t67254_10k.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
x
Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
o
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
Commission File No. 1-16263
 
MARINE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
58-2572419
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2801 BUFORD HIGHWAY, SUITE 520
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30329
(404) 321-7910
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
COMMON STOCK, $0.10 PAR VALUE
Name of each exchange on which registered
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
 
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes x No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes x No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). o Yes o No
 
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. x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o                               Accelerated filer o                                 Non-accelerated filer o                                 Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
 
The aggregate market value of Marine Products Corporation common stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recent second fiscal quarter, was $35,263,689 based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2009 of $3.75 per share.
 
Marine Products Corporation had 37,093,228 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 12, 2010.
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference
 
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Marine Products Corporation are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report.
 
1

 
PART I
 
References in this document to “we,” “our,” “us,” “Marine Products,” or “the Company” mean Marine Products Corporation (“MPC”) and its subsidiaries, Chaparral Boats, Inc. (“Chaparral”) and Robalo Acquisition Company LLC (“Robalo”), collectively or individually, except where the context indicates otherwise.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain statements made in this report that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements that relate to our business strategy, plans and objectives, and our beliefs and expectations regarding future demand for our products and services and other events and conditions that may influence our performance in the future.
 
           The words “may,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “estimate,” and similar expressions used in this document that do not relate to historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by our management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our belief that the loss of our largest customer would not have a significant adverse effect on our financial results; our belief that international sales could produce additional sales growth; our belief that our dealers will complete their liquidation of older models in 2010; our belief that the Wide TechTM bow design may be incorporated on other Chaparral boat models in subsequent model years;  management’s belief that Marine Products is well positioned to take advantage of current market conditions which characterize the industry; our belief that reductions in field inventory levels will allow our dealers to finance future purchases and meet retail demand; our intention to continue seeking the most advantageous purchasing arrangements from our suppliers; our ability to execute our marketing strategy to increase market share by expanding our presence by building dedicated sales, marketing and distribution systems; our intention to continue to strengthen our dealer network and build brand loyalty with dealers and customers; our ability to locate and complete strategic acquisitions that will complement our existing product lines, expand our geographic presence and strengthen our capabilities; our belief that our corporate infrastructure and marketing and sales capabilities, in addition to our cost structure and nationwide presence, enable us to compete effectively; our belief that we do not currently anticipate that any material expenditures will be required to continue to comply with existing environmental or safety regulations; our belief that the increase in prices of certain commodities is likely to lead to higher costs in 2010;  our belief that our product liability insurance will be adequate; our intention to pursue acquisitions and form strategic alliances that will enable us to acquire complementary skills and capabilities, offer new products, expand our customer base and obtain other competitive advantages; our belief that the ultimate outcome of litigation arising in the ordinary course of business will not have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations; our ability to execute stated business and financial strategies in the future to better manage our Company; management’s belief that net sales will increase in 2010 compared to 2009 and that our operating results will improve and that the downturn in recreational boating has ended; our belief that the production and sales to dealers will increase because retail demand will have to be fulfilled by production from our manufacturing plants rather than by sales of dealer inventory; our belief that our operating results should improve due to higher gross profit from increased production and lower selling, general and administrative expenses; our belief that retail sales will not increase significantly in 2010; our belief that the current financial crisis may have long-term effects on consumer behavior with regard to pleasure boating; our belief that advertising and consumer targeting efforts will benefit the industry and Marine Products; our anticipation that the Company will continue to be challenged by the effect of an uncertain level of consumer demand; expectations about the amount of contributions to our defined benefit plan and capital expenditures during 2010 and the purpose of those capital expenditures; the adequacy of the Company’s capital resources; the amount and timing of future contractual obligations; judgments about the Company’s critical accounting policies; and the effect of various recent accounting pronouncements on the Company, its operating results and financial condition.  These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Marine Products Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These risks involve the outcome of current and future litigation, the impact of interest rates, economic conditions, fuel costs and weather on our business, our dependence on a network of independent boat dealers, the possibility of defaults by our dealers in their obligations to third-party dealer floor plan lenders, and our reliance on third-party suppliers. We caution you that such statements are only predictions and not guarantees of future performance and that actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisioned by the forward-looking statements. See “Risk Factors” on page 11 for a discussion of factors that may cause actual results to differ from our projections.

 
2

 

Item 1. Business
 
Marine Products manufactures fiberglass motorized boats distributed and marketed through its independent dealer network. Marine Products’ product offerings include Chaparral sterndrive and inboard pleasure boats and Robalo outboard sport fishing boats.
 
Organization and Overview
 
Marine Products is a Delaware corporation incorporated on August 31, 2000, in connection with a spin-off from RPC, Inc. (NYSE: RES) (“RPC”). Effective February 28, 2001, RPC accomplished the spin-off by contributing 100 percent of the issued and outstanding stock of Chaparral to Marine Products, a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of RPC, and then distributing the common stock of Marine Products to RPC stockholders.
 
Marine Products designs, manufactures and sells recreational fiberglass powerboats in the sportboat, deckboat, cruiser, sport yacht and sport fishing markets. The Company sells its products to a network of 150 domestic and 38 international independent authorized dealers. Marine Products’ mission is to enhance its customers’ boating experience by providing them with high quality, innovative powerboats. The Company intends to remain a leading manufacturer of recreational powerboats for sale to a broad range of consumers worldwide.
 
The Company manufactures Chaparral sterndrive and inboard-powered pleasure boats including SSi Sportboats, SSX Sportdecks, Sunesta Wide TechTM and Xtreme boats, Signature Cruisers, Premiere Sport Yachts and Robalo outboard sport fishing boats. The most recent available industry statistics [source: Statistical Surveys, Inc. report dated September 30, 2009] indicate that Chaparral is the fourth largest manufacturer of 18 to 35 foot sterndrive boats in the United States.
 
Chaparral was founded in 1965 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Chaparral’s first boat was a 15-foot tri-hull design with a retail price of less than $1,000. Over time Chaparral grew by offering exceptional quality and consumer value. In 1976, Chaparral moved to Nashville, Georgia, where a manufacturing facility of a former boat manufacturing company was available for purchase. This provided Chaparral an opportunity to obtain additional manufacturing space and access to a trained work force. With almost 45 years of boatbuilding experience, Chaparral continues to improve the design and manufacturing of its product offerings to meet the growing needs of discriminating recreational boaters.
 
Robalo was founded in 1969 and its first boat was a 19-foot center console salt-water fishing boat, among the first of this type of boat to have an “unsinkable” hull.  The Company believes that Robalo’s share of the outboard sport fishing boat market is approximately four percent.
 
 
3

 

Products
 
Marine Products distinguishes itself by offering a wide range of products to the family recreational, cruiser and sport yacht markets through its Chaparral brand, and to the sport fishing market through its Robalo brand.
 
The following table provides a brief description of our product lines and their particular market focus:
 
Product Line
 
Number
of
Models
 
Overall
Length
 
Approximate
Retail
Price Range
 
 
Description
 
Chaparral - SSi Sportboats
 
8
 
18′-28′
 
$29,000 - $160,000
 
 
Fiberglass closed deck runabouts. Encompasses affordable, entry-level to mid-range and larger sportboats. Marketed as high value runabouts for family groups.
           
Chaparral – SSX Sportdecks
3
24′-28′
$58,000 - $129,000
 
Fiberglass bowrider crossover sportboats that combine the ride of a sportboat and the usefulness of a deckboat.  Marketed as high value runabouts for family groups.
           
Chaparral - Sunesta Wide TechsTM / Xtremes
 
8
20′-28′
$49,000 - $138,000
 
Fiberglass pleasure boats with a high-performance hull design and updated styling. Wide TechTM is marketed as an affordable, entry-level to mid-range pleasure boat with the handling of a runabout, the style of a sportboat and the roominess of a cruiser. Xtreme is marketed as a high-performance wakeboard/ski boat with technical features and styling that appeal to wakeboard and ski enthusiasts.
           
Chaparral - Signature Cruisers
5
27′-37′
$79,000 - $388,000
 
Fiberglass, accommodation-focused cruisers. Marketed to experienced boat owners through trade magazines and boat show exhibitions.
           
Chaparral – Premiere Sport Yacht
1
42′
$660,000 - $871,000
 
High value, fiberglass sport yacht with a Wide TechTM bow design marketed to experienced boat owners through trade magazines and boat show exhibitions.
           
Robalo - Sport Fishing Boats
10
22′-31′
$54,000 - $290,000
 
Sport fishing boats for large freshwater lakes or saltwater use. Marketed to experienced fishermen.
 
Manufacturing
 
Marine Products’ manufacturing facilities are located in Nashville, Georgia and Valdosta, Georgia.  In 2008 and 2009, the Company temporarily idled its plant located in Valdosta, Georgia in response to the decline in production volumes.  Marine Products utilizes five different plants to, among other things, manufacture interiors, design new models, create fiberglass hulls and decks, and assemble various end products.   Quality control is conducted throughout the manufacturing process. The Company’s manufacturing operations are ISO 9001: 2008 certified, which is an international designation of design, manufacturing, and customer service processes. ISO 9001: 2008 surpasses previous ISO designations.  Management believes Chaparral is the third largest sterndrive boat manufacturing brand to hold the ISO 9001: 2008 certification.  When fully assembled and inspected, the boats are loaded onto either company-owned trailers or third-party marine transport trailers for delivery to dealers.  The manufacturing process begins with the design of a product to meet dealer and customer needs.  Plugs are constructed in the research and development phase from designs.  Plugs are used to create a mold from which prototype boats can be built.  Adjustments are made to the plug design until acceptable parameters are met.  The final plug is used to create the necessary number of production molds. Molds are used to produce the fiberglass hulls and decks.  Fiberglass components are made by applying the outside finish or gel coat to the mold, then numerous layers of fiberglass and resin are applied during the lamination process over the gel coat.  After curing, the hull and deck are removed from the molds and are trimmed and prepared for final assembly, which includes the installation of electrical and plumbing systems, engines, upholstery, accessories and graphics.
 
4

 
Product Warranty
 
For our Chaparral products, Marine Products provides a lifetime limited structural hull warranty against defects in material and workmanship for the original purchaser, and a 10-year limited structural hull warranty for one subsequent owner. Warranties on additional items are provided for periods of one to five years.  For our Robalo products, Marine Products provides a transferable 10-year limited structural hull warranty against defects in material and workmanship, and a transferable one-year limited warranty on other components.  The engine manufacturers for our Robalo and Chaparral products warrant engines included in the boats as well.
 
Suppliers
 
Marine Products’ two most significant components used in manufacturing its boats, based on cost, are engines and fiberglass. For each of these, there is currently an adequate supply available in the market.  Marine Products has not experienced any material shortages in any of these products. Temporary shortages, when they do occur, usually involve manufacturers of these materials adjusting model mixes, introducing new product lines or limiting production in response to industry-wide reduction in boat demand. Marine Products obtains most of its fiberglass from a leading domestic supplier.  Marine Products believes that there are several alternative suppliers if this supplier fails to provide adequate quality or quantities at acceptable prices.
 
Marine Products does not manufacture the engines installed in its boats. Engines are generally specified by the dealers at the time of ordering, usually on the basis of anticipated customer preferences or actual customer orders. Sterndrive engines are purchased through the American Boatbuilders Association (“ABA”), which has entered into engine supply arrangements with Mercury Marine and Volvo Penta, the two currently existing suppliers of sterndrive engines. These arrangements contain incentives and discount provisions, which may reduce the cost of the engines purchased, if specified purchase volumes are met during specified periods of time. Although no minimum purchases are required, Marine Products expects to continue purchasing sterndrive engines through the ABA on a voluntary basis in order to receive volume-based purchase discounts. Marine Products does not have a long-term supply contract with the ABA.  Marine Products has an outboard engine supply contract with Yamaha. This engine supply arrangement was not negotiated through the ABA. In the event of a sudden and extended interruption in the supply of engines from these suppliers, our sales and profitability could be negatively impacted. See “Risk Factors” below.
 
Marine Products uses other raw materials in its manufacturing processes. Among these are stainless steel, copper and resins made from feedstocks.  The average prices of these commodities was lower in 2009 than in 2008, although prices for these commodities increased during the third and fourth quarters.  See “Inflation” below.
 
Sales and Distribution
 
Sales are made through approximately 109 Chaparral dealers, 16 Robalo dealers, and 25 dealers that sell both brands located in markets throughout the United States. A number of our dealers ceased operations during 2009 for various reasons; however, we were able to replace most of them with new dealers who established relationships with us because their manufacturers had shut down production or ceased operations altogether.  Dealers market directly to consumers at boat show exhibitions and in the dealers’ showrooms.  Marine Products also has 38 international dealers. Most of our dealers inventory and sell boat brands manufactured by other companies, including some that compete directly with our brands. The territories served by any dealer are not exclusive to the dealer; however, Marine Products uses discretion in establishing relationships with new dealers in an effort to protect the mutual interests of the existing dealers and the Company. Marine Products’ eight independent field sales representatives call upon existing dealers and develop new dealer relationships. The field sales representatives are directed by a National Sales Coordinator, who is responsible for developing a full dealer distribution network for the Company’s products. The marketing of boats to retail customers is primarily the responsibility of the dealer. Marine Products supports dealer marketing efforts by supplementing local advertising, sales and marketing follow up in boating magazines, and participation in selected regional, national, and international boat show exhibitions. Due to our significantly lower sales in 2009, one dealer accounted for approximately 13 percent of net sales in 2009.  Since many other dealers have sold enough inventory to begin ordering boats in 2010, the loss of this dealer would not have a significant adverse affect on Marine Product’s financial results.  If Marine Products loses this dealer, we believe that we could attract another strong dealer in this market.
 
