10-Q


 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended October 31, 2015
 
or
o
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
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
 
36-2048898
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
60611-4213
(Zip Code)

The registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 321-1515

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 at least the past 90 days.
Yes x   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 x   No 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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
Yes o   No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of October 31, 2015.

Common Stock – 5,053,190 Shares and Class B Stock – 2,190,994 Shares




CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
Page
Item 1:
 
 
 
Item 2:
 
 
 
Item 3:
 
 
 
Item 4:
 
 
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 2:
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 
 
 
 
Item 4:
 
 
 
Item 6:
 
 
 
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including, but not limited to, 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 that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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,” and 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, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015. 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

Cat’s Pride, Fresh & Light and Oil-Dri are registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America.

2



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
October 31,
2015
 
July 31,
2015
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
21,011

 
$
20,138

Short-term investments
3,390

 
2,190

Accounts receivable, less allowance of $739 and $761
  at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively  
31,889

 
31,466

Inventories
21,486

 
21,369

Deferred income taxes
2,468

 
2,468

Prepaid repairs expense
3,960

 
3,813

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,913

 
1,199

Total Current Assets
86,117

 
82,643

 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 

 
 

Cost
211,011

 
209,584

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(132,210
)
 
(129,929
)
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
78,801

 
79,655

 
 
 
 
Other Assets
 

 
 

Goodwill
9,034

 
9,034

Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization
  of $307 and $301 at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively
822

 
818

Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization
  of $140 and $133 at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively
139

 
146

Customer list, net of accumulated amortization
of $2,436 and $2,094 at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively
5,349

 
5,691

Deferred income taxes
5,782

 
6,031

Other
6,042

 
6,013

Total Other Assets
27,168

 
27,733

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
192,086

 
$
190,031






The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
(unaudited)
 
 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
October 31,
2015
 
July 31,
2015
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Current maturities of notes payable
$
3,083

 
$
3,483

Accounts payable
7,561

 
7,428

Dividends payable
1,406

 
1,376

Accrued expenses:
 
 
 

Salaries, wages and commissions
6,187

 
6,245

Trade promotions and advertising
2,377

 
2,721

Freight
1,963

 
1,874

Other
6,167

 
5,761

Total Current Liabilities
28,744

 
28,888

 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Liabilities
 

 
 

Notes payable
12,333

 
15,417

Deferred compensation
9,604

 
9,518

Pension and postretirement benefits
23,683

 
23,429

Other
2,496

 
2,251

Total Noncurrent Liabilities
48,116

 
50,615

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
76,860

 
79,503

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 7,974,093 shares at October 31, 2015
  and 7,936,343 shares at July 31, 2015
797

 
794

Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 2,515,735 shares at October 31, 2015
  and 2,389,735 shares at July 31, 2015
252

 
239

Additional paid-in capital
37,622

 
33,563

Restricted unearned stock compensation
(4,658
)
 
(931
)
Retained earnings
146,080

 
142,095

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 

 
 

Pension and postretirement benefits
(8,797
)
 
(8,975
)
Cumulative translation adjustment
(281
)
 
(270
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
(9,078
)
 
(9,245
)
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,920,903 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at
 October 31, 2015 and 2,932,796 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at July 31, 2015)
(55,789
)
 
(55,987
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
115,226

 
110,528

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
$
192,086

 
$
190,031


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
(unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
67,795

 
$
66,044

Cost of Sales
(47,142
)
 
(52,275
)
Gross Profit
20,653

 
13,769

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
(12,877
)
 
(10,609
)
Income from Operations
7,776

 
3,160

 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 

 
 

Interest Expense
(259
)
 
(382
)
Interest Income
3

 
3

Other, Net
20

 
84

Total Other Expense, Net
(236
)
 
(295
)
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
7,540

 
2,865

Income Taxes
(2,117
)
 
(745
)
Net Income
5,423

 
2,120

 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings:
 
 
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
142,095

 
136,039

Cash Dividends Declared and Treasury Stock Issuances
(1,438
)
 
(1,313
)
Balance at End of Period
$
146,080

 
$
136,846

 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Share
 
 
 
Basic Common
$
0.82

 
$
0.32

Basic Class B
$
0.61

 
$
0.24

Diluted
$
0.75

 
$
0.30

Average Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
Basic Common
4,975

 
4,948

Basic Class B
2,037

 
2,009

Diluted
7,063

 
7,016

Dividends Declared Per Share
 
 
 
Basic Common
$
0.2100

 
$
0.2000

Basic Class B
$
0.1575

 
$
0.1500


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands of dollars)
 
(unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
5,423

 
$
2,120

 
 
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 
 
 
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities

 
(114
)
Pension and Postretirement Benefits (Net of Tax)
178

 
99

Cumulative Translation Adjustment
(11
)
 
