Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
October 10, 2019
 
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 
Delaware
 
001-12622
 
36-2048898
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(Commission File
Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
410 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois
 
60611-4213
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(312) 321-1515
 
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company   ¨

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
ODC
New York Stock Exchange

 
 
 
 
 





 
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On October 10, 2019, Oil-Dri Corporation of America (the “Registrant”) issued a press release announcing its results of operations for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), and it shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits
Exhibit
 
 
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
 
 
99.1

 






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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/   Laura G. Scheland
 
 
 
Laura G. Scheland
 
 
Vice President and General Counsel
 
Date: October 10, 2019



Exhibit

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News Announcement
For Immediate Release
 
Exhibit 99.1

Oil-Dri Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019 Results

CHICAGO-(October 10, 2019)-Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), producer and marketer of sorbent mineral products, today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2019.
 
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year
 
July 31, 2019
July 31, 2019
 
F19
F18
Change
F19
F18
Change
Consolidated Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$70,117,000
$65,613,000
7%
$277,025,000
$266,000,000
4%
Net Income Attributable to Oil-Dri
$3,799,000
$2,701,000
41%
$12,611,000
$8,240,000
53%
Earnings per Diluted Share
$0.50
$0.36
39%
$1.67
$1.11
50%
Business to Business
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$28,052,000
$25,817,000
9%
$105,877,000
$105,043,000
1%
Segment Operating Income
$9,630,000
$8,929,000
8%
$31,388,000
$35,120,000
(11)%
Retail and Wholesale
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$42,065,000
$39,796,000
6%
$171,148,000
$160,957,000
6%
Segment Operating Income
$1,860,000
($35,000)
N/A
$8,683,000
$6,975,000
24%

Daniel S. Jaffee, President and CEO, stated, I am pleased to report that we finished our fourth quarter with positive results. After a challenging start to our fiscal year, which included a difficult and costly transition to a new ERP system, as well as increased costs of goods, we have turned the corner and are beginning to see favorable outcomes. In addition, our senior leadership team has grown to include seasoned individuals who are spearheading process improvements and new strategies to grow our business. We have a strong balance sheet with virtually no long-term debt and an untapped $45 million unsecured revolving line of credit, putting us in a great position to make investments in the future. With this solid infrastructure now in place, we are looking forward to reaping the benefits of all the key investments we made during the year.

Oil-Dri experienced sales growth within many of our business units. Although fiscal year sales in the Business to Business Products Group reflect a modest 1% increase over the prior year, this segment posted revenue gains of 9% in the fourth quarter over the same period last year. This was primarily driven by increased sales to Bleaching Clay customers, particularly within the edible oil market. Fourth quarter revenues increased

 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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over last year within the Agricultural sector as a result of higher sales of our Verge product and within the Co-Packaging division due to growth of coarse cat litter. Our Animal Health & Nutrition business in both Latin America and North America improved in the fourth quarter over the prior year. However, these sales gains were offset by declines in our animal health markets in Asia, including China, where we are still experiencing the negative effects of the African Swine Fever. In order to combat this decline, we are focusing sales efforts on other areas, including poultry, cattle, and aquaculture.

The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s revenues for both the quarter and fiscal year increased 6% over the prior periods. For the last four consecutive quarters, this segment demonstrated sales growth over the prior year, mainly due to increased volumes and higher prices of cat litter. Total cat litter sales were approximately 9% higher in fiscal 2019 compared to last year. This growth can be attributed to a surge in our private label lightweight business in conjunction with higher sales of our lightweight Cat’s Pride Scoopable items. Third-party market research data1 reaffirms the increase of our combined branded and private label unit share of the lightweight cat litter segment in the 52 week period ending July 27, 2019 versus the same period of 2018. Furthermore, private label coarse litter sales increased due to organic growth at our largest customer and the addition of new customers.

For the fiscal year, selling, general and administrative expenses within the Retail and Wholesale Products Group decreased by approximately 19% versus the prior year. This decline is primarily due to a reduction in advertising costs of approximately $3.6 million as a result of a shift in our marketing plan. We expect advertising expenses in fiscal year 2020 to be higher than in fiscal 2019.

During the year, we completed the construction of the second phase of the Richard M. Jaffee Laboratory for Applied Microbiology. This new facility will enhance the scope of our research capabilities and optimize technical support to our customers.

