UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012
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 001-12622
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
Delaware | 36-2048898 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (IRS. Employer Identification No.) |
incorporation or organization) | |
410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611-4213
(312) 321-1515
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share | New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:
Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act:
Yes o No ý
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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer | o | Accelerated filer | ý | |
Non-accelerated filer | o | Smaller reporting company | o | |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | ||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes o No ý
The aggregate market value of Oil-Dri’s Common Stock owned by non-affiliates as of January 31, 2012 was $105,910,000.
Number of shares of each class of Oil-Dri’s capital stock outstanding as of September 28, 2012:
Common Stock – 4,879,226 shares
Class B Stock – 2,050,118 shares
Class A Common Stock – 0 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated by reference: Oil-Dri’s Proxy Statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) not later than November 28, 2012 (120 days after the end of Oil-Dri’s fiscal year ended July 31, 2012), is incorporated into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as indicated herein.
CONTENTS
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4 | Mine Safety Disclosure | |||
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CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this report, including those under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and those statements elsewhere in this report and other documents we file with the SEC, contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management’s assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls. Words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “assume,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially, including those described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” below and other documents we file with the SEC. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected or planned. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
TRADEMARK NOTICE
Agsorb, Calibrin, Cat’s Pride, ConditionAde, Flo-Fre, Fresh & Light, Jonny Cat, KatKit, Oil-Dri, Pel-Unite, Perform, Pro Mound, Pure-Flo, Rapid Dry, Select, Terra-Green, Ultra-Clear and Verge are all registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America or of its subsidiaries. Pro’s Choice and Saular are trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America. Fresh Step is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company (“Clorox”).
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PART I
ITEM 1 – BUSINESS
In 1969, Oil-Dri Corporation of America was incorporated in Delaware as the successor to an Illinois corporation incorporated in 1946; the Illinois corporation was the successor to a partnership that commenced business in 1941. Except as otherwise indicated herein or as the context otherwise requires, references to “Oil-Dri,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries.
GENERAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Our fiscal 2012 operating results reflect increased net sales in both our Retail and Wholesale Products and our Business to Business Products operating segments; however, certain events resulted in one-time charges that negatively impacted earnings. Throughout fiscal 2012, promotional expenditures were substantial for our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light products, which were launched in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. We incurred a one-time charge in our fiscal 2012 fourth quarter to relocate the manufacturing of specific products from our plant located in Illinois to our plants located in Mississippi in order to improve production efficiencies. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the production relocation charge. In addition, during fiscal 2012 we experienced certain cost increases to produce, package and transport our products, which more than offset the lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. We expect transportation cost increases to continue due to recent trends and regulations in the freight industry. We also continued to invest in our capital assets and maintained a strong consolidated balance sheet during fiscal 2012. For more information on recent business developments, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
We are a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing sorbent products. Our sorbent products are principally produced from clay minerals, primarily consisting of montmorillonite and attapulgite and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials, such as Antelope shale, which we refer to collectively as our “clay” or our “minerals.” Our sorbent technologies include absorbent and adsorbent products. Absorbents, like sponges, draw liquids up into their many pores. Examples of our absorbent clay products are Cat’s Pride and Jonny Cat branded premium cat litter, as well as other private label cat litters. We also produce Oil-Dri branded floor absorbents, Agsorb and Verge agricultural chemical carriers, ConditionAde and Calibrin enterosorbents used in animal feed and Pel-Unite animal feed binders. Adsorbent products attract impurities in liquids, such as metals and surfactants, and form low-level chemical bonds. Examples of our adsorbent products are Oil-Dri synthetic sorbents, which are used for industrial cleanup, and Pure-Flo, Perform and Select bleaching clay products, which act as a filtration media for edible oils, fats and tallows. Also, our Ultra-Clear product serves as a clarification aid for petroleum-based oils and by-products. Our absorbent and adsorbent products are described in more detail below.
Cat Litter Products
We produce two types of cat litter products, traditional coarse and scoopable, both of which have absorbent and odor controlling characteristics. Scoopable litters have the additional characteristic of clumping when exposed to moisture, allowing the consumer to selectively dispose of the used portion of the litter. Our coarse and scoopable products are sold under our Cat’s Pride and Jonny Cat brand names. We also package and market Cat’s Pride KatKit and Jonny Cat cat litter in a disposable tray, as well as Cat's Pride and Jonny Cat litter pan liners. We manufacture Fresh Step brand coarse cat litter for Clorox. We also produce private label cat litters for other customers that are sold through independent food brokers and our sales force to major retail outlets.
We have two long-term supply arrangements (one of which is material) under which we manufacture branded traditional litters for other marketers. Under these co-manufacturing relationships, the marketer controls all aspects of sales, marketing, and distribution, as well as the odor control formula, and we are responsible for manufacturing. Our material agreement is with Clorox, under which we have the exclusive right to supply Clorox’s requirements for Fresh Step coarse cat litter up to certain levels.
Industrial and Automotive Sorbent Products
We manufacture products from clay, polypropylene and recycled cotton materials that absorb oil, grease, water and other types of spills. These products are used in industrial, home and automotive environments. Our clay-based sorbent products, such as Oil-Dri branded floor absorbent, are used for floor maintenance in industrial applications to provide a non-slip and non-flammable surface for workers. These floor absorbents are also used in automotive repair facilities and car dealerships, as well as for home
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applications in garages and driveways. Our Oil-Dri branded polypropylene-based and cotton-based products are sold in various forms, such as pads, rolls, socks, booms and spill kits.
Industrial and automotive sorbent products are sold through a distribution network that includes industrial, auto parts, safety, sanitary supply, chemical and paper distributors. These products are also sold through environmental service companies, mass merchandisers, catalogs and the Internet.
Bleaching Clay and Clarification Aid Products
We produce an array of bleaching, purification and filtration applications used by edible oil, jet fuel and other petroleum-based product processors around the world. Bleaching clays are used by edible oil processors to adsorb soluble contaminants that create oxidation problems. Our Pure-Flo and Perform bleaching clays remove impurities, such as trace metals, chlorophyll and color bodies, in various types of edible oils. Perform products provide increased activity for hard-to-bleach oils. Our Select adsorbents are used to remove contaminants in vegetable oil processing and can be used to prepare oil prior to the creation of biodiesel fuel. Our Ultra-Clear clarification aid is used as a filtration and purification medium for jet fuel and other petroleum-based products.
These products are marketed in the United States and in international markets. The products are supported by our team of technical sales employees as well as by agent representatives and the services of our research and development group.
Agricultural and Horticultural Products
We produce a wide range of granular and powdered mineral absorbent products that are used as carriers for crop protection chemicals, agricultural drying agents, bulk processing aids, growing media components and seed enhancement media. Our brands include: Agsorb, an agricultural chemical carrier and drying agent; Verge, an engineered granule agricultural chemical carrier; Flo-Fre, a highly absorbent microgranule flowability aid; and Terra-Green, a growing media supplement.
Agsorb and Verge carriers are used as an alternative to agricultural sprays. The clay granules absorb crop protection chemicals and are then delivered directly into, or on top of, the ground providing a more precise application than chemical sprays. Verge carriers are spherical, uniform-sized granules with very low dust. Agsorb drying agent is blended into fertilizer-pesticide blends applied by farmers to absorb moisture and improve flowability. Agsorb also acts as a flowability aid for fertilizers and chemicals used in the lawn and garden market. Flo-Fre microgranules are used by grain processors and other large handlers of bulk products to soak up excess moisture preventing caking. We employ technical sales people to market agricultural products in the United States.
Animal Health and Nutrition Products
We produce several products used in the livestock feed industry. Calibrin and ConditionAde branded enterosorbent products are used in animal feed to absorb naturally-occurring mycotoxins in the feed and thereby improve animal health and productivity. Pel-Unite and Pel-Unite Plus are specialized animal feed binders used in the manufacture of pelleted feeds. These products are sold through a network of feed products distributors in the United States and primarily through exclusive distribution agreements with animal health and nutrition products distributors in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Sports Products
Pro’s Choice sports field products are used on baseball, football and soccer fields. Pro’s Choice soil conditioners are used in field construction or as top dressing to absorb moisture, suppress dust and improve field performance. Pro Mound packing clay is used to construct pitcher’s mounds and batter’s boxes. Rapid Dry drying agent is used to dry up puddles and slick spots after rain. Sports products are used at all levels of play, including professional, college and high school and on municipal fields. These products are sold through a network of distributors specializing in sports turf products.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We have two reportable operating segments for financial reporting derived from the different characteristics of our two major customer groups: Retail and Wholesale Products Group and Business to Business Products Group. The Retail and Wholesale Products Group customers include mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, drugstore chains, pet specialty retail outlets, dollar stores, retail grocery stores, distributors of industrial cleanup and automotive products, environmental service companies and sports field product users. The Business to Business Products Group customers include processors and refiners of edible oils, petroleum-based oils and biodiesel fuel, manufacturers of animal feed and agricultural chemicals and marketers of consumer products.
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Beginning in fiscal 2011, our sports field products were included in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group to reflect a change in management organization intended to better serve our customers. Certain financial information on both segments is contained in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference. Prior year segment information has been restated to reflect this change.
We do not manage our business, allocate resources or generate revenue data by product line. Any of our products may be sold in one or both of our operating segments. Information concerning total revenue of classes of similar products accounting for more than 10% of consolidated revenues in any of the last three fiscal years is not separately provided because it would be impracticable to do so.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oil-Dri Canada ULC, is a manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label cat litter in the Canadian marketplace. Among its leading brands are Saular, Cat’s Pride and Jonny Cat. Our Canadian business also sells industrial granule floor absorbents, synthetic polypropylene sorbent materials and agricultural chemical carriers.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oil-Dri (U.K.) Limited, is a manufacturer and marketer of industrial floor absorbents and cat litter. These products are marketed in the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Oil-Dri (U.K.) Limited also sells synthetic polypropylene sorbent materials, filtration units and plastic containment products.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oil-Dri SARL, is a Swiss company that performs various management, customer service and administrative functions for the international business of our domestic operations.
Our foreign operations are subject to the normal risks of doing business overseas, such as currency fluctuations, restrictions on the transfer of funds and import/export duties. We were not materially impacted by these foreign currency fluctuations in any of our last three fiscal years. See Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further information about our foreign markets risks. Certain financial information about our foreign operations is contained in Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.
CUSTOMERS
Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart”) and its affiliates accounted for approximately 22%, 21% and 20% of our total net sales for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Walmart is a customer in our Retail and Wholesale Products Group segment. There are no customers in the Business to Business Products Group with sales equal to or greater than 10% of our total sales; however, sales to Clorox (a customer in our Business to Business Products Group) and its affiliates accounted for approximately 7%, 8% and 9% of total net sales for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The degree of margin contribution of our significant customers in the Business to Business Products Group varies, with certain customers having a greater effect on our operating results. The loss of any customer other than those described in this paragraph would not be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business.
COMPETITION
Price, customer service, marketing, technical support, product quality and delivery are the principal methods of competition in our markets and competition historically has been very vigorous. Some of our competitors are large companies whose financial resources and brand recognition are substantially greater than ours.
In our Retail and Wholesale Products Group, we have six principal competitors, including one which is also a customer of ours. The overall cat litter market has been stable in recent years. Scoopable products have a majority of the cat litter market share followed by traditional coarse products. The overwhelming majority of all cat litter is mineral based; however, cat litters based on alternative strata such as paper, various agricultural waste products and silica gels have niche positions. The consumer trend away from regional grocery stores towards large national retailers, such as supercenter-type stores, dollar stores and pet specialty stores, has presented competitive challenges as well as opportunities. These retailers enjoy substantial negotiating leverage over their suppliers, including us; however, our operations support nation-wide distribution, which gives us a potential advantage over smaller and regional manufacturers in selling to them.
In the Business to Business Products Group, we have 15 principal competitors. The agricultural chemical carrier portion of this segment has experienced competition from new technologies in the agricultural and horticultural markets. The bleaching clay and fluids clarification aid portion of this segment operates in a highly cost competitive global marketplace. Product
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performance is also a primary competitive factor for these products. The animal health portion of this segment also operates in a global marketplace with price and performance competition from multi-national and local competitors.
