Form 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 March 1, 2008

or

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 001-09225

 

 

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Minnesota   41-0268370

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

identification No.)

 

1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota   55110-5101
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(651) 236-5900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non- accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, was 52,863,005 as of March 28, 2008.

 

 

 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     March 1,
2008
    March 3,
2007
 

Net revenue

   $ 322,648     $ 333,354  

Cost of sales

     (231,131 )     (233,689 )
                

Gross profit

     91,517       99,665  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (64,997 )     (71,639 )

Gains from sales of assets

     3       87  

Other income, net

     1,266       1,368  

Interest expense

     (2,928 )     (3,608 )
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests, and income from equity investments

     24,861       25,873  

Income taxes

     (7,210 )     (7,527 )

Minority interests in (income) loss of subsidiaries

     83       (31 )

Income from equity investments

     479       356  
                

Income from continuing operations

     18,213       18,671  

Income from discontinued operations

     —         2,149  
                

Net income

   $ 18,213     $ 20,820  
                

Basic income per common share1:

    

Continuing operations

   $ 0.32     $ 0.31  

Discontinued operations

     —         0.04  
                

Net Income

   $ 0.32     $ 0.35  

Diluted income per common share1:

    

Continuing operations

   $ 0.32     $ 0.31  

Discontinued operations

     —         0.04  
                

Net Income

   $ 0.32     $ 0.34  

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     56,682       59,933  

Diluted

     57,492       61,212  

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.06450     $ 0.06250  

 

1

Income per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 1,
2008
    December 1,
2007
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 195,476     $ 246,358  

Trade receivables

     209,785       218,774  

Allowance for sales and doubtful accounts

     (6,163 )     (6,297 )

Inventories

     153,256       137,564  

Other current assets

     48,402       38,659  

Current assets of discontinued operations

     892       892  
                

Total current assets

     601,648       635,950  
                

Property, plant and equipment

     803,499       791,160  

Accumulated depreciation

     (527,286 )     (513,326 )
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

     276,213       277,834  
                

Other assets

     106,927       106,699  

Goodwill

     187,372       184,660  

Other intangibles, net

     157,153       159,459  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,329,313     $ 1,364,602  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Notes payable

   $ 12,822     $ 10,608  

Current installments of long-term debt

     25,000       25,000  

Trade payables

     131,020       156,247  

Accrued payroll / employee benefits

     27,102       40,144  

Other accrued expenses

     29,955       33,057  

Income taxes payable

     20,171       16,904  

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

     675       15,875  
                

Total current liabilities

     246,745       297,835  
                

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

     177,000       137,000  

Accrued pension liabilities

     62,633       61,986  

Other liabilities

     74,202       65,731  

Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     2,992       3,057  
                

Total liabilities

     563,572       565,609  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

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

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, Shares authorized – 160,000,000, Shares issued and outstanding – 54,640,777 and 57,436,515, for March 1, 2008 and December 1, 2007, respectively

     54,641       57,437  

Additional paid-in capital

     —         17,356  

Retained earnings

     657,445       683,698  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     53,655       40,502  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     765,741       798,993  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,329,313     $ 1,364,602  
                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     March 1,
2008
    March 3,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations:

    

Net income

   $ 18,213     $ 20,820  

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

    

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         (2,149 )

Depreciation

     8,632       8,970  

Amortization

     3,058       4,873  

Deferred income taxes

     (440 )     (270 )

Gains from sales of assets

     (3 )     (87 )

Share-based compensation

     1,062       580  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (367 )     (1,273 )

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

    

Accounts receivables, net

     10,908       23,385  

Inventories

     (13,554 )     (11,194 )

Other assets

     (6,992 )     (2,647 )

Trade payables

     (27,003 )     (23,258 )

Accrued payroll / employee benefits

     (13,455 )     (17,530 )

Other accrued expenses

     (4,639 )     (7,270 )

Income taxes payable

     11,762       8,956  

Accrued / prepaid pensions

     (1,800 )     503  

Other liabilities

     (642 )     865  

Other

     3       1,180  
                

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations

     (15,257 )     4,454  

Cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations:

    

Purchased property, plant and equipment

     (3,313 )     (6,708 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     23       208  
                

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations

     (3,290 )     (6,500 )

Cash flows from financing activities from continuing operations:

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

     40,000       —    

Repayment of long-term debt

     —         (62,000 )

Net proceeds from notes payable

     2,191       434  

Dividends paid

     (3,644 )     (3,792 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

     303       9,152  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     367       1,273  

Repurchases of common stock

     (61,759 )     (37 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations

     (22,542 )     (54,970 )

Effect of exchange rate changes

     5,223       (1,302 )
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations

     (35,866 )     (58,318 )

Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations

     (15,016 )     (25,080 )
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (50,882 )     (83,398 )
                

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     246,358       255,129  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 195,476     $ 171,731  
                

 

4


H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – (Continued)

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended
     March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

     

Noncash financing activities

     

Dividends paid with company stock

   $ 15    $ 19

Cash paid for interest

   $ 4,319    $ 6,144

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 14,727    $ 17,732

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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

Note 1: Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of management, the interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We adopted FIN 48 as of December 2, 2007, as further discussed in Note 11.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). This statement requires an employer to: (1) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s over-funded status or a liability for the plan’s under-funded status, (2) measure the plans’ assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year (with limited exceptions) and (3) recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, the changes in the funded status of the plan that arise during the year but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to other relevant accounting standards. SFAS 158 also requires an employer to disclose in the notes to the financial statements additional information on how delayed recognition of certain changes in the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan affects net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year. Effective December 1, 2007, the company adopted SFAS 158. Measurement of the plans’ assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal year is required to be adopted for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, which would be the fiscal year ending November 28, 2009 for the company. See Note 6 for further discussion.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 expands the use of fair

 

6


value accounting but does not affect existing standards that require assets or liabilities to be carried at fair value. Under SFAS 159, a company may elect to use fair value to measure accounts and loans receivable, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, equity method investments, accounts payable, guarantees and issued debt. Other eligible items include firm commitments for financial instruments that otherwise would not be recognized at inception and non-cash warranty obligations where a warrantor is permitted to pay a third party to provide the warranty goods or services. If the use of fair value is elected, any upfront costs and fees related to the item must be recognized in earnings and cannot be deferred, e.g., debt issue costs. The fair value election is irrevocable and generally made on an instrument-by-instrument basis, even if a company has similar instruments that it elects not to measure based on fair value. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on existing items for which fair value has been elected are reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 159, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. SFAS 159 was effective for the company on December 2, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159 did not have a material impact on the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non- controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008, which will be the company’s fiscal year 2010. The company’s adoption of SFAS No. 141, beginning fiscal year 2010, will apply prospectively to business combinations completed on or after that date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160).” SFAS 160 requires that accounting and reporting for minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which will be the company’s fiscal year 2010. Based upon the March 1, 2008 balance sheet, the impact of adopting SFAS 160 would be to reclassify $2,992 in minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries from total liabilities to a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Note 2: Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions

Sekisui-Fuller Japan: In the second quarter of 2005, the company completed its definitive agreements to enter into business-related partnerships in Japan and China with Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. In Japan, Sekisui and the company merged their Japanese adhesives businesses on April 1, 2005 to create Sekisui-Fuller Company, Ltd. In exchange, H.B. Fuller received a 40 percent ownership in Sekisui-Fuller Company, Ltd. with an option to purchase an additional 10 percent in 2007 for $12,000, which the company exercised during the third quarter of 2007 and paid on September 27, 2007. The additional 10 percent increased the company’s ownership in the joint venture from 40 percent to 50 percent. Due to the structure of the joint venture, the company continues to account for this investment using the equity method.

With respect to China, the company received $8,000 from Sekisui on May 26, 2005 in exchange for a 20 percent investment in H.B. Fuller’s China subsidiaries and an option for Sekisui to increase its investment to 30 percent in 2007 for $4,000. Sekisui’s option to purchase an additional 10 percent in 2007 was initially recorded as a liability at a fair value of $688 and was subsequently marked-to-market at December 2, 2006 to $665. The option expired, unexercised, on October 1, 2007 and the remaining value of the option as of that date of $271 was removed from the liability and recorded into other income, net. H.B. Fuller continues to consolidate China with the portion owned by Sekisui represented as a minority interest liability.

