10-K 1 arca010365_10k.txt APPLIANCE RECYCLING CTRS OF AMERICA FORM 10-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission File No. 0-19621 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MINNESOTA 41-1454591 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 7400 EXCELSIOR BOULEVARD, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55426-4517 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 952-930-9000 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: COMMON STOCK, WITHOUT PAR VALUE (Title of class) 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 _X_ 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. [ ] As of March 9, 2001, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the average of the high and low prices on such date as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board, was $1,851,458. As of March 9, 2001, there were outstanding 2,287,369 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, without par value. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement dated March 23, 2001, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ---- PART I Item 1. Business........................................................ 3 General.................................................. 3 Industry Background...................................... 3 Company Background....................................... 4 Customers and Source of Supply........................... 6 Company Operations....................................... 7 Principal Product and Services........................... 7 Sales and Marketing...................................... 8 Seasonality.............................................. 8 Competition.............................................. 8 Government Regulation.................................... 9 Employees................................................ 9 Item 2. Properties...................................................... 10 Item 3. Legal Proceedings............................................... 10 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............. 10 PART II Item 5. Market for the Company's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters............................................. 11 Item 6. Selected Financial Data......................................... 13 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations....................................... 14 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk....... 18 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................... 19 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure........................................ 31 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company................... 31 Item 11. Executive Compensation............................................ 31 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.... 31 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................... 31 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K... 32 SIGNATURES ................................................................ 34 INDEX TO EXHIBITS ......................................................... 35 2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc., together with its operating subsidiaries ("ARCA" or the "Company"), is a leading provider of reverse logistics, energy efficiency and appliance recycling services for appliance manufacturers and retailers, utility companies, waste management businesses, vending machine companies, property managers, local governments and the general public. The Company generates revenues from the sale of appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores under the name ApplianceSmart(R), fees charged for the collection and environmentally sound recycling of unwanted appliances, and sales of materials generated from processed appliances. The Company was incorporated in Minnesota in 1983, although through its predecessors it commenced the appliance retail and recycling business in 1976. The Company's principal office is located at 7400 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426-4517. References herein to the Company include its operating subsidiaries. (See Exhibit 21.1.) INDUSTRY BACKGROUND There are more than 500 million major household appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, dryers, room air conditioners, water heaters and dehumidifiers, currently in use in the United States. It is estimated by the Steel Recycling Institute that in 1997, 46 million major household appliances were taken out of use in the United States. The disposal of these appliances is a serious problem as a result of a number of factors including: (i) decreasing landfill capacity in many parts of the country; (ii) the inability of incinerators, composting facilities and other landfill alternatives to process appliances; and (iii) the presence in appliances of certain hazardous and other environmentally harmful materials that require special processing. Legislation affecting appliance disposal has been adopted in more than 30 states. This legislation includes landfill restrictions, disposal bans, advance disposal fees and other types of regulations. As a result, appliances must be dealt with outside the ordinary municipal solid waste stream. Landfill restrictions arise in part because some appliance components contain certain hazardous and other environmentally harmful materials, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and sulfur dioxide, and oils. PCBs are suspected as carcinogens, are resistant to degradation when deposited in landfills and can cause groundwater contamination. The production of PCBs was banned by the EPA in 1979, although businesses were allowed to continue using remaining inventories of components that contained PCBs. Mercury is toxic to humans and can enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion, and it vaporizes at high temperatures, forming extremely toxic fumes. CFCs are believed to cause long-term damage to the earth's stratospheric ozone layer and may contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere. The 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act prohibit the venting of CFCs and since July 1, 1992 have required the recovery of CFC refrigerants during the service, repair and disposal of appliances. See "Government Regulation" below. In addition to these solid waste management and environmental issues, utility companies, motivated by economic and environmental factors to control energy consumption, sponsor various programs to encourage and assist residential consumers to conserve energy, including programs for turning in surplus, energy-inefficient appliances. Many residential consumers own and operate room air conditioners, freezers or more than one refrigerator, contributing significantly to residential energy use and peak energy demand. In addition, many of the refrigerators manufactured in the 1960s and early 1970s consume up to 1,750 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The 1987 National Appliance Energy Conservation Act requires that new refrigerators use less than half of the energy as refrigerators built as recently as ten years ago. As more efficient appliances become 3 available, utility companies have begun to encourage the use of newer models and the disposal of older, less efficient models. The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 gives individual states the option of deregulating their electric utility industry. The potential of deregulation has caused uncertainty about the future and form of energy conservation programs sponsored by electric utilities. The Company believes, however, that energy conservation and efficiency programs will remain a long-term component of the nation's electric utility industry. See "Government Regulation" below. COMPANY BACKGROUND The Company began business in 1976 as a retailer of reconditioned appliances. Initially, the Company contracted with national and regional retailers of appliances such as Sears, Roebuck & Company, Inc. ("Sears") and Montgomery Ward & Co. ("Montgomery Ward") to collect major appliances in Minneapolis/Saint Paul and two other metropolitan areas. As part of their new appliance sales efforts, these retailers arrange for the removal of old appliances from consumers' residences. The Company collects old appliances on behalf of its customers, reconditions and sells suitable used appliances through its own retail stores and sells the remaining appliances to scrap metal processors. In the late 1980s, in response to stricter environmental protection laws, the Company developed and marketed programs to process and dispose of appliances in an environmentally sound manner. These programs are offered to new appliance manufacturers and retailers, waste management companies, property management companies and the general public. See "Customers and Source of Supply" below. In 1989, the Company expanded its appliance recycling concept to the electric utility industry when it established an appliance processing center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pursuant to a contract with a utility company. From 1989 to 1994, the Company focused its resources on the expansion of its business with electric utility companies. During this time period the Company opened nine centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, primarily serving seventeen electric utility customers. The Company's electric utility business has been negatively impacted by the potential of electric utility industry deregulation. The potential of deregulation has caused electric utilities to decrease their sponsorship of energy conservation programs such as the one the Company offers. Currently, the Company has only one major electric utility customer. During fiscal year 2000, that customer, Southern California Edison Company ("Edison"), accounted for approximately 29.9% or $6.4 million of the Company's total revenues. In June 2000, the Company signed a two-year contract with Edison to continue its refrigerator recycling program through December 30, 2001. The two-year contract does not provide for a minimum number of refrigerators to be recycled in either 2000 or 2001. In 2000, the Company recycled approximately 36,000 units under this contract and expects recycling volumes for 2001 at approximately the same level as 2000. The timing and amount of revenues will be dependent on advertising by Edison. In October 2000, the Company signed a contract with Edison to implement a recycling program ("Summer Initiative") in the service areas of Pacific Gas & Electric (the San Francisco Bay area) and San Diego Gas & Electric. This contract is in accordance with a ruling issued by the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"). Under the Summer Initiative, the Company expects to recycle approximately 30,000 to 40,000 units through the end of 2001 in addition to the approximately 36,000 units from the original Edison contract. As with its initial Edison program, there are no guaranteed minimum number of units that must be recycled under the Summer Initiative. The Company began the Summer Initiative in September of 2000 and was fully operational in the first quarter of 2001. For the contract period, the CPUC has budgeted $8,500,000, which includes a $75 per unit incentive payment to residential participants. The Company is responsible for advertising for the Summer Initiative. 