PATENTS
We have obtained or applied for patents for certain of our processes and products sold to customers in both the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and the Business to Business Products Group. These patents expire at various times, including fiscal 2013. We expect no material impact on our business from the expiration of patents this year.
BACKLOG; SEASONALITY
At July 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, our backlog of orders was approximately $4,741,000, $5,145,000 and $6,368,000, respectively. The value of backlog orders is determined by the number of tons on backlog order and the net selling prices. All backlog orders are expected to be filled within the next 12 months. We consider our business, taken as a whole, to be moderately seasonal; however, business activities of certain customers (such as agricultural chemical manufacturers) are subject to such seasonal factors as crop acreage planted, product formulation cycles and weather conditions.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Inflation generally affects us by increasing the cost of employee wages and benefits, transportation, processing equipment, purchased raw materials and packaging, energy and borrowings under our credit facility. See Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below.
RESERVES
We mine our clay on leased or owned land near our manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois and California; we also have reserves in Nevada, Oregon and Tennessee. We estimate our proven mineral reserves are approximately 152,144,000 tons in aggregate and our probable reserves are approximately 138,257,000 tons in aggregate, for a total of 290,401,000 tons of mineral reserves. Based on our rate of consumption during fiscal year 2012, and without regard to any of our reserves in Nevada, Oregon and Tennessee, we consider our proven reserves adequate to supply our needs for over 40 years. Although we consider these reserves to be extremely valuable to our business, only a small portion of the reserves, those which were acquired in acquisitions, is reflected at cost on our balance sheet.
It is our policy to attempt to add to reserves in most years, but not necessarily in every year, an amount at least equal to the amount of reserves consumed in that year. We have a program of exploration for additional reserves and, although reserves have been acquired, we cannot assure that additional reserves will continue to become available. Our use of these reserves, and our ability to explore for additional reserves, are subject to compliance with existing and future federal and state statutes and regulations regarding mining and environmental compliance. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012, we utilized these reserves to produce a majority of the sorbent products that we sold.
Proven reserves are those reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from results of detailed sampling, and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established. Probable reserves are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation. We employ geologists and mineral specialists who estimate and evaluate existing and potential reserves in terms of quality, quantity and availability.
MINING OPERATIONS
We have conducted mining operations in Ripley, Mississippi since 1963, in Ochlocknee, Georgia since 1968, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi since 1989, in Mounds, Illinois since 1998 and in Taft, California since 2002. Our clay is surface mined on a year-round basis, generally using large earth moving scrapers, bulldozers, or excavators and off-road trucks to remove overburden (non-usable material), and then loaded into dump trucks with backhoes or front end loaders for movement to the processing facilities. The mining and hauling of our clay is performed by us and by independent contractors. Our current operating mines range in distance from immediately adjacent to approximately 13 miles from the related processing plants. Processing facilities are generally accessed from the mining areas by private roads and in some instances by public highways. Each of our
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processing facilities maintains inventories of unprocessed clay of approximately one week of production requirements. See Item 2 “Properties” below for additional information regarding our mining properties and operations.
The following schedule summarizes the net book value of land and other plant and equipment for each of our manufacturing facilities:
Land | Plant and Equipment | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Ochlocknee, Georgia | $ | 8,601 | $ | 15,379 | ||||
Ripley, Mississippi | $ | 1,773 | $ | 11,363 | ||||
Mounds, Illinois | $ | 1,545 | $ | 2,307 | ||||
Blue Mountain, Mississippi | $ | 878 | $ | 11,433 | ||||
Taft, California | $ | 1,391 | $ | 3,638 | ||||
EMPLOYEES
As of July 31, 2012, we employed 757 persons, 42 of whom were employed by our foreign subsidiaries. We believe our corporate offices, research and development center and manufacturing facilities are adequately staffed and no material labor shortages are anticipated. Approximately 46 of our employees in the U.S. and approximately 20 of our employees in Canada are represented by labor unions, with whom we have entered into separate collective bargaining agreements. We consider our employee relations to be satisfactory.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Our mining and manufacturing operations and facilities in Georgia, Mississippi, California and Illinois are required to comply with state surface mining and wetland statutes. These domestic locations and our Canadian operations are subject to various federal, state and local statutes, regulations and ordinances which govern the discharge of materials, water and waste into the environment or otherwise regulate our operations. In recent years, environmental regulation has grown increasingly stringent, a trend that we expect will continue. We endeavor to be in compliance at all times and in all material respects with all applicable environmental controls and regulations. As a result, expenditures relating to environmental compliance have increased over the years; however, these expenditures have not been material. As part of our ongoing environmental compliance activities, we incur expenses in connection with reclaiming exhausted mining sites. Historically, reclamation expenses have not had a material effect on our cost of sales.
In addition to the environmental requirements relating to mining and manufacturing operations and facilities, there is increasing federal and state regulation with respect to the content, labeling, use, and disposal after use of various products that we sell. We endeavor to be in compliance at all times and in all material respects with those regulations and to assist our customers in that compliance.
We cannot assure that, despite all commercially reasonable efforts, we will always be in compliance in all material respects with all applicable environmental regulations or with requirements regarding the content, labeling, use, and disposal after use of our products; nor can we assure that from time to time enforcement of such requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our business. See Item 1A “Risk Factors” below for a discussion of these and other risks to our business.
ENERGY
We primarily used natural gas in the processing of our clay products during fiscal 2012. We have the ability to switch among various energy sources, including natural gas, recycled oil and coal as permitted. See Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for more information about commodity risk with respect to our energy use.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
At our research and development facility in Vernon Hills, Illinois, we develop new products and applications and improve existing products. The facility’s staff (and various consultants they engage from time to time) consists of geologists, mineralogists and chemists. In the past several years, our research efforts have resulted in a number of new sorbent products and processes. The facility produces prototype samples and tests new products for customer trial and evaluation. None of this research and development was customer sponsored, and all research and development costs are expensed in the period in which incurred. See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about research and development expenses.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to all of the foregoing reports, are made available free of charge on or through the “Investor Information” section of our website at www.oildri.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
Information relating to corporate governance at Oil-Dri, including its Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, information concerning executive officers, directors and Board committees, and transactions in Oil-Dri securities by directors and executive officers, is available free of charge on or through the “Investor Information” section of our website at www.oildri.com. The information on our website in not included as a part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
We seek to identify, manage and mitigate risks to our business, but risk and uncertainty cannot be eliminated or necessarily predicted. You should consider the following factors carefully, in addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to our securities.
Risks Related to our Business
Our future growth and financial performance depend in large part on successful new product introductions.
A significant portion of our net sales comes from the sale of products in mature categories, some of which have had little or no volume growth or have had volume declines in recent fiscal years. Our future growth and financial performance will require that we successfully introduce new products or extend existing product offerings to meet emerging customer needs, technological trends and product market opportunities. We cannot be certain that we will achieve these goals. The development and introduction of new products generally require substantial and effective research, development and marketing expenditures, some or all of which may be unrecoverable if the new products do not gain market acceptance. New product development itself is inherently risky, as research failures, competitive barriers arising out of the intellectual property rights of others, launch and production difficulties, customer rejection and unexpectedly short product life cycles may occur even after substantial effort and expense on our part. Even in the case of a successful launch of a new product, the ultimate benefit we realize may be uncertain if the new product “cannibalizes” sales of our existing products beyond expected levels.
We face intense competition in our markets.
Our markets are highly competitive and we expect that both direct and indirect competition will increase in the future. Our overall competitive position depends on a number of factors including price, customer service, marketing, technical support, product quality and delivery. Some of our competitors, particularly in the sale of cat litter (the largest product in our Retail and Wholesale Products Group), are much larger and have substantially greater financial resources and have established brands. The competition in the future may, in some cases, result in price reductions, reduced margins or loss of market share or product distribution, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. If we fail to compete successfully based on these or other factors, our business, financial condition and future financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
Our periodic results may be volatile.
Our operating results have varied on a quarterly basis during our operating history and are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future. Our expense levels are based, in part, on our expectations regarding future net sales, and many of our expenses are fixed, particularly in the short term. We may be unable to adjust spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall. Any significant shortfall of net sales in relation to our expectations could negatively affect our quarterly operating results. Our operating results may be below the expectations of our investors as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside our control. Factors that may affect our quarterly operating results include:
• | fluctuating demand for our products and services; |
• | size and timing of sales of our products and services; |
• | the mix of products with varying profitability sold in a given quarter; |
• | changes in our operating costs including raw materials, energy, transportation, packaging, overburden removal, trade spending and marketing, wages and other employee-related expenses such as health care costs, and other costs; |
• | our ability to anticipate and adapt to rapidly changing conditions; |
• | introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors; |
• | our ability to successfully implement price increases and surcharges, as well as other changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors; |
• | variations in purchasing patterns by our customers, including due to weather conditions; |
• | the ability of major customers and other debtors to meet their obligations to us as they come due; |
• | our ability to successfully manage regulatory, intellectual property, tax and legal matters; |
• | the incurrence of restructuring, impairment or other charges; and |
• | general economic conditions and specific economic conditions in our industry and the industries of our customers. |
Accordingly, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful. Investors should not rely on the results of one quarter as an indication of our future performance.
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Acquisitions involve a number of risks, any of which could cause us not to realize the anticipated benefits.
We intend from time to time to strategically explore potential opportunities to expand our operations and reserves through acquisitions. Identification of good acquisition candidates is difficult and highly competitive. If we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, and successfully integrate the companies, businesses or properties that we acquire, our profitability may decline and we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results. Acquisitions involve a number of inherent risks, including:
• | uncertainties in assessing the value, strengths, and potential profitability of acquisition candidates, and in identifying the extent of all weaknesses, risks, contingent and other liabilities (including environmental or mining safety liabilities) of those candidates; |
• | the potential loss of key customers, management and employees of an acquired business; |
• | the ability to achieve identified operating and financial synergies anticipated to result from an acquisition; |
• | problems that could arise from the integration of the acquired business; and |
• | unanticipated changes in business, industry or general economic conditions that affect the assumptions underlying our rationale for pursuing the acquisition. |
Any one or more of these factors could cause us not to realize the benefits we anticipate to result from an acquisition. Moreover, acquisition opportunities we pursue could materially affect our liquidity and capital resources and may require us to incur indebtedness, seek equity capital or both. In addition, future acquisitions could result in our assuming more long-term liabilities relative to the value of the acquired assets than we have assumed in our previous acquisitions.
We depend on a limited number of customers for a large portion of our net sales.
A limited number of customers account for a large percentage of our net sales, as described in Item 1 “Business” above. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in the volume of, purchases by Walmart, Clorox or any of our other top customers would harm our sales and profitability. In addition, an adverse change in the terms of our dealings with, or in the financial wherewithal or viability of, one or more of our significant customers could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect that a significant portion of our net sales will continue to be derived from a small number of customers and that the percentage of net sales represented by these customers may increase. As a result, changes in the strategies of our largest customers may reduce our net sales. These strategic changes may include a reduction in the number of brands they carry or a shift of shelf space to private label products or increased use of global or centralized procurement initiatives. In addition, our business is based primarily upon individual sales orders placed by customers rather than contracts with a fixed duration. Accordingly, most of our customers could reduce their purchasing levels or cease buying products from us on relatively short notice. While we do have long-term contracts with certain of our customers, including Clorox, even these agreements are subject to termination in certain circumstances. In addition, the degree of profit margin contribution of our significant customers varies. If a significant customer with a more favorable profit margin was to terminate its relationship with us or shift its mix of product purchases to lower-margin products, it would have a disproportionately adverse impact on our results of operations.
Price or trade concessions, or the failure to make them to retain customers, could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
The products we sell are subject to significant price competition. From time to time, we may need to reduce the prices for some of our products to respond to competitive and customer pressures and to maintain market share. These pressures are often exacerbated during an economic downturn. Any reduction in prices to respond to these pressures would reduce our profit margins. In addition, if our sales volumes fail to grow sufficiently to offset any reduction in margins, our results of operations would suffer. Because of the competitive environment facing many of our customers, particularly our high-volume mass merchandiser customers, these customers have increasingly sought to obtain price reductions, specialized packaging or other concessions from product suppliers. These business demands may relate to inventory practices, logistics or other aspects of the customer-supplier relationship. To the extent we provide these concessions, our profit margins are reduced. Further, if we are unable to maintain terms that are acceptable to our customers, these customers could reduce purchases of our products and increase purchases of products from our competitors, which would harm our sales and profitability.