 

7


Carolina Polymers’ polymer and adhesive technology: On September 5, 2006, the company acquired Carolina Polymers’ polymer and adhesive technology for the multi-wall bag industry. The company acquired inventory, accounts receivable, personal property, intellectual property and customer lists. No other assets or liabilities were purchased. The initial cash payment was $4,950 and was funded through existing cash. The company also incurred $49 of direct external costs. Based on preliminary valuation estimates, the company recorded $1,385 of current assets, $1,782 to intangibles, $50 to other non-current assets and $1,782 to goodwill. The acquisition was recorded in the North America operating segment. Carolina Polymers was entitled to an earn-out of up to $1,700 based on the company’s shipment volume from September 5, 2006 to September 5, 2007; however, the final valuation and earn-out calculation, which was completed in the third quarter of 2007, resulted in an earn-out payment of $1,124. This entire amount is considered additional purchase price and classified to goodwill. The company also incurred $31 of additional direct external costs in 2007. The total final purchase price was $6,154. Based on final valuations the company recorded $1,385 of current assets, $2,495 to intangibles, $50 to other non-current assets and $2,224 to goodwill.

Henkel KGaA’s insulating glass sealant business: On March 27, 2006, the company signed an asset purchase agreement with Henkel KGaA, under which the company agreed to acquire Henkel’s insulating glass sealant business. On June 9, 2006, the acquisition was completed. The insulating glass sealant business manufactures sealants for windows used in both residential and commercial construction. This business has a strong presence in Europe and an expanding presence in Asia. The acquired business is included in the company’s Europe operating segment.

The total purchase price for the acquisition was $34,040, which includes direct external acquisition costs of $631. The company funded the transaction with existing cash.

The acquired assets consist of inventory, manufacturing equipment, and intangibles. The valuation of the net assets received involved allocations of the consideration paid to $3,166 of current assets, $1,490 of equipment, $14,563 of intangible assets, $14,971 of goodwill and $150 of long-term liabilities. All of the goodwill was assigned to the Europe operating segment and is tax deductible over 5 to 15 years. Of the $14,563 of acquired intangibles, $10,131 was assigned to customer relationships with an expected life of approximately 12 years and $4,432 was assigned to intellectual property and trademarks that have expected lives of 8 years.

Roanoke Companies Group, Inc.: On January 30, 2006, the company signed an asset purchase agreement, under which it agreed to acquire substantially all the assets of Roanoke Companies Group, Inc. and assume certain operating liabilities. On March 17, 2006, the acquisition was completed. Roanoke is a U.S. manufacturer of “pre-mix” grouts, mortars and other products designed to enhance the installation of flooring systems. Roanoke is focused particularly on the retail home improvement market segment and is included in the company’s North America operating segment.

The total purchase price for the acquisition was $275,258, which included direct external acquisition costs of $744. In addition, if certain profitability thresholds were met, members of Roanoke’s senior management could have received additional cash consideration of up to $15,000 (in total), which would have been paid out over a two-year period. Based on management’s review of those profitability thresholds, no amounts have been paid out or accrued as of March 1, 2008 and the company does not expect to make any payments in the future.

The company funded the transaction with $80,258 in existing cash and $195,000 in new debt. The company utilized its revolving credit agreement to provide the initial debt financing. The credit agreement was amended to increase the commitment level to $250,000, and revise the imbedded accordion feature. $15,000 of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover indemnification by the seller and shareholders. The escrow was originally scheduled to expire in March 2008, subject to any indemnification claims made by the company. In the first quarter of 2008, the company asserted indemnification and other claims against the sellers of the Roanoke business in an amount in excess of the $15,000 escrow and, therefore, the escrow continues to remain in place.

The acquired assets consist primarily of assets used by Roanoke in the operation of its business, including, without limitation, certain real property, intellectual property, equipment, accounts, contracts and intangibles. The valuation of the net assets received involved allocations of the consideration paid to $20,581 of current assets, $23,746 of property, plant and equipment, $146,900 of intangible assets, $94,769 of goodwill, $10,582 of current liabilities and

 

8


$156 of long-term liabilities. All of the goodwill was assigned to the North America operating segment and is tax deductible over 15 years. Of the $146,900 of acquired intangibles, $131,000 and $15,900 was assigned to customer relationships and trademarks / trade names that have expected lives of 20 years and 15 years, respectively.

Divestitures

Automotive: On October 8, 2007, the company agreed to sell its automotive business to EMS-TOGO Corp for cash proceeds of $71,089 which includes the $80,000 sales price net of $8,911 cash on the balance sheet of the divested business. The sale was completed on November 20, 2007. As part of this transaction, the company recorded a gain of $7,604 (a loss of $6,184 net of tax), which included direct external costs to sell of $200.

The company does not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations after the divestiture. The company continues to produce a small percentage of product for the divested automotive business according to a supply agreement. Terms of the supply agreement are at fair market value rates.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the company has reclassified the results from its automotive business as discontinued operations, restating previously reported results to reflect the reclassification on a comparable basis. The operational results of this business are presented in the “Income from discontinued operations” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Prior to the reclassification, these results were reported in the North America operating segment.

Revenue and income from discontinued operations for the 13 weeks ended March 3, 2007 were as follows:

 

     13 weeks ended
March 3, 2007
 

Net revenue

   $ 18,401  

Income from operations

     644  

Other income, net

     7  

Income tax expense

     (165 )

Minority interests in (income) loss of subsidiaries

     (9 )

Income from equity investments

     1,672  
        

Net income from discontinued operations

   $ 2,149  
        

Income from operations excludes certain information technology and shared services charges that could not be directly attributed to the automotive business. In accordance with EITF 87-24, the company has not allocated general corporate overhead charges to the automotive business and has elected not to allocate general corporate interest expense.

The major classes of assets and liabilities of and minority interest in discontinued operations as March 3, 2008 and December 1, 2007 were as follows:

 

     March 3,
2008
   December 1,
2007

Other current assets

   27    27
         

Current assets of discontinued operations

   27    27

Income taxes payable

   —      15,200
         

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

   —      15,200

Powder Coatings: On October 19, 2006, the company agreed to sell its powder coatings business to The Valspar Corporation. The sale was completed on December 1, 2006. The sale price was $104,199 and was subject to a net working capital adjustment, which the company preliminarily calculated to be $435. This adjustment reduced the selling price and resulting gain by $435. In the second quarter of 2007, the calculation of the net working capital

 

9


adjustment of $485 was paid. As part of this transaction, the company recorded a gain in the fourth quarter of 2006 of $68,916 ($50,339 net of tax), which included direct external costs to sell of $3,561, a favorable cumulative translation adjustment reversal of $3,002, the write-off of $5,336 of goodwill and the preliminary net working capital adjustment.

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the company reclassified the results from its powder coatings business as discontinued operations, restating previously reported results to reflect the reclassification on a comparable basis. The operational results and the gain associated with the sale of this business are presented in the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Prior to the reclassification, with operations in the United States and the United Kingdom, these results would have been reported in the North America and Europe operating segments.

The major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as March 3, 2008 and December 1, 2007 were as follows:

 

     March 1,
2008
   December 1,
2007

Other current assets

   865    865
         

Current assets of discontinued operations

   865    865

Other accrued expenses

   134    134

Income taxes payable

   541    541
         

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

   675    675

Note 3: Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

Overview: The company has various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards including stock options, restricted stock and deferred compensation. These equity awards fall under several plans and are described in detail in the company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K as of December 1, 2007.

A summary of shares reserved and available by plan for issuance follows:

 

     Shares Reserved    Shares Available at
March 1, 2008

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan

   300,000    None

1998 Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan

   800,000    456,193

Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan

   10,400,000    5,046,792

1992 Stock Incentive Plan

   3,600,000    None

Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan

   400,000    72,177

 

10


Grant-Date Fair Value: The company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an option award. The fair value of options granted during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 were calculated using the following assumptions:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     March 1, 2008     March 3, 2007  

Expected life (in years)

     5.0       5.9  

Weighted-average expected volatility

     35.63 %     36.26 %

Expected volatility

     35.63 %     34.42% - 37.35 %

Risk-free interest rate

     3.36 %     4.64 %

Expected dividend yield

     1.00 %     0.94 %

Weighted-average fair value of grants

   $ 8.89     $ 10.43  

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

Expected volatility – The company uses the company stock’s historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. The company has no reason to believe that its future volatility will differ from the past.

