Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(MARK ONE)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2014

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 1-13419

 

 

Lindsay Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   47-0554096

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2222 N. 111th Street, Omaha, Nebraska   68164
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

402-829-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  x

As of December 31, 2014, 12,015,919 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Lindsay Corporation

INDEX FORM 10-Q

 

     Page No.  

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1 – Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended
November 30, 2014 and 2013

     3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended
November 30, 2014 and 2013

     4   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and
August 31, 2014

     5   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
November 30, 2014 and 2013

     6   

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   

ITEM 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     14   

ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     19   

ITEM 4 - Controls and Procedures

     19   

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1 - Legal Proceedings

     20   

ITEM 1A - Risk Factors

     20   

ITEM 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     21   

ITEM 6 - Exhibits

     22   

SIGNATURES

     23   

 

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Table of Contents

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - Financial Statements

Lindsay Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended  

($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
 

Operating revenues

   $ 134,845      $ 147,671   

Cost of operating revenues

     97,931        107,520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     36,914        40,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

    

Selling expense

     9,417        9,756   

General and administrative expense

     12,871        11,743   

Engineering and research expense

     2,724        2,660   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     25,012        24,159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     11,902        15,992   

Other income (expense):

    

Interest expense

     (71     (39

Interest income

     172        135   

Other expense, net

     (342     (271
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     11,661        15,817   

Income tax expense

     4,093        5,583   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 7,568      $ 10,234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.62      $ 0.79   

Diluted

   $ 0.62      $ 0.79   

Shares used in computing earnings per share:

    

Basic

     12,224        12,889   

Diluted

     12,274        12,951   

Cash dividends declared per share

   $ 0.270      $ 0.130   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Lindsay Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended  

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
 

Net earnings

   $ 7,568      $ 10,234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Defined benefit pension plan adjustment, net of tax

     32        28   

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of hedging activities and tax

     (3,973     877   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax expense (benefit) of $556 and ($357)

     (3,941     905   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

   $ 3,627      $ 11,139   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Lindsay Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

($ and shares in thousands, except par values)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
    August 31,
2014
 

ASSETS

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 139,287      $ 151,803      $ 171,842   

Receivables, net of allowance of $2,530, $3,349, and $2,857, respectively

     89,165        122,093        94,135   

Inventories, net

     77,010        75,614        71,696   

Deferred income taxes

     17,107        13,469        17,714   

Other current assets

     18,853        15,989        18,671   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     341,422        378,968        374,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment:

      

Cost

     170,051        156,299        169,696   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (99,150     (91,047     (97,239
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     70,901        65,252        72,457   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangibles, net

     30,821        35,029        31,980   

Goodwill

     36,634        37,193        37,021   

Other noncurrent assets, net of allowance of $2,017, $0, and $2,000, respectively

     10,299        5,261        11,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 490,077      $ 521,703      $ 526,551   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $ 48,648      $ 45,902      $ 42,424   

Other current liabilities

     60,972        57,132        73,943   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     109,620        103,034        116,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension benefits liabilities

     6,530        6,263        6,600   

Deferred income taxes

     11,903        14,715        12,992   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     9,190        8,022        7,945   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     137,243        132,034        143,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

      

Preferred stock of $1 par value - Authorized 2,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —          —     

Common stock of $1 par value - authorized 25,000 shares; 18,674, 18,620, and 18,636 shares issued at November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, respectively

     18,674        18,620        18,636   

Capital in excess of stated value

     52,650        49,288        52,866   

Retained earnings

     449,658        414,133        445,366   

Less treasury stock - at cost, 6,578, 5,698, and 6,196 shares at November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, respectively

     (162,006     (90,961     (132,020

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

     (6,142     (1,411     (2,201
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     352,834        389,669        382,647   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 490,077      $ 521,703      $ 526,551   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Lindsay Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended  

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net earnings

   $ 7,568     $ 10,234  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     3,748       3,707  

Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable

     169       442  

Deferred income taxes

     (774     (1,365

Share-based compensation expense

     1,099       1,180  

Other, net

     1,368       (244

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     1,792       (1,608

Inventories

     (5,347     (6,608

Other current assets

     (1,513     (431

Accounts payable

     7,300       3,356  

Other current liabilities

     (8,131     (5,986

Current income taxes payable

     (3,441     3,140  

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

     1,857       111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,695       5,928  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (3,649     (2,387

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     —          34  

Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges

     1,889       101  

Payments for settlement of net investment hedges

     (329     (1,035
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,089     (3,287
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Common stock withheld for payroll tax withholdings

     (1,699     (2,027

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     501       465  

Repurchase of common shares

     (29,986     —     

Dividends paid

     (3,276     (1,681
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (34,460     (3,243
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (1,701     478  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (32,555     (124

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     171,842       151,927  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 139,287     $ 151,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Lindsay Corporation and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and do not include all of the disclosures normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) as contained in Lindsay Corporation’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends or results expected by the Company for a full year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using U.S. GAAP. These principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Note 2 – New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the “ASU”). The ASU provides a single model for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance. The ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of goods or services. The ASU will replace existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The effective date for the ASU will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method, nor has it determined the effect of the ASU on its ongoing financial reporting.