Marine Products continues to seek new dealers in many areas throughout the U.S., Europe, South America, Asia, Russia and the Middle East. In general, Marine Products requires payment in full before it will ship a boat overseas. Consequently, there is no credit risk associated with its international sales or risk related to foreign currency fluctuation. Marine Products believes international sales could produce additional sales growth, although the volume of sales to international dealers decreased in 2009 compared to 2008 due to global economic weakness.  International sales are also affected by the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.  International net sales as a percentage of total net sales were 29.4 percent in 2009, 33.4 percent in 2008 and 23.3 percent in 2007.
 
5

 
Marine Products’ sales orders are indicators of strong interest from its dealers.  Historically, dealers have in most cases taken delivery of all their orders.  The Company attempts to ensure that its dealers do not accept an excessive amount of inventory by monitoring their inventory levels, and during 2009, produced and sold its product to dealers at a much lower level than the level of retail sales.  Knowledge of inventory levels at the individual dealers facilitates production scheduling with very short lead times in order to maintain flexibility, in the event that adjustments need to be made to dealer shipments.  In the past, Marine Products has been able to resell any boat for which the order has been cancelled.
 
Although some dealers finance their boat inventory with smaller regional financial institutions in local markets, the majority of Marine Products’ domestic shipments are made pursuant to “floor plan financing” programs in which Marine Products’ subsidiaries participate on behalf of their dealers with major third-party financing institutions.  Historically, there were at least two major floor plan financing institutions, although one of these institutions ceased its floor plan lending to the marine industry in 2008.  For this reason, a number of lending institutions have considered expanding into the marine floor plan lending business, and several of our dealers have established relationships with these lenders on a limited basis.  Under these established arrangements with qualified lending institutions, a dealer establishes a line of credit with one or more of these lenders for the purchase of boat inventory for sales to retail customers in their showroom or during boat show exhibitions.  In general, when a dealer purchases and takes delivery of a boat pursuant to a floor plan financing arrangement, it draws against its line of credit and the lender pays the invoice cost of the boat directly to Marine Products generally within 10 business days.  When the dealer in turn sells the boat to a retail customer, the dealer repays the lender, thereby restoring its available credit line.  Each dealer’s floor plan credit facilities are secured by the dealer’s inventory, letters of credit, and perhaps other personal and real property.  Until recently, most dealers maintained financing arrangements with more than one lender, although that is less common at the present time, given that there are fewer lenders.  In connection with the dealer’s floor plan financing arrangements with these qualified lending institutions, Marine Products or its subsidiaries have agreed to repurchase inventory which the lender repossesses from a dealer and returns to Marine Products in a “new and unused” condition subject to normal wear and tear, as defined.  The contractual agreements that Marine Products or its subsidiaries have with these qualified lenders contain the Company’s assumption of specified percentages of debt obligation on repossessed boats, up to certain contractually determined dollar limits set by the lender.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, an amendment to the agreement with one of the lenders was executed to increase the contractual repurchase limit to $9.0 million effective January 1, 2009 with an expiration of June 30, 2010.  The Company has contractual repurchase agreements with additional lenders with an aggregate maximum repurchase obligation of approximately $3.2 million with expiration dates ranging from June 30 to December 31, 2010.  As of December 31, 2009, Marine Products’ aggregate remaining contractual obligation to repurchase boats under the floor plan financing programs described above was approximately $5.5 million, although for business reasons, we may decide to purchase additional boats in excess of this contractual obligation. In the event that a dealer defaults under a credit line, the qualified lender may then invoke the manufacturers’ repurchase obligation with respect to that dealer.  In that event, all repurchase agreements of all manufacturers supplying a defaulting dealer are generally invoked regardless of the boat or boats with respect to which the dealer has defaulted.  Unlike Marine Products’ obligation to repurchase boats repossessed by lenders, Marine Products is under no obligation to repurchase boats directly from dealers.  Marine Products does not sponsor financing programs to the consumer; any consumer financing promotions for a prospective boat purchaser would be the responsibility of the dealer.  See “Risk Factors” on page 11 for a discussion of the potential impact of the ongoing volatility and lack of liquidity in the financial markets which may impact Marine Products during 2010.
 
Marine Products’ dealer sales incentive programs are variously designed to promote early replenishment of the stock in dealer inventories depleted throughout the prime spring and summer selling seasons, and to promote the sales of older models in dealer inventory and particular models during specified periods.  These programs help to stabilize Marine Products’ manufacturing between the peak and off-peak periods, and promote sales of certain models.  For the 2010 model year (which commenced July 1, 2009), Marine Products offered its dealers several sales incentive programs based on dollar volumes and timing of dealer purchases. Program incentives offered include sales discounts, inventory reduction rebates, and payment of floor plan financing interest charged by qualified floor plan providers to dealers generally through March 31, 2010.  After the interest payment programs end, interest costs revert to the dealer at rates set by the lender.  A dealer makes periodic curtailment payments (principal payments) on outstanding obligations against its dealer inventory as set forth in the floor plan financing agreements between the dealer and their particular lender.
 
As part of Marine Products’ strategy to assist dealers in reducing their inventories, the Company assisted dealers during 2009 in liquidating non-current models in dealer inventories in addition to the sales incentive programs described above. During the 2009 retail selling season, Marine Products supported its dealers by sharing in the additional cost of retail incentives for non-current models totaling approximately $8.6 million. We believe this effort to liquidate inventory was successful in reducing our dealer field inventories during the current year and that our dealers will complete the liquidation of these older models during 2010.
 
6

 
The sales order backlog as of December 31, 2009 was approximately 845 boats with estimated net sales of approximately $44.4 million.  This represents an approximate 16 week backlog based on recent production levels.  As of December 31, 2008, the sales order backlog was approximately 200 boats with estimated net sales of approximately $7.8 million. The increase in the sales order backlog is the result of significantly lower field inventories and slightly higher dealer orders, which were placed in response to retail demand.  The Company will continue to monitor the number of boats in dealer inventory and is prepared to adjust its production levels as it deems necessary to manage dealer inventory levels.  The Company typically does not manufacture a significant number of boats for its own inventory.  The Company occasionally manufactures boats for its own inventory because the number of boats required for immediate shipment is not always the most efficient number of boats to produce in a given production schedule.
 
Research and Development
 
Essentially the same technologies and processes are used to produce fiberglass boats by all boat manufacturers. The most common method is open-face molding. This is usually a labor-intensive, manual process whereby employees hand spray and apply fiberglass and resin in layers on open molds to create boat hulls, decks and other smaller fiberglass components. This process can result in inconsistencies in the size and weight of parts, which may lead to higher warranty costs. A single open-face mold is typically capable of producing approximately three hulls per week.
 
Marine Products has been a leading innovator in the recreational boating industry.  One of the Company’s most innovative designs is the full-length “Extended V-Plane” running surface on its Chaparral boat models.  Typically, sterndrive boats have a several foot gap on the bottom rear of the hull where the engine enters the water.  With the Extended V-Plane, the running surface extends the full length to the rear of the boat.  The benefit of this innovation is more deck space, better planing performance and a more comfortable ride.  Although the basic hull designs are similar, the Company has historically introduced a variety of new models each year and periodically replaces, updates or discontinues existing models.
 
Another hull design is the Hydro LiftTM used on the Robalo boat models.  This variable dead rise hull design provides a smooth ride in rough conditions.  It increases the maximum speed obtainable by a given engine horsepower and weight of the boat.  Robalo’s current models utilize the Hydro LiftTM design and we plan to continue to provide this design on Robalo models.
 
A bow design known as the Wide TechTM  was first used on the Chaparral Sunesta Wide TechTM and Xtreme models for the 2008 model year, and for the 2010 model year is being used on Chaparral’s Premiere Sport Yacht, its SSi Wide TechTM Sport Boats, its Sunesta Wide TechTM Sportdecks, its Xtreme Tow Boats and one of its Signature Cruisers.  The Wide TechTM bow design allows the models to have the Extended V-Plane hull, with the features and benefits that this hull design offers.  In addition, the Wide TechTM bow design provides a larger seating area, as well as additional storage space, in the front of the boat.  Furthermore, it allows the models to have a non-skid walkway on the bow, which makes entering and leaving the boat easier than in other boat models.  This bow design may be incorporated on other Chaparral boat models in subsequent model years.
 
In support of its new product development efforts, Marine Products incurred research and development costs of $712 thousand in 2009, $1.8 million in 2008 and $1.7 million in 2007.
 
Industry Overview
 
For 2009, the recreational boating industry accounted for less than one percent of the United States gross domestic product. The recreational marine market is a mature market, with 2008 (latest data available to us) retail expenditures of approximately $33.6 billion spent on new and used boats, motors and engines, trailers, accessories and other associated costs as estimated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (“NMMA”).  Pleasure boats compete for consumers’ free time with all other leisure activities, from computers and video games to other outdoor sports.  Non-active boat owners cite the lack of leisure time as the primary reason for not using their boats.
 
The NMMA conducts various surveys of pleasure boat industry trends, and the most recent surveys indicate that 70 million adults in the United States participated in recreational boating in 2008, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to the prior year.  There are currently approximately 17 million boats owned in the United States, including outboard, inboard, sterndrive, sailboats, personal watercraft, and miscellaneous (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc.).  Marine Products competes in the sterndrive and inboard boating category with its seven lines of Chaparral boats, and in the outboard boating category with its Robalo sport fishing boats.  More than 90 percent of the Company’s models are sterndrive boats.
 
Industry sales of new sterndrive boats in the United States during 2009 totaling 21,655 (source: Info-Link Technologies, Inc.) accounted for approximately 36 percent of the total new fiberglass powerboats sold that were between 18 and 35 feet in hull length. Sales of sterndrive boats had an estimated total retail value of $1.0 billion, or an average retail price per boat of approximately $48,000.  Management believes that the five largest states for boat sales are Florida, Texas, California, New York and North Carolina at the present time.  Marine Products has dealers in each of these states.
 
7

 
The U.S. domestic recreational boating industry includes sales in the segments of new and used boats, motors and engines, trailers, and other boat accessories.  The new fiberglass boat market segment with hull lengths of 18 to 35 feet, the primary market segment in which Marine Products competes, represented $2.5 billion in retail sales during 2009. The table below reflects the estimated sales within this segment by category for 2009 and 2008, ranked by 2009 retail sales (source: Info-Link Technologies, Inc.):
 
 
2009
2008
 
Boats
Sales ($ B)
Boats
Sales ($ B)
Sterndrive Boats
21,655
$ 1.0
32,402
$ 2.8
Outboard Boats
28,545
1.0
39,148
2.2
Inboard Boats
6,880
0.4
9,653
1.0
Jet Boats
2,522
0.1
3,364
0.1
TOTAL
59,602
$ 2.5
84,567
$ 6.1
 
Chaparral’s products are categorized as sterndrive and inboard boats and Robalo’s products are categorized as outboard boats.
 
Although the recreational boat manufacturing market remains highly fragmented, Brunswick Corporation and Genmar Holdings, Inc. have acquired a number of recreational boat manufacturing operations, although Genmar Holdings sold or liquidated a number of its divisions in 2009 and early 2010 as a result of its bankruptcy proceedings.  We estimate that the boat manufacturing industry includes over 130 sterndrive manufacturers and over 300 outboard boat manufacturers, largely small, privately held companies with varying degrees of professional management and manufacturing skill. According to estimates provided by Statistical Surveys, Inc., during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (latest information available), the top five sterndrive manufacturers, which includes Chaparral, have a market share of approximately 53 percent.  Chaparral’s market share in units during the period was 8.1 percent, which represents an increase of 0.7 percent compared to the 12 months ended December 31, 2008. Chaparral’s market share increased in all the sizes of boats that we manufacture, but particularly among boats that are 21 to 35 feet in length. We attribute the relatively larger increase in market share of this segment to Chaparral’s long-term strategy of designing, building, and selling larger boats which carry higher average selling prices.
 
Several factors influence sales trends in the recreational boating industry, including general economic growth, consumer confidence, household incomes, the availability and cost of financing for our dealers and customers, weather, fuel prices, tax laws, demographics and consumers’ leisure time.  Also, the value of residential and vacation real estate in strong boating states such as California and Florida influences recreational boat sales.   In addition, inflation, the cost of certain components and the impact of environmental regulation have increased the cost of boats in recent years.  As the cost of certain raw materials used in the manufacturing process has increased, the cost of boat ownership increases as well, which has prompted consumers either to buy a smaller or less expensive boat or defer or forego their purchase.  Competition from other leisure and recreational activities, such as vacation properties and travel, can also affect sales of recreational boats.
 
Management believes Marine Products is well positioned to take advantage of the following conditions, which continue to characterize the industry:
 
    labor-intensive manufacturing processes that remain largely unautomated;
 
    increasingly strict environmental standards derived from governmental regulations and customer sensitivities;
 
    a lack of focus on coordinated customer service and support by dealers and manufacturers;
 
    a lack of financial strength among retail boat dealers and many manufacturers, and tight credit availability by floor plan lenders; and
 
    a high degree of fragmentation and competition among the more than 130 sterndrive and 300 outboard recreational boat manufacturers.
 
