Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (PLOW, NYSE)
Industry: Auto Parts
Annual report, fiscal year 2015



## Douglas Dynamics—2015 Shareholder Letter

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

This year marked an important milestone in our company’s history; the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering. I was delighted that the senior management team were able to celebrate the anniversary by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, May 6 \( ^{th} $  2015. During the past five years, Douglas Dynamics has changed immeasurably. We were still in the grips of a major recession when we went public and were carefully managing the business accordingly. Since then we have endured the lowest snowfall in 50 years during the 2012 winter season and have since experienced the release of pent up demand back into the market. We successfully acquired two excellent companies, namely TrynEx International and Henderson Products, and have significantly expanded the scale and scope of our operations. We have also added a considerable number of talented people to our ranks. While I can’t predict what the next five years will bring, I know that we are very well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to us and well prepared to master the inevitable challenges that will occur.

At the start of 2015, we certainly did not expect to produce another record year following a fantastic performance in 2014. However, I am delighted to report that we were able to do just that! Due to the relentless determination of our team, the ongoing execution of DDMS, the acceptance of the new products introduced in 2015, and the continued release of pent up demand in the market, we delivered results that surpassed our expectations. Of course, our efforts were supported by external factors such as above average snowfall in the winter season from October 2014 to March 2015, a stable economy and ongoing strength in light truck sales. Incredibly, both our core business and Henderson built upon their record 2014 performance and separately produced record results again in 2015.

Despite all of the positive news and momentum, we are keenly aware that market conditions within our industry can fluctuate in any given year due to weather conditions, plus changes in market sentiment and various non-snowfall indicators. We met recently with many of our dealers and partners at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. In spite of the lack of snowfall this winter, the people we spoke with were still enthusiastic about the industry and especially our products. We launched an unprecedented 20 new products in 2015, which were positively received and continue to be in high demand. In 2016, we are building upon last year’s successful launch of the SnowEx range of plows by filling out the product line with a SnowEx Vplow plus Western and Fisher UTV plow offerings. Our product development is driven by requests and feedback, so it was rewarding to receive the enthusiastic reaction from the people that matter—our dealers and the end users they serve.

In other good news, we recently announced an increase in our quarterly dividend following our tremendous 2015 results plus our continued financial strength. We declared a quarterly cash dividend increase of 5.6%, to $0.235 per share on March 2 \( ^{nd} \) , 2016, which represents a larger increase than in previous years. We are proud that our excellent performance and financial management has allowed us to increase the dividend eight times in less than six years as a public company. Our primary capital allocation goal remains the same: to return excess capital to shareholders via a robust dividend which can be sustained in all market environments.

In addition to the dividend, we will also consider using our excess cash to reduce the Company’s debt levels, maintain financial flexibility and pursue strategic acquisitions that will further our long-term strategy. We continue to explore opportunities with companies that produce work dedicated



attachments and offer us the highest risk-adjusted return on invested capital. While we remain active in the M&A arena we also remain disciplined in our approach.

During 2015 we invested approximately $10 million of capital expenditures, which was mainly focused on the long overdue project to improve our Milwaukee facility. This project was important to improve the long-term functionality of the facility and working conditions for employees. We are delighted with the results and believe it will help us be selected again as a Top 100 Workplace in Southeastern Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which we have for the past six years in a row. It is worth noting that in 2014, before the improvement project had even begun, our Milwaukee facility was selected as one of 14 finalists in the 2014 Industry Week Best Plants competition, which annually salutes excellence in manufacturing across North America. Industry Week noted that all the finalists shared several common elements, including admirable performance metrics, comprehensive efforts to improve the manufacturing plant, and engaged workforces.

In fact, this important recognition as a leading local employer was extended in 2015 with two additional awards. We were the proud recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Corporate Growth Award, presented by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). Finally, the company was also recognized as one of the fastest growing public companies in Southeastern Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Business Journal. Everyone at Douglas Dynamics should be very proud of these accolades, which represent the combined efforts of all of our 1,200 plus employees and our partners. Our continued success is driven by the dedication of our employees. Our corporate culture of teamwork and innovation has allowed us to stand out among our competitors and other organizations.

One of the hallmarks of our success is that whatever the weather or marketplace presents, we will always focus on the factors within our control, which underscores the importance of the Douglas Dynamics Management System, or DDMS, to our business. Over the past twelve years, DDMS has become fully ingrained in our culture and every employee understands the importance of continuously improving service and quality for our customers. Naturally, DDMS will be instrumental in driving value creation opportunities with any acquisition we complete, and that has certainly been true with Henderson Products, which joined the Company on the last day of 2014. As a reminder, Henderson is the leading North American manufacturer of customized, turnkey snow and ice control solutions for heavy-duty trucks focused on state Departments of Transportation (DOT), counties, and municipalities. Henderson’s diverse product portfolio includes ice control equipment, snow plows, dump bodies, muni-bodies, and replacement parts. This combination really cemented Douglas Dynamics as the North American leader in snow and ice control across all truck segments.

We have been pleased not only with Henderson’s financial performance, but with the enthusiasm shown by the team in Manchester, Iowa for DDMS. Everything we found during our due diligence process has proven to be true, and the demand for Henderson’s products and services continues unabated. Perhaps more importantly, the level of collaboration between teams has exceeded our expectations. With the initial integration complete, we are confident we can continue to enhance Henderson’s operational efficiency to better serve customers through industry-leading delivery and service levels, ultimately resulting in increased market share. Over the past year, we have introduced the manufacturing team at Henderson to many DDMS concepts and have trained over 200 people. I’d like to share just two examples of the progress we’ve made:

First, due to the significant demand for Henderson’s products and our focus on providing highly customized solutions, managing lead times is always an important issue. In the spreader and dump body fabrication area, kaizen events and problem solving projects were utilized to concentrate on the DDMS philosophy of kitted flow. The team focused on developing processes that allowed for fabrication of the components needed for each specific customer order versus producing batches of components that needed to be stored and managed. Using an on the floor scheduling system, the team was able to reduce the average lead time through this area from eight days down to two days! An additional benefit of these efforts was a Work In Process inventory for this area that was reduced by over one million dollars.



Another DDMS philosophy is Visual Management. This philosophy focuses on empowering teams to make decisions and be accountable rather than pushing decisions to higher levels of the management chain. This allows shop floor associates to understand what the customer needs and also make the decision to ensure increased customer satisfaction, minimizing the time and energy needed to make a decision. Holding teams accountable throughout the installation side of the business allowed these teams to increase throughput by over 40% in the second half of 2015. This throughput gain increased customer satisfaction by delivering complete trucks on or ahead of previous schedules. It is clear that DDMS is the foundation for our success. We are gratified that 2015 was such a success for the Henderson team and allowed us to begin fulfilling our promise to make this fantastic Company even better. I think you will agree, the DDMS and Henderson teams are firing on all cylinders and we expect to see continued progress as they delve deeper into DDMS in 2016. It bears repeating something that has been clear to everyone at our company for many years—engaged employees really do produce better results and drive shareholder value.

As we look to the future, we continue to see positive non-snowfall indicators in the market. Strong sales of light trucks, low gas prices and positive dealer sentiment all bode well for our business. However, we saw substantially below average snowfall across North America during the past six months. Although winter storm Jonas was a significant weather event in January, the snow season started very late for most of the country and we have not experienced a large number of significant plowable events in our core markets, particularly in the Midwest. As such, we do expect to see an impact during our pre-season period, which begins every year in April. Following two consecutive years of record performance and extraordinary growth, the nature of our business and historical patterns indicate it is unlikely we will produce a third record year in 2016. As always, we will focus on the factors within our control and believe we are very well positioned for future success.

As such, we have been exploring the optimal way to execute our strategy to drive long-term shareholder value. As we move further into 2016, our top strategic priorities are as follows:

## Driving the difference through DDMS:

Many companies talk about lean initiatives. At Douglas, we actually live it. First and foremost, DDMS focuses on constantly improving service and quality and unlike most lean initiatives, it centers on creating benefits for the customer, rather than just reducing costs. This drives us to stay ahead of the competition, which leads to growing market share and improved profitability. Implementing DDMS has been a 12 year journey, which is all the more remarkable when less than 2% of companies are able to sustain a lean initiative. It really has become ingrained in our culture and allows employees to take responsibility and own projects. In short, DDMS highlights performance and helps identify gaps, which in turn effectively communicates expectations and drives alignment across the company. And finally, now that DDMS is fully ingrained in our core business, we can use it to help companies we acquire to fulfill their potential.

## Achieving Henderson's potential:

As the leader in the fragmented municipal truck equipment market, Henderson has significant opportunities to expand market share. Our unique ability to provide customized solutions matches customer desire for tailored solutions that are unique for their geography, climate and population. This provides a significant competitive advantage, but we need DDMS to successfully scale the customized solutions approach and meet growing demand.

## Optimizing margins:

While optimizing margins has always and will always be a priority for us, it is worth noting again. As you know, we have developed unrivaled margins in our core business and we have conditioned ourselves to operate with the expectation that profitability improves every year without fail. We are able to do this because we have built our business upon a foundation of quality and service, which in turn has created significant brand equity and loyalty. When you combine small annual product price



increases, which help offset cost inflation, and then couple them with ongoing cost reductions you can consistently improve profitability. It sounds simple, but let me assure you it takes the combined dedicated efforts of every person to achieve.

## Exploring adjacent markets:

As we’ve stated consistently in recent years, we are committed to pursuing strategic acquisitions focused on work dedicated attachments, and expanding our market share in new geographic and end user markets. Over time, we also want to develop strategic platforms that reduce our reliance on snow and ice. To date, we have successfully completed and integrated two acquisitions and see an active current mergers and acquisitions landscape in the logical markets we monitor. Interestingly, today the market better understands our approach and appetite since we have been actively exploring options for several years. Based on our ongoing conversations and the success of previous deals, we are having more conversations and fielding more inquiries. That said, we remain disciplined in our approach and will always pass on more deals than we pursue.

In conclusion, we are excited by the opportunities in front of us and are committed to leveraging our flexible business model to drive value for shareholders in 2016 and beyond. We remain dedicated to innovating products that enable people to perform their jobs more efficiently, productively and profitably. Following another amazing record year at Douglas, I want to thank our employees around the world for always striving to provide the very best service to our customers and delivering the best quality products in the industry. We understand its takes years to build brand equity and seconds to lose it. While we have led the market for some time, I am always pleased to see that our team has maintained its vigilant focus on service and quality.

Finally, I want to thank all of our shareholders for your continued support of Douglas Dynamics. Sincerely,

James L. Janik

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer



# UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

# FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

or

□ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 001-34728

# DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.



(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

7777 N 73 \( ^{rd} \)  Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(Address of principal executive offices)

134275891
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

53223
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (414) 354-2310

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

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

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. Yes ☐ 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. Yes ☐ 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. Yes ☒ No ☐.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ 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. ☒

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 ☐ Accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐

(Do not check if a

smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒.

At June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the voting stock of the Registrant held by stockholders who were not affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $480 million (based upon the closing price of Registrant's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date). At March 8, 2016, the Registrant had outstanding an aggregate of 22,501,640 shares of its Common Stock.

## Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 3, 2016, which Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, are incorporated into Parts II and III.



## Table of Contents

PART I ..... 3
Item 1. Business ..... 4
Item 1A. Risk Factors ..... 11
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments ..... 20
Item 2. Properties ..... 20
Item 3. Legal Proceedings ..... 21
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures ..... 21
PART II ..... 22
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ..... 22
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data ..... 24
Item 7. Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ..... 26
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..... 44
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ..... 45
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures ..... 45
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures ..... 45
Item 9B. Other Information ..... 46
PART III ..... 46
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ..... 46
Item 11. Executive Compensation ..... 46
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters ..... 47
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ..... 47
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services ..... 47
PART IV ..... 47
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ..... 47
Signatures ..... 48
Exhibit Index ..... 49
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements ..... F-1



## PART I

## Forward Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” made within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “continue,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, statements covering our future sales or financial performance and our plans, performance and other objectives, expectations or intentions are forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding our liquidity, debt, planned capital expenditures, and adequacy of capital resources and reserves. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• Weather conditions, particularly lack of or reduced levels of snowfall and the timing of such snowfall;

• A significant decline in economic conditions;

• Our inability to maintain good relationships with our distributors;

• Lack of available or favorable financing options for our end-users or distributors;

• Increases in the price of steel or other materials necessary for the production of our products that cannot be passed on to our distributors;

• Increases in the price of fuel;

• The inability of our suppliers to meet our volume or quality requirements;

• Inaccuracies in our estimates of future demand for our products;

• Our inability to protect or continue to build our intellectual property portfolio;

• The effects of laws and regulations and their interpretations on our business and financial conditions;

• Our inability to develop new products or improve upon existing products in response to end-user needs;

• Losses due to lawsuits arising out of personal injuries associated with our products;

• Factors that could impact the future declaration and payment of dividends;

• Our inability to compete effectively against competition; and

• Our inability to achieve the projected financial performance with the assets of TrynEx, Inc. (“TrynEx”), which we acquired in 2013, or the business of Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. (“Henderson”) which we acquired in 2014, and unexpected costs or liabilities related to such acquisitions.

We undertake no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect any future events or circumstances. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors in addition to those listed above that could cause or contribute to such differences are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.



## Item 1. Business

## Overview

Home to the best selling brands in the industry, Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is North America’s premier manufacturer of vehicle attachments and equipment. For more than 65 years, the Company has been innovating products that enable end users to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively, providing opportunities for businesses to increase profitability. Our commitment to continuous improvement enables us to consistently produce high quality products and drive shareholder value. The Douglas Dynamics portfolio includes snow and ice management attachments sold under the BLIZZARD \( ^{®} \) , FISHER \( ^{®} \) , SNOWEX \( ^{®} \)  and WESTERN \( ^{®} \)  brands, turf care equipment under the TURFEX \( ^{®} \)  brand, and industrial maintenance equipment under the SWEEPEX \( ^{®} \)  brand. On December 31, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Henderson by merging a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company with and into Henderson pursuant to a merger agreement. The acquisition provides the Company with Henderson’s diverse product portfolio including ice control equipment, snow plows, dump bodies, muni-bodies, and replacement parts. Additionally, as a result of the Henderson acquisition, the Company acquired Henderson’s brands, and access to Henderson’s network of authorized dealers. We operate as a single segment.

We offer a broad product line of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks that we believe to be the most complete line offered in the U.S. and Canadian markets. We also provide a full range of related parts and accessories, which generates an ancillary revenue stream throughout the lifecycle of our snow and ice control equipment. As a result of the acquisition of Henderson, we also provide customized turnkey solutions to governmental agencies such as Departments of Transportation ("DOTs") and municipalities. We also believe that, with the addition of Henderson, we are now the market leader in the heavy-duty segment of the North American snow and ice control market which includes equipment for class 7 and class 8 truck chassis. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 87%, 84% and 85% of our net sales were generated from sales of snow and ice control equipment, respectively, and 13%, 16% and 15% of our net sales were generated from sales of parts and accessories, respectively. While we measure sales of parts and accessories separately from snow and ice control equipment, they are integrated with one another and are not separable.

We sell our products through a distributor network primarily to professional snowplowers who are contracted to remove snow and ice from commercial, municipal and residential areas. Over the last 50 years, we have engendered exceptional customer loyalty for our products because of our ability to satisfy the stringent demands of our customers for a high degree of quality, reliability and service. As a result, we believe our installed base is the largest in the light truck market with over 500,000 snowplows and sand and salt spreaders in service. Because sales of snowplows and sand and salt spreaders are primarily driven by the need of our core end-user base to replace worn existing equipment, we believe our substantial installed base provides us with a high degree of predictable sales over any extended period of time.

We believe we have the industry’s most extensive distribution network worldwide, which consists of over 2,100 points of sale. Additionally we have added Henderson’s six truck equipment installation facilities located throughout the United States. Direct points of shipment are predominantly through North American truck equipment and lawn care equipment distributors. Most of our distributors are located throughout the snow belt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada). We have longstanding relationships with many of our distributors. We continually seek to grow and optimize our network by opportunistically adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network. Beginning in 2005, we have extended our reach to international markets, establishing distribution relationships in Northern Europe and Asia, where we believe meaningful growth opportunities exist.



We believe we are the industry’s most operationally efficient manufacturer due to our vertical integration, highly variable cost structure and intense focus on lean manufacturing. We continually seek to use lean principles to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of our manufacturing operations. During the year ended December 31, 2015 we manufactured our products in four facilities that we own in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockland, Maine, Madison Heights, Michigan and Manchester, Iowa. Furthermore, our manufacturing efficiency allows us to deliver desired products quickly to our customers during times of sudden and unpredictable snowfall events when our customers need our products immediately.

## Our Industry

Both the light truck and heavy duty snow and ice control equipment industries in North America consist predominantly of domestic participants that manufacture their products in North America. The annual demand for snow and ice control equipment is driven primarily by the replacement cycle of the existing installed base, which is predominantly a function of the average life of a snowplow or spreader and is driven by usage and maintenance practices of the end-user. We believe actively-used snowplows are typically replaced, on average, every 9 to 12 years.

We believe that both light and heavy duty snow and ice control equipment are both driven primarily by the replacement cycle of the existing installed base, which is predominantly a function of the average life of a snowplow or spreader and is driven by usage and maintenance practices of the end-user. However, we believe that demand for heavy duty trucks is less elastic than light trucks. Heavy duty truck end users typically are comprised of local governments and municipalities which plan for and execute planned replacement of equipment over time.

The primary factor influencing the replacement cycle for snow and ice control equipment for light trucks is the level, timing and location of snowfall. Sales of snow and ice control equipment in any given year and region are most heavily influenced by local snowfall levels in the prior snow season. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes equipment usage to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear and shortened life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement equipment and additional parts and accessories.

While snowfall levels vary within a given year and from year-to-year, snowfall, and the corresponding replacement cycle of snow and ice control equipment, is relatively consistent over multi-year periods. The following chart depicts aggregate annual and ten-year (based on the typical life of our snowplows) rolling average of the aggregate snowfall levels in 66 cities in 26 snow belt states across the Northeast, East, Midwest and Western United States where we monitor snowfall levels from 1980 to 2015. As the chart indicates, since 1984 aggregate snowfall levels in any given rolling ten-year period have been fairly consistent, ranging from 2,782 to 3,345 inches.




Note: The 10-year rolling average snowfall is not presented prior to 1984 for purposes of the calculation due to lack of snowfall data prior to 1975. Snowfall data in this chart is not adjusted for snowfall outside of the 66 cities in the 26 states reflected.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service.

The demand for snow and ice control equipment can also be influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snow-belt regions in North America. In stronger economic conditions, our end-users may choose to replace or upgrade existing equipment before its useful life has ended, while in weak economic conditions, our end-users may seek to extend the useful life of equipment, thereby increasing the sales of parts and accessories. However, since snow and ice control management is a non-discretionary service necessary to ensure public safety and continued personal and commercial mobility in populated areas that receive snowfall, end-users cannot extend the useful life of snow and ice control equipment indefinitely and must replace equipment that has become too worn, unsafe or unreliable, regardless of economic conditions. While our parts and accessories yield slightly higher gross margins than our snow and ice control equipment, they yield significantly lower revenue than equipment sales, which adversely affects our results of operations.

Sales of parts and accessories for 2015 were approximately 74% higher than average annual parts and accessories sales over the preceding ten years. Of the increase, 24% was attributable to parts and accessory sales of Henderson products. The remaining higher than average parts and accessories sales can be primarily attributed to the timing, location and amount of the snowfall for the six-month snow season ended March 31, 2015. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Seasonality and Year-to-Year Variability.”



Long-term growth in the overall snow and ice control equipment market also results from geographic expansion of developed areas in the snow belt regions of North America, as well as consumer demand for technological enhancements in snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories that improves efficiency and reliability. Continued construction in the snow belt regions in North America increases the aggregate area requiring snow and ice removal, thereby growing the market for snow and ice control equipment. In addition, the development and sale of more reliable, more efficient and more sophisticated products have contributed to an approximate 2% to 4% average unit price increase in each of the past five years.

## Our Competitive Strengths

We compete solely with other North American manufacturers who do not benefit from our extensive distributor network, manufacturing efficiencies and depth and breadth of products. As the market leader in snow and ice control equipment for light trucks and following the Henderson acquisition, heavy duty trucks, we enjoy a set of competitive advantages versus smaller equipment providers, which allows us to generate robust cash flows in all snowfall environments and to support continued investment in our products, distribution capabilities and brand regardless of annual volume fluctuations. We believe these advantages are rooted in the following competitive strengths and reinforces our industry leadership over time.

Exceptional Customer Loyalty and Brand Equity. Our brands enjoy exceptional customer loyalty and brand equity in the snow and ice control equipment industry with both end-users and distributors, which have been developed through over 50 years of superior innovation, productivity, reliability and support, consistently delivered season after season. We believe past brand experience, rather than price, is the key factor impacting snowplow purchasing decisions.

Broadest and Most Innovative Product Offering. We provide the industry’s broadest product offering with a full range of snowplows, sand and salt spreaders and related parts and accessories. We believe we maintain the industry’s largest and most advanced in-house new product development program, historically introducing several new and redesigned products each year. Our broad product offering and commitment to new product development is essential to maintaining and growing our leading market share position as well as continuing to increase the profitability of our business.

Extensive North American Distributor Network. With over 2,100 points of sale, we benefit from having what we believe to be the most extensive distributor network in the industry, providing a significant competitive advantage over our peers. Our distributors function not only as sales and support agents (providing access to parts and service), but also as industry partners providing real-time end-user information, such as retail inventory levels, changing consumer preferences or desired functionality enhancements, which we use as the basis for our product development efforts.

Leader in Operational Efficiency. We believe we are a leader in operational efficiency in our industry, resulting from our application of lean manufacturing principles and a highly variable cost structure. By utilizing lean principles, we are able to adjust production levels easily to meet fluctuating demand, while controlling costs in slower periods. This operational efficiency is supplemented by our highly variable cost structure, driven in part by our access to a sizable temporary workforce (comprising approximately 10-15% of our total workforce during average snowfall years), which we can quickly adjust, as needed. These manufacturing efficiencies enable us to respond rapidly to urgent customer demand during times of sudden and unpredictable snowfalls, allowing us to provide exceptional service to our existing customer base and capture new customers from competitors that we believe cannot service their customers' needs with the same speed and reliability.

Strong Cash Flow Generation. We are able to generate significant cash flow as a result of relatively consistent high profitability, low capital spending requirements and predictable timing of our working



capital requirements. Our cash flow results will also benefit substantially from approximately $19.0 million of annual tax-deductible intangible and goodwill expense over the next three years, which has the impact of reducing our corporate taxes owed by approximately $7.3 million on an annual basis during this period, in the event we have sufficient taxable income to utilize such benefit. Our significant cash flow has allowed us to reinvest in our business, pay down long term debt, and pay substantial dividends on a pro rata basis to our stockholders.