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

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

Expense Recognition: The company uses the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all option awards with graded vesting and restricted stock awards with cliff vesting.

The amount of share-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The company currently expects, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures and known forfeitures on existing awards, that approximately 72 percent and 95 percent of its unvested outstanding options and restricted stock awards will vest, respectively. This analysis is re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate is adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

Total share-based compensation expense of $1,062 and $580 was included in the company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarters ended March 1, 2008 and March 3, 2007, respectively. Included in these amounts were $591 and $695 of stock option expense, respectively. In 2007, total share-based compensation expense included $846 of favorable adjustments from unexpected executive forfeitures. Included in the favorable 2007 forfeiture adjustments was $205 related to stock options. No share-based compensation was capitalized. All share-based compensation was recorded as selling, general and administrative expense. For the quarters ended March 1, 2008 and March 3, 2007, there was $367 and $1,273, respectively, of excess tax benefit recognized.

Upon adoption of SFAS 123R, the company calculated that its APIC Pool was $993. Exercises of stock options, restricted stock lapsings and deferred compensation payouts since adoption has increased the APIC Pool to $9,975.

As of March 1, 2008, there was $5,459 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards was $2,651, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.

 

11


Share-based Activity

A summary of option activity as of March 1, 2008, and changes during the 13 weeks then ended is presented below:

 

     Options     Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 1, 2007

   1,721,358     $ 16.44

Granted

   372,947       26.65

Exercised

   (20,884 )     14.53

Forfeited or Cancelled

   (32,329 )     16.96
            

Outstanding at March 1, 2008

   2,041,092     $ 18.32

The fair value of options granted during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $3,317 and $4,241, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $173 and $7,820, respectively. Intrinsic value is the difference between the company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised. Proceeds received from option exercises during the quarter ended March 1, 2008 and March 3, 2007 were $303 and $9,152, respectively.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of March 1, 2008:

 

Range of

Exercise Prices

  Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable
  Options   Life1   Price2   Value3   Options   Life1   Price2   Value3
$5.01-$10.00   242,428   2.8   $ 9.31   $ 3,258   242,428   2.8   $ 9.31   $ 3,258
$10.01-$15.00   676,636   5.2   $ 13.72   $ 6,113   589,931   5.0   $ 13.61   $ 5,391
$15.01-$20.00   405,143   7.7   $ 16.30   $ 2,615   188,672   7.7   $ 16.21   $ 1,234
$20.01-$25.00   —     —       —       —     —     —       —       —  
$25.01-$30.00   716,885   9.3   $ 26.84     —     78,349   8.8   $ 26.79     —  
                                       
  2,041,092   6.9   $ 18.32   $ 11,986   1,099,380   5.2   $ 14.05   $ 9,883

 

1

Represents the weighted-average remaining contractual life in years.

2

Represents the weighted-average exercise price.

3

Represents the aggregate intrinsic value based on the company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the quarter for in-the-money options.

A summary of nonvested restricted stock activity as of March 1, 2008, and changes during the 13 weeks then ended is presented below:

 

     Units     Shares     Total     Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

(in Years)

Nonvested at December 1, 2007

   52,865     261,173     314,038     $ 18.44    1.8

Granted

   26,964     66,560     93,524       26.65    3.0

Vested

   (19,914 )   (75,618 )   (95,532 )     14.29    —  

Forfeited

   (5,942 )   (19,917 )   (25,859 )     18.79    1.0
                             

Nonvested at March 1, 2008

   53,973     232,198     286,171     $ 22.48    2.3

Total fair value of restricted stock vested during the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $2,293 and $205, respectively. The total fair value of nonvested restricted stock at March 1, 2008 was $6,510.

 

12


The company repurchased 27,780 and 1,444 restricted stock shares during the first quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2007, respectively, in conjunction with restricted stock share vestings. The repurchases relate to statutory minimum tax withholding. The company estimates that approximately 2,750 restricted stock shares will be repurchased in fiscal 2008.

A summary of deferred compensation unit activity as of March 1, 2008, and changes during the 13 weeks then ended is presented below:

 

     Non- employee
Directors
    Employees     Total  

Units outstanding December 1, 2007

   212,695     109,376     322,071  

Participant contributions

   5,804     7,429     13,233  

Company match contributions

   770     855     1,625  

Payouts

   (1,922 )   (6,941 )   (8,863 )
                  

Units outstanding March 1, 2008

   217,347     110,719     328,066  

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

Note 4: Earnings Per Share

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

 

     13 Weeks Ended
     March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007

Weighted-average common shares – basic

   56,682,381    59,933,376

Equivalent shares from share-based compensation plans

   809,617    1,279,042
         

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares – diluted

   57,491,998    61,212,418
         

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the applicable period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share is attributable to share-based compensation awards. The company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding shares, which computes total employee proceeds as the sum of (a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award, (b) the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services and (c) the amount of tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of the award. Share-based compensation awards for which total employee proceeds exceed the average market price over the applicable period have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Options to purchase 716,107 and 369,611 shares of common stock at the weighted-average exercise price of $26.70 and $26.38 for the 13 week periods ended March 1, 2008 and March 3, 2007, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations because they were antidilutive.

Note 5: Comprehensive Income

The components of total comprehensive income follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  

Total Comprehensive Income

   March 1,
2008
    March 3,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 18,213     $ 20,820  

Other comprehensive income

    

Foreign currency translation

     13,856       (3,612 )

Loss on interest rate hedging instruments

     (703 )     —    
                

Total comprehensive income

   $ 31,366     $ 17,208  
                

 

13


The components of accumulated other comprehensive income follows:

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   March 1,
2008
    December 1,
2007
 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   $ 96,414     $ 82,558  

Pension adjustment, net of taxes of $24,404

     (42,056 )     (42,056 )

Loss on interest rate hedging instruments

     (703 )     —    
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 53,655     $ 40,502  
                

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

 

     13 Weeks Ended March 1, 2008 and March 3, 2007  
     Pension Benefits     Other  
     U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans     Postretirement
Benefits
 

Net periodic cost (benefit):

   2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Service cost

   $ 1,432     $ 1,651     $ 286     $ 661     $ 364     $ 397  

Interest cost

     4,148       4,122       1,946       1,694       1,204       1,010  

Expected return on assets

     (6,212 )     (4,819 )     (2,242 )     (1,876 )     (972 )     (921 )

Amortization:

            

Prior service cost

     76       76       —         (1 )     (231 )     (433 )

Actuarial loss

     41       582       54       342       933       787  

Transition amount

     —         —         5       5       —         —    
                                                

Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)

   $ (515 )   $ 1,612     $ 49     $ 825     $ 1,298     $ 840  
                                                

Effective December 1, 2007, the company adopted SFAS No. 158 “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (SFAS 158). This standard requires employers to recognize the underfunded or overfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position, and recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. This standard also eliminates the requirement for Additional Minimum Pension Liability (AML) required under SFAS 87. As a result of the application of SFAS 158 as of December 1, 2007, the company reversed assets of $2,651 and increased liabilities by $35,512. These liabilities were offset to accumulated other comprehensive income and deferred taxes. As a result of the implementation of SFAS 158, the company recognized an after-tax decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $5,333 and $8,385 for the U.S. and non-U.S. pension benefit plans, respectively, and $24,445 for the postretirement health care and life insurance benefit plan.

Note 7: Inventories: The composition of inventories follows:

 

     March 1,
2008
    December 1,
2007
 

Raw materials

   $ 72,467     $ 64,897  

Finished goods

     99,149       90,772  

LIFO reserve

     (18,360 )     (18,105 )
                

Total Inventories

   $ 153,256     $ 137,564  
                

Note 8: Derivatives

Foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, the gains and losses related to mark-to-market adjustments were recognized as other income or expense in the income statement during the periods in which the derivative instruments were outstanding. Management does not enter into any speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.

 

14


As of March 1, 2008, the company had forward foreign currency contracts maturing between March 3, 2008 and September 11, 2008. The mark-to-market effect associated with these contracts was net unrealized gain of $12 at March 1, 2008.