Business Strategies
 
Recreational boating is a mature industry. According to Info-Link Technologies, Inc., sales of sterndrive boats declined at a compounded annual rate of approximately 21 percent between 2006 and 2008.  During this period, Marine Products experienced a compound annual decline rate of approximately 24 percent in the number of boats sold. The Company has historically grown its boat sales and net sales primarily through increasing market share and by expanding its number of models and product lines. However, the Company’s strategy in 2009 was to reduce dealer inventories dramatically.  As a result, the Company’s unit sales declined in 2009 by more than 73 percent in comparison to 2008.  Chaparral has grown its sterndrive market share in the 18 to 35 feet length category from 5.9 percent in fiscal 1996 to 8.1 percent during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (the most recent information provided to us by Statistical Surveys, Inc.). Market share is greater than this in several of our larger boat models, reflecting the success of our strategy to build and sell large boats with higher average selling prices.  The Company continues to expand its product offerings in the outboard boat market and by improvement of existing models and expansion into larger boats within its sterndrive and inboard offerings.
 
8

 
During 2009 we reduced our production levels drastically as compared to 2008. This action allowed our dealers to reduce their inventories, thus supporting their efforts to remain solvent and preparing them to sell updated models to consumers when demand returns.  Also, lower inventories assisted our dealers in their relationships with floor plan lenders, who curtailed credit availability and increased borrowing costs during 2009.  Consequences of this production change in 2009 were additional headcount reductions as well as periodic, scheduled idling of our production facilities. In 2009 we also supported our dealers through retail incentive programs, which included financial support in the form of additional  incentives during the traditional peak retail selling season. This strategy negatively impacted our 2009 financial results because of the lower sales and gross margin due to these incentives provided for non-current models in dealer inventories. As a result, our field inventories at the end of 2009 are at their lowest levels since 1996 which will allow our dealers to finance future purchases of updated models and meet retail demand for updated products.
 
Marine Products’ operating strategy emphasizes innovative designs and manufacturing processes, by producing a high quality product while seeking to lower manufacturing costs through increased efficiencies in our facilities. In the current and projected near-term depressed selling environment for our products, our operating strategy also includes producing fewer models, with fewer options and more standard features, in order to maximize profitability at lower production levels and reduce the amount and value of inventory our dealers are forced to carry.  In addition, we seek opportunities to leverage our buying power through economies of scale. Management believes its membership in the ABA positions Marine Products as a significant third-party customer of major suppliers of sterndrive engines. Marine Products’ Chaparral subsidiary is a founding member of the ABA, which collectively represents 13 independent boat manufacturers that have formed a buying group to pool their purchasing power in order to gain improved pricing on engines, fiberglass, resin and many other components. Marine Products intends to continue seeking the most advantageous purchasing arrangements from its suppliers.
 
Our marketing strategy seeks to increase market share by enabling Marine Products to expand its presence by building dedicated sales, marketing and distribution systems. Marine Products has a distribution network of 188 dealers located throughout the United States and internationally.  Our strategy is to increase selectively the quantity of our dealers, and work to improve the quality and effectiveness of our entire dealer network. We have implemented a marketing program for potential new dealers which emphasizes our financial strength and product quality as an alternative to many competitors who are less financially stable and less able to support their dealers with quality products and good service.  During 2009 we lost a number of dealers who exited the business; however, we gained almost as many new dealers as we lost because dealers who sell other brands approached us as their manufacturer became insolvent or ceased production.  Marine Products seeks to capitalize on its strong dealer network by educating its dealers on the sales and servicing of our products and helping them provide more comprehensive customer service, with the goal of increasing customer satisfaction, customer retention and future sales. Marine Products provides promotional and incentive programs to help its dealers increase product sales and customer satisfaction.  Marine Products believes that the depressed selling environment for our industry provides an opportunity for us to strengthen our dealer network and build brand loyalty with both dealers and customers because Marine Products is better capitalized than most of its competitors.
 
A component of Marine Products’ overall strategy is to consider making strategic acquisitions in order to complement existing product lines, expand its geographic presence in the marketplace and strengthen its capabilities depending upon availability, price and complementary product lines.  We considered several potential targets during 2009 and intend to continue doing so in 2010.
 
Competition
 
The recreational boat industry is highly fragmented, resulting in intense competition for customers, dealers and boat show exhibition space. There is significant competition both within markets we currently serve and in new markets that we may enter. Marine Products’ brands compete with several large national or regional manufacturers that have substantial financial, marketing and other resources. However, we believe that our corporate infrastructure and marketing and sales capabilities, in addition to our cost structure and our nationwide presence, enable us to compete effectively against these companies. In each of our markets, Marine Products competes on the basis of responsiveness to customer needs, the quality and range of models offered, and the competitive pricing of those models. Additionally, Marine Products faces general competition from all other recreational businesses seeking to attract consumers’ leisure time and discretionary spending dollars.
 
9

 
According to Statistical Surveys, Inc., the following is a list of the top ten (largest to smallest) sterndrive boat manufacturers in the United States based on unit sales in 2009.  According to Statistical Surveys, Inc., the companies set forth below represent approximately 74 percent of all United States retail sterndrive boat registrations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
1.
 
Bayliner *
2.
 
Sea Ray *
3.
 
Tahoe
4.
 
Chaparral
5.
 
Glastron
6.
 
Four Winns
7.
 
Stingray
8.
 
Crownline
9.
 
Cobalt
10.
 
Regal
 
The outboard engine powered market has a large breadth and depth, accounting for approximately 75 percent traditional powerboat unit sales during 2008 (the latest year available).  Robalo’s share of the outboard sport fishing boat market during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was approximately four percent.  Primary competitors for Robalo during 2009 included Sea Hunt, Triton, Grady-White, Sea Fox, Boston Whaler*, Century, Hydra Sports, Everglades and Parker.  
 
* Division or subsidiary of Brunswick Corporation.
 
Environmental and Regulatory Matters
 
Certain materials used in boat manufacturing, including the resins used to make the decks and hulls, are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive and are classified by the federal and state governments as “hazardous materials.” Control of these substances is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and state pollution control agencies, which require reports and inspect facilities to monitor compliance with their regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) standards limit the amount of emissions to which an employee may be exposed without the need for respiratory protection or upgraded plant ventilation. Marine Products’ manufacturing facilities are regularly inspected by OSHA and by state and local inspection agencies and departments. Marine Products believes that its facilities comply in all material aspects with these regulations. Although capital expenditures related to compliance with environmental laws are expected to increase during the coming years, we do not currently anticipate that any material expenditure will be required to continue to comply with existing environmental or safety regulations in connection with our existing manufacturing facilities.
 
Recreational powerboats sold in the United States must be manufactured to meet the standards of certification required by the United States Coast Guard. In addition, boats manufactured for sale in the European Community must be certified to meet the European Community’s imported manufactured products standards. These certifications specify standards for the design and construction of powerboats. All boats sold by Marine Products meet these standards. In addition, safety of recreational boats is subject to federal regulation under the Boat Safety Act of 1971. The Boat Safety Act requires boat manufacturers to recall products for replacement of parts or components that have demonstrated defects affecting safety. While Marine Products has instituted recalls for defective component parts produced by other manufacturers, there has never been a safety related recall resulting from Marine Products’ design or manufacturing process. None of the recalls has had a material adverse effect on Marine Products.
 
During 2009 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted regulations stipulating that many marine propulsion engines manufactured for the 2010 model year and later meet an air emission standard that requires fitting a catalytic converter to the engine.  These regulations also require, among other things, that the engine manufacturer provide a warranty that the engine meets EPA emission standards.  The majority of the engines used in Marine Products’ Chaparral product line and all of the engines used in the Company’s Robalo product line are subject to these regulations.  These regulations are similar to regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board in 2007, but apply to all U.S. states and territories.  This regulation will increase the cost of the majority of the Company’s sterndrive products.  The additional cost of complying with these EPA regulations may reduce Marine Products’ profitability, because the Company may have to absorb the increased cost.  It may also reduce Marine Products’ net sales, because the increased cost of owning a boat may force consumers to buy a smaller or less expensive boat or forego a boat purchase, and because increased product cost will reduce the amount of inventory that Marine Products’ dealers can carry, thus reducing retail consumers’ choices.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2009, Marine Products had approximately 300 employees (a reduction from approximately 440 at December 31, 2008), of whom six were management and 27 administrative.  In response to the significant decline in consumer demand for our products and lower production, the Company has maintained a significantly smaller work force during the latter part of 2008 and throughout 2009 in an effort to align costs with lower sales.
 
10

 
None of Marine Products’ employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement.  Marine Products’ entire workforce is currently employed in the United States and Marine Products believes that its relations with its employees are good.
 
Proprietary Matters
 
Marine Products owns a number of trademarks, trade names and patents that it believes are important to its business. Except for the Chaparral, Robalo and Wahoo! trademarks, however, Marine Products is not dependent upon any single trademark or trade name or group of trademarks or trade names. The Chaparral, Robalo and Wahoo! trademarks are currently registered in the United States. The current duration for such registration ranges from seven to 15 years but each registration may be renewed an unlimited number of times.
 
Several of Chaparral’s and Robalo’s designs are protected under the U.S. Copyright Office’s Vessel Hull Design Protection Act. This law grants an owner of an original vessel hull design certain exclusive rights. Protection is offered for hull designs that are made available to the public for purchase provided that the application is made within two years of the hull design being made public. As of December 31, 2009, there were 22 Chaparral hull designs and four Robalo hull designs registered under the Vessel Hull Design Protection Act.
 
During 2008 Chaparral was granted a design patent on its Wide TechTM hull design by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  The patent has a term of 14 years and protects the Wide TechTM hull currently used on the Sunesta Wide TechTM and Xtreme, 400 Premiere, SSi Wide TechTM and one of its Signature Cruisers from being used by other pleasure boat manufacturers.  Marine Products believes that this patent is important to its business.
 
Seasonality
 
Marine Products’ quarterly operating results are affected by weather and general economic conditions. Quarterly operating results for the second quarter have historically recorded the highest sales volume for the year because this corresponds with the highest retail sales volume period. The results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period.
 
Inflation
 
During the third and fourth quarters of 2008, the Company experienced dramatic declines in the prices of certain material and component costs, especially for copper, stainless steel, and resins that have hydrocarbon feedstocks.  During 2009, the prices of some of these commodities at first stabilized and then increased.  At the end of 2009 and in the beginning of 2010, prices continued to increase.  This increase in commodity prices is likely to lead to higher materials costs in 2010. The impact of the fluctuations in commodities prices on the Company’s operating results in 2009 was not material due to low production volumes.  However, since the Company is increasing production in 2010 it is likely that such increases will negatively impact the Company’s operating results if they continue.  Also, given low retail consumer demand for the Company’s products at the present time, we cannot be confident that the Company will be able to institute price increases to its dealers in the event that the prices of its raw materials and components increase in the future.
 
New boat buyers typically finance their purchases. Higher inflation typically results in higher interest rates that could translate into an increased cost of boat ownership. Prospective buyers may choose to forego or delay their purchases or buy a less expensive boat in the event that interest rates rise.
 
Availability of Filings
 
Marine Products makes available free of charge on its website, www.marineproductscorp.com, the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports on the same day as they are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Economic Conditions, Unavailability of Credit and Consumer Confidence Levels Affect Marine Products’ Sales Because Marine Products’ Products are Purchased with Discretionary Income
 
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During an economic recession or when an economic recession is perceived as a threat, Marine Products will be adversely affected as consumers have less discretionary income or are more apt to save their discretionary income rather than spend it. During times of global political or economic uncertainty, Marine Products will be negatively affected to the extent consumers forego or delay large discretionary purchases pending the resolution of those uncertainties.  The recent financial crisis and deep, enduring recession may have long-term effects on consumer behavior with regard to pleasure boating as well.  Current and potential future lower returns on financial assets may force consumers to delay retirement, or to choose more modest lifestyles when they do retire.  In such a case, consumers may not purchase boats, may purchase boats later in their lives, or may purchase smaller or less expensive boats.  Tight lending and credit standards, such as those currently in use by lenders in the United States, can make loans for boats harder to secure, and such loans may carry unfavorable terms, which may force consumers to forego boat purchases.  These factors have also resulted in the past, and may continue to result in the future, in a reduction in the quality and number of dealers upon which Marine Products relies to sell its products.
 
Marine Products Relies upon Third-Party Dealer Floor Plan Lenders Which Provide Financing to its Network of Independent Dealers
 
           Marine Products sells its products to a network of independent dealers, most of whom rely on one or more third-party dealer floor plan lenders to provide financing for their inventory prior to its sale to retail customers.  In general, this source of financing is vital to Marine Products’ ability to sell products to its dealer network.  The credit crisis and financial market volatility that occurred in late 2008 and extended into 2009 caused disruptions among dealer floor plan lenders.  While dealer floor plan credit is currently available for many of our dealers during the 2010 model year, it is less available and more costly than in prior years.  Such factors may have reduced the availability of floor plan loans to our dealers, increased the cost of financing, and may change the limits under which Marine Products or its subsidiaries are required to repurchase inventory in the event of a dealer default.  Any of these factors negatively impact Marine Products’ sales and profitability.
 
Interest Rates and Fuel Prices Affect Marine Products’ Sales
 
The Company’s products are often financed by our dealers and the retail boat consumers. Higher interest rates increase the borrowing costs and, accordingly, the cost of doing business for dealers and the cost of boat purchases for consumers. Fuel costs can represent a large portion of the costs to operate our products. Therefore, higher interest rates and fuel costs can adversely affect consumers’ decisions relating to recreational boating purchases.
 