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Increases in energy and other commodity prices would increase our operating costs, and we may be unable to pass all these increases on to our customers in the form of higher prices and surcharges.
If our energy costs increase disproportionately to our net sales, our earnings could be significantly reduced. Increases in our operating costs may reduce our profitability if we are unable to pass all the increases in energy and other commodity prices on to our customers through price increases or surcharges. Sustained price increases or surcharges in turn may lead to declines in volume, and while we seek to project tradeoffs between price increases and surcharges, on the one hand, and volume, on the other, there can be no assurance that our projections will prove to be accurate.
We are subject to volatility in the price and availability of natural gas, as well as other sources of energy. In the past, we have endeavored to reallocate a portion of our energy needs among different sources of energy due to seasonal supply limitations and the higher cost of one particular fuel relative to other fuels; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively reallocate among different fuels in the future. From time to time, we may use forward purchase contracts or financial instruments to hedge the volatility of a portion of our energy costs. The success or failure of any such hedging transactions depends on a number of factors, including our ability to anticipate and manage volatility in energy prices, the general demand for fuel by the manufacturing sector, seasonality and the weather patterns throughout the United States and the world.
The prices of other commodities such as paper, plastic resins, synthetic rubber, raw materials and steel significantly influence the costs of packaging, replacement parts and equipment we use in the manufacture of our products and the maintenance of our facilities. As a result, increases in the prices of these commodities generally increase the costs of the related materials we use. These increased materials costs present the same types of risks as described above with respect to increased energy costs.
Our business could be negatively affected by supply and logistics disruptions.
Supply and logistics disruptions could adversely affect our ability to manufacture, package or transport our products. Some of our products require raw materials that are provided by a limited number of suppliers, or are demanded by other industries or are simply not available at times. In addition, an increase in truck or ocean freight costs may reduce our profitability if we are unable to pass such increases on to our customers through price increases or surcharges.
Reductions in inventory by our customers could adversely affect our sales and increase our inventory risk.
From time to time, customers in both our Retail and Wholesale Products Group and our Business to Business Products Group have reduced inventory levels as part of managing their working capital requirements. Any reduction in inventory levels by our customers would harm our operating results for the financial periods affected by the reductions. In particular, continued consolidation within the retail industry could potentially reduce inventory levels maintained by our retail customers, which could adversely affect our results of operations for the financial periods affected by the reductions.
The value of our inventory may decline as a result of surplus inventory, price reductions or obsolescence. We must identify the right product mix and maintain sufficient inventory on hand to meet customer orders. Failure to do so could adversely affect our revenue and operating results. If circumstances change (for example, an unexpected shift in market demand, pricing or customer defaults) there could be a material impact on the net realizable value of our inventory. We maintain an inventory valuation reserve account against diminution in the value or salability of our inventory; however, there is no guaranty that these arrangements will be sufficient to avoid write-offs in excess of our reserves.
Environmental, health and safety matters create potential compliance and other liability risks.
We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulatory requirements relating to the environment and to health and safety matters. For example, our mining operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation on matters such as permitting and licensing requirements, workplace safety, plant and wildlife protection, wetlands protection, reclamation and restoration of mining properties after mining is completed, the discharge of materials into the environment, and the effects that mining has on groundwater quality and availability. We believe we have obtained all material permits and licenses required to conduct our present operations. We will, however, need additional permits and renewals of permits in the future.
The expense, liabilities and requirements associated with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations are costly and time-consuming and may delay commencement or continuation of exploration, mining or manufacturing operations. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant capital and operating expenditures and other costs in complying with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. In recent years, regulation of environmental, health and safety matters has grown increasingly stringent, a trend that we expect will continue. Substantial penalties may be imposed if we violate certain of these laws and regulations even if the violation was inadvertent or unintentional. Failure to maintain or achieve compliance with these laws and
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regulations or with the permits required for our operations could result in substantial operating costs and capital expenditures, in addition to fines and administrative, civil or criminal sanctions, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, cleanup and site restoration costs and liens, the issuance of injunctions to limit or cease operations, the suspension or revocation of permits and other enforcement measures that could have the effect of limiting our operations. Under the “joint and several” liability principle of certain environmental laws, we may be held liable for all remediation costs at a particular site and the amount of that liability could be material. In addition, future environmental laws and regulations could restrict our ability to expand our facilities or extract our existing reserves or could require us to acquire costly equipment or to incur other significant expenses in connection with our business. There can be no assurance that future events, including changes in any environmental requirements and the costs associated with complying with such requirements, will not have a material adverse effect on us.
Government regulation imposes significant costs on us, and future regulatory changes (or related customer responses to regulatory changes) could increase those costs or limit our ability to produce and sell our products.
In addition to the regulatory matters described above, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the manufacture, packaging, labeling, content, storage, distribution and advertising of our products and the conduct of our business operations. For example, in the United States, many of our products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency and our product claims and advertising are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. Most states have agencies that regulate in parallel to these federal agencies. In addition, our international sales and operations are subject to regulation in each of the foreign jurisdictions in which we manufacture, distribute or sell our products. There is increasing federal and state regulation with respect to the content, labeling, use, and disposal after use of various products we sell. Throughout the world, but particularly in the European Union, there is also increasing government scrutiny and regulation of the food chain and products entering or affecting the food chain.
If we are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these or other areas, we could be subject to loss of customers and to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations could delay or prevent us from meeting product demand, introducing new products, building new facilities or acquiring new businesses and could adversely affect operating results. If these laws or regulations are changed or interpreted differently in the future, it may become more difficult or expensive for us to comply. In addition, investigations or evaluations of our products by government agencies may require us to adopt additional labeling, safety measures or other precautions, or may effectively limit or eliminate our ability to market and sell these products. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that current or future governmental regulation will not have a material adverse effect on our business or that we will be able to obtain or renew required governmental permits and registrations in the future.
We are also experiencing increasing customer scrutiny of the content and manufacturing of our products, particularly our products entering or affecting the food chain, in parallel with the increasing government regulation discussed above. Our customers may impose product specifications or other requirements that are different from, and more onerous than, applicable laws and regulations. As a result, the failure of our products to meet these additional requirements may result in loss of customers and decreased sales of our products even in the absence of any actual failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that future customer requirements concerning the content or manufacturing of our products will not have a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend on our mining operations for a majority of our supply of sorbent minerals.
Most of our principal raw materials are sorbent minerals mined by us or independent contractors on land that we own or lease. While our mining operations are conducted in surface mines, which do not present many of the risks associated with deep underground mining, our mining operations are nevertheless subject to many conditions beyond our control. Our mining operations are affected by weather and natural disasters, such as heavy rains and flooding, equipment failures and other unexpected maintenance problems, variations in the amount of rock and soil overlying our reserves, variations in geological conditions, fires and other accidents, fluctuations in the price or availability of supplies and other matters. Any of these risks could result in significant damage to our mining properties or processing facilities, personal injury to our employees, environmental damage, delays in mining or processing, losses or possible legal liability. We cannot predict whether or the extent to which we will suffer the impact of these and other conditions in the future.
We may not be successful in acquiring adequate additional reserves in the future.
We have an ongoing program of exploration for additional reserves on existing properties as well as through the potential acquisition of new owned or leased properties; however, there can be no assurance that our attempts to acquire additional reserves in the future will be successful. Our ability to acquire additional reserves in the future could be limited by competition from other
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companies for attractive properties, the lack of suitable properties that can be acquired on terms acceptable to us or restrictions under our existing or future debt facilities. We may not be able to negotiate new leases or obtain mining contracts for properties containing additional reserves or renew our leasehold interests in properties on which operations are not commenced during the term of the lease. Also, requirements for environmental compliance may restrict exploration or use of lands that might otherwise be utilized as a source of reserves.
The loss of any key member of our senior management team may impede the implementation of our business plans in a timely manner.
The execution of our business plans depends in part upon the continued service of our senior management team, who possess unique and extensive industry knowledge and experience. The loss or other unavailability of one or more of the key members of our senior management team could adversely impact our ability to manage our operations effectively and/or pursue our business strategy. No company-owned life insurance coverage has been obtained on these team members.
We face risks as a result of our international sales and business operations.
We derived approximately 20% of our net sales from sales outside of the United States in the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012. Our ability to sell our products and conduct our operations outside of the United States is subject to a number of risks. Local economic, political and labor conditions in each country could adversely affect demand for our products or disrupt our operations in these markets, particularly when local political and economic conditions are unstable. In addition, international sales and operations are subject to currency exchange fluctuations, fund transfer restrictions and import/export duties, and international operations are subject to foreign regulatory requirements and issues, including with respect to environmental matters. Any of these matters could result in sudden, and potentially prolonged, changes in demand for our products. Also, we may have difficulty enforcing agreements and collecting accounts receivable through a foreign country’s legal system.
We may face product liability claims that are costly, create adverse publicity and may add further governmental regulation.
If any of the products that we sell cause harm to any of our customers or to consumers, we could be exposed to product liability lawsuits or governmental actions. If we are found liable under product liability claims, we could be required to pay substantial monetary damages or change our product formulations in response to governmental action. Further, even if we successfully defend ourselves against this type of claim, we could be forced to spend a substantial amount of money in litigation expenses, our management could be required to spend valuable time in the defense against these claims and our reputation could suffer, any of which could harm our business.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related SEC rules require that we perform an annual management assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and obtain an opinion from our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting. Our assessment concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2012 and we obtained from our independent registered public accounting firm an unqualified opinion on our internal control over financial reporting; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time in future periods. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal control is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important to help prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our Common Stock could drop significantly.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our principal stockholders have the ability to control matters requiring a stockholder vote and could delay, deter or prevent a change in control of our company.
Under our Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of our Class B Stock are entitled to ten votes per share; the two classes generally vote together without regard to class (except that any amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation changing the number of authorized shares or adversely affecting the rights of Common Stock or Class B Stock requires the separate approval of the class so affected as well as the approval of both classes voting together). As a result, the holders of our Class B Stock exert control over us and thus limit the ability of other stockholders
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to influence corporate matters. Beneficial ownership of Common Stock and Class B Stock by Jaffee Investment Partnership, L.P. and its affiliates (including Richard M. Jaffee, our Chairman, and Daniel S. Jaffee, his son and our President and Chief Executive Officer) provides them with the ability to control the election of our Board of Directors and the outcome of most matters requiring the approval of our stockholders, including the amendment of certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, the approval of any equity-based employee compensation plans and the approval of fundamental corporate transactions, including mergers and substantial asset sales. Through their concentration of voting power, our principal stockholders may be able to delay, deter or prevent a change in control of our company or other business combinations that might otherwise be beneficial to our other stockholders.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
We are a “controlled company” under the New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Standards. As a controlled company, we may rely on exemptions from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements that otherwise would be applicable, including the requirements:
• | that a majority of the board of directors consists of independent directors; |
• | that we have a nominating and governance committee comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; |
• | that we have a compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and |
• | that we conduct an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. |
We have previously relied on these exemptions, and we intend to continue to rely on them in the future. As a result, you may not have the same benefits and information available to stockholders of NYSE-listed companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
The market price for our Common Stock may be volatile.
In recent periods, there has been volatility in the market price for our Common Stock. Furthermore, the market price of our Common Stock could fluctuate substantially in the future in response to a number of factors, including the following:
• | fluctuations in our quarterly operating results or the operating results of our competitors; |
• | changes in general conditions in the economy, the financial markets, or the industries in which we operate; |
• | announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures by us, our customers or our competitors; |
• | introduction of new products or services; |
• | increases in the price of energy sources and other raw materials; and |
• | other developments affecting us, our industries, customers or competitors. |
In addition, in recent years the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may materially adversely affect our Common Stock price, regardless of our operating results. Given its relatively small public float and average daily trading volume, our Common Stock may be relatively more susceptible to volatility arising from any of these factors. There can be no assurance that the price of our Common Stock will increase in the future or be maintained at its recent levels.