On December 14, 2007 the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit exposure to the fluctuations in its LIBOR-based variable interest payments on its $75,000 term loan. The swap covers the notional amount of $75,000 at a fixed rate of 4.359 percent and expires on December 19, 2008. The swap has been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the company recognizes the fair value of the swap in the consolidated balance sheet and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The fair value of the swap is the estimated amount that the company would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the swap was a liability of $1,152 at March 1, 2008 and is included in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental: From time to time, the company is identified as a “potentially responsible party” (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. The company is also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. The company’s environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with all applicable laws on a global basis.

Currently the company is involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, the company is currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, the company may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites. In addition, the company is engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former company operating facilities, including remediation of environmental contamination at its Sorocaba, Brazil facility. Soil and water samples were collected on and around the Sorocaba facility, and test results indicated that certain contaminants, including carbon tetrachloride and other solvents, exist in the soil at the Sorocaba facility and in the groundwater at both the Sorocaba facility and some neighboring properties. The company is continuing to work with Brazilian regulatory authorities to implement a remediation system at the site. As of March 1, 2008, $1,561 was recorded as a liability for expected investigation and remediation expenses remaining for this site. Depending on the results of the initial remediation actions, the company may be required to record additional liabilities related to remediation costs at the Sorocaba facility.

As of March 1, 2008, the company had recorded $3,088 as its best probable estimate of aggregate liabilities for costs of environmental investigation and remediation, inclusive of the accrual related to the Sorocaba facility described above. These estimates are based primarily upon internal or third-party environmental studies, assessments as to the company’s responsibility, the extent of the contamination and the nature of required remedial actions. The company’s current assessment of the probable liabilities and associated expenses related to environmental matters is based on the facts and circumstances known at this time. Recorded liabilities are adjusted as further information is obtained or circumstances change.

Because of the uncertainties described above, the company cannot accurately estimate the cost of resolving pending and future environmental matters impacting the company. While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the company’s ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, management does not believe that these matters, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.

Product Liability: As a participant in the chemical and construction products industries, the company faces an inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event that the alleged failure, use or misuse of its products results in or is alleged to result in property damage and/or bodily injury. From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, the company is a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, health and safety and employment matters.

 

15


A subsidiary of the company is a defendant in a number of exterior insulated finish systems (“EIFS”) related lawsuits. As of March 1, 2008, the company’s subsidiary was a defendant in approximately 16 lawsuits and claims related primarily to single-family homes. The EIFS product was used primarily in the residential construction market in the southeastern United States. Some of the lawsuits and claims involve EIFS in commercial or multi-family structures. Lawsuits and claims related to this product seek monetary relief for water intrusion-related property damages. The company has insurance coverage for certain years with respect to this product line.

As of March 1, 2008, the company had recorded $1,079 for the probable liabilities and $299 for insurance recoveries for all remaining EIFS-related liabilities. The company continually reevaluates these amounts.

EIFS-related liabilities include amounts for pending lawsuits and claims as well as unasserted claims. The liabilities are recorded at management’s best estimate of the outcome of the lawsuits and claims taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the individual matters as well as past experience on similar matters. Amounts accrued for the unasserted claims are based primarily on historical experience. Because of the many uncertainties involved with litigation, management has concluded that it is not possible to estimate a range of loss, if any, that would exceed the historical experience-based accrual.

The rollforward of EIFS-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

     13 weeks Ended
March 1, 2008
   Year Ended
December 1, 2007
 

Lawsuits and claims at beginning of period

   15    29  

New lawsuits and claims asserted

   1    5  

Lawsuits and claims settled

   —      (11 )

Lawsuits and claims dismissed

   —      (8 )
           

Lawsuits and claims at end of period

   16    15  

A summary of the aggregate costs and settlement amounts for EIFS-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

     13 weeks Ended
March 1, 2008
   Year Ended
December 1, 2007

Settlements reached

   $ —      $ 283

Defense costs incurred

   $ 183    $ 843

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

   $ 400    $ 580

Plaintiffs in EIFS cases generally seek to have their homes repaired or the EIFS replaced, but a dollar amount for the cost of repair or replacement is not ordinarily specified in the complaint. Although complaints in EIFS cases usually do not contain a specific amount of damages claimed, a complaint may assert that damages exceed a specified amount in order to meet jurisdictional requirements of the court in which the case is filed. Therefore, the company does not believe it is meaningful to disclose the dollar amount of damages asserted in EIFS complaints.

Based on currently available information, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceedings and claims related to this product line, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters. Given the numerous uncertainties surrounding litigation and the projection of future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year and the average cost of disposing of each such claim, the actual costs could be higher or lower than the current estimated reserves or insurance recoveries.

The company and/or its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in lawsuits in various courts in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 25 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many of these cases, the plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by the company or its

 

16


subsidiaries. The company is typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff establishes that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to the company’s products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

As a result of bankruptcy filings by numerous defendants in asbestos-related litigation and the prospect of national and state legislative reform relating to such litigation, the rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related lawsuits against various companies (including the company) increased in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003. Since the second half of 2003, the rate of these filings has declined. However, the company expects that asbestos-related lawsuits will continue to be filed against the company in the future.

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements relating to asbestos-related litigation involving the company continues to be paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which the company acquired a business from a third party. Historically, this third party routinely defended all cases tendered to it and paid settlement amounts resulting from those cases. In the 1990s, the third party sporadically reserved its rights, but continued to defend and settle all asbestos-related claims tendered to it by the company. In 2002, the third party rejected the tender of certain cases by the company and indicated it would seek contributions from the company for past defense costs, settlements and judgments. However, this third party has continued to defend and pay settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party by the company. As discussed below, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the company and a group of other defendants, including the third party obligated to indemnify the company against certain asbestos-related claims, entered into negotiations with certain law firms to settle a number of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims.

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, the company has insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities (including defense costs). Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation involving the company. However, certain of the company’s insurers are insolvent. During 2005, the company and a number of its insurers entered into a cost-sharing agreement that provides for the allocation of defense costs, settlements and judgments among these insurers and the company in certain asbestos-related lawsuits. Under this agreement, the company is required to fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent. The cost-sharing agreement applies only to asbestos litigation involving the company that is not covered by the third-party indemnification arrangements.

During the quarter ended March 1, 2008, the company settled two asbestos-related lawsuits for $93. The company’s insurers have paid or are expected to pay $61 of that amount. In addition, as referenced above, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the company and a group of other defendants entered into negotiations with certain law firms to settle a number of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims. Subject to finalization of the terms and conditions of the settlement, the company expects to contribute up to $4,600 towards the settlement amount to be paid to the claimants in exchange for a full release of claims. Of this amount, the company’s insurers have committed to pay $1,900 based on a probable liability of $4,600. Given that the payouts will occur on certain dates over a four-year period, the company applied a present value approach and has accrued $4,366 and recorded a receivable of $1,799 million.

The company does not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against the company because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products made by the company. Rather, the company believes it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff.

To the extent the company can reasonably estimate the amount of its probable liability for pending asbestos-related claims, the company establishes a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries if certain criteria are met. As of March 1, 2008, the company had recorded $4,840 for probable liabilities and $2,158 for insurance recoveries related to asbestos claims. However, the company has concluded that it is not possible to reasonably estimate the cost of disposing of other asbestos-related claims (including claims that might be filed in the future) due to its inability to project future events. Future variables include the number of claims filed or dismissed, proof of exposure to company products, seriousness of the alleged injury, the number and solvency of other defendants in each case, the jurisdiction in which the case is brought, the cost of disposing of such claims, the uncertainty of asbestos litigation, insurance coverage and indemnification agreement issues, and the continuing solvency of certain insurance companies.

 

17


Because of the uncertainties described above, the company cannot reasonably estimate the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims against the company. Based on currently available information, the company does not believe that asbestos-related litigation, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements in such litigation could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.

In addition to product liability claims discussed above, the company is involved in other claims and legal proceedings related to its products, which it believes are not out of the ordinary in a business of the type and size in which it is engaged.

Note 10: Operating Segments

During the second quarter of 2007, the company completed the realignment of its management structure that was announced in the first quarter of 2007. The company’s operations are now managed through the four primary geographic regions: North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Region Vice Presidents have been appointed that report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and are accountable for the financial results of the entire region.