Marine Products’ Dependence on its Network of Independent Boat Dealers may Affect its Operating Results and Sales
 
Virtually all of Marine Products’ sales are derived from its network of independent boat dealers. Marine Products has no long-term agreements with these dealers. Competition for dealers among recreational powerboat manufacturers continues to increase based on the quality of available products, the price and value of the products, and attention to customer service.  The Company faces intense competition from other recreational powerboat manufacturers in attracting and retaining independent boat dealers.  The number of independent boat dealers supporting the Chaparral and Robalo trade names and the quality of their marketing and servicing efforts are essential to Marine Products’ ability to generate sales.  A deterioration in the number or quality of Marine Products’ network of independent boat dealers which occurred during the current depressed selling environment, has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on its boat sales. Marine Products’ inability to attract new dealers and retain those dealers, or its inability to increase sales with existing dealers, could substantially impair its ability to execute its business plans.
 
Although Marine Products’ management believes that the quality of its products and services in the recreational boating market should permit it to maintain its relationship with its dealers and its market position, there can be no assurance that Marine Products will be able to sustain its current sales levels. In addition, independent dealers in the recreational boating industry have experienced significant consolidation in recent years, which could result in the loss of one or more of Marine Products’ dealers in the future if the surviving entity in any such consolidation purchases similar products from a Marine Products competitor.  During the current depressed selling environment, some boat dealers included within the Marine Products’ dealer network ceased operations and this trend may continue given the current adverse business environment in which boat dealers operate.  See “Business Strategies” above.
 
Marine Products’ Financial Condition and Operating Results may be Adversely Affected by Boat Dealer Defaults
 
The Company’s products are sold through dealers and the financial health of these dealers is critical to the Company’s continued success.  The Company’s results can be negatively affected if a dealer defaults because Marine Products or its subsidiaries may be contractually required to repurchase inventory up to certain limits, although for business reasons, the Company may decide to purchase additional boats in excess of this contractual obligation.
 
12

 
Marine Products’ Ability to Adjust its Business Operations to Compensate for Reduced Sales of Boats may be Restricted in the Future.
 
In 2008 Marine Products idled certain production facilities and reduced its number of employees to offset the impact that reduced net sales has on the Company’s operating results and cash flows.  The Company experienced lower rates of absorption of its fixed costs and in 2009 reported operating and net losses for the first time in its history as a public company.  This prolonged downturn in the Company’s sale of boats may continue to have an adverse affect in 2010 and in future periods beyond 2010.  In addition, the Company’s ability to reduce its fixed costs in the future to respond to potential future reduced net sales is limited.
 
Marine Products’ Sales are Affected by Weather Conditions
 
Marine Products’ business is subject to weather patterns that may adversely affect its sales. For example, drought conditions, or merely reduced rainfall levels, or excessive rain, may close area boating locations or render boating dangerous or inconvenient, thereby curtailing customer demand for our products. In addition, unseasonably cool weather and prolonged winter conditions may lead to a shorter selling season in some locations. Hurricanes and other storms could cause disruptions of our operations or damage to our boat inventories and manufacturing facilities.
 
Marine Products Encounters Intense Competition Which Affects our Sales and Profits
 
           The recreational boat industry is highly fragmented, resulting in intense competition for customers, dealers and boat show exhibition space.  This competition affects both the markets which we currently serve and new markets that we may enter in the future.  We compete with several large national or regional manufacturers that have substantial financial, marketing and other resources.  Competitive manufacturers have executed a strategy of constructing entry-level smaller boats which are constructed in off-shore manufacturing plants with lower labor costs.  These competitive conditions have contributed to our inability to pass along our increased manufacturing costs to customers, reduced our market share in various selling categories including particularly smaller boats, and negatively impacted our profit margins.
 
Marine Products has Potential Liability for Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims
 
The products we sell or service may expose Marine Products to potential liabilities for personal injury or property damage claims relating to the use of those products. Historically, the resolution of product liability claims has not materially affected Marine Products’ business. Marine Products maintains product liability insurance that it believes to be adequate. However, there can be no assurance that Marine Products will not experience legal claims in excess of its insurance coverage or that claims will be covered by insurance. Furthermore, any significant claims against Marine Products could result in negative publicity, which could cause Marine Products’ sales to decline.
 
Because Marine Products Relies on Third-party Suppliers, Marine Products may be Unable to Obtain Adequate Raw Materials and Components
 
Marine Products is dependent on third-party suppliers to provide raw materials and components essential to the construction of its various powerboats. Especially critical are the availability and cost of marine engines and commodity raw materials used in the manufacture of Marine Products’ boats. While Marine Products’ management believes that supplier relationships currently in place are sufficient to provide the materials necessary to meet present production demands, there can be no assurance that these relationships will continue, that these suppliers will remain in operation given the extended business downturn in the recreational boating industry or that the quantity or quality of materials available from these suppliers will be sufficient to meet Marine Products’ future needs. Disruptions in current supplier relationships or the inability of Marine Products to continue to purchase construction materials in sufficient quantities and of sufficient quality at acceptable prices to meet ongoing production schedules could cause a decrease in sales or a sharp increase in the cost of goods sold. Additionally, because of this dependence, the volatility in commodity raw materials or current or future price increases in construction materials or the inability of Marine Products’ management to purchase construction materials required to complete its growth and acquisition strategies could cause a reduction in Marine Products’ profit margins or reduce the number of boats Marine Products may be able to produce for sale.
 
Marine Products may be Unable to Identify, Complete or Successfully Integrate Acquisitions
 
Marine Products intends to pursue acquisitions and form strategic alliances that will enable Marine Products to acquire complementary skills and capabilities, offer new products, expand its customer base, and obtain other competitive advantages. There can be no assurance, however, that Marine Products will be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates or strategic partners, obtain financing on satisfactory terms, complete acquisitions or strategic alliances, integrate acquired operations into its existing operations, or expand into new markets. Once integrated, acquired operations may not achieve anticipated levels of sales or profitability, or otherwise perform as expected. Acquisitions also involve special risks, including risks associated with unanticipated problems, liabilities and contingencies, diversion of management resources, and possible adverse effects on earnings and earnings per share resulting from increased interest costs, the issuance of additional securities, and difficulties related to the integration of the acquired business. The failure to integrate acquisitions successfully may divert management’s attention from Marine Products’ existing operations and may damage Marine Products’ relationships with its key customers and suppliers.
 
13

 
Marine Products’ Success will Depend on its key Personnel, and the Loss of any key Personnel may Affect its Powerboat Sales
 
Marine Products’ success will depend to a significant extent on the continued service of key management personnel. The loss or interruption of the services of any senior management personnel or the inability to attract and retain other qualified management, sales, marketing and technical employees could disrupt Marine Products’ operations and cause a decrease in its sales and profit margins.
 
Marine Products’ Ability to Attract and Retain Qualified Employees is Crucial to its Results of Operations and Future Growth
 
Marine Products relies on the existence of an available hourly workforce to manufacture its products. As with many businesses, we are challenged at times to find qualified employees. There are no assurances that Marine Products will be able to attract and retain qualified employees to meet current and/or future growth needs.
 
If Marine Products is Unable to Comply with Environmental and Other Regulatory Requirements, its Business may be Exposed to Liability and Fines
 
Marine Products’ operations are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and licensing under various federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations.  While Marine Products believes that it maintains all requisite licenses and permits and is in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations, there can be no assurance that Marine Products will be able to continue to maintain all requisite licenses and permits and comply with applicable laws and regulations. The failure to satisfy these and other regulatory requirements could cause Marine Products to incur fines or penalties or could increase the cost of operations. The adoption of additional laws, rules and regulations could also increase Marine Products’ costs.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently adopted regulations affecting many marine propulsion engines manufactured for the 2010 model year and later.  This regulation will increase the cost of boats subject to the regulation, which may either reduce the Company’s profitability or reduce sales.
 
As with boat construction in general, our manufacturing processes involve the use, handling, storage and contracting for recycling or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes. Accordingly, we are subject to regulations regarding these substances, and the misuse or mishandling of such substances could expose Marine Products to liability or fines.
 
Additionally, certain states have required or are considering requiring a license in order to operate a recreational boat. While such licensing requirements are not expected to be unduly restrictive, regulations may discourage potential first-time buyers, thereby reducing future sales.
 
Marine Products’ Stock Price has been Volatile
 
Historically, the market price of common stock of companies engaged in the discretionary consumer products industry has been highly volatile. Likewise, the market price of our common stock has varied significantly in the past. In addition, the availability of Marine Products common stock to the investing public is limited to the extent that shares are not sold by the executive officers, directors and their affiliates, which could negatively impact the trading price of Marine Products’ common stock, increase volatility and affect the ability of minority stockholders to sell their shares. Future sales by executive officers, directors and their affiliates of all or a substantial portion of their shares could also negatively affect the trading price of Marine Products’ common stock.
 
Marine Products’ Suspension of its Dividends Payable on Common Shares may Reduce the Return on Investment in Marine Products’ Stock
 
In April 2009, the Company suspended its cash dividend per common share which may adversely affects the stockholders’ return on investment in the Company’s shares.
 
14

 
Marine Products’ Management has a Substantial Ownership Interest; Public Stockholders may have no Effective Voice in Marine Products’ Management
 
The Company has elected the “Controlled Corporation” exemption under Rule 303A of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Company Guide. The Company is a “Controlled Corporation” because a group that includes the Company’s Chairman of the Board, R. Randall Rollins and his brother, Gary W. Rollins, who is also a director of the Company, and certain companies under their control, controls in excess of fifty percent of the Company’s voting power. As a “Controlled Corporation,” the Company need not comply with certain NYSE rules including those requiring a majority of independent directors.
 
Marine Products’ executive officers, directors and their affiliates hold directly or through indirect beneficial ownership, in the aggregate, approximately 74 percent of Marine Products’ outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, these stockholders effectively control the operations of Marine Products, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions such as acquisitions. This concentration of ownership could also have the effect of delaying or preventing a third-party from acquiring control of Marine Products at a premium.
 
Provisions in Marine Products’ Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may Inhibit a Takeover of Marine Products
 
Marine Products’ certificate of incorporation, bylaws and other documents contain provisions including advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals and staggered terms of office for the Board of Directors. These provisions may make a tender offer, change in control or takeover attempt that is opposed by Marine Products’ Board of Directors more difficult or expensive.
 
The Insurance Companies that Insure a Number of Marine Products’ Marketable Securities have been Downgraded, Which may Cause Volatility in the Market Prices of our Marketable Securities
 
Marine Products maintains a diversified portfolio of investment-grade municipal debt securities managed by a large, well-capitalized financial institution.   A number of these securities are insured by large insurance companies.  Due to the problems confronting the financial system over the past few years, these insurance companies have become much less active in issuing credit insurance of municipal debt securities, either because they have exited the business or merged with other insurance companies.  Our investment manager selects securities based on the credit quality of the underlying securities rather than the credit rating of the insurer, if any, and all of our securities have credit ratings which are within our investment policy guidelines. However, this disruption among insurers of municipal debt securities, as well as the fact that many municipalities are struggling due to lower tax revenues, increase the volatility of the market prices of these marketable securities.  The market prices of these securities may continue to be volatile during periods of uncertainty in the bond insurance industry.
 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.  Properties
 
Marine Products’ corporate offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. These offices are currently shared with RPC and are leased. The monthly rent paid is allocated between Marine Products and RPC. Under this arrangement, Marine Products pays approximately $2,000 per month in rent. Marine Products may cancel this arrangement at any time after giving a 30 day notice.
 
Chaparral owns and maintains approximately 1,011,000 square feet of space utilized for manufacturing, research and development, warehouse, and sales office and operations in Nashville, Georgia. In addition, the Company leases 83,000 square feet of manufacturing space at the Robalo facility in Valdosta, Georgia, under a long-term arrangement expiring in 2014.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Robalo facility was temporarily idled and production of these boats was moved to the Nashville facility.  There are no plans or current intentions to dispose of the facilities in Valdosta, Georgia.  The Company also leases 111,000 square feet of warehouse space in Nashville, Georgia under a long-term arrangement expiring in 2018.  Marine Products’ total square footage under roof is allocated as follows: manufacturing — 712,000, research and development — 67,200, warehousing — 294,500, office and other — 131,400.
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
 
Marine Products is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. Marine Products does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
 
15

 
Item 4.  Reserved
 
Item 4A.  Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Each of the executive officers of Marine Products was elected by the Board of Directors to serve until the Board of Directors’ meeting immediately following the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his or her earlier removal by the Board of Directors or his or her resignation. The following table lists the executive officers of Marine Products and their ages, offices, and date first elected to office.
 
 
Name and Office with Registrant
 
Age
Date First Elected
to Present Office
R. Randall Rollins (1)
78
2/28/01
Chairman of the Board
   
     
Richard A. Hubbell (2)
65
2/28/01
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
     
James A. Lane, Jr. (3)
67
2/28/01
Executive Vice President and President of Chaparral Boats, Inc.
   
     
Linda H. Graham (4)
73
2/28/01
Vice President and Secretary
   
     
Ben M. Palmer (5)
49
2/28/01
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
 
(1)
R. Randall Rollins began working for Rollins, Inc. (consumer services) in 1949. At the time of the spin-off of RPC from Rollins, in 1984, Mr. Rollins was elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of RPC. He remains Chairman of RPC and stepped down from the position of Chief Executive Officer effective in 2003.  He has served as Chairman of the Board of Marine Products since 2001 and Chairman of the Board of Rollins, Inc. since 1991. He is also a director of Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. and Dover Motorsports, Inc.
 
