ful20190302_10q.htm
 

 

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 March 2, 2019

 

OR

 

[  ]

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

For the transition period from               to

 

Commission file number: 001-09225

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Minnesota  41-0268370
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, St. Paul, Minnesota  55110-5101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(651) 236-5900

(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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [  ]       
Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [  ]
  Emerging growth company [  ]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

 

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

Yes [  ] No [X]

 

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, was 50,885,501 as of March 25, 2019.

 

 

 

H.B. Fuller Company

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

Page 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

3

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018

3

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018

4

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018

5

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018

6

     
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018

7

     
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

     

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

25

     

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

35

     

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

36

     

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

36

     

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

36

     

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

38

     

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

39

     

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

40

     

SIGNATURES

41

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 672,935     $ 713,079  

Cost of sales

    (493,010 )     (527,566 )

Gross profit

    179,925       185,513  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    (145,713 )     (152,707 )

Other income (expense), net

    3,365       4,912  

Interest expense

    (26,807 )     (27,545 )

Interest income

    3,053       3,041  

Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments

    13,823       13,214  

Income taxes

    (3,140 )     32,632  

Income from equity method investments

    1,565       1,821  

Net income including non-controlling interest

    12,248       47,667  

Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest

    (4 )     15  

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

  $ 12,244     $ 47,682  
                 

Earnings per share attributable to H.B. Fuller common stockholders:

 

Basic

    0.24       0.94  

Diluted

    0.24       0.92  
                 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

         

Basic

    50,752       50,471  

Diluted

    51,901       51,898  
                 

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.155     $ 0.150  

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3

 

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Net income including non-controlling interest

  $ 12,248     $ 47,667  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

               

Foreign currency translation

    17,699       21,455  

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax

    1,482       1,660  

Interest rate swaps, net of tax

    (11,444 )     15,952  

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

    4,086       (6,841 )

Other comprehensive income

    11,823       32,226  

Comprehensive income

    24,071       79,893  

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

    10       (28 )

Comprehensive income attributable to H.B. Fuller

  $ 24,061     $ 79,921  

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

 

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
(Unaudited)

 

   

March 2,

   

December 1,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 113,476     $ 150,793  

Trade receivables (net of allowances of $14,235 and $14,017, as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively)

    478,326       495,008  

Inventories

    386,725       348,461  

Other current assets

    114,138       95,657  

Total current assets

    1,092,665       1,089,919  
                 

Property, plant and equipment

    1,322,466       1,303,590  

Accumulated depreciation

    (685,148 )     (667,041 )

Property, plant and equipment, net

    637,318       636,549  
                 

Goodwill

    1,314,615       1,305,171  

Other intangibles, net

    892,391       908,151  

Other assets

    229,111       236,524  

Total assets

  $ 4,166,100     $ 4,176,314  
                 

Liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Notes payable

  $ 17,839     $ 14,770  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    71,225       91,225  

Trade payables

    284,910       273,378  

Accrued compensation

    59,655       78,384  

Income taxes payable

    16,001       12,578  

Other accrued expenses

    71,245       75,788  

Total current liabilities

    520,875       546,123  
                 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

    2,146,152       2,141,532  

Accrued pension liabilities

    69,488       70,680  

Other liabilities

    255,481       264,768  

Total liabilities

    2,991,996       3,023,103  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)

               
                 

Equity:

               

H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity:

               

Preferred stock (no shares outstanding) shares authorized – 10,045,900

    -       -  

Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, shares authorized – 160,000,000, shares outstanding – 50,883,771 and 50,732,796, as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively

    50,884       50,733  

Additional paid-in capital

    100,573       95,940  

Retained earnings

    1,290,571       1,286,289  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (268,335 )     (280,152 )

Total H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity

    1,173,693       1,152,810  

Non-controlling interest

    411       401  

Total equity

    1,174,104       1,153,211  

Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity

  $ 4,166,100     $ 4,176,314  

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

 

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 
    H.B. Fuller Company Shareholders              
   

Common Stock

   

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

   

Retained

Earnings

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income

(Loss)

   

Non-

Controlling

Interest

   

Total

 
                                                 

Balance at December 1, 2018, as previously reported

  $ 50,733     $ 95,940     $ 1,285,246     $ (280,152 )   $ 401     $ 1,152,168  

Change in accounting principles

    -       -       1,043       -       -       1,043  

Balance at December 1, 2018, as adjusted

  $ 50,733     $ 95,940     $ 1,286,289     $ (280,152 )   $ 401     $ 1,153,211  

Comprehensive income

    -       -       12,244       11,817       10       24,071  

Dividends

    -       -       (7,962 )     -       -       (7,962 )

Stock option exercises

    41       1,025       -       -       -       1,066  

Share-based compensation plans other, net

    168       6,233       -       -       -       6,401  

Repurchases of common stock

    (58 )     (2,625 )     -       -       -       (2,683 )

Balance at March 2, 2019

  $ 50,884     $ 100,573     $ 1,290,571     $ (268,335 )   $ 411     $ 1,174,104  
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 

Balance at December 2, 2017

  $ 50,389     $ 74,662     $ 1,127,028     $ (200,655 )   $ 393     $ 1,051,817  

Comprehensive income (loss)

    -       -       47,682       32,239       (28 )     79,893  

Dividends

    -       -       (7,649 )     -       -       (7,649 )

Stock option exercises

    27       735       -       -       -       762  

Share-based compensation plans other, net

    180       6,450       -       -       -       6,630  

Repurchases of common stock

    (63 )     (3,205 )     -       -       -       (3,268 )

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

    -       -       18,341       (18,341 )     -       -  

Balance at March 3, 2018

  $ 50,533     $ 78,642     $ 1,185,402     $ (186,757 )   $ 365     $ 1,128,185  

 

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

6

 

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net income including non-controlling interest

  $ 12,248     $ 47,667  

Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:

               

Depreciation

    16,842       17,422  

Amortization

    19,212       19,243  

Deferred income taxes

    (1,426 )     (50,613 )

Income from equity method investments, net of dividends received

    (1,565 )     (1,821 )

Loss (gain) on sale of assets

    30       (2,098 )

Share-based compensation

    5,906       5,651  

Loss on mark to market adjustment related to contingent consideration liability

    -       48  

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

         

Trade receivables, net

    5,873       16,613  

Inventories

    (21,630 )     (46,713 )

Other assets

    (21,065 )     (38,137 )

Trade payables

    7,905       (5,016 )

Accrued compensation

    (19,205 )     (22,211 )

Other accrued expenses

    (5,253 )     (10,465 )

Income taxes payable

    (1,622 )     8,733  

Accrued / prepaid pensions

    (5,289 )     (2,218 )

Other liabilities

    (3,009 )     29,897  

Other

    12,541       1,939  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    493       (32,079 )
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Purchased property, plant and equipment

    (13,865 )     (18,555 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

    141       1,367  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (13,724 )     (17,188 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Repayment of long-term debt and payment of debt issuance costs

    (20,000 )     (5,375 )

Net payment of notes payable

    2,645       231  

Dividends paid

    (7,883 )     (7,642 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

    1,065       762  

Repurchases of common stock

    (2,683 )     (3,268 )

Net cash used in financing activities

    (26,856 )     (15,292 )
                 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    2,770       2,639  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (37,317 )     (61,920 )
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    150,793       194,398  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 113,476     $ 132,478  
                 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

               

Dividends paid with company stock

  $ 79     $ 7  
                 

Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $73 and $66 for the periods ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively

  $ 31,400     $ 29,701  

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

  $ 8,699     $ 9,797  

 

7

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

 

Overview

 

The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of H.B. Fuller Company and Subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In our opinion, the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Change in Accounting Principle – Accounting for Inventory

 

During the year ended December 2, 2018, we elected to change our method of accounting for certain inventories in the United States within the Company’s Americas Adhesives and Construction Adhesives segments from the last-in, first-out method (“LIFO”) to weighted-average cost. We retrospectively adjusted the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented to reflect this change.