The company conducted an operating segment assessment in the second quarter of 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, (SFAS 131) to determine its reportable segments for disclosure purposes. The conclusion of the assessment was that the reportable segments of the company are the four geographic regions. Therefore, the financial information disclosed in this section is now tailored to the four regions. Certain reclassifications to 2007 information, as previously reported, have been made to conform to the new segment structure.

The conclusion of the SFAS 131 assessment that the four geographic regions are the company’s reportable segments was reached because it clearly reflects the company’s internal management and organizational structure. The Vice Presidents of each region are held accountable for, and are compensated based upon, the performance of the entire operating segment for which they are responsible. The business components within each operating segment are managed to maximize the results of the overall operating segment rather than the results of any individual business component of the operating segment. Results of individual components of each operating segment are subject to numerous allocations of segment-wide costs that may or may not have been focused on that particular component for a particular reporting period. The costs for these allocated resources are not tracked on a “where-used” basis as financial performance is assessed at the total operating segment level.

Management evaluates the performance of each of the company’s operating segments based on operating income, which is defined as gross profit less SG&A expenses and excludes gains from sales of assets. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment. Segment data for the quarter follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended
     March 1, 2008    March 3, 2007
     Trade
Revenue
   Inter-
Segment
Revenue
   Operating
Income
   Trade
Revenue
   Inter-
Segment
Revenue
   Operating
Income

North America

   $ 138,639    $ 7,358    $ 15,767    $ 157,226    $ 6,569    $ 15,359

Europe

     99,598      2,494      8,085      95,418      1,959      7,998

Latin America

     55,747      566      1,225      54,918      252      3,271

Asia Pacific

     28,664      35      1,443      25,792      219      1,398
                                 

Total

   $ 322,648       $ 26,520    $ 333,354       $ 28,026
                                 

 

18


Reconciliation of Operating Income from Continuing Operations to Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interests and Income from Equity Investments:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     March 1,
2008
    March 3,
2007
 

Operating income from continuing operations

   $ 26,520     $ 28,026  

Gains from sales of assets

     3       87  

Other income, net

     1,266       1,368  

Interest expense

     (2,928 )     (3,608 )
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests, and income from equity investments

     24,861       25,873  
                

Note 11: Income Taxes

The company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), on December 2, 2007. There was no cumulative effect to the December 2, 2007 balance of retained earnings as a result of adopting FIN 48. As of the date of adoption, the company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $11.4 million. If recognized, $8.2 million would favorably impact the company’s effective tax rate. Consistent with the provisions of FIN 48, the company reclassified the reserves for uncertain tax positions from current liabilities to non-current liabilities unless the liability is expected to be paid within one year.

The company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. The company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for years before 2004 and subsequent years are not currently under examination. The company has ongoing state and foreign income tax examinations in certain jurisdictions for years prior to and after 2004. However, the company does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position.

The company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Included in the gross unrecognized tax benefits of $11.4 million as of December 2, 2007 was approximately $2.5 million for accrued interest and penalties of which $1.9 million would favorably impact the company’s effective tax rate if recognized. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of future income tax expense.

The company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly within 12 months of the date of adoption.

Note 12: Share Repurchase Program

On January 24, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million of the company’s outstanding common shares after having just completed a $100 million stock buyback program authorized July 11, 2007. Under the new program, the company, at management’s discretion, may repurchase shares for cash on the open market from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The primary source of funding for the new program is expected to be excess cash held in the United States and debt financing. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, the company reduces its common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid in capital. When additional paid in capital is exhausted, the excess will reduce retained earnings.

In the first quarter of 2008, the company purchased common shares in the amount of $61.1 million under the new program. Of this amount, $2.9 million reduced common stock, $19.4 million reduced additional paid in capital to zero and the remaining $38.8 million reduced retained earnings. Also in the first quarter of 2008, the July 11, 2007 repurchase program was completed with the repurchase of the remaining $53 thousand in shares.

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

Overview

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2007 for important background information related to the company’s business.

Net income from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2008 of $18.2 million represented a 2.5 percent decrease from the first quarter of 2007. Lower sales volume and higher raw material costs were key contributors to the reduced net income as the gross profit margin declined 1.5 percentage points in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the prior year. SG&A expense savings helped mitigate the negative effects on the gross profit margin. The SG&A savings were driven by reduced pension costs, reduced payroll-related expenses, lower amortization expense and overall strong cost controls. Net earnings per share from continuing operations on a diluted basis, was $0.32 in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $0.31 in the first quarter of 2007. This increase in year-over-year EPS was driven by a 6.1 percent reduction in the weighted-average diluted shares for the quarter that resulted primarily from the company’s stock repurchase programs.

 

19


Results of Operations

Net Revenue:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Net revenue

   $ 322.6    $ 333.4    (3.2 )%

Management reviews variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to product pricing, sales volume, acquisitions/divestitures and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007:

 

( ) = Decrease    1st Qtr
2008 vs 2007
 

Product Pricing

   0.4 %

Sales Volume

   (8.0 )%

Currency

   4.4 %
      

Total

   (3.2 )%
      

Economic slowdown, particularly in North America, was a key factor in the reduced sales volume. The positive currency effects were driven mainly by the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar versus the euro. Other significant currency effects were realized due to the U.S. dollar’s weakness as compared to the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar and British pound. There was no impact from acquisitions or divestitures on the year-over-year net revenue variance. The divestiture of the automotive business in the fourth quarter of 2007 is included in Discontinued Operations.

Cost of Sales:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

Cost of sales

   $ 231.1     $ 233.7     (1.1 )%

Percent of net revenue

     71.6 %     70.1 %  

The cost of sales decreased 1.1 percent from the first quarter of 2007. This represents the net effects of lower costs due to lower sales volume offset by higher raw material costs and increases due to foreign currency translation. The increase in the cost of sales as a percent of net revenue was driven mainly by raw material cost increases.

Gross Profit:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

Gross Profit

   $ 91.5     $ 99.7     (8.2 )%

Percent of net revenue

     28.4 %     29.9 %  

The decline in the gross profit margin resulted primarily from increases in raw material costs exceeding the effects of selling price increases. Changes in the sales mix of business also contributed to the lower margin in 2008 as compared to 2007.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

SG&A

   $ 65.0     $ 71.6     (9.3 )%

Percent of net revenue

     20.1 %     21.5 %  

SG&A expenses decreased $6.6 million from the first quarter of 2007 in spite of currency effects that added an estimated $1.8—$2.0 million to the 2008 expenses. SG&A expense decreases resulted primarily from reductions in employee headcount, lower pension expenses and stringent cost controls throughout the company. Last year’s SG&A expenses included $1.7 million of accelerated amortization on a discontinued trade name.

 

20


Gains from Sales of Assets:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007

Gains from sales of assets

   $ 0.0    $ 0.1

There were no significant asset sales in the first quarter of either 2008 or 2007.

Other Income, net:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007

Other income, net

   $ 1.3    $ 1.4

Interest income increased $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007. Several smaller items contributed to a net decrease of $0.4 million in other income, net in 2008 versus 2007.

Interest Expense:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Interest expense

   $ 2.9    $ 3.6    (18.8 )%

The year-over-year decline in interest expense was mainly due to lower average debt levels in 2008 as compared to last year.

Income Taxes:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

Income taxes

   $ 7.2     $ 7.5     (4.2 )%

Effective tax rate

     29.0 %     29.1 %  

The effective tax rate of 29.0 percent in the first quarter of 2008 was slightly lower than 2007.

Minority Interests in (Income) Loss of Subsidiaries:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007
 

Minority interests in (income) loss of subsidiaries

   $ 0.1    ($ 0.0 )

The minority interest (income) loss in the company’s China entities, of which the company owns 80 percent, was not significant in the first quarter of either 2008 or 2007.

Income from Equity Investments:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Income from equity investments

   $ 0.5    $ 0.4    34.6 %

The income from equity investments relates to the company’s 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The increase in 2008 versus 2007 was due primarily to the increase in the company’s ownership from 40 percent to 50 percent for 2008.