(2)
Richard A. Hubbell has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marine Products since it was spun off in 2001. He has also been the President of RPC since 1987 and its Chief Executive Officer since 2003. Mr. Hubbell serves on the Board of Directors for both of these companies.
 
(3)
James A. Lane, Jr. has held the position of President of Chaparral Boats (formerly a subsidiary of RPC) since 1976. Mr. Lane has been Executive Vice President and Director of Marine Products since it was spun off in 2001. He is also a director of RPC and has served in that capacity since 1987.
 
(4)
Linda H. Graham has been Vice President and Secretary of Marine Products since it was spun off in 2001, and Vice President and Secretary of RPC since 1987. Ms. Graham serves on the Board of Directors for both of these companies.
 
(5)
Ben M. Palmer has been Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Marine Products since it was spun off in 2001 and has served the same roles at RPC since 1996.
 
 
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PART II
 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Marine Products’ common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MPX.”  At February 12, 2010, there were 37,092,228 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
At the close of business on February 12, 2010, there were approximately 2,400 beneficial holders of record of the Company’s common stock. The high and low prices of Marine Products’ common stock and dividends paid for each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
 
 
2009
2008
 
Quarter
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
 
High
 
Low
 
Dividends
First
$5.62
$2.99
$0.01
$9.23
$6.49
$0.065
Second
5.06
3.25
0.00
8.53
6.56
0.065
Third
5.94
3.65
0.00
9.75
6.05
0.065
Fourth
5.87
3.88
0.00
8.65
3.58
0.065
 
On April 28, 2009, the Board of Directors voted to suspend the quarterly cash dividend to common stockholders.
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
In accordance with actions by the Company’s Board of Directors, an aggregate of 8,250,000 shares have been authorized for repurchase in connection with a stock buy back program announced in 2001, and subsequent increases to this program announced in 2005 and 2008.   These programs do not have predetermined expiration dates.  A total of 4,925,157 shares have been repurchased in the open market under these programs as of December 31, 2009.  There were no shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2009.  As of December 31, 2009, a total of 3,324,843 shares remain available for repurchase under these programs.
 
Performance Graph
 
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return based on the performance of the stock of the Company, assuming dividend reinvestment, as compared with both a broad equity market index and an industry or peer group index.  The indices included in the following graph are the Russell 2000 Index (“Russell 2000”) and a peer group which includes companies that are considered peers of the Company (“Peer Group”).  The companies included in the peer group have been weighted according to each respective issuer’s stock market capitalization at the beginning of each year.  The companies are Brunswick Corporation and MarineMax, Inc.
 
The Russell 2000 is used because the Company became a component of the Russell 2000 in 2004, and because the Russell 2000 is a stock index representing small capitalization U.S. stocks.  During 2009 the components of the Russell 2000 had an average market capitalization of $1.019 billion.
 
17

 
The graph below assumes the value of $100.00 invested on December 31, 2004.
 
(LINE GRAPH)
 
 
 
18

 

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
The following table summarizes certain selected financial data of Marine Products. The historical information may not be indicative of Marine Products’ future results of operations. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this document.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
(In thousands, except share, per share and employee data)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 39,439     $ 175,622     $ 244,273     $ 261,378     $ 272,057  
Cost of goods sold
    45,996       143,677       191,810       201,971       202,936  
Gross (loss) profit
     (6,557 )     31,945       52,463       59,407       69,121  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    12,606       23,146       30,228       32,474       33,557  
Operating (loss) income
    (19,163 )     8,799       22,235       26,933       35,564  
Interest income
    1,663       2,420       2,590       2,502       1,330  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (17,500 )     11,219       24,825       29,435       36,894  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (6,807 )     3,633       8,402       9,121       10,671  
Net (loss) income
  $ (10,693 )   $ 7,586     $ 16,423     $ 20,314     $ 26,223  
(Loss) earnings per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.30 )   $ 0.21     $ 0.44     $ 0.54     $ 0.69  
Diluted
  $ (0.30 )   $ 0.21     $ 0.43     $ 0.52     $ 0.65  
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.26     $ 0.24     $ 0.20     $ 0.16  
Other Financial and Operating Data:
                                       
Gross (loss) profit margin percent
    (16.6  )%     18.2 %     21.5 %     22.7 %     25.4 %
Operating margin percent
    (39.5 ) %     5.0 %     9.1 %     10.3 %     13.1 %
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (9,036 )   $ 14,045     $ 16,431     $ 23,997     $ 19,366  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    7,416       (2,255 )     (41,391     (1,351 )     (2,023 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (429 )     (10,401     (26,263     (8,494     (26,356
Capital expenditures
  $ 85     $ 329     $ 1,263     $ 1,667     $ 1,118  
Employees at end of year
    307       441       1,073       1,089       1,065  
Factory and administrative space at end of year (square ft.)
    1,205       1,205       1,205       1,149       1,149  
Balance Sheet Data at end of year:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,573     $ 4,622     $ 3,233     $ 54,456     $ 37,602  
Marketable securities — current
    23,328       8,799       8,870       652       1,323  
Marketable securities — non-current
    16,117       37,953       36,087       3,715       5,893  
Inventories
    19,487       22,453       33,159       29,556       26,856  
Working capital
    46,065       32,992       36,113       76,506       61,341  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    13,310       14,579       15,944       16,641       17,252  
Total assets
    98,249       110,293       118,726       124,179       108,805  
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 81,512     $ 90,789     $ 93,757     $ 101,401     $ 87,688  
 
 
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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion is based upon and should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” See also “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 2.
 
Overview
 
Marine Products, through our wholly owned subsidiaries Chaparral and Robalo, is a leading manufacturer of recreational fiberglass powerboats. Our sales and profits are generated by selling the products that we manufacture to a network of independent dealers who in turn sell the products to retail consumers. These dealers are located throughout the continental United States and in several international markets. Most of these dealers finance their inventory through third-party floor plan lenders, who pay Marine Products upon delivery of the products to the dealers.
 
We manage our Company by focusing on the execution of the following business and financial strategies:
 
 
Manufacturing high-quality, stylish, and innovative powerboats for our dealers and retail consumers,
  ● 
Providing our independent dealer network appropriate incentives, training, and other support to enhance their success and their customers’ satisfaction, thereby facilitating their continued relationship with us,
  ● 
Managing our production and dealer order backlog to optimize operating results and reduce risk in the event of a further downturn in sales of our products,
  ● 
Maintaining a flexible, variable cost structure which can be reduced quickly when deemed appropriate,
  ● 
Focusing on the competitive nature of the boating business and designing our products and strategies in order to grow and maintain profitable market share,
  ● 
Monitoring the activities and financial condition of the third-party floor plan lenders who finance our dealers’ inventories and of our dealers,
  ● 
Maximizing stockholder return by optimizing the balance of cash invested in the Company’s productive assets, the payment of dividends to stockholders, and the repurchase of the Company’s common stock on the open market, and
 
Aligning the interests of our management and stockholders.
 
In implementing these strategies and attempting to optimize our financial returns, management closely monitors dealer orders and inventories, the production mix of various models, and indications of near term demand such as consumer confidence, interest rates, dealer orders placed at our annual dealer conferences, and retail attendance and orders at annual winter boat show exhibitions. We also consider trends related to certain key financial and other data, including our historical and forecasted financial results, market share, unit sales of our products, average selling price per boat, and gross profit margins, among others, as indicators of the success of our strategies. Marine Products’ financial results are affected by consumer confidence — because pleasure boating is a discretionary expenditure, interest rates — because many retail customers finance the purchase of their boats, and other socioeconomic and environmental factors such as availability of leisure time, consumer preferences, demographics and the weather.
 
During 2009, the industry continued the trend of lower wholesale and retail sales that began in the fourth quarter of 2005.  High fuel prices and the problems in the residential mortgage market which came to light in 2007 had a continuing impact on both consumer confidence as a whole, as well as consumer spending decisions in popular boating areas such as Florida and Southern California.  In addition, the financial crisis which intensified in late 2008 and continued through 2009 reduced the availability of floor plan credit for our dealers, which in turn reduced their capacity to accept deliveries of new products from us.  The Company believes that the current boating cycle has reached a trough, but there are no near-term catalysts which will improve the retail selling environment for our products.  However, as a result of our prior curtailment of production, our dealer inventories have reached historically low levels.  As a result, we have increased production during the fourth quarter of 2009 in order to meet dealer and expected retail demand for new models. During 2009, the weak financial condition of a number of our dealers, combined with the lack of availability of floor plan lending, required us to assist our dealers in the liquidation of their inventory of non-current models.  This financial support negatively impacted our financial results during 2009, but we do not believe that there will be any additional impact on our financial results from further financial support of our dealer network to liquidate non-current models.  However, management will continue to monitor dealer inventory levels and the risk of additional dealer defaults and resulting repurchase obligations.
 
We monitor our market share in the 18 to 35 foot sterndrive category as one indicator of the success of our strategies and the market’s acceptance of our products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (latest data available to us), Chaparral’s market share in the 18 to 35 foot sterndrive category was 8.1 percent, an increase from our market share in the same category for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 of 7.4 percent.  This increase was concentrated in the larger 21 to 35 foot size boats in our market. We believe this was the result of two factors: the execution of our stated strategy of selling larger, more profitable boats, and the strategy of certain of our competitors, who have built and sold a large number of entry-level smaller boats which are constructed in offshore manufacturing plants with lower cost labor.  Although we will continue to monitor our market share and believe it to be important, we also believe that maximizing profitability takes precedence over growing our market share.
 
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Outlook
 
    Management believes that net sales will increase in 2010 compared to 2009 and that our operating results will improve.  This belief is based on indications that the downturn in recreational boating has ended, and the fact that our dealer inventories are at historically low levels.  While retail demand may not increase significantly in 2010, our production and sales to dealers will increase because retail demand will have to be fulfilled by production from our manufacturing plants rather than by sales of dealer inventory to retail consumers.  Early indications from winter boat shows are that attendance and sales are equal to, or slightly higher than, 2009.  Our operating results should improve due to an improved gross margin from increased production and significantly lower incentive costs.  In addition, the availability of credit from third-party floor plan lenders who provide inventory financing to the vast majority of our dealers has improved for financially stable dealers.  Also, the prolonged drought in several of Marine Products’ major Southeastern markets is over, which enhances the navigability of waterways as well as access to docks, boat ramps and other recreational facilities.    However, we do not believe that retail sales will increase significantly in 2010 due to the prolonged recession and continued weak consumer confidence, which will dampen the enthusiasm for purchases of large discretionary items such as pleasure boats.  In addition, consumer credit remains tight and fuel prices are somewhat higher than at this time last year.  In addition, the current financial crisis may have long-term effects on consumer behavior with regard to pleasure boating.  Current and potential future lower returns on financial assets may force consumers to delay retirement, or to choose more modest lifestyles when they do retire.  In such a case, consumers may not purchase boats, may purchase boats later in their lives, or may purchase smaller, less expensive boats.  Over the past several years, Marine Products as well as other manufacturers have been improving their customer service capabilities, marketing strategies and sales promotions in order to attract more consumers to recreational boating as well as improve consumers’ boating experiences.  In addition, the recreational boating industry began a promotional program several years ago which involves advertising and consumer targeting efforts, as well as other activities designed to increase the potential consumer market for pleasure boats.  Many manufacturers, including Marine Products, are participating in this program.  Management believes that these efforts will benefit the industry and Marine Products.  We have implemented a marketing program for potential new dealers which emphasizes our financial strength and product quality as an alternative to many competitors who are less financially stable and less able to support their dealers with quality products and good service.  During 2009 we gained a number of new dealers who had previously sold competitors’ products, which served to offset the number of our dealers who exited the business due to bankruptcy or for other reasons.  As in past years, Marine Products enhanced the design of a number of its product lines for the 2010 model year which began on July 1, 2009.  For this model year, Marine Products is emphasizing fewer models with more standard features and fewer options, which will allow dealers with limited financial resources to reduce the quantity of inventory which they are required to carry.
 
    Our financial results in 2010 will depend on a number of factors, including interest rates, consumer confidence, the availability of credit to our dealers and consumers, fuel costs, the continued acceptance of our new products in the recreational boating market, our ability to compete in the competitive pleasure boating industry, and the costs of certain of our raw materials. We anticipate that the Company will continue to be challenged by the effect of an uncertain level of consumer demand during the winter boat show and 2010 retail selling seasons.

 
 
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Results of Operations
  
   
Years ended December 31,
 
($’s in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Total number of boats sold
    963       3,590       5,444  
Average gross selling price per boat
  $ 47.1     $ 46.6     $ 43.4  
Net sales
  $ 39,439     $ 175,622     $ 244,273  
Percentage of gross (loss) profit margin to net sales
    (16.6 )%     18.2 %     21.5 %
Percentage of selling, general and administrative expense to net sales
    32.0 %     13.2 %     12.4 %
Operating (loss) income
  $ (19,163 )   $ 8,799     $ 22,235  
Warranty expense
  $ 2,001     $ 3,191     $ 4,958  
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
Net Sales.  Marine Products’ net sales decreased by $136.2 million or 77.5 percent in 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a 73.2 percent decrease in the number of boats sold, partially offset by a 1.1 percent increase in the average gross selling price per boat.  Unit sales among all models declined significantly compared to the prior year, as we operated at very low production levels in response to weak industry conditions.  Average gross selling price per boat increased slightly due to sales of the Premiere Sport Yacht during 2009 partially offset by the decrease in average selling prices in our other product lines. Also contributing to the decrease in net sales were the incentive costs totaling approximately $8.6 million associated with liquidating non-current models in dealer inventories.
 