 

Change in Accounting Principle – Revenue Recognition

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. We adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 2, 2019 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. As a result of the adoption of this ASU, we recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of $1,776 as of December 2, 2018 related to accelerated recognition for arrangements where we provide shipping and handling services after control of the goods has transferred to the customer. Prior periods were not restated. We have included the disclosures required by this ASU in Note 7.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). This ASU provides guidance on recording revenue on a gross basis versus a net basis based on the determination of whether an entity is a principal or an agent when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer. The amendments in this ASU affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 and were adopted during the three months ended March 2, 2019 with ASU No. 2014-09 as discussed above.

 

Change in Accounting Principle – Income Tax Impact of Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU changes the timing of income tax recognition for an intercompany sale of assets. The ASU requires the seller’s tax effects and the buyer’s deferred taxes to be recognized immediately upon the sale instead of deferring accounting for the income tax implications until the assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. We adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 2, 2019. We recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $733 as of December 2, 2018 as a result of the adoption of this ASU.

 

 

Change in Accounting Principle – Net Periodic Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses. The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The classification requirements of this ASU are applied on a retrospective basis. The ASU also stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization on a prospective basis. We adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 2, 2019. As a result of adoption, the components of our net periodic defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit costs other than service cost are now presented as non-operating expenses for all periods presented. Service cost remains in operating expenses. As a result of the retrospective adjustment for the change in accounting principle, certain amounts in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 3, 2018 were adjusted as follows:

 

   

As Reported

   

Impact of Adoption

of ASU 2017-07

   

As Adjusted

 

Cost of sales

  $ (525,374 )   $ (2,192 )   $ (527,566 )

Gross profit

    187,705       (2,192 )     185,513  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    (151,020 )     (1,687 )     (152,707 )

Other income (expense), net

    1,033       3,879       4,912  
                         

Net income including non-controlling interests

    47,667       -       47,667  
                         

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

    47,682       -       47,682  

Basic

  $ 0.94     $ -     $ 0.94  
                         

Diluted

    0.92       -       0.92  

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU requires entities that are customers in cloud computing arrangements to defer implementation costs if they would be capitalized by the entity in software licensing arrangements under the internal-use software guidance. The ASU may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning November 29, 2020 with early adoption permitted. We early adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 2, 2019 on a prospective basis which did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The ASU removes the requirement to disclose: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning November 29, 2020 with early adoption permitted. We have evaluated the effect that this ASU will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures and determined it will not have a material impact.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. This ASU allows entities to not recast comparative periods in transition to ASC 842 and instead report the comparative periods presented in the period of adoption under ASC 840. The ASU also includes a practical expedient for lessors to not separate the lease and nonlease components of a contract. The amendments in this ASU are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No. 2016-02 as discussed below. We are incorporating this ASU into our assessment and adoption of ASU No. 2016-02.

 

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. This ASU includes certain clarifications to address potential narrow-scope implementation issues which we are incorporating into our assessment and adoption of ASU No. 2016-02. The amendments in this ASU are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No. 2016-02 as discussed below.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force).  This ASU requires changes in the presentation of certain items including, but not limited to, debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees. We adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 2, 2019. Adoption of this ASU will have a presentation impact only and will result in a retrospective reclassification of debt prepayment and extinguishment costs of $16,598 within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 2, 2017 from operating to financing cash outflows.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements. This ASU requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. In November 2018, the FASB also issued ASU No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This ASU clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are within the scope of Topic 842, Leases. The amendments in this ASU affect the guidance in ASU No. 2016-13 and are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No. 2016-13. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning November 29, 2020. We are currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Subtopic 842). This ASU changes accounting for leases and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases, including those classified as operating leases under previous accounting guidance, on the balance sheet and requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. In December 2018, the FASB also issued ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which clarifies the accounting for lessors for variable payments that relate to both a lease component and a nonlease component and is effective in the same timeframe as ASU 2016-02, and ASU No. 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements, which clarifies the transition disclosure requirements. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning December 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The new ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain practical expedients. We have begun implementing lease accounting software and are currently evaluating the impact that the new ASU will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Note 2: Restructuring Actions

 

The Company has approved restructuring plans consisting of consolidation plans, organizational changes and other actions related to the integration of the operations of Royal Adhesives with the operations of the Company, and other actions to optimize operations. The following table summarizes the pre-tax distribution of charges under these restructuring plans by income statement classification:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Cost of sales

  $ 376     $ 232  

Selling, general and administrative

    1,077       1,597  
    $ 1,453     $ 1,829  

 

 

The following table summarizes the pre-tax impact of restructuring charges by segment:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Americas Adhesives

  $ 276     $ 803  

EIMEA

    580       (42 )

Asia Pacific

    43       3  

Construction Adhesives

    319       809  

Engineering Adhesives

    235       256  
    $ 1,453     $ 1,829  

 

A summary of the restructuring liability is presented below:

 

   

Employee-

Related

   

Asset-Related

   

Other

   

Total

 

Balance at December 2, 2017

  $ 1,486     $ -     $ 20     $ 1,506  

Expenses incurred

    6,223       2,353       305       8,881  

Non-cash charges

    -       (1,666 )     -       (1,666 )

Cash payments

    (3,395 )     (687 )     (325 )     (4,407 )

Foreign currency translation

    (58 )     -       -       (58 )

Balance at December 1, 2018

  $ 4,256     $ -     $ -     $ 4,256  

Expenses incurred

    907       303       243       1,453  

Cash payments

    (941 )     (303 )     (134 )     (1,378 )

Foreign currency translation

    2       -       -       2  

Balance at March 2, 2019

  $ 4,224     $ -     $ 109     $ 4,333  

 

Restructuring liabilities have been classified as a component of other accrued expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

 

Note 3: Inventories

 

The composition of inventories is as follows:

 

   

March 2,

   

December 1,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Raw materials

  $ 178,152     $ 169,228  

Finished goods

    208,573       179,233  

Total inventories

  $ 386,725     $ 348,461  

 

 

Note 4: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The goodwill activity for the three months ended March 2, 2019 is presented below:

 

   

Americas

           

Asia

   

Construction

   

Engineering

         
   

Adhesives

   

EIMEA

   

Pacific

   

Adhesives

   

Adhesives

   

Total

 

Balance at December 1, 2018

  $ 339,800     $ 155,552     $ 21,428     $ 310,720     $ 477,671     $ 1,305,171  

Currency impact

    422       2,002       (149 )     149       7,020       9,444  

Balance at March 2, 2019

  $ 340,222     $ 157,554     $ 21,279     $ 310,869     $ 484,691     $ 1,314,615  

 

 

As discussed in Note 15, as of the beginning of the three months ended March 2, 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. We allocated goodwill within our reporting units to reflect this realignment using the relative fair value approach.

 

Balances of amortizable identifiable intangible assets, excluding goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets, are as follows:

 

   

March 2, 2019

 

Amortizable Intangible Assets

 

Purchased

Technology

and Patents

   

Customer

Relationships

   

Trade Names

   

All

Other

   

Total

 

Original cost

  $ 118,429     $ 958,867     $ 66,575     $ 27,563     $ 1,171,434  

Accumulated amortization

    (43,521 )     (192,035 )     (22,965 )     (21,080 )     (279,601 )

Net identifiable intangibles

  $ 74,908     $ 766,832     $ 43,610     $ 6,483     $ 891,833  

 

   

December 1, 2018

 

Amortizable Intangible Assets

 

Purchased

Technology

and Patents

   

Customer

Relationships

   

Trade Names

   

All

Other

   

Total

 

Original cost

  $ 118,930     $ 953,929     $ 65,975     $ 33,550     $ 1,172,384  

Accumulated amortization

    (41,503 )     (175,318 )     (21,573 )     (26,332 )     (264,726 )

Net identifiable intangibles

  $ 77,427     $ 778,611     $ 44,402     $ 7,218     $ 907,658  

 

Amortization expense with respect to amortizable intangible assets was $19,212 and $19,243 for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively.