(85
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
167

 
(100
)
Total Comprehensive Income
$
5,590

 
$
2,020


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



6



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
(unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2015
 
2014
Net Income
$
5,423

 
$
2,120

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
2,939

 
2,920

Amortization of investment net discount

 
(1
)
Non-cash stock compensation expense
332

 
308

Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
(17
)
 
(10
)
Deferred income taxes
109

 
72

Provision for bad debts and cash discounts
(22
)
 
44

Loss on the sale of fixed assets
23

 
33

Gain on sale of marketable securities

 
(105
)
(Increase) Decrease in assets:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
(414
)
 
(940
)
Inventories
(126
)
 
151

Prepaid expenses
(862
)
 
1,308

Other assets
(47
)
 
(1,173
)
Increase (Decrease) in liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
387

 
(1,632
)
Accrued expenses
33

 
(2,000
)
Deferred compensation
86

 
261

Pension and postretirement benefits
432

 
357

Other liabilities
240

 
35

Total Adjustments
3,093

 
(372
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
8,516

 
1,748

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(1,765
)
 
(5,717
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 
15

Restricted cash

 
29

Purchases of short-term investments
(1,690
)
 
(700
)
Dispositions of short-term investments
490

 
1,440

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

 
108

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(2,965
)
 
(4,825
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Principal payments on notes payable
(3,484
)
 
(3,500
)
Dividends paid
(1,377
)
 
(1,311
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(18
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
185

 
15

Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
17

 
10

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(4,677
)
 
(4,786
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1
)
 
39

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
873

 
(7,824
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
20,138

 
16,230

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
21,011

 
$
8,406


7




OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued
(in thousands)

 
(unaudited)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures accrued, but not paid
$
192

 
$
903

Cash dividends declared and accrued, but not paid
$
1,406

 
$
1,313



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



8



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF STATEMENT PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and in compliance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial statements and the related notes are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes for the year ended July 31, 2015 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

The unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. Except as otherwise indicated herein or as the context otherwise requires, references to “Oil-Dri,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Oil-Dri Corporation of America and its subsidiaries.

The unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and reclassifications. which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein. Operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2015 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2016.

The preparation of the unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We recognize revenue when risk of loss and title are transferred under the terms of our sales agreements with customers at a fixed and determinable price and collection of payment is probable. Trade promotion reserves are provided for sales incentives made directly to consumers, such as coupons, and sales incentives made to customers, such as slotting, discounts based on sales volume, cooperative marketing programs and other arrangements. Such trade promotion costs are netted against sales. Sales returns and allowances are not material.

Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages and benefits associated with staff outside the manufacturing and distribution functions, all advertising and marketing-related costs, any miscellaneous trade spending expenses not required to be included in net sales, research and development costs, depreciation and amortization related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution process and all other non-manufacturing and non-distribution expenses.

We record an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical experience and a periodic review of our accounts receivable, including a review of the overall aging of accounts and analysis of specific customer accounts. A customer account is determined to be uncollectible when we have completed our internal collection procedures, including termination of shipments, direct customer contact and formal demand of payment.

We mine sorbent materials on property that we either own or lease as part of our overall operations. A significant part of our overall mining cost is incurred during the process of removing the overburden (non-usable material) from the mine site, thus exposing the sorbent material used in a majority of our production processes. These stripping costs are treated as a variable inventory production cost and are included in cost of sales in the period they are incurred. We defer and amortize the pre-production overburden removal costs associated with opening a new mine.

Additionally, it is our policy to capitalize the purchase cost of land and mineral rights, including associated legal fees, survey fees and real estate fees. The costs of obtaining mineral patents, including legal fees and drilling expenses, are also capitalized. Pre-production development costs on new mines and any prepaid royalties that may be offset against future royalties due upon extraction of the minerals are also capitalized. All exploration related costs are expensed as incurred.

We perform ongoing reclamation activities during the normal course of our overburden removal. As overburden is removed from a mine site, it is hauled to previously mined sites and is used to refill older sites. This process allows us to continuously reclaim older mine sites and dispose of overburden simultaneously, thereby minimizing the costs associated with the reclamation process.


9



2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Issued Regulations

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 606, Revenue from Contract with Customers, which establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and will supersede most existing revenue guidance. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange. Transition options include either a full or modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The implementation date for this guidance was recently deferred and will now be effective at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal year 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern, which defines management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance will be effective for our fiscal year ending July 31, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 835, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, rather than as an asset. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 330, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The new guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This new guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.



