ITEM 1. Financial Statements
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
January 31,
2017
|
|
July 31,
2016
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
17,560
|
|
|
$
|
18,629
|
|
Short-term investments
|
7,358
|
|
|
10,184
|
|
Accounts receivable, less allowance of
$881 and $753 at January 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively
|
32,047
|
|
|
30,386
|
|
Inventories
|
23,217
|
|
|
23,251
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
3,884
|
|
|
3,884
|
|
Prepaid repairs expense
|
4,054
|
|
|
3,938
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
4,658
|
|
|
901
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
92,778
|
|
|
91,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
|
217,359
|
|
|
218,025
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
(135,861
|
)
|
|
(137,314
|
)
|
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
|
81,498
|
|
|
80,711
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
9,034
|
|
|
9,034
|
|
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization
of $279 and $261 at January 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively
|
999
|
|
|
916
|
|
Customer list, net of accumulated amortization
of $4,031 and $3,460 at January 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively
|
3,754
|
|
|
4,325
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
12,319
|
|
|
12,754
|
|
Other
|
6,192
|
|
|
5,902
|
|
Total Other Assets
|
32,298
|
|
|
32,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
$
|
206,574
|
|
|
$
|
204,815
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
January 31,
2017
|
|
July 31,
2016
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of notes payable
|
$
|
3,083
|
|
|
$
|
3,083
|
|
Accounts payable
|
7,316
|
|
|
6,635
|
|
Dividends payable
|
1,485
|
|
|
1,477
|
|
Accrued expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries, wages and commissions
|
6,675
|
|
|
8,656
|
|
Trade promotions and advertising
|
2,487
|
|
|
2,855
|
|
Freight
|
1,699
|
|
|
1,579
|
|
Other
|
6,753
|
|
|
6,455
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
29,498
|
|
|
30,740
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs
of $103 and $118 at January 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016, respectively
|
9,147
|
|
|
12,215
|
|
Deferred compensation
|
10,991
|
|
|
10,504
|
|
Pension and postretirement benefits
|
32,915
|
|
|
32,492
|
|
Other
|
3,518
|
|
|
3,313
|
|
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
|
56,571
|
|
|
58,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
86,069
|
|
|
89,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 8,015,166 shares at January 31, 2017
and 7,982,243 shares at July 31, 2016
|
802
|
|
|
798
|
|
Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 2,513,512 shares at January 31, 2017
and 2,515,735 shares at July 31, 2016
|
251
|
|
|
252
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
35,288
|
|
|
34,294
|
|
Retained earnings
|
153,240
|
|
|
149,945
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and postretirement benefits
|
(13,289
|
)
|
|
(13,867
|
)
|
Cumulative translation adjustment
|
(106
|
)
|
|
(155
|
)
|
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
(13,395
|
)
|
|
(14,022
|
)
|
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,906,777 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at
January 31, 2017 and 2,912,953 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at July 31, 2016)
|
(55,681
|
)
|
|
(55,716
|
)
|
Total Stockholders’ Equity
|
120,505
|
|
|
115,551
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
|
$
|
206,574
|
|
|
$
|
204,815
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
|
$
|
131,786
|
|
|
$
|
133,162
|
|
Cost of Sales
|
(91,936
|
)
|
|
(93,447
|
)
|
Gross Profit
|
39,850
|
|
|
39,715
|
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
|
(31,217
|
)
|
|
(26,539
|
)
|
Income from Operations
|
8,633
|
|
|
13,176
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
(489
|
)
|
|
(511
|
)
|
Interest income
|
16
|
|
|
9
|
|
Other, net
|
(237
|
)
|
|
(65
|
)
|
Total Other Expense, Net
|
(710
|
)
|
|
(567
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
7,923
|
|
|
12,609
|
|
Income Taxes
|
(1,664
|
)
|
|
(3,365
|
)
|
Net Income
|
6,259
|
|
|
9,244
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained Earnings:
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
149,945
|
|
|
142,095
|
|
Cash dividends declared and treasury stock issuances
|
(2,964
|
)
|
|
(2,846
|
)
|
Balance at End of Period
|
$
|
153,240
|
|
|
$
|
148,493
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Per Share
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
$
|
0.93
|
|
|
$
|
1.39
|
|
Basic Class B Common
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
|
$
|
1.04
|
|
Diluted Common
|
$
|
0.86
|
|
|
$
|
1.28
|
|
Average Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
5,011
|
|
|
4,978
|
|
Basic Class B Common
|
2,077
|
|
|
2,046
|
|
Diluted Common
|
7,145
|
|
|
7,074
|
|
Dividends Declared Per Share
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
$
|
0.4400
|
|
|
$
|
0.4200
|
|
Basic Class B Common
|
$
|
0.3300
|
|
|
$
|
0.3150
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands of dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
$
|
6,259
|
|
|
$
|
9,244
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income:
|
|
|
|
Pension and postretirement benefits (net of tax)
|
578
|
|
|
308
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment
|
49
|
|
|
(150
|
)
|
Other Comprehensive Income
|
627
|
|
|
158
|
|
Total Comprehensive Income
|
$
|
6,886
|
|
|
$
|
9,402
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Three Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net Sales
|
$
|
65,174
|
|
|
$
|
65,367
|
|
Cost of Sales
|
(46,049
|
)
|
|
(46,305
|
)
|
Gross Profit
|
19,125
|
|
|
19,062
|
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
|
(13,538
|
)
|
|
(13,662
|
)
|
Income from Operations
|
5,587
|
|
|
5,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
(238
|
)
|
|
(252
|
)
|
Interest income
|
8
|
|
|
6
|
|
Other, net
|
(113
|
)
|
|
(85
|
)
|
Total Other Expense, Net
|
(343
|
)
|
|
(331
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
5,244
|
|
|
5,069
|
|
Income Taxes
|
(994
|
)
|
|
(1,248
|
)
|
Net Income
|
4,250
|
|
|
3,821
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income Per Share
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
$
|
0.63
|
|
|
$
|
0.57
|
|
Basic Class B
|
$
|
0.47
|
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
Diluted Common
|
$
|
0.58
|
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