Future sales of our Common Stock could depress its market price.
Future sales of shares of our Common Stock could adversely affect its prevailing market price. If our officers, directors or significant stockholders sell a large number of shares, or if we issue a large number of shares, the market price of our Common Stock could significantly decline. Moreover, the perception in the public market that stockholders might sell shares of Common Stock could depress the market for our Common Stock. Our Common Stock’s relatively small public float and average daily trading volume may make it relatively more susceptible to these risks.
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES
Real Property Holdings and Mineral Reserves
Land Owned | Land Leased | Land Unpatented Claims | Total | Estimated Proven Reserves | Estimated Probable Reserves | Total | |||||||||||||||
(acres) | (000's of tons) | ||||||||||||||||||||
California | 795 | — | 1,030 | 1,825 | 4,633 | 11,226 | 15,859 | ||||||||||||||
Georgia | 3,707 | 1,840 | — | 5,547 | 37,384 | 26,507 | 63,891 | ||||||||||||||
Illinois | 82 | 598 | — | 680 | 3,614 | — | 3,614 | ||||||||||||||
Mississippi | 2,156 | 999 | — | 3,155 | 80,197 | 94,523 | 174,720 | ||||||||||||||
Nevada | 535 | — | — | 535 | 23,316 | 2,976 | 26,292 | ||||||||||||||
Oregon | 340 | — | — | 340 | — | 25 | 25 | ||||||||||||||
Tennessee | 178 | — | — | 178 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 6,000 | ||||||||||||||
7,793 | 3,437 | 1,030 | 12,260 | 152,144 | 138,257 | 290,401 | |||||||||||||||
The Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, California and Illinois properties are primarily mineral in nature, except our research and development facility which is included in the Illinois owned land. We mine sorbent minerals primarily consisting of montmorillonite and attapulgite and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials, such as Antelope shale. We employ geologists and mineral specialists who prepared the estimated reserves of these minerals in the table above. See also Item 1 “Business” above for further information about our reserves. The locations in the table above collectively produced approximately 824,000 tons in fiscal 2012, 844,000 tons in fiscal 2011 and 863,000 tons in fiscal 2010. Parcels of such land are also sites of manufacturing facilities operated by us. We own approximately one acre of land in Laval, Quebec, Canada, which is the site of the processing and packaging facility for our Canadian subsidiary.
MINING PROPERTIES
Our mining operations are conducted on land that we own or lease. The Georgia, Illinois and Mississippi mining leases generally require that we pay a minimum monthly rental to continue the lease term. The rental payments are generally applied against a stated royalty related to the number of unprocessed, or in some cases processed, tons of minerals extracted from the leased property. Many of our mining leases have no stated expiration dates. Some of our leases, however, do have expiration dates ranging from 2014 to 2097. We would not experience a material adverse effect from the expiration or termination of any of these leases. We have a variety of access arrangements, some of which are styled as leases, for manufacturing at facilities that are not contiguous with the related mines. We would not experience a material adverse effect from the expiration or termination of any of these arrangements. See also Item 1 “Business” above for further information on our reserves.
Certain of our land holdings in California are represented by unpatented mining claims we lease from the Bureau of Land Management. These leases generally give us the contractual right to conduct mining or processing activities on the land covered by the claims. The validity of title to unpatented claims, however, is dependent upon numerous factual matters. We believe the unpatented claims we lease are in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local mining laws, rules and regulations. Future amendments to existing federal mining laws, however, could have a prospective effect on mining operations on federal lands and include, among other changes, the imposition of royalty fees on the mining of unpatented claims, the elimination or restructuring of the patent system and an increase in fees for the maintenance of unpatented claims. To the extent that future proposals may result in the imposition of royalty fees on unpatented lands, the mining of our unpatented claims may become economically unfavorable. We cannot predict the form that any such amendments might take or whether or when such amendments might be adopted. In addition, the construction and operation of processing facilities on these sites would require the approval of federal, state and local regulatory authorities. See Item 1A “Risk Factors” above for a discussion of other risks to our business related to our mining properties.
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MINING AND MANUFACTURING METHODS
Mining and Hauling
We mine clay in open-pit mines in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois and California. The mining and hauling operations are similar throughout the Oil-Dri locations, with the exception of California. The land to be mined is first stripped. The stripping process involves removing the overburden and preparing the site to allow the excavators to reach the desired clay. When stripping is completed, the excavators dig out and load the clay onto dump trucks. The trucks haul the clay directly to our processing plants where it is dumped in a clay yard and segregated by clay type if necessary. Generally, the mine sites are in close proximity to the processing plants; however, the maximum distance the clay is currently hauled to a plant is approximately 13 miles.
At our California mines the clay is excavated and hauled to a hopper. An initial crushing and screening operation is performed at the mine site before the trucks are loaded for delivery to the processing plant.
Processing
The processing of our clay varies depending on the level of moisture desired in the clay after the drying process. The moisture level is referred to as regular volatile moisture (“RVM”) or low volatile moisture (“LVM”).
RVM Clay: A front end loader is used to load the clay from the clay yard into the primary crusher. The primary crusher reduces the clay chunks to 2.0 inches in diameter or smaller. From the crusher, the clay is transported via a belt conveyor into the clay shed. A clay shed loader feeds the clay into a disintegrator which reduces the clay to particles 0.5 inches in diameter or smaller. The clay then feeds directly into the RVM kiln. The RVM kiln reduces the clay’s moisture content. From the RVM kiln, the clay moves through a series of mills and screens which further size and separate the clay into the desired particle sizes. The sized clay is then conveyed into storage tanks. The RVM processed clay can then be packaged or processed into LVM material.
LVM Clay: RVM clay is fed from storage tanks into the LVM kiln where the moisture content is further reduced. The clay then proceeds into a rotary cooler, then on to a screening circuit which separates the clay into the desired particle sizes.
In addition, certain fluid purification and animal health products are further processed into a powder form. We also use a proprietary process for our engineered granules to create spherical, uniform-sized granules.
Packaging
Once the clay has been dried to the desired level it will be sized and packaged. Our products have package sizes ranging from bags, boxes and jugs of cat litter to railcars of agricultural products. We also package some of our products into bulk (approximately one ton) bags or into bulk trucks. The size and delivery configuration of our finished products is determined by customer requirements.
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FACILITIES
We operate clay manufacturing and non-clay production facilities on property owned or leased by us as shown on the map below:
Oil-Dri Corporation of America Plant Site Locations
FACILITIES | ||||
Location | Owned/Leased | Function | ||
Alpharetta, Georgia | Leased | Non-clay processing and packaging | ||
Bentonville, Arkansas | Leased | Sales office | ||
Blue Mountain, Mississippi | Both | Clay mining, manufacturing and packaging | ||
Chicago, Illinois | Leased | Principal executive office | ||
Coppet, Switzerland | Leased | Customer service office | ||
Laval, Quebec, Canada | Owned | Non-clay production and clay and non-clay packaging | ||
Mounds, Illinois | Owned | Clay mining, manufacturing and packaging | ||
Ochlocknee, Georgia | Owned | Clay mining, manufacturing and packaging | ||
Ripley, Mississippi | Owned | Clay mining, manufacturing and packaging | ||
Taft, California | Owned | Clay mining, manufacturing and packaging | ||
Vernon Hills, Illinois | Owned | Research and development | ||
Wisbech, United Kingdom | Leased | Non-clay production and clay and non-clay packaging | ||
We have no mortgages on the real property we own. The lease for the Bentonville, Arkansas office expires in 2013. The leases for the Alpharetta, Georgia facility and the Chicago, Illinois corporate office space expire in 2018. The lease for the Wisbech, United Kingdom facility expires in 2032. The lease for the Coppet, Switzerland office is on a year-to-year basis. We consider that
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our properties are generally in good condition, well maintained and suitable and adequate to carry on our business.
ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are party to various legal actions from time to time that are ordinary in nature and incidental to the operation of our business. While it is not possible at this time to determine with certainty the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits, we believe that none of the pending proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Our mining operations are subject to regulation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration under authority of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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PART II
ITEM 5 – MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol ODC. There is no established trading market for our Class B Stock. There are no shares of Class A Common Stock currently outstanding. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our Common Stock, Class B Stock and Class A Common Stock. The number of holders of record of Common Stock and Class B Stock on September 28, 2012 were 641 and 29, respectively, as reported by our transfer agent. In the last three years, we have not sold any securities which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales price for our Common Stock listed on the NYSE and dividends per share declared on our Common Stock and Class B Stock.
Common Stock Price Range | Cash Dividends Per Share | |||||||||||||||
Low | High | Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | |||||||||||||
Fiscal 2012: | ||||||||||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 16.87 | $ | 21.00 | $ | 0.1700 | $ | 0.1275 | ||||||||
Second Quarter | 19.00 | 21.61 | 0.1700 | 0.1275 | ||||||||||||
Third Quarter | 19.39 | 22.44 | 0.1700 | 0.1275 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 18.29 | 22.39 | 0.1800 | 0.1350 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 0.6900 | $ | 0.5175 | ||||||||||||
Fiscal 2011: | ||||||||||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 18.73 | $ | 22.20 | $ | 0.1600 | $ | 0.1200 | ||||||||
Second Quarter | 18.81 | 23.00 | 0.1600 | 0.1200 | ||||||||||||
Third Quarter | 18.74 | 22.17 | 0.1600 | 0.1200 | ||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 19.11 | 22.39 | 0.1700 | 0.1275 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 0.6500 | $ | 0.4875 | ||||||||||||
Dividends. Our Board of Directors determines the timing and amount of any dividends. Our Board of Directors may change its dividend practice at any time. The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, will depend upon, among other things, our future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, legal requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. Our 1998 Note Agreement with Prudential Financial, our Credit Agreement with Harris N.A. and our 2005 Note Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America and Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company require that certain minimum net worth and tangible net worth levels are to be maintained. To the extent that these balances are not attained, our ability to pay dividends may be impaired. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our note agreements.
Issuer Repurchase of Equity Securities. On March 10, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 250,000 shares of Common Stock. All shares under this authorization have been repurchased. Additional repurchases of 250,000 shares each were authorized by our Board of Directors on March 11, 2011 and June 14, 2012. These authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. As of July 31, 2012, a total of 320,450 shares of Common Stock may yet be repurchased under these authorizations. We do not have any current authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase shares of Class B Stock.
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The following chart summarizes our Common Stock purchases during the three months ended July 31, 2012.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 1 | ||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | |||||
For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2012 | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs2 | ||||
May, 1 2012 to May 31, 2012 | 161,838 | $20.84 | 161,838 | 89,229 | ||||
June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012 | 9,675 | $20.50 | 9,675 | 329,554 | ||||
July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012 | 9,104 | $21.46 | 9,104 | 320,450 | ||||
1 The table summarizes repurchases of (and remaining authority to repurchase) shares of our Common Stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our Class B Stock during the period in question, and no shares of our Class A Common Stock are currently outstanding. Descriptions of our Common Stock, Class B Stock and Class A Common Stock are contained in Note 7 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2 The share numbers in this column indicate the number of shares of Common Stock that may yet be repurchased under our Board of Director authorizations described above.
Equity Compensation Plan Information. The following table presents information about compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about these stock-based compensation plans.
Equity Compensation Plan Information As Of | ||||||||
July 31, 2012 | ||||||||
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options (in thousands) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options | Number of securities remaining available for further issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (in thousands) | ||||||
Plan category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders | 134 | $ | 11.78 | 623 | ||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders | 13 | $ | 13.07 | — | ||||
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows the annual cumulative total stockholders’ return for the five years ending July 31, 2012 on an assumed investment of $100 on July 31, 2007 in our Common Stock, the Russell Microcap Index and the Russell 2000-Material and Processing Economic Sector Index. Our Common Stock is included in the Russell Microcap Index and we consider the Russell 2000-Material and Processing Economic Sector Index to be our peer group. The graph assumes all dividends were reinvested. The historical stock price performance of our Common Stock is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
Comparative Five-Year Total Returns
Oil-Dri Corporation of America, Russell Microcap Index , Russell 2000-Materials & Processing Index
(Performance results through July 31, 2012)
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
ODC | o | $ | 100.00 | $ | 106.20 | $ | 100.41 | $ | 144.55 | $ | 141.02 | $ | 154.69 | ||||||
Russell Microcap | r | $ | 100.00 | $ | 83.89 | $ | 66.50 | $ | 77.09 | $ | 93.98 | $ | 94.78 | ||||||
Russell 2000-Materials & Processing | ∏ | $ | 100.00 | $ | 101.48 | $ | 73.72 | $ | 90.84 | $ | 118.19 | $ | 110.94 | ||||||
This performance graph and accompanying disclosure is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made on, before or after the date of this filing and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.