10



3. INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories is as follows (in thousands):
 
October 31,
2015
 
July 31,
2015
Finished goods
$
12,602

 
$
12,117

Packaging
4,293

 
4,735

Other
4,591

 
4,517

Total Inventories
$
21,486

 
$
21,369


Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, labor and other overhead costs. We perform a detailed review of our inventory items to determine if an obsolescence reserve adjustment is necessary. The review surveys all of our operating facilities and sales groups to ensure that both historical issues and new market trends are considered. The obsolescence reserve not only considers specific items, but also takes into consideration the overall value of the inventory as of the balance sheet date. The inventory obsolescence reserve values at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015 were $496,000 and $521,000, respectively.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized into categories based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The categories in the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs for similar assets or liabilities or valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs.

Cash equivalents of $10,631,000 and $9,297,000 as of October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively, were classified as Level 1. These cash instruments are primarily money market mutual funds and are included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Short-term investments included U.S. Treasury securities and certificates of deposit. We intend and have the ability to hold our short-term investments to maturity; therefore, these investments were reported at amortized cost, which approximated fair value as of October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015.

Accounts receivable and accounts payable balances approximated their fair values at October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015 due to the short maturity and nature of those balances.

Notes payable are reported at the face amount of future maturities. The estimated fair value of notes payable, including current maturities, was $16,734,000 and $20,476,000 as of October 31, 2015 and July 31, 2015, respectively. Our debt does not trade on a daily basis in an active market, therefore the fair value estimate is based on market observable borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities and is classified as Level 2.

We apply fair value techniques on at least an annual basis associated with: (1) valuing potential impairment loss related to goodwill, trademarks and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and (2) valuing potential impairment loss related to long-lived assets. See Note 5 for further information about goodwill and other intangible assets.


11



5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible amortization expense was $363,000 and $420,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Estimated intangible amortization for the remainder of fiscal 2016 is $1,088,000. Estimated intangible amortization for the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
2017
$
1,223

2018
$
1,013

2019
$
826

2020
$
656

2021
$
473


We have one acquired trademark recorded at a cost of $376,000 that was determined to have an indefinite life and is not amortized.

Our annual goodwill impairment analysis was performed in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and did not indicate any impairment.

6. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The components of net periodic pension and postretirement health benefit costs were as follows:
    
 
Pension Benefits
 
(in thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
489

 
$
432

Interest cost
483

 
468

Expected return on plan assets
(477
)
 
(470
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
  Prior service costs
2

 
2

  Other actuarial loss
287

 
150

Net periodic benefit cost
$
784

 
$
582

 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement Health Benefits
 
(in thousands)
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
22

 
$
33

Interest cost
20

 
27

Amortization of:
 
 
 
  Prior service costs
(2
)
 
(2
)
  Other actuarial loss

 
9

Net periodic benefit cost
$
40

 
$
67


The postretirement health plan is an unfunded plan. We pay insurance premiums and claims from our assets.

The pension plan is funded based upon actuarially determined contributions that take into account the amount deductible for income tax purposes, the normal cost and the minimum contribution required and the maximum contribution allowed under applicable regulations. We contributed $284,000 to our pension plan during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. We estimate contributions will be $994,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2016. See Item 3. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.


12



Assumptions used in the previous calculations were as follows:
    
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Health Benefits
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost
4.22
%
 
4.28
%
 
3.51
%
 
3.87
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 

 

Long-term expected rate of return on assets
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 

 


The medical cost trend assumption for postretirement health benefits was 7.5%. The graded trend rate is expected to decrease to an ultimate rate of 4.0% in fiscal 2035.

7. OPERATING SEGMENTS

We have two operating segments: (1) Retail and Wholesale Products Group and (2) Business to Business Products Group. These operating segments are managed separately and each segment's major customers have different characteristics. The Retail and Wholesale Products Group customers include: mass merchandisers; wholesale clubs; drugstore chains; pet specialty retail outlets; dollar stores; retail grocery stores; distributors of industrial cleanup and automotive products; environmental service companies; and sports field product users. The Business to Business Products Group customers include: processors and refiners of edible oils, petroleum-based oils and biodiesel fuel; manufacturers of animal feed and agricultural chemicals; distributors of animal health and nutrition products; and marketers of consumer products.

Our operating segments are also our reportable segments. Net sales and operating income for each segment are provided below. Revenues by product line are not provided because it would be impracticable to do so. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

We do not rely on any segment asset allocations and we do not consider them meaningful because of the shared nature of our production facilities; however, we have estimated the segment asset allocations below for those assets for which we can reasonably determine. The unallocated asset category is the remainder of our total assets. The asset allocation is estimated and is not a measure used by our chief operating decision maker about allocating resources to the operating segments or in assessing their performance. The corporate expenses line includes certain unallocated expenses, including primarily salaries, wages and benefits, purchased services, rent, utilities and depreciation and amortization associated with corporate functions such as research and development, information systems, finance, legal, human resources and customer service. Corporate expenses also include the estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.