Average Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
5,019
|
|
|
4,982
|
|
Basic Class B
|
2,088
|
|
|
2,055
|
|
Diluted Common
|
7,155
|
|
|
7,096
|
|
Dividends Declared Per Share
|
|
|
|
Basic Common
|
$
|
0.2200
|
|
|
$
|
0.2100
|
|
Basic Class B
|
$
|
0.1650
|
|
|
$
|
0.1575
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands of dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Three Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
$
|
4,250
|
|
|
$
|
3,821
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
|
|
|
|
Pension and postretirement benefits (net of tax)
|
309
|
|
|
130
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment
|
63
|
|
|
(139
|
)
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
372
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
Total Comprehensive Income
|
$
|
4,622
|
|
|
$
|
3,812
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Net Income
|
$
|
6,259
|
|
|
$
|
9,244
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
6,389
|
|
|
5,914
|
|
Amortization of investment net discount
|
(5
|
)
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Non-cash stock compensation expense
|
777
|
|
|
638
|
|
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
|
(207
|
)
|
|
(55
|
)
|
Deferred income taxes
|
354
|
|
|
189
|
|
Provision for bad debts and cash discounts
|
131
|
|
|
131
|
|
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
|
276
|
|
|
202
|
|
(Increase) Decrease in assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
(1,829
|
)
|
|
521
|
|
Inventories
|
11
|
|
|
(1,674
|
)
|
Prepaid expenses
|
(3,784
|
)
|
|
(2,671
|
)
|
Other assets
|
(156
|
)
|
|
(118
|
)
|
Increase (Decrease) in liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
852
|
|
|
(201
|
)
|
Accrued expenses
|
(1,698
|
)
|
|
3,295
|
|
Deferred compensation
|
487
|
|
|
104
|
|
Pension and postretirement benefits
|
1,001
|
|
|
554
|
|
Other liabilities
|
235
|
|
|
980
|
|
Total Adjustments
|
2,834
|
|
|
7,807
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
9,093
|
|
|
17,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
(7,279
|
)
|
|
(4,795
|
)
|
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
|
2
|
|
|
249
|
|
Purchases of short-term investments
|
(11,555
|
)
|
|
(14,125
|
)
|
Dispositions of short-term investments
|
14,386
|
|
|
1,225
|
|
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
(4,446
|
)
|
|
(17,446
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on notes payable
|
(3,083
|
)
|
|
(3,484
|
)
|
Dividends paid
|
(2,956
|
)
|
|
(2,783
|
)
|
Purchase of treasury stock
|
(122
|
)
|
|
(18
|
)
|
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock
|
—
|
|
|
185
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
|
170
|
|
|
96
|
|
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
|
207
|
|
|
55
|
|
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
|
(5,784
|
)
|
|
(5,949
|
)
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
68
|
|
|
33
|
|
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
(1,069
|
)
|
|
(6,311
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
|
18,629
|
|
|
20,138
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
$
|
17,560
|
|
|
$
|
13,827
|
|
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures accrued, but not paid
|
$
|
657
|
|
|
$
|
924
|
|
Cash dividends declared and accrued, but not paid
|
$
|
1,485
|
|
|
$
|
1,407
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1
.
BASIS OF STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and in compliance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial statements and the related notes are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2016
included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. Except as otherwise indicated herein or as the context otherwise requires, references to “Oil-Dri,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and reclassifications which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein. Operating results for the
three and six
months ended
January 31, 2017
are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending
July 31, 2017
.
The preparation of the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
We recognize revenue when risk of loss and title are transferred under the terms of our sales agreements with customers at a fixed and determinable price and collection of payment is probable. Trade promotion reserves are provided for sales incentives made directly to consumers, such as coupons, and sales incentives made to customers, such as slotting, discounts based on sales volume, cooperative marketing programs and other arrangements. Such trade promotion costs are netted against sales. Sales returns and allowances are not material.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages and benefits associated with staff outside the manufacturing and distribution functions, all advertising and marketing-related costs, any miscellaneous trade spending expenses not required to be included in net sales, research and development costs, depreciation and amortization related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution process and all other non-manufacturing and non-distribution expenses.
We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical experience and a periodic review of our accounts receivable, including a review of the overall aging of accounts and analysis of specific customer accounts. A customer account is determined to be uncollectible when we have completed our internal collection procedures, including termination of shipments, direct customer contact and formal demand of payment.
We mine sorbent materials on property that we either own or lease as part of our overall operations. A significant part of our overall mining cost is incurred during the process of removing the overburden (non-usable material) from the mine site, thus exposing the sorbent material used in a majority of our production processes. These stripping costs are treated as a variable inventory production cost and are included in cost of sales in the period they are incurred. We defer and amortize the pre-production overburden removal costs associated with opening a new mine.
Additionally, it is our policy to capitalize the purchase cost of land and mineral rights, including associated legal fees, survey fees and real estate fees. The costs of obtaining mineral patents, including legal fees and drilling expenses, are also capitalized. Pre-production development costs on new mines and any prepaid royalties that may be offset against future royalties due upon extraction of the minerals are also capitalized. All exploration related costs are expensed as incurred.