 

Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as follows:

 

   

Remainder

                                         

Fiscal Year

 

2019

   

2020

   

2021

   

2022

   

2023

   

Thereafter

 

Amortization Expense

  $ 57,682     $ 72,099     $ 70,552     $ 69,278     $ 66,667     $ 555,555  

 

Non-amortizable intangible assets as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018 are $558 and $493, respectively and are related to trademarks and trade names.

 

 

Note 5: Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

 

Overview 

 

We have various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards including non-qualified stock options, restricted stock shares, restricted stock units, performance awards and deferred compensation. These equity awards fall under several plans and are described in detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018.

 

 

Grant-Date Fair Value 

 

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an award. The fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 was calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Expected life (in years)

      4.75           4.75    

Weighted-average expected volatility

      24.25%           23.26%    

Expected volatility

    24.25% - 24.33%       23.18% - 23.26%  

Risk-free interest rate

    2.51% - 2.55%       2.38% - 2.53%  
Weighted-average expected dividend yield       1.40%           1.12%    

Expected dividend yield range

    1.26% - 1.41%       1.12% - 1.74%  

Weighted-average fair value of grants

      $9.80           $11.37    

 

Expected life – We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.

 

Expected volatility – Volatility is calculated using our stock’s historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. We have no reason to believe that our future volatility will differ materially from historical volatility.

 

Risk-free interest rate – The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

 

Expected dividend yield – The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

 

Expense

 

We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation expense for option awards, restricted stock shares and restricted stock units with graded and cliff vesting. Incentive stock options and performance awards are based on certain performance-based metrics and the expense is adjusted quarterly, based on our projections of the achievement of those metrics. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which for us is the period between the grant-date and the earlier of the award’s stated vesting term or the date the employee is eligible for early vesting based on the terms of the plans.

 

Total share-based compensation expense was $5,906 and $5,651 for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively. All share-based compensation expense was recorded as selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense.

 

As of March 2, 2019, there was $13,819 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock units was $17,420, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

 

Stock Option Activity

 

The stock option activity for the three months ended March 2, 2019 is presented below:

 

           

Average

 
   

Options

   

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at December 1, 2018

    4,466,106     $ 44.72  

Granted

    952,067       45.48  

Exercised

    (40,605 )     26.23  

Forfeited or cancelled

    (5,191 )     50.48  

Outstanding at March 2, 2019

    5,372,377     $ 44.99  

 

 

The fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 was $9,331 and $7,645, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 was $910 and $638, respectively. Intrinsic value is the difference between our closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised.

 

Proceeds received from option exercises during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 were $1,065 and $762, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Activity

 

The nonvested restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 2, 2019 is presented below:

 

                   

Weighted-

 
           

Weighted-

   

Average

 
           

Average

   

Remaining

 
           

Grant

   

Contractual

 
           

Date Fair

   

Life

 
   

Units

   

Value

   

(in Years)

 

Nonvested at December 1, 2018

    414,353     $ 47.45       1.0  

Granted

    272,178       44.43       2.9  

Vested

    (172,797 )     45.41       -  

Forfeited

    (18,529 )     41.72       0.7  

Nonvested at March 2, 2019

    495,205     $ 46.71       1.3  

 

Total fair value of restricted stock vested during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 was $7,846 and $7,900, respectively. The total fair value of nonvested restricted stock at March 2, 2019 was $23,135.

 

We repurchased 57,917 and 63,540 restricted stock shares during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively, related to statutory minimum tax withholding.

 

Deferred Compensation Activity

 

We have a Directors’ Deferred Compensation plan that allows non-employee directors to defer all or a portion of their directors’ compensation in a number of investment choices, including units representing shares of our common stock. We also have a Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that allows key employees to defer a portion of their eligible compensation in a number of investment choices, including units, representing shares of our common stock. We provide a 10 percent match on deferred compensation invested into units, representing shares of our common stock. The deferred compensation unit activity for the three months ended March 2, 2019 is presented below:

 

   

Non-employee

                 
   

Directors

   

Employees

   

Total

 

Units outstanding December 1, 2018

    479,787       29,735       509,522  

Participant contributions

    4,717       2,200       6,917  

Company match contributions

    472       220       692  

Payouts

    -       (2,221 )     (2,221 )

Units outstanding March 2, 2019

    484,976       29,934       514,910  

 

Deferred compensation units are fully vested at the date of contribution.

 

 

 

Note 6: Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018

 
                                   

Other

 
   

Pension Benefits

   

Postretirement

 
   

U.S. Plans

   

Non-U.S. Plans

   

Benefits

 

Net periodic cost (benefit):

 

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 

Service cost

  $ 1     $ 14     $ 568     $ 598     $ 24     $ 43  

Interest cost

    3,673       3,419       1,184       1,204       387       371  

Expected return on assets

    (6,326 )     (6,541 )     (2,587 )     (2,864 )     (1,753 )     (1,724 )

Amortization:

                                               

Prior service cost

    3       7       16       (1 )     -       -  

Actuarial loss

    1,169       1,475       789       749       8       15  

Net periodic benefit

  $ (1,480 )   $ (1,626 )   $ (30 )   $ (314 )   $ (1,334 )   $ (1,295 )

 

 

Note 7: Revenue

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We sell a variety of adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to a diverse customer base. The vast majority of our arrangements contain a single performance obligation to transfer manufactured goods to the customer as governed by an individual purchase order. 

 

We recognize revenue at the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods to the customer. The transaction price includes an estimation of any variable amounts of consideration to which we will be entitled. The most common forms of variable consideration within our arrangements are customer rebates, which are recorded as a reduction to revenue at the time of the initial sale using the expected value method. The expected value method is the sum of probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts and is based on a consideration of historical, current and forecast information. Changes in estimates are updated each reporting period. There are no material instances where variable consideration is constrained and not recorded at the initial time of sale. Product returns are recorded as a reduction to revenue based on historical experience and anticipated sales returns that occur in the normal course of business. We primarily have assurance-type warranties that do not result in separate performance obligations. We have elected to present revenue net of sales taxes and other similar taxes.

 

We recognize revenue when control of goods is transferred to the customer. For the vast majority of our arrangements, control transfers at a point in time either upon shipment or upon delivery of the goods to the customer. The timing of transfer of control is determined considering the timing of the transfer of legal title, physical possession, and risks and rewards of goods to the customer. 

 

We record shipping and handling revenue in net revenues and outbound shipping and handling costs in cost of goods sold. The majority of our shipping and handling activities are performed prior to transfer of control of the goods to the customer. For those arrangements where we provide shipping and handling services after control of the goods has transferred to the customer, we have elected the practical expedient allowed under ASC 606 to account for these activities as a fulfillment cost rather than as a separate performance obligation. Election of this practical expedient resulted in an increase in the balance of retained earnings of $1,776 at the beginning of fiscal 2019. Based on an analysis of the financial statement line items affected in the quarter ended March 2, 2019 in the application of ASU No. 2014-09 as compared with previous reporting, the Company has determined that the quantitative changes to each financial statement line item are not material. As a result, for the quarter ended March 2, 2019, the Company is not disclosing the quantitative amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting by the application of this ASU as compared with the guidance that was in effect before the change.