13



 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
October 31, 2015
 
July 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Business to Business Products
 
$
57,023

 
$
55,767

Retail and Wholesale Products
 
95,570

 
96,043

Unallocated Assets
 
39,493

 
38,221

Total Assets
 
$
192,086

 
$
190,031

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
Net Sales
 
Income
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 (in thousands)
Business to Business Products
$
25,821

 
$
23,648

 
$
9,169

 
$
6,871

Retail and Wholesale Products
41,974

 
42,396

 
5,402

 
886

Total Sales
$
67,795

 
$
66,044

 
 
 
 
Corporate Expenses
 
(6,795
)
 
(4,597
)
Income from Operations
 
7,776

 
3,160

Total Other Expense, Net
 
(236
)
 
(295
)
Income before Income Taxes
 
7,540

 
2,865

Income Taxes
 
(2,117
)
 
(745
)
Net Income
 
$
5,423

 
$
2,120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We determine the fair value of stock options and restricted stock issued under our long term incentive plans as of the grant date. We recognize the related compensation expense over the period from the date of grant to the date when the award is no longer contingent on the employee providing additional service to the Company.

The Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards. Our employees and outside directors are eligible to receive grants under the 2006 Plan. The total number of shares of stock subject to grants under the 2006 Plan may not exceed 937,500. Stock options have been granted to our outside directors with a vesting period of one year and stock options granted to employees generally vest 25% two years after the grant date and in each of the three following anniversaries of the grant date. In addition, restricted shares have been issued under the 2006 Plan as described in the restricted stock section below.

Stock Options

A summary of stock option transactions is shown below:
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(Years)
 
(in thousands)
Options outstanding and exercisable, July 31, 2015
41

 
$
15.43

 
0.9
 
$
447

Exercised
(12
)
 
$
14.82

 
 
 
$
102

Options outstanding and exercisable, October 31, 2015
29

 
$
15.70

 
0.7
 
$
451


The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first three months of fiscal 2016 was $185,000 and the related tax benefit was $28,000. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first three months of fiscal 2015 was $15,000 and the related tax benefit was $3,000.

14




No stock options were granted in the first three months of either fiscal 2016 or 2015.

Restricted Stock

All of our non-vested restricted stock as of October 31, 2015 was issued under the 2006 Plan with vesting periods between two years and five years.

Under the 2006 Plan, 37,000 restricted shares of Common Stock were granted in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. There were 9,000 restricted shares of Common Stock granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Also in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, 126,000 shares of restricted Common Class B stock were granted.

Stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock in the first quarter of fiscal years 2016 and 2015 was $332,000 and $308,000, respectively.

A summary of restricted stock transactions is shown below:
 
Restricted Shares
(in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at July 31, 2015
74

 
$
28.83

Granted
163

 
$
24.79

Vested
(28
)
 
$
23.23

Non-vested restricted stock outstanding at October 31, 2015
209

 
$
26.42


9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component as of October 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 
Pension and Postretirement Health Benefits
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Balance as of July 31, 2015
$
(8,975
)
 
$
(270
)
 
$
(9,245
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax

 
(11
)
 
(11
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
178

a)

 
178

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
178

 
(11
)
 
167

Balance as of October 31, 2015
$
(8,797
)
 
$
(281
)
 
$
(9,078
)

a) Amount is net of tax expense of $109,000. Amount is included in the components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement health plans. See Note 6 for further information.




15



ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the financial statements and the related notes included herein and our Consolidated Financial Statements, accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

OVERVIEW

We develop, mine, manufacture and market sorbent products principally produced from clay minerals and, to a lesser extent, other clay-like sorbent materials. Our principal products include agricultural and horticultural chemical carriers, animal health and nutrition products, bleaching clay and fluid purification aids, cat litter, industrial and automotive floor absorbents and sports field products. Our products are sold to two primary customer groups, including customers who resell our products as originally produced to the end consumer and those who use our products as part of their production process or use them as an ingredient in their final finished product. We have two reportable operating segments based on the different characteristics of our two primary customer groups: Retail and Wholesale Products Group and Business to Business Products Group, as described in Note 7 of the notes to condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2015 COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2015 were $67,795,000, an increase of 3% from net sales of $66,044,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2014. Net sales were up for our Business to Business Products Group and down slightly for our Retail and Wholesale Products Group. Consolidated net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was $5,423,000, compared to $2,120,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Operating income increased for both our Retail and Wholesale Products Group and our Business to Business Products Group. Diluted net income per share was $0.75 for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to $0.30 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was 30%, compared to 21% for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Gross profit was positively impacted by a 22% decline in the cost per manufactured ton for natural gas used to operate kilns that dry our clay and by a slight decline in other manufacturing costs per ton produced. Gross profit further benefited from lower freight and packaging costs per ton produced. Freight costs declined due to lower diesel fuel costs, as well as additional capacity and some relief from unfavorable regulations in the truck freight industry. A significant amount of our packaging purchases are subject to contractual price adjustments throughout the year based on underlying commodity prices. The lower packaging costs reflected favorable price adjustments as commodity prices have declined, particularly for resin and paper-based packaging.