Note 3 – Net Earnings per Share

The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Three months ended  
     November 30,      November 30,  

($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

   2014      2013  

Numerator:

     

Net earnings

   $ 7,568       $ 10,234   

Denominator:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding

     12,224         12,889   

Diluted effect of stock awards

     50         62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution

     12,274         12,951   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share

   $ 0.62       $ 0.79   

Diluted net earnings per share

   $ 0.62       $ 0.79   

Certain stock options and restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Performance stock units are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied. The following table shows the securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:

 

     Three months ended
November 30,
 

Units and options in thousands

   2014      2013  

Restricted stock units

     10         11   

Stock options

     58         33   

 

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Table of Contents

Note 4 – Income Taxes

It is the Company’s policy to report income tax expense for interim periods using an estimated annual effective income tax rate. However, the tax effects of significant or unusual items are not considered in the estimated annual effective income tax rate. The tax effects of such discrete events are recognized in the interim period in which the events occur. The Company recorded no material discrete items for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.1 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The estimated annual effective income tax rate was 35.1 percent and 35.3 percent for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 5 – Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following as of November 30, 2014, November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2014:

 

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
    August 31,
2014
 

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 21,006      $ 20,386      $ 19,953   

Work in process

     9,343        7,045        9,990   

Finished goods and purchased parts

     54,015        54,540        48,300   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total inventory value before LIFO adjustment

     84,364        81,971        78,243   

Less adjustment to LIFO value

     (7,354     (6,357     (6,547
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories, net

   $ 77,010      $ 75,614      $ 71,696   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 6 – Credit Arrangements

There have been no changes made to credit arrangements during the three months ended November 30, 2014. The Company had no outstanding long-term debt as of November 30, 2014. At November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial loan covenants contained in its credit agreements.

Note 7 – Financial Derivatives

The Company uses certain financial derivatives to mitigate its exposure to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses these derivative instruments to hedge exposures in the ordinary course of business and does not invest in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. The Company manages market and credit risks associated with its derivative instruments by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken, and by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. As of November 30, 2014, the Company’s derivative counterparty had investment grade credit ratings. Financial derivatives consist of the following:

 

     Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Asset (Liability)
 

($ in thousands)

   Balance Sheet Classification    November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
    August 31,
2014
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

         

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Other current assets    $ 1,072     $ 18     $ 900  

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Other current liabilities      (87     (287     (240
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $ 985     $ (269   $ 660  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

         

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Other current assets    $ 181     $ 132     $ —     

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Other current liabilities      —          (1     (160
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

      $ 181     $ 131     $ (160
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Accumulated other comprehensive income included realized and unrealized after-tax gains of $3.1 million, $1.4 million and $2.0 million at November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, respectively, related to derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments.

Net Investment Hedging Relationships

 

     Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized
in OCI on Derivatives
 
     Three months ended  

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
     November 30,
2013
 

Foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax expense (benefit) of $733 and ($403)

   $ 1,145       $ (695

For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company settled foreign currency forward contracts resulting in an after-tax net gain (loss) of $0.9 million and ($0.6 million), which were included in other comprehensive income as part of a currency translation adjustment. There were no amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations related to ineffectiveness of foreign currency forward contracts related to net investment hedges for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.

At November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding Euro foreign currency forward contracts to sell 29.0 million Euro, 29.1 million Euro and 28.9 million Euro, respectively, at fixed prices to settle during the next fiscal quarter. At November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, the Company had an outstanding South African Rand foreign currency forward contract to sell 43.0 million South African Rand at fixed prices to settle during the next fiscal quarter. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts qualify as hedges of a net investment in foreign operations.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

In order to reduce exposures related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the Company, at times, may enter into forward exchange or option contracts for transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for certain of the Company’s operations. This activity primarily relates to economically hedging against foreign currency risk in purchasing inventory, sales of finished goods, and future settlement of foreign denominated assets and liabilities. The Company may choose whether or not to designate these contracts as hedges. For those contracts not so designated, changes in fair value are recognized currently in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. At November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, the Company had $4.3 million, $3.6 million and $4.9 million respectively, of U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign currency forward contracts outstanding.

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

 

     November 30, 2014  

($ in thousands)

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 139,287       $ —        $ —         $ 139,287   

Derivative assets

     —           1,253        —           1,253   

Derivative liabilities

     —           (87     —           (87
     November 30, 2013  

($ in thousands)

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 151,803       $ —        $ —         $ 151,803   

Derivative assets

     —           150        —           150   

Derivative liabilities

     —           (288     —           (288
     August 31, 2014  

($ in thousands)

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 171,842       $ —        $ —         $ 171,842   

Derivative assets

     —           900        —           900   

Derivative liabilities

     —           (400     —           (400

 

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The Company has no long-term debt as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014. The Company measures the fair value of certain assets on a non-recurring basis, generally quarterly, annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. These assets include fixed assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. There were no required fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.

Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of its business operations, the Company is involved, from time to time, in commercial litigation, employment disputes, administrative proceedings and other legal proceedings. The Company has established accruals for certain proceedings based on an assessment of probability of loss. The Company believes that any potential loss in excess of the amounts accrued would not have a material effect on the business or its condensed consolidated financial statements. Such proceedings are exclusive of environmental remediation matters which are discussed separately below.

Environmental Remediation

In 1992, the Company entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) in which the Company committed to remediate environmental contamination of the groundwater that was discovered in 1982 through 1990 at and adjacent to its Lindsay, Nebraska facility (the “site”). The site was added to the EPA’s list of priority superfund sites in 1989. Between 1993 and 1995, remediation plans for the site were approved by the EPA and fully implemented by the Company. Since 1998, the primary remaining contamination at the site has been the presence of volatile organic compounds in the soil and groundwater. To date, the remediation process has consisted primarily of drilling wells into the aquifer and pumping water to the surface to allow these contaminants to be removed by aeration.

In fiscal 2012, the Company undertook an investigation to assess further potential site remediation and containment actions. In connection with the receipt of preliminary results of this investigation and other evaluations, the Company estimated that it would incur $7.2 million in remediation of source area contamination and operating costs and accrued that undiscounted amount. The EPA has not approved the Company’s remediation plan.

In addition to the source area noted above, the Company has determined that volatile organic compounds also exist under one of the manufacturing buildings on the site. Due to the location, the Company has not yet determined the extent of these compounds or the extent to which they are contributing to groundwater contamination. Based on the current stage of discussions with the EPA and the uncertainty of the remediation actions that may be required with respect to this affected area, if any, the Company believes that meaningful estimates of costs or range of costs cannot currently be made and accordingly have not been accrued.

In fiscal 2013, the Company and the EPA conducted a periodic five-year review of the status of the remediation of the contamination of the site. During a meeting with the EPA in December 2014, the EPA requested that the Company prepare a feasibility study related to the site, which resulted in a revision to the Company’s remediation timeline. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company accrued $1.5 million of incremental operating costs to reflect its updated timeline of when an approved remediation plan could begin. The Company now intends to complete its current investigation of the soil and groundwater on the site during the first half of calendar 2015. In connection with the development of the feasibility study, the Company will assess revisions to its remediation plan and expects to meet with the EPA in the second half of fiscal 2015 to determine how to proceed.

The Company accrues the anticipated cost of investigation and remediation when the obligation is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Although the Company has accrued all reasonably estimable costs associated with the site, it anticipates there could be revisions to the current remediation plan as well as additional testing and environmental monitoring as part of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the EPA regarding the development and implementation of the remedial action plans. Any revisions could be material to the operating results of any fiscal quarter or fiscal year. The Company does not expect such additional expenses would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or financial condition.

The following table summarizes the undiscounted environmental remediation liability classifications included in the balance sheet as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014:

 

Environmental Remediation Liabilities

 
($ in thousands)    November 30,      November 30,      August 31,  

Balance Sheet Classification

   2014      2013      2014  

Other current liabilities

   $ 1,403      $ 1,516      $ 1,370  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     6,475        5,200        5,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total environmental remediation liabilities

   $ 7,878      $ 6,716      $ 6,395  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Note 10 – Warranties

The following table provides the changes in the Company’s product warranties:

 

     Three months ended  

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
 

Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period

   $ 9,331      $ 6,695   

Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period

     983        3,042   

Warranty claims paid during the period

     (1,140     (1,115
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Product warranty accrual balance, end of period

   $ 9,174      $ 8,622   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 11 – Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s current share-based compensation plans, approved by the stockholders of the Company, provides for awards of stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, performance shares and performance stock units (“PSUs”) to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Share-based compensation expense was $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The following table illustrates the type and fair value of the share-based compensation awards granted during the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 

     Three months ended November 30,  
     2014      2013  
     # Granted      Weighted Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
Per Award
     # Granted      Weighted Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
Per Award
 

Stock options

     25,332       $ 40.66         25,394       $ 40.42   

RSUs

     27,621       $ 80.33         29,619       $ 74.84   

PSUs

     12,328       $ 80.33         13,434       $ 74.84   

The RSUs granted during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of 2,808 and 2,977, respectively, of awards that will be settled in cash. The weighted average stock price on the date of grant was $83.53 and $76.39 for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The following table provides the assumptions used in determining the fair value of the stock options awarded during the three month periods ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

 

     Grant Year  
     2014     2013  

Weighted-average dividend yield

     1.3     0.7

Weighted-average volatility

     53.6     55.2

Range of risk-free interest rates

     2.0     1.9

Weighted-average expected lives

     7 years        7 years   

 

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Note 12 – Industry Segment Information

The Company manages its business activities in two reportable segments: Irrigation and Infrastructure. The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on segment sales, gross profit, and operating income, with operating income for segment purposes excluding unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income and expenses, and income taxes. Operating income for segment purposes does include general and administrative expenses, selling expenses, engineering and research expenses and other overhead charges directly attributable to the segment. There are no inter-segment sales. The Company had no single major customer who represented 10 percent or more of its total revenues during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013.

