involved in various litigation and environmental matters relating to employment practices, damages, and other matters arising from operations in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters, other than those discussed below, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

      Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc. v. Commercial Carriers, Inc., et al., (the “Gateway Case”) and Commercial Carriers, Inc. v. Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., et al. (the “CCI Case”), The claims at issue in both the Gateway Case and the CCI Case center around the contention that the Company breached legal duties with respect to a failed business transaction involving Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., Ryder Truck Rental, Inc. and Ryder System, Inc. In the Gateway Case, the Company sought and received summary judgment in its favor on the sole claim (for tortious interference with contract) asserted against it by Gateway Development & Manufacturing, Inc., but that ruling was reversed on appeal. While the appellate court held that summary judgment in favor of the Company was premature, the Company will be permitted to raise at trial and/or further dispositive motions the substantive arguments upon which its initial summary judgment motion was based. Subsequent to its summary judgment ruling, the trial court permitted the filing and service of cross-claims against the Company by the other defendants in that action. In the CCI Case, the Company has accepted service of a separate complaint asserting claims against the Company by the other defendants in the Gateway Case. It is anticipated that the claims asserted in both the Gateway Case and the CCI Case will be resolved in a unified proceeding. With respect to the entirety of this litigation, the Company intends to continue its vigorous defense against the claims asserted against it, as management believes all of those claims are without merit. While the ultimate results of this litigation cannot be predicted, if this litigation is resolved in a manner that is adverse to the

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Company, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

      Ryder Systems, Inc. v. Allied Holdings, Inc., AH Acquisition Corp. and Allied Automotive Group, Inc., relates to the Company’s August 1997 stock acquisition of certain businesses formerly owned by Ryder, and the respective responsibilities of Ryder and Allied for certain third-party injury claims associated with the acquired businesses. Ryder’s original complaint was filed on August 16, 2001. In response, the Company moved to dismiss, and the court granted that motion with leave for Ryder to amend its complaint. On December 26, 2001, Ryder timely filed its amended complaint. Following the dismissal with prejudice of one of the counts asserted by Ryder in its amended complaint, Ryder filed, on or about August 1, 2002, a Second Amended Complaint. Ryder’s five-count Second Amended Complaint alleges, in Count one, that the Company breached its agreement with Ryder by failing to undertake certain actions (including posting letters of credit and bonds) to substitute the Company for Ryder under an insurance policy covering third-party claims and with various state agencies that regulate matters such as self-insured workers’ compensation. In Counts two and three, the Second Amended Complaint alleges that if these obligations are not required by contract, the legal doctrines of promissory estoppel and negligent misrepresentation created them. In Count four, the Second Amended Complaint seeks a declaration that the Company is required to undertake these actions. In Count five, Ryder seeks a declaration that the Company is obligated to take certain steps to transfer from Ryder to the Company the ownership and administrative responsibility for two pension plans. The Company has filed a motion for summary judgment on all counts, which motion is currently pending. The Company intends to continue its vigorous defense against the claims asserted against it, and management believes all of those claims are without merit. The Company has also raised several counterclaims. The ultimate results of this litigation cannot be predicted. However, if Ryder prevails on its claims and the court orders the Company to substitute itself for Ryder by, among other things, posting substantial letters of credit, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

     (c) Employment Agreements

      The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers of the Company. The agreements provide for compensation to the officers in the form of annual base salaries and bonuses based on earnings. The employment agreements also provide for severance benefits upon the occurrence of certain events, including a change in control, as defined.

     (d) Purchase and Service Contract Commitments

      In April 2001, the Company entered into a five-year commitment with IBM to provide its mainframe computer processing services. The agreement includes outsourcing at determinable prices defined within the agreement.

     (e) Collective Bargaining Agreements

      Approximately 86% of the Company’s total labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing the majority of the total workforce were renewed during 1999 and expire in 2003.

(17)     Industry Segment and Geographic Information

      In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 131, Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, the Company has identified two reportable industry segments through which it conducts its operating activities: Allied Automotive Group and Axis Group. These two segments reflect the organization used by management for internal reporting. Allied Automotive Group is engaged in the business of

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

transporting automobiles and light trucks from manufacturing plants, ports, auctions, and railway distribution points to automobile dealerships. Axis Group, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of securing and managing vehicle distribution services, automobile inspections, auction and yard management services, intra-modal transport, vehicle accessorization, and dealer preparatory services for the automotive industry.