We perform ongoing reclamation activities during the normal course of our overburden removal. As overburden is removed from a mine site, it is hauled to previously mined sites and is used to refill older sites. This process allows us to continuously reclaim older mine sites and dispose of overburden simultaneously, thereby minimizing the costs associated with the reclamation process.
2
.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Issued Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606,
Revenue from Contract with Customers
, which establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and will supersede most existing revenue guidance. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange. In March, April, May and December of 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance that further clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. We are currently in the process of performing a comprehensive evaluation of these requirements, including the impact on how we record certain incentives and advertising arrangements. The implementation date for this guidance was deferred and will now be effective at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Transition options to implement this guidance include either a full or modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. We have not yet selected an implementation method.
In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 205,
Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern
, which defines management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance will be effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017. This pronouncement requires additional disclosures only in certain circumstances, and we do not expect a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 330,
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.
The new guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This new guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 740,
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,
which requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 825,
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.
This guidance addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The provisions relevant to us at this time require the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, as well as eliminates the requirement to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value in such disclosure. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and early adoption is generally not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 842,
Leases
, which provides that, for leases with a term greater than 12 months, a lessee must recognize in the statement of financial position both a liability to make lease payments and an asset representing its right to use the underlying asset. Other requirements describe expense recognition, as well as financial statement presentation and disclosure. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, which includes a number of optional practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 718,
Compensation-Stock Compensation,
which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. The new guidance also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 326,
Financial Instruments-Credit Losses
, which requires companies to utilize an impairment model for most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other financial instruments, which include trade and other receivables, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, to record an allowance for credit risk based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. In addition, this new guidance changes the recognition method for credit losses on available-
for-sale debt securities, which can occur as a result of market and credit risk, as well as additional disclosures. In general, this guidance will require modified retrospective adoption for all outstanding instruments that fall under this guidance. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2021. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
There have been no other accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted by us which are expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Adopted Pronouncements
For the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we adopted FASB guidance under ASC 835,
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost,
which requires debt issuance costs related to notes payable to be presented as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of these costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. We adopted this guidance retrospectively, which resulted in a decrease in Other Assets of
$118,000
with a corresponding decrease in Noncurrent Liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2016. The new requirements had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
3
.
INVENTORIES
The composition of inventories is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31,
2017
|
|
July 31,
2016
|
Finished goods
|
$
|
14,189
|
|
|
$
|
14,032
|
|
Packaging
|
4,811
|
|
|
4,672
|
|
Other
|
4,217
|
|
|
4,547
|
|
Total Inventories
|
$
|
23,217
|
|
|
$
|
23,251
|
|
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, labor and other overhead costs. We perform a detailed review of our inventory items to determine if an obsolescence reserve adjustment is necessary. The review surveys all of our operating facilities and sales groups to ensure that both historical issues and new market trends are considered. The obsolescence reserve not only considers specific items, but also takes into consideration the overall value of the inventory as of the balance sheet date. The inventory obsolescence reserve values at
January 31, 2017
and
July 31, 2016
were
$720,000
and
$806,000
, respectively.
4
.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized into categories based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The categories in the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs for similar assets or liabilities or valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs.
Cash equivalents of
$4,194,000
and
$7,626,000
as of
January 31, 2017
and
July 31, 2016
, respectively, were classified as Level 1. These cash instruments are primarily money market mutual funds and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Short-term investments included U.S. Treasury securities and certificates of deposit. We intend and have the ability to hold our short-term investments to maturity; therefore, these investments were reported at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of
January 31, 2017
and
July 31, 2016
.
Accounts receivable and accounts payable balances approximated their fair values at
January 31, 2017
and
July 31, 2016
due to the short maturity and nature of those balances.
Notes payable are reported at the face amount of future maturities. The estimated fair value of notes payable, including current maturities, was
$13,194,000
and
$16,651,000
as of
January 31, 2017
and
July 31, 2016
, respectively. Our debt does not trade on a daily basis in an active market, therefore the fair value estimate is based on market observable borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities and is classified as Level 2.
We apply fair value techniques on at least an annual basis associated with: (1) valuing potential impairment loss related to goodwill, trademarks and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and (2) valuing potential impairment loss related to long-lived assets. See Note
5
for further information about goodwill and other intangible assets.
5
. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible amortization expense was
$307,000
and
$364,000
in the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
and
2016
, respectively. Intangible amortization expense was
$612,000
and
$727,000
for the first six months of fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Estimated intangible amortization for the remainder of fiscal
2017
is
$612,000
. Estimated intangible amortization for the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
$
|
1,014
|
|
2019
|
$
|
827
|
|
2020
|
$
|
657
|
|
2021
|
$
|
473
|
|
2022
|
$
|
323
|
|
We have one acquired trademark recorded at a cost of
$376,000
that was determined to have an indefinite life and is not amortized.
We performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2016
and no impairment was identified. There have been no triggering events that would indicate a new impairment analysis is needed.