Irrigation - This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of center pivot, lateral move, and hose reel irrigation systems as well as various water pumping stations, controls, and filtration solutions. The irrigation reporting segment consists of four operating segments that have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria, including similar products, production processes, type or class of customer and methods for distribution.

Infrastructure - This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of moveable barriers, specialty barriers, crash cushions and end terminals, and road marking and road safety equipment; the manufacture and sale of large diameter steel tubing and railroad signals and structures; and the provision of outsourced manufacturing and production services. The infrastructure reporting segment consists of one operating segment.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following tables:

 

     Three months ended  

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
 

Operating revenues:

    

Irrigation

   $ 114,716      $ 129,183   

Infrastructure

     20,129        18,488   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   $ 134,845      $ 147,671   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

    

Irrigation (1)

   $ 14,669      $ 20,311   

Infrastructure (1)

     2,244        508   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (1)

     16,913        20,819   

Unallocated general and administrative expenses

     (5,011     (4,827

Interest and other income (expense), net

     (241     (175
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 11,661      $ 15,817   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures:

    

Irrigation

   $ 3,084      $ 2,228   

Infrastructure

     565        159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 3,649      $ 2,387   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization:

    

Irrigation

   $ 2,486      $ 2,358   

Infrastructure

     1,262        1,349   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 3,748      $ 3,707   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Environmental remediation expenses of $1.3 million and $0.2 million were allocated to the irrigation segment and infrastructure segment, respectively, for the three months ended November 30, 2014. There were no environmental remediation expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2013.

 

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
     November 30,
2013
     August 31,
2014
 

Total Assets:

        

Irrigation

   $ 368,577       $ 395,981       $ 407,447   

Infrastructure

     121,500         125,722         119,104   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 490,077       $ 521,703       $ 526,551   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Note 13 – Other Current Liabilities

 

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
     November 30,
2013
     August 31,
2014
 

Other current liabilities:

        

Compensation and benefits

   $ 10,769       $ 11,962       $ 16,622   

Deferred revenues

     9,452         5,677         8,979   

Warranties

     9,174         8,622         9,331   

Income tax liabilities

     6,090         6,367         8,922   

Dealer related liabilities

     5,946         6,588         7,103   

Customer deposits

     4,072         3,392         7,366   

Other

     15,469         14,524         15,620   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other current liabilities

   $ 60,972       $ 57,132       $ 73,943   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 14 – Share Repurchases

On January 3, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $150.0 million of common stock through January 2, 2016. On July 25, 2014, the Company adopted a written trading plan in connection with its share repurchase program for repurchasing its common stock in accordance with the guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 381,619 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $30.0 million. During the three months ended November 30, 2013, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock. The remaining amount available under the repurchase program was $79.0 million as of November 30, 2014.

Note 15 – Acquisitions

On November 4, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Elecsys Corporation (NASDAQ: ESYS) (“Elecsys”), a provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) technology solutions and custom electronic systems. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company will acquire Elecsys for $17.50 per share in cash, for a total purchase price of approximately $70.5 million, which includes the cashing out of Elecsys’ equity compensation awards. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by both the Company and Elecsys boards of directors. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of Elecsys shareholder approval. The Company incurred transactions costs of $0.6 million during the three months ended November 30, 2014.

 

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ITEM 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations and planned financing of the Company. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made orally or in press releases, conferences, reports, on the Company’s worldwide web site, or otherwise, in the future by or on behalf of the Company. When used by or on behalf of the Company, the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “will,” “plan,” “project,” “outlook,” “could,” “may,” “should,” or similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. The entire section entitled “Executive Overview and Outlook” should be considered forward-looking statements. For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results or conditions, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results or conditions could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described herein and in the Company’s other public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, as well as other risks and uncertainties not now anticipated. The risks and uncertainties described herein and in the Company’s other public filings are not exclusive and further information concerning the Company and its businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company’s financial results, may emerge from time to time. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Accounting Policies

In preparing the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management must make a variety of decisions which impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures. These decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In making these decisions, management applies its judgment based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances and the Company’s historical experience.