Total selling, general and administrative expenses were higher for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The discussion of the segments' operating incomes below describes the selling, general and administrative expenses allocated to the operating segments. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 included a higher estimated annual incentive bonus accrual compared to the first quarter in the prior fiscal year. The incentive bonus accruals were based on performance targets established for each fiscal year.

Interest expense was $123,000 lower for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period in fiscal 2015 due primarily to a reduction of notes payable.

Our effective tax rate was 28% of pre-tax income in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to 26% in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Our effective tax rate was based on the estimated level of our taxable income for the year and the assessment of various tax deductions, including depletion.


16



BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 were $25,821,000, an increase of $2,173,000, or 9%, from net sales of $23,648,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Net sales of our agricultural chemical carrier products increased approximately 38% due to more tons sold and a favorable product sales mix. Sales increased for both our standard and engineered granule products used by agricultural and horticultural chemical manufacturers. Net sales of fluid purification products were approximately 3% higher primarily as a result of more tons sold. Sales to petroleum oil processors were higher due to normal fluctuations in industry ordering patterns. Domestic sales to edible oil producers improved, while sales in foreign markets continued to be challenged by the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to various foreign currencies, which effectively increased the prices of our products compared to foreign competitors' products. Sales of our co-packaged coarse cat litter were up approximately 2% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In addition, sales of animal health and nutrition products were down approximately 1% as sales improved in some countries but declined to a greater extent in other foreign markets faced with currency exchange rate challenges.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Business to Business Products Group were 10% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 due primarily to additional expenses to promote our new animal health and nutrition products.

The Business to Business Products Group’s operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was $9,169,000, an increase of $2,298,000, or 33%, from operating income of $6,871,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Operating income was positively impacted by the higher sales, lower cost per manufactured ton for natural gas used to operate kilns that dry our clay and by reduced freight and packaging costs. See further discussion of freight and packaging costs in “Consolidated Results” above.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 were $41,974,000, a decrease of $422,000, or 1%, from net sales of $42,396,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Net sales increased for our cat litter and industrial absorbent products; however, these increases were more than offset by lower sales for our subsidiaries in Canada and the United Kingdom. Our foreign subsidiaries are discussed under “Foreign Operations” below. Overall cat litter net sales were up approximately 1% compared to the first quarter of the prior year driven by a favorable product sales mix and higher selling prices, which outweighed a decline in tons sold. Private label cat litter sales benefited from new business for our lightweight scoopable private label products, although sales for our traditional private label products declined. A sales decrease of approximately 3% for branded cat litter was attributed to lower sales of our traditional Cat's Pride cat litter, which was partially offset by higher sales of our Fresh & Light lightweight cat litter. We expect to significantly increase expenditures for advertising and trade promotions of our lightweight branded cat litter in the second half of fiscal 2016. Sales of our floor absorbent products were up 1% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Retail and Wholesale Products Group were 11% lower than the first quarter of fiscal 2015 due primarily to lower advertising costs.

The Retail and Wholesale Products Group reported operating income of $5,402,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, an increase of $4,516,000 from a operating income of $886,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The improved operating income was driven by a favorable product sales mix, lower cost per manufactured ton for natural gas used to operate kilns that dry our clay, reduced freight and packaging costs and lower advertising expense. See further discussion of freight and packaging costs in “Consolidated Results” above.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Foreign operations include our subsidiaries in Canada and the United Kingdom, which are included in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group, and our subsidiary in China, which is included in the Business to Business Products Group. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 were $2,513,000, a 19% decrease compared to net sales of $3,121,000 during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 due primarily to lower sales by our Canadian subsidiary. Strong competition and loss of a private label customer contributed to lower sales of cat litter by our subsidiary in Canada. Higher sales by our subsidiary in China moderated the overall sales decline. Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented approximately 4% and 5% of our consolidated net sales during the first quarters of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $467,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to a net loss of $242,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The net loss increased due primarily to greater reported losses for our subsidiary in China, which

17



is still growing its share in the China market, and for our subsidiary in Canada, which incurred higher costs for items purchased from the United States due to the weakness of the local currency compared to the U.S. Dollar.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal capital requirements include: funding working capital needs; purchasing and upgrading equipment, facilities and real estate; supporting new product development; investing in infrastructure; repurchasing Common Stock; paying dividends; and business acquisitions. During the first three months of fiscal 2016, we principally used cash generated from operations and from previous debt issuances to fund these requirements. We also have the ability to borrow under our revolving credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”), as described further below, however we have not borrowed under the credit agreement in recent years. Cash and cash equivalents increased $873,000 during the first three months of fiscal 2016 to $21,011,000 as of October 31, 2015.