 

 

Practical Expedients Elected

 

We have elected the following practical expedients allowable under ASC 606:

 

-

Election to present revenue net of sales taxes and other similar taxes

 

-

Election to account for shipping and handling services performed after control has transferred to the customer as fulfillment activities

 

Disaggregated Revenue Information

 

We view the following disaggregation of revenue by product type as useful to understanding the composition of revenue recognized during the respective reporting periods:

 

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
                                                 
   

Americas

           

Asia

   

Construction

   

Engineering

         
   

Adhesives

   

EIMEA

   

Pacific

   

Adhesives

   

Adhesives

   

Total

 
                                                 

Durable Assembly

  $ 61,328     $ 61,182     $ 14,033     $ -     $ -     $ 136,543  

Hygiene

    30,029       45,558       27,308       -       -       102,895  

Packaging

    69,402       29,120       12,794       -       -       111,316  

Paper and Other

    81,191       20,653       9,253       -       -       111,097  

Construction

    -       -       -       82,456       -       82,456  

Engineering

    -       -       -       -       128,628       128,628  
    $ 241,950     $ 156,513     $ 63,388     $ 82,456     $ 128,628     $ 672,935  

 

   

Three Months Ended March 3, 2018

 
                                                 
   

Americas

           

Asia

   

Construction

   

Engineering

         
   

Adhesives

   

EIMEA

   

Pacific

   

Adhesives

   

Adhesives

   

Total

 
                                                 

Durable Assembly

  $ 66,533     $ 64,900     $ 15,163     $ -     $ -     $ 146,596  

Hygiene

    31,129       49,172       28,140       -       -       108,441  

Packaging

    67,528       31,224       13,092       -       -       111,844  

Paper and Other

    85,773       23,682       10,214       -       -       119,669  

Construction

    -       -       -       98,257       -       98,257  

Engineering

    -       -       -       -       128,272       128,272  
    $ 250,963     $ 168,978     $ 66,609     $ 98,257     $ 128,272     $ 713,079  

 

 

 

Note 8: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

   

Three Months Ended March 3, 2018

 
   

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

   

Non-

controlling

Interest

   

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

   

Non-

controlling

Interest

 
   

 

 

Pre-tax

   

Tax

   

Net

   

Net

   

Pre-tax

   

Tax

   

Net

   

Net

 

Net income including non-controlling interest

    -       -     $ 12,244     $ 4       -       -     $ 47,682     $ (15 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment¹

  $ 17,693       -       17,693       6     $ 21,468       -       21,468       (13 )

Reclassification to earnings:

                                                               

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²

    1,986     $ (504 )     1,482       -       2,238     $ (578 )     1,660       -  

Interest rate swap³

    (15,259 )     3,815       (11,444 )     -       20,727       (4,775 )     15,952       -  

Cash flow hedges³

    4,284       (198 )     4,086       -       (4,563 )     (2,278 )     (6,841 )     -  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 8,704     $ 3,113       11,817       6     $ 39,870     $ (7,631 )     32,239       (13 )

Comprehensive income (loss)

                  $ 24,061     $ 10                     $ 79,921     $ (28 )

 

¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.

 

² Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales and SG&A expense.

 

³ Income (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

 

   

March 2, 2019

 
   

Total

   

H.B. Fuller

Stockholders

   

Non-

controlling

Interest

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  $ (109,699 )   $ (109,614 )   $ (85 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $50,105

    (142,658 )     (142,658 )     -  

Interest rate swap, net of taxes of ($3,416)

    10,249       10,249       -  

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $390

    (7,971 )     (7,971 )     -  

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

    (18,341 )     (18,341 )     -  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ (268,420 )   $ (268,335 )   $ (85 )

 

   

December 1, 2018

 
   

Total

   

H.B. Fuller

Stockholders

   

Non-

controlling

Interest

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  $ (127,398 )   $ (127,307 )   $ (91 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $75,083

    (144,140 )     (144,140 )     -  

Interest rate swap, net of taxes of ($7,231)

    21,693       21,693       -  

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $588

    (12,057 )     (12,057 )     -  

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

    (18,341 )     (18,341 )     -  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ (280,243 )   $ (280,152 )   $ (91 )

 

 

 

Note 9: Income Taxes

 

As of March 2, 2019, we had a liability of $8,630 recorded for gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest) compared to $8,420 as of December 1, 2018. As of March 2, 2019, we had accrued $955 of gross interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits. For the three months ended March 2, 2019, our recorded liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $210.

 

 

Note 10: Earnings Per Share

 

A reconciliation of the common share components for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations is as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

2019

   

2018

 

Weighted-average common shares - basic

    50,752       50,471  

Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans

    1,149       1,427  

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted

    51,901       51,898  

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to H.B. Fuller by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the applicable period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share is attributable to share-based compensation awards. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding shares, which computes total employee proceeds as the sum of (a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award and (b) the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services. Share-based compensation awards for which total employee proceeds exceed the average market price over the applicable period have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

Share-based compensation awards for 3,002,073 and 2,226,893 shares for the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations because they were antidilutive.

 

 

Note 11: Financial Instruments

 

Overview

 

As a result of being a global enterprise, our earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from foreign currency denominated receivables and payables.

 

We use foreign currency forward contracts, cross-currency swaps, and interest rate swaps to manage risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not hold derivative financial instruments of a speculative nature or for trading purposes. We record derivatives as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings unless the derivative qualifies and is designated as a hedge. Cash flows from derivatives are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the items subject to designated hedge or undesignated (economic) hedge relationships. The company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a derivative is no longer expected to be effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is recorded in earnings.

 

We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance of counterparties for foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements. We select investment-grade multinational banks and financial institutions as counterparties for derivative transactions and monitor the credit quality of each of these banks on a periodic basis as warranted. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties, and valuation allowances, if any, are de minimis.

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

As of March 2, 2019, we had the following cash flow hedges: 1) six cross-currency swap agreements effective October 20, 2017 to convert a notional amount of $401,200 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2021 and 2022; 2) one cross-currency swap agreement effective February 24, 2017 to convert a notional amount of $42,600 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2020; and 3) one cross-currency swap agreement effective October 7, 2015, to convert a notional amount of $44,912 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2019. 

 

As of March 2, 2019, the combined fair value of the swaps was an asset of $3,071 and was included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting treatment. The lesser amount between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swaps and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swaps is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The differences between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swaps and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swaps are recorded as other income (expense), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  In a perfectly effective hedge relationship, the two fair value calculations would exactly offset each other. Any difference in the calculation represents hedge ineffectiveness. The amount in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cross-currency swaps was a loss of $7,971 as of March 2, 2019. The estimated net amount of the existing loss that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 2, 2019 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $2,115. As of March 2, 2019, we do not believe any gains or losses will be reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of these cash flow hedges because the original forecasted transaction will not occur.

 

The following table summarizes the cross-currency swaps outstanding as of March 2, 2019:

 

 

Fiscal Year of

Expiration

 

Interest Rate

   

Notional

Value

   

Fair Value

 

Pay EUR

2019

    3.80%     $ 44,912     $ (1,058 )
Receive USD       5.0530%                  
                           
                           

Pay EUR

2020

    1.95%     $ 42,600     $ (3,450 )
Receive USD       4.3038%                  
                           
                           

Pay EUR

2021

    2.75%     $ 133,340     $ 2,698  
Receive USD       4.9330%                  
                           
                           

Pay EUR

2022

    3.00%     $ 267,860     $ 4,881  
Receive USD       5.1803%                  

Total

          $ 488,712     $ 3,071  

 

On March 26, 2018, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $100,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B issued on October 20, 2017 to a fixed interest rate of 4.312 percent. On March 9, 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert $100,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.490 percent. On February 27, 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert $200,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.589 percent. On October 20, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $1,050,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.0275 percent. The combined fair value of the interest rate swaps in total was an asset of $14,282 at March 2, 2019 and was included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as cash flow hedges. We are applying the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our $1,450,000 variable rate Term Loan B are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps.

 

On April 23, 2018, we amended our Term Loan B Credit Agreement to reduce the interest rate from LIBOR plus 2.25 percent to LIBOR plus 2.00 percent. Fixed interest rates related to swap agreements disclosed have been updated to reflect the amendment.

 

 

The amounts of pretax gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Cross-currency swap contracts

  $ 4,284     $ (4,563 )

Interest rate swap contracts

    (15,259 )     20,727  

 

 

Fair Value Hedges

 

On February 14, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $150,000 of our $300,000 Public Notes that were issued on February 14, 2017 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 1.86 percent. The combined fair value of the interest rate swaps in total was a liability of $5,288 at March 2, 2019 and was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as fair value hedges. We are applying the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our $150,000 fixed rate Public Notes are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps.

 

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

 

The company uses foreign currency forward contracts to offset its exposure to the change in value of certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities held at foreign subsidiaries that are remeasured at the end of each period. Although the contracts are effective economic hedges, they are not designated as accounting hedges. Foreign currency forward contracts are recorded as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the value of these derivatives are recognized immediately in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities.