6
.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
The components of net periodic pension and postretirement health benefit costs were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
For the Three Months Ended January 31,
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Service cost
|
$
|
446
|
|
|
$
|
267
|
|
|
$
|
913
|
|
|
$
|
756
|
|
Interest cost
|
474
|
|
|
484
|
|
|
931
|
|
|
967
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(411
|
)
|
|
(485
|
)
|
|
(887
|
)
|
|
(962
|
)
|
Amortization of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior service costs
|
—
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
4
|
|
Other actuarial loss
|
485
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
914
|
|
|
496
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
$
|
994
|
|
|
$
|
477
|
|
|
$
|
1,872
|
|
|
$
|
1,261
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health Benefits
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
For the Three Months Ended January 31,
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Service cost
|
$
|
33
|
|
|
$
|
21
|
|
|
$
|
63
|
|
|
$
|
43
|
|
Interest cost
|
21
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
41
|
|
Amortization of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior service costs
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
(3
|
)
|
Other actuarial loss
|
14
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
$
|
41
|
|
|
$
|
119
|
|
|
$
|
81
|
|
The postretirement health plan is an unfunded plan. We pay insurance premiums and claims from our assets.
The pension plan is funded based upon actuarially determined contributions that take into account the amount deductible for income tax purposes, the normal cost and the minimum contribution required and the maximum contribution allowed under applicable regulations.
We contributed
$335,000
and
$636,000
to our pension plan during the
second
quarter and first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, respectively. We estimate contributions will be
$840,000
for the remainder of fiscal
2017
. See Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.
Assumptions used in the previous calculations were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits
|
|
Postretirement Health Benefits
|
|
For the Three and Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost
|
3.36
|
%
|
|
4.22
|
%
|
|
2.71
|
%
|
|
3.51
|
%
|
Rate of increase in compensation levels
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
3.50
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Long-term expected rate of return on assets
|
7.00
|
%
|
|
7.50
|
%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
The medical cost trend assumption for postretirement health benefits was
7.35%
. The graded trend rate is expected to decrease to an ultimate rate of
4.5%
in fiscal
2036
.
7
. OPERATING SEGMENTS
We have
two
operating segments: (1) Retail and Wholesale Products Group and (2) Business to Business Products Group. These operating segments are managed separately and each segment's major customers have different characteristics. The Retail and Wholesale Products Group customers include: mass merchandisers; wholesale clubs; drugstore chains; pet specialty retail outlets; dollar stores; retail grocery stores; distributors of industrial cleanup and automotive products; environmental service companies; and sports field product users. The Business to Business Products Group customers include: processors and refiners of edible oils, petroleum-based oils and biodiesel fuel; manufacturers of animal feed and agricultural chemicals; distributors of animal health and nutrition products; and marketers of consumer products.
Our operating segments are also our reportable segments. Net sales and operating income for each segment are provided below. Revenues by product line are not provided because it would be impracticable to do so. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2016
.
We do not rely on any segment asset allocations and we do not consider them meaningful because of the shared nature of our production facilities; however, we have estimated the segment asset allocations below for those assets for which we can reasonably determine. The unallocated asset category is the remainder of our total assets. The asset allocation is estimated and is not a measure used by our chief operating decision maker about allocating resources to the operating segments or in assessing their performance. The corporate expenses line includes certain unallocated expenses, including primarily salaries, wages and benefits, purchased services, rent, utilities and depreciation and amortization associated with corporate functions such as research and development, information systems, finance, legal, human resources and customer service. Corporate expenses also include the estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31, 2017
|
|
July 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Business to Business Products
|
|
$
|
59,727
|
|
|
$
|
61,007
|
|
Retail and Wholesale Products
|
|
92,191
|
|
|
91,626
|
|
Unallocated Assets
|
|
54,656
|
|
|
52,182
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
206,574
|
|
|
$
|
204,815
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
Income
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Business to Business Products
|
$
|
50,734
|
|
|
$
|
48,446
|
|
|
$
|
17,223
|
|
|
$
|
16,745
|
|
Retail and Wholesale Products
|
81,052
|
|
|
84,716
|
|
|
4,480
|
|
|
9,697
|
|
Total Sales
|
$
|
131,786
|
|
|
$
|
133,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Expenses
|
|
(13,070
|
)
|
|
(13,266
|
)
|
Income from Operations
|
|
8,633
|
|
|
13,176
|
|
Total Other Expense, Net
|
|
(710
|
)
|
|
(567
|
)
|
Income before Income Taxes
|
|
7,923
|
|
|
12,609
|
|
Income Taxes
|
|
(1,664
|
)
|
|
(3,365
|
)
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
6,259
|
|
|
$
|
9,244
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended January 31,
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
Income
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Business to Business Products
|
$
|
23,261
|
|
|
$
|
22,625
|
|
|
$
|
7,815
|
|
|
$
|
7,576
|
|
Retail and Wholesale Products
|
41,913
|
|
|
42,742
|
|
|
4,987
|
|
|
4,295
|
|
Total Sales
|
$
|
65,174
|
|
|
$
|
65,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Expenses
|
|
(7,215
|
)
|
|
(6,471
|
)
|
Income from Operations
|
|
5,587
|
|
|
5,400
|
|
Total Other Expense, Net
|
|
(343
|
)
|
|
(331
|
)
|
Income before Income Taxes
|
|
5,244
|
|
|
5,069
|
|
Income Taxes
|
|
(994
|
)
|
|
(1,248
|
)
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
4,250
|
|
|
$
|
3,821
|
|
8
.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We determine the fair value of stock options and restricted stock issued under our long term incentive plans as of the grant date. We recognize the related compensation expense over the period from the date of grant to the date when the award is no longer contingent on the employee providing additional service to the Company.
The Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards. Our employees and outside directors are eligible to receive grants under the 2006 Plan. The total number of shares of stock subject to grants under the 2006 Plan may not exceed
937,500
. Stock options have been granted to our outside directors with a vesting period of
one
year and stock options granted to employees generally vest
25%
two
years after the grant date and in each of the
three
following anniversaries of the grant date. In addition, restricted shares have been issued under the 2006 Plan as described in the restricted stock section below.