                             
2002 2001 2000



(in thousands)
Revenues — unaffiliated customers:
                       
 
Allied Automotive Group
  $ 868,041     $ 868,222     $ 1,040,644  
 
Axis Group
    30,019       28,545       28,439  
 
Corporate/other
    0       0       71  
     
     
     
 
   
Total
  $ 898,060     $ 896,767     $ 1,069,154  
     
     
     
 
Depreciation and amortization:
                       
 
Allied Automotive Group
  $ 48,984     $ 53,187     $ 52,683  
 
Axis Group
    2,956       3,813       3,075  
 
Corporate/other
    2,940       3,358       5,126  
     
     
     
 
   
Total
  $ 54,880     $ 60,358     $ 60,884  
     
     
     
 
Operating profit (loss):
                       
 
Allied Automotive Group
  $ 9,021     $ (46,458 )   $ 13,721  
 
Axis Group
    4,312       1,869       738  
 
Corporate/other
    7,675       8,880       (2,591 )
     
     
     
 
   
Total
    21,008       (37,709 )     11,868  
Reconciling items:
                       
 
Equity income in joint ventures
    0       4,072       5,066  
 
Gain on sale of equity investment in joint ventures
    0       16,230       0  
 
Write down of equity investment in joint venture
    0       (10,042 )     0  
 
Interest expense
    (30,627 )     (37,574 )     (33,813 )
 
Interest income
    2,463       3,874       5,509  
 
Other, net
    2,593       360       0  
     
     
     
 
   
Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (4,563 )   $ (60,789 )   $ (11,370 )
     
     
     
 
Total Assets:
                       
 
Allied Automotive Group
  $ 296,935     $ 353,558     $ 437,945  
 
Axis Group
    35,663       43,881       64,869  
 
Corporate/other
    152,910       135,953       107,725  
     
     
     
 
   
Total
  $ 485,508     $ 533,392     $ 610,539  
     
     
     
 
Capital expenditures:
                       
 
Allied Automotive Group
  $ 21,416     $ 19,198     $ 23,657  
 
Axis Group
    217       2,198       2,671  
 
Corporate/other
    153       67       5,947  
     
     
     
 
   
Total
  $ 21,786     $ 21,463     $ 32,275  
     
     
     
 

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Geographic financial information for 2002, 2001, and 2000 is as follows (in thousands):

                           
2002 2001 2000



Revenues:
                       
 
United States
  $ 746,777     $ 747,018     $ 882,009  
 
Canada
    151,283       149,749       187,145  
     
     
     
 
    $ 898,060     $ 896,767     $ 1,069,154  
     
     
     
 
Long-lived assets:
                       
 
United States
  $ 224,119     $ 269,509     $ 326,793  
 
Canada
    58,310       59,581       70,254  
     
     
     
 
    $ 282,429     $ 329,090     $ 397,047  
     
     
     
 

      Revenues are attributed to the respective countries based on the location of the origination terminal.

      Substantially all of the Company’s revenues and receivables are realized through the automotive industry in the Allied Automotive Group.

      In 2002, 2001, and 2000, approximately 73%, 68%, and 73%, respectively, of the Allied Automotive Group’s revenues were derived from the three largest domestic automobile manufacturers. In 2002, 2001, and 2000, General Motors Corporation accounted for approximately 36%, 28%, and 31%, respectively, of revenues; Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 24%, 25%, and 27%, respectively, of revenues; and DaimlerChrysler Corporation accounted for 13%, 15%, and 15%, respectively, of revenues. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, General Motors Corporation accounted for approximately 26% and 21%, respectively, of receivables; Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 32% and 29%, respectively, of receivables; and DaimlerChrysler Corporation accounted for 9% and 12%, respectively, of receivables.

(18)     Stockholders’ Equity

      The Company has authorized 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with no par value. No shares have been issued, and therefore, there were no shares outstanding at December 31, 2002 and 2001. The board of directors has the authority to issue these shares and to fix dividends, voting and conversion rights, redemption provisions, liquidation preferences, and other rights and restrictions.

      The Company has a long-term incentive plan which allows the issuance of grants or awards of incentive stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance units, and performance shares to employees and directors of the Company to acquire up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

      During 2000, the Company granted 168,398 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company. No restricted stock was granted during 2001 or 2002. During 2002, 2001, and 2000, 12,478, 92,094, and 14,188 shares, respectively, of restricted stock were canceled. Compensation expense is recorded net of forfeitures over five years, the vesting period of the restricted stock. In connection with the awards of the restricted stock, the Company recorded compensation (benefit) expense of ($57,000), $181,000, and $803,000, in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. As of December 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000 restricted stock shares outstanding were 172,534, 202,985, and 356,341, respectively.

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      In addition, the Company has granted nonqualified and incentive stock options under the long-term incentive plan. Options granted become exercisable after one year in 20%, 33 1/3%, or 50% increments per year and expire ten years from the date of the grant.