 

21


Income from Continuing Operations:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

Income from continuing operations

   $ 18.2     $ 18.7     (2.5 )%

Percent of net revenue

     5.6 %     5.6 %  

The reduced income from continuing operations resulted primarily from the lower sales volume and higher raw material costs as compared to the first quarter of 2007. SG&A expense reductions were not enough to offset the gross profit reductions. The diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.32 in 2008 compared to $0.31 in 2007. This increase was driven by the 6.1 percent reduction in the weighted-average number of diluted shares resulting from the stock repurchases that began in the third quarter of 2007.

Income from Discontinued Operations:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
   1st Qtr
2007

Income from discontinued operations

   —      $ 2.1

The income from discontinued operations of $2.1 million in 2007 represents net income generated by the automotive business, net of tax, that was divested in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Net Income:

 

(In millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
    2008 vs
2007
 

Net Income

   $ 18.2     $ 20.8     (12.5 )%

Percent of net revenue

     5.6 %     6.2 %  

The diluted earnings per share were $0.32 and $0.34 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Operating Segment Results

During the second quarter of 2007, the company completed the realignment of its management structure that was announced in the first quarter of 2007. The company’s operations are now managed through the four primary geographic regions: North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Region Vice Presidents have been appointed that report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and are accountable for the financial results of their entire region. Two new executive positions were also created within the management structure: Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President – Chief Strategy Officer. These positions also report directly to the CEO. These two positions are expected to facilitate the regional execution of corporate strategies. Reasons for realigning to the regional structure are to improve the speed of execution on strategic initiatives, to share best practices across businesses and to focus more closely on the customer.

The company conducted an operating segment assessment in the second quarter of 2007 in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (SFAS 131) to determine its reportable segments for disclosure purposes. The conclusion of the assessment was that the reportable segments of the company are the four geographic regions. Therefore, the financial information disclosed in this section is now tailored to the four regions with relevant financial information provided for the business components of each of the operating segments. Certain reclassifications to 2007 information, as previously reported, have been made to conform to the new segment structure.

The conclusion of the SFAS 131 assessment that the four geographic regions are the company’s reportable segments was reached because it clearly reflects the company’s internal management and organizational structure. The Vice Presidents of each region are held accountable for, and are compensated based upon, the performance of the entire segment for which they are responsible. The business components within each segment are managed to maximize the results of the overall segment rather than the results of any individual business component of the segment. Results of individual components of each operating segment are subject to numerous allocations of segment-wide costs that may or may not have been focused on that particular component for a particular reporting period. The costs for these allocated resources are not tracked on a “where-used” basis as financial performance is assessed at the total operating segment level.

 

22


The tables below set forth certain information regarding the net revenue and operating income of each of the company’s operating segments. All information has been adjusted to exclude discontinued operations.

Net Revenue by segment:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
      March 1, 2008     March 3, 2007  
(In millions)    Net
Revenue
   % of
Total
    Net
Revenue
   % of
Total
 

North America

   $ 138.6    43 %   $ 157.3    47 %

Europe

     99.6    31 %     95.4    29 %

Latin America

     55.7    17 %     54.9    16 %

Asia Pacific

     28.7    9 %     25.8    8 %
                          

Total

   $ 322.6    100 %   $ 333.4    100 %

Operating Income by segment:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
      March 1, 2008     March 3, 2007  
(In millions)    Operating
Income
   % of
Total
    Operating
Income
   % of
Total
 

North America

   $ 15.8    60 %   $ 15.3    55 %

Europe

     8.1    30 %     8.0    28 %

Latin America

     1.2    5 %     3.3    12 %

Asia Pacific

     1.4    5 %     1.4    5 %
                          

Total

   $ 26.5    100 %   $ 28.0    100 %

The following table provides a reconciliation of operating income from continuing operations to income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests and income from equity investments, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
    March 3,
2007
 

Operating income from continuing operations

   $ 26.5     $ 28.0  

Gains from sales of assets

     —         0.1  

Other income, net

     1.3       1.4  

Interest expense

     (2.9 )     (3.6 )
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interests, and income from equity investments

   $ 24.9     $ 25.9  
                

 

23


North America:

The following table shows the net revenue generated from the key components of the North America segment.

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 84.9    $ 88.9    (4.4 )%

Packaging Solutions

     12.9      11.2    14.8 %

Specialty Construction

     31.1      44.8    (30.5 )%

Insulating Glass

     9.7      12.4    (21.4 )%
                    

Total North America

   $ 138.6    $ 157.3    (11.8 )%

The following tables provide details of North America net revenue variances by segment component. The Pricing/Sales Volume variance is viewed as organic growth.

 

( ) = Decrease    Adhesives     Packaging
Solutions
    Specialty
Construction
    Insulating
Glass
    Total  

Pricing/Sales Volume

   (5.2 )%   12.8 %   (30.5 )%   (21.4 )%   (12.4 )%

Currency

   0.8 %   2.0 %   —       —       0.6 %
                              

Total

   (4.4 )%   14.8 %   (30.5 )%   (21.4 )%   (11.8 )%
                              

The following table reflects the operating income by component of the North America operating segment:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 10.0    $ 10.7    (6.5 )%

Packaging Solutions

     4.3      2.9    47.3 %

Specialty Construction

     —        1.2    NMP  

Insulating Glass

     1.5      0.5    173.8 %
                    

Total North America

   $ 15.8    $ 15.3    2.7 %

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

Note: Individual component results are subject to numerous allocations of segment-wide costs that may or may not have been focused on that particular component for a particular reporting period. The costs of these allocated resources are not tracked on a “where-used” basis as financial performance is managed to maximize the total operating segment performance. Therefore, the above financial information should only be used for directional indications of performance.

Total North America

The slowdown in the North American construction-related end markets had a significant negative impact on the net revenue for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 2007. Higher raw material costs driven by higher oil prices contributed to a lower gross profit margin. Despite the decline in net revenue and gross profit margin, operating income for the quarter increased 2.7 percent over the first quarter of 2007. Significant reductions in SG&A expenses were the reason for the increase in operating income.

Adhesives: Net revenue in the Adhesives component declined 4.4 percent in the first quarter as compared to last year. The economic slowdown and sales erosion in certain markets impacted the reduction in the adhesives net revenue. Higher raw material costs had a negative effect on the gross profit margin in the first quarter of 2008. The operating income margin was 11.7 percent in the first quarter of 2008 and 12.0 percent in the first quarter of 2007.

Packaging Solutions: The net revenue increase of 14.8 percent in the first quarter of 2008 was driven by sales volume gains. Sales to new customers were a key component in the net revenue increases. The higher sales volume was the key factor in the 47.3 percent improvement in operating income in 2008 versus 2007.

 

24


Specialty Construction: The Specialty Construction component has been heavily impacted by the slowdown in the U.S. housing and other construction markets. The economic slowdown and lost customers related to the 2006 Roanoke acquisition were the primary reasons for the year-over-year decrease in net revenue. The gross margin also declined as a result of the significantly lower sales volume. SG&A expenses decreased due to reduced headcount and in the first quarter of 2007 the SG&A expenses included $1.7 million of accelerated amortization expense on a particular trade name that was discontinued.

Insulating Glass: Sales volume decreased 22.7 percent in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year primarily due to the slowdown in U.S. housing starts. The insulating glass component’s primary business is selling to manufacturers of windows for residential construction. Despite the lower sales volume, operating income increased 174 percent over the first quarter due to significant reductions in SG&A expenses. The regional organization structure had a positive impact on the SG&A expenses of the insulating glass component as certain key positions were not directly replaced at the business component level.

Europe:

In the first quarter of 2008 the insulating glass business component was merged with the adhesives component. The Europe operating segment is now managed as one component. The following table reflects the net revenue and operating income of the Europe operating segment.

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Net Revenue

   $ 99.6    $ 95.4    4.4 %

Operating Income

   $ 8.1    $ 8.0    1.1 %

The following table provides details of Europe net revenue variances. The Pricing/Sales Volume variance is viewed as organic growth.

 

( ) = Decrease    13 weeks ended
March 1, 2008

vs March 3, 2007
Total
 

Pricing/Sales Volume

   (7.5 )%

Currency

   11.9 %
      

Total

   4.4 %
      

Total Europe:

The stronger euro as compared to the U.S. dollar was the primary factor in the net revenue increase over last year. The lower sales volume and higher raw material costs resulted in a lower gross profit margin in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year. Significant reductions in SG&A expenses helped mitigate the gross profit shortfall. Operating income increased over the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to the positive foreign currency effects of an estimated $1.2 million. The operating income margin for the operating segment was 8.1 percent in the first quarter of 2008 and 8.4 percent in the first quarter of 2007.