Cost of Goods Sold.  Cost of goods sold decreased 68.0 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, less than the decrease in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily due to cost inefficiencies resulting from lower production volumes and to a lesser extent higher dealer discounts and retail incentives.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 45.5 percent in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily as a result of costs, including incentive compensation and warranty expense, that vary with the level of Company sales and profitability.  Warranty expense decreased in 2009 due to lower sales.  However, warranty expense was 5.1 percent of net sales in 2009 compared to 1.8 percent of net sales in 2008.  This increase was due primarily to approximately $1.1 million in additional warranty expense recognized during 2009 relating to the unusually high number of claims associated with prior model year boats sold at retail requiring unanticipated repair costs. 
 
Interest Income. Interest income was $1.7 million in 2009 compared to $2.4 million in 2008. Marine Products generates interest income primarily from investments in tax-exempt municipal obligations.
 
Income Tax Provision.  The income tax (benefit) provision was $(6.8 million) in 2009 compared to $3.6 million in 2008.  The effective tax rate in 2009 was 38.9 percent compared to 32.4 percent in 2008.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Net Sales. Marine Products’ net sales decreased by $68.7 million or 28.1 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. The decrease was primarily due to a 34.1 percent decrease in the number of boats sold, partially offset by a 7.4 percent increase in the average gross selling price per boat. The increase in average gross selling price per boat was due primarily to relatively higher sales of the redesigned Sunesta product line, which also carried higher average selling prices.  Also contributing to the increase were sales of Chaparral’s new Premiere 400 Sport Yacht during the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
Cost of Goods Sold.  Cost of goods sold decreased 25.1 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, less than the decrease in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased in 2008 compared to 2007, primarily due to cost inefficiencies resulting from lower production volumes and to a lesser extent higher dealer discounts and retail incentives.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 23.4 percent in 2008 compared to 2007 as a result of costs, including incentive compensation and warranty expense, that vary with the level of Company sales and profitability.  Warranty expense decreased in 2008 due to lower sales.  Warranty expense was 1.8 percent of net sales in 2008 and 2.0 percent of net sales in 2007.  These decreases were offset by costs totaling $0.5 million associated with the repurchase of dealer inventory in accordance with agreements with third-party floor plan lenders.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income was $2.4 million in 2008 compared to $2.6 million in 2007. Marine Products generates interest income primarily from investments in tax-exempt municipal obligations.
 
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Income Tax Provision.  The income tax (benefit) provision was $3.6 million in 2008 compared to $8.4 million in 2007.  The effective tax rate in 2008 was 32.4 percent compared to 33.8 percent in 2007.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash and Cash Flows
 
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $2.6 million at December 31, 2009, $4.6 million at December 31, 2008 and $3.2 million at December 31, 2007.  In addition, the aggregate of short-term and long-term marketable securities were $39.4 million at December 31, 2009, $46.8 million at December 31, 2008 and $45.0 million at December 31, 2007.  During 2007 the Company changed its investment strategy towards investments with original maturities greater than three months.
 
The following table sets forth the historical cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31:
 
(in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
  $ (9,036 )   $ 14,045     $ 16,431  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    7,416       (2,255 )     (41,391 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (429 )     (10,401 )     (26,263 )
 
2009
 
Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $23.1 million in 2009 compared to 2008.  This decrease is primarily the result of a decrease in earnings in 2009 compared to 2008 and the very significant reduction in working capital requirements occurring during 2008.  This reduction in working capital requirements was primarily related to the large decline in inventory when production levels declined in response to lower demand and sales.
 
Cash used for investing activities decreased $9.7 million in 2009 compared to 2008, resulting primarily from lower net purchases of marketable securities in 2009 compared to 2008.
 
Cash used for financing activities decreased $10.0 million in 2009 compared to 2008 due to a reduction during 2009 in dividends paid per share coupled with the reduction in cash used to repurchase stock on the open market.
 
2008
 
Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $2.4 million in 2008 compared to 2007 as a result of lower net income and a decrease in working capital requirements for inventory consistent with lower sales in 2008 compared to 2007 partially offset by the timing of receipts and payments.
 
Cash used for investing activities decreased $39.1 million in 2008 compared to 2007, resulting primarily from lower purchases of marketable securities in 2008 compared to 2007.  Cash used for investing activities in 2007 was comprised of $40.1 million in net purchases of marketable securities as a result of a new investment strategy and $1.3 million in capital expenditures.
 
Cash used for financing activities decreased $15.9 million in 2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to a decrease of $16.6 million in cash used to purchase the Company’s common stock in the open market.
 
Cash Requirements
 
Management expects that capital expenditures during 2010 will be approximately $0.2 million for enhancements to certain manufacturing plants.
 
The Company participates in a multiple employer Retirement Income Plan, sponsored by RPC, Inc. (“RPC”).  We expect that additional contributions to the Retirement Income Plan of approximately $22,000 will be required in 2010 to achieve the Company’s funding objective.
 
On April 28, 2009, the Board of Directors voted to suspend the quarterly cash dividend to common stockholders.
 
The Company has agreements with two employees, which provide for a monthly payment to the employees equal to 10 percent of profits (defined as pretax income before goodwill amortization and certain allocated corporate expenses).
 
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On January 22, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 3,000,000 shares that the Company may repurchase for a total aggregate authorization of 8,250,000 shares.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company has purchased a total of 4,925,157 shares in the open market under this program and there are 3,324,843 shares that remain available for repurchase. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this program during 2009.
 
The Company has entered into agreements with third-party floor plan lenders where it has agreed, in the event of default by the dealer, to repurchase MPC boats repossessed from the dealer.  These arrangements are subject to maximum repurchase amounts and the associated risk is mitigated by the value of the boats repurchased.  The Company incurred obligations for inventory repurchases totaling approximately $6.3 million during 2009 resulting from dealer defaults on floor plan financing.  As of December 31, 2009, there were no payables due to lenders related to repurchased inventory.  There are no repurchased boats remaining in inventory as of December 31, 2009 as all of these boats have been redistributed among existing and replacement dealers.  If additional dealers experience financial difficulty as a result of the current market conditions, the Company may incur additional repurchase obligations under current programs or programs initiated in the future for the 2010 model year.  See further information regarding repurchase obligations in “NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES” of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The Company believes that the liquidity provided by its existing cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and cash expected to be generated from operations will provide sufficient capital to meet its requirements for at least the next twelve months.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009:
 
   
Payments due by period
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less
than 1
year
   
1-3
years
   
3-5
years
   
More
than 5 years
 
Long-term debt
  $     $     $     $     $  
Capital lease obligation
    293,554                         293,554  
Operating leases (1)
    1,330,543       155,868       317,616       284,659       572,400  
Purchase obligations (2)
                             
Due to floor plan lenders (3)
                             
Other long-term liabilities
                             
Total
  $ 1,624,097     $ 155,868     $ 317,616     $ 284,659     $ 865,954  
 
(1)
Operating leases represent agreements for warehouse space and various office equipment.
(2)
As part of the normal course of business the Company enters into purchase commitments to manage its various operating needs. However, the Company does not have any obligations that are non-cancelable or subject to a penalty if canceled.
(3)
The Company has agreements with various third-party lenders where it guarantees varying amounts of debt for qualifying dealers on boats in inventory.  As of December 31, 2009, there are no payables outstanding to floor plan lenders.
 
Additionally, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties was $23,000 as of December 31, 2009.  Management is unable to make a reasonable estimate as to when cash settlement with the tax authorities might occur due to the uncertainties related to these tax matters.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in the fair value hierarchy (Level 1, 2 or 3) based on the inputs used for valuation. Assets and liabilities that are traded on an exchange with a quoted price are classified as Level 1. Assets and liabilities that are valued using significant observable inputs in addition to quoted market prices are classified as Level 2. The Company currently has no assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis that are valued using unobservable inputs and therefore no assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis are classified as Level 3. For defined benefit plan assets classified as Level 3, the values are computed using inputs such as cost, discounted future cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data or on net asset values calculated by the fund and not publicly available.
 
24

 
In 2009, the Company transferred trading securities from assets utilizing Level 1 inputs to assets utilizing Level 2 inputs because significant observable inputs in addition to quoted market prices were used to value these trading securities.  Also in 2009, due to market disruptions that led to decreased availability of quoted prices for identical assets, the Company classified available-for-sale securities, consisting primarily of municipal bonds, from assets utilizing Level 1 inputs to assets utilizing Level 2 inputs.
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
To assist dealers in obtaining financing for the purchase of its boats for inventory, the Company has entered into agreements with various third-party floor plan lenders whereby the Company guarantees varying amounts of debt for qualifying dealers on boats in inventory. The Company’s obligation under these guarantees becomes effective in the case of a default under the financing arrangement between the dealer and the third-party lender.  The agreements provide for the return of all repossessed boats in “new and unused” condition subject to normal wear and tear, as defined, to the Company, in exchange for the Company’s assumption of specified percentages of the debt obligation on those boats, up to certain contractually determined dollar limits which vary by lender.  During 2009, MPC became contractually obligated to repurchase inventory of approximately $6.3 million as a result of dealer defaults, none of which remains outstanding as of December 31, 2009.  All of these repossessed boats have been redistributed among existing and replacement dealers.
 
Management continues to monitor the risk of additional defaults and resulting repurchase obligation based primarily upon information provided by the third-party floor plan lenders and will adjust the guarantee liability at the end of each reporting period based on information reasonably available at that time.  See further information regarding repurchase obligations in “NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES” of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, an amendment to the current agreement with one of the Company’s lenders was executed with a contractual repurchase limit of $9.0 million effective January 1, 2009 which will expire June 30, 2010.  The Company has contractual repurchase agreements with additional lenders with an aggregate maximum repurchase obligation of approximately $3.2 million with expiration dates from June 30, 2010 to December 31, 2010.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had an aggregate remaining repurchase obligation of $5.5 million with these financing institutions, although in certain situations, the Company may decide for business reasons to repurchase boats in excess of these contractual amounts.
 
Related Party Transactions
 
In conjunction with its spin-off from RPC in 2001, the Company and RPC entered into various agreements that define the companies’ relationship after the spin-off.
 
The Transition Support Services Agreement provides for RPC to provide certain services, including financial reporting and income tax administration, acquisition assistance, etc., to Marine Products until the agreement is terminated by either party. Marine Products reimbursed RPC for its estimated allocable share of administrative costs incurred for services rendered on behalf of Marine Products totaling $713,000 in 2009, $842,000 in 2008, and $957,000 in 2007. The Company’s liability to RPC for these services as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $65,000 and $70,000.  The Company’s directors are also directors of RPC and all of the Company’s executive officers with the exception of one are employees of both the Company and RPC.
 
The Employee Benefits Agreement provides for, among other things, the Company’s employees to continue participating subsequent to the spin-off in two RPC sponsored benefit plans, specifically, the defined contribution 401(k) plan and the defined benefit retirement income plan.
 
A group that includes the Company’s Chairman of the Board, R. Randall Rollins and his brother Gary W. Rollins, who is also director of the Company, and certain companies under their control, controls in excess of fifty percent of the Company’s voting power.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating accounting estimates. These judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, trends in the industry, and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of its critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The Company believes that, of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.
 
Sales recognition - The Company sells its boats through its network of independent dealers. Sales orders used to plan production are firm indications of interest from dealers and are cancelable at any time, although historically very few orders are cancelled after they have been placed. The Company recognizes sales when all the following conditions are met: (1) a fully executed sales agreement exists, (2) the price of the boat is established, (3) the dealer takes delivery of the boat, and (4) collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured.
 
25

 
Sales incentives and discounts – The Company records incentives as a reduction of sales. Using historical trends and management estimates, adjusted for current changes, the Company estimates the amount of incentives that will be paid in the future on boats sold and accrues an estimated liability. The Company offers various incentives that promote sales to dealers, and to a lesser extent, retail customers. These incentives are designed to encourage timely replenishment of dealer inventories after peak selling seasons, stabilize manufacturing volumes throughout the year, and improve production model mix. The dealer incentive programs are a combination of annual volume commitment discounts, and additional discounts at time of invoice for those dealers who do not finance their inventory through specified floor plan financing agreements.  The annual dealer volume discounts are primarily based on July 1 through June 30 model year purchases.  In addition, the Company offers at various times other time-specific or model-specific incentives.  
 
The factors that complicate the calculation of the cost of these incentives are the ability to forecast sales of the Company and individual dealers, the volume and timing of inventory financed by specific dealers, identification of which boats have been sold subject to an incentive, and the estimated lag time between sales and payment of incentives.  Settlement of the incentives generally occurs from three to twelve months after the sale.  The Company regularly analyzes the historical incentive trends and makes adjustments to recorded liabilities for changes in trends and terms of incentive programs.  Total incentives recorded in net sales as a percentage of gross sales were 30.3 percent in 2009, 13.3 percent in 2008, and 13.1 percent in 2007.  A 0.25 percentage point change in incentives as a percentage of gross sales during 2009 would have increased or decreased net sales, gross margin and operating loss by approximately $0.1 million.
 