The Company’s accounting policies that are most important to the presentation of its results of operations and financial condition, and which require the greatest use of judgments and estimates by management, are designated as its critical accounting policies. See discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies under Item 7 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. Management periodically re-evaluates and adjusts its critical accounting policies as circumstances change. There were no changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the three months ended November 30, 2014.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 – New Accounting Pronouncements to the condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Executive Overview and Outlook

Net earnings for three months ended November 30, 2014 were $7.6 million or $0.62 per diluted share compared with $10.2 million or $0.79 per diluted share in the same period of the prior year. Operating margin for the three months ended November 30, 2014 declined to 8.8 percent as compared to 10.8 percent for the three months ended November 30, 2013. The decrease in earnings and operating margins was primarily attributable to lower revenues, which declined 9 percent to $134.8 million from $147.7 million, and higher operating expenses due to a $1.5 million increase in estimated environmental expenses and $0.6 million of acquisition related costs associated with the proposed acquisition of Elecsys Corporation (“Elecsys”). The environmental and acquisition expenses reduced earnings by $0.11 per diluted share on an after tax basis. The primary driver of lower revenue was the irrigation segment, in which sales decreased 11 percent to $114.7 million, as the U.S. irrigation market contraction continued in the quarter as lower commodity prices, uncertainty surrounding renewal of tax incentives, and lower farm incomes affected farmers’ sentiment regarding equipment purchases. Infrastructure revenues increased 9 percent to $20.1 million due to sales increases in the road safety product line, partially offsetting the decline in irrigation revenue.

 

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The Company’s irrigation revenues are highly dependent upon the need for irrigated agricultural crop production, which, in turn, depends upon many factors, including the following primary drivers:

 

    Agricultural commodity prices - As of November 2014, corn and soybean prices have decreased approximately 12 percent and 25 percent, respectively, compared to the same time last year.

 

    Net farm income - As of December 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated U.S. 2014 net farm income to be $97.3 billion, down 25 percent from USDA’s estimate of U.S. 2013 net farm income of $129.0 billion. The U.S. 2014 net farm income forecast would be the lowest since 2010, but would remain above the 10-year average.

 

    Weather conditions Optimal growing conditions in the United States during 2014 have led to projections of record harvests and contributed to lower crop prices. Drought conditions in the United States drove an increase in equipment purchases in prior years.

 

    Governmental policies - A number of governmental laws and regulations can impact the Company’s business, including:

 

    The Agricultural Act of 2014 provides certainty to growers by adopting a five-year farm bill. This law continues many of its existing programs, including funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides financial assistance to farmers to implement conservation practices and is frequently used to assist in the purchase of center pivot irrigation systems.

 

    In December 2014, certain tax incentives (such as the Section 179 income tax deduction and bonus depreciation) that encourage equipment purchases were extended for the 2014 calendar year. The timing of this extension means that the tax incentives are not expected to have a material impact on Company sales.

 

    The U.S. government has imposed trade sanctions that could impact irrigation equipment sales to Russia and the Ukraine.

 

    The ethanol mandate that increases corn demand continues to be debated with the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). In November 2014, the EPA announced that it will not issue a final renewable fuel standard for 2014 by the end of the year.

 

    Currency – The U.S. dollar has strengthened against most currencies and in particular the Russian Ruble. This strengthening could negatively impact the Company’s international sales and margins.

The Company has continued to see sales declines in U.S. irrigation markets as lower commodity prices and farm incomes pressure demand and the pricing environment. While corn prices have seen some rebound over the last few months, they remain well below the peak attained in 2012. The commodity price compression is expected to continue to reduce farm incomes in the coming year. The lower commodity prices and consequentially, lower farm income are expected to reduce U.S. irrigation equipment demand in fiscal 2015. However, it remains difficult to predict until the Company enters its primary selling season and receives more tangible feedback on farmer sentiment and visibility on market demand.

The Company remains confident in the long-term drivers for efficient agricultural irrigation and water use efficiency, globally. Interest in mechanized irrigation remains positive in most all of the international irrigation markets with many large agricultural projects proceeding as planned. The Company is expanding global capacity with the opening of a factory in Turkey during the second fiscal quarter. While the additional capacity from the plant in Turkey may create some short-term fixed expense absorption pressure, the Company is confident in the incremental profit potential of global expansion plans. Internationally, significant challenges remain in selling into Russia and Ukraine; however, the Company continues to believe in the long-term growth opportunities the region offers and will remain active in the market.

The infrastructure business has continued to improve its profit profile and generated growth in an environment of constrained government spending. In August 2014, the U.S. government enacted a $10.8 billion temporary highway-funding bill to fund highway and bridge projects, the latest in a series of short term funding bills over the last several years. Until and unless a long-term U.S. Highway Bill is passed, uncertainties and limitations on infrastructure growth will continue. In spite of government spending uncertainty, opportunities exist for market share gains in each of the infrastructure product lines. Demand for the Company’s transportation safety products continues to be driven by population growth and the need for improved road safety. The Company’s outlook for infrastructure continues to be positive, although somewhat mitigated by the lack of a long-term U.S. highway bill, and the possibility that a global economic slowdown could impact international projects.

 

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As of November 30, 2014, the Company had an order backlog of $68.3 million compared with $86.6 million at November 30, 2013 and $79.6 million at August 31, 2014. The current and prior year infrastructure order backlog includes a $12.7 million Road Zipper SystemTM order from the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District that is expected to be recognized as revenue in fiscal 2015. The Company’s backlog can fluctuate from period to period due to the seasonality, cyclicality, timing and execution of contracts. Backlog typically represents long-term projects as well as short lead-time orders and therefore, is generally not a good indication of the next fiscal quarter’s revenues.