The following table sets forth certain elements of our condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
8,516

 
$
1,748

Net cash used in investing activities
(2,965
)
 
(4,825
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(4,677
)
 
(4,786
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1
)
 
39

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
873

 
$
(7,824
)

Net cash provided by operating activities

In addition to net income, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization and other non-cash operating activities, the primary sources and uses of operating cash flows for the first three months of fiscal years 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, increased $436,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to an increase of $896,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. The change in both periods is subject to the level and timing of sales and collections, as well as the payment terms provided to various customers.

Prepaid expenses increased $862,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to a decrease of $1,308,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Payment of annual insurance premiums resulted in an increase in prepaid insurance in the first three months of fiscal 2016. Prepaid expenses decreased in the first three months of fiscal 2015 due primarily to reclassification of prepaid rents and royalties to other long-term assets and a decrease in prepaid income taxes, which were partially offset by an increase in prepaid insurance.

Other assets increased $47,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to an increase of $1,173,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. The cash surrender value of life insurance on former key employees increased in both periods. The increase in the first three months of fiscal 2015 also included the reclassification of prepaid rents and royalties from current prepaid expenses.

Accounts payable increased $387,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to a decrease of $1,632,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Trade and freight payables varied in both periods due to timing of payments, fluctuations in the cost of goods and services we purchased, production volume levels and vendor payment terms. The increase in the first three months of fiscal 2016 also included higher accrued income taxes. The decrease in the first three months of fiscal 2015 included lower accrued freight due to a change in vendor payment terms.

Accrued expenses increased $33,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to a decrease of $2,000,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Accrued salaries included the discretionary incentive bonus accrual, which in the first three months of both fiscal 2016 and 2015 decreased by the payout of the prior fiscal year's bonus and increased by the amount of the fiscal year's first three months' accrual. The estimated incentive bonus accrued for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was higher than the payout based on the financial results. The purchase of plant equipment previously under a capital lease significantly reduced accrued expense in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Accrued trade promotions and advertising in the first three months of both fiscal 2016 and 2015 varied due to the timing of marketing programs. In addition, similar to accounts payable, accrued plant expenses fluctuated due to timing of payments, changes in the cost of goods and services we purchased, production volume levels and vendor payment terms.

18




Net cash used in investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $2,965,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to cash used in investing activities of $4,825,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Cash used for capital expenditures was $1,765,000 and $5,717,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Major initiatives for new processing and packaging equipment and capacity expansion projects were substantially completed during fiscal 2015. Net purchases of short-term investments used cash of $1,200,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016, while net dispositions provided cash of $740,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities and the operating cash needs of the Company.

Net cash used in financing activities

Cash used in financing activities was $4,677,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 compared to cash used in financing activities of $4,786,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2015. Scheduled payments on long-term debt were $3,484,000 and $3,500,000 in the first three months of fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Dividend payments in the first three months of fiscal 2016 were $1,377,000 compared to $1,311,000 paid during the same period of fiscal 2015 due to a dividend increase.

Other

Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries of $1,366,000 as of October 31, 2015 were lower than the October 31, 2014 balances of $1,376,000. See further discussion in “Foreign Operations” above.

On December 4, 2014, we signed a fourth amendment to our credit agreement with BMO Harris, to extend the term to December 4, 2019. The new agreement provides for a $25,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement, including a maximum of $5,000,000 for foreign letters of credit. The remaining terms are substantially unchanged from our previous agreement with BMO Harris, including the provision that we may select a variable rate based on either the BMO Harris prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt to earnings ratio, or a fixed rate as agreed between us and BMO Harris. At October 31, 2015, the variable rates would have been 3.25% for the BMO Harris prime-based rate or 1.32% for the LIBOR-based rate. The credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to dispose of assets. The agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum fixed coverage ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth. We did not borrow under the credit agreement during the three months ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, and we were in compliance with its covenants.

As of October 31, 2015, we had remaining authority to repurchase 305,361 shares of Common Stock under a repurchase plan approved by our Board of Directors. These repurchases may be made on the open market (pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans or otherwise) or in negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of shares repurchased will be determined by our management.

We believe that cash flow from operations, availability under our revolving credit facility, current cash and investment balances and our ability to obtain other financing, if necessary, will provide adequate cash funds for foreseeable working capital needs, capital expenditures at existing facilities, dividend payments and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months. Our cash requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise. We expect to significantly increase expenditures for advertising and trade promotions in the second half of fiscal 2016. We continually evaluate our liquidity position and anticipated cash needs, as well as the financing options available to obtain additional cash reserves. Our ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments and to remain in compliance with all financial covenants under debt agreements, including, but not limited to, the current credit agreement, depends on our future operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors. The timing and size of any new business ventures or acquisitions that we complete may also impact our cash requirements.