 

See Note 12 for fair value amounts of these derivative instruments.

 

As of March 2, 2019, we had forward foreign currency contracts maturing between March 4, 2019 and November 19, 2019. The mark-to-market effect associated with these contracts was largely offset by the underlying transaction gains and losses resulting from the foreign currency exposures for which these contracts relate. 

 

The amounts of pretax gains (losses) recognized in other income (expense), net related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $ 4,076     $ (7,421 )

 

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities in the customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and countries. As of March 2, 2019, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.

 

 

Note 12: Fair Value Measurements

 

Overview

 

Estimates of fair value for financial assets and liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

 

 

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

 

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s assumptions, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

 

Balances Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The following table presents information about our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 

   

March 2,

   

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

Description

 

2019

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Marketable securities

  $ 9,906     $ 9,906     $ -     $ -  

Foreign exchange contract assets

    6,667       -       6,667       -  

Interest rate swaps, cash flow hedges

    14,282               14,282          

Cross-currency cash flow hedges

    3,071       -       3,071       -  
                                 

Liabilities:

                               

Foreign exchange contract liabilities

  $ 2,591     $ -     $ 2,591     $ -  

Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges

    5,288       -       5,288       -  

 

 

   

December 1,

   

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

Description

 

2018

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Assets:

                               

Marketable securities

  $ 11,436     $ 11,436     $ -     $ -  

Foreign exchange contract assets

    4,933       -       4,933       -  

Interest rate swaps, cash flow hedges

    28,924       -       28,924       -  

Cross-currency cash flow hedges

    739       -       739       -  
                                 

Liabilities:

                               

Foreign exchange contract liabilities

  $ 2,156     $ -     $ 2,156     $ -  

Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges

    8,657       -       8,657       -  

 

Long-term debt had an estimated fair value of $2,132,275 and $2,123,447 as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt of similar maturities. The estimated fair value of these long-term obligations is not necessarily indicative of the amount that would be realized in a current market exchange.

 

 

Note 13: Share Repurchase Program

 

On April 6, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200,000 of our outstanding common shares. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares for cash on the open market, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, we reduce our common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid-in capital. This authorization replaces the September 30, 2010 authorization to repurchase shares.

 

 

We did not repurchase any shares during the three months ended March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018. 

 

 

Note 14: Commitments and Contingencies

 

Environmental Matters 

 

From time to time, we become aware of compliance matters relating to, or receive notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. We review the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or our contribution relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. Also, from time to time, we are identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. We are also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. Our environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with applicable laws on a global basis. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for environmental matters, we establish an undiscounted financial provision. We recorded liabilities of $10,532 and $10,665 as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively, for probable and reasonably estimable environmental remediation costs. Of the amount reserved, $4,634 and $4,784 as of March 2, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively, is attributable to a facility we own in Simpsonville, South Carolina as a result of our Royal Adhesives acquisition that is a designated site under CERCLA.

 

Currently we are involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, we are currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with landfills and/or hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, we may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites. In addition, we are engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former operating facilities. While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, we have concluded that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

 

Other Legal Proceedings 

 

From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we are a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, we have concluded, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in the aggregate, including the asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

 

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 30 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by us. We are typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff presents evidence indicating that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to our products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the length, intensity and character of exposure to products containing asbestos, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

 

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation is paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which we acquired a business from a third party. Currently, this third party is defending and paying settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party.

 

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, we have insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities, including defense costs.  Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of our defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation. However, certain of our insurers are insolvent.  We have entered into cost-sharing agreements with our insurers that provide for the allocation of defense costs and settlements and judgments in asbestos-related lawsuits.  These agreements require, among other things, that we fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent.

 

 

A summary of the number of and settlement amounts for asbestos-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

3 Years Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

   

December 1, 2018

 

Lawsuits and claims settled

    1       2       30  

Settlement amounts

  $ 12     $ 185     $ 3,423  

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

  $ 8     $ 171     $ 2,530  

 

We do not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against us because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products that we manufactured. Rather, we believe it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, we establish a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries. 

 

Based on currently available information, we have concluded that the resolution of any pending matter, including asbestos-related litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

 

During 2018, we retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation of the possible resale of our hygiene products into Iran by certain customers of our subsidiaries in Turkey (beginning in 2011) and India (beginning in 2014), in possible violation of the economic sanctions against Iran administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets (“OFAC”) and our compliance policy. The sales to these customers represented less than one percent of our net revenue in each of our last three fiscal years.  The sales to the customers who were reselling our products into Iran ceased during fiscal year 2018 and we do not currently conduct any business in Iran. In January 2018, we voluntarily contacted OFAC to advise it of this internal investigation and our intention to cooperate fully with OFAC and, in September 2018, we submitted the results and findings of our investigation to OFAC. We have not yet received a response from OFAC. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome or effect of the investigation, however, based on the results of our investigation to date, we believe we could incur penalties ranging from zero to $10,000.

 

 

Note 15: Operating Segments

 

We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. Operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment. Corporate assets are not allocated to the operating segments. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs.

 

 

We have five reportable segments: Americas Adhesives, EIMEA, Asia Pacific, Construction Adhesives and Engineering Adhesives. As of the beginning of the three months ended March 2, 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. The table below provides certain information regarding net revenue and segment operating income (loss) for each of our operating segments. Prior period segment information has been recast retrospectively to reflect the realignment.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 
           

Inter-

   

Segment

           

Inter-

   

Segment

 
   

Trade

    Segment    

Operating

   

Trade

    Segment    

Operating

 
   

Revenue

    Revenue    

Income (Loss)

   

Revenue

    Revenue    

Income

 

Americas Adhesives

  $ 241,950     $ 3,406     $ 15,695     $ 250,963     $ 5,413     $ 14,537  

EIMEA

    156,513       4,011       3,426       168,978       5,769       5,892  

Asia Pacific

    63,388       2,031       3,779       66,609       1,637       2,305  

Construction Adhesives

    82,456       (1 )     (3,339 )     98,257       -       461  

Engineering Adhesives

    128,628       (2 )     14,651       128,272       -       9,611  

Total

  $ 672,935             $ 34,212     $ 713,079             $ 32,806  

 

The table below provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Segment operating income

  $ 34,212     $ 32,806  

Other income (expense), net

    3,365       4,912  

Interest expense

    (26,807 )     (27,545 )

Interest income

    3,053       3,041  

Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments

  $ 13,823     $ 13,214  

 

The table below provides total assets of each of our operating segments as of December 1, 2018:

 

Total assets

 

December 1, 2018

 

Americas Adhesives

  $ 1,003,926  

EIMEA

    724,633  

Asia Pacific

    272,923  

Construction Adhesives

    876,448  

Engineering Adhesives

    970,357  

Corporate

    328,027  

Total

  $ 4,176,314  

 

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018 for important background information related to our business.

 

Net revenue in the first quarter of 2019 decreased 5.6 percent from the first quarter of 2018. Revenue decreased 4.0 percent due to sales volume. This was offset by a 3.0 percent increase due to favorable product pricing. Negative currency effects of 4.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2018 were primarily driven by the weaker Euro, Argentinian peso, Turkish lira, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar. Gross profit margin increased 70 basis points primarily due to favorable product pricing offset by decreased sales volume.

 

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller in the first quarter of 2019 was $12.2 million compared to $47.7 million in the first quarter of 2018. On a diluted earnings per share basis, the first quarter of 2019 was $0.24 per share compared to $0.92 per share for the first quarter of 2018.