4 The recent energy crisis in California has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. However, there can be no guarantee that it will not have an adverse effect in the future if Edison is unable to perform under the terms of its contracts with the Company. In response to the decrease in demand for services from electric utilities, the Company has increased its marketing of services to appliance manufacturers and retailers, waste management companies and property management companies. The Company also has increased its focus on the sale of appliances. In 1995, under the name Encore(R) Recycled Appliances, the Company began operating a chain of Company-owned retail stores. In 1998, the Company began using the name ApplianceSmart(R) for its retail stores. The retail stores offer manufacturers' distressed appliances and reconditioned appliances to value-conscious individuals and property managers. A developing market for the Company is in providing fully integrated reverse logistics services--the handling of product that does not fit into a company's normal distribution channels--for appliance manufacturers and retailers. Manufacturers traditionally disposed of these "special buy" appliances, including manufacturer closeouts, factory over-runs, floor samples, returned or exchanged items, and scratch and dent appliances, through their small dealer network. Large retailers have not wanted to handle these types of appliances because the merchandise is often out of carton, requiring special handling and pricing. In addition, this product often requires some repair; a function major retailers are unwilling or unable to perform. As small dealers are struggling to compete with large appliance chains (the top 10 retailers control 80 percent of the appliance sales market), manufacturers are seeing their traditional channel for these distressed appliances shrink. It is anticipated that small appliance retailers will also be negatively affected by manufacturers' direct sale of appliances to consumers via the Internet. In 1997, the Company entered into pilot program agreements with Whirlpool Corporation, the nation's largest manufacturer of major household appliances, to develop a program for handling Whirlpool's returned appliances and new appliances that cannot be handled through the manufacturer's normal distribution channels. Through a subsequent 1998 contract with Whirlpool, the Company purchases these appliances from Whirlpool's distribution centers serving the Midwest and certain western states. This merchandise, which includes manufacturer closeouts, factory over-runs, floor samples, returned or exchanged items, and scratch and dent appliances, is sold through the Company's network of ApplianceSmart retail stores. ApplianceSmart is an authorized factory outlet for Whirlpool, and specializes in the Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Roper brands. With an increased supply of product, the Company began to focus on opening larger factory outlet facilities to offer consumers a wider selection of appliances and began to close its smaller stores. The Company has decided not to expand the used appliance business. In the latter part of 1998, the Company scaled back its agreement with Whirlpool to a level consistent with its financial resources and now buys inventory mainly from Whirlpool's Ohio distribution center. The Whirlpool agreement does not provide for any required or minimum number of units to be offered for sale to the Company. However, subject to certain exceptions, the Company has the ability but is not required to purchase from Whirlpool up to $3,000,000 of appliances in any three-month period. The Whirlpool agreement may be terminated by either party upon six-month's notice, or earlier for certain items. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify Whirlpool for certain claims, allegations or losses with respect to Whirlpool appliances sold by the Company. Although the Whirlpool agreement does not provide for any set number of units to be sold to the Company, based on prior performance under the agreement, the Company believes this contract will provide an adequate supply of high-quality appliances for its retail outlets. In late 1998, the Company decided to close its St. Louis, Missouri, operations and close one store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market. In 1999, the Company closed one store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market and one store in the California market. In 2000, the Company closed a smaller store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market and opened a 30,000 square foot store in the Dayton, Ohio market. In January 2001, the Company opened a 24,000 square foot store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market. The Company 5 opened another 42,000 square foot store in the Dayton, Ohio market in March 2001. In addition, the Company anticipates closing a smaller store and opening a 32,000 square foot store in the Columbus, Ohio market around the end of April 2001. The Company currently has three recycling centers, located in Columbus, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Los Angeles, California. Also, the Company currently has eight retail stores: three in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, one in Los Angeles, two in Columbus and two in Dayton. CUSTOMERS AND SOURCE OF SUPPLY The Company offers its services to entities that, as part of their operations, become responsible for disposing of large quantities of new, distressed and unwanted appliances. These entities include new appliance manufacturers and retailers, waste management businesses, vending machine companies, property management companies and utility companies. NEW APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS. The Company began its business by offering appliance recycling programs to Sears, Montgomery Ward and other new appliance retailers to collect appliances from either the retailers' facilities or from their customers. Recently the Company has focused its marketing efforts on new appliance manufacturers, including Whirlpool Corporation, a primary source of products sold in the Company's stores. The Company believes its current sources for appliances are adequate to supply its retail stores and allow the Company to grow its retail sales. WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. The Company provides services to waste management companies and the general public for the collection and recycling of appliances for specified fees. VENDING MACHINE COMPANIES. The Company provides services to vending machine companies for the recycling of vending machines for specified fees. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. The Company provides comprehensive appliance exchange and recycling services for property managers of apartment complexes as well as local housing authorities. UTILITY COMPANIES. The Company contracts with utility companies to provide comprehensive appliance recycling services tailored to the needs of the particular utility. The contracts historically have had terms of one to four years, with provisions for renewal at the option of the utility company. Under some contracts the utility retains the Company to manage all aspects of its appliance recycling program, while under other contracts the Company provides only specified services. Pricing for the Company's services is on a per-appliance basis and depends upon several factors, including the total number of appliances processed, the length of the contract term and the specific services selected by the utility. Contracts with electric utility customers require that the Company does not recondition for resale appliances received from utility company energy conservation programs. Currently, the Company expects to have two contracts with a major electric utility customer in 2001. 6 COMPANY OPERATIONS The Company provides an integrated range of reverse logistics, energy efficiency and appliance recycling services. Appliances are acquired from a wide range of sources, including appliance manufacturers and retailers, utility companies, waste management businesses, vending machine companies, property managers, local governments and the general public. Appliances deemed suitable for sale are repaired or reconditioned, if necessary, before being tested and distributed to the Company's ApplianceSmart retail outlets. Every appliance is under warranty and carries a 100 percent money-back guarantee. The Company also offers consumers extended warranties, delivery, factory-trained technician service and recycling of old appliances. Appliances that do not meet quality standards for the Company's retail operations and appliances collected through utility customers' energy conservation programs are processed and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. Appliances are inspected and categorized according to the types of hazardous materials they may contain, and processed according to all applicable federal, state and local regulations by company-trained technicians. When processing at the Company's recycling center is complete and the appliances are free of all environmentally hazardous substances, the appliances are delivered to a local metal processing facility for shredding. The shredded materials are then sold to steel mini-mills or other metal recovery facilities for reuse. Management believes that the uncertainties in the electric utility industry regarding deregulation will persist at least through 2001. The reaction to deregulation among states and utilities has been varied. The Company believes, however, that energy conservation and efficiency programs will remain a long-term component of the nation's electric utility industry. The recent energy crisis in California has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operation. However, there can be no guarantee that it will not have an adverse effect in the future if Edison is unable to perform under the terms of its contracts with the Company. In 2000, the Company focused on a carefully managed growth plan of opening showroom outlet stores, located in heavily trafficked, conveniently located retail malls. The Company believes that the growth of its retail business in the near future will likely occur primarily through the expansion of revenues from the Company's current and proposed retail stores. PRINCIPAL PRODUCT AND SERVICES The Company generates revenues from two sources: retailing and recycling. The table below reflects the percentage of total revenues from each source. See also "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Retail revenues 57.6% 51.1% 57.6% Recycling revenues 42.4% 48.9% 42.4% ----- ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% ===== ===== ===== Although the Company has two main sources of revenues, management believes that the Company has one operating segment. That is, even though certain separate financial information by retail store or retail store and recycling center is available to management, the Company is managed as a single unit. Specifically, the Company does not measure profit or loss or maintain asset information separately for its revenue sources. 7 SALES AND MARKETING The Company uses various means to promote awareness of its products and services and believes it is recognized as a leader in the retailing of appliances from reverse logistics services and the recycling industry. ApplianceSmart's outlet store concept includes establishing large factory showrooms in convenient metropolitan locations to offer consumers a selection of hundreds of appliances. In keeping with ApplianceSmart's branding, both the exterior and interior of ApplianceSmart's stores display Whirlpool signage along with custom-designed ApplianceSmart materials. In every market, the Company actively promotes its stores through various forms of print advertising, including daily classified ads in major newspapers, telephone yellow pages ads and direct mail. In addition, the Company uses radio and television advertisements in some markets, along with other types of promotions. Through the Company's website at www.ApplianceSmart.com, consumers can also access appliance-specific and general Company information. SEASONALITY The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in operating results, with revenues generally higher during the second and third calendar quarters than in the first and fourth calendar quarters. The lower levels in the first and fourth quarters reflect consumer purchasing cycles, which result in lower sales of major household appliances during such quarters and corresponding reductions in the demand for appliance recycling services. Furthermore, utility companies that sponsor appliance turn-in programs generally reduce their promotional efforts for such programs during the first and fourth calendar quarters. The Company expects that it will continue to experience lower revenues in the first and fourth quarters of future years as compared to the second and third quarters of such years. COMPETITION Competition for the Company's retail stores comes from new appliance manufacturers and retailers and other reconditioned and used appliance retailers. Each retail location will compete not only with local and national chains of new appliance retailers, many of whom have been in business longer than the Company and may have significantly greater assets than the Company, but will also compete with numerous independently owned retailers of new and reconditioned appliances. Many factors, including existing and proposed governmental regulation, may affect competition in the waste management and environmental services industry. The Company generally competes with two or three other companies which are based in the geographic area to be served under the contract and which generally offer only some of the services provided by the Company. The Company expects its primary competition for contracts with existing or new customers to come from entrepreneurs entering the appliance recycling business, energy management consultants, current recycling companies, major waste hauling companies and scrap metal processors. In addition, customers such as utility companies and local governments may operate appliance recycling programs internally rather than contracting with the Company or other third parties. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete profitably in any of its chosen markets. 8 GOVERNMENT REGULATION The business of recycling major appliances is subject to certain governmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include landfill disposal restrictions, hazardous waste management requirements and air quality standards, as well as special permit and license conditions for the recycling of appliances. In some instances, there are bonding, insurance and other conditions for bidding on appliance recycling contracts. The Company's appliance recycling centers are subject to various federal, state and local laws, regulations and licensing requirements relating to the collection, processing and recycling of household appliances. Requirements for registrations, permits and licenses vary among the Company's market areas. The Company's centers are registered with the EPA as hazardous waste generators and are licensed, where required, by appropriate state and local authorities. The Company has agreements with approved and licensed hazardous waste companies for transportation and disposal of PCBs from its centers. The 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act provide for the phaseout of the production of CFCs over a period of years. Effective July 1, 1992, the act prohibited the venting of CFCs in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance. The act also requires the recovery of CFC refrigerants from appliances prior to their disposal or delivery for recycling. In 1995, the venting of CFC substitute refrigerants was also prohibited. In 1992, Congress adopted the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to encourage energy efficiency. Requirements under this act establish, among other things, mandatory energy performance standards that affect the manufacture and sale of major household appliances. Another component of this act allows for deregulation of the nation's energy providers, including the electric utility industry. The ultimate impact of deregulation on the electric utility industry is yet unknown; therefore, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue certain of its current operations in a deregulated environment. Company management believes that further government regulation of the appliance recycling industry could have a positive effect on the Company's business; however, there can be no assurance what course future regulation may have. Under some circumstances, further regulation could materially increase the costs of the Company's operations and have an adverse effect on the Company's business. In addition, as is the case with all companies handling hazardous materials, under some circumstances the Company may be subject to contingent liability. EMPLOYEES At March 1, 2001, the Company had 179 full-time employees, approximately 59% of whom were involved in the collection, transportation and processing of appliances at the Company's centers and approximately 41% of whom were in sales, administration and management. The Company has not experienced any work stoppages and believes its employee relations are good. 9 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's executive offices are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a Company-owned facility that includes approximately 11 acres of land. The building contains approximately 122,000 square feet, including 27,000 square feet of office space, 24,000 square feet of retail space and 71,000 square feet of operations and processing space. The Southern California center building, which also is owned by the Company, is located in Compton, California, and consists of 46,000 square feet: 6,000 square feet of office space and 40,000 square feet of warehouse space. All properties and equipment owned by the Company currently secure outstanding loans of the Company. The Company generally leases the other facilities it operates. The Company usually attempts to negotiate lease terms for a recycling center that correspond to the term of the principal contract or contracts in connection with which the center is to be operated. The Company's recycling centers typically range in size from 25,000 to 40,000 square feet. The Company usually attempts to negotiate lease terms of two to five years for its retail stores, which typically have been 25,000 to 35,000 square feet. The Company believes that the facilities and equipment at each of its centers are adequate to meet its anticipated needs for the near term and that alternate facilities will readily be available to the Company to meet its future needs. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, none of which is expected to result in any material loss to the Company or any of its subsidiaries. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS The Company did not submit any matters to a vote of security holders during the last quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report. 10 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK The Common Stock trades under the symbol "ARCI." The Company's Common Stock began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board on September 8, 1998. Prior to that time, the Common Stock traded as follows: on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market from February 26, 1997 to September 7, 1998; on the Nasdaq National Market from January 8, 1993 to February 25, 1997; on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market from January 7, 1991 to January 7, 1993; and on the local over-the-counter market prior thereto. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing bid quotations for the Common Stock, as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board. High Low ---- --- 1999 First Quarter................... $ 1 $ 5/8 Second Quarter.................. 13/16 1/2 Third Quarter................... 7/8 1/2 Fourth Quarter.................. 1 1/2 11/16 2000 First Quarter................... $ 2 1/2 $ 19/25 Second Quarter.................. 3 1/8 19/16 Third Quarter................... 3 1 5/8 Fourth Quarter.................. 2 1/2 1 3/16 On March 9, 2001, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the OTC Bulletin Board was $1.50 per share. As of March 9, 2001, there were approximately 1,009 beneficial holders of the Company's Common Stock. The Company's line of credit limits the Company's ability to pay dividends. During 1998 and 1999, the Company privately placed 1,150,000 unregistered shares and 1,031,750 warrants to purchase shares. In 2000, the Company registered 1,130,000 shares of such shares for resale by the holders. In May 1998, the Company sold in a private placement 100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $2.00 per share. The sale was made to an institutional investor and the proceeds used for additional working capital. In July 1998, the Company issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $275,000, plus an aggregate of 68,750 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock at $2.25 per share, subject to adjustment. The notes were repaid in September 1998 from new financing. In September 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement for gross proceeds of $3.5 million. The loan also provides for non-voting attendance at board meetings and the issuance to the lender of a warrant to purchase 700,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.50 per share, which price was adjustable under certain circumstances. The current exercise price of this warrant is $0.60 per share. If exercised in full, this warrant would represent approximately 27% of the Company's Common Stock after such exercise. The Company also issued to an investment banker associated with this transaction a warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of Common 11 Stock at $2.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The portion of the gross loan proceeds ascribed to the aforementioned warrants in conjunction with debt was $307,000. In February 1999, the Company sold in a private placement 1,030,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.50 per share. The sale represented approximately 45% of the Common Stock outstanding after such sale. The Company paid $31,500 of the proceeds and issued warrants to purchase 83,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment, to an investment banker as a placement fee. The remaining proceeds were used to repay certain indebtedness, to purchase inventory and for other general corporate purposes. In March 1999, the Company issued to a board member as payment for certain consulting services, 5,000 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock at $0.625 per share, the market value of the Company's stock at the date of grant. The warrants are currently exercisable and expire March 1, 2009. In April 1999, the Company issued to a vendor 50,000 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock at $0.625 per share. The contract provides that 37,500 of these warrants are currently exercisable and the balance is exercisable based on a certain target. The warrants expire March 31, 2004. In August 1999, the Company settled a lawsuit with a former employee. The settlement included a cash payment of $105,000 and the issuance of 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock valued at $12,500. 12 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected financial information set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

Fiscal Years Ended 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except per share data) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Total revenues $ 21,479 $ 15,582 $ 13,612 $ 11,979 $ 14,030 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit $ 8,921 $ 6,666 $ 3,981 $ 4,990 $ 2,744 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income (loss) $ 1,963 $ 1,139 $ (2,744) $ (489) $ (6,899) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) $ 927 $ 505 $ (3,056) $ (748) $ (7,269) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ (2.55) $ (0.66) $ (6.53) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ (2.55) $ (0.66) $ (6.53) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,287 2,142 1,200 1,137 1,114 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,889 2,274 1,200 1,137 1,114 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE SHEETS Working capital (deficit) $ 1,183 $ 545 $ (471) $ (1,959) $ (1,671) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $ 12,651 $ 9,517 $ 8,843 $ 8,569 $ 9,992 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term liabilities $ 4,431 $ 4,831 $ 4,965 $ 1,633 $ 1,711 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' equity $ 2,751 $ 1,809 $ 816 $ 3,365 $ 4,113 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial data for the eight quarters ended December 30, 2000. In our opinion, the unaudited information set forth below has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information set forth herein. The operating results for any quarter are not indicative of results for any future period. All data is in thousands except per common share data.