 

25


Latin America:

The following table shows the net revenue generated from the key components of the Latin America segment.

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 26.0    $ 28.0    (7.2 )%

Paints

     29.7      26.9    10.6 %
                    

Total Latin America

   $ 55.7    $ 54.9    1.5 %

The following table provides details of Latin America net revenue variances by segment component. The Pricing/Sales Volume variance is viewed as organic growth.

 

     13 weeks ended March 1, 2008
vs March 3, 2007
 
( ) = Decrease    Adhesives     Paints     Total  

Pricing/Sales Volume

   (7.2 )%   10.6 %   1.5 %

The following table reflects the operating income by component of the Latin America operating segment:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 1.1    $ 1.5    (26.2 )%

Paints

     0.1      1.8    (93.3 )%
                    

Total Latin America

   $ 1.2    $ 3.3    (62.5 )%

Note: Individual component results are subject to numerous allocations of segment-wide costs that may or may not have been focused on that particular component for a particular reporting period. The costs of these allocated resources are not tracked on a “where-used” basis as financial performance is managed to maximize the total operating segment performance. Therefore, the above financial information should only be used for directional indications of performance.

Total Latin America: Net revenue in the first quarter of 2008 was 1.5 percent higher than first quarter of 2007. Net revenue increases in the paints component were partially offset by decreases in adhesives. The operating income for the operating segment decreased $2.1 million or 62.5 percent as compared to last year primarily due to the reduced operating income generated by the paints component.

Adhesives: The reduced net revenue in the adhesives component was attributed to sales erosion as volume losses exceeded sales volume gains. The operating income decrease in the first quarter as compared to last year was driven primarily by the reduced sales volume. The operating income margin was 4.3 percent in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 5.4 percent last year.

Paints: The paints component had a net revenue increase of 10.6 percent in the first quarter as compared to last year however operating income decreased 93 percent. The sales volume was driven by increases in lower price/lower margin products that contributed to the reduction in operating income. Manufacturing and logistics changes were implemented that had an initial impact in the first quarter of increasing manufacturing costs as compared to last year. Higher raw material costs and SG&A expenses also contributed to the reduced operating income. The increase in SG&A expenses was driven by growth-related costs such as, marketing programs and sales commissions.

 

26


Asia Pacific:

The following table shows the net revenue generated from the key components of the Asia Pacific segment.

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 22.4    $ 19.7    13.7 %

Consumer

     6.3      6.1    2.9 %
                    

Total Asia Pacific

   $ 28.7    $ 25.8    11.1 %

The following table provides details of Asia Pacific net revenue variances by segment component. The Pricing/Sales Volume variance is viewed as organic growth.

 

     13 weeks ended March 1, 2008
vs March 3, 2007
 
( ) = Decrease    Adhesives     Consumer     Total  

Pricing/Sales Volume

   5.1 %   (9.3 )%   1.6 %

Currency

   8.6 %   12.2 %   9.5 %
                  

Total

   13.7 %   2.9 %   11.1 %
                  

The following table reflects the operating income by component of the Asia Pacific operating segment:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
(In millions)    March 1,
2008
   March 3,
2007
   2008 vs
2007
 

Adhesives

   $ 1.1    $ 1.3    (19.5 )%

Consumer

     0.3      0.1    NMP  
                    

Total Asia Pacific

   $ 1.4    $ 1.4    3.1 %

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

Note: Individual component results are subject to numerous allocations of segment-wide costs that may or may not have been focused on that particular component for a particular reporting period. The costs of these allocated resources are not tracked on a “where-used” basis as financial performance is managed to maximize the total operating segment performance. Therefore, the above financial information should only be used for directional indications of performance.

Total Asia Pacific: Positive currency effects were the main driver of the net revenue increase in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year. The Australian dollar had the largest favorable impact. Operating income was even with last year as increases from the consumer component were offset by decreases in the adhesives component. SG&A expenses were higher in the first quarter of 2008 as the new regional management structure was not in place in the first quarter of 2007.

Adhesives: The adhesive component recorded positive sales volume growth of 5.3 percent in the first quarter, driven by new business growth in China. Gross margins improved with the increased volume however SG&A expenses also increased due to the additional regional infrastructure. The end result was a decrease in operating income of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year.

Consumer: Sales volume decreased over 12 percent from last year’s first quarter primarily due to the change in the New Zealand market that transferred sales activities to a distributor. The first quarter of 2007 included the initial inventory build for the distributor. This New Zealand change accounted for approximately $1 million of reduction in the 2008 net revenue as compared to 2007. A favorable business mix and the positive currency effects resulted in an increase in operating income of $0.2 million in 2008 as compared to last year.

 

27


Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Total cash and cash equivalents as of March 1, 2008 were $195.5 million as compared to $246.4 million as of December 1, 2007. Total long and short-term debt was $214.8 million as of March 1, 2008 and $172.6 million as of December 1, 2007. During the first quarter of 2008 the company repurchased $61.8 million of its common stock, $61.1 million of which was per the repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in January 2008. As a result of the share repurchases, the additional paid in capital on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 1, 2008 was reduced to zero. Therefore, an amount of $38.8 million in excess of the additional paid in capital balance was charged against retained earnings in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 1, 2008.

Management believes that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet the company’s ongoing liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, the company has sufficient access to capital markets to meet current expectations for acquisition funding requirements.

The current installment of $25.0 million related to the company’s senior long-term debt is due on June 2, 2008. This amount will be paid using excess cash, cash generated during the second quarter of 2008 and if necessary, short term financing from the Revolving Credit Agreement.

At March 1, 2008, the company was in compliance with all covenants of its contractual obligations. There are no rating triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of any debt. Management believes the company has the ability to meet all of its contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2008.

Selected Metrics of Liquidity

Key metrics monitored by management are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade account receivable days sales outstanding (DSO), inventory days on hand, free cash flow and debt capitalization ratio.

 

     March 1,
2008
  March 3,
2007

Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1

   17.5%   14.4%

Accounts receivable DSO2

   57 Days   55 Days

Inventory days on hand3

   52 Days   49 Days

Free cash flow4

   $(22.2) million   $(6.0) million

Debt capitalization ratio5

   21.9%   19.7%

 

1

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

2

(Accounts receivable less the allowance for doubtful accounts at the balance sheet date) multiplied by 90 and divided by the net revenue for the quarter.

3

Average inventory over last five quarters multiplied by 360 and divided by cost of sales for prior 12 months.

4

Net cash provided by operations from continuing operations, less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid.

5

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

Another key metric introduced in 2007 was return on gross investment, or ROGI. The calculation is based on continuing operations and takes Gross Cash Flow divided by Gross Investment.

 

   

Gross Cash Flow is defined as: (Gross Profit less SG&A) less taxes at a non-GAAP standard rate of 29 percent plus depreciation and amortization expenses less maintenance capital expenditures, a non-GAAP financial measure defined as 50 percent of total depreciation expense. Gross cash flow is calculated using trailing 12 month information.

 

   

Gross Investment is defined as total assets plus accumulated depreciation less non-debt current liabilities less cash.

ROGI was introduced because management believes it provides a true measure of return on investment, it is a better way to internally measure performance and it is focused on the long term. The ROGI calculated at March 1, 2008 was 9.0 percent as compared to 9.6 percent at December 1, 2007. Lower gross cash flow in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 contributed to the lower ROGI as well as a higher gross investment as of March 1, 2008 as compared to December 1, 2007.

The following table shows the ROGI calculation based on the company’s definition above compared to a calculation using all GAAP based data. Management believes use of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides a better calculation of ROGI because they eliminate fluctuations not specifically related to the return on the current investment base.

 

(in millions)    ROGI
(Management
calculation)
    ROGI
(GAAP
based
calculation)
 

Gross profit

   410.5     410.5  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   (269.2 )   (269.2 )
            
   141.3     141.3  

Taxes1

   (41.0 )   (39.0 )

Depreciation and amortization

   48.2     48.2  

Maintenance capital expenditures2

   (18.0 )   (17.5 )
            

Gross Cash Flow

   130.5     133.0  

Gross Investment

   1,452.0     1,452.0  

Return on gross investment

   9.0 %   9.2 %

 

  1 The ROGI calculation for management measurement purposes uses a standard tax rate of 29%. The GAAP rate is based on actual tax expense including any one time, discrete items.