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ITEM 6 – SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATA | ||||||||||||||||||||
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE AMOUNTS) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Summary of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 240,681 | $ | 226,755 | $ | 219,050 | $ | 236,245 | $ | 232,359 | ||||||||||
Cost of Sales (1) | (181,676 | ) | (176,715 | ) | (169,362 | ) | (186,861 | ) | (186,289 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross Profit | 59,005 | 50,040 | 49,688 | 49,384 | 46,070 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | (47,303 | ) | (36,331 | ) | (36,139 | ) | (34,801 | ) | (33,340 | ) | ||||||||||
Capacity Rationalization Charges (2) | (1,623 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Income from Operations | 10,079 | 13,709 | 13,549 | 14,583 | 12,730 | |||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income | 31 | 61 | 126 | 365 | 1,070 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | (2,060 | ) | (2,053 | ) | (1,345 | ) | (1,910 | ) | (2,189 | ) | ||||||||||
Foreign Exchange (Losses) Gains | (196 | ) | (22 | ) | (213 | ) | (324 | ) | 165 | |||||||||||
Other, Net | 507 | 446 | 697 | 595 | 399 | |||||||||||||||
Total Other Expense, Net | (1,718 | ) | (1,568 | ) | (735 | ) | (1,274 | ) | (555 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before Income Taxes | 8,361 | 12,141 | 12,814 | 13,309 | 12,175 | |||||||||||||||
Income Taxes | (2,263 | ) | (3,090 | ) | (3,356 | ) | (3,723 | ) | (3,136 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 6,098 | $ | 9,051 | $ | 9,458 | $ | 9,586 | $ | 9,039 | ||||||||||
Average Shares Outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted (3) | 7,062 | 7,103 | 7,275 | 7,200 | 7,152 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income per Share | ||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Common (3) | $ | 0.92 | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.46 | $ | 1.39 | ||||||||||
Basic Class B Common (3) | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 1.07 | $ | 1.09 | $ | 1.04 | ||||||||||
Diluted (3) | $ | 0.85 | $ | 1.26 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 1.33 | $ | 1.25 | ||||||||||
Important Highlights | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 174,267 | $ | 173,393 | $ | 153,982 | $ | 149,261 | $ | 148,988 | ||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | $ | 25,900 | $ | 29,700 | $ | 14,800 | $ | 18,300 | $ | 21,500 | ||||||||||
Working Capital | $ | 66,080 | $ | 65,336 | $ | 48,398 | $ | 49,949 | $ | 52,550 | ||||||||||
Working Capital Ratio | 3.3 | 3.5 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||
Book Value per Share | $ | 12.19 | $ | 13.63 | $ | 12.77 | $ | 12.76 | $ | 12.66 | ||||||||||
Dividends Declared | $ | 4,511 | $ | 4,305 | $ | 4,041 | $ | 3,759 | $ | 3,463 | ||||||||||
Dividends Declared per Common Share | $ | 0.6900 | $ | 0.6500 | $ | 0.6100 | $ | 0.5700 | $ | 0.5300 | ||||||||||
Dividends Declared per Class B Common Share | $ | 0.5175 | $ | 0.4875 | $ | 0.4575 | $ | 0.4275 | $ | 0.3975 | ||||||||||
Capital Expenditures | $ | 6,960 | $ | 13,806 | $ | 10,413 | $ | 15,253 | $ | 7,302 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | $ | 9,272 | $ | 8,473 | $ | 7,371 | $ | 7,406 | $ | 7,455 | ||||||||||
Net Income as a Percent of Net Sales | 2.5 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.3 | % | 4.1 | % | 3.9 | % | ||||||||||
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity | 6.8 | % | 9.7 | % | 10.5 | % | 10.8 | % | 10.3 | % | ||||||||||
Gross Profit as a Percent of Net Sales | 24.5 | % | 22.1 | % | 22.7 | % | 20.9 | % | 19.8 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Expenses as a Percent of Net Sales | 20.3 | % | 16.0 | % | 16.5 | % | 14.7 | % | 14.3 | % | ||||||||||
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(1) In fiscal year 2008, cost of sales was reduced by pre-tax net proceeds of $831,000 from the sale of emission reduction credits to unaffiliated third parties.
(2) In fiscal year 2012, one-time charges were incurred for the relocation of production of our industrial floor absorbent and cat litter products from our facility located in Mounds, Illinois to our plants located in Mississippi. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the production relocation charge.
(3) In fiscal year 2010, we adopted guidance under Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 260, Earnings Per Share, which required our unvested restricted stock awards to be considered participating securities and to be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Upon adoption, we were required to retrospectively adjust earnings per share data to conform to this standard. Accordingly, we have restated diluted average shares outstanding and net income per share for all prior periods presented.
ITEM 7 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We develop, mine, manufacture and market sorbent products principally produced from clay minerals, primarily consisting of montmorillonite and attapulgite and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials, such as Antelope shale. Our principal products include cat litter, industrial and automotive floor absorbents, fluids purification and filtration bleaching clays, agricultural and horticultural chemical carriers, animal health and nutrition products and sports field products. Our products are sold to two primary customer groups, including customers who resell our products as originally produced to the end consumer and those who use our products as part of their production process or use them as an ingredient in their final finished product. We have two reportable operating segments based on the different characteristics of our two primary customer groups: Retail and Wholesale Products Group and Business to Business Products Group. Each operating segment is discussed individually below. Additional detailed descriptions of the operating segments are included in Item 1 “Business” above. Beginning in fiscal 2011, our sports field products were moved to the Retail and Wholesale Products Group to reflect a change in management organization intended to better serve our customers. Prior year segment information has been restated to reflect this change.
Our fiscal 2012 operating results reflect increased net sales in several markets; however, certain events resulted in one-time charges that negatively impacted earnings. Consolidated net sales for the year ended July 31, 2012 were $240,681,000, a 6% increase from net sales of $226,755,000 in fiscal 2011. Net sales increased in both our Retail and Wholesale Products and Business to Business Products operating segments. Consolidated net income was $6,098,000, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the year ended July 31, 2012, a 33% decrease from net income of $9,051,000, or $1.26 per diluted share, for the year ended July 31, 2011. Throughout fiscal 2012, promotional expenditures were substantial for our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light products, which were launched in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. We incurred a one-time charge in our fourth quarter to relocate the manufacturing of specific products from our plant located in Illinois to our plants located in Mississippi in order to improve production efficiencies. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the production relocation charge. In addition, during fiscal 2012 we experienced certain cost increases to produce, package and transport our products, which more than offset the lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. We expect transportation cost increases to continue due to recent trends and regulations in the freight industry. We also continued to invest in our capital assets and maintained a strong consolidated balance sheet during fiscal 2012.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2012 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2011
Consolidated net sales for the year ended July 31, 2012 were $240,681,000, a 6% increase from net sales of $226,755,000 in fiscal 2011. Net sales increased for both our Business to Business Products Group and our Retail and Wholesale Products Group due to increased net selling prices and a favorable product sales mix, defined as a greater proportion of sales from higher priced products. Our Business to Business Products Group also benefited from an increase in tons sold. Consolidated net income for fiscal 2012 was $6,098,000, a 33% decrease from net income of $9,051,000 in fiscal 2011. The decline in net income was driven
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primarily by increased advertising expenditures in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and a one-time charge to relocate our industrial floor absorbent and cat litter products from our facility located in Mounds, Illinois to our plants located in Mississippi. In addition, during fiscal 2012 we experienced higher freight, packaging and material costs for both operating segments and higher non-fuel manufacturing costs, which outweighed the benefit of lower cost for fuel used in our manufacturing processes. Segment operating income increased for the the Business to Business Products Group and decreased for the Retail and Wholesale Products Group as discussed below.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for fiscal 2012 were $85,456,000, an increase of $10,977,000, or 15%, from net sales of $74,479,000 in fiscal 2011. The increase in net sales was attributed to a 3% increase in tons sold, a favorable product sales mix and higher net selling prices. Net sales of agricultural and horticultural products, fluid purification products and animal health products all increased, while net sales of co-packaged cat litter decreased. Net sales of agricultural and horticultural products increased approximately 35% due to 15% more tons sold, a favorable product sales mix and higher net selling prices. Sales increased to agricultural chemical carrier formulators. Sales also increased to customers for our engineered granule product in the professional pesticides and agricultural markets. Net sales of fluid purification products increased approximately 13% from fiscal 2011 with a 9% increase in tons sold. Sales in domestic and some export markets improved due to new customers and increased sales to existing customers. Net sales of animal health and nutrition products increased approximately 34% due to a favorable product sales mix and 12% more tons sold. Higher sales of our newer enterosorbent animal health products in foreign markets resulted from improved distribution and new product registration in certain countries. The increased sales of our newer enterosorbent products considerably outweighed a decline in sales of our longer established animal health products. Our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter net sales decreased 5% due to the continued decline in the coarse cat litter segment of the market.
The Business to Business Products Group’s operating income was $28,643,000 in fiscal 2012, an increase of $9,139,000, or 47%, from operating income of $19,504,000 in fiscal 2011. This increase was driven by the higher net selling prices and favorable product sales mix described above, which was partially offset by higher freight and materials costs per ton. Freight costs increased approximately 8% due primarily to higher diesel fuel prices and other cost increases in the freight industry, which are expected to continue due to recent trends and regulations. Material costs increased approximately 2% due to higher non-fuel manufacturing costs, which exceeded a reduction in the cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. See further discussion of manufacturing costs under “Consolidated Results” below. The Business to Business Products Group’s selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2012 were even with fiscal 2011.
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for fiscal 2012 were $155,225,000, an increase of $2,949,000, or 2%, from net sales of $152,276,000 in fiscal 2011. The increase in net sales was attributed to a favorable product sales mix and higher net selling prices, which more than offset a 6% decline in tons sold. Net sales increased for our cat litter products, but decreased for our foreign subsidiaries, as described under “Foreign Operations” below. Net sales for our industrial absorbent products were even with the prior year. Cat litter net sales increased approximately 4% due to a favorable product sales mix and higher net selling prices, which outweighed a 7% decrease in tons sold. Branded cat litter net sales increased approximately 26% with 14% more tons sold. Branded cat litter sales improved due primarily to our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light scoopable products, which were introduced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, combined with higher sales of our established Cat's Pride scoopable products. The increase in branded cat litter net sales was partially offset by approximately 16% lower sales of private label cat litter. The decline in private label cat litter sales resulted from the continued decline in the coarse cat litter market, as well as a market trend away from private label cat litter products.