Stock Options
A summary of stock options is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price
|
|
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
(Years)
|
|
(in thousands)
|
Options outstanding and exercisable, July 31, 2016
|
10
|
|
|
$
|
17.00
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
$
|
205
|
|
Exercised
|
(10
|
)
|
|
$
|
17.00
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
211
|
|
Options outstanding and exercisable, January 31, 2017
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the
second
quarter of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
was
$170,000
and
$96,000
, respectively, and the related tax benefit was
$80,000
and
$40,000
, respectively. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first
six
months of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
was
$170,000
and
$281,000
, respectively, and the related tax benefit was
$80,000
and
$68,000
, respectively.
No
stock options were granted during the first
six
months of either fiscal year
2017
or
2016
.
Restricted Stock
All of our non-vested restricted stock as of
January 31, 2017
was issued under the 2006 Plan with vesting periods between
two years
and
five years
. Under the 2006 Plan,
18,000
and
400
restricted shares of Common Stock were granted during the
second
quarter of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock for the
second
quarter of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
was
$346,000
and
$306,000
, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock for the first
six
months of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
was
$777,000
and
$638,000
, respectively.
A summary of restricted stock transactions is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Shares
(in thousands)
|
|
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at July 31, 2016
|
194
|
|
|
$
|
29.09
|
|
Granted
|
31
|
|
|
$
|
36.84
|
|
Vested
|
(36
|
)
|
|
$
|
26.09
|
|
Forfeitures
|
(1
|
)
|
|
$
|
31.48
|
|
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at January 31, 2017
|
188
|
|
|
$
|
30.95
|
|
9
. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component as of
January 31, 2017
(in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and Postretirement Health Benefits
|
|
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
|
|
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
|
Balance as of July 31, 2016
|
$
|
(13,867
|
)
|
|
$
|
(155
|
)
|
|
$
|
(14,022
|
)
|
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of tax
|
—
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
49
|
|
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
578
|
|
a)
|
—
|
|
|
578
|
|
Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax
|
578
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
627
|
|
Balance as of January 31, 2017
|
$
|
(13,289
|
)
|
|
$
|
(106
|
)
|
|
$
|
(13,395
|
)
|
a) Amount is net of tax expense of
$354,000
. Amount is included in the components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement health plans. See Note
6
for further information.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the financial statements and the related notes included herein and our Consolidated Financial Statements, accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2016
. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2016
.
OVERVIEW
We develop, mine, manufacture and market sorbent products principally produced from clay minerals and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials. Our principal products include agricultural and horticultural chemical carriers, animal health and nutrition products, bleaching clay and fluid purification aids, cat litter, industrial and automotive floor absorbents and sports field products. Our products are sold to two primary customer groups, including customers who resell our products as originally produced to the end consumer and those who use our products as part of their production process or use them as an ingredient in their final finished product. We have two reportable operating segments based on the different characteristics of our two primary customer groups: Retail and Wholesale Products Group and Business to Business Products Group, as described in Note
7
of the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SIX
MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2017
COMPARED TO
SIX
MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2016
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Consolidated net sales for the
six
months ended
January 31, 2017
were
$131,786,000
,
a decrease
of
1%
from net sales of
$133,162,000
for the
six
months ended
January 31, 2016
. Net sales were down for our Retail and Wholesale Products Group, but were up for our Business to Business Products Group. Consolidated net income for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
was
$6,259,000
, a
32%
decrease
from net income of
$9,244,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Our Retail and Wholesale Products Group reported lower operating income due primarily to lower net sales and approximately $5,000,000 higher advertising costs, described further below. Operating income for our Business to Business Products Groups increased compared to the first
six
months of the prior fiscal year. Diluted net income per share was
$0.86
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, compared to
$1.28
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
.
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
was
30%
, the same as for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Gross profit was positively impacted by approximately 5% lower packaging costs per manufactured ton. A significant amount of our packaging purchases are subject to contractual price adjustments throughout the year based on underlying commodity prices. Prices for commodities may fluctuate considerably, particularly commodities related to our resin and paper-based packaging. The lower packaging costs reflected favorable commodity prices at the time of the most recent price adjustment. Gross profit was negatively impacted by the cost of natural gas used to operate kilns that dry our clay. The cost of natural gas per manufactured ton was approximately 16% higher than the prior year. Other manufacturing costs per ton produced were up approximately 6% compared to the same period the prior fiscal year, including higher salaries, wages, benefits and depreciation expenses.
Total selling, general and administrative expenses were
18%
higher
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The discussions of the segments' operating incomes below describe the changes in the selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments, particularly higher advertising expense in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
included a lower estimated annual incentive bonus accrual as compared to the prior year. The incentive bonus accruals were based on performance targets established for each fiscal year. The lower bonus accrual was mostly offset by increased pension expense and additional costs related to the implementation of our new
enterprise resource planning software
.
Our effective tax rate was
21%
of pre-tax income for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, which was
lower
than
27%
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Our effective tax rate was based on the estimated level of our taxable income for the year and the assessment of various deductions, including depletion.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
were
$50,734,000
,
an increase
of
$2,288,000
, or
5%
, from net sales of
$48,446,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Net sales of our animal health and nutrition products increased approximately 23%. Sales were up in domestic, Asian and most other foreign markets; however, sales in Latin America were lower due to the transition to a new distributor. See “Foreign Operations” below for further discussion of increased animal health and nutrition sales by our subsidiary in China. Net sales of fluids purification products were up approximately 7%, primarily for sales to edible oil producers. A new customer in Europe, added in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, accounted for much of the sales improvement for the first six months of fiscal 2017. Lower sales from normal ordering fluctuations of customers in the petroleum oil processing industry partially offset this increase. Net sales of our agricultural chemical carrier products were essentially flat compared to the prior year. Sales of our co-packaged coarse cat litter were approximately 10% lower due to fewer tons sold and a price adjustment under our co-packaging agreement.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Business to Business Products Group were essentially flat compared to the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
.