Experienced Management Team. We believe our business benefits from an exceptional management team that is responsible for establishing our leadership in the snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks. Our senior management team, consisting of four officers, has an average of approximately 25 years of weather-related industry experience and an average of over fifteen years with our company. James Janik, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, has been with us for over 23 years and in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2000, and through his strategic vision, we have been able to expand our distributor network and grow our market leading position.

## Our Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to capitalize on our competitive strengths to maximize cash flow to pay dividends, reduce indebtedness and reinvest in our business to create stockholder value. We have also developed a management system called the Douglas Dynamics Management System that is intended to assist in value creation and enhanced customer service. The building blocks of our strategy are:

Continuous Product Innovation. We believe new product innovation is critical to maintaining and growing our market-leading position in the snow and ice control equipment industry. We will continue to focus on developing innovative solutions to increase productivity, ease of use, reliability, durability and serviceability of our products and on incorporating lean manufacturing concepts into our product development process, which has allowed us to reduce the overall cost of development and, more importantly, to reduce our time-to-market by nearly one-half.

Distributor Network Optimization. We will continually seek opportunities to continue to expand our extensive distribution network by adding high-quality, well-capitalized distributors in select geographic areas and by cross-selling our industry-leading brands within our distribution network to ensure we maximize our ability to generate revenue while protecting our industry leading reputation, customer loyalty and brands. We will also focus on optimizing this network by providing in-depth training, valuable distributor support and attractive promotional and incentive opportunities. As a result of these efforts, we believe a majority of our distributors choose to sell our products exclusively. We believe this sizable high quality network is unique in the industry, providing us with valuable insight into purchasing trends and customer preferences, and would be very difficult to replicate.

Aggressive Asset Management and Profit Focus. We will continue to aggressively manage our assets in order to maximize our cash flow generation despite seasonal and annual variability in snowfall levels. We believe our ability is unique in our industry and enables us to achieve attractive margins in all snowfall environments. Key elements of our asset management and profit focus strategies include:

• employment of a highly variable cost structure, which allows us to quickly adjust costs in response to real-time changes in demand;

• use of enterprise-wide lean principles, which allow us to easily adjust production levels up or down to meet demand;

• implementation of a pre-season order program, which incentivizes distributors to place orders prior to the retail selling season and thereby enables us to more efficiently utilize our assets; and



• development of a vertically integrated business model, which we believe provides us cost advantages over our competition.

Additionally, although modest, our capital expenditure requirements and operating expenses can be temporarily reduced in response to anticipated or actual lower sales in a particular year to maximize cash flow.

Flexible, Lean Enterprise Platform. We will continue to utilize lean principles to maximize the flexibility, efficiency and productivity of our manufacturing operations while reducing the associated costs, enabling us to increase distributor and end-user satisfaction. For example, in an environment where shorter lead times and near-perfect order fulfillment are important to our distributors, we believe our lean processes have helped us to improve our shipping performance and build a reputation for providing industry leading shipping performance.

## Our Growth Opportunities

Opportunistically Seek New Products and New Markets. On December 31, 2014 the Company completed its acquisition of Henderson, which gave the Company Henderson's full line of product offerings and access to its network of dealers. Previously, on May 6, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of TrynEx, including its full line of product offerings and access to its network of authorized dealers. We expect to continue to consider external growth opportunities within the snow and ice control industry and other equipment or component markets. We did not complete any material acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2015. We plan to continue to evaluate other acquisition opportunities within our industry that can help us expand our distribution reach, enhance our technology and as a consequence improve the breadth and depth of our product lines. We also consider diversification opportunities in adjacent markets that complement our business model and could offer us the ability to leverage our core competencies to create stockholder value.

Increase Our Industry Leading Market Share. We plan to leverage our industry leading position, distribution network and new product innovation capabilities to capture market share in the North American snow and ice control equipment market, focusing our primary efforts on increasing penetration in those North American markets where we believe our overall market share is less than 50%, including the heavy duty truck market. We also plan to continue growing our presence in the snow and ice control equipment market outside of North America, particularly in Asia and Europe, which we believe could provide significant growth opportunities in the future.

## Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed 1,104 employees on a full-time basis. None of our employees are represented by a union and we are not party to any collective bargaining agreements.

## Financing program

We are party to a financing program in which certain distributors may elect to finance their purchases from us through a third party financing company. We provide the third party financing company recourse against us regarding the collectability of the receivable under the program due to the fact that if the third party financing company is unable to collect from the distributor the amounts due in respect of the product financed, we would be obligated to repurchase any remaining inventory related to the product financed and reimburse any legal fees incurred by the financing company. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, distributors financed purchases of $7.6 million, $5.6 million and $2.9 million through this financing program, respectively. At both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no uncollectible outstanding receivables related to sales financed under the financing program. The amount owed by our distributors to the third party financing company under this program at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.8 million and



$1.9 million, respectively. We were required to repurchase no repossessed inventory for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

In the past, minimal losses have been incurred under this agreement. However, an adverse change in distributor retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require us to repurchase repossessed units. Any repossessed units are inspected to ensure they are current, unused product and are restocked and resold.

## Intellectual Property

We maintain patents relating to snowplow mounts, assemblies, hydraulics, electronics and lighting systems, brooms as well as sand, salt and fertilizer spreader assemblies and our patent applications relate to each of the foregoing except for hydraulics. Patents are valid for the longer period of 17 years from issue date or 20 years from filing date. The duration of the patents we currently possess range between less than one year and 18 years of remaining life. Our patent applications date from 1996 through 2015.

We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain of the proprietary aspects of our business and technology. We hold approximately 36 U.S. registered trademarks (including the trademarks WESTERN \( ^{®} \) , FISHER \( ^{®} \)  BLIZZARD \( ^{®} \) , SNOWEX \( ^{®} \) , TURFEX \( ^{®} \) , SWEEPEX \( ^{®} \) , HENDERSON \( ^{®} \)  and BRINEXTREME \( ^{®} \) ) 15 Canadian registered trademarks, 5 European trademarks, 60 U.S. issued patents, 11 Canadian patents and two Chinese and Mexican trademarks.

We rely upon a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain of the proprietary aspects of its business and technology. After the date of these financial statements but before the date of this filing, we received a settlement resulting from an ongoing lawsuit with one of our competitors. Under the settlement agreement we received $10.1 million as part of defending our intellectual property. Our competitor has exhausted all appeals related to this matter and has paid us both awarded damages of $10.0 million and accrued interest of $0.1 million.

## Raw Materials

During 2015, we experienced favorable commodity costs compared to the slightly unfavorable prices paid for commodities in 2014. Historically, we have mitigated, and we currently expect to continue to mitigate, commodity cost increases in part by engaging in proactive vendor negotiations, reviewing alternative sourcing options, substituting materials, engaging in internal cost reduction efforts, and increasing prices on some of our products, all as appropriate.

Most of the components of our products are also affected by commodity cost pressures and are commercially available from a number of sources. In 2015, we experienced no significant work stoppages because of shortages of raw materials or commodities. The highest raw material and component costs are generally for steel, which we purchase from several suppliers.

## Other Information

We were formed as a Delaware corporation in 2004. We maintain a website with the address www.douglasdynamics.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report. We make available free of charge (other than an investor’s own Internet access charges) through our website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For further information regarding our geographic areas see the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as discussed in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



## Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company operates in an environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, as well as other risks not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. The risks described below highlight some of the factors that have affected, and in the future could affect our operations.

Our results of operations depend primarily on the level, timing and location of snowfall. As a result, a decline in snowfall levels in multiple regions for an extended time could cause our results of operations to decline and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends.

As a manufacturer of snow and ice control equipment for both light and heavy duty trucks, and related parts and accessories, our sales depend primarily on the level, timing and location of snowfall in the regions in which we offer our products. A low level or lack of snowfall in any given year in any of the snow-belt regions in North America (primarily the Midwest, East and Northeast regions of the United States as well as all provinces of Canada) will likely cause sales of our products to decline in such year as well as the subsequent year, which in turn may adversely affect our results of operations and ability to pay dividends. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Seasonality and Year-to-Year Variability.” A sustained period of reduced snowfall events in one or more of the geographic regions in which we offer our products could cause our results of operations to decline and adversely affect our ability to pay dividends.

The year-to-year variability of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from year-to-year; whereas the seasonality of our business can cause our results of operations and financial condition to be materially different from quarter-to-quarter.

Because our business depends on the level, timing and location of snowfall, our results of operations vary from year-to-year. Additionally, because the annual snow season typically only runs from October 1 through March 31, our distributors typically purchase our products during the second and third quarters. As a result, we operate in a seasonal business. We not only experience seasonality in our sales, but also experience seasonality in our working capital needs. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition can vary from year-to-year, as well as from quarter-to-quarter, which could affect our ability to pay dividends. If we are unable to effectively manage the seasonality and year-to-year variability of our business, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends may suffer.

If economic conditions in the United States continue to remain weak or deteriorate further, or if spending by governmental agencies is limited or reduced, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends may be adversely affected.

Historically, demand for snow and ice control equipment for light and heavy duty trucks has been influenced by general economic conditions in the United States, as well as local economic conditions in the snow-belt regions in North America. During the last few years, economic conditions throughout the United States have been weak and spending by governmental agencies such as Departments of Transportation (“DOTs”) and municipalities has been constrained. Although conditions improved from 2011 through 2015, they may not become strong in the foreseeable future. Weakened economic conditions and limited or reduced government spending may cause our end-users to delay purchases of replacement snow and ice control equipment and instead repair their existing equipment, leading to a decrease in our sales of new equipment. Weakened economic conditions and limited or reduced governmental spending may also cause our end-users to delay their purchases of new light and heavy duty trucks. Because our end-users tend to purchase new snow and ice control equipment concurrent with their purchase of new light or heavy duty trucks, their delay in purchasing new light or heavy duty



trucks can also result in the deferral of their purchases of new snow and ice control equipment. The deferral of new equipment purchases during periods of weak economic conditions or limited or reduced government spending may negatively affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.

Weakened economic conditions or limited or reduced government spending may also cause our end-users to consider price more carefully in selecting new snow and ice control equipment. Historically, considerations of quality and service have outweighed considerations of price, but in a weak economy, or an environment of constrained government spending, price may become a more important factor. Any refocus away from quality in favor of cheaper equipment could cause end-users to shift away from our products to less expensive competitor products, or to shift away from our more profitable products to our less profitable products, which in turn would adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.

Our failure to maintain good relationships with our distributors, the loss or consolidation of our distributor base or the actions or inactions of our distributors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.

We depend on a network of truck equipment distributors to sell, install and service our products. Nearly all of these sales and service relationships are at will, so almost all of our distributors could discontinue the sale and service of our products at any time, and those distributors that primarily sell our products may choose to sell competing products at any time. Further, difficult economic or other circumstances could cause any of our distributors to discontinue their businesses. Moreover, if our distributor base were to consolidate or if any of our distributors were to discontinue their business, competition for the business of fewer distributors would intensify. If we do not maintain good relationships with our distributors, or if we do not provide product offerings and pricing that meet the needs of our distributors, we could lose a substantial amount of our distributor base. A loss of a substantial portion of our distributor base could cause our sales to decline significantly, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

In addition, our distributors may not provide timely or adequate service to our end-users. If this occurs, our brand identity and reputation may be damaged, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

Lack of available financing options for our end-users or distributors may adversely affect our sales volumes.

Our end-user base is highly concentrated among professional snowplowers, who comprise over 50% of our end-users, many of whom are individual landscapers who remove snow during the winter and landscape during the rest of the year, rather than large, well-capitalized corporations. These end-users often depend upon credit to purchase our products. If credit is unavailable on favorable terms or at all, our end-users may not be able to purchase our products from our distributors, which would in turn reduce sales and adversely affect our results of operations and ability to pay dividends.

In addition, because our distributors, like our end-users, rely on credit to purchase our products, if our distributors are not able to obtain credit, or access credit on favorable terms, we may experience delays in payment or nonpayment for delivered products. Further, if our distributors are unable to obtain credit or access credit on favorable terms, they could experience financial difficulties or bankruptcy and cease purchases of our products altogether. Thus, if financing is unavailable on favorable terms or at all, our results of operations and ability to pay dividends would be adversely affected.



The price of steel, a commodity necessary to manufacture our products, is highly variable. If the price of steel increases, our gross margins could decline.

Steel is a significant raw material used to manufacture our products. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, our steel purchases were approximately 15%, 13% and 13% of our revenue, respectively. The steel industry is highly cyclical in nature, and steel prices have been volatile in recent years and may remain volatile in the future. Steel prices are influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions domestically and internationally, the availability of raw materials, competition, labor costs, freight and transportation costs, production costs, import duties and other trade restrictions. Steel prices are volatile and may increase as a result of increased demand from the automobile and consumer durable sectors. If the price of steel increases, our variable costs may increase. We may not be able to mitigate these increased costs through the implementation of permanent price increases or temporary invoice surcharges, especially if economic conditions remain weak and our distributors and end-users become more price sensitive. If we are unable to successfully mitigate such cost increases in the future, our gross margins could decline.

## If petroleum prices increase, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Petroleum prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, economic and market factors that are outside of our control. Political events in petroleum-producing regions as well as hurricanes and other weather-related events may cause the price of fuel to increase. If the price of fuel increases, the demand for our products may decline, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on outside suppliers who may be unable to meet our volume and quality requirements, and we may be unable to obtain alternative sources.

We purchase certain components essential to our snowplows and sand and salt spreaders from outside suppliers, including off-shore sources. Most of our key supply arrangements can be discontinued at any time. A supplier may encounter delays in the production and delivery of such products and components or may supply us with products and components that do not meet our quality, quantity or cost requirements. Additionally, a supplier may be forced to discontinue operations. Any discontinuation or interruption in the availability of quality products and components from one or more of our suppliers may result in increased production costs, delays in the delivery of our products and lost end-user sales, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We have continued to increase the number of our off-shore suppliers. Our increased reliance on off-shore sourcing may cause our business to be more susceptible to the impact of natural disasters, war and other factors that may disrupt the transportation systems or shipping lines used by our suppliers, a weakening of the dollar over an extended period of time and other uncontrollable factors such as changes in foreign regulation or economic conditions. In addition, reliance on off-shore suppliers may make it more difficult for us to respond to sudden changes in demand because of the longer lead time to obtain components from off-shore sources. We may be unable to mitigate this risk by stocking sufficient materials to satisfy any sudden or prolonged surges in demand for our products. If we cannot satisfy demand for our products in a timely manner, our sales could suffer as distributors can cancel purchase orders without penalty until shipment.

We do not sell our products under long-term purchase contracts, and sales of our products are significantly impacted by factors outside of our control; therefore, our ability to estimate demand is limited.

We do not enter into long-term purchase contracts with our distributors and the purchase orders we receive may be cancelled without penalty until shipment. Therefore, our ability to accurately predict future demand for our products is limited. Nonetheless, we attempt to estimate demand for our



products for purposes of planning our annual production levels and our long-term product development and new product introductions. We base our estimates of demand on our own market assessment, snowfall figures, quarterly field inventory surveys and regular communications with our distributors. Because wide fluctuations in the level, timing and location of snowfall, economic conditions and other factors may occur, each of which is out of our control, our estimates of demand may not be accurate. Underestimating demand could result in procuring an insufficient amount of materials necessary for the production of our products, which may result in increased production costs, delays in product delivery, missed sale opportunities and a decrease in customer satisfaction. Overestimating demand could result in the procurement of excessive supplies, which could result in increased inventory and associated carrying costs.

If we are unable to enforce, maintain or continue to build our intellectual property portfolio, or if others invalidate our intellectual property rights, our competitive position may be harmed.

Our patents relate to snowplow mounts, assemblies, hydraulics, electronics and lighting systems, brooms as well as sand, salt and fertilizer spreader assemblies and our patent applications relate to each of the foregoing except for hydraulics. Patents are valid for the longer period of 17 years from issue date or 20 years from filing date. The duration of the patents we currently possess range between less than one year and 18 years of remaining life. Our patent applications date from 1996 through 2015.

We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain of the proprietary aspects of our business and technology. We hold approximately 36 U.S. registered trademarks (including the trademarks WESTERN \( ^{®} \) , FISHER \( ^{®} \)  BLIZZARD \( ^{®} \) , SNOWEX \( ^{®} \) , TURFEX \( ^{®} \) , SWEEPEX \( ^{®} \) , HENDERSON \( ^{®} \)  and BRINEXTREME \( ^{®} \) ) 15 Canadian registered trademarks, 5 European trademarks, 60 U.S. issued patents, 11 Canadian patents and two Chinese and Mexican trademarks. Although we work diligently to protect our intellectual property rights, monitoring the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, and the steps we have taken may not prevent unauthorized use by others. In addition, in the event a third party challenges the validity of our intellectual property rights, a court may determine that our intellectual property rights may not be valid or enforceable. An adverse determination with respect to our intellectual property rights may harm our business prospects and reputation. Third parties may design around our patents or may independently develop technology similar to our trade secrets. The failure to adequately build, maintain and enforce our intellectual property portfolio could impair the strength of our technology and our brands, and harm our competitive position. Although we have no reason to believe that our intellectual property rights are vulnerable, previously undiscovered intellectual property could be used to invalidate our rights.

If we are unable to develop new products or improve upon our existing products on a timely basis, it could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We believe that our future success depends, in part, on our ability to develop on a timely basis new technologically advanced products or improve upon our existing products in innovative ways that meet or exceed our competitors' product offerings. Continuous product innovation ensures that our consumers have access to the latest products and features when they consider buying snow and ice control equipment. Maintaining our market position will require us to continue to invest in research and development and sales and marketing. Product development requires significant financial, technological and other resources. We may be unsuccessful in making the technological advances necessary to develop new products or improve our existing products to maintain our market position. Industry standards, end-user expectations or other products may emerge that could render one or more of our products less desirable or obsolete. If any of these events occur, it could cause decreases in sales, a failure to realize premium pricing and an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.



We face competition from other companies in our industry, and if we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, it could have an adverse effect on our sales and profitability. Price competition among our distributors could negatively affect our market share.

We primarily compete with regional manufacturers of snow and ice control equipment for light trucks. While we are the most geographically diverse company in our industry, we may face increasing competition in the markets in which we operate. In saturated markets, price competition may lead to a decrease in our market share or a compression of our margins, both of which would affect our profitability. Moreover, current or future competitors may grow their market share and develop superior service and may have or may develop greater financial resources, lower costs, superior technology or more favorable operating conditions than we maintain. As a result, competitive pressures we face may cause price reductions for our products, which would affect our profitability or result in decreased sales and operating income. Additionally, saturation of the markets in which we compete or channel conflicts among our brands and shifts in consumer preferences may increase these competitive pressures or may result in increased competition among our distributors and affect our sales and profitability. In addition, price competition among the distributors that sell our products could lead to significant margin erosion among our distributors, which could in turn result in compressed margins or loss of market share for us. Management believes that, after ourselves, the next largest competitors in the market for snow and ice control equipment for light trucks are Northern Star Industries, Inc. (the manufacturer of the Boss brand of snow and ice control equipment) and Meyer Products LLC, and accordingly represent our primary competitors for market share.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental and safety regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.

Our operations are subject to certain federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation, disposal and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and materials into the environment, the manufacturing of motor vehicle accessories and employee health and safety. We cannot be certain that existing and future laws and regulations and their interpretations will not harm our business or financial condition. We currently make and may be required to make large and unanticipated capital expenditures to comply with environmental and other regulations, such as:

• Applicable motor vehicle safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;

• Reclamation and remediation and other environmental protection; and

• Standards for workplace safety established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

While we monitor our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and attempt to budget for anticipated costs associated with compliance, we cannot predict the future cost of such compliance. In 2015, the amount expended for such compliance was insignificant, but we could incur material expenses in the future in the event of future legislation changes or unforeseen events, such as a workplace accident or environmental discharge, or if we otherwise discover we are in non-compliance with an applicable regulation. In addition, under these laws and regulations, we could be liable for:

• Product liability claims;

• Personal injuries;

• Investigation and remediation of environmental contamination and other governmental sanctions such as fines and penalties; and

• Other environmental damages.



Our operations could be significantly delayed or curtailed and our costs of operations could significantly increase as a result of regulatory requirements, restrictions or claims. We are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations.

Financial market conditions have had a negative impact on the return on plan assets for our pension plans, which may require additional funding and negatively impact our cash flows.

Our pension expense and required contributions to our pension plan are directly affected by the value of plan assets, the projected rate of return on plan assets, the actual rate of return on plan assets and the actuarial assumptions we use to measure the defined benefit pension plan obligations. Despite modest recent market recoveries, the funding status of our pension plans, remain impacted by the financial market downturn over the last several years, which had severely impacted the funded status of our pension plans. As of December 31, 2015, our pension plans were underfunded by approximately $10.8 million. In 2015, contributions to our defined benefit pension plans were approximately $1.8 million. If plan assets perform below expectations, future pension expense and funding obligations will increase, which would have a negative impact on our cash flows. Moreover, under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, it is possible that losses of asset values may necessitate accelerated funding of our pension plans in the future to meet minimum federal government requirements.

The statements regarding our industry, market positions and market share in this filing are based on our management’s estimates and assumptions. While we believe such statements are reasonable, such statements have not been independently verified.

Information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K concerning the snow and ice control equipment industry for light trucks, our general expectations concerning this industry and our market positions and other market share data regarding the industry are based on estimates our management prepared using end-user surveys, anecdotal data from our distributors and distributors that carry our competitors' products, our results of operations and management's past experience, and on assumptions made, based on our management's knowledge of this industry, all of which we believe to be reasonable. These estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties, especially given the year-to-year variability of snowfall and the difficulty of obtaining precise information about our competitors, and may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, we have not independently verified the information from any third-party source and thus cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness, although management also believes such information to be reasonable. Our actual operating results may vary significantly if our estimates and outlook concerning the industry, snowfall patterns, our market positions or our market shares turn out to be incorrect.

We are subject to product liability claims, product quality issues, and other litigation from time to time that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

The manufacture, sale and usage of our products expose us to a risk of product liability claims. If our products are defective or used incorrectly by our end-users, injury may result, giving rise to product liability claims against us. If a product liability claim or series of claims is brought against us for uninsured liabilities or in excess of our insurance coverage, and it is ultimately determined that we are liable, our business and financial condition could suffer. Any losses that we may suffer from any liability claims, and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the reputation and marketability of our products, may divert management's attention from other matters and may have a negative impact on our business and operating results. Additionally, we could experience a material design or manufacturing failure in our products, a quality system failure or other safety issues, or heightened regulatory scrutiny that could warrant a recall of some of our products. A recall of some of our products could also result in increased product liability claims. Any of these issues could also result in loss of market share, reduced sales, and higher warranty expense.