 

Restructuring Plan

 

During the first quarter of 2018, we approved a restructuring plan consisting of consolidation plans, organizational changes and other actions related to the integration of the operations of Royal Adhesives with the operations of the Company (the “Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan”). In implementing the Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan, we expect to incur costs of approximately $20.0 million, which includes (i) cash expenditures of approximately $12.0 million for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other costs of approximately $8.0 million related to the optimization of production facilities, streamlining of processes and accelerated depreciation of long-lived assets.  Approximately $14.0 million of the costs are expected to be cash costs. During the first quarter ended March 2, 2019, we incurred costs of $1.2 million under this plan. The Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan was implemented in the first quarter of 2018 and is currently expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2020.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net revenue:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 672.9     $ 713.1       (5.6% )

 

We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume, product pricing, business acquisitions and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    (1.0 %)

Currency

    (4.6 %)

Total

    (5.6 %)

 

Organic growth was a negative 1.0 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. The 1.0 percent negative organic growth in the first quarter of 2019 was driven by a 15.1 percent decrease in Construction Adhesives, offset by 4.4 percent growth in Engineering Adhesives, 0.7 percent growth in EIMEA and 0.2 percent growth in Americas Adhesives. Organic growth was flat for Asia Pacific in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease is predominately driven by lower sales volume. The negative 4.6 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Euro, Argentinian peso, Turkish lira, Chinese renminbi, Brazilian real and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

Cost of sales:

                       
                         
   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Raw materials

  $ 361.1     $ 395.9       (8.8 %)

Other manufacturing costs

    131.9       131.7       0.2 %

Cost of sales

  $ 493.0     $ 527.6       (6.6 %)

Percent of net revenue

    73.3 %     74.0 %        

 

25

 

Cost of sales in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 decreased 70 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 180 basis points in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to an increase in product pricing. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of revenue increased 110 basis points in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to lower sales volume.

 

Gross profit:

                       
                         
   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Gross profit

  $ 179.9     $ 185.5       (3.0 %)

Percent of net revenue

    26.7 %     26.0 %        

 

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2019 decreased 3.0 percent and gross profit margin increased 70 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to favorable product pricing partially offset by lower sales volume.

 

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

SG&A

  $ 145.7     $ 152.7       (4.6 %)

Percent of net revenue

    21.7 %     21.4 %        

 

SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2019 decreased $7.0 million, or 4.6 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2018.  The decrease is mainly due to lower integration costs and favorable foreign currency exchange rates on spending outside the U.S.

 

We make SG&A expense plans at the beginning of each fiscal year and barring significant changes in business conditions or our outlook for the future, we maintain these spending plans for the entire year. Management routinely monitors our SG&A spending relative to these fiscal year plans for each operating segment and for the company overall. We feel it is important to maintain a consistent spending program in this area as many of the activities within the SG&A category such as the sales force, technology development, and customer service are critical elements of our business strategy.

 

26

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Other income (expense), net

  $ 3.4     $ 4.9       (30.6 %)

 

Other income (expense), net in the first quarter of 2019 included $3.4 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $0.3 million of other income, offset by $0.3 million of currency transaction losses. Other income (expense), net in the first quarter of 2018 included $3.9 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $2.2 million of other income, offset by $1.2 million of currency transaction losses.

 

Interest expense:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Interest expense

  $ 26.8     $ 27.5       (2.5 %)

 

Interest expense in the first quarter of 2019 was $26.8 million compared to $27.5 million in the first quarter of 2018. Interest expense in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 was lower due to lower U.S. debt balances. We capitalized $0.1 million of interest expense in both the first quarter of 2019 and the same period last year.

 

Interest income:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Interest income

  $ 3.1     $ 3.0       3.3 %

 

Interest income in the first quarter of 2019 was $3.1 million. Interest income in the first quarter of 2018 was $3.0 million.

 

Income taxes:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Income taxes

  $ 3.1     $ (32.6 )     NMP  

Effective tax rate

    22.7 %     (247.0 %)        

 

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

 

Income tax expense of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2019 includes $0.8 million of discrete tax benefit.  Excluding the discrete tax benefit, the overall effective tax rate was 28.2 percent.  Income tax benefit of $32.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 includes $35.6 million of tax benefit related to the accounting for the tax effects of U.S. Tax Reform and $0.2 million of other discrete tax benefit. Excluding the discrete tax benefits, the overall effective tax rate was 24.1 percent.  The overall effective tax rate excluding discrete tax benefits increased due to the impact of certain items of U.S. Tax Reform which were not effective in 2018, but are applicable to 2019.

 

27

 

Income from equity method investments:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Income from equity method investments

  $ 1.6     $ 1.8       (11.1 %)

 

The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period of 2018 relates to lower net income in our joint venture.

 

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

  $ 12.2     $ 47.7       (74.4 %)

Percent of net revenue

    1.8 %     6.7 %        

 

The net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for the first quarter of 2019 was $12.2 million compared to $47.7 million for the first quarter of 2018. The diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2019 was $0.24 per share as compared to $0.92 per share for the first quarter of 2018.

 

Operating Segment Results

 

We have five reportable segments: Americas Adhesives, EIMEA, Asia Pacific, Construction Adhesives and Engineering Adhesives. Operating results of each of these segments are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance.

 

As of the beginning of the three months ended March 2, 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments. Prior period segment information has been recast retrospectively to reflect the realignment. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment.

 

Net Revenue by Segment:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 
   

Net

   

% of

   

Net

   

% of

 

($ in millions)

 

Revenue

   

Total

   

Revenue

   

Total

 

Americas Adhesives

  $ 242.0       36 %   $ 251.0       35 %

EIMEA

    156.5       23 %     169.0       24 %

Asia Pacific

    63.4       10 %     66.6       9 %

Construction Adhesives

    82.4       12 %     98.2       14 %

Engineering Adhesives

    128.6       19 %     128.3       18 %

Total

  $ 672.9       100 %   $ 713.1       100 %

 

28

 

Segment Operating Income (Loss):

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

($ in millions)

 

Segment

Operating

Income

(Loss)

   

% of

Total

   

Segment

Operating

Income

   

% of

Total

 

Americas Adhesives

  $ 15.7       46 %   $ 14.5       44 %

EIMEA

    3.4       10 %     5.9       18 %

Asia Pacific

    3.8       11 %     2.3       7 %

Construction Adhesives

    (3.3 )     (10 %)     0.5       2 %

Engineering Adhesives

    14.6       43 %     9.6       29 %

Total

  $ 34.2       100 %   $ 32.8       100 %

 

Americas Adhesives

 
                         
   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 242.0     $ 251.0       (3.6 %)

Segment operating income

  $ 15.7     $ 14.5       8.3 %

Segment operating margin

    6.5 %     5.8 %        

 

The following table provides details of the Americas Adhesives net revenue variances:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    0.2 %

Currency

    (3.8 %)

Total

    (3.6 %)

 

Net revenue decreased 3.6 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018.  The increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing, offset by a decrease in sales volume. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Argentinian peso, Brazilian real, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 180 basis points mainly due to an increase in product pricing and synergy savings achieved through acquisitions. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 130 basis points due to higher production costs and lower net revenue. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 20 basis points. Segment operating income increased 8.3 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue increased 70 basis points compared first quarter of 2018.

 

EIMEA

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 156.5     $ 169.0       (7.4 %)

Segment operating income

  $ 3.4     $ 5.9       (42.4 %)

Segment operating margin

    2.2 %     3.5 %        

 

29

 

The following table provides details of the EIMEA net revenue variances:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    0.7 %

Currency

    (8.1 %)

Total

    (7.4 %)

 

Net revenue decreased 7.4 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Euro, Turkish lira and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 60 basis points in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to increased product pricing and synergy savings achieved through acquisitions. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue were 110 basis points higher than the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to higher freight and compensation costs combined with lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue in the first quarter of 2019 were 80 basis points higher than the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to higher restructuring plan and compensation costs. Segment operating income decreased 42.4 percent and segment operating margin decreased 130 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018.

 

Asia Pacific

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 63.4     $ 66.6       (4.8 %)

Segment operating income

  $ 3.8     $ 2.3       65.2 %

Segment operating margin

    6.0 %     3.5 %        

 

The following table provides details of the Asia Pacific net revenue variances:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    0.0 %

Currency

    (4.8 %)

Total

    (4.8 %)

 

Net revenue in the first quarter of 2019 decreased 4.8 percent compared to the first quarter of 2018. The flat organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing offset by a decrease in sales volume. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Chinese renminbi and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 290 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to increased product pricing. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 100 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to the decrease in net revenue. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 60 basis points primarily due to lower bad debt expense. Segment operating income increased 65.2 percent and segment operating margin increased 250 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018.