Fiscal 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenues $ 4,174 $ 5,819 $ 6,188 $ 5,298 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 290 $ 341 $ 257 $ 39 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic income per common share $ 0.13 $ 0.15 $ 0.11 $ 0.02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted income per common share $ 0.10 $ 0.12 $ 0.09 $ 0.01 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,287 2,287 2,287 2,287 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 2,812 2,920 2,948 2,889 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Fiscal 1999 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total revenues $ 2,817 $ 4,053 $ 4,689 $ 4,023 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income(loss) $ (399) $ 251 $ 532 $ 121 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic income (loss) per common share $ (0.23) $ 0.11 $ 0.23 $ 0.05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted income (loss) per common share $ (0.23) $ 0.11 $ 0.22 $ 0.04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding 1,769 2,267 2,271 2,287 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 1,769 2,267 2,371 2,681 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 2000, 1999 AND 1998 OVERVIEW The Company's 2000 fiscal year (2000) ended December 30, 2000, its 1999 fiscal year (1999) ended January 1, 2000 and its 1998 fiscal year (1998) ended January 2, 1999. The Company generates revenues from two sources: retail and recycling activities. Retail revenues are sales of appliances, warranty and service revenue and delivery fees. Recycling revenues are fees charged for the disposal of appliances and sales of scrap metal and reclaimed chlorofluorocarbons ("CFCs") generated from processed appliances. The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in operating results, with revenues generally higher during the second and third calendar quarters than in the first and fourth quarters. The lower levels in the first and fourth quarters reflect consumer purchasing cycles, which result in lower demand for appliances and recycling services. In 2000, the Company focused on a carefully managed growth plan of opening large showroom outlet stores, located in heavily trafficked, conveniently located retail malls. During 2000, the Company closed a smaller retail store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market, and in January 2001, opened an ApplianceSmart outlet in that market. In 2000, same-store sales for five stores open the full years of 2000 and 1999 increased by 53%. Retail revenues accounted for 57.6% of total revenues in 2000. REVENUES The Company's total revenues for 2000 were $21,479,000 compared to $15,582,000 in 1999. Retail revenues increased to $12,379,000 in 2000 from $7,956,000 in 1999, an increase of 55.6%. Same-store sales for 2000 (a sales comparison of five stores open the full year in both 2000 and 1999) increased 53%. The increase in retail revenues was primarily due to an increase in scratch and dent appliance sales offset by a decrease in reconditioned appliance sales. The increase in scratch and dent appliance sales was primarily due to increased advertising and a 30,000 square foot store being opened, offset by a smaller store being closed in the second quarter of 2000. The Company purchases a majority of the scratch and dent appliances sold from Whirlpool Corporation. The Whirlpool agreement does not provide for any required or minimum number of units to be sold to the Company. The Company believes this agreement will provide an adequate supply for its retail stores. The Company operated six retail stores at both the end of the current fiscal year and the previous fiscal year. However, during the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the Company closed a smaller store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market and opened a 30,000 square foot store in the Dayton, Ohio market. In January 2001, the Company opened a 24,000 square foot store in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul market. The Company opened another 42,000 square foot store in the Dayton, Ohio market in March 2001. 14 In addition, the Company anticipates closing a smaller store and opening a 32,000 square foot store in the Columbus, Ohio market around the end of April 2001. Recycling revenues increased to $9,100,000 in 2000 from $7,626,000 in 1999. The increase was primarily due to an increase in refrigerator recycling volumes related to the contract with Southern California Edison Company ("Edison") and higher sales of reclaimed chlorofluorocarbons offset slightly by lower scrap revenue due to a decrease in scrap prices. Edison accounted for approximately 30% of the Company's total revenues for 2000 and 33% for 1999. In June 2000, the Company signed a two-year contract with Edison to continue its refrigerator recycling program through December 30, 2001. The two-year contract does not provide for a minimum number of refrigerators to be recycled in either 2000 or 2001. The Company recycled approximately 36,000 units in 2000 and expects recycling volumes for 2001 at approximately the same level as 2000. The timing and amount of revenues will be dependent on advertising by Edison. In October 2000, the Company signed a contract with Edison to implement a recycling program ("Summer Initiative") in the service areas of Pacific Gas & Electric (the San Francisco Bay area) and San Diego Gas & Electric. This contract is in accordance with a ruling issued by the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"). Under the Summer Initiative, the Company expects to recycle approximately 30,000 to 40,000 units through the end of 2001 in addition to the approximately 36,000 units from the original Edison contract. As with its initial Edison program, there are no guaranteed minimum number of units that must be recycled under the Summer Initiative. The Company began the Summer Initiative in September of 2000 and was fully operational in the first quarter of 2001. For the contract period, the CPUC has budgeted $8,500,000, which includes a $75 per unit incentive payment to residential participants. The Company is responsible for advertising for the Summer Initiative. The recent energy crisis in California has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. However, there can be no guarantee that it will not have an adverse effect in the future if Edison is unable to perform under the terms of its contracts with the Company. The Company's total revenues for 1999 were $15,582,000 compared to $13,612,000 in 1998. Retail revenues increased to $7,956,000 in 1999 from $7,835,000 in 1998. The increase was primarily due to an increase in same-store sales offset by operating fewer stores in 1999 compared to 1998. In 1998, the Company entered into a contract with Whirlpool Corporation to acquire its distressed appliances (including discontinued models, factory over-runs, floor samples and scratch and dent appliances) from distribution centers serving the Midwest and certain western states. Same-store retail sales for 1999 increased 57% (a sales comparison of six stores open for full years in both 1999 and 1998). As of January 1, 2000, the Company operated six retail stores. Recycling revenues increased to $7,626,000 in 1999 from $5,777,000 in 1998. The increase was primarily due to an increase in refrigerator recycling volumes related to the contract with Edison offset slightly by lower sales of reclaimed chlorofluorocarbons and lower scrap revenue due to a decrease in scrap prices. Edison accounted for approximately 33% of the Company's total revenues for 1999 and 29% for 1998. GROSS PROFIT The Company's overall gross profit decreased slightly to 41.5% in 2000 from 42.8% in 1999. The decrease was primarily due to higher sales of scratch and dent appliances that have a lower margin than reconditioned appliances, offset by higher recycling revenues from the initial Edison contract without a corresponding increase in expenses. Gross profit as a percentage of total revenues for future periods can be affected favorably or unfavorably by numerous factors included the mix of retail products sold, the volume of appliances recycled from the Edison contracts and the price and volume of byproduct revenues. The 15 Company expects gross profit percentages to decrease slightly as retail revenues continue to become a higher percentage of total revenues. The Company's overall gross profit increased to 42.8% in 1999 from 29.2% in 1998. The increase was primarily due to higher recycling revenues from the Edison contract without a corresponding increase in expenses, improved purchase price and mix of inventory for retail sales and discontinuing unprofitable programs. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative expenses were 32.4% of total revenues in 2000 compared to 35.5% in 1999. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $6,958,000 in 2000 from $5,527,000 in 1999, a 25.9% increase. Selling expenses increased to $2,858,000 in 2000 from $1,900,000 in 1999. The increase was primarily due to opening a new 30,000 square foot retail store in the second quarter of 2000 and a corresponding increase in advertising and commissions. General and administrative expenses increased to $4,100,000 in 2000 from $3,627,000 in 1999. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and non-capitalized consultant fees for the Company's computer systems. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 35.5% of total revenues in 1999 compared to 45.2% in 1998. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,527,000 in 1999 from $6,152,000 in 1998, a 10.2% decrease. Selling expenses decreased to $1,900,000 in 1999 from $2,028,000 in 1998. The decrease was primarily due to operating fewer stores in 1999 compared to 1998 offset by an increase in advertising expense and sales commissions. General and administrative expenses decreased to $3,627,000 in 1999 from $4,124,000 in 1998. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in personnel costs as a result of an aggressive overhead reduction program in the first quarter of 1999 offset by an increase in consultant fees for the Company's computer systems. In June 1998, the Company took a one-time charge of $518,000 related to a loss on impaired equipment associated with the Company's decision to curtail the appliance shredding operation of its recycling business located primarily at the Company's Minneapolis center. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense increased to $841,000 in 2000 from $780,000 in 1999. The increase was primarily due to a higher average borrowed amount in 2000 compared to 1999 offset by a decrease in the effective interest rate on the line of credit. Interest expense increased to $780,000 in 1999 from $601,000 in 1998. The increase was primarily due to a higher average borrowed amount outstanding in 1999 compared to 1998. INCOME TAXES AND NET OPERATING LOSSES The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $580,000 for 2000. The Company has net operating loss carryovers of approximately $8,514,000 at December 30, 2000, which may be available to reduce taxable income and in turn income taxes payable in future years. However, future utilization of these loss and credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code including limitations subject to Section 382, which relates to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year period, and are further dependent upon the Company maintaining profitable operations. The Company believes that the issuance of Common Stock during 1999 resulted in an "ownership change" under Section 382. Accordingly, the Company's ability to use net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to February 1999 may be limited to approximately $46,000 per year. As of its 2000 and 1999 year-ends, the Company had recorded cumulative valuation allowances of $4,022,000 and $4,085,000, respectively, against its net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of their 16 realization. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the periods when deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At December 30, 2000, the Company had working capital of $1,183,000 compared to $545,000 at January 1, 2000. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $302,000 at December 30, 2000 from $220,000 at January 1, 2000. Net cash used in operating activities was $1,190,000 in 2000 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $201,000 in 1999. The cash used in operating activities was primarily due to increases in inventories and receivables offset by net income and an increase in payables and accrued expenses. During 2000, inventories increased by $2,647,000 principally due to more and larger stores. Net cash provided by investing activities was $58,000 in 2000 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $164,000 in 1999. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities in 2000 was due to proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment net of purchases of equipment. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,214,000 in 2000 compared to $169,000 in 1999. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to increased borrowings from the line of credit in 2000 net of payments on long-term liabilities. The Company's capital expenditures were approximately $609,000 in 2000 and $252,000 in 1999. The 2000 capital expenditures were related to the continued upgrade of computer systems and communications equipment. The 1999 capital expenditures were primarily related to building improvements and the purchase of computer equipment. The Company did not have any material purchase commitments for assets as of December 30, 2000. As of December 30, 2000, the Company had a $5,000,000 line of credit with a lender. The interest rate as of December 30, 2000 was 11.25%. The amount of borrowings available under the line of credit is based on a formula using receivables and inventories. The line of credit has a stated maturity date of August 30, 2001 and provides that the lender may demand payment in full of the entire outstanding balance of the loan at any time. The line of credit is secured by substantially all the Company's assets and requires minimum monthly interest payments of $14,000 regardless of the outstanding principal balance. The lender also has an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation that secures the line of credit. The line also requires that the Company meet certain financial covenants, provides payment penalties for noncompliance, limits the amount of other debt the Company can incur, limits the amount of spending on fixed assets and limits payments of dividends. The Company's unused borrowing capacity was $331,000 at December 30, 2000 and $802,000 at March 1, 2001. During 2000, the Company recognized a gain of $275,000 from the sale of the ApplianceSmart outlet property in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Company is still operating this outlet under an operating lease until September 30, 2001. Therefore, at December 30, 2000, the Company had an unrecognized gain of $60,000, which will be recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease. In September 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a lender resulting in gross proceeds of $3.5 million. The maturity date for the loan is September 30, 2005 and the annual interest rate is 13%. The loan is secured by all of the Company's personal property and all of its real estate, and provides for a non-voting attendance at board meetings. The loan provided for monthly interest payments of $37,917 to September 2000. Beginning in September 2000, monthly principal and interest payments of $52,259 began. The recent energy crisis in California has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. However, there can be no guarantee that it will not have an adverse effect in the future if Edison is unable to perform under the terms of its contracts with the Company. 17 The Company believes, based on the anticipated revenues from the Edison contract and the Summer Initiative contract, the anticipated sales per retail store and anticipated gross profit, that its cash balance, anticipated funds generated from operations and its current line of credit, if renewed in August 2001, will be sufficient to finance its operations and capital expenditures through December 2001. The Company's total capital requirements for 2001 will depend upon, among other things as discussed herein, the recycling volumes generated from the Edison program and Summer Initiative program in 2001 and the number and size of retail stores operating during the fiscal year. Currently, the Company has three centers and eight stores in operation. If revenues are lower than anticipated or expenses are higher than anticipated or the line of credit cannot be maintained after August 2001, the Company may require additional capital to finance operations. Sources of additional financing, if needed in the future, may include further debt financing or the sale of equity (common or preferred stock) or other securities. There can be no assurance that such additional sources of financing will be available on terms satisfactory to the Company or permitted by the Company's current lender. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements contained in this annual report regarding the Company's future operations, performance and results, and anticipated liquidity discussed herein are forward-looking and therefore are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein. Any forward-looking information regarding the operations of the Company will be affected primarily by the Company's continued ability to purchase product from Whirlpool at acceptable prices and the ability and timing of Edison to deliver units under both its contracts with the Company. In addition, any forward-looking information will also be affected by the ability of individual retail stores to meet planned revenue levels, the rate of sustainable growth in the number of retail stores, the speed at which individual retail stores reach profitability, costs and expenses being realized at higher than expected levels, the Company's ability to secure an adequate supply of used appliances for resale and the continued availability of the Company's current line of credit. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK MARKET RISK AND IMPACT OF INFLATION The Company does not believe there is any significant risk related to interest rate fluctuations on its long-term debt since it all has fixed rates. However, there is interest rate risk on the line of credit since its interest is based on the prime rate. Also, the Company believes that inflation has not had a material impact on the results of operations for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2000. However, there can be no assurances that future inflation will not have an adverse impact on the Company's operating results and financial conditions. 18 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Description Page ----------- ---- Independent Auditor's Report........................................20 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000............................................21 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 30, 2000..................................22 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three years ended December 30, 2000........................23 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 30, 2000..................................24 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................25 19 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Board of Directors and Shareholders Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 30, 2000. 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 generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 30, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota February 16, 2001 20 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 30, January 1, 2000 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS (NOTE 3) CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 302,000 $ 220,000 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20,000 and $25,000, respectively (Note 9) 1,731,000 1,452,000 Inventories, net of reserves of $375,000 and $275,000, respectively 4,233,000 1,586,000 Deferred income taxes and other current assets (Note 7) 386,000 164,000 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 6,652,000 3,422,000 ------------ ------------ PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost (Notes 2 and 4) Land 2,050,000 2,103,000 Buildings and improvements 3,550,000 4,028,000 Equipment 4,046,000 3,542,000 ------------ ------------ 9,646,000 9,673,000 Less accumulated depreciation 3,930,000 3,950,000 ------------ ------------ Net property and equipment 5,716,000 5,723,000 ------------ ------------ OTHER ASSETS 207,000 258,000 ------------ ------------ GOODWILL, net of amortization of $114,000 and $76,000, respectively 76,000 114,000 ------------ ------------ Total assets $ 12,651,000 $ 9,517,000 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Line of credit (Note 3) $ 2,402,000 $ 888,000 Current maturities of long-term obligations 275,000 135,000 Accounts payable 1,279,000 1,037,000 Accrued expenses (Note 5) 936,000 742,000 Deferred gain on building sale 60,000 -- Income taxes payable 517,000 75,000 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 5,469,000 2,877,000 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities (Note 4) 4,431,000 4,831,000 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 9,900,000 7,708,000 ------------ ------------ COMMITMENTS (Note 6) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 3 and 8) Common Stock, no par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,287,000 shares 11,360,000 11,345,000 Accumulated deficit (8,609,000) (9,536,000) ------------ ------------ Total shareholders' equity 2,751,000 1,809,000 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 12,651,000 $ 9,517,000 ============ ============