The Business to Business Products Group’s operating income for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
was
$17,223,000
,
an increase
of
$478,000
, or
3%
, from operating income of
$16,745,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The benefits of higher sales and lower packaging costs more than offset increased natural gas and other manufacturing costs. See “Consolidated Results” above for further discussion of packaging, natural gas and manufacturing costs.
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
were
$81,052,000
,
a decrease
of
$3,664,000
, or
4%
, from net sales of
$84,716,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Total cat litter net sales declined approximately 6% compared to the first
six
months of the prior year. Lower sales of both our branded and private label cat litters was attributed to the decision to exit low margin business with two major customers. Instead, we maintained our focus on the lightweight segment of the market through our integrated marketing campaign to generate awareness and trial of lightweight cat litter products. This strategy successfully delivered higher sales of both our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care and our private label lightweight scoopable litters. We plan to continue our advertising and promotion focus on the lightweight litter market throughout the remainder of fiscal 2017.
Sales of industrial and automotive absorbent products were essentially flat compared to the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Total sales for our subsidiary in the United Kingdom declined, while sales for our subsidiary in Canada increased. See “Foreign Operations” below for further discussion about the sales and types of products sold by these foreign subsidiaries.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Retail and Wholesale Products Group were 60% higher compared to the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Advertising expense increased approximately $5,000,000 due to the integrated marketing campaign to promote our Fresh & Light Ultimate Care lightweight cat litter, which began in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. We expect to continue this campaign throughout the remainder of fiscal 2017; however, we plan to reallocate some of our anticipated spending between advertising, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and trade promotions, which are included as a reduction of net sales. We expect advertising expense will be significant for the full year of fiscal 2017, but the amount is anticipated to be less than the corresponding expense in fiscal 2016.
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group's operating income for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
was
$4,480,000
,
a decrease
of
$5,217,000
, or
54%
, from operating income of
$9,697,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The decrease in operating income was driven by an additional approximate $5,000,000 of advertising costs as discussed above. Higher natural gas and other manufacturing costs also negatively impacted the Group's operating results, while some benefit was realized from lower packaging costs. See “Consolidated Results” above for further discussion of these cost changes.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Foreign operations include our subsidiaries in Canada and the United Kingdom, which are included in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group, and our subsidiary in China, which is included in the Business to Business Products Group. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
were
$6,475,000
, compared to net sales of
$5,532,000
during the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Our subsidiary in China reported higher sales for animal health and nutrition products with approximately 42% more tons sold, including sales to new customers. Sales also increased for both branded cat litter and industrial absorbent products sold by our subsidiary in Canada. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of fluids purification
products sold by our subsidiary in the United Kingdom. Reduced orders from one customer and a weak exchange rate for the British Pound to the U.S. Dollar negatively impacted reported sales. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented
5%
and
4%
of our consolidated net sales during the first
six
months of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
, respectively.
Our foreign subsidiaries reported
net income
of
$298,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
a net loss
of
$536,000
for the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The improved profitability was driven primarily by the higher sales.
Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of
January 31, 2017
were
$7,822,000
, compared to
$7,814,000
as of
January 31, 2016
. The
increase
was due primarily to higher cash, cash equivalents and inventories, which were partially offset by lower accounts receivable and net fixed assets.
THREE MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2017
COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED
JANUARY 31, 2016
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Consolidated net sales for the three months ended
January 31, 2017
were
$65,174,000
, compared to net sales of
$65,367,000
for the three months ended
January 31, 2016
. Net sales were down for our Retail and Wholesale Products Group, but were up for our Business to Business Products Group. Consolidated net income was
$4,250,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
, an
11%
increase
compared to
$3,821,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Operating income increased for both our Business to Business Products and Retail and Wholesale Products Groups compared to the
second
quarter of the prior year. Diluted net income per share was
$0.58
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
, compared to
$0.53
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
.
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
was
29%
, the same as for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Slightly lower freight costs were primarily offset by increases in natural gas and other manufacturing costs. The cost per manufactured ton for natural gas used to operate kilns that dry our clay was approximately 28% higher than the
second
quarter of the prior fiscal year. In addition, other manufacturing costs per ton produced were up approximately 2%. Higher expenses for employee salaries, wages, benefits and depreciation were partially offset by lower repair costs. Packaging costs were essentially flat compared to the second quarter of the prior fiscal year. A significant amount of our packaging purchases are subject to contractual price adjustments throughout the year based on underlying commodity prices. Prices for commodities may fluctuate considerably, particularly commodities related to our resin and paper-based packaging.
Total selling, general and administrative expenses were
1%
lower
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
compared to the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. The discussion of the segments' operating incomes below describes the selling, general and administrative expenses allocated to the operating segments, particularly lower advertising expense in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
included higher pension expense and additional costs related to the implementation of our new
enterprise resource planning software
.