The global drivers for the Company’s markets of population growth, expanded food production and efficient water use and infrastructure expansion support the Company’s long-term growth goals. The most significant opportunities for growth over the next several years are in international markets, where irrigation use is significantly less developed and demand is driven primarily by food security, water scarcity and population growth.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months ended November 30, 2014 compared to the Three Months ended November 30, 2013

The following section presents an analysis of the Company’s operating results displayed in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013. It should be read together with the industry segment information in Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements:

 

     Three months ended     Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 

($ in thousands)

   November 30,
2014
    November 30,
2013
   

Consolidated

      

Operating revenues

   $ 134,845      $ 147,671        (9 %) 

Gross profit

   $ 36,914      $ 40,151        (8 %) 

Gross margin

     27.4     27.2  

Operating expenses (1)

   $ 25,012      $ 24,159        4

Operating income

   $ 11,902      $ 15,992        (26 %) 

Operating margin

     8.8     10.8  

Other income, net

   $ (241   $ (175     (38 %) 

Income tax expense

   $ 4,093      $ 5,583        (27 %) 

Effective income tax rate

     35.1     35.3  

Net earnings

   $ 7,568      $ 10,234        (26 %) 

Irrigation Equipment Segment

      

Segment operating revenues

   $ 114,716      $ 129,183        (11 %) 

Segment operating income (2) (3)

   $ 14,669      $ 20,311        (28 %) 

Segment operating margin (2) (3)

     12.8     15.7  

Infrastructure Products Segment

      

Segment operating revenues

   $ 20,129      $ 18,488        9

Segment operating income (2) (3)

   $ 2,244      $ 508        342

Segment operating margin (2) (3)

     11.1     2.7  

 

(1) Includes $5.0 million and $4.8 million of unallocated general and administrative expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(2) Excludes unallocated general and administrative expenses.
(3) Environmental remediation expenses of $1.3 million and $0.2 million were allocated to the irrigation segment and infrastructure segment, respectively, for the three months ended November 30, 2014. There were no environmental remediation expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2013.

 

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Revenues

Operating revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 declined 9 percent to $134.8 million from $147.7 million for the three months ended November 30, 2013 as irrigation revenues decreased $14.5 million partially offset by the $1.6 million increase of infrastructure revenues. The irrigation segment provided 85 percent of the Company’s revenue for the three months ended November 30, 2014 as compared to 87 percent of the same prior year period.

U.S. irrigation revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 of $62.7 million decreased $16.6 million or 21 percent from $79.3 million for the three months ended November 30, 2013. The decrease in U.S. irrigation revenues is primarily due to a 27 percent volume decline in the number of irrigation systems sold as compared to the prior year partially offset by modest sales increases in pumping stations and filtration solutions. Lower commodity prices, uncertainty surrounding renewal of tax incentives, and lower farm incomes affected farmers’ sentiment regarding equipment purchases and contributed to lower demand for U.S. irrigation equipment.

International irrigation revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 of $52.0 million increased $2.1 million or 4 percent from $49.9 million for the three months ended November 30, 2013. Revenue increased most notably in the Middle East, South Africa, and Australia offset by decreases in Latin America.

Infrastructure segment revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2014 of $20.1 million increased $1.6 million or 9 percent from $18.5 million for the three months ended November 20, 2013. The increase is primarily due to sales increases in the road safety product line.

Gross Margin

Gross profit for the three months ended November 30, 2014 of $36.9 million decreased 8 percent from $40.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2013. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the decline in sales offset by an increase in gross margin to 27.4 percent for the three months ended November 30, 2014 from 27.2 percent for the three months ended November 30, 2013. Gross margin in irrigation decreased by approximately 1 percentage point and infrastructure gross margins increased by approximately 6 percentage points. Excluding the impact of a higher than normal warranty charge in the prior year, irrigation gross margins decreased by approximately 2.5 percentage points primarily as a result of pricing pressure and increases in input costs. The increase in infrastructure gross margin was primarily due to sales mix and increased leverage on higher sales.