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income for fiscal 2012 was $2,098,000, a decrease of $8,341,000, or 80%, from operating income of $10,439,000 in fiscal 2011. The decrease was driven primarily by increased advertising costs for our Cat's Pride Fresh & Light cat litter. In addition, the Retail and Wholesale Group’s combined freight, packaging and material costs increased approximately 8% compared to fiscal 2011. Packaging costs increased 15% due to fluctuations in the price of paper and resin. Freight costs increased approximately 10% as a result of higher diesel fuel prices and other cost increases in the freight industry, which we expect to continue due to recent trends and regulations. Material costs increased approximately 4% due primarily to increased purchases of additives, fragrances and other materials for the production of scoopable cat litters. These cost increases more than offset the lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. See further discussion of manufacturing costs under “Consolidated Results” below.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Retail and Wholesale Products Group increased 65% compared to fiscal 2011 due primarily to increased advertising expenditures described above. Advertising and promotions spending in fiscal
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2013 is anticipated to be less than in fiscal 2012, but will remain higher than historic levels.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2012 increased to 25% from 22% in fiscal 2011. Gross profit improved because of the higher sales described above, a greater proportion of sales from higher margin products and 25% lower costs for fuel, primarily natural gas, used to operate kilns that dry our clay. Partially offsetting these positive impacts were higher packaging, freight and material costs. The increase in packaging and freight costs are described in the operating segment discussions above. Material costs were negatively impacted by a 6% increase in non-fuel manufacturing cost per ton produced, including depreciation and amortization. The increase in non-fuel manufacturing costs was attributed to higher depreciation expense and increased manufacturing of products that required purchased additives, fragrances and other materials.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 20% in fiscal 2012, compared to 16% in fiscal 2011. The discussions of each segment's operating income above describes the increased selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments, including approximately $7,800,000 higher advertising costs in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in fiscal 2012 included a higher estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual and higher costs for the supplemental employee retirement plan. The incentive bonus expense was based on performance targets that are established for each fiscal year. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the supplemental employee retirement plan.
Our effective tax rate was 27.1% of pre-tax income in fiscal 2012 compared to 25.5% in fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2012, we generated an additional $955,000 in alternative minimum tax credits (“AMT”) based on the fiscal 2011 tax return as filed. Consistent with AMT credits generated in prior years, we recorded a full valuation allowance against these credits, which increased the fiscal 2012 effective tax rate. This increase was partially offset by a higher deduction for tax mining depletion. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our income taxes.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 2011 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2010
Consolidated net sales for the year ended July 31, 2011 were $226,755,000, a 4% increase from net sales of $219,050,000 in fiscal 2010. Net sales increased for our Business to Business Products Group and our Retail and Wholesale Products Group as discussed below. Net income for fiscal 2011 was $9,051,000, a 4% decrease from net income of $9,458,000 in fiscal 2010. Net income was negatively impacted by a 3% decrease in tons sold for both of our operating segments, higher costs for freight, packaging and materials and increased spending for product market research and promotion development. These negative factors outweighed the favorable affects of increased net selling prices, an increased proportion of sales from products with a higher net selling price and a lower cost for fuel used in our manufacturing processes. Segment operating income declined for both the Retail and Wholesale and the Business to Business Products Groups as discussed below.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for fiscal 2011 were $74,479,000, an increase of $2,488,000, or 3%, from net sales of $71,991,000 in fiscal 2010. A higher average net selling price in fiscal 2011 more than offset a 3% decrease in tons sold compared to fiscal 2010. Net sales of agricultural and horticultural products, fluid purification products and animal health products all increased, while net sales of co-packaged cat litter decreased. Net sales of agricultural and horticultural products increased 19% with approximately 5% more tons sold. Our traditional agricultural chemical carrier products tons sold increased in fiscal 2011 after the downturn in the agricultural chemical carriers market during fiscal 2010. Our new engineered granule product, that was introduced late in fiscal 2010, also provided incremental sales in the professional pesticides and agricultural markets for fiscal 2011. Net sales of fluid purification products increased 5% from fiscal 2010 with a 5% increase in tons sold. Sales in some export and domestic markets improved for fluid purification products used in edible oil and recycled oil processing; however, sales of our products used for biodiesel processing declined. Net sales of animal health and nutrition products rose 1% in fiscal 2011 as a higher average net selling price outweighed a 2% decrease in tons sold. Product registration in new countries, including China, opened additional markets during fiscal 2011; however, sales in certain existing foreign markets were temporarily disrupted during the year due to implementation of new distribution processes. In addition, our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter net sales decreased 7% as the coarse cat litter market continued to decline as a whole.
The Business to Business Products Group’s operating income was $19,504,000 in fiscal 2011, a decrease of $421,000, or 2%, from operating income of $19,925,000 in fiscal 2010. This decrease was driven by an increase of approximately 8% for combined freight, packaging and material costs. Freight costs increased approximately 20% due primarily to higher diesel fuel prices. Packaging costs increased 10% due to fluctuations in the price of paper and resin. Material costs increased approximately
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4% as higher non-fuel manufacturing costs more than offset the lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. See further discussion of manufacturing costs under “Consolidated Results” below. The Business to Business Products Group’s selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2011 were even with fiscal 2010.
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP
Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for fiscal 2011 were $152,276,000, an increase of $5,217,000, or 4%, from net sales of $147,059,000 in fiscal 2010. The segments's net sales benefited from higher average net selling prices and a greater proportion of sales from higher priced products, which more than offset a 3% decrease in tons sold. Sales increased for both cat litter and industrial absorbent products. These increases outweighed a decrease in sales by our foreign subsidiaries, which is described under “Foreign Operations” below. Cat litter net sales increased approximately 5% due to a higher average net selling price and a greater proportion of sales from higher priced products. Net sales of branded cat litter increased approximately 17% due to more tons sold and lower trade spending. Sales to Walmart increased during fiscal 2011 as our branded scoopable litter was reinstated following the reduction in the number of cat litter brands carried, including ours, in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We also introduced our new Cat's Pride Fresh & Light product in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Net sales of private label cat litter decreased approximately 4% compared to fiscal 2010 as the coarse cat litter market continued to decline as a whole. Sales of cat litter box liners increased 10% due primarily to increased distribution to existing customers. Net sales of industrial absorbents increased approximately 3% compared to fiscal 2010. The increase in sales was due primarily to selling price increases that outweighed a decline in tons sold.
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income for fiscal 2011 was $10,439,000, a decrease of $1,230,000, or 11%, from operating income of $11,669,000 in fiscal 2010. This decrease was driven by higher costs, which more than offset the increased net sales described above. The segment's combined freight, packaging and material costs increased approximately 9% compared to fiscal 2010. Freight costs increased approximately 10% due primarily to higher diesel fuel prices. Packaging costs increased 9% due to fluctuations in the price of paper and resin. Material costs increased approximately 7% as higher non-fuel manufacturing costs more than offset the lower cost of fuel used in manufacturing. See further discussion of manufacturing costs under “Consolidated Results” below. The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s selling, general and administrative expenses increased 16% compared to fiscal 2010 due primarily to significant spending for new product market research and promotion development.
During fiscal 2011, we made substantial outlays for capital investment and for market research and promotion development related to our new Cat's Pride Fresh & Light product launched in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales in fiscal 2011 decreased to 22% from 23% in fiscal 2010. Gross profit was negatively impacted by increased costs for freight, packaging and materials. The increase in packaging and freight costs are described in the operating segment discussions above. Material costs were negatively impacted by a 6% increase in non-fuel manufacturing cost per ton produced, which included depreciation and amortization. This cost increase was driven primarily by increased manufacturing of products that required purchased additives, fragrances and other materials. Labor and employee benefit costs also increased compared to the prior year. These cost increases exceeded the benefit from a 13% lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. We use natural gas, recycled oil and coal in the manufacturing process to operate kilns that dry our clay.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 16% in fiscal 2011, compared to 17% in fiscal 2010. The discussions of each segment's operating income above describes the increased selling and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in fiscal 2011 included a lower estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual. The incentive bonus expense was based on performance targets that are established for each fiscal year. The lower bonus expense was partially offset by higher depreciation expense for computer software and equipment, additional compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and increased spending for research and development.
Interest expense in fiscal 2011 increased $708,000 from fiscal 2010. Interest expense increased due primarily to the discontinued capitalization of interest for a capital project and additional interest on new debt issued in the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Interest income in fiscal 2011 decreased $65,000 from fiscal 2010 due to less interest earned on a lease receivable, which exceeded the additional interest received on higher average investment balances at a slightly higher average interest rate.
Net other income in fiscal 2011 decreased $251,000 from fiscal 2010 due to a reduction in lease income related to a lease arrangement with a co-packaging partner and regulatory expense accruals.
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Our effective tax rate was 25.5% of pre-tax income in fiscal 2011 compared to 26.2% in fiscal 2010. The effective tax rate was lower in fiscal 2011 due to the net impact of foreign tax attributes. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during fiscal 2012 were $11,299,000, a decrease of $1,217,000, or 10%, from net sales of $12,516,000 during fiscal 2011. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented 5% of our consolidated net sales during fiscal year 2012. Net sales declined 14% for our United Kingdom subsidiary and 9% for our Canadian subsidiary. Bleaching earth and industrial absorbents sales by our United Kingdom subsidiary decreased due to a strong competitive and price sensitive marketplace. Both branded and private label cat litter sales for our Canadian subsidiary were lower due to the continued decline in the coarse litter market and increased competition. Industrial product sales for our Canadian subsidiary were relatively flat.
For fiscal 2012, our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $876,000, compared to a net loss of $567,000 in fiscal 2011. The increase in the net loss was due primarily to lower sales, which were partially offset by a reduction in overhead costs at both our Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries.
Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of July 31, 2012 were $8,702,000 compared to $9,697,000 as of July 31, 2011. The decrease is primarily due to lower accounts receivable.
Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during fiscal 2011 were $12,516,000, a decrease of $1,212,000, or 9%, from net sales of $13,728,000 during fiscal 2010. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented 6% of our consolidated net sales during fiscal year 2011. Net sales declined 15% for our United Kingdom subsidiary and 7% for our Canadian subsidiary. Bleaching earth and industrial absorbents sales by our United Kingdom subsidiary declined in a strong competitive and price sensitive marketplace. Industrial product sales for our Canadian subsidiary were relatively flat and cat litter sales were lower due to the loss of a customer and lower sales to existing customers. The impact of these sales declines was lessened by the relative strength of the Canadian Dollar and British Pound compared to the U.S. Dollar. The Canadian Dollar was about 5% stronger on average and the British Pound was about 2% stronger on average against the U.S. Dollar during fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010, which resulted in higher sales values after translation to U.S. Dollars.
For fiscal 2011, our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $567,000, compared to a net loss of $519,000 in fiscal 2010. The increase in the net loss was due primarily to lower sales and increased costs for freight and purchased materials, which were partially offset by the foreign currency exchange gain described above.
Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of July 31, 2011 were $9,697,000 compared to $9,424,000 as of July 31, 2010. The increase is primarily due to higher accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents, which were partially offset by lower inventories and prepaid taxes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal capital requirements include funding working capital needs, purchasing and upgrading real estate, equipment and facilities, investing in infrastructure and potential acquisitions. We have principally used cash generated from operations and, to the extent needed, issuance of debt securities and borrowings under our credit facilities to fund these requirements. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $27,093,000, $17,885,000 and $18,762,000 at July 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
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The following table sets forth certain elements of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||||||
July 31, 2012 | July 31, 2011 | July 31, 2010 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 23,339 | $ | 13,108 | $ | 26,216 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (270 | ) | (23,665 | ) | (7,890 | ) | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (13,889 | ) | 9,785 | (11,436 | ) | |||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 28 | (105 | ) | 33 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 9,208 | $ | (877 | ) | $ | 6,923 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operations was $23,339,000 for fiscal 2012 compared to $13,108,000 for fiscal 2011. The change was due to working capital fluctuations and changes in other accounts. The changes in the primary components of working capital and other accounts that impacted operating cash flows for these years are as follows:
Deferred income taxes were $2,568,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011 due primarily to a higher postretirement benefits liability, benefits from a tax net operating loss and increased accrued expenses, which were partially offset by the impact of higher tax bonus depreciation expense. Deferred income taxes were $3,515,000 lower at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010 due primarily to lower accrued expenses and higher depreciation and amortization expense. See Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding income taxes and postretirement benefit plans, respectively. The change in accrued expenses is discussed below.
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, were $994,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011. The increase was attributed primarily to higher fiscal 2012 fourth quarter sales compared to fiscal 2011 fourth quarter sales. Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, were $2,039,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010. The increase was due primarily to higher fiscal 2011 fourth quarter sales compared to fiscal 2010 fourth quarter sales. The change in both periods is subject to timing of sales and collections and the payment terms provided to various customers.
Inventories were $456,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011. Inventories of additives and fragrances increased to meet production requirements for certain products. Inventories were $3,207,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010. Finished goods and packaging inventories were up at fiscal year-end 2011 due primarily to higher costs. Purchased materials inventories were also up due to cost increases and the mix of products produced.