 

Construction Adhesives

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 82.4     $ 98.2       (16.1 %)

Segment operating (loss) income

  $ (3.3 )   $ 0.5       (760.0 %)

Segment operating margin

    (4.0 %)     0.5 %        

 

30

 

The following tables provide details of the Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    (15.1 %)

Currency

    (1.0 %)

Total

    (16.1 %)

 

Net revenue decreased 16.1 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in organic growth was driven by a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by favorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and Euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue was 40 basis points lower in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue were 300 basis points higher in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to higher integration and restructuring costs combined with lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 190 basis points due to lower sales volume partially offset by lower restructuring plan expenses. Segment operating income decreased $3.8 million and segment operating margin decreased 450 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018.

 

Engineering Adhesives

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

   

2019 vs

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

   

2018

 

Net revenue

  $ 128.6     $ 128.3       0.3 %

Segment operating income

  $ 14.6     $ 9.6       52.1 %

Segment operating margin

    11.4 %     7.5 %        

 

The following tables provide details of the Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:

 

   

Three Months Ended March 2, 2019

 
   

vs March 3, 2018

 

Organic growth

    4.4 %

Currency

    (4.1 %)

Total

    0.3 %

 

Net revenue increased 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume and favorable product pricing. Sales volume growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the electronics and new energy markets. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Chinese renminbi, Euro and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue was 430 basis points lower in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 due to increased product pricing. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue were 30 basis points higher in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 10 basis points. Segment operating income increased 52.1 percent and segment operating margin increased 390 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2018.

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Total cash and cash equivalents as of March 2, 2019 were $113.5 million compared to $150.8 million as of December 1, 2018 and $132.5 million as of March 3, 2018. The majority of the $113.5 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 2, 2019 was held outside the United States. Total long and short-term debt was $2,235.2 million as of March 2, 2019, $2,247.5 million as of December 1, 2018 and $2,441.2 million as of March 3, 2018. The total debt to total capital ratio as measured by Total Debt divided by (Total Debt plus Total Stockholders’ Equity) was 65.6 percent as of March 2, 2019 as compared to 66.1 percent as of December 1, 2018 and 68.5 percent as of March 3, 2018.

 

31

 

We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our ongoing liquidity and capital expenditure needs.  In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations and U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed.  For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.

 

Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At March 2, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations as shown in the following table:

 

Covenant

Debt Instrument

Measurement

Result as of March

2, 2019

Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA

Revolving Credit Agreement and Term Loan B Credit Agreement

Not greater than 5.9

4.3

 

 

TTM = Trailing 12 months

 

 

EBITDA for covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash impairment losses, extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, expenses related to the Royal Adhesives acquisition not to exceed $40.0 million, expenses relating to the integration of Royal Adhesives during the fiscal years ending in 2017, 2018 and 2019 not exceeding $30 million in aggregate, restructuring expenses that began prior to the Royal Adhesives acquisition incurred in fiscal years ending in 2017 and 2018 not exceeding $28 million in aggregate, and non-capitalized charges relating to the SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2021 not exceeding $13 million in any single fiscal year, minus extraordinary non-cash gains. For the Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement and the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, and can be found in the Company’s 8-K filings dated October 20, 2017 and 8-K dated November 17, 2017, respectively.

 

We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2019.

 

Selected Metrics of Liquidity

 

Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade accounts receivable days sales outstanding (“DSO”), inventory days on hand, free cash flow after dividends and debt capitalization ratio.

 

   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1

    21.4 %     21.6 %

Accounts receivable DSO2 (in days)

    57       54  

Inventory days on hand3 (in days)

    68       68  

Free cash flow after dividends4

  $ (21.3 )   $ (58.3 )

Total debt to total capital ratio5

    65.6 %     68.5 %

 

 

1  

Current quarter net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter multiplied by four).

 

 

2  

Trade receivables net of the allowance for doubtful accounts at the balance sheet date multiplied by 56 (8 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the last 2 months of the quarter.

 

32

 

 

3  

Total inventory multiplied by 56 and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the last 2 months of the quarter.

 

 

4 

Year-to-date net cash provided by operating activities, less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. See reconciliation to Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations below.

 

 

5 

Total debt divided by (total debt plus total stockholders’ equity).

 

Free cash flow after dividends, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operations less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. Free cash flow after dividends is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow after dividends is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow after dividends to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

 

Reconciliation of "Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities" to Free cash flow after dividends

 

   

Three Months Ended

 

($ in millions)

 

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 0.5     $ (32.1 )

Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment

    13.9       18.6  

Less: Dividends paid

    7.9       7.6  

Free cash flow after dividends

    (21.3 )     (58.3 )

 

 

Summary of Cash Flows

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $ 0.5     $ (32.1 )

 

Net income including non-controlling interest was $12.2 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to $47.7 million in the first three months of 2018. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $36.1 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to $36.7 million in the first three months of 2018. Deferred income taxes was a use of cash of $1.4 million in 2019 compared to $50.6 million in the first three months of 2018. The higher use of cash in the first three months of 2018 was due to the impact of U.S. Tax Reform. Accrued compensation was a use of cash of $19.2 million in 2019 compared to $22.2 million last year related to lower payouts for our employee incentive plans in the current year. Other assets was a use of cash of $21.1 million in the three months ending March 2, 2019 compared to $38.1 million in the same period last year. Other liabilities was a use of cash of $3.0 million in the first three months of 2019 compared to a source of cash of $29.9 million in the first three months of 2018. 

 

Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a use of cash of $7.8 million compared $35.1 million last year. The table below provides the cash flow impact due to changes in the components of net working capital:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

 

Trade receivables, net

  $ 5.9     $ 16.6  

Inventory

    (21.6 )     (46.7 )

Trade payables

    7.9       (5.0 )

Total cash flow impact

  $ (7.8 )   $ (35.1 )

 

33

 

 

Trade Receivables, net – Trade Receivables, net was a source of cash of $5.9 million and $16.6 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The lower source of cash in 2019 compared 2018 was due more cash collected on trade receivables in the prior year compared to the current year. The DSO were 57 days at March 2, 2019 and 54 days at March 3, 2018.

 

 

Inventory – Inventory was a use of cash of $21.6 million and $46.7 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The lower use of cash in 2019 is due to higher raw material costs and increasing inventory levels in 2018 to maintain service levels while integrating our acquisitions in 2018. Inventory days on hand were 68 days as of March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018.

 

 

Trade Payables – For the first three months of 2019, trade payables was a source of cash of $7.9 million compared to a use of cash of $5.0 million in 2018. The source of cash in 2018 compared to the use of cash in 2019 reflects higher payments on trade payables in the prior year.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  $ (13.7 )   $ (17.2 )

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $13.9 million during the three months ended March 2, 2019 as compared to $18.6 million for the same period of 2018.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 2,

   

March 3,

 

($ in millions)

 

2019

   

2018

 

Net cash used in financing activities

  $ (26.9 )   $ (15.3 )

 

Repayments of long-term debt were $20.0 million in the first three months ended March 2, 2019 and $5.4 million in the first three months ended March 3, 2018. Net proceeds of notes payable were $2.6 million in 2019 compared to $0.2 million in 2018. Cash dividends paid were $7.9 million in 2019 compared to $7.6 million in 2018. Repurchases of common stock were $2.7 million in the three months ended March 2, 2019 compared to $3.2 million in the same period of 2018.

 

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements.  This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "plan," "expect," "aim," "believe," "project," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "should," "could" (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements.  These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

34

 

The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Market Risk

 

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and prices of raw materials. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Our financial performance may be negatively affected by unfavorable economic conditions. Recessionary economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our sales volumes, pricing levels and profitability. As domestic and international economic conditions change, trends in discretionary consumer spending also become unpredictable and subject to reductions due to uncertainties about the future. A general reduction in consumer discretionary spending due to a recession in the domestic and international economies, or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Exposure to changes in interest rates results primarily from borrowing activities used to fund operations. Committed floating rate credit facilities are used to fund a portion of operations. We believe that probable near-term changes in interest rates would not materially affect financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The annual impact on interest expense of a one-percentage point interest rate change on the outstanding balance of our variable rate debt as of March 2, 2019 would have resulted in a change in net income of approximately $4.9 million or $0.09 per diluted share.