Warranty costs -The Company records as part of selling, general and administrative expense an experience based estimate of the future warranty costs to be incurred when sales are recognized. The Company evaluates its warranty obligation on a model year basis. The Company provides warranties against manufacturing defects for various components of the boats, primarily the fiberglass deck and hull, with warranty periods extending up to 10 years. Warranty costs, if any, on other components of the boats are generally absorbed by the original component manufacturer. Warranty costs can vary depending upon the size and number of components in the boats sold, the pre-sale warranty claims, and the desired level of customer service. While we focus on high quality manufacturing programs and processes, including actively monitoring the quality of our component suppliers and managing the dealer and customer service warranty experience and reimbursements, our estimated warranty obligation is based upon the warranty terms and the Company’s enforcement of those terms over time, defects, repair costs, and the volume and mix of boat sales.  The estimate of warranty costs is regularly analyzed and is adjusted based on several factors including the actual claims that occur.  Warranty expense as a percentage of net sales was 5.1 percent in 2009, 1.8 percent in 2008, and 2.0 percent in 2007.  Warranty expense as a percentage of net sales increased in 2009 compared to 2008 due primarily to approximately $1.1 million in additional warranty expense recognized during 2009 relating to the unusually high number of claims associated with prior model year boats sold at retail requiring unanticipated repair costs.  A 0.10 percentage point increase in the estimated warranty expense as a percentage of net sales during 2009 would have increased selling, general and administrative expenses and reduced operating income by approximately $39,000.
 
Income taxes - The effective income tax rates were 38.9 percent in 2009, 32.4 percent in 2008, and 33.8 percent in 2007. The effective tax rates vary due to changes in estimates of future taxable income, fluctuations in the tax jurisdictions in which the earnings and deductions are realized, variations in the relationship of tax-exempt income or losses to income before taxes and favorable or unfavorable adjustments to estimated tax liabilities related to proposed or probable assessments. As a result, the effective tax rate may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly or annual basis.
 
The Company establishes a valuation allowance against the carrying value of deferred tax assets when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized through future taxable income. Such amounts are charged to earnings in the period the determination is made. Likewise, if it is later determined that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets would be realized, the applicable portion of the previously provided valuation allowance is reversed. The Company considers future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in determining the need for a valuation allowance.
 
The Company calculates the current and deferred tax provision based on estimates and assumptions that could differ from the actual results reflected in income tax returns filed during the subsequent year. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified, which is generally in the third quarter of the subsequent year for U.S. federal and state provisions. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the year the differences are expected to reverse.
 
26

 
The amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by federal and state tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. The Company believes it has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. However, future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are made or resolved or when statutes of limitation on potential assessments expire. Additionally, the jurisdictions in which earnings or deductions are realized may differ from current estimates.
 
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements    
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
 
During 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-01(ASU 2009-01) titled “Topic 105-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168-The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC) Topic 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” has become the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities, effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The FASB now issues Accounting Standards Updates that are not considered authoritative in their own right, but will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance, and provide the bases for conclusions on the change(s) in the Codification.  References to accounting literature throughout this document have been updated to reflect the codification.
 
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12, “Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” (ASU 2009-12). ASU 2009-12 amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements-Overall.”  The amendments in ASU 2009-12 provide a practical expedient to measure investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis but do not have a readily determinable fair value. The investments can be valued on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment.  There are additional disclosure requirements by major category of investments and the nature of restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. See “NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS” of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for related disclosures regarding pension assets that do not have readily determinable fair value.
 
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-5, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value” (ASU 2009-05). ASU 2009-05 amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements.”  ASU 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following methods: 1) a valuation technique that uses a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets and/or 2) a valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of ASC Topic 820 (e.g. an income approach or market approach). ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to adjust to include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. The Company adopted these provisions in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in ASC 715-20-65, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits, Defined Benefit Plans.” These amendments require additional disclosures regarding how investment decisions are made: the major categories of plan assets; the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets  The disclosures about plan assets are required to be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, with no restatement required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes, upon initial application. Earlier application of the provisions is permitted. See “NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS” of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for related disclosures.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued a new standard, as codified in FASB ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.”  FASB ASC Topic 855 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In addition, it provides guidance regarding the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The Company adopted this standard in the second quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
27

 
In April 2009, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in ASC 820-10-65, “Fair Value Disclosures.”  ASC 820-10-65 affirms that the objective of fair value when the market for an asset is not active is the price that would be received to sell the asset in an orderly transaction, and includes additional factors for determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity for an asset when the market for that asset is not active.  An entity is required to base its conclusion about whether a transaction was not orderly on the weight of the evidence. The Company adopted these provisions in the second quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in FASB ASC Topic 320-10-65, “Investments — Debt and Equity Securities.” These amendments (i) change existing guidance for determining whether an impairment is other than temporary to debt securities and (ii) replace the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert: (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. The Company adopted ASC 320 in the second quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in ASC 825-10-65, “Financial Instruments,” that require an entity to provide disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial information including whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim reporting periods. In addition, entities must disclose, in the body or in the accompanying notes of its summarized financial information for interim reporting periods and in its financial statements for annual reporting periods, the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position. The Company adopted these amendments in the second quarter of 2009.  See “NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for related disclosures.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted:
 
In November 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities,” which codifies FASB Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).”  The ASU changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance.  These provisions are effective January 1, 2010, for a calendar year-end entity, with early application not being permitted.  Adoption of these provisions is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In November 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-16, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) – Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets,” which formally codifies FASB Statement No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.”   ASU 2009-16 is a revision to SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” and requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where entities have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures.  The provisions are effective January 1, 2010, for a calendar year-end entity, with early application not being permitted.  Adoption of these provisions is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In September 2009, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in ASC 605-25, “Revenue Recognition; Multiple-Element Arrangements.”  These amendments provide clarification on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the arrangement should be separated, and the consideration allocated.  An entity is required to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of deliverables in the absence of vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price. These amendments also eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.  The amendments significantly expand the disclosure requirements for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements.  These provisions are to be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with earlier application permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments to its consolidated financial statements.
 
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Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Marine Products holds no derivative financial instruments which could expose Marine Products to significant market risk. Marine Products maintains an investment portfolio, comprised primarily of municipal debt and corporate debt securities, which are subject to interest rate risk exposure. This risk is managed through conservative policies to invest in high-quality obligations.  Marine Products has performed an interest rate sensitivity analysis using a duration model over the near term with a 10 percent change in interest rates.  Marine Products’ portfolio is not subject to material interest rate risk exposure based on this analysis. Marine Products does not expect any material changes in market risk exposures or how those risks are managed.

 
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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
To the Stockholders of Marine Products Corporation:
 
The management of Marine Products Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Marine Products Corporation maintains a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance, at a reasonable cost, that assets are safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use and that the financial records are adequate and can be relied upon to produce financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The internal control system is augmented by written policies and procedures, an internal audit program and the selection and training of qualified personnel. This system includes policies that require adherence to ethical business standards and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
 
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any controls system. A controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met. Also, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and any instances of fraud, if any, within the Company will be detected. Further, the design of a controls system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The Company intends to continually improve and refine its internal controls.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management’s assessment is that Marine Products Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as a result of the material weakness related to accounting for certain dealer incentive costs as of December 31, 2009.

A “material weakness” is a deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, related to the accounting for certain dealer incentive costs. These dealer incentive costs were improperly classified as selling, general and administrative expenses rather than as a reduction in net sales.  Although the Company believes that it had designed effective controls related to accounting for dealer incentive costs, the operating effectiveness of these controls was inadequate. In order to improve the operating effectiveness of these controls, in March 2010, the Company implemented extensive and comprehensive technical accounting reviews of certain dealer incentive costs on a monthly basis.  In March 2010, management has determined the appropriate classification of the aforementioned dealer incentive costs and believes the reinforced monitoring and review will remediate this material weakness. 
 
The independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, has audited the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, and has also issued their report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, included in this report on page 31.
 
/s/ Richard A. Hubbell
 
/s/ Ben M. Palmer
Richard A. Hubbell
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Ben M. Palmer
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
Atlanta, Georgia
March 10, 2010

 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Marine Products Corporation
   
    We have audited Marine Products Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
    A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment: inadequate operating effectiveness of the controls related to accounting for dealer incentive costs.
 
    In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
 
    We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. The material weakness identified above was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2009 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 10, 2010, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 10, 2010
 
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Marine Products Corporation
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marine Products Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009.  Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15.  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 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 provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, the related 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 described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the accounting for uncertainty in income tax reporting during 2007.
 
    We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 10, 2010 expressed an adverse opinion thereon.
 

 
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 10, 2010
 
 
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARINE PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands except share information)
December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
 
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,573     $ 4,622  
Marketable securities
    23,328       8,799  
Accounts receivable, net
    1,265       5,575  
Inventories
    19,487       22,453  
Income taxes receivable
    6,304       2,464  
Deferred income taxes
    1,008       1,116  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,783       1,681  
Current assets
    56,748       46,710  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    13,310       14,579  
Goodwill
    3,308       3,308  
Other intangibles, net
    465       465  
Marketable securities
    16,117       37,953  
Deferred income taxes
    3,224       2,934  
Other assets
    5,077       4,344  
Total assets
  $ 98,249     $ 110,293  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 1,972     $ 1,437  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    8,711       12,281  
Current liabilities
    10,683       13,718  
Pension liabilities
    5,689       5,285  
Other long-term liabilities
    365       501  
Total liabilities
    16,737       19,504  
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 74,000,000 shares authorized,
  issued and outstanding – 36,883,104 shares in 2009, 36,425,449 shares in 2008
    3,688       3,643  
Capital in excess of par value
           
Retained earnings
    78,690       88,535  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (866 )     (1,389 )
 Total stockholders’ equity
    81,512       90,789  
 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 98,249     $ 110,293  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
MARINE PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands except per share data)
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
  $ 39,439     $ 175,622     $ 244,273  
Cost of goods sold
    45,996       143,677       191,810  
Gross (loss) profit
    (6,557     31,945       52,463  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    12,606       23,146       30,228  
Operating (loss) income
    (19,163 )     8,799       22,235  
Interest income
    1,663       2,420       2,590  
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (17,500 )     11,219       24,825  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (6,807 )     3,633       8,402  
Net (loss) income
  $ (10,693 )   $ 7,586     $ 16,423  
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE
                       
Basic
  $ (0.30 )   $ 0.21     $ 0.44  
Diluted
    (0.30 )     0.21     $ 0.43  
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.26     $ 0.24  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
MARINE PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Years Ended
December 31, 2009
 
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   


Common Stock
   
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
 
Shares
   
Amount
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
          37,908     $ 3,791     $ 13,453     $ 84,875     $ (718 )   $ 101,401  
Stock issued for stock incentive plans, net
          407       41       1,810                   1,851  
Stock purchased and retired
          (2,297 )     (230 )     (15,694 )     (2,182 )           (18,106 )
Net income
  $ 16,423                         16,423             16,423  
Pension adjustment, net of taxes
    476                               476       476  
Unrealized gain on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustments
    292                               292       292  
Comprehensive income
  $ 17,191                                                  
Dividends declared
                              (9,011 )           (9,011 )
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
                        431                   431  
Balance, December 31, 2007
            36,018       3,602             90,105       50       93,757  
Stock issued for stock incentive plans, net
            862       87       3,389                   3,476  
Stock purchased and retired
            (455 )     (46 )     (4,011 )     286             (3,771 )
Net income
  $ 7,586                         7,586             7,586  
Pension adjustment, net of taxes
    (1,345 )                             (1,345 )     (1,345 )
Unrealized loss on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustments
    (94 )                             (94 )     (94 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,147                                                  
Dividends declared
                              (9,442 )           (9,442 )
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
                        622                   622  
Balance, December 31, 2008
            36,425       3,643             88,535       (1,389 )     90,789  
Stock issued for stock incentive plans, net
            616       61       226       1,217             1,504  
Stock purchased and retired
            (158 )     (16 )     (679 )                 (695 )
Net loss
  $ (10,693 )                       (10,693 )           (10,693 )
Pension adjustment, net of taxes
    408                               408       408  
Unrealized gain on securities, net of taxes and reclassification adjustments
    115                               115       115  
Comprehensive loss
  $ (10,170 )                                                
Dividends declared
                              (369 )           (369 )
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
                        453                   453  
Balance, December 31, 2009
            36,883     $ 3,688     $     $ 78,690     $ (866 )   $ 81,512  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
35

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
MARINE PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands)
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (10,693 )   $ 7,586     $ 16,423  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation expense
    1,354       1,694       1,950  
Gain on sale of equipment and property
    (15 )     (14 )     -  
Stock-based compensation expense
    1,645       1,440       1,524  
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
    (453 )     (622 )     (431 )
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
    (854 )     431       331  
   (Increase) decrease in assets:
                       
Accounts receivable
    4,310       (2,035 )     (560 )
Inventories
    2,966       10,706       (3,603 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,102 )     478       (286 )
Income taxes receivable
    (3,325 )     (521 )     (56 )
Other non-current assets
    (733 )     1,286       (1,052 )
    Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
    535       (3,184 )     1,166  
Other accrued expenses
    (3,570 )     (2,013 )     660  
Other long-term liabilities
    899       (1,187 )     365  
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
    (9,036 )     14,045       16,431  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Capital expenditures
    (85 )     (329 )     (1,263 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    15       14       10  
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
    22,344       46,024       32,437  
Purchases of marketable securities
    (14,858 )     (47,964 )     (72,575 )
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    7,416       (2,255 )     (41,391 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Payment of dividends
    (369 )     (9,442 )     (9,011 )
Cash paid for common stock purchased and retired
    (537 )     (1,619 )     (17,818 )
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
    453       622       431  
Proceeds received upon exercise of stock options
    24       38       135  
Net cash used for financing activities
    (429 )     (10,401 )     (26,263 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,049 )     1,389       (51,223 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    4,622       3,233       54,456  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 2,573     $ 4,622     $ 3,233  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
36

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
NOTE 1: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Marine Products Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“Marine Products” or the “Company”). Marine Products, through Chaparral Boats, Inc. (“Chaparral”) and Robalo Acquisition Company LLC (“Robalo”), operates as a manufacturer of fiberglass powerboats and related products and services to a broad range of consumers worldwide.
 