                           
Weighted
Option Price Average
Shares (Per Share) Exercise Price



Outstanding as of December 31, 1999
    284,550     $ 7.06 — 17.13     $ 8.37  
 
Granted
    75,000     $ 6.12 —  8.63     $ 6.46  
 
Canceled
    (69,250 )   $ 6.13 — 11.75     $ 6.32  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2000
    290,300     $ 7.06 — 17.13     $ 8.37  
 
Granted
    850,000     $ 1.80 —  2.77     $ 2.56  
 
Canceled
    (120,000 )   $ 7.06 — 17.13     $ 8.03  
     
                 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2001
    1,020,300     $ 1.80 — 11.75     $ 3.56  
 
Granted
    648,000     $ 2.60 —  5.15     $ 4.01  
 
Canceled
    (56,000 )   $ 2.35 — 11.75     $ 5.58  
     
                 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2002
    1,612,300     $ 1.80 — 11.75     $ 3.45  
     
                 
                         
2002 2001 2000



Options exercisable at year-end
    531,631       146,964       155,300  
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable at year-end
  $ 4.31     $ 8.85     $ 9.15  
Per share weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
  $ 4.01     $ 2.57     $ 4.18  

      The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares, weighted average exercise price, and remaining contractual lives by groups of similar price and grant date:

                                             
Options Outstanding at Options Exercisable at
December 31, 2002 December 31, 2002

Weighted
Weighted Average Weighted
Average Remaining Average
Number of Exercise Contractual Number of Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices Shares Price Life Shares Price






(Years)
  $1.80 —  3.70       1,150,000     $ 2.71       8.86       378,331     $ 2.60  
  $4.30 —  7.06       379,000     $ 5.31       8.89       70,000     $ 7.06  
  $9.50 — 11.75       83,300     $ 9.72       3.40       83,300     $ 9.72  
         
             
     
         
          1,612,300               8.20       561,631          
         
             
     
         

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(19)     Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

                                   
2002

First Second Third Fourth




(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
  $ 213,259     $ 238,984     $ 212,985     $ 232,832  
Operating income (loss)
    3,765       9,897       (1,400 )     8,746  
Net (loss) income
    (5,248 )     2,109       (6,482 )     2,095  
Net (loss) earnings per share:
                               
 
Basic
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.25     $ (0.78 )   $ (0.25 )
 
Diluted
    (0.64 )     0.24       (0.78 )     (0.24 )
Average shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
    8,252       8,300       8,324       8,360  
 
Diluted
    8,252       8,781       8,324       8,646  
                                   
2001

First Second Third Fourth




(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
  $ 218,179     $ 250,195     $ 204,010     $ 224,383  
Operating loss
    (23,179 )     (1,031 )     (11,571 )     (1,928 )
Net loss
    (18,862 )     (5,716 )     (12,646 )     (2,272 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share
  $ (2.35 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (1.56 )   $ (0.28 )
Average shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic and diluted
    8,020       8,086       8,114       8,167  

      Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share in 2002 and 2001 does not equal the total computed for the year.

(20)     Supplemental Guarantor Information

      The following consolidating balance sheet information, statements of operations information, and statements of cash flows information present the financial statement information of the parent company and the combined financial statements information of the Guarantor subsidiaries and Nonguarantor Subsidiaries. The Guarantors are jointly and severally liable for the Company’s obligations under the Notes and there are no restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to make distributions to the Company. See note 12 for a description of the Notes and a listing of the Nonguarantor subsidiaries.

      The supplemental consolidating balance sheet information as of December 31, 2002 is as follows (in thousands):

                                           
Allied Guarantor Nonguarantor
Holdings Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated





Current assets:
                                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7     $ 1,936     $ 8,310     $ 0     $ 10,253  
 
Short-term investments
    0       0       60,732       0       60,732  
 
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
    0       56,003       2,509       0       58,512  

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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                                             
Allied Guarantor Nonguarantor
Holdings Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated





 
Inventories
    0       5,071       0       0       5,071  
 
Deferred tax asset — current
    37,615       2,211       0       0       39,826  
 
Prepayments and other current assets
    17,645       10,826       214       0       28,685  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    55,267       76,047       71,765       0       203,079  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Property and equipment, net
    8,957       164,501       3,205       0       176,663  
Other assets:
                                       
 
Goodwill, net
    1,515       83,726       0       0       85,241  
 
Other
    16,860       2,743       922       0       20,525  
 
Deferred tax asset — noncurrent
    7,445       0       0       (7,445 )     0  
 
Intercompany receivables
    55,952       0       91       (56,043 )     0  
 
Investment in subsidiaries
    28,466       5,111       0       (33,577 )     0  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total other assets
    110,238       91,580       1,013       (97,065 )     105,766  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 174,462     $ 332,128     $ 75,983     $ (97,065 )   $ 485,508  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Current liabilities:
                                       
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 0     $ 10,785     $ 0     $ 0     $ 10,785  
 
Trade accounts payable
    3,362       32,930       293       0       36,585  
 
Intercompany payables
    0       56,043       0       (56,043 )        
 
Accrued liabilities
    9,755       63,835       19,291       0       92,881  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    13,117       163,593       19,584       (56,043 )     140,251  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    150,000       87,690       0       0       237,690  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    0       7,467       0       0       7,467  
Deferred income taxes
    0       34,743       448       (7,445 )     27,746  
Other long-term liabilities
    1,031       31,572       29,437       0       62,040  
Stockholders’ equity:
                                       
 
Common stock, no par value
    0       0       0       0       0  
 
Additional paid-in capital
    46,801       166,130       2,488       (168,618 )     46,801  
 
Treasury Stock
    (707 )     0       0       0       (707 )
 
Retained (deficit) earnings
  &n