Our tax expense was
19%
of pre-tax income for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
, compared to
25%
in the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Our effective tax rate was based on the estimated level of our taxable income for the year and the assessment of various tax deductions, including depletion.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
were
$23,261,000
,
an increase
of
$636,000
, or
3%
, from net sales of
$22,625,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Net sales of fluids purification products were up approximately 8%. Sales to edible oil producers accounted for much of the sales improvement, including a new customer in Europe added in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Net sales of our agricultural chemical carriers to manufacturers of crop protection products were up slightly compared to the prior year. Sales of our animal health and nutrition products decreased approximately 4%. Lower sales in Latin America due to the transition to a new distributor were partially offset by higher sales in domestic and Asian markets. See “Foreign Operations” below for further discussion of increased animal health and nutrition sales by our subsidiary in China. Sales of co-packaged coarse cat litter were approximately 3% lower than in the
second
quarter of fiscal 2016 due to a price adjustment under our co-packaging agreement.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Business to Business Products Group were 7% lower due primarily to lower costs to promote our animal health and nutrition products compared to the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
.
The Business to Business Products Group’s operating income for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
was
$7,815,000
,
an increase
of
$239,000
, or
3%
, from operating income of
$7,576,000
in the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. The benefits of higher sales and
lower selling, general and administrative expenses more than offset increased natural gas and other manufacturing costs. See “Consolidated Results” above for further discussion of manufacturing and packaging costs.
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
were
$41,913,000
,
a decrease
of
$829,000
, or
2%
, from net sales of
$42,742,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Total cat litter net sales declined approximately 4% compared to the
second
quarter of the prior year. Lower sales of both our branded and private label cat litters was attributed to the decision to exit low margin business with two major customers. Our focus on the lightweight segment of the market delivered higher sales of both our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care and our private label lightweight scoopable litters, although we reduced some of our marketing efforts during the quarter. We plan to continue our integrated marketing campaign to generate awareness and trial of lightweight cat litter products throughout the remainder of fiscal 2017.
Sales of industrial and automotive absorbent products were up approximately 7% from the
second
quarter of fiscal 2016 due primarily to higher sales to existing customers. Total sales for our subsidiary in the United Kingdom declined, while sales for our subsidiary in Canada increased. See “Foreign Operations” below for further discussion about the sales and types of products sold by these foreign subsidiaries.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Retail and Wholesale Products Group were 12% lower compared to the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. The decrease was driven by approximately $400,000 lower advertising expense for our integrated marketing campaign to promote our Fresh & Light Ultimate Care lightweight cat litter. This campaign began in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. We expect to continue this campaign throughout the remainder of fiscal 2017; however, we plan to reallocate some of our anticipated spending between advertising, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses, and trade promotions, which are included as a reduction of net sales. We expect advertising expense will be significant for the full year of fiscal 2017, but the amount is anticipated to be less than the corresponding expense in fiscal 2016.
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group's operating income for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
was
$4,987,000
,
an increase
of
$692,000
, or
16%
, compared to operating income of
$4,295,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. The increase in operating income was driven by the $400,000 lower advertising costs discussed above. In contrast, higher natural gas and other manufacturing costs negatively impacted the Group's operating results. See “Consolidated Results” above for further discussion of these cost changes.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Foreign operations include our subsidiaries in Canada and the United Kingdom, which are included in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group, and our subsidiary in China, which is included in the Business to Business Products Group. Total net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
were
$3,324,000
, a
10%
increase
compared to net sales of
$3,019,000
in the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. Our subsidiary in China reported higher sales for animal health and nutrition products with approximately 26% more tons sold, including sales to new customers. Sales also increased for both branded cat litter and industrial absorbent products sold by our subsidiary in Canada. These increases were partially offset by lower sales of fluids purification products by our subsidiary in the United Kingdom. Normal fluctuations in customers' ordering patterns and a weak exchange rate for the British Pound to the U.S. Dollar negatively impacted reported sales. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented approximately
5%
and
4%
of our consolidated net sales during the
second
quarters of fiscal
2017
and
2016
, respectively.
Our foreign subsidiaries reported
net income
of
$267,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2017
compared to
a net loss
of
$69,000
for the
second
quarter of fiscal
2016
. The improved profitability for the quarter was driven primarily by the higher sales.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal capital requirements include: funding working capital needs; purchasing and upgrading equipment, facilities, information systems and real estate; supporting new product development; investing in infrastructure; repurchasing Common Stock; paying dividends; and business acquisitions. During the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, we principally used cash generated from operations to fund these requirements. We also have the ability to borrow under our revolving credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”), as described further below, however we have not borrowed under the credit agreement in recent years. Cash and cash equivalents
decreased
$1,069,000
during the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
to
$17,560,000
, and short term investments
decreased
$2,826,000
during the same period to
$7,358,000
as of
January 31, 2017
.
The following table sets forth certain elements of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended January 31,
|
|
2017
|
|
2016
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
$
|
9,093
|
|
|
$
|
17,051
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(4,446
|
)
|
|
(17,446
|
)
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
(5,784
|
)
|
|
(5,949
|
)
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
68
|
|
|
33
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
(1,069
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,311
|
)
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
In addition to net income, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization and other non-cash operating activities, the primary sources and uses of operating cash flows for the first
six
months of fiscal years
2017
and
2016
were as follows:
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts,
increased
$1,698,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
a decrease
of
$652,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The change in accounts receivable balances reflected differences in the level and timing of sales and collections, as well as the level of sales and the payment terms provided to various customers.
Prepaid expenses
increased
$3,784,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
an increase
of
$2,671,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Prepaid expenses increased in the first
six
months of both fiscal
2017
and
2016
due to prepayments of annual insurance premiums, as well as prepaid advertising costs. The increase in prepaid expenses in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
also included prepayments for computer software licenses.