The tables in the following subsection summarize our contractual obligations and commercial commitments (in thousands) as of October 31, 2015 for the time-frames indicated.


19



CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
 
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations
Total
 
Less Than 1 Year
 
1 – 3 Years
 
4 – 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
Notes Payable
$
15,416

 
$
3,083

 
$
6,167

 
$
6,166

 
$

Interest on Notes Payable
1,842

 
611

 
865

 
366

 

Operating Leases
15,692

 
1,458

 
2,647

 
1,827

 
9,760

Total Contractual Cash Obligations
$
32,950

 
$
5,152

 
$
9,679

 
$
8,359

 
$
9,760


We made total contributions to our defined benefit pension plan of $284,000 during the first three months of fiscal 2016. We estimate contributions of approximately $994,000 will be made during the remainder of fiscal 2016. We have not presented this obligation for future years in the table above because the funding requirement can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
Total
 
Less Than 1 Year
 
1 – 3 Years
 
4 – 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
Other Commercial Commitments
$
34,402

 
$
34,402

 
$

 
$

 
$


The other commercial commitments in the table above represent open purchase orders, including blanket purchase orders, for items such as packaging, additives and pallets used in the normal course of operations. The expected timing of payments for these obligations is estimated based on current information. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and in compliance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates. See the information concerning our critical accounting policies included under “Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

Recently Issued Regulations

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 606, Revenue from Contract with Customers, which establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers and will supersede most existing revenue guidance. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange. Transition options include either a full or modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The implementation date for this guidance was recently deferred and will now be effective at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal year 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern, which defines management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance will be effective for our fiscal year ending July 31, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 835, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Cost, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, rather than as an asset. This guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

20




In July 2015, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 330, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The new guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This new guidance is effective for our first quarter of fiscal year 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this requirement on our Consolidated Financial Statements.



21



ITEM 3.  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 the U.S. Dollar relative to the British Pound, Euro, Canadian Dollar, Chinese Yuan and the Brazilian Real, as related to our foreign subsidiaries, to certain accounts receivable, and to our ability to sell in foreign markets. We are subject to translation exposure of our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements from local currencies to U.S. Dollars. In recent years, our foreign subsidiaries have not generated a substantial portion of our consolidated sales or net income. In addition, the portion of our consolidated accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies is not significant. Finally, foreign sales of our products may be influenced by the relative strength or weakness of the U.S. Dollar compared to various other currencies, which makes our products relatively more or less expensive than our foreign competitors' products in local marketplaces. Foreign currency fluctuations had some bearing on our operating results in the first three months of fiscal 2016; however, historically the overall foreign currency fluctuation risk has not been material to our Consolidated Financial Statements and in the first three months of fiscal 2016 we did not enter into any hedge contracts in an attempt to offset any adverse effect of changes in currency exchange rates.

We are exposed to market risk as 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 of future funding contributions.

We are exposed to regulatory risk in the fluid purification, animal health and agricultural 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, consistent with our past practice, we may contract for a portion of our anticipated fuel needs using forward purchase contracts to mitigate the volatility of our kiln fuel prices. We have not purchased any natural gas contracts for our planned kiln fuel needs for fiscal 2016. We continue to purchase natural gas at spot rates on a month to month basis.


22



ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The controls evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.


23



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 1A, 3 and 5 of this Part II are either inapplicable or are answered in the negative and are omitted pursuant to the instructions to Part II.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended October 31, 2015, we did not sell any securities which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The following chart summarizes our Common Stock purchases during this period.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 1
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
For the Three Months Ended October 31, 2015
 
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
August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
305,968
September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
305,968
October 1, 2015 to
October 31, 2015
 
607
 
$30.30
 
607
 
305,361

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 the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.

2 Our Board of Directors authorized repurchases of 250,000 shares on March 11, 2011 and authorized the repurchase of an additional 250,000 shares on June 14, 2012. These authorizations do not have a stated expiration date. The share numbers in this column indicate the number of shares of Common Stock that 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.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


24



ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
SEC Document Reference
 
 
 
 
 
11
 
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
31
 
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Furnished herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
95
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Taxonomy Instance Document
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
Filed herewith.


25



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Registrant)


BY /s/ Daniel S. Jaffee                          
Daniel S. Jaffee
President and Chief Executive Officer


BY /s/ Daniel T. Smith                         
Daniel T. Smith
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Dated:  December 4, 2015

26



EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
11

 
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
 
 
 
31

 
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a).
 