The consolidated financial statements included herein may not necessarily be indicative of the future results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Marine Products.
 
The Company has only one reportable segment — its Powerboat Manufacturing business.  The Company’s results of operations and its financial condition are not significantly reliant upon any single customer or product model.  However, due to our significantly lower sales in 2009, one dealer accounted for approximately 13 percent of net sales in 2009.  Since many other dealers have sold enough inventory to begin ordering boats in 2010, the loss of this dealer would not have a significant material adverse affect on the Company’s financial results.  Net sales from the Company’s international dealers were approximately $12,000,000 in 2009, $59,000,000 in 2008 and $57,000,000 in 2007.
 
Nature of Operations — Marine Products is principally engaged in manufacturing powerboats and providing related products and services. Marine Products distributes fiberglass recreational boats through a network of domestic and international independent dealers.
 
Common Stock — Marine Products is authorized to issue 74,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to ratable distribution of the remaining assets available for distribution to stockholders.
 
Preferred Stock  Marine Products is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.10 par value. As of December 31, 2009, there were no shares of preferred stock issued. The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of preferred stock as a class without series or, if so determined from time to time, in one or more series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable laws of the state of Delaware and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights, exchangeability for shares of any other class or classes of stock. Any preferred stock to be issued could rank prior to the common stock with respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation.
 
Share Repurchases — The Company records the cost of share repurchases in stockholders’ equity as a reduction to common stock to the extent of par value of the shares acquired and the remainder is allocated to capital in excess of par value or retained earnings if capital in excess of par value is eliminated.
 
Dividend — On March 10, 2009, Marine Products paid a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2009.  There were no additional quarterly dividends paid in 2009.
 
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates are used in the determination of sales incentives and discounts, warranty costs, costs associated with repurchase obligations and income taxes.
 
Sales Recognition — Marine Products recognizes sales when a fully executed agreement exists, prices are established, products are delivered to the dealer in the case of domestic dealers and collectibility is reasonably assured. See “Deferred revenue” below for recognition of sales to international dealers.
 
Deferred Revenue — Marine Products requires payment from international dealers prior to shipment of products to these dealers. Amounts received from international dealers toward the purchase of boats are categorized as deferred revenue and recognized as sales when the products are shipped.
 
37

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
Shipping and Handling Charges — The shipping and handling of the Company’s products to dealers is handled through a combination of third-party marine transporters and a company owned fleet of delivery trucks. Fees charged to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations; the related costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of goods sold.
 
Advertising — Advertising expenses are charged to expense during the period in which they are incurred. Expenses associated with product brochures and other inventoriable marketing materials are deferred and amortized over the related model year which approximates the consumption of these materials. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had approximately $55,000 and $297,000 in prepaid expenses related to the unamortized product brochure costs.  Advertising expenses totaled approximately $1,206,000 in 2009, $2,421,000 in 2008, and $2,490,000 in 2007.
 
Sales Incentives and Discounts — Sales incentives including dealer discounts and retail sales promotions are provided for and recorded as a reduction in sales.  The Company records the estimated cost of these incentives at the later of the recognition of the related sales or the announcement of a promotional program.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.
 
Marketable Securities — Marine Products maintains investments at a large, well-capitalized financial institution. Marine Products’ investment policy does not allow investment in any securities rated less than “investment grade” by national rating services.
 
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designations as of each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale because the Company does not have the intent to hold the securities to maturity. Available-for-sale securities are stated at their fair values, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses, declines in value judged to be other than temporary, interest and dividends on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income. Net realized gains (losses) on marketable securities totaled $163,000 in 2009, $425,000 in 2008 and $51,000 in 2007.  Of the total gains (losses) realized, reclassification from other comprehensive income totaled approximately $163,000 in 2009, $425,000 in 2008 and $(35,000) in 2007.  Gross unrealized gains on marketable securities totaled $444,000 at December 31, 2009 and $370,000 at December 31, 2008.  Gross unrealized losses on marketable securities totaled $6,000 at December 31, 2009 and $110,000 at December 31, 2008.  The amortized cost basis, fair value and net unrealized gains of the available-for-sale securities are as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
 
Type of Securities
 
Amortized
Cost Basis
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrealized
Gain
   
Adjusted
Cost
Basis
   
Fair
Value
   
Net
Unrealized
Gain
 
(in thousands)
                                   
Municipal Obligations
  $ 35,996     $ 36,335     $ 339     $ 46,492     $ 46,752     $ 260  
Corporate Obligations
    3,011       3,110       99                    
Total
  $ 39,007     $ 39,445     $ 438     $ 46,492     $ 46,752     $ 260  
 
Municipal obligations consist primarily of municipal notes rated A1/P1 or higher.  Investments with remaining maturities of less than 12 months are considered to be current marketable securities. Investments with remaining maturities greater than 12 months are considered to be non-current marketable securities. The Company’s non-current marketable securities are scheduled to mature between 2010 and 2014.
 
Corporate backed obligations consist primarily of debentures and notes issued by other companies ranging in maturity from two to five years.  These securities are rated BBB or higher.
 
38

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
Accounts Receivable — The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from dealers located in markets throughout the Unites States. Most of Marine Products’ domestic shipments are made pursuant to “floor plan financing” programs in which Marine Products’ subsidiaries participate on behalf of their dealers with various major third-party financing institutions. Under these arrangements, a dealer establishes lines of credit with one or more of these third-party lenders for the purchase of boat inventory for sales to retail customers in their show room or during boat show exhibitions. When a dealer purchases and takes delivery of a boat pursuant to a floor plan financing arrangement, it draws against its line of credit and the lender pays the invoice cost of the boat directly to Marine Products within approximately 10 business days. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole.  The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance.
 
Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market value. Market value is determined based on replacement cost for raw materials and net realizable value for work in process and finished goods.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Depreciation is provided principally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The cost of assets retired or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts in the year of disposal with the resulting gain or loss credited or charged to income. Expenditures for additions, major renewals, and betterments are capitalized while expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation expense on operating equipment used in production is included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. All other depreciation is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment exist.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles — Intangibles consist primarily of goodwill and trade names related to businesses acquired. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. The carrying amount of goodwill was $3,308,000 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment and the potential impairment is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value.  Based upon the results of these analyses, the Company has concluded that no impairment of its goodwill has occurred for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.
 
Investments — The Company maintains certain securities in the non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that have been classified as trading. See Note 10 for further information regarding these securities.
 
Warranty Costs — The Company warrants the entire boat, excluding the engine, against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year. The Company also warrants the entire deck and hull, including its bulkhead and supporting stringer system, against defects in materials and workmanship for periods extending up to 10 years. The Company accrues for estimated future warranty costs at the time of the sale based on its historical claims experience. An analysis of the warranty accruals for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 3,567     $ 4,768  
Less: Payments made during the year
    (3,164 )     (4,392 )
Add: Warranty provision for the current year
    908       3,348  
Changes to warranty provision for prior years
    1,092       (157
Balance at end of year
  $ 2,403     $ 3,567  
 
Insurance Accruals — The Company fully insures its risks related to general liability, product liability, workers’ compensation, and vehicle liability, whereas the health insurance plan is self-funded up to a maximum annual claim amount for each covered employee and related dependents. The estimated cost of claims under the self-insurance program is accrued as the claims are incurred and may subsequently be revised based on developments relating to such claims.
 
Research and Development Costs — The Company expenses research and development costs for new products and components as incurred. Research and development costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $712,000 in 2009, $1,759,000 in 2008, and $1,746,000 in 2007.
 
Repurchase Obligations — The Company has entered into agreements with third-party floor plan lenders where it has agreed, in the event of default by the dealer, to repurchase MPC boats repossessed from the dealer.  These arrangements are subject to maximum repurchase amounts and the associated risk is mitigated by the value of the boats repurchased.  The Company estimates and accrues potential losses related to the repurchase obligation exposure.
 
39

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company establishes a valuation allowance against the carrying value of deferred tax assets if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized through future taxable income.
 
Stock-Based Compensation — Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for all share-based payment awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. Thus, compensation cost is amortized for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. See Note 10 for additional information.
 
Earnings per Share FASB ASC Topic 260-10 “Earnings Per Share-Overall,” requires a basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share presentation.  During 2009, the Company adopted certain amendments to ASC 260-10 which requires that all outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, be considered participating securities and included in the calculation of its basic earnings per share.
 
The Company has periodically issued share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and therefore are considered participating securities.  See Note 10 for further information on restricted stock granted to employees.
 
The basic and diluted calculations differ as a result of the dilutive effect of stock options and time lapse restricted shares and performance restricted shares included in diluted earnings per share, but excluded from basic earnings per share. Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods.
 
A reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding along with the earnings per share attributable to restricted shares of common stock (participating securities) is as follows:
 
40

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
(In thousands except per share data )
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net (loss) income available for stockholders:
  $ (10,693 )   $ 7,586     $ 16,423  
Less: Dividends paid
                       
   Common Stock
    (361 )     (9,286 )     (8,885 )
   Restricted shares of common stock
    (8 )     (156 )     (126 )
Undistributed (loss) earnings
  $ (11,062 )   $ (1,856 )   $ 7,412  
                         
Allocation of undistributed earnings:
                       
   Common Stock
  $ (10,823 )   $ (1,825 )   $ 7,304  
   Restricted shares of common stock
    (239 )     (31 )     108  
                         
Basic shares outstanding:
                       
   Common Stock
    35,271       35,167       36,676  
   Restricted shares of common stock
    796       619       472  
      36,067       35,786       37,148  
Diluted shares outstanding:
                       
   Common Stock
    35,271       35,167       36,679  
   Dilutive effect of options
    -       658       1,139  
      35,271       35,825       37,818  
   Restricted shares of common stock
    796       619       472  
      36,067       36,444       38,290  
Basic earnings per share:
                       
  Common Stock:
                       
     Distributed earnings
  $ 0.01     $ 0.26     $ 0.24  
     Undistributed (loss) earnings
    (0.31 )     (0.05 )     0.20  
    $ (0.30 )   $ 0.21     $ 0.44  
  Restricted shares of common stock:
                       
     Distributed earnings
  $ 0.01     $ 0.25     $ 0.27  
     Undistributed (loss) earnings
    (0.30 )     (0.05 )     0.23  
    $ (0.29 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.50  
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
  Common Stock:
                       
     Distributed earnings
  $ 0.01     $ 0.26     $ 0.24  
     Undistributed (loss) earnings
    (0.31 )     (0.05 )     0.19  
    $ (0.30 )   $ 0.21     $ 0.43  
 
    During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company incurred a net loss from continuing operations and consequently the common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and marketable securities. The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of such instruments. The Company’s marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale securities with the exception of securities held in the non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) which are classified as trading securities.  All of these securities are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 8 for further information regarding the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities.
 
Concentration of Suppliers — The Company purchases a significant number of its sterndrive engines from only two available suppliers. This concentration of suppliers could impact our sales and profitability in the event of a sudden interruption in the delivery of these engines.
 
Reclassifications In the current year the Company classified stock-based compensation with stock issued for stock incentive plans, net in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. For comparative purposes, amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
 
41

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Marine Products Corporation and Subsidiaries
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
New Accounting Standards —
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
 
During 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-01(ASU 2009-01) titled “Topic 105-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168-The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (ASC) Topic 105, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” has become the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities, effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The FASB now issues Accounting Standards Updates that are not considered authoritative in their own right, but will serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance, and provide the bases for conclusions on the change(s) in the Codification.  References to accounting literature throughout this document have been updated to reflect the codification.
 
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12, “Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” (ASU 2009-12). ASU 2009-12 amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements-Overall.”  The amendments in ASU 2009-12 provide a practical expedient to measure investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis but do not have a readily determinable fair value. The investments can be valued on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment.  There are additional disclosure requirements by major category of investments and the nature of restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2009. See “NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS” of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for related disclosures regarding pension assets that do not have readily determinable fair value.
 
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-5, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value” (ASU 2009-05). ASU 2009-05 amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements.”  ASU 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following methods: 1) a valuation technique that uses a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets and/or 2) a valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of ASC Topic 820 (e.g. an income approach or market approach). ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to adjust to include inputs relating to the existence of transfer restrictions on that liability. The Company adopted these provisions in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued certain amendments as codified in ASC 715-20-65, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits, Defined Benefit Plans.” These amendments require additional disclosures regarding how investment decisions are made: the major categories of plan assets; the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  The disclosures about plan assets are required to be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, with no restatement required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes, upon initial application. Earlier application of the provisions is permitted. See “NOTE 10: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS” of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for related disclosures.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued a new standard, as codified in FASB ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.”  FASB ASC Topic 855 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In addition, it provides guidance regarding the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The Company adopted this standard in the second quarter of 2009 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.