Operating Expenses

The Company’s operating expenses of $25.0 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 increased by $0.8 million over operating expenses of $24.2 million during the three months ended November 30, 2013. Operating expenses that support regular operating activities decreased by approximately $1.3 million due to reductions in personnel expenses of $0.5 million including incentive compensation, outside services of $0.4 million, and fees associated with the Iraq contract of $0.3 million. These reductions were offset by a $1.5 million increase in estimated environmental expenses and $0.6 million of acquisition related costs associated with the proposed Elecsys Corporation acquisition. The environmental and acquisition expenses reduced earnings by $0.11 per diluted share on an after tax basis. Operating expenses were 18.5 percent of sales for the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to 16.4 percent of sales for the three months ended November 30, 2013.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.1 million and $5.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The estimated annual effective income tax rate was 35.1 percent and 35.3 percent for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $139.3 million at November 30, 2014 compared with $151.8 million at November 30, 2013 and $171.8 million at August 31, 2014. The Company requires cash for financing its receivables and inventories, paying operating expenses and capital expenditures, and for dividends and share repurchases. The Company meets its liquidity needs and finances its capital expenditures from its available cash and funds provided by operations along with borrowings under its revolving credit arrangement described below. The Company believes its current cash resources, projected operating cash flow, and remaining capacity under its continuing bank lines of credit are sufficient to cover all of its expected working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and dividends. The Company’s Capital Allocation Plan outlined below could require the Company to incur debt depending on the size and timing of the share repurchases and potential acquisitions. The Company expects to raise $100 million through a placement of long-term debt over the next several months.

 

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The Company’s total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries was approximately $27.8 million, $27.0 million and $33.1 million as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2014, respectively. The Company does not intend to repatriate the funds, and does not expect these funds to have a significant impact on the Company’s overall liquidity. The Company considers its earnings in foreign subsidiaries to be permanently reinvested and would need to accrue and pay taxes if these funds were repatriated.

Net working capital was $231.8 million at November 30, 2014, as compared with $275.9 million at November 30, 2013. Cash provided by operations decreased by $0.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreased net earnings offset by changes in assets and liabilities.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $2.1 million during the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to $3.3 million used in investing activities during the same prior year period. The decrease primarily resulted from the net proceeds provided by net investment hedges. Capital spending of $3.6 million in fiscal 2015 increased compared to the prior year capital spending of $2.4 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $34.5 million during the three months ended November 30, 2014 compared to cash flows used in financing activities of $3.2 million during the same prior year period. The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily related to share repurchases of $30.0 million and dividend increases of $1.6 million.

Capital Allocation Plan

The Company’s capital allocation plan is to continue investing in revenue and earnings growth, combined with a defined process for enhancing returns to stockholders. Under the Company’s announced capital allocation plan in January 2014, the priorities for uses of cash include:

 

    Investment in organic growth including capital expenditures and expansion of international markets,

 

    Dividends to stockholders, along with expectations to increase dividends on an annual basis,

 

    Synergistic water related acquisitions that provide attractive returns to stockholders, and

 

    Opportunistic share repurchases taking into account cyclical and seasonal fluctuations.

Capital Expenditures and Expansion of International Markets

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2015 are estimated to be approximately $20.0 million to $25.0 million largely focused on manufacturing capacity expansion and productivity improvements. The Company’s capital expenditure plan includes investments in a manufacturing operation in Turkey, which is planned to be operational early in calendar 2015 and should accommodate long-term growth plans for several international markets. The Company’s management does maintain flexibility to modify the amount and timing of some of the planned expenditures in response to economic conditions.

Dividends

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per common share or $3.3 million to stockholders as compared to $0.13 per common share or $1.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

Acquisition

On November 4, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Elecsys Corporation (NASDAQ: ESYS) (“Elecsys”), a provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) technology solutions and custom electronic systems. Elecsys products and services include remote monitoring and wireless communication technologies to connect industrial equipment in harsh and remote environments, integrating field data with enterprise applications and the emerging industrial Internet of Things. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company will acquire Elecsys for $17.50 per share in cash, for a total purchase price of approximately $70.5 million. The parties are targeting a January 2015 closing, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of Elecsys shareholder approval. While the Company has sufficient cash on hand to consummate this acquisition, the Company expects to take advantage of attractive debt market interest rates in support of this acquisition as it continues to execute on its capital allocation plan.

Share Repurchases

On January 3, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $150.0 million of common stock through January 2, 2016. On July 25, 2014, the Company adopted a written trading plan in connection with its share repurchase program for repurchasing its common stock in accordance with the guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. During the three months ended November 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 381,619 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $30.0 million. During the three months ended November 30, 2013, the Company did not repurchase any shares of common stock. The remaining amount available under the Company’s repurchase program was $79.0 million as of November 30, 2014.

 

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Credit Facility Agreement

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Lindsay International Holdings B.V., has an unsecured $5.0 million Credit Facility Agreement with Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. (“Rabobank”), which was entered into on August 22, 2014 (the “Credit Facility Agreement”). The borrowings from the Credit Facility Agreement may be used primarily for working capital purposes and funding acquisitions. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility Agreement at November 30, 2014. Borrowings under the Credit Facility Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 115 basis points (1.30 percent at November 30, 2014). The Company also pays an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the Credit Facility Agreement. Unpaid principal and interest is due by August 21, 2015.

Revolving Credit Agreement

The Company has an unsecured $30.0 million Revolving Credit Note and Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which was amended on January 22, 2014 to revise letter of credit expiry dates and cash collateralization procedures (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”). The borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement may be used primarily for working capital purposes and funding acquisitions. At November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The amount of borrowings available at any time under the Revolving Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of standby letters of credit then outstanding. At November 30, 2014, the Company had the ability to borrow up to $24.6 million under this facility, after consideration of outstanding standby letters of credit of $5.4 million. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 90 basis points (1.05 percent at November 30, 2014), subject to adjustment as set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest is paid on a monthly to quarterly basis depending on loan type. The Company also pays an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Agreement. Unpaid principal and interest is due by February 13, 2016.