 
 
32

 
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
95

 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
101.INS

 
XBRL Taxonomy Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE

 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

Note: Stockholders may receive copies of the above listed exhibits, without fee, by written request to Investor Relations, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, 410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois  60611-4213, by telephone at (312) 321-1515 or by e-mail to info@oildri.com.


27
Exhibit


Exhibit 11:


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES
Computation of Earnings Per Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
For the Three Months Ended October 31,
 
2015
2014
Net income available to stockholders
$
5,423

$
2,120

Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated
 to non-vested restricted stock
(113
)
(31
)
Earnings available to common shareholders
$
5,310

$
2,089

Shares Calculation
 
 
Average shares outstanding - Basic Common
4,975

4,948

Average shares outstanding - Basic Class B Common
2,037

2,009

Potential Common Stock relating to stock options and
 non-vested restricted stock
51

59

Average shares outstanding - Assuming dilution
7,063

7,016

Net Income Per Share: Basic Common
$
0.82

$
0.32

Net Income Per Share: Basic Class B Common
$
0.61

$
0.24

Net Income Per Share: Diluted
$
0.75

$
0.30



1
Exhibit


Exhibit 31:

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO RULE 13A -14(A) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I.
I, Daniel S. Jaffee, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (the “registrant”);
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:
December 4, 2015
By:
/s/ Daniel S. Jaffee
 
Daniel S. Jaffee
President and Chief Executive Officer

1

Exhibit 31 (continued):

Certification of a Principal Financial Officer
(Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

I.
I, Daniel T. Smith, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (the “registrant”);
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:
December 4, 2015
By:
/s/ Daniel T. Smith
 
Daniel T. Smith
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



2
Exhibit



Exhibit 32:

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 CERTIFICATION

Certification

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (the “Company”) hereby certifies that to the best of my knowledge the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2015 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

Dated:
December 4, 2015
/s/ Daniel S. Jaffee
Name: Daniel S. Jaffee
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

Certification

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (the “Company”) hereby certifies that to the best of my knowledge the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2015 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

Dated:
December 4, 2015
/s/ Daniel T. Smith
Name: Daniel T. Smith
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.


1
Exhibit


Exhibit 95
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Under section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, each operator of a coal or other mine is required to include certain mine safety information in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The table below includes this mine safety information for each mine facility owned and operated by Oil-Dri Corporation of America, or its subsidiaries, for the quarter ended October 31, 2015. Due to timing and other factors, our data may not agree with the mine data retrieval system maintained by the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA"). The columns in the table represent the total number of, and the proposed dollar assessment for, violations, citations and orders issued by MSHA during the period upon periodic inspection of our mine facilities in accordance with the referenced sections of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (the "Mine Act"), described as follows:

Section 104 Significant and Substantial Violations: Total number of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard.

Section 104(b) Orders: Total number of orders issued due to a failure to totally abate, within the time period prescribed by MSHA, a violation previously cited under section 104, which results in the issuance of an order requiring the mine operator to immediately withdraw all persons from the mine.

Section 104(d) Citations and Orders: Total number of citations and orders issued for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to comply with mandatory health and safety standards. The violation could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a safety and health hazard, but the conditions do not cause imminent danger.

Section 110(b)(2) Flagrant Violations: Total number of flagrant violations defined as a reckless or repeated failure to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory health or safety standard that substantially and proximately caused, or reasonably could have been expected to cause, death or serious bodily injury.

Section 107(a) Imminent Danger Orders: Total number of orders issued when an imminent danger is identified which requires all persons to be withdrawn from area(s) in the mine until the imminent danger and the conditions that caused it cease to exist.

Total Dollar Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments: Each issuance of a citation or order by MSHA results in the assessment of a monetary penalty. The total dollar value presented includes any contested penalties.

Legal Actions Pending, Initiated or Resolved: Total number of cases pending legal action before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission as of the last day of the reporting period or the number of such cases initiated or resolved during the reporting period.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legal Actions
Mine location
Section 104 “Significant and Substantial” Violations
Section 104(b)
Orders
Section 104(d)
Citations and Orders
Section 110(b)(2)Flagrant Violations
Section 107(a) Imminent Danger Orders
 Total Dollar Value of Proposed MSHA Assessments
 Pending as of Last Day of Period
Initiated During Period
 Resolved During Period
 
(#)
(#)
(#)
(#)
(#)
($)
(#)
(#)
(#)
Ochlocknee, Georgia
2
4,314
Ripley, Mississippi
2
802
6
1
Mounds, Illinois
917
Blue Mountain, Mississippi
824
Taft, California
1,647

We had no mining-related fatalities at any of our facilities during the three months ended October 31, 2015. During this period we also received no written notices from MSHA under section 104(e) of the Mine Act of (i) a pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of coal or other mine health or safety hazards; or (ii) the potential to have such a pattern. All legal actions pending and initiated during the period were contests of proposed penalties.

1