## We are heavily dependent on our Chief Executive Officer and management team.

Our continued success depends on the retention, recruitment and continued contributions of key management, finance, sales and marketing personnel, some of whom could be difficult to replace. Our success is largely dependent upon our senior management team, led by our Chief Executive Officer and other key managers. The loss of any one or more of such persons could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our operations, including our ability to perform our obligations and pay dividends.

As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $188 million of senior secured indebtedness, no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and $99 million of borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility. We may also be able to incur substantial indebtedness in the future, including senior indebtedness, which may or may not be secured.

Our indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:

• We could have difficulty satisfying our debt obligations, and if we fail to comply with these requirements, an event of default could result;

• We may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to required payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the cash flow available to pay dividends or fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities;

• Covenants relating to our indebtedness may restrict our ability to make distributions to our stockholders;

• Covenants relating to our indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities, which may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

• We may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

• We may be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with less debt; and

• We may have difficulty repaying or refinancing our obligations under our senior credit facilities on their respective maturity dates.

If any of these consequences occur, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected. This, in turn, could negatively affect the market price of our common stock, and we may need to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds that may be realized from those sales, or that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly and could impose adverse consequences.

Certain of our borrowings, including our term loan and any revolving borrowings under our senior credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. In addition, the interest rate on any revolving borrowings is subject to an increase in the interest rate if the average daily availability under our revolving credit facility falls below a certain threshold. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the



amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows would correspondingly decrease.

Our senior credit facilities impose restrictions on us, which may also prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities and taking certain corporate actions. One of these facilities also includes minimum availability requirements, which if unsatisfied, could result in liquidity events that may jeopardize our business.

Our senior credit facilities contain, and future debt instruments to which we may become subject may contain, covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that could otherwise benefit our company. Under the credit facilities as modified most recently in December 2014, these covenants include restrictions on our ability to:

• incur, assume or permit to exist additional indebtedness or contingent obligations;

• incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions;

• make loans and investments in excess of agreed upon amounts;

• declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock in excess of agreed upon amounts and subject to certain other limitations;

• engage in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations;

• prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness or amend or alter the terms of our indebtedness;

• sell assets;

• make further negative pledges;

• create restrictions on distributions by subsidiaries;

• change our fiscal year;

• engage in activities other than, among other things, incurring the debt under our new senior credit facilities and the activities related thereto, holding our ownership interest in DDI LLC, making restricted payments, including dividends, permitted by our senior credit facilities and conducting activities related to our status as a public company;

• amend or waive rights under certain agreements;

• transact with affiliates or our stockholders; and

• alter the business that we conduct.

Our amended revolving credit facility also includes limitations on capital expenditures and requires that if we fail to maintain the greater of $12,500,000 and 12.5% of the revolving commitments in borrowing availability, we must comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio test. In addition, if a liquidity event occurs because our borrowing availability is less than the greater of $15,000,000 and 15% of the aggregate revolving commitments (or an event of default occurs and is continuing), subject to certain limited cure rights, all proceeds of our accounts receivable and other collateral will be applied to reduce obligations under our amended revolving credit facility, jeopardizing our ability to meet other obligations. Our ability to comply with the covenants contained in our senior credit facilities or in the agreements governing our future indebtedness, and our ability to avoid liquidity events, may be affected by events, or our future performance, which are subject to factors beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial, industry and weather conditions, such as the level, timing and location of snowfall and general economic conditions in the snowbelt regions of North America. A failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under our senior credit facilities, which could prevent us from paying dividends, borrowing additional amounts and using proceeds of our inventory.



and accounts receivable, and also permit the lenders to accelerate the payment of such debt. If any of our debt is accelerated or if a liquidity event (or event of default) occurs that results in collateral proceeds being applied to reduce such debt, we may not have sufficient funds available to repay such debt and our other obligations, in which case, our business could be halted and such lenders could proceed against any collateral securing that debt. Further, if the lenders accelerate the payment of the indebtedness under our senior credit facilities, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness under our senior credit facilities and our other indebtedness, if any. We cannot assure you that these covenants will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs to pursue available business opportunities or react to changes in our business and the industry in which we operate.

Provisions of Delaware law and our charter documents could delay or prevent an acquisition of us, even if the acquisition would be beneficial to you.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. These provisions include:

- the absence of cumulative voting in the election of our directors, which means that the holders of a majority of our common stock may elect all of the directors standing for election;

- the ability of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with voting rights or with rights senior to those of our common stock without any further vote or action by the holders of our common stock;

- the division of our Board of Directors into three separate classes serving staggered three-year terms;

- the ability of our stockholders to remove our directors is limited to cause and only by the vote of at least 66 \( ^{3} \) % of the outstanding shares of our common stock;

• the prohibition on our stockholders from acting by written consent and calling special meetings;

- the requirement that our stockholders provide advance notice when nominating our directors or proposing business to be considered by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders; and

- the requirement that our stockholders must obtain a 66 \( ^{3} \) % vote to amend or repeal certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation.

We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder, as defined in that section, for a period of three years following the date on which that stockholder became an interested stockholder. This provision, together with the provisions discussed above, could also make it more difficult for you and our other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions, and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.

## Our dividend policy may limit our ability to pursue growth opportunities.

If we continue to pay dividends at the level contemplated by our dividend policy, as in effect on the date of this filing, or if we increase the level of our dividend payments in the future, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash to finance growth opportunities, meet any large unanticipated liquidity requirements or fund our operations in the event of a significant business downturn. In addition, because a significant portion of cash available will be distributed to holders of our common stock under our dividend policy, our ability to pursue any material expansion of our business, including through acquisitions, increased capital spending or other increases of our expenditures, will depend more than it otherwise would on our ability to obtain third party financing. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available to us at all, or at an acceptable cost. If we are unable to take timely advantage of growth opportunities, our future financial condition and competitive position may be harmed, which in turn may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.



Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to malicious attacks or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions, including as a result of rollouts of new systems. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings and/or regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and/or cause a loss of confidence in our products and services, which could adversely affect our business.

## We may be unable to identify, complete or benefit from strategic transactions.

Our long-term growth strategy includes building value for our company through a variety of methods. These methods may include acquisition of, investment in, or joint ventures involving, complementary businesses. We cannot assure that we will be able to identify suitable parties for these transactions. If we are unable to identify suitable parties for strategic transactions we may not be able to capitalize on market opportunities with existing and new customers, which could inhibit our ability to gain market share. Even if we identify suitable parties to participate in these transactions, we cannot assure that we will be able to make them on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.

In December 2014, we acquired Henderson. In May 2013, we acquired substantially all of the assets of TrynEx. We may not be able to achieve the projected financial performance or incur unexpected costs or liabilities as a result of either transaction. In addition, if in the future we acquire another company or its assets, it may be difficult to assimilate the acquired businesses, products, services, technologies and personnel into our operations. These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and workforce, increase our expenses and adversely affect our operating results and ability to compete and gain market share. Mergers and acquisitions are inherently risky and are subject to many factors outside our control. No assurance can be given that any future acquisitions will be successful and will not materially adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. In addition, we may incur debt or be required to issue equity securities to pay for future acquisitions or investments. The issuance of any equity securities could be dilutive to our stockholders. We also may need to make further investments to support any acquired company and may have difficulty identifying and acquiring appropriate resources. If we divest or otherwise exit certain portions of our business in connection with a strategic transaction, we may be required to record additional expenses, and our estimates with respect to the useful life and ultimate recoverability of our carrying basis of assets, including goodwill and purchased intangible assets, could change.

## Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

## Item 2. Properties

We are headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and currently have manufacturing facilities in Milwaukee, WI, Rockland, ME and Madison Heights, MI. Additionally, we operate a sourcing office in China. As a result of the Henderson acquisition on December 31, 2014, we also own a manufacturing facility in Manchester, Iowa and lease six truck equipment distribution locations in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. We operate as a single segment.



## Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are engaged in various litigation primarily including product liability and intellectual property disputes. However, management does not believe that any current litigation is material to our operations or financial position. In addition, we are not currently party to any environmental-related claims or legal matters.

## Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

## Executive Officers of the Registrant

Our executive officers as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:

<table><tr><td>Name</td><td>Age</td><td>Position</td></tr><tr><td>James Janik</td><td>59</td><td>Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer</td></tr><tr><td>Robert McCormick</td><td>55</td><td>Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary</td></tr><tr><td>Mark Adamson</td><td>57</td><td>Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing</td></tr><tr><td>Keith Hagelin</td><td>55</td><td>Senior Vice President, Operations</td></tr></table>

James Janik has been serving as our President and Chief Executive Officer since 2000 and as a director since 2004. Since 2014, Mr. Janik also has served as our Chairman of the Board. Mr. Janik was General Manager of our Western Products division from 1994 to 2000 and Vice President of Marketing and Sales from 1998 to 2000. Prior to joining us, Mr. Janik was the Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Sunlite Plastics Inc., a custom extruder of thermoplastic materials, for two years. During the 11 prior years, Mr. Janik held a number of key marketing, sales and production management positions for John Deere Company.

Robert McCormick has been serving as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2004 and as our Secretary since May 2005. Mr. McCormick served as our Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to May 2005 and as our Treasurer from September 2004 through December 2010. Prior to joining us, Mr. McCormick served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Xymox Technology Inc. from 2001 to 2004. Prior to that, Mr. McCormick served in various capacities in the Newell Rubbermaid Corporation, including President from 2000 to 2001 and Vice President Group Controller from 1997 to 2000. While Mr. McCormick served as President, he was responsible for Newell's Mirro / Wearever Cookware, and as Vice President Group Controller, he was responsible for worldwide strategic and financial responsibilities for 12 company divisions with sales of over two billion dollars.

Mark Adamson has been serving as our Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing since 2013. Prior to becoming our Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing he had served as our Vice President, Sales and Marketing since 2007. Prior to joining us, Mr. Adamson held numerous senior level management positions with industry leaders in the grounds care industry, including John Deere Company from 1980 to 2002 and Gehl Corporation from 2002 to 2007. From 2003 to 2005, he was the Manager, Regional Sales & Distribution of Gehl Company, directing the sales and marketing activities of certain sales field managers in the northeastern United States responsible for Gehl product sales and rental, and from 2005 to 2007, he was the Director, Training and Customer Support, where he directed the aftermarket and training activities of five departments and thirty-two individuals responsible for Gehl and Mustang products worldwide. From 1980 to 2002, Mr. Adamson held several senior level management positions with John Deere Company.

Keith Hagelin has been serving as our Senior Vice President, Operations since September 2013. Prior to becoming our Senior Vice President, Operations, he had served as our Vice President,



Operations since 2009, having previously spent twelve years in progressive roles with us, including Plant Manager and General Manager—Rockland and most recently Vice President of Manufacturing from 2007 to 2009. Prior to joining Douglas, Mr. Hagelin spent 13 years at Raytheon Corporation in various manufacturing, production and new product development roles.

Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors. There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.

## PART II

## Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Common Stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange since the second quarter of 2010 under the symbol “PLOW.” The prices in the table set forth below indicate the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock per the New York Stock Exchange Composite Price History for each quarter in 2015 and 2014.

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="4">2015</td><td colspan="4">2014</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Price Range</td><td colspan="4">Price Range</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>Low</td><td>Dividends</td><td>High</td><td>Low</td><td>Dividends</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fourth Quarter</td><td>$24.48</td><td>$19.38</td><td>$0.22</td><td>$24.90</td><td>$18.40</td><td>$0.22</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Third Quarter</td><td>23.59</td><td>19.56</td><td>0.22</td><td>21.21</td><td>16.43</td><td>0.22</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Second Quarter</td><td>23.45</td><td>20.06</td><td>0.22</td><td>18.28</td><td>16.45</td><td>0.22</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>First Quarter</td><td>23.86</td><td>18.68</td><td>0.22</td><td>18.55</td><td>14.12</td><td>0.22</td><td></td></tr></table>

At March 8, 2016, there were 41 record holders of our Common Stock.

In accordance with the Company’s dividend policy, dividends are declared and paid quarterly at the discretion of the board of directors. Additionally, special dividends may be declared and paid at the discretion of the board of directors. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company increased its annual implied dividend from $0.85 to $0.87 per share and both declared and paid a dividend of $0.2175 per share. In the second, third and fourth quarters of 2014, the Company both declared and paid a dividend of $0.2175 per share. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company increased its annual implied dividend from $0.87 to $0.89 per share and both declared and paid a dividend of $0.2225 per share. In the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, the Company both declared and paid a dividend of $0.2225 per share.

The Company’s senior credit facilities include certain negative and operating covenants, including restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, and other customary covenants, representations and warranties and events of default. The senior credit facilities entered into and recorded by the Company’s subsidiaries significantly restrict its subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to Douglas Dynamics, Inc. The terms of the Company’s revolving credit facility specifically restrict the Company from paying dividends if a minimum availability under the revolving credit facility, the greater of $15.0 million and 15% of the aggregate revolving commitments at the time of determination, is not maintained. Additionally, both senior credit facilities restrict the Company from paying dividends above certain levels not to exceed $6.25 million in any fiscal quarter of 2015, $6.5 million in any fiscal quarter of 2016 and $6.5 million in any fiscal quarter of 2017 and thereafter or at all if an event of default has occurred. These restrictions would affect the Company indirectly since the Company relies principally on distributions from its subsidiaries to have funds available for the payment of dividends.



## Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2015.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

<table><tr><td>Plan Category</td><td>Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)</td><td>Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)</td><td>Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))</td></tr><tr><td>Equity Compensation plans approved by security holders:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2010 Stock Incentive Plan(1):</td><td>71,428</td><td>—</td><td>1,272,199</td></tr><tr><td>Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Total(2)</td><td>71,428</td><td>$—</td><td>1,272,199</td></tr></table>

(1) Excludes 214,819 shares of restricted stock previously granted under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

(2) Calculated excluding the 71,428 securities shown as to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan in column (a), which are subject to performance share awards and have no exercise price.

The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.



The graph set forth below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, with the cumulative total return of The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 Index. This graph assumes the investment of $100 on January 1, 2011 in our common stock, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 Index, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends.



We did not sell any equity securities during 2015 in offerings that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

## Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 2011, 2012 and 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 is derived from our historical financial statements not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



The selected consolidated financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this document.

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5">As of December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2012</td><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">(in thousands)</td></tr><tr><td>Selected Balance Sheet Data</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$ 39,432</td><td>$ 24,136</td><td>$ 19,864</td><td>$ 24,195</td><td>$ 36,844</td></tr><tr><td>Total current assets</td><td>103,462</td><td>89,582</td><td>98,372</td><td>142,521</td><td>169,243</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>359,017</td><td>338,371</td><td>364,339</td><td>480,443</td><td>505,503</td></tr><tr><td>Total current liabilities</td><td>32,611</td><td>16,670</td><td>36,098</td><td>45,694</td><td>41,733</td></tr><tr><td>Total debt</td><td>122,937</td><td>111,966</td><td>123,994</td><td>188,100</td><td>186,472</td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities</td><td>195,628</td><td>184,639</td><td>209,018</td><td>307,154</td><td>305,007</td></tr><tr><td>Total shareholders&#x27; equity</td><td>163,389</td><td>153,732</td><td>155,321</td><td>173,289</td><td>200,496</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td></td><td>2011</td><td>2012</td><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5">(in thousands, except per share data)</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statement of Operations Data</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total sales</td><td>$208,798</td><td>$140,033</td><td>$194,320</td><td>$303,511</td><td>$400,408</td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>71,817</td><td>43,963</td><td>65,650</td><td>116,326</td><td>132,863</td></tr><tr><td>Income from operations</td><td>40,181</td><td>18,869</td><td>27,506</td><td>72,217</td><td>77,351</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense</td><td>11,332</td><td>4,144</td><td>7,378</td><td>22,036</td><td>22,087</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>19,040</td><td>6,012</td><td>11,639</td><td>39,961</td><td>44,176</td></tr><tr><td>Net income per basic share</td><td>$ 0.87</td><td>$ 0.27</td><td>$ 0.52</td><td>$ 1.78</td><td>$ 1.95</td></tr><tr><td>Net income per diluted share</td><td>$ 0.85</td><td>$ 0.26</td><td>$ 0.51</td><td>$ 1.77</td><td>$ 1.94</td></tr><tr><td>Cash dividends paid per common share</td><td>$ 1.18</td><td>$ 0.82</td><td>$ 0.84</td><td>$ 0.87</td><td>$ 0.89</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="5">For the year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2012</td><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">(in thousands)</td></tr><tr><td>Other Data</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adjusted EBITDA</td><td>$52,461</td><td>$29,732</td><td>$44,569</td><td>$87,932</td><td>$96,536</td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>$ 2,373</td><td>$ 1,446</td><td>$ 2,775</td><td>$ 5,254</td><td>$10,009</td></tr></table>



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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to our plans and strategies for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

## Results of Operations

## Overview

In assessing our results of operations in a given period, one of the primary factors we consider is the level of snowfall experienced within the prior snow season. We typically compare the snowfall level in a given period both to the snowfall level in the prior season and to those snowfall levels we consider to be average. References to “average snowfall” levels below refer to the aggregate average inches of snowfall recorded in 66 cities in 26 snow-belt states in the United States during the annual snow season, from October 1 through March 31, from 1980 to 2015. During this period, snowfall averaged 3,062 inches, with the low in such period being 1,794 inches and the high being 4,502 inches.

During the six-month snow season ended March 31, 2015, snowfall was 3,592 inches, which was 17.3% higher than average. Meanwhile, during the six-month snow season ended March 31, 2014, we experienced snowfall that was 42.1% higher than average. During the six-month snow season ended March 31, 2013, we experienced snowfall that was 6.9% higher than average. We believe the above average snowfall in the three consecutive years ending December 31, 2013, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015 was the largest driver that positively impacted our business in 2015. Additionally, we believe other factors had a positive impact as well. These additional factors included a record number of new products launched in 2015, positively trending light truck sales in 2015 and the successful integration of Henderson.

Sales of parts and accessories for 2015 and 2014 were $51.0 million and $49.3 million, respectively, or approximately 74% and 68% higher than annual parts and accessories sales over the preceding ten years, respectively. Sales of equipment unit sales for 2015 and 2014 were $349.4 million and $254.2 million, respectively. In 2015, equipment unit sales increased 37.4%. We believe that the increase of both parts and accessories sales and equipment unit sales in 2015 as compared to the prior calendar year is a direct result of the three consecutive years of above average snowfall noted above. Meanwhile, we believe that pent up demand due to deferred new equipment purchases started to release in the year ended December 31, 2014 in the marketplace, continued to be released in the year ended December 31, 2015 and could continue to be released in or following another year of average or better snowfall that is accompanied by stronger macro-economic conditions.

The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, the consolidated statements of income of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the table below and throughout this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” consolidated statements of income data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information contained in the table below should be read in conjunction with our



consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="3">For the year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">(in thousands)</td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>$194,320</td><td>$303,511</td><td>$400,408</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of sales</td><td>128,670</td><td>187,185</td><td>267,545</td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>65,650</td><td>116,326</td><td>132,863</td></tr><tr><td>Selling, general, and administrative expense</td><td>31,872</td><td>38,239</td><td>48,150</td></tr><tr><td>Intangibles amortization</td><td>5,625</td><td>5,803</td><td>7,362</td></tr><tr><td>Loss recognized on assets held for sale</td><td>647</td><td>67</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Income from operations</td><td>27,506</td><td>72,217</td><td>77,351</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense, net</td><td>(8,328)</td><td>(8,129)</td><td>(10,895)</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on extinguishment of debt</td><td>—</td><td>(1,870)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Other expense, net</td><td>(161)</td><td>(221)</td><td>(193)</td></tr><tr><td>Income before taxes</td><td>19,017</td><td>61,997</td><td>66,263</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense</td><td>7,378</td><td>22,036</td><td>22,087</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$11,639</td><td>$39,961</td><td>$44,176</td></tr></table>

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of certain items in our consolidated statement of income data, relative to net sales:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>100.0%</td><td>100.0%</td><td>100.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of sales</td><td>66.2%</td><td>61.7%</td><td>66.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>33.8%</td><td>38.3%</td><td>33.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Selling, general, and administrative expense</td><td>16.4%</td><td>12.6%</td><td>12.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Intangibles amortization</td><td>2.9%</td><td>1.9%</td><td>1.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Loss recognized on assets held for sale</td><td>0.3%</td><td>0.0%</td><td>0.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Income from operations</td><td>14.2%</td><td>23.8%</td><td>19.3%</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense, net</td><td>(4.3)%</td><td>(2.7)%</td><td>(2.7)%</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on extinguishment of debt</td><td>0.0%</td><td>(0.6)%</td><td>0.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Other expense, net</td><td>(0.1)%</td><td>(0.1)%</td><td>(0.0)%</td></tr><tr><td>Income before taxes</td><td>9.8%</td><td>20.4%</td><td>16.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense</td><td>3.8%</td><td>7.2%</td><td>7.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>6.0%</td><td>13.2%</td><td>9.3%</td></tr></table>

## Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net Sales. Net sales were $400.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $303.5 million in 2014, an increase of $96.9 million, or 31.9%. This increase was primarily attributable to $96.1 million in sales at Henderson, which was acquired on December 31, 2014. Due primarily to sales of snow and ice control equipment at Henderson, overall sales of snow and ice control equipment for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by 37.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. Due primarily to the sales of parts and accessories at Henderson, overall parts and accessories



sales increased by 3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. Sales of non-Henderson products also slightly increased for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in sales of non-Henderson products was due to a record number of new product releases which commenced shipping in the third quarter of 2015. Additionally contributing to the increase was the impact of three consecutive years of above average snowfall as discussed above.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $267.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $187.2 million in 2014, an increase of $80.3 million, or 42.8%. This increase was driven primarily by increased volume of products sold. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased from 61.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 66.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 was driven by $77.2 million in cost attributable to the $96.1 million in sales at Henderson and costs associated with the non-Henderson new products as discussed above under “—Net Sales”. The increases in cost of sales as a percentage of sales were primarily due to higher cost of sales as a percentage of sales for Henderson products. In addition, the cost of sales as a percentage of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 includes the recognized expense of a $2.0 million fair value purchase accounting write up of inventory that was sold during the period. As a percentage of cost of sales, fixed and variable costs were approximately 16% and 84%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to approximately 14% and 86%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $132.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $116.3 million in 2014, an increase of $16.6 million, or 14.3%, due to the increase in net sales volume described above under “—Net Sales” and “—Cost of Sales.” As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased from 38.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 33.2% for the corresponding period in 2015, as a result of the factors discussed above under “—Net Sales” and “—Cost of Sales.”

Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses, including intangible asset amortization, were $55.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $44.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $11.5 million, or 25.9%. The increase compared to year ended December 31, 2014 was mostly due to expenses related to ongoing operations at Henderson of $10.5 million. Intangible amortization expense increased $1.6 million due to additional intangible assets created as a result of the Henderson acquisition. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, including intangibles amortization, decreased from 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 13.8% for the corresponding period in 2015 due to sales leverage.

Impairment of Assets Held for Sale. On February 26, 2014, we entered into an agreement for the sale of land and a building located in Johnson City, Tennessee at an amount approximating the carrying amount of the assets. We closed on the sale of the Johnson City assets on April 30, 2014 with a sales price of $1.1 million and closing costs of $0.1 million. Consequently, we incurred a $0.1 million loss recognized on the disposal of assets held for sale in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $8.1 million in the corresponding period in 2014. Interest expense increased due to the additional borrowings resulting from the modifications made to the Company’s existing term loan facility in connection with the financing of the Henderson acquisition.

Loss on extinguishment of debt. Loss on extinguishment of debt was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2015, we did not refinance any of our debt and therefore did not incur a loss on extinguishment. The loss on extinguishment of debt in 2014 was entirely driven by our amendment to our term loan facility resulting in a significant modification of our debt for a portion of



our creditors which resulted in the write off of unamortized capitalized deferred financing costs of $0.7 million, write off of unamortized debt discount of $0.6 million and the expensing of certain fees of $0.6 million.

Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The largest item affecting deferred taxes is the difference between book and tax amortization of goodwill and other intangibles amortization. Our effective combined federal and state tax rate for 2015 was 33.3% compared to 35.6% for 2014. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 is lower than 2014 due to the relief of valuation allowances in several states resulting from consecutive years of taxable income in those states.

Net Income. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $44.2 million compared to net income of $40.0 million for the corresponding period in 2014, an increase of $4.2 million. This increase was driven by the factors described above.

## Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales. Net sales were $303.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $194.3 million in 2013, an increase of $109.2 million, or 56.2%. This increase was driven by increases of $89.8 million in sales of snow and ice control equipment and $19.4 million in parts and accessories sales. The increase in sales of snow and ice control equipment for the year ended December 31, 2014 was attributable to an increase in sales volume of snow and ice control equipment of $78.8 million, or 47.9%, as compared to the prior year, and by price increases that we implemented beginning in the third and fourth quarters of 2013 and an additional price increase that was effective in the third and fourth quarters of 2014. The increase in sales volume was largely a result of the above average snowfall in the markets we serve during the snow season ended March 31, 2014. Net sales of parts and accessories increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 from the year ended December 31, 2013 by 65.0%, from $29.9 million to $49.3 million. Net sales of parts and accessories remained comparatively high in 2014, above the preceding ten-year average by approximately 89%. As discussed above, the higher sales of parts and accessories was due in large part to the above average amounts of snowfall in the markets that our products are sold. Sales related to TrynEx products of $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased to $26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 which also contributed to the increase in net sales for the period. Increase in TrynEx products was the result of both a full year of sales in 2014 as compared to eight months in 2013 due to the timing of our acquisition and due to above average snowfall in the markets we serve.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $187.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $128.7 million in 2013, an increase of $58.5 million, or 45.5%. This increase was driven primarily by increased volume of products sold. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased from 66.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 61.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of higher volumes to absorb fixed spending in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, in 2013, inflationary commodity experience was slightly favorable, while commodity costs in 2014 were slightly unfavorable. As a percentage of cost of sales, fixed and variable costs were approximately 14% and 86%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to approximately 18% and 82%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $116.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $65.7 million in 2013, an increase of $50.7 million, or 77.2%, due to the increase in net sales volume described above under “—Net Sales” and “—Cost of Sales.” As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased from 33.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 38.3% for the corresponding period in 2014, as a result of the factors discussed above under “—Net Sales” and “—Cost of Sales.”



Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses, including intangible asset amortization, were $44.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $37.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of $6.5 million, or 17.5%, primarily driven by higher incentive based compensation of $3.3 million and incremental sales and marketing expenses of $2.6 million, due to better operating results. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, including intangibles amortization, decreased from 19.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 14.5% for the corresponding period in 2014 due to sales leverage.

Impairment of Assets Held for Sale. We recorded assets held for sale on our balance sheet in conjunction with the closure of the Johnson City, Tennessee location in 2010. The land and building had been held for sale since the closure. In an effort to stimulate sales activity, we lowered the listed sale price which caused us to reassess the fair value of the assets held for sale. Consequently, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2013. On February 26, 2014, we entered into an agreement for the sale of the land and building at an amount approximating the carrying amount. We closed on the sale of the Johnson City assets on April 30, 2014 with a sales price of $1.1 million and closing costs of $0.1 million. Consequently, we incurred a $0.1 million loss recognized on the disposal of assets held for sale in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $8.3 million in the corresponding period in 2013.

Loss on extinguishment of debt. Loss on extinguishment of debt was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to zero in the corresponding period in 2013. The loss on extinguishment of debt in 2014 was entirely driven by our amendment to our term loan facility resulting in a significant modification of our debt for a portion of our creditors which resulted in the write off of unamortized capitalized deferred financing costs of $0.7 million, write off of unamortized debt discount of $0.6 million and the expensing of certain fees of $0.6 million.

Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The largest item affecting deferred taxes is the difference between book and tax amortization of goodwill and other intangibles amortization. Our effective combined federal and state tax rate for 2014 was 35.6% compared to 38.8% for 2013. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 is lower than 2014 due to a greater domestic manufacturing deduction in 2014 driven by better operating results..

Net Income. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $40.0 million compared to net income of $11.6 million for the corresponding period in 2013, an increase of $28.4 million. This increase was driven by the factors described above.

## Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains financial information calculated other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

These non-GAAP measures include:

• Free cash flow; and

• Adjusted EBITDA.

These non-GAAP disclosures should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP.



Net cash provided by operating activities was $56.5 million in 2015 as compared to $53.7 in 2014. Free cash flow (as defined below) for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $46.5 million compared to $48.5 million in 2014, a decrease in free cash flow of $2.0 million, or 4.1%. The decrease in free cash flow is primarily a result of an increase in capital expenditures of $4.8 million due to some facility improvements and investments in equipment, slightly offset by $2.8 million more cash provided by operating activities, as discussed below under Liquidity and Capital Resources. In 2015, there were higher capital expenditures due to some facility improvements and investments in equipment.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow should be evaluated in addition to, and not considered a substitute for, other financial measures such as net income and cash flow provided by operations. We believe that free cash flow provides investors with a useful tool to evaluate our ability to generate additional cash flow from our business operations.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities, a GAAP measure, to free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3">(in thousands)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>$32,248</td><td>$53,747</td><td>$ 56,465</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of property and equipment</td><td>(2,775)</td><td>(5,254)</td><td>(10,009)</td></tr><tr><td>Free cash flow</td><td>$29,473</td><td>$48,493</td><td>$ 46,456</td></tr></table>

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted for certain charges consisting of unrelated legal and consulting fees, as well as management fees paid by us to affiliates of our former principal stockholders, stock based compensation, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment on assets held for sale, certain purchase accounting expenses and offering costs. We use, and we believe our investors benefit from the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA in evaluating our operating performance because it provides us and our investors with additional tools to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our core operations. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors and other external users of our consolidated financial statements in evaluating our operating performance as compared to that of other companies, because it allows them to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets and liabilities, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. Our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and financial projections. Management also uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our ability to make certain payments, including dividends, in compliance with our senior credit facilities, which is determined based on a calculation of “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” that is substantially similar to Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. As a result, you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;



• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our indebtedness;

• Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;

• Other companies, including other companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure; and

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect tax obligations whether current or deferred.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $96.5 million compared to $87.9 million in 2014, an increase of $8.6 million, or 9.8%. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA decreased from 29.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 to 24.1% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $87.9 million compared to $44.6 million in 2013, an increase of $43.4 million, or 97.3%. As a percentage of net sales, Adjusted EBITDA increased from 22.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 29.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition to the specific changes resulting from the adjustments, the changes to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods discussed resulted from factors discussed above under “—Results of Operations.”

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, the most comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, for each of the periods indicated.

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="6">For the year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2011</td><td>2012</td><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">(in thousands)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$19,040</td><td>$ 6,012</td><td>$11,639</td><td>$39,961</td><td>$44,176</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense—net</td><td>8,918</td><td>8,393</td><td>8,328</td><td>8,129</td><td>10,895</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes</td><td>11,332</td><td>4,144</td><td>7,378</td><td>22,036</td><td>22,087</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation expense</td><td>2,975</td><td>2,819</td><td>3,068</td><td>3,422</td><td>4,919</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization</td><td>5,201</td><td>5,199</td><td>5,625</td><td>5,803</td><td>7,362</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EBITDA</td><td>47,466</td><td>26,567</td><td>36,038</td><td>79,351</td><td>89,439</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Management fees</td><td>46</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation</td><td>1,873</td><td>2,166</td><td>2,587</td><td>2,868</td><td>3,275</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss on extinguishment of debt</td><td>673</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>1,870</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Offering costs</td><td>1,342</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Purchase accounting(1)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>4,506</td><td>945</td><td>2,613</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other charges(2)</td><td>1,061</td><td>999</td><td>1,438</td><td>2,898</td><td>1,212</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adjusted EBITDA</td><td>$52,461</td><td>$29,732</td><td>$44,569</td><td>$87,932</td><td>$96,539</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Reflects $3,951 and $555 in earn out compensation and inventory related to TrynEx that was written up for purchase accounting and sold in the year ended 2013. Reflects $335 in earnout compensation expense related to TrynEx in the year ended December 31, 2015. Reflects $945 in earn out compensation related to TrynEx in the year ended 2014. Reflects $322 and $1,956 in earn out compensation expense related to Henderson and inventory step up related to Henderson included in cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2015.



(2) Reflects legal and consulting fees of $1,061, $999, $791, $2,898 and $1,212 for the years ended 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively and a write down of asset held for sale of $647 for the year ended 2013.

## Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. These estimates and assumptions are often based on judgments that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances at the time made, but all such estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions, and it is possible that other professionals, applying their own judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support alternative estimates and assumptions that would result in material changes to our operating results and financial condition. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to pension obligations, recovery of accounts receivable, impairment assessment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, as well as estimates used in the determination of the lower of cost or market value of inventory and liabilities related to taxation and product warranty.

We believe the following are the critical accounting policies that affect our financial condition and results of operations.

## Defined Benefit Pension Obligation

As discussed in Note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income of our pension plans are calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 715-30, Defined Benefit Plans-Pension, and are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. Rates are evaluated on an annual basis considering such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance. Actuarial valuations for 2015 used a discount rate of 4.0% and 3.9% for our hourly and salary pension plans, respectively, and an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.25%. Meanwhile, actuarial valuations for 2014 used a discount rate of 4.9% and 4.8% for our hourly and salary pension plans, respectively, and an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.25%. Our discount rate reflects the expected future cash flow based upon our funding valuation assumptions and participant data at the beginning of the plan year. The expected future cash flow was discounted by the Principal Financial Group's yield curve for the month preceding the 2015 year end.

In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we analyze historical and expected returns for multiple asset classes. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by combining a long-term inflation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate was then developed based upon those overall rates and the target asset allocation of the plan. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans, shareholders' equity and related expense. We cannot predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether the impact in subsequent years will be significant. The funded status of our pension plans is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of all benefits expected to be earned by our employees' service adjusted for



future wage increases. At December 31, 2015, our pension obligation funded status was $10.8 million underfunded.

Our funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts at least equal to the minimum annual amount required by applicable regulations. We contributed approximately $1.8 million to our pension plans in 2015 and expect to make approximately $1.0 million in contributions to our pension plans in 2016. See Note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed description of our pension plans.

## Revenue Recognition and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We recognize revenues upon shipment to the customer, which is when risk of loss passes and all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) the price is fixed or determinable; (3) collectability is reasonably assured; and (4) the product has been shipped and we have no further obligations. Customers have no right of return privileges. Historically, product returns have not been material and are permitted on an exception basis only.

We offer a variety of discounts and sales incentives to our distributors. The estimated liability for sales discounts and allowances is recorded at the time of sale as a reduction of net sales. The liability is estimated based on the costs of the program, the planned duration of the program and historical experience.

We carry our accounts receivable at their face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, we evaluate our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific distributor circumstances and credit conditions taking into account the history of write-offs and collections. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within the period agreed upon in the invoice. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. We take a security interest in the inventory as collateral for the receivable but often do not have a priority security interest. See Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our allowance for doubtful accounts.

## Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of such assets to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment provision is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value of the asset, less costs of disposition. Our management considers such factors as current results, trends and future prospects, current market value, and other economic and regulatory factors in performing these analyses. We determined that no long-lived assets were impaired as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

## Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and indefinite lived trade names and more frequently if an event or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss has been incurred. Conditions that would trigger an impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset. The analysis of potential impairment of goodwill requires a two-step process. The first step is the estimation of fair value of the applicable reporting unit. We have determined we have two reporting units, and all significant decisions are made on a companywide basis by our chief operating decision maker. The fair



value of the reporting unit is estimated by using an income and market approach. The estimated fair value is compared with our aggregate carrying value. If our fair value is greater than the carrying amount, there is no impairment. If our carrying amount is greater than the fair value, then the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any.

The second step calculates the implied fair value of the goodwill, which is compared to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is calculated by valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit at the hypothetical fair value, assuming the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the entire reporting unit over the fair value of its identifiable assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference. Annual impairment tests conducted by us on December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 resulted in no adjustment to the carrying value of our indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill.

Our goodwill and trade name balances could be impaired in future periods. A number of factors, many of which we have no ability to control, could affect our financial condition, operating results and business prospects and could cause actual results to differ from the estimates and assumptions we employed. These factors include:

• a prolonged global economic crisis;

• a significant decrease in the demand for our products;

• the inability to develop new and enhanced products and services in a timely manner;

• a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;

• an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; and

• successful efforts by our competitors to gain market share in our markets.

## Inventory Valuation

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined on the basis of estimated realizable values. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out basis. We periodically review our inventory for slow-moving, damaged and discontinued items and provide reserves to reduce such items identified to their recoverable amounts.

## Income Taxes

Our estimate of income taxes payable, deferred income taxes and the effective tax rate is based on an analysis of many factors including interpretations of federal and state income tax laws, the difference between tax and financial reporting bases and liabilities, estimates of amounts currently due or owed in various jurisdictions, and current accounting standards. We review and update our estimates on a quarterly basis as facts and circumstances change and actual results are known.

We have generated significant deferred tax assets as a result of goodwill and intangible asset book versus tax differences as well as state net operating loss carryforwards. In assessing the ability to realize these deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the years in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, excluding those relating to indefinite lived intangible assets, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. As a result of this analysis, we have recorded a valuation allowance against certain of these deferred tax assets.



Accruals for uncertain tax positions, if any, are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC 740—Income Taxes. See Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our accounting for income taxes.

## Warranty Cost Recognition

We accrue for estimated warranty costs as sales are recognized and periodically assess the adequacy of the recorded warranty liability and adjust the amount as necessary. Our warranties generally provide, with respect to our snow and ice control equipment, that all material and workmanship will be free from defect for a period of two years after the date of purchase by the end-user, and with respect to our parts and accessories purchased separately, that such parts and accessories will be free from defect for a period of one year after the date of purchase by the end-user. Certain snowplows only provide for a one year warranty. We determine the amount of the estimated warranty costs (and our corresponding warranty reserve) based on our prior five years of warranty history utilizing a formula driven by historical warranty expense and applying management's judgment. We adjust our historical warranty costs to take into account unique factors such as the introduction of new products into the marketplace that do not provide a historical warranty record to assess.

## Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of cash have been and we expect will continue to be cash from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facilities.

Our primary uses of cash are to provide working capital, meet debt service requirements, finance capital expenditures, pay dividends under our dividend policy and support our growth, including through potential acquisitions, and for other general corporate purposes. For a description of the seasonality of our working capital rates see “—Seasonality and Year-To-Year Variability.”

Our Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy that reflects an intention to distribute to our stockholders a regular quarterly cash dividend. The declaration and payment of these dividends to holders of our common stock is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends upon many factors, including our financial condition and earnings, legal requirements, taxes and other factors our Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. The terms of our indebtedness may also restrict us from paying cash dividends on our common stock under certain circumstances. As a result of this dividend policy, we may not have significant cash available to meet any large unanticipated liquidity requirements. As a result, we may not retain a sufficient amount of cash to fund our operations or to finance unanticipated capital expenditures or growth opportunities, including acquisitions. Our Board of Directors may, however, amend, revoke or suspend our dividend policy at any time and for any reason.

As of December 31, 2015, we had liquidity comprised of approximately $36.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and borrowing availability of approximately $99.4 million under our revolving credit facility. Borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility is governed by a borrowing base, the calculation of which includes cash on hand. Accordingly, use of cash on hand may also result in a reduction in the amount available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility. Furthermore, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain at least $15.0 million of borrowing availability. We expect that cash on hand, cash generated from operations, as well as available credit under our senior credit facilities will provide adequate funds for the purposes described above for at least the next 12 months.



## Cash Flow Analysis

Set forth below is summary cash flow information for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Cash Flows (in thousands)</td><td colspan="3">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>$ 32,248</td><td>$ 53,747</td><td>$ 56,465</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in investing activities</td><td>(29,509)</td><td>(90,929)</td><td>(21,827)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities</td><td>(7,011)</td><td>41,513</td><td>(21,989)</td></tr><tr><td>Increase (Decrease) in cash</td><td>$ (4,272)</td><td>$ 4,331</td><td>$ 12,649</td></tr></table>

## Sources and Uses of Cash

During the three-year periods described above, net cash provided by operating activities was used for funding capital investment, paying dividends, paying interest on our senior credit facilities, and funding working capital requirements during our pre-season shipping period. Additionally, cash from operations was used to fully fund the acquisition of the TrynEx business and to fund a portion of the acquisition of Henderson.

The following table shows our cash and cash equivalents and inventories at December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>2015</td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="3">(in thousands)</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$19,864</td><td>$24,195</td><td>$36,844</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>27,977</td><td>48,248</td><td>51,584</td></tr></table>

## Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

We had cash and cash equivalents of $36.8 million at December 31, 2015 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $24.2 million at December 31, 2014. The table below sets forth a summary of the significant sources and uses of cash for the periods presented.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Cash Flows (in thousands)</td><td colspan="4">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>2015</td><td>Change</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>$ 53,747</td><td>$ 56,465</td><td>$ 2,718</td><td>5.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in investing activities</td><td>(90,929)</td><td>(21,827)</td><td>69,102</td><td>76.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities</td><td>41,513</td><td>(21,989)</td><td>(63,502)</td><td>153.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Increase (Decrease) in cash</td><td>$ 4,331</td><td>$ 12,649</td><td>$ 8,318</td><td>(192.1)%</td></tr></table>

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $2.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2014 to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to a $13.3 million increase in net income adjusted for reconciling items slightly offset by a $10.5 million in unfavorable working capital changes. Negatively impacting cash flow was a $6.8 million increase in accounts receivable and a $4.9 million increase in refundable income taxes paid.



Net cash used in investing activities decreased $69.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the corresponding period in 2014. This decrease was due to the $86.7 million in cash outflow in 2014 for the Henderson acquisition as compared to $11.8 million in additional outflows 2015 to complete the Henderson acquisition. Slightly offsetting this decrease, cash used in investing increased as a result of an increase in capital expenditures in 2015 as compared to 2014 by $4.8 million due to facility remodels and large expenditures related to equipment.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities decreased $63.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the corresponding period in 2014. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities was largely due to a $77.5 million net increase in 2014 resulting from borrowing and payments of long term debt. The net increase in 2014 was a result of the Company amending and restating its senior credit facility to fund the Henderson acquisition, which included borrowings of long term debt of $188.1 million, partially offset by repayment of existing debt of $111.8 million. In 2015, we had no similar increase and made $1.9 million in repayments of long term debt. In conjunction with amending the Company's senior credit facility, $2.1 million in financing costs were paid in 2014. We also paid dividends of $19.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to dividends paid of $20.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. We had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility at either December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2015.

## Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

We had cash and cash equivalents of $24.2 million at December 31, 2014 compared to cash and cash equivalents of $19.9 million at December 31, 2013. The table below sets forth a summary of the significant sources and uses of cash for the periods presented.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Cash Flows (in thousands)</td><td colspan="4">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2013</td><td>2014</td><td>Change</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>$ 32,248</td><td>$ 53,747</td><td>$ 21,499</td><td>66.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in investing activities</td><td>(29,509)</td><td>(90,929)</td><td>(61,420)</td><td>(208.1)%</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities</td><td>(7,011)</td><td>41,513</td><td>48,524</td><td>692.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Increase (Decrease) in cash</td><td>$ (4,272)</td><td>$ 4,331</td><td>$ 8,603</td><td>(201.4)%</td></tr></table>

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $21.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2013 to the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to a $16.6 million increase in net income adjusted for reconciling items and $4.9 million in working capital changes. Negatively impacting cash flow was a $4.2 million increase in accounts receivable, net of acquisitions, due to increased sales in the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013. Also, negatively impacting cash flow was an increase in inventory balances of $4.0 million, net of acquisitions. Offsetting this negative impact was an increase in accrued expenses by $6.6 million, driven primarily by increased accrued incentives and warranty reserves. Additionally, positively impacting cash flows in 2014 was a net decrease to income tax receivable (payable) balance of $3.3 million.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $61.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the corresponding period in 2013. This increase was due to the $86.7 million in cash outflow in 2014 to complete the Henderson acquisition, compared to the $26.7 million acquisition of the TrynEx business in 2013. Additionally, cash used in investing increased as a result of an increase in capital expenditures in 2014 as compared to 2013 by $2.5 million due to facility remodels and large expenditures related to equipment.



Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities increased $48.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding period in 2013. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was largely due to $77.5 million net increase resulting from borrowing and payments of long term debt. This increase was a result of the Company amending and restating its senior credit facility in 2014 to fund the Henderson acquisition, which included borrowings of long term debt of $188.1 million, partially offset by repayment of existing debt of $111.8 million compared to 2013, when we made $1.2 million in repayments of long term debt. In conjunction with amending the Company's senior credit facility, $2,129 in financing costs were paid in 2014. We also paid dividends of $18.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to dividends paid of $19.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. Lastly, we had $13.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2013 while we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2014.

## Future Obligations and Commitments

## Contractual Obligations

We are subject to certain contractual obligations, including long-term debt and related interest. We have net unrecognized tax benefits of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2015. However, we cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of potential cash settlement of the underlying liabilities; therefore, we have not included unrecognized tax benefits in calculating the obligations set forth in the following table of significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015.