Prepaid expenses were $1,878,000 lower at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011 due primarily to a decrease in prepaid income taxes and lower prepaid advertising costs. Prepaid expenses were $2,954,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010 due primarily to an increase in prepaid income taxes and higher prepaid advertising costs.
Other assets were $510,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011. Other assets were $110,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010. The change in other assets for both periods included the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-cash assets held by our foreign subsidiaries. The change in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to both the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar resulted in an increase in other assets in fiscal 2012 compared to a decrease in fiscal 2011. The change in both years also included increased cash surrender value of life insurance on former key employees. In addition, capitalized costs related to the issuance of new debt contributed to the increase in fiscal 2011.
Accounts payable were $456,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011 due primarily to increased trade accounts payable. Accounts payable were $275,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010 due primarily to an increased trade accounts payable, which was partially offset by lower income taxes payable. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about income taxes. Changes in trade accounts payable in all periods are also subject to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments.
Accrued expenses were $1,622,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011. Accrued expenses for fiscal 2012 were higher for both the discretionary bonus and advertising expenses. This increase was partially offset by lower other accrued operating expenses due to the lower cost of fuel used in our manufacturing processes. Accrued expenses were
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$1,384,000 lower at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010. Accrued expenses included a lower discretionary bonus accrual for fiscal 2011. This decrease was partially offset by increased accrued freight and other accrued operating expenses due to higher freight costs. Changes in accrued expenses in all periods are also subject to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments.
Deferred compensation was $921,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011 and was $378,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. The change in both years was due to employee deferrals and interest on accumulated deferred compensation balances that exceeded payouts. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding our deferred compensation plans.
Pension and other postretirement liabilities were $4,730,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2012 compared to fiscal year-end 2011 and were $672,000 higher at fiscal year-end 2011 compared to fiscal year-end 2010. A lower discount rate required for the actuarial calculation of postretirement benefit obligations resulted in a significantly higher liability at fiscal year-end 2012. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding our postretirement benefit plans.
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash used in investing activities was $270,000 in fiscal 2012 compared to $23,665,000 in fiscal 2011. Dispositions of investment securities were $6,659,000 greater than purchases in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011, purchases of investment securities exceeded dispositions by $10,008,000 due to the investment of cash received from the issuance of new debt. Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities. Cash used for capital expenditures of $6,960,000 in fiscal 2012 included a new storage facility and replacement of machinery at our manufacturing facilities. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2011 of $13,806,000 included new product-related projects at our manufacturing facilities, replacement of machinery and land purchases.
Cash used in investing activities was $23,665,000 in fiscal 2011 compared to $7,890,000 in fiscal 2010. Purchases of investment securities were $10,008,000 greater than dispositions in fiscal 2011 due to the investment of cash received from the issuance of new debt. In fiscal 2010, dispositions of investment securities exceeded purchases by $2,148,000. Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities. Cash used for capital expenditures of $13,806,000 in fiscal 2011 included new product-related projects at our manufacturing facilities, replacement of machinery and land purchases. Capital expenditures for the same period in fiscal 2010 of $10,413,000 included approximately $3,000,000 to purchase land and mineral rights near our Georgia production plant.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Cash used in financing activities was $13,889,000 in fiscal 2012 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $9,785,000 in fiscal 2011. Cash used to purchase treasury stock was $6,247,000 and $2,474,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Payments on long-term debt in fiscal 2012 were $3,600,000 compared to $3,500,000 in fiscal 2011. Dividend payments during fiscal 2012 of $4,486,000 were higher than the $4,218,000 paid during fiscal 2011 due to a dividend rate increase. Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock and treasury stock related to stock option exercises were $352,000 and $1,135,000 in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Issuance of new debt during fiscal 2011 provided $18,500,000 in additional cash.
Cash provided by financing activities was $9,785,000 in fiscal 2011 compared to cash used in financing activities of $11,436,000 in fiscal 2010. Issuance of new debt during fiscal 2011 provided $18,500,000 in additional cash. Payments on long-term debt in fiscal 2011 were $3,500,000 compared to $3,200,000 in fiscal 2010. Dividend payments during fiscal 2011 of $4,218,000 were higher than the $3,992,000 paid during fiscal 2010 due to a dividend rate increase. Cash used to purchase treasury stock was $2,474,000 and $5,988,000 in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock and treasury stock related to stock option exercises were $1,135,000 and $1,361,000 in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Other
Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries at July 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $1,847,000, $1,904,000 and $1,773,000, respectively. Cash and investment balances fluctuated due to normal business operations.
We have a $15,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”) which will expire December 31, 2014. The credit agreement provides that we may select a variable rate based on either BMO Harris’ prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt to earnings ratio, or a fixed rate as agreed between us and BMO Harris. The credit agreement also allows us to obtain foreign letters of credit when necessary. At July 31, 2012, the variable rates would have been 3.25% for BMO Harris’ prime-based rate or 2.32% for LIBOR-based rate. The credit agreement
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contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to dispose of assets. The agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum fixed coverage ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth. As of July 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility and we were in compliance with its covenants.
On November 12, 2010, we sold at aggregate face value $18,500,000 in senior promissory notes to The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Forethought Life Insurance Company, Physicians Mutual Insurance Company and BCBSM, Inc. dba Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota pursuant to a Note Agreement dated November 12, 2010 (the “Note Agreement”). The notes bear interest at 3.96% per annum and mature on August 1, 2020. The proceeds of the sale may be used to fund future principal payments of our debt, acquisitions, stock repurchases, capital expenditures and for working capital purposes. The Note Agreement contains certain covenants that restrict our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur liens, (ii) incur indebtedness, (iii) merge or consolidate, (iv) sell assets, (v) sell stock of those certain subsidiaries, (vi) engage in business that would change the general nature of the business we are engaged in, and (vii) enter into transactions other than on “arm’s length” terms with affiliates.
We believe that cash flow from operations, availability under our current revolving credit facility and current cash and investment balances will provide adequate cash funds for foreseeable working capital needs, capital expenditures at existing facilities and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months. We expect cash requirements for capital expenditures in fiscal 2013 to be higher than in fiscal 2012 due to projects at our manufacturing facilities; however, we expect the increase in capital expenditures to be more than offset by a reduction in spending for advertising, as described in “Results of Operations Fiscal 2012 Compared To Fiscal 2011” above. Our capital requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise. Our ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments and to remain in compliance with all of the financial covenants under debt agreements, including the current credit agreement and any successor agreements, depends on our future operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors. The timing and size of any new business ventures or acquisitions that we complete may also impact our cash requirements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
Our capital requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise. The following tables summarize our significant contractual obligations and commercial commitments at July 31, 2012 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less Than 1 Year | 1 – 3 Years | 4 – 5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | $ | 29,700,000 | $ | 3,800,000 | $ | 7,000,000 | $ | 6,567,000 | $ | 12,333,000 | ||||||||||
Interest on Long-Term Debt | 5,479,000 | 1,334,000 | 1,925,000 | 1,238,000 | 982,000 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Leases | 8,445,000 | 1,812,000 | 2,946,000 | 2,292,000 | 1,395,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations | $ | 43,624,000 | $ | 6,946,000 | $ | 11,871,000 | $ | 10,097,000 | $ | 14,710,000 | ||||||||||
In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we made a contribution of approximately $1,068,000 to our defined benefit pension plan. We have not presented this obligation for future years in the table above because the funding requirement can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions. See Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for certain information regarding the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Amounts Committed | Less Than 1 Year | 1 – 3 Years | 4 – 5 Years | After 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||
Other Commercial Commitments | $ | 25,855,000 | $ | 25,855,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
The obligations above are open purchase orders primarily for packaging and other ingredients used in our products. The expected timing of payments of these obligations is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different, depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.
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OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any unconsolidated special purpose entities. As of July 31, 2012 we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have: (i) any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest; or (ii) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles of the United States. We review our financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies annually to ensure that our financial reporting and disclosures provide accurate and transparent information relative to current economic and business environment. We believe that of our significant accounting policies stated in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the policies listed below involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include promotional programs, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension accounting and income taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Trade Receivables. We recognize trade receivables when the risk of loss and title pass to the customer. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical experience and a periodic review of our accounts receivable, including a review of the overall aging of accounts and analysis of specific accounts. A customer account is determined to be uncollectible when we have completed our internal collection procedures, including termination of shipments, direct customer contact and formal demand of payment. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is reasonable; however, the unanticipated default by a customer with a material trade receivable could occur. We recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $626,000 and $607,000 at July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Inventories. We value inventories at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, labor and other overhead costs. We perform a detailed review of our inventory items to determine if an obsolescence reserve adjustment is necessary. The review surveys all of our operating facilities and sales divisions to ensure that both historical issues and new market trends are considered. The obsolescence reserve not only considers specific items, but also takes into consideration the overall value of the inventory as of the balance sheet date. The inventory obsolescence reserve values at July 31, 2012 and 2011 were $281,000 and $326,000, respectively.
Reclamation. During the normal course of our mining process we remove overburden and perform on-going reclamation activities. As overburden is removed from a pit, it is hauled to a previously mined pit and used to refill older sites. This process allows us to continuously reclaim older pits and dispose of overburden simultaneously, therefore minimizing the liability of the reclamation process.
On an annual basis we evaluate our potential reclamation liability in accordance with ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. As of July 31, 2012 and 2011, we have recorded an estimated net reclamation asset of $619,000 and $495,000, respectively, and a corresponding estimated reclamation liability of $1,269,000 and $1,114,000, respectively. These values represent the discounted present value of the estimated future mining reclamation costs at the production plants. The reclamation assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the various mines. The reclamation liabilities are increased based on a yearly accretion charge, once again over the estimated useful lives of the mines.
Accounting for reclamation obligations requires that we make estimates unique to each mining operation of the future costs we will incur to complete the reclamation work required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Actual costs incurred in the future could significantly differ from estimated amounts. Future changes to environmental laws could increase the extent of reclamation work required. Any such increases in future costs could materially impact the amount incurred for reclamation costs.
Impairment of goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets. We review carrying values of goodwill, trademarks and other indefinite lived intangible assets periodically for possible impairment in accordance ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill
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and Other. Our impairment review is based on a discounted cash flow approach that requires significant judgment with respect to volume, revenue, expense growth rates and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. Impairment occurs when the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Our impairment analysis is performed in the first quarter of the fiscal year and when indicators such as unexpected adverse economic factors, unanticipated technological changes, competitive activities and acts by governments and courts indicate that an asset may become impaired. We use judgment in assessing whether assets may have become impaired. Our analysis in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 did not indicate any impairment. We continue to monitor events, circumstances or changes in the business that might imply a reduction in value and might lead to impairment.
Trade Promotions. We routinely commit to one-time or ongoing trade promotion programs in our Retail and Wholesale Products Group. Promotional reserves are provided for sales incentives made directly to consumers, such as coupons, and sales incentives made to customers, such as slotting, discounts based on sales volume, cooperative marketing programs and other arrangements. All such trade promotion costs are netted against sales. Promotional reserves are established based on our best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. To estimate trade promotion reserves, we rely on our historical experience with trade spending patterns and that of the industry, current trends and forecasted data. While we believe our promotional reserves are reasonable and that appropriate judgments have been made, estimated amounts could differ from future obligations. We have accrued liabilities at the end of each period for the estimated trade spending programs. We recorded liabilities of $2,979,000 and $2,259,000 for trade promotions at July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock options and restricted stock issued under our long term incentive plans in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASC 718 requires the determination of the fair value of stock-based compensation at the grant date and the recognition in the financial statements of the related compensation expense over the appropriate vesting period. The fair value of stock options was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Method. This method requires management to make certain estimates, including estimating the expected term of stock options, expected volatility of our stock and expected dividends. In addition, judgment is required in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. It could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements if actual results differ significantly from these estimates or different key assumptions were used. We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $523,000 in fiscal 2012 and $478,000 in fiscal 2011, net of related tax effect. These amounts include expense related to both stock option grants and restricted stock awards.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs. We calculate our pension and postretirement health benefit obligations and the related effects on results of operations using actuarial models. To measure the expense and obligations, we must make a variety of estimates including critical assumptions for the discount rate used to value certain liabilities and the expected return on plan assets set aside to fund these costs. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age, mortality and turnover, are evaluated periodically and are updated to reflect actual experience. As these assumptions change from period to period, recorded pension and postretirement health benefit amounts and funding requirements could also change. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
The discount rate is the rate assumed to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments, would provide the necessary future cash flows to pay the pension benefits when due. The discount rate is subject to change each year. We refer to an applicable index and the expected duration of the benefit payments to select a discount rate at which we believe the benefits could be effectively settled. The discount rate was the single equivalent rate that would yield the same present value as the plan’s expected cashflows discounted with spot rates on a yield curve of investment-grade corporate bonds. The yield curve is the Citigroup Pension Liability Index. Our determination of pension expense or income is based on a market-related valuation of plan assets, which is the fair market value. Our expected rate of return on plan assets is determined based on asset allocations and historical experience. The expected long-term rate of inflation and risk premiums for the various asset categories are based on general historical returns and inflation rates. The target allocation of assets is used to develop a composite rate of return assumption. See Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.