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

As a result of being a global enterprise, there is exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Our operating results and financial condition are subject to both currency transaction and currency translation risk. Approximately 55 percent of net revenue was generated outside of the United States for the first quarter of 2019. Principal foreign currency exposures relate to the Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso, Mexican peso, Turkish lira, Egyptian pound, Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah and Malaysian ringgit.

 

We enter into cross border transactions through importing and exporting goods to and from different countries and locations. These transactions generate foreign exchange risk as they create assets, liabilities and cash flows in currencies other than their functional currency. This also applies to services provided and other cross border agreements among subsidiaries. Our objective is to balance, where possible, non-functional currency denominated assets to non-functional currency denominated liabilities to have a natural hedge and minimize foreign exchange impacts.

 

In the event a natural hedge is not available, we take steps to minimize risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative instruments. We do not enter into any speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.

 

Based on financial results for the first quarter of 2019, a hypothetical one percent change in our cost of sales due to foreign currency rate changes would have resulted in a change in net income attributable to H.B. Fuller of approximately $1.9 million or $0.04 per diluted share. Based on financial results and foreign currency balance sheet positions as of March 2, 2019, a hypothetical overall 10 percent change in the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a change in net income of approximately $3.1 million or $0.06 per diluted share.

 

35

 

Raw Materials

 

The principal raw materials used to manufacture products include resins, polymers, synthetic rubbers, vinyl acetate monomer and plasticizers. We generally avoid sole source supplier arrangements for raw materials. While alternate supplies of most key raw materials are available, unplanned supplier production outages may lead to strained supply-demand situations for several key raw materials such as ethylene and propylene, several polymers and other petroleum derivatives such as waxes.

 

The purchase of raw materials is our largest expenditure. Our objective is to purchase raw materials that meet both our quality standards and production needs at the lowest total cost. Most raw materials are purchased on the open market or under contracts that limit the frequency but not the magnitude of price increases. In some cases, however, the risk of raw material price changes is managed by strategic sourcing agreements which limit price increases to increases in supplier feedstock costs, while requiring decreases as feedstock costs decline. The leverage of having substitute raw materials approved for use wherever possible is used to minimize the impact of possible price increases. Based on financial results for the first three months of 2019, a hypothetical one percent change in our raw material costs would have resulted in a change in net income of approximately $2.8 million or $0.05 per diluted share.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning new accounting standards and the impact of the implementation of these standards on our financial statements.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Controls and Procedures

 

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of March 2, 2019.  Based on this evaluation, our president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer concluded that, as of March 2, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

For purposes of Rule 13a-15(e), the term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Environmental Matters 

 

From time to time, we become aware of compliance matters relating to, or receive notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. We review the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or our contribution relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. Also, from time to time, we are identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. We are also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. Our environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with applicable laws on a global basis. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for environmental matters, we establish a financial provision. 

 

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Currently, we are involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, we are currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with landfills and/or hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, we may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites.

 

We are engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former operating facilities. As of March 2, 2019, we had reserved $10.5 million, which represents our best estimate of probable liabilities with respect to environmental matters. Of the amount reserved, $4.6 million is attributable to a facility we own in Simpsonville, South Carolina as a result of our Royal Adhesives acquisition that is a designated site under CERCLA. It is reasonably possible that we may have additional liabilities related to these known environmental matters. However, the full extent of our future liability for environmental matters is difficult to predict because of uncertainty as to the cost of investigation and clean up of the sites, our responsibility for such hazardous substances and the number of and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties.

 

While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, we have concluded that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the results of operations or cash flows in one or more future periods.

 

Other Legal Proceedings 

 

From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we are a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, we have concluded, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in the aggregate, including the asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

 

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 30 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by us. We are typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff presents evidence indicating that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to our products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the length, intensity and character of exposure to products containing asbestos, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

 

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation is paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which we acquired a business from a third party. Currently, this third party is defending and paying settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party. 

 

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, we have insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities (including defense costs).  Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of our defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation. However, certain of our insurers are insolvent.  We have entered into cost-sharing agreements with our insurers that provide for the allocation of defense costs and settlements and judgments in asbestos-related lawsuits.  These agreements require, among other things, that we fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent.

 

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A summary of the number of and settlement amounts for asbestos-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

3 Years Ended

 

($ in millions)

 

March 2, 2019

   

March 3, 2018

   

December 1, 2018

 

Lawsuits and claims settled

    1       2       30  

Settlement amounts

  $ 0.01     $ 0.2     $ 3.4  

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

  $ 0.01     $ 0.2     $ 2.5  

 

We do not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against us because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products that we manufactured. Rather, we believe it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, we establish a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries. 

 

Based on currently available information, we have concluded that the resolution of any pending matter, including asbestos-related litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.  However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the results of operations or cash flows in one or more future periods.

 

During 2018, we retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation of the possible resale of our hygiene products into Iran by certain customers of our subsidiaries in Turkey (beginning in 2011) and India (beginning in 2014), in possible violation of the economic sanctions against Iran administered by OFAC and our compliance policy. The sales to these customers represented less than one percent of our net revenue in each of our last three fiscal years.  The sales to the customers who were reselling our products into Iran ceased during fiscal year 2018 and we do not currently conduct any business in Iran. In January 2018, we voluntarily contacted OFAC to advise it of this internal investigation and our intention to cooperate fully with OFAC and, in September 2018, we submitted the results and findings of our investigation to OFAC. We have not yet received a response from OFAC. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome or effect of the investigation, however, based on the results of our investigation to date, we believe we could incur penalties ranging from zero to $10.0 million.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements concerning our future programs, products, expenses, revenue, liquidity and cash needs as well as our plans and strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and we assume no obligation to update this information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ significantly from the results described in these forward-looking statements, including the risk factors identified under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2018. There have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed by us under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2018.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Information on our purchases of equity securities during the first quarter ended March 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

Period

 

(a)

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased1

   

(b)

Average

Price Paid

per Share

   

(d)

Maximum

Approximate Dollar

Value of Shares that

may yet be

Purchased Under the

Plan or Program

(millions)

 
                         

December 1, 2018 - January 5, 2019

    -     $ -     $ 187,170  
                         

January 6, 2019 - February 2, 2019

    -     $ -     $ 187,170  
                         

February 3, 2019 - March 2, 2019

    58     $ 46.34     $ 187,170  

 

1 The total number of shares purchased include shares withheld to satisfy the employees’ withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock.

 

Repurchases of common stock are made to support our stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. Upon vesting of restricted stock awarded to employees, shares are withheld to cover the employees’ minimum withholding taxes.

 

On April 6, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common shares. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares for cash on the open market, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, we reduced our common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid-in capital. This authorization replaces the September 30, 2010 authorization to repurchase shares.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

  10.1 Third Amendment of the H.B. Fuller Company Defined Contribution Restoration Plan
  31.1 Form of 302 Certification –James J. Owens
  31.2 Form of 302 Certification –John J. Corkrean
  32.1 Form of 906 Certification –James J. Owens
  32.2 Form of 906 Certification –John J. Corkrean
  101 The following materials from the H.B. Fuller Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 2, 2019 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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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.

 

  H.B. Fuller Company
     
     

Dated: March 29, 2019

 

/s/ John J. Corkrean

   

John J. Corkrean

   

Executive Vice President,

   

Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibits

  10.1 Third Amendment of the H.B. Fuller Company Defined Contribution Restoration Plan
  31.1 Form of 302 Certification – James J. Owens
  31.2 Form of 302 Certification – John J. Corkrean
  32.1 Form of 906 Certification –James J. Owens
  32.2 Form of 906 Certification –John J. Corkrean
  101

The following materials from the H.B. Fuller Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 2, 2019 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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