<table><tr><td>(Dollars in thousands)</td><td>Total</td><td>Less than 1 year</td><td>1 - 3 years</td><td>3 - 5 years</td><td>More than 5 years</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term debt(1)</td><td>$186,472</td><td>$ 1,629</td><td>$ 3,258</td><td>$ 3,258</td><td>$178,327</td></tr><tr><td>Operating leases(2)</td><td>2,828</td><td>472</td><td>835</td><td>669</td><td>852</td></tr><tr><td>Interest on long-term debt(3)</td><td>57,531</td><td>9,838</td><td>19,376</td><td>18,977</td><td>9,340</td></tr><tr><td>Total contracted cash obligations(4)</td><td>$246,831</td><td>$11,939</td><td>$23,469</td><td>$22,904</td><td>$188,519</td></tr></table>

(1) Long-term debt obligation is presented net of discount of $1.6 million at December 31, 2015.

(2) Relates to six operating leases at Henderson truck equipment locations.

(3) Assumes all debt will remain outstanding until maturity. Interest payments were calculated using interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2015.

(4) Pension obligations are excluded from this table as we are unable to estimate the timing of payments related to these obligations. The minimum required contribution to our pension plans was $0.8 million in 2015 and is expected to be $1.0 million in 2016.

## Senior Credit Facilities

Prior to December 31, 2014, our senior credit facilities consisted of a $125.0 million term loan facility and an $80.0 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks. On December 31, 2014, in conjunction with the acquisition of Henderson, we amended and restated our senior credit facilities to, among other things, (i) increase the term loan facility by $65.0 million and (ii) increase the borrowing ability under the revolving credit agreement by $20.0 million. We made these changes to among other things, fund a portion of the Henderson acquisition. Following these changes, as of December 31, 2014, our senior credit facilities consisted of a $190.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks, of which $10.0 million will be available in the form of letters of credit and $5.0 million will be available for the issuance of short-term swingline loans.



Prior to the December 31, 2014 changes to our senior credit facilities, the interest on the $125.0 million term loan facility was (at our option) (i) 3.25% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) 1.00% plus the greater of (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the statutory reserve rate and (2) 1.50% or (ii) 4.25% per annum plus the greater of (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate and (b) 1.50%. Under the revolving credit facility prior to December 31, 2014, we had the option to select whether borrowings would bear interest at either (i) 1.75% per annum plus the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or (ii) 0.75% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus 1%.

Following the December 31, 2014 changes to the senior credit facilities described above, the new term loan under the Term Loan Credit Agreement generally bears interest at (at our election) either (i) 3.25% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) 1.00% plus the greater of (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) and (2) 1.00% or (ii) 4.25% per annum plus the greater of (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate and (b) 1.00%. The Term Loan Credit Agreement also allows us to request the establishment of one or more additional term loan commitments in an aggregate amount not in excess of $80.0 million, subject to specified terms and conditions, which amount may be further increased so long as the First Lien Debt Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) is not greater than 3.25 to 1.00. The final maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Agreement is December 31, 2021.

The revolving credit facility as amended and restated (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) provides that we have the option to select whether borrowings will bear interest at either (i) a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% per annum, depending on the utilization of the facility, plus the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) or (ii) a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.00% per annum, depending on the utilization of the facility, plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus 1%. The final maturity date of the Revolving Credit Agreement is December 31, 2019.

The term loan was issued at a $1.9 million discount which is being amortized over the term of the term loan.

Our amendment to our term loan facility resulted in a significant modification to a portion of our debt under ASC 470-50 which resulted in the write off of unamortized capitalized deferred financing costs of $0.7 million and the expensing of certain fees paid of $0.6 million, as well as the write off of unamortized debt discount of $0.6 million which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.9 million in the Consolidated Statement of Income during the year ended December 31, 2014.



At December 31, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings under the term loan of $186.5 million, no outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility and remaining borrowing availability of $99.4 million.

Our senior credit facilities include certain negative and operating covenants, including restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, and other customary covenants, representations and warranties and events of default. The senior credit facilities entered into and recorded by our subsidiaries significantly restrict its subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to Douglas Dynamics, Inc. The terms of our revolving credit facility specifically restrict subsidiaries from paying dividends if a minimum availability under the revolving credit facility is not maintained, and both senior credit facilities restrict subsidiaries from paying dividends above certain levels or at all if an event of default has occurred. These restrictions would affect us indirectly since we rely principally on distributions from its subsidiaries to have funds available for the payment of dividends. In addition, our revolving credit facility includes a requirement that, subject to certain exceptions, capital expenditures may not exceed $12.5 million in any calendar year (plus the unused portion of permitted capital expenditures from the preceding year subject to a $12.5 million cap and a separate one-time $15.0 million capital expenditures to be used for the consolidation of facilities and costs associated with the acquiring and/or development and construction of one new manufacturing facility) and, if certain minimum availability under the revolving credit facility is not maintained, that we comply with a monthly minimum fixed charge coverage ratio test of 1.0:1.0. Compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio test is subject to certain cure rights under our revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the respective covenants. The credit facilities are collateralized by substantially all of our assets.

In accordance with the senior credit facilities, we are required to make additional principal prepayments over the above scheduled payments under certain conditions. This includes, in the case of the term loan facility, 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, certain insurance or condemnation events, certain debt issuances, and, within 150 days of the end of the fiscal year, 50% of excess cash flow, as defined, including a deduction for certain distributions (which percentage is reduced to 0% upon the achievement of certain leverage ratio thresholds), for any fiscal year. Excess cash flow is defined in the senior credit facilities as consolidated adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) plus a working capital adjustment less the sum of repayments of debt and capital expenditures subject to certain adjustments, interest and taxes paid in cash, management fees and certain restricted payments (including dividends or distributions). Working capital adjustment is defined in the senior credit facilities as the change in working capital, defined as current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents less current liabilities excluding current portion of long term debt. As of December 31, 2015, we were not required to make an excess cash flow payment.

We entered into interest rate swap agreements on February 20, 2015 to reduce our exposure to interest rate volatility. The three interest rate swap agreements have notional amounts of $45.0 million, $90.0 million and $135.0 million effective for the periods December 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018, March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, respectively. The interest rate swaps' negative fair value at December 31, 2015 was $1.5 million of which $0.3 million and $1.2 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively. We have counterparty credit risk resulting from the interest rate swap, which we monitor on an on-going basis. This risk lies with one global financial institution. Under the interest rate swap agreement effective as of December 31, 2015, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.105% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement effective as of March 29, 2018, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.916% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap



agreement effective as of March 31, 2020, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 7.168% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%).

## Deductibility of Intangible and Goodwill Expense

We possess a favorable tax structure with approximately $19.0 million of annual tax-deductible intangible and goodwill amortization expense over the next three years which may be utilized in the event we have sufficient taxable income to utilize such benefit.

## Impact of Inflation

We do not believe that inflation risk is material to our business or our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows at this time. Historically, we have experienced normal raw material, labor and fringe benefit inflation. To date we have been able to fully offset this inflation by providing higher value products, which command higher prices. In previous years, we have experienced significant increases in steel costs, but have been able to mitigate the effects of these increases through both temporary and permanent steel surcharges. See “Risk Factors—The price of steel, a commodity necessary to manufacture our products, is highly variable. If the price of steel increases, our gross margins could decline.”

## Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

## Seasonality and Year-To-Year Variability

Our business is seasonal and also varies from year-to-year. Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition vary from quarter-to-quarter and from year-to-year as well. In addition, because of this seasonality and variability, our results of operations for any quarter may not be indicative of results of operations that may be achieved for a subsequent quarter or the full year, and may not be similar to results of operations experienced in prior years.

Sales of our products are significantly impacted by the level, timing and location of snowfall, with sales in any given year and region most heavily influenced by snowfall levels in the prior snow season (which we consider to begin in October and end in March) in that region. This is due to the fact that end-user demand for our products is driven primarily by the condition of their snow and ice control equipment, and in the case of professional snowplowers, by their financial ability to purchase new or replacement snow and ice control equipment, both of which are significantly affected by snowfall levels. Heavy snowfall during a given winter causes usage of our products to increase, resulting in greater wear and tear to our products and a shortening of their life cycles, thereby creating a need for replacement snow and ice control equipment and related parts and accessories. In addition, when there is a heavy snowfall in a given winter, the increased income our professional snowplowers generate from their professional snowplow activities provides them with increased purchasing power to purchase replacement snow and ice control equipment prior to the following winter. To a lesser extent, sales of our products are influenced by the timing of snowfall in a given winter. Because an early snowfall can be viewed as a sign of a heavy upcoming snow season, our end-users may respond to an early snowfall by purchasing replacement snow and ice control equipment during the current season rather than delaying purchases until after the season is over when most purchases are typically made by end-users.

We attempt to manage the seasonal impact of snowfall on our revenues in part through our pre-season sales program, which involves actively soliciting and encouraging pre-season distributor orders in the second and third quarters by offering our distributors a combination of pricing, payment



and freight incentives during this period. These pre-season sales incentives encourage our distributors to re-stock their inventory during the second and third quarters in anticipation of the peak fourth quarter retail sales period by offering favorable pre-season pricing and payment deferral until the fourth quarter. As a result, we tend to generate our greatest volume of sales (an average of over two-thirds over the last ten years) during the second and third quarters, providing us with manufacturing visibility for the remainder of the year. By contrast, our revenue and operating results tend to be lowest during the first quarter as management believes our end-users prefer to wait until the beginning of a snow season to purchase new equipment and as our distributors sell off inventory and wait for our pre-season sales incentive period to re-stock inventory. Fourth quarter sales vary from year-to-year as they are primarily driven by the level, timing and location of snowfall during the quarter. This is because most of our fourth quarter sales and shipments consist of re-orders by distributors seeking to restock inventory to meet immediate customer needs caused by snowfall during the winter months.

Our revenue and operating results tend to be lowest during the first quarter, during which period we typically experience negative earnings as the snow season draws to a close. Our first quarter revenue has varied from approximately $8.5 million to approximately $53.9 million between 2011 and 2015. During the last five-year period, net income (loss) during the first quarter has varied from a net income of approximately $1.6 million to a net loss of approximately $4.3 million, with an average net loss of $1.3 million.

While our monthly working capital has averaged approximately $65 million from 2013 to 2015, because of the seasonality of our sales, we experience seasonality in our working capital needs as well. In the first quarter we require capital as we are generally required to build our inventory in anticipation of our second and third quarter sales seasons. During the second and third quarters, our working capital requirements rise as our accounts receivables increase as a result of the sale and shipment of products ordered through our pre-season sales program and we continue to build inventory. Working capital requirements peak towards the end of the third quarter (reaching an average peak of approximately $75.0 million over the prior three years) and then begin to decline through the fourth quarter through a reduction in accounts receivables (as it is in the fourth quarter that we receive a majority of the payments for previously shipped products).

We also attempt to manage the impact of seasonality and year-to-year variability on our business costs through the effective management of our assets. See “Business—Our Business Strategy—Aggressive Asset Management and Profit Focus.” Our asset management and profit focus strategies include:

- the employment of a highly variable cost structure facilitated by a core group of workers that we supplement with a temporary workforce as sales volumes dictate, which allows us to adjust costs on an as-needed basis in response to changing demand;

• our enterprise-wide lean concept, which allows us to adjust production levels up or down to meet demand;

- the pre-season order program described above, which incentivizes distributors to place orders prior to the retail selling season; and

• a vertically integrated business model.

These asset management and profit focus strategies, among other management tools, allow us to adjust fixed overhead and sales, general and administrative expenditures to account for the year-to-year variability of our sales volumes. Management currently estimates that annual fixed overhead expenses generally range from approximately $35.0 million in low sales volume years to approximately $40.0 million in high sales volume years. Further, management currently estimates that annual sales, general and administrative expenses other than amortization generally approximate $43.0 million, but



can be reduced to approximately $35.0 million to maximize cash flow in low sales volume years, and can increase to approximately $48.0 million to maintain customer service and responsiveness in high sales volume years.

Additionally, although modest, our annual capital expenditure requirements, which are normally budgeted at $7.0 million, can be temporarily reduced by up to approximately 40% in response to actual or anticipated decreases in sales volumes. If we are unsuccessful in our asset management initiatives, the seasonality and year-to-year variability effects on our business may be compounded and in turn our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

## Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

## Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We do not use financial instruments for speculative trading purposes, and do not hold any derivative financial instruments that could expose us to significant market risk. Our primary market risk exposures are changes in interest rates and steel price fluctuations.

## Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates. Our borrowings, including our term loan and any revolving borrowings under our senior credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. In addition, the interest rate on any revolving borrowings is subject to an increase in the interest rate based on our average daily availability under our revolving credit facility.

As of December 31, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings under our term loan of $186.5 million which was amended on December 31, 2014. A hypothetical interest rate change of 1%, 1.5% and 2% on our term loan would have changed interest incurred for the year ended December 31, 2015 by $0.5 million, $1.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively. We entered into three interest rate swap agreements in 2015 with notional amounts of $45.0 million, $90.0 million and $135.0 million effective for the periods December 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018; March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2020; and March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, respectively. We entered into these interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability in future cash flows associated with our variable-term loans. We have counterparty credit risk resulting from the interest rate swaps, which we monitor on an on-going basis. This risk lies with one global financial institution. Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.105% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 29, 2018, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.916% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 31, 2020, we will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 7.168% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). The interest rate swaps' negative fair value at December 31, 2015 was $1.5 million, of which $0.3 million and $1.2 million are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. A hypothetical interest rate change of 1%, 1.5% and 2% on our revolving credit facility would have changed interest incurred for the year ended December 31, 2015 by $0.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.



## Commodity Price Risk

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to our purchase of steel, the primary commodity upon which our manufacturing depends. While steel is typically available from numerous suppliers, the price of steel is a commodity subject to fluctuations that apply across broad spectrums of the steel market. We do not use any derivative or hedging instruments to manage the price risk. If the price of steel increases, our variable costs could also increase. While historically we have successfully mitigated these increased costs through the implementation of either permanent price increases and/or temporary invoice surcharges, in the future we may not be able to successfully mitigate these costs, which could cause our gross margins to decline. If our costs for steel were to increase by $1.00 in a period in which we were not able to pass any of this increase onto our distributors, our gross margins would decline by $1.00 in that period.

## Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements are included in this report beginning on page F-3.

## Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None

## Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

## Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (the “Evaluation”) as of the last day of the period covered by this report.

Based upon the Evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

## Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.



Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 framework). Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2015.

## Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the last fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect such controls.

## Item 9B. Other Information

None

## PART III

## Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information included under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which is expected to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days following the end of the fiscal year covered by this report (the “Proxy Statement”), is hereby incorporated by reference. The information required by Item 10 with respect to our Executive Officers is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, as well as all of our employees. We have posted a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website at www.douglasdynamics.com. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is also available in print to any stockholder who requests it in writing from the Corporate Secretary at 7777 North 73rd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223. We intend to post on our website any amendments to, or waivers (with respect to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller) from, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics within four business days of any such amendment or waiver. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.

## Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required in Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report.”



## Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information required in Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance—Significant Stockholders” and “—Executive Officers and Directors.”

## Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required in Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Corporate Governance.”

## Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required in Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

## PART IV

## Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1, the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on page F-2 and F-3 and the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-4, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules:

All schedules have been omitted because the information required in these schedules is included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3) Exhibits:

See “Exhibit Index” of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.



## Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 8 \( ^{th} \)  day of March, 2016.

DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.

By: /s/ JAMES JANIK

James L. Janik
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 8, 2016.

<table><tr><td>/s/ JAMES L. JANIK</td><td>Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director</td></tr><tr><td>James L. Janik</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ ROBERT L. McCORMICK</td><td>Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)</td></tr><tr><td>Robert L. McCormick</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ ROBERT J. YOUNG</td><td>Vice President, Controller and Treasurer (Controller)</td></tr><tr><td>Robert J. Young</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ MARGARET S. DANO</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Margaret S. Dano</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ KENNETH W. KRUEGER</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Kenneth W. Krueger</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ JAMES L. PACKARD</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>James L. Packard</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ JAMES D. STALEY</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>James D. Staley</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>/s/ DONALD W. STURDIVANT</td><td>Director</td></tr><tr><td>Donald W. Sturdivant</td><td></td></tr></table>



## Exhibit Index

2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 6, 2013 by and between Acquisition Tango LLC, TrynEx, Inc. and shareholders of TrynEx, Inc. named therein [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 6, 2013 (File No. 001-34728)].

2.2 First Amendment, dated August 6, 2013, to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated May 6, 2013 by and between TrynEx International LLC, Apex International, Inc. and shareholders of Apex International, Inc. named therein [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 5, 2013 (File No. 001-34728)].

2.3 Merger Agreement, dated November 24, 2014, among Douglas Dynamics, Inc., DDIZ Acquisition, Inc., Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. and the stockholder representative named therein [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 25, 2014].

3.1 Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.1 Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2014, among Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C., Douglas Dynamics Finance Company, Fisher, LLC, Trynex International LLC, Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. (as successor by merger to DDIZ Acquisition, Inc.), and Henderson Products, Inc., as borrowers, Douglas Dynamics, Inc., as guarantor, the banks and financial institutions listed therein, as lenders, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as syndication agent [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 6, 2014 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.2 Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2014, among Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C., as borrower, Douglas Dynamics, Inc., Douglas Dynamics Finance Company, Fisher, LLC, Trynex International LLC, Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. (as successor by merger to DDIZ Acquisition, Inc.), and Henderson Products, Inc., as guarantors, the banks and financial institutions listed therein, as lenders, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as collateral agent and administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as syndication agent [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 6, 2014 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.3# Employment Agreement between Robert McCormick and Douglas Dynamics, Inc., dated September 7, 2004, as amended by that certain amendment, dated as of October 1, 2008 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].



10.4# Form of Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between Robert McCormick and Douglas Dynamics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.5# Employment Agreement between James L. Janik and Douglas Dynamics, Inc., dated March 30, 2004 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.6# Form of Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between James L. Janik and Douglas Dynamics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.7# Employment Agreement between Mark Adamson and Douglas Dynamics, Inc., dated August 27, 2007 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.8# Form of Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between Mark Adamson and Douglas Dynamics, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.9# Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.10# Form of Amended and Restated Management Incentive Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.11# Form of Management Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.12# Form of Amended and Restated Management Non-Qualified Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.13# Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.14# Form of Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.15# Amended and Restated Management Incentive Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan between Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and James L. Janik, dated March 31, 2004 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].



10.16# Form of Second Amended and Restated Management Incentive Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan between Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and James L. Janik [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.17# Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan between Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and James L. Janik, dated March 31, 2004 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.18# Form of Second Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan between Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and James L. Janik [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.19# Form of Amended and Restated Deferred Stock Unit Agreement [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.20# Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.21# Douglas Dynamics, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2014 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.22# Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.23# Alternative Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.24# Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.25# Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.26# Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.27# Form of Restricted Stock Grant Notice and Standard Terms and Conditions under the Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2010 (File No. 001-34728)].



10.28# Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Standard Terms and Conditions under the Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2010 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.29# Form of Nonemployee Director Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Standard Terms and Conditions under the Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 30, 2010 (File No. 001-34728)].

10.30# Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-164590)].

10.31# Douglas Dynamics Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2011.]

10.32# Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2012.]

10.33# Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2012.]

10.34# Form of Nonemployee Director Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Standard Terms and Conditions under Douglas Dynamics, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2013 (File No. 001-34728)].

21.1* Subsidiaries of Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

23.1* Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

31.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2* Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.1 Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders [To be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2015; except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K]

101.INS XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase



101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

# A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

* Filed herewith.



## Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets ..... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income ..... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ..... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity ..... F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ..... F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..... F-9



## Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 8, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 8, 2016



## Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

We have audited Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Douglas Dynamics, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying 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.