Accounts payable
increased
$852,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
a decrease
of
$201,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Trade and freight payable varied in both periods due to timing of payments, fluctuations in the cost of goods and services we purchased, production volume levels and vendor payment terms. Current accrued estimated income taxes are also included in accounts payable balances.
Accrued expenses
decreased
$1,698,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
an increase
of
$3,295,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The payout of the prior fiscal year's discretionary incentive bonus drove the decrease in accrued salaries in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, while the increase in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
was driven by a higher incentive bonus accrual. Accrued plant expenses fluctuated in the first
six
months of both fiscal
2017
and
2016
due to timing of payments, changes in the cost of goods and services we purchased, production volume levels and vendor payment terms. In addition, accrued trade promotions and advertising varied due to the timing of marketing programs.
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits
increased
$1,001,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to
an increase
of
$554,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. The discount rate required to estimate the value of these accrued benefits as of the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was lower than the rate used in fiscal 2016, which resulted in a higher liability. See Note 6 of the notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash
used in
investing activities was
$4,446,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to cash
used in
investing activities of
$17,446,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Cash used for capital expenditures was
$7,279,000
and
$4,795,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
and
2016
, respectively. Capital expenditures in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
included spending for the enterprise resource planning system implementation project and related infrastructure improvements, as well as equipment replacement at our manufacturing facilities. Net dispositions of short-term investments provided cash of
$2,831,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
, while net purchases used cash of
$12,900,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are impacted by variations in the timing of investment maturities, the operating cash needs of the Company and the availability of investment options.
Net cash used in financing activities
Cash
used in
financing activities was
$5,784,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
compared to cash
used in
financing activities of
$5,949,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2016
. Scheduled payments on long-term debt were
$3,083,000
and
$3,484,000
in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
and
2016
, respectively. Dividend payments in the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
were
$2,956,000
compared to
$2,783,000
paid during the same period of fiscal
2016
due to a dividend increase.
Other
Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries of
$1,653,000
as of
January 31, 2017
were
higher
than the
January 31, 2016
balances of
$1,499,000
. See further discussion in “Foreign Operations” above.
We have a $25,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement with BMO Harris which expires on December 4, 2019. The agreement also provides for a maximum of $5,000,000 for foreign letters of credit. Under the agreement we may select a variable interest rate based on either the BMO Harris prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt to earnings ratio, or a fixed rate as agreed between us and BMO Harris. At
January 31, 2017
, the variable rates would have been 3.75% for the BMO Harris prime-based rate or 2.02% for the LIBOR-based rate. The credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to dispose of assets. The agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum fixed coverage ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth. We did not borrow under the credit agreement during the
six
months ended
January 31, 2017
and
2016
, and we were in compliance with its covenants.
As of
January 31, 2017
, we had remaining authority to repurchase
301,837
shares of Common Stock under a repurchase plan approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchases may be made on the open market (pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans or otherwise) or in negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of shares repurchased will be determined by our management.
We believe that cash flow from operations, availability under our revolving credit facility, current cash and investment balances and our ability to obtain other financing, if necessary, will provide adequate cash funds for foreseeable working capital needs, capital expenditures at existing facilities, dividend payments and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months. We plan to continue promoting our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light Ultimate Care
lightweight scoopable litter during fiscal 2017 and we expect total spending for advertising and trade spending to be significant,
but slightly less than the total spent in fiscal 2016
. We anticipate that our capital expenditures will increase in fiscal 2017, including spending for implementation of an enterprise resource planning software. We do not anticipate that these increased expenditures will dramatically impact our cash position; however our cash requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise.
We continually evaluate our liquidity position and anticipated cash needs, as well as the financing options available to obtain additional cash reserves. Our ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments and to remain in compliance with all financial covenants under debt agreements, including, but not limited to, the current credit agreement, depends on our future operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors. The timing and size of any new business ventures or acquisitions that we complete may also impact our cash requirements.
The tables in the following subsection summarize our contractual obligations and commercial commitments (in thousands) as of
January 31, 2017
for the time-frames indicated.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
Contractual Obligations
|
Total
|
|
Less Than 1 Year
|
|
1 – 3 Years
|
|
4 – 5 Years
|
|
After 5 Years
|
Notes Payable
|
$
|
12,333
|
|
|
$
|
3,083
|
|
|
$
|
6,167
|
|
|
$
|
3,083
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Interest on Notes Payable
|
1,231
|
|
|
498
|
|
|
611
|
|
|
122
|
|
|
—
|
|
Operating Leases
|
14,708
|
|
|
1,854
|
|
|
2,511
|
|
|
1,538
|
|
|
8,805
|
|
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
|
$
|
28,272
|
|
|
$
|
5,435
|
|
|
$
|
9,289
|
|
|
$
|
4,743
|
|
|
$
|
8,805
|
|
We made total contributions to our defined benefit pension plan of
$636,000
during the first
six
months of fiscal
2017
. We estimate contributions of approximately
$840,000
will be made during the remainder of fiscal
2017
. We have not presented this obligation for future years in the table above because the funding requirement can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
|
|
Total
|
|
Less Than 1 Year
|
|
1 – 3 Years
|
|
4 – 5 Years
|
|
After 5 Years
|
Other Commercial Commitments
|
$
|
24,427
|
|
|
$
|
24,427
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
The other commercial commitments in the table above represent open purchase orders, including blanket purchase orders, for items such as packaging, additives and pallets used in the normal course of operations. The expected timing of payments for these obligations is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and in compliance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates. See the information concerning our critical accounting policies included under “Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2016
.