We determine our current and deferred taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The tax effect of the expected reversal of tax differences is recorded at rates currently enacted for each jurisdiction in which we operate. To the extent that temporary differences will result in future tax benefit, we must estimate the timing of their reversal and whether taxable operating income in future periods will be sufficient to fully recognize any deferred tax assets. We maintain valuation allowances where it
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is likely that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the income tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we take into account such factors as prior earnings history, expected future earnings and other factors that could affect the realization of deferred tax assets. We recorded valuation allowances for income taxes of $4,061,000 and $3,106,000 at July 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The valuation allowance at July 31, 2012 has been established for the full amount of the deferred tax benefit related to our alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards since we believe it is more likely than not that the benefit of these credits will not be realized.
In addition to valuation allowances, we provide for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet certain recognition thresholds or measurement standards. Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted when new information becomes available or when positions are effectively settled. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits based on tax positions related to the current and prior fiscal years were $273,000 at both July 31, 2012 and 2011. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This guidance requires new disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements; however, no new disclosures were required during fiscal 2012 since we have no financial assets or liabilities with this fair value classification.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we adopted FASB guidance issued under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. In accordance with the new requirements, we provided enhanced disclosure about the measurement of the estimated fair value of debt. There was no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of adopting this new guidance.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 220, Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income, that requires presentation of the components of net income and other comprehensive income either in one continuous statement, referred to as the Statement of Comprehensive Income, or in two separate consecutive statements. The requirements eliminate the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the Statement of Stockholders' Equity. The components recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance will not change. The presentation requirements will be adopted beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending October 31, 2012 and will be applied retrospectively.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 350, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, that provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine if the annual two-step test of goodwill for impairment must be performed. If, based on the qualitative assessment of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the goodwill fair value is less than its carrying amount, then it is not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then the two-step impairment test must be performed to identify potential impairment and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. We will consider the option provided in this guidance for our annual goodwill impairment testing for our 2013 fiscal year and believe there will be no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 350, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, that provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the second, quantitative impairment test. If, based on the qualitative assessment of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount, then it is not necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then the quantitative impairment test must also be performed to identify and measure any potential impairment amount. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment testing for our fiscal year 2014 beginning August 1, 2013.
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ITEM 7A – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to interest rate risk and employ policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in the market risk of our cash equivalents and short-term investments. We believe that the market risk arising from holdings of our financial instruments is not material.
We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risk, primarily U.S. Dollar/British Pound, U.S. Dollar/Euro and U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar, as it relates to certain accounts receivables and to our foreign operations. We are subject to translation exposure of our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements. In recent years, our foreign subsidiaries have not generated a substantial portion of our consolidated net sales or net income. In addition, a small portion of our consolidated accounts receivable are denominated in foreign currencies. During fiscal 2012, we entered into two derivative contracts to reduce exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Euro compared to the U.S. Dollar. These contracts expired prior to July 31, 2012 and no transactions were executed per the contractual terms because exchange rates did not fluctuate outside the stated levels. We believe that the overall foreign currency fluctuation risk is immaterial to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We are exposed to market risk at it relates to the investments of plan assets under our defined benefit pension plan. The fair value of these assets is subject to change due to fluctuations in the financial markets. A lower asset value may increase our pension expense and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of future funding contributions.
We are exposed to regulatory risk in the fluids purification, agricultural and animal health markets, principally as a result of the risk of increasing regulation of the food chain throughout the world, but particularly in the United States and Europe. We actively monitor developments in this area, both directly and through trade organizations of which we are a member.
We are exposed to commodity price risk with respect to fuel. Factors that could influence the cost of natural gas used in the kilns to dry our clay include the creditworthiness of our natural gas suppliers, the overall general economy, developments in world events, general supply and demand for natural gas, seasonality and the weather patterns throughout the United States and the world. We monitor fuel market trends and we may contract for a portion of our anticipated fuel needs using forward purchase contracts to mitigate the volatility of our kiln fuel prices. Natural gas prices have remained relatively stable over the past twelve months; therefore, as of July 31, 2012, we have purchased no natural gas contracts for our planned kiln fuel needs for fiscal 2013. We continue to purchase natural gas at spot rates on a month to month basis.
Please also see Item 1A “Risk Factors” above for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties we face in our business.
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ITEM 8 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
July 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
ASSETS | (in thousands of dollars) | |||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 27,093 | $ | 17,885 | ||||
Investment in short-term securities | 9,163 | 15,837 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $626 and $607 in 2012 and 2011, respectively | 30,225 | 29,217 | ||||||
Inventories | 19,673 | 19,230 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 2,611 | 1,193 | ||||||
Prepaid repairs expense | 3,549 | 3,782 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 2,888 | 4,672 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 95,202 | 91,816 | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment | ||||||||
Buildings and leasehold improvements | 28,338 | 27,642 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 109,181 | 115,978 | ||||||
Office furniture and equipment | 9,720 | 9,993 | ||||||
Vehicles | 10,621 | 10,570 | ||||||
Gross depreciable assets | 157,860 | 164,183 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (112,254 | ) | (121,251 | ) | ||||
Net depreciable assets | 45,606 | 42,932 | ||||||
Construction in progress | 2,572 | 8,949 | ||||||
Land | 16,275 | 16,147 | ||||||
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 64,453 | 68,028 | ||||||
Other Assets | ||||||||
Goodwill | 5,162 | 5,162 | ||||||
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization of $409 and $381 in 2012 and 2011, respectively | 576 | 589 | ||||||
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $380 and $333 in 2012 and 2011, respectively | 385 | 463 | ||||||
Licensing agreements and non-compete agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $1,611 and $1,361 in 2012 and 2011, respectively | 627 | 878 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 3,224 | 2,107 | ||||||
Other | 4,638 | 4,350 | ||||||
Total Other Assets | 14,612 | 13,549 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 174,267 | $ | 173,393 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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July 31, | ||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | (in thousands of dollars) | |||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Current maturities of notes payable | $ | 3,800 | $ | 3,600 | ||||
Accounts payable | 6,700 | 6,369 | ||||||
Dividends payable | 1,154 | 1,129 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | ||||||||
Salaries, wages and commissions | 6,201 | 4,143 | ||||||
Trade promotions and advertising | 3,302 | 2,270 | ||||||
Freight | 2,585 | 2,135 | ||||||
Other | 5,380 | 6,834 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 29,122 | 26,480 | ||||||
Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||||||
Notes payable | 25,900 | 29,700 | ||||||
Deferred compensation | 8,117 | 7,196 | ||||||
Pension and postretirement benefits | 24,241 | 13,235 | ||||||
Other | 1,579 | 1,484 | ||||||
Total Noncurrent Liabilities | 59,837 | 51,615 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 88,959 | 78,095 | ||||||
Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 7,786,241 shares in 2012 and 7,750,324 shares in 2011 | 779 | 775 | ||||||
Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 2,374,859 shares in 2012 and 2,372,859 shares in 2011 | 237 | 237 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 29,759 | 29,213 | ||||||
Restricted unearned stock compensation | (2,214 | ) | (2,446 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 122,901 | 121,388 | ||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||
Unrealized gain on marketable securities | 72 | 71 | ||||||
Pension and postretirement benefits | (11,591 | ) | (5,315 | ) | ||||
Cumulative translation adjustment | 573 | 799 | ||||||
Less treasury stock, at cost (2,911,564 Common and 324,741 Class B shares in 2012 and 2,642,387 Common and 324,741 Class B shares in 2011) | (55,208 | ) | (49,424 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders’ Equity | 85,308 | 95,298 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 174,267 | $ | 173,393 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended July 31, | ||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
(in thousands, except for per share data) | ||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 240,681 | $ | 226,755 | $ | 219,050 | ||||||
Cost of Sales | (181,676 | ) | (176,715 | ) | (169,362 | ) | ||||||
Gross Profit | 59,005 | 50,040 | 49,688 | |||||||||
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | (47,303 | ) | (36,331 | ) | (36,139 | ) | ||||||
Capacity Rationalization Charges | (1,623 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Income from Operations | 10,079 | 13,709 | 13,549 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||
Interest income | 31 | 61 | 126 | |||||||||
Interest expense | (2,060 | ) | (2,053 | ) | (1,345 | ) | ||||||
Foreign exchange loss | (196 | ) | (22 | ) | (213 | ) | ||||||
Other, net | 507 | 446 | 697 | |||||||||
Total Other Expense, Net | (1,718 | ) | (1,568 | ) | (735 | ) | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 8,361 | 12,141 | 12,814 | |||||||||
Income Taxes | (2,263 | ) | (3,090 | ) | (3,356 | ) | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 6,098 | $ | 9,051 | $ | 9,458 | ||||||
Net Income Per Share | ||||||||||||
Basic Common | $ | 0.92 | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.42 | ||||||
Basic Class B Common | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 1.07 | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.85 | $ | 1.26 | $ | 1.30 | ||||||
Average Shares Outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic Common | 5,063 | 5,083 | 5,203 | |||||||||
Basic Class B Common | 1,934 | 1,908 | 1,891 | |||||||||
Diluted | 7,062 | 7,103 | 7,275 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
39
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Number of Shares | (in thousands of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common & Class B Stock | Treasury Stock | Common & Class B Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Restricted Unearned Stock Compensation | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, July 31, 2009 | 9,715,372 | (2,607,262 | ) | $ | 971 | $ | 23,366 | $ | 111,593 | $ | (383 | ) | $ | (41,722 | ) | $ | (4,262 | ) | $ | 89,563 | |||||||||||||
Net Income | — | — | 9,458 | — | — | — | 9,458 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative Translation Adjustments | — | — | — | — | — | 210 | 210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | — | — | — | — | — | 27 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss), prior service cost and transition liability | — | — | — | — | — | (726 | ) | (726 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income | 8,969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends Declared | — | — | (4,041 | ) | — | — | — | (4,041 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of Treasury Stock | (288,243 | ) | — | — | — | — | (5,988 | ) | — | (5,988 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Stock Under Long-Term Incentive Plans | 168,767 | 12,000 | 17 | 1,319 | (93 | ) | (78 | ) | 197 | — | 1,362 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based Compensation | — | 419 | — | — | — | — | 419 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of Restricted Stock | — | — | — | 305 | — | — | 305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, July 31, 2010 | 9,884,139 | (2,883,505 | ) | $ | 988 | $ | 25,104 | $ | 116,917 | $ | (156 | ) | $ | (47,513 | ) | $ | (4,751 | ) | $ | 90,589 | |||||||||||||
Net Income | — | — | 9,051 | — | — | — | 9,051 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative Translation Adjustments | — | — | — | — | — | 307 | 307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss), prior service cost and transition liability | — | — | — | — | — | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Comprehensive Income | 9,357 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends Declared | — | — | (4,305 | ) | — | — | — | (4,305 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of Treasury Stock | (117,123 | ) | — | — | — | — | (2,407 | ) | — | (2,407 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Stock Under Long-Term Incentive Plans | 239,044 | 33,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||