In our opinion, Douglas Dynamics, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated March 8, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 8, 2016



## DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<table><tr><td></td><td>December 31, 2015</td><td>December 31, 2014</td></tr><tr><td>Assets</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current assets:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$ 36,844</td><td>$ 24,195</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable, net</td><td>67,707</td><td>60,918</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>51,584</td><td>48,248</td></tr><tr><td>Refundable income taxes paid</td><td>4,850</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>6,154</td><td>7,004</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid and other current assets</td><td>2,104</td><td>2,156</td></tr><tr><td>Total current assets</td><td>169,243</td><td>142,521</td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment, net</td><td>42,636</td><td>37,546</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>160,932</td><td>160,962</td></tr><tr><td>Other intangible assets, net</td><td>127,647</td><td>135,009</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred financing costs, net</td><td>2,337</td><td>2,485</td></tr><tr><td>Other long-term assets</td><td>2,708</td><td>1,920</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets</td><td>$505,503</td><td>$480,443</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities and shareholders&#x27; equity</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>$ 14,555</td><td>$ 9,753</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses and other current liabilities</td><td>25,549</td><td>33,670</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax payable</td><td>—</td><td>642</td></tr><tr><td>Current portion of long-term debt</td><td>1,629</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td>Total current liabilities</td><td>41,733</td><td>45,694</td></tr><tr><td>Retiree health benefit obligation</td><td>6,656</td><td>6,774</td></tr><tr><td>Pension obligation</td><td>10,839</td><td>12,316</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>54,932</td><td>49,853</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term debt, less current portion</td><td>184,843</td><td>186,471</td></tr><tr><td>Other long-term liabilities</td><td>6,004</td><td>6,046</td></tr><tr><td>Shareholders&#x27; equity:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Common Stock, par value $0.01, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 22,387,797 and 22,282,628 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively</td><td>224</td><td>223</td></tr><tr><td>Additional paid-in capital</td><td>141,626</td><td>138,268</td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>64,829</td><td>40,826</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax</td><td>(6,183)</td><td>(6,028)</td></tr><tr><td>Total shareholders&#x27; equity</td><td>200,496</td><td>173,289</td></tr><tr><td>Total liabilities and shareholders&#x27; equity</td><td>$505,503</td><td>$480,443</td></tr></table>



## DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Years ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>$400,408</td><td>$303,511</td><td>$194,320</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of sales</td><td>267,545</td><td>187,185</td><td>128,670</td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>132,863</td><td>116,326</td><td>65,650</td></tr><tr><td>Selling, general, and administrative expense</td><td>48,150</td><td>38,239</td><td>31,872</td></tr><tr><td>Intangibles amortization</td><td>7,362</td><td>5,803</td><td>5,625</td></tr><tr><td>Loss recognized on assets held for sale</td><td>—</td><td>67</td><td>647</td></tr><tr><td>Income from operations</td><td>77,351</td><td>72,217</td><td>27,506</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense, net</td><td>(10,895)</td><td>(8,129)</td><td>(8,328)</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on extinguishment of debt</td><td>—</td><td>(1,870)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Other expense, net</td><td>(193)</td><td>(221)</td><td>(161)</td></tr><tr><td>Income before taxes</td><td>66,263</td><td>61,997</td><td>19,017</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense</td><td>22,087</td><td>22,036</td><td>7,378</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 44,176</td><td>$ 39,961</td><td>$ 11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Net income attributable to participating securities</td><td>604</td><td>609</td><td>179</td></tr><tr><td>Net income attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 43,572</td><td>$ 39,352</td><td>$ 11,460</td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per share:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 1.95</td><td>$ 1.78</td><td>$ 0.52</td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share assuming dilution attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 1.94</td><td>$ 1.77</td><td>$ 0.51</td></tr><tr><td>Cash dividends declared and paid per share</td><td>$ 0.89</td><td>$ 0.87</td><td>$ 0.84</td></tr></table>



## DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Years ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$44,176</td><td>$39,961</td><td>$11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for pension and postretirement benefit liability, net of tax of ($495) in 2015, $3,346 in 2014 and ($3,838) in 2013</td><td>782</td><td>(5,350)</td><td>6,062</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for interest rate swap, net of tax of $564 in 2015, ($114) in 2014 and ($102) in 2013</td><td>(937)</td><td>184</td><td>160</td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive income</td><td>$44,021</td><td>$34,795</td><td>$17,861</td></tr></table>



## DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars In Thousands)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">Common Stock</td><td rowspan="2">Additional Paid-in Capital</td><td rowspan="2">Retained Earnings</td><td rowspan="2">Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</td><td rowspan="2">Total</td></tr><tr><td>Shares</td><td>Dollars</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2012</td><td>22,130,996</td><td>$221</td><td>$133,072</td><td>$ 27,523</td><td>$(7,084)</td><td>$153,732</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>11,639</td><td>—</td><td>11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(18,699)</td><td>—</td><td>(18,699)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for pension and postretirement benefit liability, net of tax of ($3,838)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>6,062</td><td>6,062</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for interest rate swap, net of tax of ($102)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>160</td><td>160</td></tr><tr><td>Shares withheld on restricted stock vesting</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(160)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(160)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation</td><td>92,458</td><td>1</td><td>2,586</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>2,587</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2013</td><td>22,223,454</td><td>$222</td><td>$135,498</td><td>$ 20,463</td><td>$ (862)</td><td>$155,321</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>39,961</td><td>—</td><td>39,961</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(19,598)</td><td>—</td><td>(19,598)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for pension and postretirement benefit liability, net of tax of $3,346</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(5,350)</td><td>(5,350)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for interest rate swap, net of tax of ($114)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>184</td><td>184</td></tr><tr><td>Shares withheld on restricted stock vesting</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(97)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(97)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation</td><td>59,174</td><td>1</td><td>2,867</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>2,868</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2014</td><td>22,282,628</td><td>$223</td><td>$138,268</td><td>$ 40,826</td><td>$(6,028)</td><td>$173,289</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>44,176</td><td>—</td><td>44,176</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(20,173)</td><td>—</td><td>(20,173)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for pension and postretirement benefit liability, net of tax of ($495)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>782</td><td>782</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment for interest rate swap, net of tax of $564</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(937)</td><td>(937)</td></tr><tr><td>Shares issued from exercise of stock options</td><td>26,350</td><td>—</td><td>111</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>111</td></tr><tr><td>Shares withheld on restricted stock vesting</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(27)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(27)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock based compensation</td><td>78,819</td><td>1</td><td>3,274</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>3,275</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2015</td><td>22,387,797</td><td>$224</td><td>$141,626</td><td>$ 64,829</td><td>$(6,183)</td><td>$200,496</td></tr></table>



## DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Years ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Operating activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 44,176</td><td>$ 39,961</td><td>$ 11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>12,281</td><td>9,225</td><td>8,693</td></tr><tr><td>Inventory step up of acquired business included in cost of sales</td><td>1,956</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount</td><td>720</td><td>759</td><td>758</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on extinguishment of debt</td><td>—</td><td>1,870</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Loss recognized on impairment of assets held for sale</td><td>—</td><td>67</td><td>647</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>3,275</td><td>2,868</td><td>2,587</td></tr><tr><td>Provision for losses on accounts receivable</td><td>305</td><td>577</td><td>329</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>5,807</td><td>(326)</td><td>10,728</td></tr><tr><td>Earnout liability</td><td>623</td><td>947</td><td>3,951</td></tr><tr><td>Changes in operating assets and liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable</td><td>(7,094)</td><td>(4,201)</td><td>(16,643)</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>(5,292)</td><td>(3,963)</td><td>6,445</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid refundable income taxes and other assets</td><td>(5,886)</td><td>2,085</td><td>1,717</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>4,802</td><td>(3,199)</td><td>1,559</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses and other current liabilities</td><td>3,138</td><td>6,595</td><td>2,885</td></tr><tr><td>Benefit obligations and other long-term liabilities</td><td>(2,346)</td><td>482</td><td>(3,047)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>56,465</td><td>53,747</td><td>32,248</td></tr><tr><td>Investing activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>(10,009)</td><td>(5,254)</td><td>(2,775)</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from sale of equipment and assets held for sale</td><td>—</td><td>1,018</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Acquisition of businesses</td><td>(11,818)</td><td>(86,693)</td><td>(26,734)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in investing activities</td><td>(21,827)</td><td>(90,929)</td><td>(29,509)</td></tr><tr><td>Financing activities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Shares withheld on restricted stock vesting paid for employees&#x27; taxes</td><td>(27)</td><td>(97)</td><td>(160)</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from exercise of stock options</td><td>111</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Payments of financing costs</td><td>—</td><td>(2,132)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Borrowings on long-term debt</td><td>—</td><td>188,100</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(20,173)</td><td>(19,598)</td><td>(18,699)</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term borrowings (repayments), net</td><td>—</td><td>(13,000)</td><td>13,000</td></tr><tr><td>Repayment of long-term debt</td><td>(1,900)</td><td>(111,760)</td><td>(1,152)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities</td><td>(21,989)</td><td>41,513</td><td>(7,011)</td></tr><tr><td>Change in cash and cash equivalents</td><td>12,649</td><td>4,331</td><td>(4,272)</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year</td><td>24,195</td><td>19,864</td><td>24,136</td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents at end of year</td><td>$ 36,844</td><td>$ 24,195</td><td>$ 19,864</td></tr><tr><td>Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes paid</td><td>$ 21,633</td><td>$ 17,012</td><td>$ 2,355</td></tr><tr><td>Interest paid</td><td>$ 10,519</td><td>$ 7,505</td><td>$ 7,597</td></tr></table>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 1. Description of business and basis of presentation

Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (the “Company,”) manufactures vehicle attachments and equipment. The Company’s portfolio includes snow and ice management attachments sold under the BLIZZARD \( ^{®} \) , FISHER \( ^{®} \) , SNOWEX \( ^{®} \)  and WESTERN \( ^{®} \)  brands, turf care equipment under the TURFEX \( ^{®} \)  brand, and industrial maintenance equipment under the SWEEPEX \( ^{®} \)  brand. On December 31, 2014, the Company acquired Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. (“Henderson”). The acquisition provides the Company with Henderson’s diverse product portfolio including ice control equipment, snow plows, dump bodies, muni-bodies, and replacement parts. The Company acquired Henderson’s brands, and access to Henderson’s network of authorized dealers in addition to Henderson’s six truck equipment distribution centers. The Company is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and currently has manufacturing facilities in Milwaukee, WI, Rockland, ME, and Madison Heights, MI. The Company closed its Johnson City, TN facility in August 2010 and sold this facility on April 30, 2014. With the Henderson acquisition, the Company also has a production facility in Manchester, Iowa and operates six truck equipment installation and distribution centers in New York, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, New Jersey and Illinois. The Company operates as a single segment.

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

## Principles of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C., and its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, Douglas Dynamics Finance Company (an inactive subsidiary), Fisher, LLC, Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc. and Henderson Products, Inc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

## Use of estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

## Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

## Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company carries its accounts receivable at their face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from distributors of truck equipment. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes the allowance for doubtful



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

accounts based on a combination of specific customer circumstances and credit conditions based on a history of write-offs and collections. A receivable is considered past due if payments have not been received within agreed upon invoice terms. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. The Company takes a security interest in the inventory as collateral for the receivable but often does not have a priority security interest.

## Financing program

The Company is party to a financing program in which certain distributors may elect to finance their purchases from the Company through a third party financing company. The Company provides the third party financing company recourse against the Company regarding the collectability of the receivable under the program due to the fact that if the third party financing company is unable to collect from the distributor the amounts due in respect of the product financed, the Company would be obligated to repurchase any remaining inventory related to the product financed and reimburse any legal fees incurred by the financing company. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, distributors financed purchases of $7,584, $5,646 and $2,926 through this financing program, respectively. At both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no uncollectible outstanding receivables related to sales financed under the financing program. The amount owed by our distributors to the third party financing company under this program at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2,788 and $1,889, respectively. The Company was required to repurchase repossessed inventory of $13, $0, and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In the past, minimal losses have been incurred under this agreement. However, an adverse change in distributor retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require the Company to repurchase repossessed units. Any repossessed units are inspected to ensure they are current, unused product and are restocked and resold.

## Interest Rate Swap

As required by the Company’s prior debt agreement the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in the second quarter of 2011 to hedge against the potential impact on earnings from increases in market interest rates. Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of July 18, 2011 the Company either received or made payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.335% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.5%). The interest rate swap agreement expired in December of 2014. On December 31, 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility, which no longer required the Company to have a hedge agreement in place.

The Company is a counterparty to interest-rate swap agreements to hedge against the potential impact on earnings from increases in market interest rates. The Company entered into three interest rate swap agreements during the first quarter of 2015 with notional amounts of $45,000, $90,000 and $135,000 effective for the periods December 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018, March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, respectively. Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.105% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 29, 2018 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.916% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement effective as of March 31, 2020 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 7.168% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). The negative fair value of the interest rate swap, net of tax, of (\$937) at December 31, 2015 is included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” on the balance sheet. This fair value was determined using Level 2 inputs as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 820.

## Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market is determined based on estimated realizable values. Inventory costs are primarily determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company periodically reviews its inventory for slow moving, damaged and discontinued items and provides reserves to reduce such items identified to their recoverable amounts.

## Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives for financial statement purposes and an accelerated method for income tax reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Years</td></tr><tr><td>Land improvements and buildings</td><td>15 - 40</td></tr><tr><td>Leasehold improvements</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>3 - 20</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture and fixtures</td><td>3 - 12</td></tr><tr><td>Mobile equipment and other</td><td>3 - 10</td></tr></table>

Depreciation expense was $4,919, $3,422, and $3,068 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Expenditures for renewals and improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred. Repairs and maintenance expenses amounted to $5,272, $4,682 and $3,509 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. When assets are sold or retired, the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized in the results of operations.

## Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying value of such assets to the undiscounted



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment provision is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value of the asset, less costs of disposition. Management of the Company considers such factors as current results, trends and future prospects, current market value, and other economic and regulatory factors in performing these analyses. The Company determined that no long-lived assets were impaired as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

## Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of December 31, or sooner if impairment indicators arise. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is estimated based upon an income and market approach. In reviewing goodwill for impairment, potential impairment is identified by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting units to its carrying value. The Company has determined it has two reporting units. When the fair value is less than the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, including goodwill, an impairment loss may be recognized. The Company has determined that goodwill and indefinite lived assets were not impaired as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and are reviewed for potential impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company amortizes its distribution network intangible over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years, trademarks over 7 to 25 years, patents over 7 to 20 years, customer relationships over 15 to 19.5 years and noncompete agreements over 4 to 5 years. The Company acquired a backlog in conjunction with the Henderson acquisition on December 31, 2014 which was amortized in the first half of 2015. There were no indicators of impairment during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

## Income taxes

Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates. Deferred income tax provisions or benefits are based on the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities from period to period. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. Additionally, when applicable, the Company would classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

## Deferred financing costs

The costs of obtaining financing are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related financing on a basis that approximates the effective interest method. The changes in deferred financing costs are as follows:

<table><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2012</td><td>$2,794</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred financing costs</td><td>(578)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2013</td><td>2,216</td></tr><tr><td>Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs</td><td>(701)</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred financing costs capitalized on new debt</td><td>1,549</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred financing costs</td><td>(579)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2014</td><td>2,485</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of deferred financing costs</td><td>(148)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2015</td><td>$2,337</td></tr></table>

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded the write-off of certain deferred financing costs as a loss on extinguishment of debt, in the consolidated statements of income as a result of an amendment to the Company’s term loan facility resulting in a significant modification of the debt for certain lenders under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470-50.

## Fair Value

Fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Fair value measurements are categorized into one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used: Level 1 (unadjusted quoted prices in active markets); Level 2 (observable market inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1); and Level 3 (unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data).



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and discloses the fair value of long-term debt:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Fair Value at 12/31/2015</td><td>Fair Value at 12/31/2014</td></tr><tr><td>Assets:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other long-term assets(a)</td><td>$ 2,500</td><td>$ 1,725</td></tr><tr><td>Total Assets</td><td>$ 2,500</td><td>$ 1,725</td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Long term debt(b)</td><td>185,540</td><td>187,160</td></tr><tr><td>Earnout—Henderson(c)</td><td>761</td><td>600</td></tr><tr><td>Earnout—Trynex(d)</td><td>1,606</td><td>1,987</td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap(e)</td><td>1,501</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Total Liabilities</td><td>$189,408</td><td>$189,747</td></tr></table>

(a) Included in other assets is the cash surrender value of insurance policies on various individuals that are associated with the Company. The carrying amounts of these insurance policies approximates their fair value.

(b) The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which is a Level 2 input for all periods presented. Meanwhile, long-term debt is recorded at carrying amount, net of discount, as disclosed on the face of the balance sheet.

(c) Included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long term liabilities in the amounts of $319 and $442, respectively, at December 31, 2015 is the fair value of an obligation for a portion of the potential earn out acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of Henderson. Fair value is based upon Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis using key inputs of forecasted future sales as well as a growth rate reduced by the market required rate of return. See reconciliation of liability included below:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Beginning Balance</td><td>$ 600</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Additions</td><td>—</td><td>600</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to fair value</td><td>322</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Payment to former owners</td><td>(161)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Ending balance</td><td>$ 761</td><td>$600</td></tr></table>

(d) Included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the amount of $1,606 at December 31, 2015 is the fair value of an obligation for the potential earn out incurred in conjunction with the



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

acquisition of substantially all of TrynEx Inc.'s ("TrynEx") assets. Meanwhile, $1,987 was included in other long term liabilities at December 31, 2014. Fair value is based upon Level 3 inputs of a monte carlo simulation analysis using key inputs of forecasted future sales and financial performance as well as a growth rate reduced by the market required rate of return. See reconciliation of liability included below:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Beginning Balance</td><td>$1,987</td><td>$ 3,587</td></tr><tr><td>Additions</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to fair value</td><td>(113)</td><td>400</td></tr><tr><td>Payments to former owners</td><td>(268)</td><td>(2,000)</td></tr><tr><td>Ending balance</td><td>$1,606</td><td>$ 1,987</td></tr></table>

(e) Valuation models are calibrated to initial trade price. Subsequent valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model (e.g. interest rates and credit spreads). Model inputs are changed only when corroborated by market data. A credit risk adjustment is made on each swap using observable market credit spreads. Thus, inputs used to determine fair value of the interest rate swap are Level 2 inputs. Interest rate swaps of $286 and $1,215 at December 31, 2015 are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively.

## Concentration of credit risk

The Company’s cash is deposited with multiple financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant risk on these balances.

No distributor represented more than 10% of the Company’s net sales or accounts receivable during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

## Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenues upon shipment to the customer, which is when risk of loss passes and all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) the price is fixed or determinable; (iii) collectability is reasonably assured; and (iv) the product has been shipped and the Company has no further obligations. Customers have no right of return privileges. Historically, product returns have not been material and are permitted on an exception basis only.

The Company offers a variety of discounts and sales incentives to its distributors. The estimated liability for sales discounts and allowances is recorded at the time of sale as a reduction of net sales.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The liability is estimated based on the costs of the program, the planned duration of the program and historical experience.

## Cost of sales

Cost of sales includes all costs associated with the manufacture of the Company’s products, including raw materials, purchased parts, freight, plant operating expenses, property insurance and taxes, and plant depreciation. All payroll costs and employee benefits for the hourly workforce, manufacturing management, and engineering costs are included in cost of sales.

## Warranty cost recognition

The Company accrues for estimated warranty costs as revenue is recognized. See Note 9 for further details.

## Defined benefit plans

The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. Management reviews underlying assumptions on an annual basis. Refer to Note 11.

## Advertising expenses

Advertising expenses include costs for the production of marketing media, literature, CD-ROM, and displays. The Company participates in trade shows and advertises in the yellow pages and billboards. Advertising expenses amounted to $4,511, $4,393 and $3,037 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company also provides its distributors with pre-approved, cooperative advertising programs, which are recorded as advertising expense in selling, general and administrative expense. All costs associated with the Company’s advertising programs are expensed as incurred.

## Shipping and handling costs

Generally, shipping and handling costs are paid directly by the customer to the shipping agent. Those shipping and handling costs billed by the Company are recorded as a component of sales with the corresponding costs included in cost of sales.

## Share-based payments

The Company applies the guidance codified in ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. This standard requires the measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and recognition of the compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (generally the vesting period). Because the Company used the minimum-value method to measure compensation cost for employee stock options prior to January 1, 2006, the date on



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

which ASC 718 was adopted, under this previous guidance, it was required to use the prospective method of adoption for this standard. Under the prospective method, the Company continues to account for non-vested awards outstanding at the date of adoption using the same method as prior to adoption for financial statement recognition purposes. All awards granted, modified, or settled after the date of adoption are accounted for using the measurement, recognition, and attribution provisions of ASC 718.

## Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner resources and is comprised of net income or loss and “other comprehensive income (loss)”. The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of the adjustments for pension and postretirement benefit liabilities as well as the impact of its interest rate swaps. The Company had an interest rate swap contract on $50,000 notional amount of the prior term loan that expired in December 2014. On December 31, 2014 the company amended its senior credit facility, which no longer required the Company to enter into a hedge agreement. The Company entered into three interest rate swap agreements during the first quarter of 2015 with notional amounts of $45,000, $90,000 and $135,000 effective for the periods December 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018, March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, respectively. Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.105% and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 29, 2018 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.916% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement effective as of March 31, 2020 the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 7.168% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). See Note 18 for the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

## Segment Reporting

The Company operates in and reports as a single operating segment, which is the manufacture and sale of snow and ice control products. Net sales are generated through the sale of snow and ice control products and accessories to distributors. The chief operating decision maker (the Company’s Chief Executive Officer) manages and evaluates its operations as one segment primarily due to similarities in the nature of the products, production processes and methods of distribution. All of the Company’s identifiable assets are located in the United States. The Company’s sales outside North America are not material, representing less than 1% of net sales.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

The Company’s product offerings primarily consist of snow and ice control products and accessories. Equipment and parts and accessories are each a similar class of products based on similar customer usage.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment</td><td>$349,423</td><td>$254,234</td><td>$164,460</td></tr><tr><td>Parts and accessories</td><td>50,985</td><td>49,277</td><td>29,860</td></tr><tr><td>Net Sales</td><td>$400,408</td><td>$303,511</td><td>$194,320</td></tr></table>

## 3. Acquisitions

On December 31, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Henderson for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the snow and ice segment. Total consideration was $98,511 including a working capital adjustment of $4,688 and a separate payment to one of the former shareholders of $3,340. The Company paid the former shareholders of Henderson $4,688 of the working capital adjustment in the year ended December 31, 2015 and had an outstanding payable to a former Henderson shareholder at December 31, 2014. The outstanding payable to the former Henderson shareholder was $3,340 at December 31, 2014 and was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities until it was paid to the former shareholder in the year ended December 31, 2015. The acquisition was financed through amending the Company’s senior credit facility as discussed below in Note 7 and through the use of on hand cash. The Company incurred $1,815 of transaction expenses related to this acquisition that are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price paid and the subsequent working capital adjustment to the fair value of the net assets acquired as of the acquisition date:

<table><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$ 3,950</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable</td><td>14,951</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>16,308</td></tr><tr><td>Refundable income taxes paid</td><td>1,206</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes—current</td><td>823</td></tr><tr><td>Other current assets</td><td>876</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment</td><td>10,848</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>47,800</td></tr><tr><td>Intangible assets</td><td>17,390</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets—long term</td><td>74</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable and other current liabilities</td><td>(24,083)</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes—long term</td><td>(3,202)</td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities—long term</td><td>(248)</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$ 86,693</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 3. Acquisitions (Continued)

The goodwill for the acquisition is a result of acquiring and retaining the existing workforces and expected synergies from integrating the operations into the Company. The Company only expects to be able to deduct unamortized intangible assets and goodwill that existed at the time of the acquisition of $4,218 as only the existing goodwill and intangible assets are deductible as a result of not making an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. The remaining useful lives of intangible assets and goodwill for income tax purposes is 8.4 years. For book purposes, the acquired intangible assets include customer relationships of $8,300 being amortized over 15 years, patents of $3,200 being amortized over 10 years, non-compete agreements of $2,090 being amortized over 4 years, $200 backlog being amortized over six months and trademarks of $3,600 that possess indefinite lives.

The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the results of operations are included in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition. As the transaction occurred on December 31, 2014, there was no income statement activity in the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following unaudited pro forma information combines historical results as if Henderson had been owned by the Company for the twelve month periods presented.

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">Year ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>$385,138</td><td>$267,300</td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 43,191</td><td>$ 12,453</td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share assuming dilution attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 1.90</td><td>$ 0.54</td></tr></table>

The unaudited pro forma information above includes the historical financial results of the Company and Henderson, adjusted to record depreciation and intangible asset amortization related to valuation of the acquired tangible and intangible assets at fair value and the addition of incremental costs related to debt to finance the acquisition, and the tax benefits related to the increased costs. This information is presented for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the Company's results of operations would have been had the acquisition been in effect for the periods presented or future results.

On May 6, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of TrynEx for the purpose of expanding its current market presence in the snow and ice segment. Total consideration paid was $26,734 including an estimated working capital adjustment. The working capital adjustment was further adjusted to reduce the purchase price at December 31, 2013 by $262 which the Company received in 2014. The acquisition was financed with $28,000 of revolver borrowings under the Company's credit facility discussed in Note 7. The Company incurred $1,239 of transaction expenses related to this acquisition that are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The TrynEx purchase agreement includes contingent consideration in the form of an earnout capped at $7,000. Under the earnout the former owners of TrynEx are entitled to receive payments



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 3. Acquisitions (Continued)

contingent upon the revenue growth and financial performance of the acquired business for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. On August 5, 2013, the purchase agreement was amended to remove the requirement that the former owners of TrynEx remain employed in the 2014 and 2015 performance periods, resulting in recognition of the fair value of the contingent consideration for 2014 and 2015 of $3,587 at that date. The requirement of continued employment remains in place for the 2016 performance period.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price paid and the subsequent working capital adjustment to the fair value of the net assets acquired as of the acquisition date:

<table><tr><td>Accounts receivable</td><td>$ 604</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>4,130</td></tr><tr><td>Other current assets</td><td>29</td></tr><tr><td>Property and equipment</td><td>5,272</td></tr><tr><td>Goodwill</td><td>5,910</td></tr><tr><td>Intangible assets</td><td>12,499</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable and other liabilities</td><td>(1,972)</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$26,472</td></tr></table>

The goodwill for the acquisition is a result of acquiring and retaining the existing workforces and expected synergies from integrating the operations into the Company. The Company is amortizing its goodwill for income tax purposes over a fifteen-year period starting at the date of acquisition. The acquired intangible assets include customer relationships of $8,820 being amortized over 19.5 years, patents of $1,320 being amortized over 17 years and trademarks of $2,359 being amortized over 25 years.