In August, our cat litter brand, Cat’s Pride, was the proud sponsor of NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign for the second year in a row. This week, we are once again participating in The Ellen DeGeneres Shows Cat Week and are doubling our litter donations during the month of October. For every GREEN JUG of Cat’s Pride cat litter purchased this month, we will donate two pounds of cat litter to shelters across America. These campaigns not only help find homes for animals in need, but also increase awareness of our brand. Our commitment to helping

2
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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shelters through our Litter for Good program has allowed these organizations to use the money saved from our donated cat litter towards other programs. Additional marketing efforts similar to this will continue in the upcoming fiscal year.

For more details on our financial results, please review the Form 10-K that was filed today.

The Company will host its fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 earnings teleconference on Friday, October 11, 2019 at 10:00am Central Time.

Oil-Dri will combine its first quarter of fiscal 2020 earnings teleconference with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 9:30 am Central Time. The meeting will be held at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Gleacher Center, 450 Cityfront Plaza Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. The record date for voting eligibility at the Annual Meeting is Monday, October 14, 2019.

Participation details will be communicated via web alert approximately one week prior to each call and are available on our website’s Events page.


###
While Oil-Dri’s founding product was granular clay floor absorbents, it has since greatly diversified its portfolio. The Company’s mission to Create Value from Sorbent Minerals is supported by its wide array of consumer and business to business product offerings. In 2016, Oil-Dri celebrated its seventy-fifth year of business and looks forward to the next milestone.

1Based in part on data reported by Nielsen through its Nielsen Answers Core Service for the Pet Care Category for the 52 week period ended July 27, 2019, for the U.S. market. Copyright © 2019 Nielsen.
 
“Oil-Dri”, “Verge”, and “Cat’s Pride” are registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America. “GREEN JUG” and “Litter for Good” are trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America. “Clear the Shelters” is a trademark of NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.
 
Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our 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 other 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,” or 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, but not limited to, the dependence of our future growth and financial performance on successful

3
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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new product introductions, intense competition in our markets, volatility of our quarterly results, risks associated with acquisitions, our dependence on a limited number of customers for a large portion of our net sales and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected or planned. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. 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 press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.

4
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(quarter unaudited)
Fourth Quarter Ended July 31,
 
2019
 
% of Sales

 
2018
 
% of Sales

Net Sales
$
70,117

 
100.0
 %
 
$
65,613

 
100.0
 %
Cost of Sales (1)
(52,705
)
 
(75.2
)%
 
(49,983
)
 
(76.2
)%
Gross Profit
17,412

 
24.8
 %
 
15,630

 
23.8
 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (1)
(13,157
)
 
(18.8
)%
 
(12,445
)
 
(19.0
)%
Operating Income
4,255

 
6.1
 %
 
3,185

 
4.9
 %
Interest Expense
(160
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
(127
)
 
(0.2
)%
Other Income (Loss) (1) (2)
77

 
0.1
 %
 
(397
)
 
(0.6
)%
Income Before Income Taxes
4,172

 
6.0
 %
 
2,661

 
4.1
 %
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
(334
)
 
(0.5
)%
 
22

 
 %
Net Income
3,838

 
5.5
 %
 
2,683

 
4.1
 %
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
39

 
 %
 
(18
)
 
 %
Net Income Attributable to Oil-Dri
$
3,799

 
5.4
 %
 
$
2,701

 
4.1
 %
Net Income Per Share: Basic Common
$
0.54

 
 
 
$
0.40

 
 
Basic Class B Common
$
0.41

 
 
 
$
0.30

 
 
Diluted Common
$
0.50

 
 
 
$
0.36

 
 
Avg Shares Outstanding: Basic Common
5,126

 
 
 
5,049

 
 
Basic Class B Common
2,068

 
 
 
2,091

 
 
Diluted Common
7,281

 
 
 
7,239

 
 
(annual audited)
Twelve Months Ended July 31,
 
2019
 
% of Sales

 
2018
 
% of Sales

Net Sales
$
277,025

 
100.0
 %
 
$
266,000

 
100.0
 %
Cost of Sales (1)
(211,365
)
 
(76.3
)%
 
(194,078
)
 
(73.0
)%
Gross Profit
65,660

 
23.7
 %
 
71,922

 
27.0
 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (1)
(55,248
)
 