Each of the Credit Facility Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants relating primarily to the Company’s financial condition. Upon the occurrence of any event of default of these covenants, including a change in control of the Company, all amounts outstanding thereunder may be declared to be immediately due and payable. At November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

There have been no material changes in the Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes from the Company’s quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk previously disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. See discussion of the Company’s quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk under Part II, Item 7A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of November 30, 2014.

Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there has not been any change to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Legal Proceedings

See the disclosure in Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies to the condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A – Risk Factors

Except for the addition of the risk factor listed below, there have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. See the discussion of the Company’s risk factors under Part I, Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

Recent volatility in global markets with respect to currency exchange rates, commodity prices including market prices for grain and oil, and future potential changes in interest rates can adversely affect the Company’s sales, operating margins and the competitiveness of the Company’s products.

The Company conducts operations in a variety of locations around the world, which means that market fluctuations in currencies, commodities and interest rates can affect demand for the Company’s products and the cost of production. These factors all impact end customers’ purchase decisions and are therefore interconnected, making it difficult to predict how any single factor might impact customers’ decisions to purchase the Company’s products.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014, approximately 39 percent of the Company’s consolidated revenues were generated from international sales and United States export revenue to international regions. Most of the Company’s international sales involve some level of export from the U.S., either of components or completed products. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar and/or the weakening of local currencies can increase the cost of the Company’s products in those foreign markets. The impact of these changes can make these products less competitive relative to local producing competitors and, in extreme cases, can result in the Company’s products not being cost-effective for customers. As a result, the Company’s international sales and profit margins could decline.

Grain Pricing. Changes in grain prices can impact the return on investment of the Company’s products. Grain prices are influenced by both global and local markets. The primary benefit of many of the Company’s irrigation products is to increase grain yields and the resulting revenue for farmers. As grain prices decline, the breakeven point of incremental production can also decline, reducing or eliminating the profit and return on investment from the purchase of the Company’s products. As a result, changes in grain prices can significantly impact the Company’s sales levels in the U.S. and international markets.

Oil Pricing. The recent decline in oil prices could impact the Company’s irrigation markets, either by negatively affecting the bio-fuels market or by reducing government revenues of oil producing countries that purchase or subsidize the purchase of irrigation equipment. Bio-fuels production is a significant source of grain demand in the U.S. and certain international markets. While ethanol production levels are currently mandated within the U.S., continued losses for ethanol producing companies could reduce the demand for grains. In addition, a number of ethanol producers in the U.S. are cooperatives partially owned by farmers. Reduced profit of ethanol production could reduce income for farmers which could, in turn, reduce the demand for irrigation equipment. Finally, the reduction of government revenues from oil production in international markets, for example in the Middle East and Russia, could reduce funding available for agricultural equipment purchases. Lower oil prices could also adversely affect local currency strength. Each of these factors could reduce demand for the Company’s products.

Interest Rates. Interest rates globally are at historically low levels. It is expected that at some point global interest rates will increase, potentially very quickly in the U.S., as the economy improves. An increase in interest rates will make it more difficult for end customers to cost-effectively fund the purchase of new equipment, which could reduce the Company’s sales.

 

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ITEM 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The table below sets forth information with respect to purchases of the Company’s common stock made by or on behalf of the Company during the three months ended November 30, 2014:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
     Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)

($ in thousands)
 

September 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014

     170,640       $ 75.55         170,640       $ 96,049   

October 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014

     140,788       $ 78.47         140,788       $ 85,001   

November 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014

     70,191       $ 86.14         70,191       $ 78,955   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     381,619       $ 78.57         381,619       $ 78,955   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)  On January 3, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $150.0 million of common stock through January 2, 2016. Under the program, shares may be repurchased in privately negotiated and/or open market transactions. On July 25, 2014, the Company adopted a written trading plan in connection with its share repurchase program for repurchasing its common stock in accordance with the guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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ITEM 6 – Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

    2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 4, 2014, by and between Lindsay Corporation, Matterhorn Merger Sub, Inc. and Elecsys Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2014.
    3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2006.
    3.2    Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, effective May 2, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2014.
    4.1    Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006.
  10.1*    Lindsay Corporation Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”), 2015 Plan Year. † **
  31.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  31.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  32.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101*    Interactive Data Files.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit hereto pursuant to Item 6 of Part II of Form 10-Q.
* Filed herein.
** Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text. This Exhibit has been filed separately with the Secretary of the Commission with the redacted text pursuant to the Company’s application requesting confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on this 7th day of January 2015.

 

LINDSAY CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ JAMES C. RAABE

Name:   James C. Raabe
Title:   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (on behalf of the registrant and as principal financial officer)

 

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