The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method, and accordingly, the results of operations are included in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition. From the date of acquisition through December 31, 2013, the TrynEx assets contributed $12,879 of revenues and ($3,334) of pre-tax operating losses, including $4,506 of certain purchase accounting expenses, related to the Company.

## 4. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Finished goods and work-in-process</td><td>$40,984</td><td>$38,906</td></tr><tr><td>Raw material and supplies</td><td>10,600</td><td>9,342</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$51,584</td><td>$48,248</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 5. Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Land</td><td>$ 1,500</td><td>$ 1,500</td></tr><tr><td>Land improvements</td><td>3,010</td><td>2,292</td></tr><tr><td>Leasehold improvements</td><td>859</td><td>499</td></tr><tr><td>Buildings</td><td>24,476</td><td>21,918</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>35,628</td><td>31,780</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture and fixtures</td><td>11,657</td><td>10,070</td></tr><tr><td>Mobile equipment and other</td><td>2,255</td><td>1,999</td></tr><tr><td>Construction-in-process</td><td>2,155</td><td>1,930</td></tr><tr><td>Total property, plant and equipment</td><td>81,540</td><td>71,988</td></tr><tr><td>Less accumulated depreciation</td><td>(38,904)</td><td>(34,442)</td></tr><tr><td>Net property, plant and equipment</td><td>$ 42,636</td><td>$ 37,546</td></tr></table>

## 6. Other Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of the Company’s other intangible assets:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Gross Carrying Amount</td><td>Less Accumulated Amortization</td><td>Net Carrying Amount</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2015</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Indefinite-lived intangibles:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Trademark and tradenames</td><td>$ 63,600</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 63,600</td></tr><tr><td>Amortizable intangibles:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dealer network</td><td>80,000</td><td>47,000</td><td>33,000</td></tr><tr><td>Customer relationships</td><td>19,120</td><td>3,129</td><td>15,991</td></tr><tr><td>Patents</td><td>19,636</td><td>8,269</td><td>11,367</td></tr><tr><td>Noncompete agreements</td><td>7,140</td><td>5,573</td><td>1,567</td></tr><tr><td>Trademarks</td><td>5,459</td><td>3,337</td><td>2,122</td></tr><tr><td>Backlog</td><td>200</td><td>200</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>License</td><td>20</td><td>20</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Amortizable intangibles, net</td><td>131,575</td><td>67,528</td><td>64,047</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$195,175</td><td>$67,528</td><td>$127,647</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 6. Other Intangible Assets (Continued)

<table><tr><td></td><td>Gross Carrying Amount</td><td>Less Accumulated Amortization</td><td>Net Carrying Amount</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2014</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Indefinite-lived intangibles:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Trademark and tradenames</td><td>$ 63,600</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 63,600</td></tr><tr><td>Amortizable intangibles:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dealer network</td><td>80,000</td><td>43,000</td><td>37,000</td></tr><tr><td>Customer relationships</td><td>19,120</td><td>1,990</td><td>17,130</td></tr><tr><td>Patents</td><td>19,636</td><td>7,121</td><td>12,515</td></tr><tr><td>Noncompete agreements</td><td>7,140</td><td>5,050</td><td>2,090</td></tr><tr><td>Trademarks</td><td>5,459</td><td>2,985</td><td>2,474</td></tr><tr><td>Backlog</td><td>200</td><td>—</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td>License</td><td>20</td><td>20</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Amortizable intangibles, net</td><td>131,575</td><td>60,166</td><td>71,409</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>$195,175</td><td>$60,166</td><td>$135,009</td></tr></table>

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $7,362, $5,803 and $5,625 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

<table><tr><td>2016</td><td>$6,903</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>6,903</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>6,903</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>6,382</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>6,360</td></tr></table>

The weighted average remaining life for intangible assets is 10.7 years at December 31, 2015.

## 7. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized below:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Term Loan, net of debt discount of $1,629 and $1,900 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively</td><td>$186,472</td><td>$188,100</td></tr><tr><td>Less current maturities</td><td>1,629</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$184,843</td><td>$186,471</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 7. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

The scheduled maturities on long term debt at December 31, 2015, are as follows:

<table><tr><td>2016</td><td>$ 1,629</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>1,629</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>178,327</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$186,472</td></tr></table>

Prior to December 31, 2014, the Company’s senior credit facilities consisted of a $125,000 term loan facility and an $80,000 revolving credit facility with a group of banks. On December 31, 2014, in conjunction with the Henderson acquisition, the Company amended and restated its senior credit facilities to, among other things, (i) increase the term loan facility by $65,000 and (ii) increase the borrowing ability under the revolving credit agreement by $20,000. The Company made these changes to among other things, fund a portion of the Henderson acquisition. Following these changes, the Company’s senior credit facilities consisted of a $190,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) and a $100,000 revolving credit facility with a group of banks, of which $10,000 will be available in the form of letters of credit and $5,000 will be available for the issuance of short-term swingline loans.

Prior to the December 31, 2014 changes to the Company’s senior credit facilities, the interest on the $125,000 term loan facility was (at the Company’s option) (i) 3.25% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) 1.00% plus the greater of (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the statutory reserve rate and (2) 1.50% or (ii) 4.25% per annum plus the greater of (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate and (b) 1.50%. Under the previous revolving credit facility prior to December 31, 2014, the Company had the option to select whether borrowings would bear interest at either (i) 1.75% per annum plus the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or (ii) 0.75% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus 1%.

Following the December 31, 2014 changes to the senior credit facilities described above, the new term loan under the Term Loan Credit Agreement generally bears interest at (at the Company’s election) either (i) 3.25% per annum plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) 1.00% plus the greater of (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 7. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) and (2) 1.00% or (ii) 4.25% per annum plus the greater of (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate and (b) 1.00%. The Term Loan Credit Agreement also allows the Company to request the establishment of one or more additional term loan commitments in an aggregate amount not in excess of $80,000 subject to specified terms and conditions, which amount may be further increased so long as the First Lien Debt Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) is not greater than 3.25 to 1.00. The final maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Agreement is December 31, 2021.

The revolving credit facility as amended and restated (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) provides that the Company has the option to select whether borrowings will bear interest at either (i) a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% per annum, depending on the utilization of the facility, plus the London Interbank Offered Rate for the applicable interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) or (ii) a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.00% per annum, depending on the utilization of the facility, plus the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) in effect on such day, (b) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers plus 0.50% and (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate for a one month interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate plus 1%. The final maturity date of the Revolving Credit Agreement is December 31, 2019.

The term loan was issued at a $1,900 discount which is being amortized over the term of the term loan.

The Company’s amendment to its term loan facility resulted in a significant modification to a portion of the Company’s debt under ASC 470-50 which resulted in the write off of unamortized capitalized deferred financing costs of $701 and the expensing of certain fees paid of $580, as well as the write off of unamortized debt discount of $589 which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1,870 in the Consolidated Statement of Income during the year ended December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the term loan of $186,472 and no outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility and remaining borrowing availability of $99,440.

The Company’s senior credit facilities include certain negative and operating covenants, including restrictions on its ability to pay dividends, and other customary covenants, representations and warranties and events of default. The senior credit facilities entered into and recorded by the Company’s subsidiaries significantly restrict its subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to Douglas Dynamics, Inc. The terms of the Company’s revolving credit facility specifically restrict subsidiaries from paying dividends if a minimum availability under the revolving credit facility is not maintained, and both senior credit facilities restrict subsidiaries from paying dividends above certain levels or at all if an event of default has occurred. These restrictions would affect the Company indirectly since the Company relies principally on distributions from its subsidiaries to have funds available for the payment of dividends. In addition, the Company’s revolving credit facility includes a requirement that, subject to certain exceptions, capital expenditures may not exceed



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 7. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

$12,500 in any calendar year (plus the unused portion of permitted capital expenditures from the preceding year subject to a $12,500 cap and a separate one-time $15,000 capital expenditures to be used for the consolidation of facilities and costs associated with the acquiring and/or development and construction of one new manufacturing facility) and, if certain minimum availability under the revolving credit facility is not maintained, that the Company comply with a monthly minimum fixed charge coverage ratio test of 1.0:1.0. Compliance with the fixed charge coverage ratio test is subject to certain cure rights under the Company's revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with the respective covenants. The credit facilities are collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company.

In accordance with the senior credit facilities, the Company is required to make additional principal prepayments over the above scheduled payments under certain conditions. This includes, in the case of the term loan facility, 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, certain insurance or condemnation events, certain debt issuances, and, within 150 days of the end of the fiscal year, 50% of excess cash flow, as defined, including a deduction for certain distributions (which percentage is reduced to 0% upon the achievement of certain leverage ratio thresholds), for any fiscal year. Excess cash flow is defined in the senior credit facilities as consolidated adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) plus a working capital adjustment less the sum of repayments of debt and capital expenditures subject to certain adjustments, interest and taxes paid in cash, management fees and certain restricted payments (including dividends or distributions). Working capital adjustment is defined in the senior credit facilities as the change in working capital, defined as current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents less current liabilities excluding current portion of long term debt. As of December 31, 2015, the Company was not required to make an excess cash flow payment.

The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements on February 20, 2015 to reduce its exposure to interest rate volatility. The three interest rate swap agreements have notional amounts of $45,000, $90,000 and $135,000 effective for the periods December 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018, March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020 through June 30, 2021, respectively. The interest rate swaps' negative fair value at December 31, 2015 was $1,501, of which $286 and $1,215 are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, respectively. The Company has counterparty credit risk resulting from the interest rate swap, which it monitors on an on-going basis. This risk lies with one global financial institution. Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015, the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.105% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 29, 2018, the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 6.916% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%). Under the interest rate swap agreement, effective as of March 31, 2020, the Company will either receive or make payments on a monthly basis based on the differential between 7.168% and LIBOR plus 4.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%).



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 8. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities are summarized as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Payroll and related costs</td><td>$ 8,927</td><td>$ 7,716</td></tr><tr><td>Employee benefits</td><td>4,113</td><td>3,860</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued warranty</td><td>7,423</td><td>6,279</td></tr><tr><td>Amounts due to sellers</td><td>—</td><td>11,824</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>5,086</td><td>3,991</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$25,549</td><td>$33,670</td></tr></table>

## 9. Warranty Liability

The Company accrues for estimated warranty costs as sales are recognized and periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the amount as necessary. The Company's warranties generally provide, with respect to its snow and ice control equipment, that all material and workmanship will be free from defect for a period of two years after the date of purchase by the end-user, and with respect to its parts and accessories purchased separately, that such parts and accessories will be free from defect for a period of one year after the date of purchase by the end-user. Certain snowplows only provide for a one year warranty. The Company determines the amount of the estimated warranty costs (and its corresponding warranty reserve) based on the Company's prior five years of warranty history utilizing a formula driven by historical warranty expense and applying management's judgment. The Company adjusts its historical warranty costs to take into account unique factors such as the introduction of new products into the marketplace that do not provide a historical warranty record to assess. The warranty reserve is included with Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s warranty liability:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at the beginning of the period</td><td>$ 6,279</td><td>$ 3,808</td><td>$ 3,628</td></tr><tr><td>Establish warranty liability for TrynEx</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>600</td></tr><tr><td>Establish warranty liability for Henderson</td><td>—</td><td>697</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Warranty provision</td><td>4,931</td><td>4,574</td><td>1,452</td></tr><tr><td>Claims paid/settlements</td><td>(3,787)</td><td>(2,800)</td><td>(1,872)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at the end of the period</td><td>$ 7,423</td><td>$ 6,279</td><td>$ 3,808</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 10. Income Taxes

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Year ended December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Current:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Federal</td><td>$15,298</td><td>$17,347</td><td>$ 712</td></tr><tr><td>State</td><td>2,057</td><td>1,774</td><td>(190)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>17,355</td><td>19,121</td><td>522</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Federal</td><td>6,103</td><td>2,025</td><td>5,582</td></tr><tr><td>State</td><td>(1,371)</td><td>890</td><td>1,274</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>4,732</td><td>2,915</td><td>6,856</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$22,087</td><td>$22,036</td><td>$7,378</td></tr></table>

A reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the federal statutory rate to the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Federal income tax expense at statutory rate</td><td>$23,192</td><td>$21,699</td><td>$6,656</td></tr><tr><td>State taxes, net of federal benefit</td><td>1,077</td><td>1,694</td><td>236</td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance changes</td><td>(1,028)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Change in uncertain tax positions, net</td><td>43</td><td>8</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Research and development credit</td><td>(241)</td><td>(249)</td><td>(305)</td></tr><tr><td>Rate change</td><td>(30)</td><td>366</td><td>758</td></tr><tr><td>Manufacturing tax benefits</td><td>(1,302)</td><td>(1,612)</td><td>(44)</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>376</td><td>130</td><td>69</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$22,087</td><td>$22,036</td><td>$7,378</td></tr></table>



## 10. Income Taxes (Continued)

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for doubtful accounts</td><td>$ 492</td><td>$ 619</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Inventory reserves</td><td>928</td><td>775</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Warranty liability</td><td>2,717</td><td>2,289</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred compensation</td><td>733</td><td>676</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnout liabilities</td><td>1,367</td><td>1,347</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pension and retiree health benefit obligations</td><td>3,375</td><td>4,657</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accrued vacation</td><td>720</td><td>620</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Medical claims reserve</td><td>75</td><td>155</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>State net operating losses</td><td>3,164</td><td>2,417</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other accrued liabilities</td><td>3,229</td><td>4,027</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance for state net operating losses</td><td>(647)</td><td>(1,600)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax assets</td><td>16,153</td><td>15,982</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tax deductible goodwill and other intangibles</td><td>(57,496)</td><td>(52,409)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accelerated depreciation</td><td>(7,239)</td><td>(5,978)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>(196)</td><td>(444)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax liabilities</td><td>(64,931)</td><td>(58,831)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net deferred tax liabilities</td><td>(48,778)</td><td>(42,849)</td><td></td></tr></table>

Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered.

State operating loss carry forwards for tax purposes will result in future tax benefits of approximately $3,164. These loss carry-forwards will begin to expire in 2021. The Company evaluated the need to maintain a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Based on this evaluation, which included a review of recent profitability, future projections of profitability, and future deferred tax liabilities, the Company concluded that a valuation allowance of approximately $647 is necessary at December 31, 2015 for the state net operating loss carry-forwards which are likely to expire prior to the Company’s ability to use the tax benefit.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 10. Income Taxes (Continued)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at beginning of year</td><td>$592</td><td>$336</td></tr><tr><td>Increases for tax positions taken in the current year</td><td>27</td><td>248</td></tr><tr><td>Increases for tax position taken in prior years</td><td>16</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at the end of year</td><td>$635</td><td>$592</td></tr></table>

The amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was approximately $388 at December 31, 2015. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Approximately $110 and $100 of accrued interest and penalties is reported as an income tax liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is reported in Other Long-term Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States (Federal), Wisconsin (state), Maine (state) and various other states. Tax years open to examination by tax authorities under the statute of limitations include 2014 for Federal and 2011 through 2014 for most states. Tax returns for the 2015 tax year have not yet been filed.

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans

## Pension benefits

The Company provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for most employees. Plans covering salaried employees generally provide pension benefits that are based on the employee’s average earnings and credited service. Plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The Company’s funding policy for the plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirement of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of plan assets, funded status of plans, and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Benefit obligation at beginning of year</td><td>$ 38,362</td><td>$ 31,715</td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>257</td><td>216</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>1,489</td><td>1,496</td></tr><tr><td>Actuarial (gain) loss</td><td>(1,662)</td><td>6,156</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid</td><td>(1,229)</td><td>(1,221)</td></tr><tr><td>Benefit obligation at end of year</td><td>37,217</td><td>38,362</td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year</td><td>26,046</td><td>24,638</td></tr><tr><td>Actual return (loss) on plan assets</td><td>(214)</td><td>1,221</td></tr><tr><td>Employer contributions through December 31</td><td>1,775</td><td>1,408</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid</td><td>(1,229)</td><td>(1,221)</td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at end of year</td><td>26,378</td><td>26,046</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ (10,839)</td><td>$ (12,316)</td></tr></table>

The components of net periodic pension cost consisted of the following for the years ended December 31,

<table><tr><td></td><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Components of net periodic pension cost:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>$ 257</td><td>$ 216</td><td>$ 246</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>1,489</td><td>1,496</td><td>1,449</td></tr><tr><td>Expected return on plan assets</td><td>(1,630)</td><td>(1,631)</td><td>(1,409)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of net loss</td><td>1,021</td><td>203</td><td>1,205</td></tr><tr><td>Net periodic pension cost</td><td>$ 1,137</td><td>$ 284</td><td>$ 1,491</td></tr></table>

The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $36,749 and $38,226, respectively.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

In accordance with its adoption of ASC 715-20, the Company uses December 31 as its measurement date for all periods presented. Assumptions used in determining net periodic pension cost for the plans consisted of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Year ended December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Discount rates</td><td>3.9% - 4.0%</td><td>4.8% - 4.9%</td><td>4.1%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rates of increase in compensation levels:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Salaried</td><td>3.5</td><td>3.5</td><td>3.5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hourly</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td><td>N/A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Expected long-term rate of return on assets</td><td>7.25</td><td>7.25</td><td>7.25</td><td></td></tr></table>

The discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 was 4.5% for the both the hourly and salaried pension plans. Meanwhile the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014 was 4.0% and 3.9% for the hourly and salaried pension plans, respectively.

For 2016, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 7.25%. To determine the long-term rate of return assumption for plan assets, the Company studies historical markets and preserves the long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income securities consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. The Company evaluates current market factors such as inflation and interest rates before it determines long-term capital market assumptions and reviews peer data and historical returns to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.

The expected benefit payments under the pension plans are as follows:

<table><tr><td>2016</td><td>$1,380</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>1,400</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>1,420</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>1,410</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>1,480</td></tr><tr><td>2021 - 2025</td><td>8,950</td></tr></table>

The Company made required minimum pension funding contributions of $775 and a voluntary contribution of $1,000 to the pension plans in 2015 and currently expects to make $967 of required minimum pension funding contributions in 2016.

The Company maintains target allocation percentages among various asset classes based on an investment policy established for the pension plans, which is designed to achieve long-term objectives of return, while mitigating downside risk and considering expected cash flows. The current weighted-average target asset allocations are reflective of actual investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The investment policy is reviewed periodically in order to achieve overall objectives in light of current circumstances.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

The Company’s weighted-average asset allocation and actual allocation for the qualified pension plans by asset category at December 31 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Target</td><td colspan="2">2015</td><td colspan="2">2014</td></tr><tr><td>Large Cap Equity</td><td>37%</td><td>$ 8,819</td><td>34%</td><td>$ 9,417</td><td>36%</td></tr><tr><td>Mid Cap Equity</td><td>4%</td><td>774</td><td>3%</td><td>1,005</td><td>4%</td></tr><tr><td>Small Cap Equity</td><td>3%</td><td>283</td><td>1%</td><td>1,019</td><td>4%</td></tr><tr><td>International Equity</td><td>12%</td><td>2,633</td><td>10%</td><td>2,546</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Emerging Markets Equity</td><td>2%</td><td>640</td><td>2%</td><td>645</td><td>2%</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents</td><td>34%</td><td>10,554</td><td>40%</td><td>8,794</td><td>34%</td></tr><tr><td>Real Estate</td><td>8%</td><td>2,675</td><td>10%</td><td>2,620</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>100%</td><td>$26,378</td><td>100%</td><td>$26,046</td><td>100%</td></tr></table>

The investment strategy is to build an efficient, well-diversified portfolio based on a long-term, strategic outlook of the investment markets. The investment market outlook utilizes both historical-based and forward-looking return forecasts to establish future return expectations for various asset classes. These return expectations are used to develop a core asset allocation based on the needs of the plan. The core asset allocation utilizes investment portfolios of various asset classes and multiple investment managers in order to help maximize the plan’s return while providing multiple layers of diversification to help minimize risk.

The following table presents the fair values of the plan assets related to the Company’s pension plans within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 2.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2015 are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Balance as of December 31, 2015</td><td>Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)</td><td>Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)</td><td>Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)</td></tr><tr><td>Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity holdings</td><td>$14,460</td><td>$—</td><td>$14,460</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed-income holdings</td><td>10,554</td><td>—</td><td>10,554</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Alternative investments</td><td>1,364</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>1,364</td></tr><tr><td>Total pension plan assets</td><td>$26,378</td><td>$—</td><td>$25,014</td><td>$1,364</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Balance as of December 31, 2014</td><td>Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)</td><td>Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)</td><td>Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)</td></tr><tr><td>Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Equity holdings</td><td>$15,936</td><td>$—</td><td>$15,936</td><td>$—</td></tr><tr><td>Fixed-income holdings</td><td>8,794</td><td>—</td><td>8,794</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Alternative investments</td><td>1,316</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>1,316</td></tr><tr><td>Total pension plan assets</td><td>$26,046</td><td>$—</td><td>$24,730</td><td>$1,316</td></tr></table>

Level 2 investments are based on quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active while Level 3 investments are comprised of a real estate fund for which the fair value is determined by taking the appraised values of the properties on hand plus other assets and subtracting mortgage loans and other liabilities.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, beginning of year</td><td>$1,316</td><td>$1,226</td></tr><tr><td>Deposits</td><td>89</td><td>70</td></tr><tr><td>Actual return on plan assets held at reporting date</td><td>173</td><td>155</td></tr><tr><td>Withdrawals</td><td>(214)</td><td>(135)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance, end of year</td><td>$1,364</td><td>$1,316</td></tr></table>

## Postretirement benefits

The Company provides postretirement healthcare benefits for certain employee groups. The postretirement healthcare plans are contributory and contain certain other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. The plans are unfunded. Employees do not vest until they retire from active employment with the Company and have at least twelve years of service. These benefits can be amended or terminated at anytime and are subject to the same ongoing changes as the Company’s healthcare benefits for employees with respect to deductible, co-insurance and participant contributions.