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 21 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the fiscal year ended ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 30, January 1, January 2, 2000 2000 1999 ---------------------------------------------- REVENUES (Note 9) Retail $ 12,379,000 $ 7,956,000 $ 7,835,000 Recycling 9,100,000 7,626,000 5,777,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total revenues 21,479,000 15,582,000 13,612,000 COST OF REVENUES (Note 9) 12,558,000 8,916,000 9,631,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Gross profit 8,921,000 6,666,000 3,981,000 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (Note 2) 6,958,000 5,527,000 6,152,000 LOSS ON IMPAIRED ASSETS (Note 2) -- -- 573,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Operating income (loss) 1,963,000 1,139,000 (2,744,000) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Other income 385,000 146,000 320,000 Interest expense (841,000) (780,000) (601,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 1,507,000 505,000 (3,025,000) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 7) 580,000 -- 31,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net income (loss) $ 927,000 $ 505,000 $ (3,056,000) ============ ============ ============ BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ (2.55) ============ ============ ============ DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ (2.55) ============ ============ ============ WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 2,287,000 2,142,000 1,200,000 ============ ============ ============ Diluted 2,889,000 2,274,000 1,200,000 ============ ============ ============

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 22 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock --------------------- Accumulated Shares Amount Deficit Total ------ ------ ------- ----- BALANCE, JANUARY 3, 1998 1,137,000 $ 10,350,000 $ (6,985,000) $ 3,365,000 Issuance of Common Stock (Note 8) 100,000 200,000 -- 200,000 Proceeds ascribed to warrants issued in conjunction with long-term debt (Note 8) -- 307,000 -- 307,000 Net loss -- -- (3,056,000) (3,056,000) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, JANUARY 2, 1999 1,237,000 10,857,000 (10,041,000) 816,000 Sales of Common Stock, net of fees and expenses of $40,000 (Note 8) 1,030,000 475,000 -- 475,000 Issuance of Common Stock in settlement (Note 8) 20,000 13,000 -- 13,000 Net income -- -- 505,000 505,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2000 2,287,000 11,345,000 (9,536,000) 1,809,000 Warrants issued to vendor (Note 8) -- 15,000 -- 15,000 Net income -- -- 927,000 927,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE, DECEMBER 30, 2000 2,287,000 $ 11,360,000 $ (8,609,000) $ 2,751,000 =======================================================================================================

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 23 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the fiscal year ended ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 30, January 1, January 2, 2000 2000 1999 ---------------------------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) $ 927,000 $ 505,000 $ (3,056,000) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 385,000 395,000 704,000 Gain on sale of property and equipment (271,000) (74,000) (266,000) Accretion of long-term debt discount 39,000 35,000 -- Common stock issued for settlement -- 13,000 -- Loss on impaired assets -- -- 573,000 Deferred income taxes (33,000) (75,000) -- Change in current assets and liabilities: Receivables (279,000) (954,000) 238,000 Inventories (2,647,000) 393,000 (1,285,000) Other current assets (189,000) 11,000 40,000 Refundable income taxes -- -- 29,000 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 436,000 (123,000) (55,000) Income taxes payable 442,000 75,000 -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,190,000) 201,000 (3,078,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (609,000) (252,000) (289,000) Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment 667,000 88,000 271,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 58,000 (164,000) (18,000) ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit 1,514,000 (193,000) (432,000) Payments on long-term obligations (377,000) (113,000) (408,000) Proceeds from long-term obligations 77,000 -- 3,718,000 Proceeds ascribed to warrants issued in conjunction with long-term debt obligations -- -- 307,000 Deferred financing costs -- -- (288,000) Proceeds from issuance of common stock -- 475,000 200,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net cash provided by financing activities 1,214,000 169,000 3,097,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Increase in cash and cash equivalents 82,000 206,000 1,000 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Beginning 220,000 14,000 13,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ Ending $ 302,000 $ 220,000 $ 14,000 ============ ============ ============ SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash payments for: Interest $ 802,000 $ 668,000 $ 562,000 Income taxes 177,000 -- 2,000 ============ ============ ============

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 24 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NATURE OF BUSINESS: Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") are in the business of providing reverse logistics, energy conservation and recycling services for major household appliances. The Company sells appliances through a chain of Company-owned factory outlet stores under the name ApplianceSmart(R). The Company provides recycling services on a credit basis to appliance retailers, electric utilities, waste management companies and local governments. A SUMMARY OF THE COMPANY'S SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES IS AS FOLLOWS: PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument: CASH EQUIVALENTS, ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value. SHORT- AND LONG-TERM DEBT: The fair value of short- and long-term debt has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements. No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts. In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of the Company. FISCAL YEAR: The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year. The Company's 2000 fiscal year (2000) ended December 30, 2000, its 1999 fiscal year (1999) ended January 1, 2000 and its 1998 fiscal year (1998) ended January 1, 1999. All such fiscal years include 52 weeks. REVENUE RECOGNITION: The Company recognizes revenue from appliance sales in the period the appliances are sold. Revenue from appliance recycling is recognized when a unit is collected and processed. Byproduct revenue is recognized upon shipment and is included in recycling revenues. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (SAB No. 101), "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB No. 101 summarizes some of the staff's interpretations on the application of generally accepted accounting principles related to revenue recognition. The Company began following the interpretations in SAB No. 101 during the year ended December 30, 2000, and they had no effect on its financial statements. The Company provides allowances for uncollectable receivables based on management's assessment of the need for such allowances. The Company defers revenue under appliance extended warranty arrangements and recognizes it over the terms of the warranty contracts. The Company accrues the estimated cost of initial warranty arrangements at the time of the appliance sale. Shipping and handling charges to customers are included in the revenues. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are included in cost of revenues. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all cash and any treasury bills, commercial paper and money-market funds with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. INVENTORIES: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, first-in, first-out (FIFO), or market. Inventories consisted of the following: 25 2000 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finished goods $ 4,472,000 $ 1,698,000 Work-in-process- unrefurbished units 136,000 163,000 Less reserves (375,000) (275,000) ------------ ------------ $ 4,233,000 $ 1,586,000 ============ ============ DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS: In connection with financing transactions in 1998 under notes payable arrangements, the Company incurred $288,000 of costs that have been recorded in other assets and are being amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the related debt. DEFERRED GAIN: In the third quarter of 2000, the Company sold its ApplianceSmart(R) outlet property in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Company is still operating this outlet and has an operating lease on this outlet until September 30, 2001. The Company recognized $275,000 of gain on this transaction in 2000 and will recognize the remaining $60,000 deferred gain over the remaining term of the lease. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods over the following estimated useful lives: Years ----- Buildings and improvements 18 - 30 Equipment 3 - 8 ACCOUNTING FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS: The Company reviews its property, equipment and goodwill periodically to determine potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets with the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes an impairment loss at that date. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets. In 1998, the Company recorded a loss on impairment of certain assets (See Note 2). ADVERTISING EXPENSE: Advertising is expensed as incurred, and was $884,000, $532,000 and $448,000 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999. INCOME TAXES: Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE: Basic per-share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income or loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per-share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock instruments unless their effect is antidilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share. In arriving at diluted weighted-average shares and per share amounts for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000, options and warrants (see Note 8) with exercise prices below average market prices for the respective fiscal quarters in which they were dilutive were included using the treasury stock method. Since the Company had incurred loss in the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999, the inclusion of potential option and warrant common shares in the calculation of diluted loss per common share would have been antidilutive. Therefore, basic and diluted weighted-average shares and per share amounts for that year are the same. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Comprehensive income is equivalent to net income in the statement of operations. SEGMENT INFORMATION: The Company believes that it has one operating segment. Although certain separate financial information by retail store, or retail store and recycling center, is available to management, the Company is managed as a unit. Specifically, it does not measure profit or loss or maintain assets separately for its products/revenue sources (appliance sales and appliance recycling, including recycling services for utilities). ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 26 NOTE 2. MARKET CLOSINGS AND LOSS ON IMPAIRED ASSETS In December 1998, the Company decided to withdraw from the under-performing St. Louis, Missouri market. The Company closed its recycling center and two retail stores in February 1999. For the year ended January 2, 1999, the Company incurred expenses of approximately $130,000 which included the write-off of leasehold improvements of approximately $55,000 and the accrual of remaining lease payments and other costs of approximately $75,000. In 1998, the Company elected to curtail its appliance shredding operations and intensify its strategic focus on appliance retailing. As a result, the Company recorded a $518,000 loss on impaired equipment for the year ended January 2, 1999. During the year ended January 1, 2000, the Company closed a retail store in the Minneapolis market and incurred expenses of $22,000 for the remaining lease payments and write off of leasehold improvements. The Company also closed a retail store in the California market in June 1999, which resulted in no closing costs. In April 2000, the Company closed a retail store in the Minneapolis market. In connection therewith, the Company wrote off leasehold improvements of approximately $71,000. NOTE 3. LINE OF CREDIT At December 30, 2000, the Company had a $5.0 million line of credit with a lender. The interest rate as of December 30, 2000 was 11.25%. The amount of borrowings available under the line of credit is based on a formula using receivables and inventories. The line of credit has a stated maturity date of August 30, 2001 unless renewed and provides that the lender may demand payment in full of the entire outstanding balance of the loan at any time. The line of credit is secured by substantially all the Company's assets, and requires minimum monthly interest payments of $14,000 regardless of the outstanding principal balance. The lender is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation. The loan requires that the Company meet certain covenants, provides payment penalties for noncompliance, limits the amount of other debt the Company can incur, limits the amount of spending on fixed assets and limits payments of dividends. At December 30, 2000 the Company's unused borrowing capacity under this line was $331,000. NOTE 4. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consisted of the following: 2000 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9.00% mortgage, due in monthly installments of $11,411, including interest, balance due February 2004, secured by land and building $ 791,000 $ 854,000 8.75% mortgage, due in monthly installments of $7,027, including interest, balance due January 2003, secured by land and building 625,000 652,000 13.00% note payable, monthly interest payments of $37,917 until September 2000, monthly principal and interest payments of $52,259 beginning September 2000, balance due September 2005, secured by equipment, land and building 3,219,000 3,237,000 9.88% mortgage, due in monthly installments of $3,286, including interest, balance due September 2008, secured by land and building -- 211,000 Other 71,000 12,000 ---------- ---------- 4,706,000 4,966,000 Less current maturities 275,000 135,000 ---------- ---------- $4,431,000 $4,831,000 ========== ========== The future annual maturities of long-term obligations are as follows: Fiscal year ----------- 2001 $ 275,000 2002 309,000 2003 857,000 2004 322,000 2005 2,566,000 Thereafter 377,000 ---------- $4,706,000 NOTE 5. ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses were as follows: 2000 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compensation $ 330,000 $ 178,000 Warranty 188,000 182,000 Other 418,000 382,000 ---------- --------- $ 936,000 $ 742,000 ========== ========= NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS OPERATING LEASES: The Company leases certain of its retail stores and recycling center facilities and equipment under 27 noncancelable operating leases. The leases require the payment of taxes, maintenance, utilities and insurance. Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 30, 2000 were as follows: Fiscal Year ----------- 2001 $1,173,000 2002 1,170,000 2003 1,183,000 2004 997,000 2005 863,000 ---------- $5,386,000 ========== Rent expense for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2000, January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999 was $420,000, $370,000 and $482,000, respectively. NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consisted of the following: 2000 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current: Federal $ 496,000 $ 75,000 $ -- State 117,000 -- 31,000 Deferred (33,000) (75,000) -- ---------- ---------- ---------- $ 580,000 $ -- $ 31,000 ========== ========== ========== A reconciliation of the Company's income tax expense with the federal statutory tax rate is shown below: 2000 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate $ 511,000 $ 172,000 $(1,049,000) State taxes (benefit), net of federal tax effect 99,000 18,000 (192,000) Permanent differences and other 33,000 (85,000) 34,000 Change in valuation allowance (63,000) (105,000) 257,000 Effect of NOL with no current tax benefit -- -- 981,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 580,000 $ -- $ 31,000 =========== =========== =========== The components of net deferred tax assets are as follows: 2000 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 3,405,000 $ 3,421,000 Fixed asset differences 130,000 295,000 Federal and state tax credits 199,000 199,000 Inventory reserve 150,000 110,000 Accrued expenses 246,000 135,000 ----------- ----------- Gross deferred tax assets $ 4,130,000 $ 4,160,000 Valuation allowance (4,022,000) (4,085,000) ----------- ----------- Net deferred tax assets $ 108,000 $ 75,000 =========== =========== At December 30, 2000, the Company had a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to reduce the total to an amount management believes is appropriate. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the periods when deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. At December 30, 2000, the Company had net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards expiring as follows: Expiration Amount ---------- ------ 2011 $4,725,000 2012 $1,144,000 2018 $2,645,000 Future utilization of NOL and tax credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. This Section relates to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year period. The Company believes that the issuance of common stock during 1999 resulted in an "ownership change" under Section 382. Accordingly, the Company's ability to use NOL and tax credit carryforwards generated prior to February 1999 may be limited to approximately $46,000 per year. NOTE 8. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCK OPTIONS: The Company has two Stock Option Plans (the "Plans") that permit the granting of "incentive stock 28 options" meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and nonqualified options that do not meet the requirements of Section 422. The Plans have 150,000 and 400,000 shares, respectively, available for grant. The options that have been granted under the Plans are exercisable for a period of five to ten years from the date of grant and vest over a period of six months to five years from the date of grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Plans. Had compensation cost for the Plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net earnings (loss) and basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts would have been changed to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 2000 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss): As reported $ 927,000 $ 505,000 $(3,056,000) Pro forma $ 859,000 $ 460,000 $(3,136,000) Basic earnings (loss) per share: As reported $ 0.41 $ 0.24 $ (2.55) Pro forma $ 0.38 $ 0.21 $ (2.61) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: As reported $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ (2.55) Pro forma $ 0.30 $ 0.20 $ (2.61) The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 2000 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected dividend yield -- -- -- Expected stock price volatility 79.7% 81.3% 83.2% Risk-free interest rate 6.0% 5.5% 5.5% Expected life of options (years) 3 3 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows: Weighted Average Shares Exercise Price -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at January 3, 1998 93,000 $10.93 Granted 78,000 $ 1.50 Cancelled (27,000) $13.22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at January 2, 1999 144,000 $ 5.37 Granted 97,000 $ 0.61 Cancelled (4,000) $ 8.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at January 1, 2000 237,000 $ 3.36 Granted 180,000 $ 2.22 Cancelled (44,000) $ 5.20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 30, 2000 373,000 $ 2.59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The weighted average fair value per option of options granted during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $0.90, $0.28 and $0.85, respectively. The following tables summarize information about stock options outstanding as of December 30, 2000: OPTIONS OUTSTANDING Weighted Average Remaining Weighted Range of Number Contractual Average Exercise Options Life in Exercise Prices Outstanding Years Price -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $17.50 16,000 0.5 $ 17.50 $10.52 8,000 2.5 $ 10.52 $2.38 to $3.00 48,000 6.1 $ 2.55 $0.75 to $2.20 212,000 4.6 $ 2.09 $0.59 to $0.63 89,000 5.4 $ 0.61 ------- 373,000 ======= OPTIONS EXERCISABLE Range of Number Weighted Exercise Options Average Prices Exercisable Exercise Price -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $17.50 16,000 $17.50 $10.52 8,000 $10.52 $2.38 to $3.00 48,000 $ 2.55 $0.75 to $2.20 61,000 $ 1.52 $0.59 to $0.63 55,000 $ 0.61 ------- 188,000 $ 3.34 ======= The following table summarizes options exercisable for stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999: 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of options exercisable 141,000 49,000 Weighted average exercise price $5.11 $12.37 WARRANTS: In July 1998, the Company issued 12% subordinated promissory notes in the principal amount of 29 $275,000 plus an aggregate of 68,750 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock at $2.25 per share. In September 1998, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a lender resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $3.5 million. In connection with this loan, the Company issued the lender a warrant to purchase 700,000 shares of Common Stock at an adjustable exercise price, which is currently $0.60 per share. The Company also issued to an investment banker associated with this transaction a warrant to purchase 125,000 shares of Common Stock at $2.50 per share. The portion of the gross loan proceeds ascribed to the aforementioned warrants issued in conjunction with debt was $307,000 as determined using the Black-Scholes method. In February 1999, in connection with