(19.9
)%
 
(56,045
)
 
(21.1
)%
Operating Income
10,412

 
3.8
 %
 
15,877

 
6.0
 %
Interest Expense
(594
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
(676
)
 
(0.3
)%
Other Income (Expense) (1) (2)
4,730

 
1.7
 %
 
(335
)
 
(0.1
)%
Income Before Income Taxes
14,548

 
5.3
 %
 
14,866

 
5.6
 %
Income Tax Expense
(1,933
)
 
(0.7
)%
 
(6,644
)
 
(2.5
)%
Net Income
12,615

 
4.6
 %
 
8,222

 
3.1
 %
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
4

 
 %
 
(18
)
 
 %
Net Income Attributable to Oil-Dri
$
12,611

 
4.6
 %
 
$
8,240

 
3.1
 %
Net Income Per Share: Basic Common
$
1.82

 
 
 
$
1.22

 
 
Basic Class B Common
$
1.36

 
 
 
$
0.91

 
 
Diluted Common
$
1.67

 
 
 
$
1.11

 
 
Avg Shares Outstanding: Basic Common
5,112

 
 
 
5,036

 
 
Basic Class B Common
2,068

 
 
 
2,097

 
 
Diluted Common
7,251

 
 
 
7,222

 
 
(1) Prior year amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to conform to the current year presentation of the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost required by new guidance under ASC 715, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. For further information about amounts included in this line item, please refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended July 31, 2019.
(2) For further information about amounts included in this line item, please refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended July 31, 2019.

5
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
(audited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of July 31,
 
 
2019
 
2018
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
21,862

 
$
12,757

Short-term Investments
 

 
7,124

Accounts Receivable, Net
 
35,459

 
33,602

Inventories
 
24,163

 
22,521

Prepaid Expenses
 
7,792

 
7,010

Total Current Assets
 
89,276

 
83,014

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
90,798

 
86,706

Other Assets
 
25,153

 
24,962

Total Assets
 
$
205,227

 
$
194,682

 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current Maturities of Notes Payable
 
$
3,083

 
$
3,083

Accounts Payable
 
8,092

 
6,543

Dividends Payable
 
1,761

 
1,627

Accrued Expenses
 
19,670

 
19,696

Total Current Liabilities
 
32,606

 
30,949

Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable
 
3,052

 
6,107

Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
34,023

 
25,741

Total Noncurrent Liabilities
 
37,075

 
31,848

Stockholders' Equity
 
135,546

 
131,885

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
$
205,227

 
$
194,682

 
 
 
 
 
Book Value Per Share Outstanding
 
$
18.88

 
$
18.49

 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions of:
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
Fourth Quarter
$
4,867

 
$
4,541

 
Year To Date
$
15,029

 
$
15,074

Depreciation and Amortization Charges
Fourth Quarter
$
3,481

 
$
3,179

 
Year To Date
$
13,330

 
$
12,756





6
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515



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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(audited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Twelve Months Ended
 
July 31,
 
2019
 
2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net Income
$
12,615

 
$
8,222

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 
 
 
provided by operating activities, net of acquisition:
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
13,330

 
12,756

     Increase in Accounts Receivable
(1,729
)
 
(522
)
     (Increase) Decrease in Inventories
(1,693
)
 
225

     Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
590

 
(2,436
)
    (Decrease) Increase in Accrued Expenses
(589
)
 
771

     Increase (Decrease) in Pension and Postretirement Benefits
3,307

 
(11,048
)
Other
912

 
2,644

Total Adjustments
14,128

 
2,390

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
26,743

 
10,612

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(15,029
)
 
(15,074
)
     Net Dispositions of Investment Securities
7,134

 
16,581

Other
7

 
1,065

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
(7,888
)
 
2,572

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt
(3,083
)
 
(3,083
)
Dividends Paid
(6,656
)
 
(6,230
)
Purchase of Treasury Stock
(147
)
 
(26
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(9,886
)
 
(9,339
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
136

 
(183
)
 
 
 
 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
9,105

 
3,662

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
12,757

 
9,095

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
21,862

 
$
12,757



7
 
Leslie A. Garber
Investor Relations Manager
Oil-Dri Corporation of America
InvestorRelations@oildri.com
(312) 321-1515