Effective January 1, 2004, the postretirement healthcare benefits were extended to all active employees of the Company as of December 31, 2003. The period of coverage was reduced and the retiree contribution percentage was increased in order to keep the cost of the plan equivalent to the previous plan design.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

Maximum coverage under the plan is limited to ten years. All benefits terminate upon the death of the retiree. Employees who began working for the Company after December 31, 2003, are not eligible for postretirement healthcare benefits.

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the projected benefit obligation for the Company consisted of the following:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td></tr><tr><td>Change in projected benefit obligation:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Benefit obligation at beginning of year</td><td>$7,044</td><td>$4,874</td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>229</td><td>159</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>256</td><td>213</td></tr><tr><td>Participant contributions</td><td>45</td><td>63</td></tr><tr><td>Changes in actuarial assumptions</td><td>(508)</td><td>1,895</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid</td><td>(170)</td><td>(160)</td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation at end of year</td><td>$6,896</td><td>$7,044</td></tr><tr><td>Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consisted of:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses and other current liabilities</td><td>$ 240</td><td>$ 270</td></tr><tr><td>Retiree health benefit obligation</td><td>6,656</td><td>6,774</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$6,896</td><td>$7,044</td></tr></table>

The components of postretirement healthcare benefit cost consisted of the following for the year ended December 31,

<table><tr><td></td><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Components of net postretirement health benefit cost:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>$229</td><td>$ 159</td><td>$ 250</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>256</td><td>213</td><td>245</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of net gain</td><td>(69)</td><td>(398)</td><td>(172)</td></tr><tr><td>Net postretirement healthcare benefit cost (income)</td><td>$416</td><td>$ (26)</td><td>$ 323</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

The assumed discount and healthcare cost trend rates are summarized as follows:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Year Ended December 31</td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Discount rate</td><td>3.7%</td><td>4.5%</td><td>3.7%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Immediate healthcare cost trend rate</td><td>*</td><td>**</td><td>7.0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate</td><td>4.5</td><td>4.5</td><td>4.5</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Assumed annual reduction in trend rate</td><td>*</td><td>**</td><td>***</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Participation</td><td>60</td><td>60</td><td>80</td><td></td></tr></table>

* Health Care Cost Trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% beginning in 2015 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2024.

** Health Care Cost Trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% and 6.0% for Pre-65 participants and Post - 65 participants, respectively, beginning in 2014 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2023.

*** Health Care Cost Trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% beginning in 2013 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2020.

The discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is 4.5% and 3.7%, respectively. For December 31, 2015, the health care cost trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% beginning in 2015 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2024. For December 31, 2014, the health care cost trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% and 6.0% for Pre-65 participants and Post - 65 participants, respectively, beginning in 2015 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2023 for both participants under 65 and over 65. For December 31, 2013, the health care cost trend rate is assumed to be 7.0% for participants under 65 and 5.0% for those over 65 beginning in 2014 gradually reducing to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2020 for both participants under 65 and over 65.

A one percentage point change in the healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effect at December 31, 2015:

<table><tr><td></td><td>1% Increase</td><td>1% Decrease</td></tr><tr><td>Effect on total service and interest cost</td><td>$ 63</td><td>$ (55)</td></tr><tr><td>Effect on postretirement benefit obligation</td><td>773</td><td>(676)</td></tr></table>

Amounts included in other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at December 31, 2015, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension or OPEB cost, were net actuarial gain (loss) of ($6,294) and $1,048 for the pension plans and postretirement healthcare benefit plans, respectively. The estimated actuarial gain (loss) for the defined benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension or OPEB cost during 2016 are ($724) and $127 for the pension plans and postretirement healthcare benefit plans, respectively.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 11. Employee Retirement Plans (Continued)

## Defined contribution plan

The Company has a defined contribution plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and provides substantially all employees an opportunity to accumulate personal funds for their retirement. Contributions are made on a before-tax basis to the plan and are invested, at the employees' direction, among a variety of investment alternatives including, commencing January 1, 2013, a Company common stock fund designated as an employee stock ownership plan.

As determined by the provisions of the plan, the Company matches a portion of the employees' basic voluntary contributions. The Company matching contributions to the plan were approximately $377, $255 and $213 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2012, the Company amended its defined contribution plan to permit non-discretionary employer contributions. The Company made non-discretionary employer contributions of $1,264, $1,021 and $807 in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company additionally made contributions in the year ended December 31, 2015 of $299 into a separate Henderson defined contribution plan. The Company intends to merge the plan into the Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. 401(k) plan in 2016.

## Non-qualified plan

The Company also maintains a supplemental non-qualified plan for certain officers and other key employees. Expense for this plan was $496 and $509 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amount accrued was $2,482 and $1,708 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amounts were determined based on the fair value of the liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

## 12. Stock-Based Compensation

## Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan

As of December 31, 2015, no additional shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “A&R 2004 Plan”). No further awards are permitted to be issued under the A&R 2004 Plan.

## 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

In connection with the IPO, in May 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The material terms of the performance goals under the 2010 Plan, as amended and restated, were approved by stockholders at the Company’s 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. The 2010 Plan provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, any of which may be performance-based, and for incentive bonuses, which may be paid in cash or stock or a combination of both, to eligible employees, officers, non-employee directors and other service providers to the Company and its subsidiaries. A maximum of 2,130,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2010 Plan. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 12. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

1,372,159 shares of common stock available for future issuance of awards under the 2010 Plan. The shares of common stock to be issued under the 2010 Plan will be made available from authorized and unissued Company common stock.

## Stock Options

There were 26,350 stock options exercised with respect to the Company’s stock under the A&R 2004 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2015. The option holder paid the Company the required aggregate exercise price of $111 for options exercised at the time of the exercise. Stock options were previously expensed over the vesting period and therefore no additional expense was recorded at the time of the exercise. There were no stock options exercised in the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. Meanwhile, there were 37,240 options outstanding at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 with a weighted average exercise price of $4.21 per share. There were 10,890 shares that were cancelled during the year ended December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, there were no unexercised stock options. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was 1.7 and 2.7 years, respectively. As of 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of all exercisable options was 1.7 and 2.7 years, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value of the options at December 31, 2014 was $641 for both options outstanding and exercisable.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 12. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

## Restricted Stock

Restricted stock carries both voting and dividend rights. A summary of restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Shares</td><td>Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value</td><td>Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term</td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2012</td><td>208,823</td><td>$12.63</td><td>1.94 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>44,022</td><td>14.78</td><td>2.00 years</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(82,942)</td><td>12.97</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2013</td><td>169,903</td><td>13.03</td><td>1.34 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(84,882)</td><td>13.05</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2014</td><td>85,021</td><td>13.02</td><td>0.51 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(70,320)</td><td>12.65</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2015</td><td>14,701</td><td>$14.78</td><td>0.01 years</td></tr><tr><td>Expected to vest in the future at December 31, 2015</td><td>14,701</td><td>$14.78</td><td>0.01 years</td></tr></table>

The fair value of the Company’s restricted stock awards is the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Company recognized $385, $891, and $1,126 of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense for shares expected to vest as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $0 and $360, respectively.

## Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are granted to both non-employee directors and management. Prior to 2013, RSUs were only issued to directors. However, in 2013, the Company changed the timing and form of management’s annual stock grants and began to grant RSUs to management. For both non-employee directors and management, RSUs carry dividend equivalent rights but do not carry voting rights. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock and is subject to time based vesting restrictions. Participants are not required to pay any consideration to the Company at either the time of grant of a RSU or upon vesting.

In 2013, the Company’s compensation committee approved a retirement provision for RSUs issued to management. The retirement provision provides that members of management who either (1) are



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 12. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

age 65 or older or (2) have at least ten years of service and are at least age 55 will continue to vest in unvested RSUs upon retirement. As the retirement provision does not qualify as a substantive service condition, the Company incurred $303 and $278 in additional expense in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as a result of accelerated stock based compensation expense for employees who meet the thresholds of the retirement provision. The Company’s nominating and governance committee also approved a retirement provision for the RSUs issued to non-employee directors that accelerates the vesting of such RSUs upon retirement. Such awards are fully expensed immediately upon grant in accordance with ASC 718, as the retirement provision eliminates substantive service conditions associated with the awards.

A summary of RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Shares</td><td>Weighted Average Grant Date Fair value</td><td>Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term</td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2012</td><td>26,046</td><td>$14.73</td><td>0.72 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>70,324</td><td>14.52</td><td>0.82 years</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(53,022)</td><td>14.68</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2013</td><td>43,348</td><td>14.46</td><td>1.55 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>140,291</td><td>15.29</td><td>0.73 years</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(102,016)</td><td>15.13</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2014</td><td>81,623</td><td>15.05</td><td>1.09 years</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>116,141</td><td>18.72</td><td>0.40 years</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(147,217)</td><td>16.51</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cancelled and forfeited</td><td>(1,882)</td><td>15.82</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unvested at December 31, 2015</td><td>48,665</td><td>$17.33</td><td>1.00 years</td></tr><tr><td>Expected to vest in the future at December 31, 2015</td><td>46,913</td><td>$17.33</td><td>1.00 years</td></tr></table>

The Company recognized $1,643, $1,247 and $852 of compensation expense related to the RSU awards in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense, net of expected forfeitures, calculated under the fair value method for shares that were, as of December 31, 2015, expected to be earned through the requisite service period was approximately $403 and is expected to be recognized through 2018.

Vested RSUs are “settled” by the delivery to the participant or a designated brokerage firm of one share of common stock per vested RSU as soon as reasonably practicable following a termination of service of the participant that constitutes a separation from service, and in all events no later than the



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 12. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

end of the calendar year in which such termination of service occurs or, if later, two and one-half months after such termination of service.

## Performance Share Unit Awards

The Company granted performance share units as performance based awards under the 2010 Plan in the first quarter of 2015, 2014 and 2013 that are subject to performance conditions. Upon meeting the prescribed performance conditions, in the first quarter of the year subsequent to grant, employees will be issued RSUs of which one third will vest immediately upon issuance. The remaining RSU's issued will be subject to vesting over the two years following the end of the performance period. In accordance with ASC 718, such awards are being expensed over the vesting period from the date of grant through the requisite service period, based upon the most probable outcome. As of December 31, 2015, the performance conditions for share units granted in the year ended December 31, 2015 have been met. Thus, in the first quarter of 2016, management estimates that 71,428 performance shares units will be converted into RSU's. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 there were 71,981 and 74,516 performance share units that converted into RSU's, respectively. Upon conversion, the first third of the RSU's issued will immediately vest and be converted into common shares. The remaining two thirds of the RSU's issued will vest ratably over the remaining two-year vesting period. The fair value per share of the awards is the closing stock price on the date of grant, which was $22.63, $16.30 and $14.40 for the 2015, 2014 and 2013 grants, respectively. The Company recognized $1,247, $730 and $609 of compensation expense related to the awards granted in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense calculated under the fair value method for shares that were, as of December 31, 2015, expected to be recognized through the requisite service period was $349 and is expected to be recognized through 2018.

## 13. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common share and common stock equivalents related to the assumed exercise of stock options, using the two-class method. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the average fair value have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and are excluded from the calculation. There were no shares excluded from diluted earnings per share for the years presented.

All restricted stockholders and RSU holders participate in dividends. Thus, the Company has calculated earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 13. Earnings Per Share (Continued)

(distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends.

<table><tr><td></td><td>2015</td><td>2014</td><td>2013</td></tr><tr><td>Basic earnings per common share</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 44,176</td><td>$ 39,961</td><td>$ 11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Less income allocated to participating securities</td><td>604</td><td>609</td><td>179</td></tr><tr><td>Net income allocated to common shareholders</td><td>$ 43,572</td><td>$ 39,352</td><td>$ 11,460</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average common shares outstanding</td><td>22,329,044</td><td>22,168,500</td><td>22,029,374</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 1.95</td><td>$ 1.78</td><td>$ 0.52</td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share assuming dilution</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 44,176</td><td>$ 39,961</td><td>$ 11,639</td></tr><tr><td>Less income allocated to participating securities</td><td>604</td><td>609</td><td>179</td></tr><tr><td>Net income allocated to common shareholders</td><td>$ 43,572</td><td>$ 39,352</td><td>$ 11,460</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average common shares outstanding</td><td>22,329,044</td><td>22,168,500</td><td>22,029,374</td></tr><tr><td>Incremental shares applicable to stock based compensation</td><td>12,731</td><td>20,346</td><td>37,800</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average common shares assuming dilution</td><td>22,341,775</td><td>22,188,846</td><td>22,067,174</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 1.94</td><td>$ 1.77</td><td>$ 0.51</td></tr></table>

## 14. Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is engaged in various litigation including product liability and intellectual property disputes. However, the Company does not believe that any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or liquidity. In addition, the Company is not currently a party to any environmental-related claims or legal matters.

As a result of the Henderson acquisition, the Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating leases, some of which contain renewal options. Total future minimum lease payments consisted of the following at December 31, 2015:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Total Leases</td></tr><tr><td>2016</td><td>$ 472</td></tr><tr><td>2017</td><td>415</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>419</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>401</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>269</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>852</td></tr><tr><td>Total lease obligations</td><td>$2,828</td></tr></table>



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 14. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

The Company incurred $485 of operating lease rent expense related to its facilities in the year ended December 31, 2015, while the Company did not incur rental expense charged to operations in the year ended December 31, 2014 as Henderson was acquired December 31, 2014.

## 15. Impairment of Assets Held For Sale

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company lowered the asking price for its assets held for sale. The Company recorded assets held for sale on its balance sheet in conjunction with the closure of the Johnson City, Tennessee location in 2010. The land and building had been held for sale since the closure. In an effort to stimulate sales activity, the Company lowered the listed sale price which caused the Company to reassess the fair value of the assets held for sale. The Company valued the fair value of the assets held for sale based upon Level 2 market price inputs for similar assets. The Company used comparable properties sold and held for sale in the Johnson City, TN industrial real estate market to determine an appropriate fair value. Consequently, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a $647 loss recognized on the impairment of assets held for sale which is included in “Loss recognized on assets held for sale” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. On February 26, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of the land and building at an amount approximating the carrying amount. The Company closed on the sale of the Johnson City assets on April 30, 2014 with a sales price of $1,100 and closing costs of $82. Consequently, the Company incurred a $67 loss recognized on the disposal of assets held for sale which is included in “Loss recognized on assets held for sale” on the Consolidated Statements of Income during the year ended December 31, 2014.

## 16. Stockholders' equity

## Preferred Stock

The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to any limitations under law or the Company's certificate of incorporation, the Company's board of directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of the shares of preferred stock in one or more series; to establish the number of shares to be included in each series; and to fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences, relative participating, optional or other rights (if any), and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of each series. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.

## Common Stock

The Company has 200,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, of which 22,387,797 and 22,282,628 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The par value of the common stock is $0.01 per share.

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, common stockholders would be entitled to share ratably in the Company’s assets and funds remaining after payment of liabilities.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 17. Valuation and qualifying accounts

The Company’s valuation and qualifying accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Balance at beginning of year</td><td>Additions charged to earnings</td><td>Changes to reserve, net(1)</td><td>Balance at end of year</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2015</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for doubtful accounts</td><td>$1,667</td><td>$ 305</td><td>$ (629)</td><td>$1,343</td></tr><tr><td>Reserves for inventory</td><td>2,452</td><td>2,251</td><td>(2,099)</td><td>2,604</td></tr><tr><td>Valuation of deferred tax assets</td><td>1,600</td><td>—</td><td>(953)</td><td>647</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2014</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for doubtful accounts</td><td>$1,051</td><td>$ 577</td><td>$ 39</td><td>$1,667</td></tr><tr><td>Reserves for inventory</td><td>1,599</td><td>1,752</td><td>(899)</td><td>2,452</td></tr><tr><td>Valuation of deferred tax assets</td><td>1,395</td><td>—</td><td>205</td><td>1,600</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2013</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Allowance for doubtful accounts</td><td>$ 600</td><td>$ 329</td><td>$ 122</td><td>$1,051</td></tr><tr><td>Reserves for inventory</td><td>1,199</td><td>757</td><td>(357)</td><td>1,599</td></tr><tr><td>Valuation of deferred tax assets</td><td>1,374</td><td>—</td><td>21</td><td>1,395</td></tr></table>

(1) Increases (deductions) from the allowance for doubtful accounts equal accounts receivable written off and increases related to acquired businesses, less recoveries, against the allowance. Increases (deductions) from the reserves for inventory excess and obsolete items equal inventory written off against the reserve as items were disposed of and increases for related to acquired businesses. Increases (deductions) to the valuation of deferred tax assets relate to the reversals due to changes in management’s judgments regarding the future realization of the underlying deferred tax assets.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 18. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

Changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Unrealized Net Loss on Interest Rate Swap</td><td>Retiree Health Benefit Obligation</td><td>Pension Obligation</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2014</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 807</td><td>$(6,835)</td><td>$(6,028)</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications</td><td>(937)</td><td>285</td><td>(112)</td><td>(764)</td></tr><tr><td>Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:(1)</td><td>—</td><td>(44)</td><td>653</td><td>609</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2015</td><td>$ (937)</td><td>$1,048</td><td>$ (6,294)</td><td>$(6,183)</td></tr></table>

(1) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Amortization of Retiree Health Benefit Obligation items:

Actuarial gains(a)..... (68)

Tax expense ..... 24

Reclassification net of tax ..... $ (44)

Amortization of pension obligation:

Actuarial losses(a) ..... 1,020

Tax benefit ..... (367)

Reclassification net of tax ..... $ 653

(a)—These components are included in the computation of benefit plan costs in Note 11.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 18. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Continued)

Changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Unrealized Net Loss on Interest Rate Swap</td><td>Retiree Health Benefit Obligation</td><td>Pension Obligation</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2013</td><td>$ (184)</td><td>$ 2,234</td><td>$ (2,912)</td><td>$ (862)</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications</td><td>(2)</td><td>(1,180)</td><td>(4,049)</td><td>(5,231)</td></tr><tr><td>Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:(1)</td><td>186</td><td>(247)</td><td>126</td><td>65</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2014</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 807</td><td>$ (6,835)</td><td>$ (6,028)</td></tr></table>

(1) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Amortization of Retiree Health Benefit Obligation items:
Actuarial gain(a) ..... (398)
Tax expense ..... 151
Reclassification net of tax ..... $ (247)
Amortization of pension obligation:
Actuarial losses(a) ..... 203
Tax benefit ..... (77)
Reclassification net of tax ..... $ 126
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps reclassified to interest expense ..... 300
Tax benefit ..... (114)
Reclassification net of tax ..... $ 186

(a)—These components are included in the computation of benefit plan costs in Note 11.



## 19. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="5">2015</td></tr><tr><td>First</td><td>Second</td><td>Third</td><td>Fourth</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>$53,890</td><td>$107,143</td><td>$120,565</td><td>$118,810</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>$16,437</td><td>$ 37,010</td><td>$ 40,865</td><td>$ 38,551</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income before taxes</td><td>$ 603</td><td>$ 20,954</td><td>$ 23,672</td><td>$ 21,034</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income</td><td>$ 383</td><td>$ 13,104</td><td>$ 15,548</td><td>$ 15,141</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 0.02</td><td>$ 0.58</td><td>$ 0.69</td><td>$ 0.66</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share assuming dilution attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 0.01</td><td>$ 0.57</td><td>$ 0.68</td><td>$ 0.68</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dividends per share</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="5">2014</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>First</td><td>Second</td><td>Third</td><td>Fourth</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net sales</td><td>$36,396</td><td>$88,225</td><td>$78,836</td><td>$100,054</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gross profit</td><td>$14,125</td><td>$34,415</td><td>$29,090</td><td>$ 38,696</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) before taxes</td><td>$ 2,343</td><td>$22,417</td><td>$16,555</td><td>$ 20,682</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>$ 1,575</td><td>$14,593</td><td>$10,762</td><td>$ 13,031</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 0.07</td><td>$ 0.65</td><td>$ 0.48</td><td>$ 0.58</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Earnings per common share assuming dilution attributable to common shareholders</td><td>$ 0.07</td><td>$ 0.64</td><td>$ 0.47</td><td>$ 0.58</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Dividends per share</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td>$ 0.22</td><td></td></tr></table>

Due to changes in stock prices during the year and timing of issuance of shares, the sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal the annual earnings per share.

## 20. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 provides a single principles-based, five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. The five steps are to identify the contract(s) with the customer, to identify the performance obligations in the contract, to determine the transaction price, to allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and to recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018 and the standard allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial condition, results of operations and the presentation of its financial statements.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 20. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU No. 2015-03”). ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. Debt issuance costs are currently required to be capitalized and presented in the balance sheet as deferred charges or assets. The recognition and measurement for debt issuance costs are not affected by ASU No. 2015-03. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company has recognized these types of costs related to its senior credit facilities which will be reclassified from other assets to long-term debt liabilities when the Company adopts ASU No. 2015-03.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which will require entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU simplifies the current guidance, which requires entities to separately present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The ASU is effective for the Company on December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or presentation of our financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determined the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The ASU is applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date. The ASU is effective for the Company on December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or presentation of our financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires most entities to measure most inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value (“NRV”). This simplifies the evaluation from the current method of lower of cost or market, where market is based on one of three measures (i.e. replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less a normal profit margin). The ASU does not apply to inventories measured under the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method, and defines NRV as the “estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for the Company beginning on December 31, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or presentation of our financial statements.



# Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

## 21. Subsequent Events

The Company relies on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to protect certain of the proprietary aspects of its business and technology. After the date of these financial statements but before the date of this filing, the Company received a settlement resulting from an ongoing lawsuit with one of its competitors. Under the settlement agreement the Company received $10,050 as part of defending its intellectual property. The Company’s competitor has exhausted all appeals related to this matter and has paid the Company both awarded damages of $9,936 and accrued interest of $114.



## Subsidiary List

Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company

Douglas Dynamics Finance Company, a Delaware corporation

Fisher, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Henderson Enterprises Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Henderson Products, Inc., a Delaware corporation



## Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-169342) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. and the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-184781) pertaining to the Douglas Dynamics, L.L.C. 401(k) Plan of our reports dated March 8, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Douglas Dynamics, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Douglas Dynamics, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

March 8, 2016



# Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, James L. Janik, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Douglas Dynamics, Inc.;

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

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

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date: March 8, 2016

/s/ JAMES L. JANIK

James L. Janik

President and Chief Executive Officer



# Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

I, Robert McCormick, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Douglas Dynamics, Inc.;

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

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

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

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

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date: March 8, 2016

/s/ Robert L. McCormick

Robert L. McCormick

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



## Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify, based on our knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ JAMES L. JANIK

James L. Janik

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ ROBERT L. MCCORMICK

Robert L. McCormick

Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 8, 2016