a private placement, the Company issued warrants to purchase 83,000 shares of Common stock at $0.50 per share, subject to adjustment. In March 1999, the Company issued to a board member 5,000 warrants to purchase the Company's Common Stock at $0.625 per share, the market value of the Company's stock at the date of grant. In April 1999, the Company issued to a vendor 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $0.625 per share. The contract provides that 37,500 of these warrants are currently exercisable and the balance is exercisable based on a certain target. All issued warrants are exercisable and expire as follows: 68,750 in 2001; 125,000 in 2003; 133,000 in 2004; 700,000 in 2007 and 5,000 in 2009. COMMON STOCK ISSUED IN SETTLEMENT: In August 1999, the Company settled a lawsuit with a former employee. The settlement included a cash payment of $105,000 and the issuance of 20,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock valued at $12,500. The previously unaccrued portion of this settlement, $74,000, is included in selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 1999. PREFERRED STOCK: In April 1998, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation authorizing two million shares of Preferred Stock of the Company ("Preferred Stock") which may be issued from time to time in one or more series having such rights, powers, preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may determine. To date no such preferred shares have been issued. PRIVATE PLACEMENT: In February 1999, the Company sold in a private placement 1,030,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.50 per share. The Company paid $31,500 of the proceeds and issued warrants to an investment banker as a placement fee. In May 1998, the Company sold in a private placement 100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $2.00 per share to an institutional investor. NOTE 9. MAJOR CUSTOMER AND SUPPLIER MAJOR CUSTOMER: Total revenues include sales to one major recycling customer as follows: 2000 1999 1998 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue percentage: 29.9% 33.1% 28.8% As of December 30, 2000, the Company had a receivable from this customer of $505,000. MAJOR SUPPLIER: The Company purchases substantially all of its distressed appliances from one original equipment manufacturer under a contractual arrangement. Management believes that should this arrangement be terminated other original equipment manufacturers would be available as alternate sources of supply. 30 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE No changes in or disagreements with accountants have occurred within the two-year period ended December 30, 2000 that required reporting on Form 8-K. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY Information regarding directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth under the headings "Nominees and Information Concerning Officers and Key Employees who are not Directors" and "Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 26, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information regarding Executive Compensation is set forth under the heading "Executive Compensation and Stock Options Granted and Exercised in Last Fiscal Year" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 26, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the heading "Common Stock Ownership" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 26, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the heading "Nominees and Information Concerning Officers and Key Employees who are not Directors" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 26, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. 31 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS See Index to Financial Statements under Item 8 of this report. 2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE To the Board of Directors Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries taken as a whole. The supplemental Schedule II is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota February 16, 2001 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Accounts Receivable Inventory Allowance Allowance -------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, January 3, 1998 $ 35,000 $ 20,000 Additional allowance 50,000 20,000 Write-offs (67,000) -- -------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, January 2, 1999 $ 18,000 $ 40,000 Additional allowance 23,000 235,000 Write-offs (16,000) -- -------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, January 1, 2000 $ 25,000 $ 275,000 Additional allowance/adjustments (5,000) 205,000 Write-offs -- (105,000 -------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, December 30, 2000 $ 20,000 $ 375,000 -------------------------------------------------------------- 32 3. EXHIBITS See Index to Exhibits on page 35 of this report. (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report. 33 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 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. Dated: March 19, 2001 APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. (Registrant) By /s/ Edward R. Cameron ------------------------------------- Edward R. Cameron President and Chief Executive Officer By /s/ Linda A. Koenig ------------------------------------- Linda A. Koenig Controller Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE --------- ----- ---- /s/ Edward R. Cameron Chairman of the Board, President March 19, 2001 ----------------------- and Chief Executive Officer Edward R. Cameron /s/ Linda A. Koenig Controller March 19, 2001 ----------------------- Linda A. Koenig /s/ George B. Bonniwell Director March 19, 2001 ----------------------- George B. Bonniwell /s/ Duane S. Carlson Director March 19, 2001 ----------------------- Duane S. Carlson /s/ Marvin Goldstein Director March 19, 2001 ----------------------- Marvin Goldstein /s/ Harry W. Spell Director March 19, 2001 ----------------------- Harry W. Spell 34 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit No. Description ------- ----------- 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. *10.1 Amended Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan [filed as Exhibit 19.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.2 Agreement dated December 17, 1992, between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and TCF Savings Bank [filed with the Company's Form 8-K, dated December 17, 1992 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.3 Agreement dated January 19, 1994, between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Standard Insurance Corporation [filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 (File No.0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.4 Line of credit dated August 30, 1996, between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc. [filed as exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1996 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.5 Amended line of credit dated November 8, 1996, between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc. [filed as exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1996 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. *10.6 1997 Stock Option Plan and Amendment [filed as Exhibits 28.1 and 28.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-28571) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.7 Amended line of credit dated February 12, 1998 between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc., Amended Revolving Note and Amended Guarantor Acknowledgments [filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Form 10-K for year ended January 3, 1998 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.8 Agreement dated February 13, 1998 between Western Bank and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998 (File No 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 35 *10.9 Amendment, effective April 24, 1997, to 1989 Stock Option Plan [filed as Exhibit 28.2 to the Company's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 (June 5, 1997) to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-68890) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.10 Reverse Logistics Master Service Agreement between Whirlpool Corporation and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 1998 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.11 Loan Agreement between Medallion Capital, Inc. and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. dated September 10, 1998 [filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 1998 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.12 Promissory note of the Company to Medallion Capital, Inc. in the principal amount of $3,500,000 due September 30, 2005 [filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 1998 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.13 Security Agreement of the Company [filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 1998 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.14 Warrant of the Company in favor of Medallion Capital, Inc. for 700,000 shares of the Company's Stock [corrected copy]. [filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.15 Amendment to the line of credit dated September 10, 1998 between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc., Amendment to General Credit and Security Agreement and Amended Guarantor Acknowledgement. [filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.16 Amendment to the line of credit dated September 17, 1998 between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc., Amendment to General Credit and Security Agreement, Amended Guarantor Acknowledgement and Amended and Restated Revolving Note. [filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.17 Agreement dated March 19, 1999 between Southern California Edison Company and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.18 Amendment effective April 29, 1999 to 1997 Stock Option Plan [filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 1999 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.19 Agreement dated June 12, 2000 between Southern California Edison Company and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2000 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 10.20 Agreement dated August 21, 2000 between Southern California Edison Company and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. [filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. 36 10.21 Amendment to the line of credit dated August 30, 2000 between Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and Spectrum Commercial Services, a division of Lyons Financial Services, Inc., Amendment to General Credit and Security Agreement and Amended and Restated Revolving Note. [filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 (File No. 0-19621) and incorporated herein by reference]. +21.1 Subsidiaries of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. +23.1 Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, Independent Public Accountants. * Items that are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(a)3 of this Form 10-K. + Filed herewith. 37