 

  2 Maintenance capital expenditures used for the management calculation of ROGI is 50 percent of total depreciation expense whereas the GAAP based amount is actual capital expenditures from the cash flow statement.

Summary of Cash Flows

Cash flows from Operating Activities from Continuing Operations:

 

(in millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations

   $ (15.3 )   $ 4.5

Net income plus depreciation and amortization expense totaled $29.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $32.5 million in the first quarter of 2007. Changes in net working capital accounted for a use of cash of $29.6 million and $11.1 million in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Changes in accounts receivable was a

 

28


source of cash of $10.9 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to a $23.4 million source of cash in the first quarter of 2007. The two day increase in DSO in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to last year contributed to the reduced source of cash from accounts receivable. Changes in trade accounts payable accounted for $27.0 million of the decrease in cash generation in 2008 as compared to $23.3 million of decreases in 2007. The first quarter typically shows a significant decrease in accounts payable as business activity in the first quarter is significantly lower than in the fourth quarter. The sales volume decreases in the first quarter of 2008 also contributed to the lower accounts payable balance. Cash used for payouts of accrued compensation were $4.1 million less than in the first quarter of 2007.

Cash flows from Investing Activities from Continuing Operations:

 

(in millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations

   $ (3.3 )   $ (6.5 )

Purchases of property plant and equipment were $3.3 million in 2008 as compared to $6.7 million in 2007. The capital investment activity was lower than last year primarily due to the lower sales volumes. The company does not anticipate significant repair and maintenance activities on existing property, plant and equipment as a result of current or past capital spending policies.

Cash flows from Financing Activities from Continuing Operations:

 

(in millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
 

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations

   $ (22.5 )   $ (55.0 )

The cash used in financing from continuing operations in 2008 was mainly due to the $61.8 million of repurchases of common stock, partially offset by $40.0 million of new long-term debt borrowings. The higher 2007 financing activity was mainly due to the $62.0 million pay-off of the company’s line of credit. Cash generated from the exercise of stock options was $0.3 million in 2008, compared to $9.2 million in 2007. The higher 2007 cash generated from the exercise of stock options was mainly due to exercises by the former CEO and the former CFO as their departures required the exercise of certain stock option awards prior to the end of the first quarter. Cash dividends paid on common stock were $3.6 million and $3.8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:

 

(in millions)    1st Qtr
2008
    1st Qtr
2007
 

Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations

   $ (15.0 )   $ (25.1 )

Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations represents the cash used in the operations of the automotive business in 2008 and powder coatings business in 2007. Cash used in the operating activities of discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 is primarily comprised of income tax payments made in conjunction with the gain on disposal of discontinued operations and closing costs payments made associated with selling the businesses. The related costs were recorded in the fiscal years 2007 and 2006.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the company discusses expectations regarding future performance of the company which include anticipated financial performance, savings from restructuring and process initiatives, global economic conditions, liquidity requirements, the impact of litigation and environmental matters, the effect of new accounting pronouncements and one-time accounting charges and credits, and similar matters. This Quarterly Report on Form

 

29


10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2007, identify some of the important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. This list of important factors does not include all such factors nor necessarily present them in order of importance. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, the company has identified these important factors which could affect the company’s financial performance and could cause the company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Additionally, the variety of products sold by the company and the regions where the company does business makes it difficult to determine with certainty the increases or decreases in revenues resulting from changes in the volume of products sold, currency impact, changes in geographic and product mix and selling prices. However, management’s best estimates of these changes as well as changes in other factors have been included. References to volume changes include volume, product mix and delivery charges, combined. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language, which may be made elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The company may refer to Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and this section of the Form 10-Q to identify risk factors related to other forward looking statements made in oral presentations, including investor conferences and/or webcasts open to the public.

This disclosure, including that under “Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors,” and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by the company in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents management’s best judgment as of the date the information is given. The company does not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in company press releases) on related subjects.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Interest Rate Risk: Exposure to changes in interest rates result primarily from borrowing activities used to fund operations. Committed floating rate credit facilities are used to fund a portion of operations. On December 14, 2007 the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit exposure to the fluctuations in its LIBOR-based variable interest payments on its $75,000 term loan. The swap covers the notional amount of $75,000 at a fixed rate of 4.359 percent and expires on December 19, 2008. The swap has been designated for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, the company recognizes the fair value of the swap in the consolidated balance sheet and any changes in the fair value are recorded as adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The fair value of the swap is the estimated amount that the company would pay or receive to terminate the agreement at the reporting date. The fair value of the swap was a liability of $1,152 at March 1, 2008 and is included in other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.

Management believes that probable near-term changes in interest rates would not materially affect financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The annual impact, prior to entering into the swap agreement, on the results of operations of a one-percentage point interest rate change on the outstanding balance of its variable rate debt as of March 1, 2008 would be approximately $1.3 million.

 

30


Foreign Exchange Risk: As a result of being a global enterprise, there is exposure to market risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect operating results and financial condition. Approximately 60 percent of net revenue was generated outside of the United States in the first three months of 2008. Principal foreign currency exposures relate to the euro, British pound sterling, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso and Chinese renminbi.

Management’s objective is to balance, where possible, local currency denominated assets to local currency denominated liabilities to have a natural hedge and minimize foreign exchange impacts. The company enters into cross border transactions through importing and exporting goods to and from different countries and locations. These transactions generate foreign exchange risk as they create assets, liabilities and cash flows in currencies other than the local currency. This also applies to services provided and other cross border agreements among subsidiaries.

Management takes steps to minimize risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through normal operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative instruments. Management does not enter into any speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments.

From a sensitivity analysis viewpoint, based on the financial results of the first quarter of 2008, a hypothetical overall 10 percent change in the U.S. dollar would have resulted in a change in net income of approximately $1.1 million.

Raw Materials: The principal raw materials used to manufacture products include resins, polymers, synthetic rubbers, vinyl acetate monomer, plasticizers and wax. The majority of the company’s raw materials are petroleum/natural gas based derivatives. Under normal conditions, all of these raw materials are generally available on the open market. Prices and availability are subject to supply and demand market mechanisms. Higher crude oil and natural gas costs usually result in higher prices for raw materials; however, supply and demand pressures also have a significant impact.

The objective in sourcing raw materials is to generate the best total cost of ownership solutions for the business by successfully managing the cost, quality and service of supply. Strategic relationships with suppliers combined with risk mitigation strategies ensure the best possible supply stream and pricing. Contracts with many key suppliers limit price increases to increases in supplier raw material costs, while requiring decreases as supplier raw material costs decline. Contracts also limit the price increase frequency, but not the magnitude of the increase.

The weakening in the North American economy, supplier production shortages and higher petroleum prices have led to price increases and strained supply scenarios for several key derivatives of the company’s products. Management’s objective is to leverage the opportunity of having substitute raw materials approved for use wherever possible to minimize the impact of possible material shortages and/or price increases.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Controls and procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of March 1, 2008, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

31


(b) Change in internal control over financial reporting

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

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Environmental Matters. From time to time, the company is identified as a “potentially responsible party” (“PRP”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. The company is also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. The company’s environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with all applicable laws on a global basis.

Currently the company is involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, the company is currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, the company may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites. In addition, the company is engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former company operating facilities, including remediation of environmental contamination at its Sorocaba, Brazil facility. Soil and water samples were collected on and around the Sorocaba facility, and test results indicated that certain contaminants, including carbon tetrachloride and other solvents, exist in the soil at the Sorocaba facility and in the groundwater at both the Sorocaba facility and some neighboring properties. The company is continuing to work with Brazilian regulatory authorities to implement a remediation system at the site. As of March 1, 2008, $1.6 million was recorded as a liability for expected investigation and remediation expenses remaining for this site. Depending on the results of the initial remediation actions, the company may be required to record additional liabilities related to remediation costs at the Sorocaba facility.

From time to time, management becomes aware of compliance matters relating to, or receives notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. In some instances, these matters may become the subject of administrative proceedings or lawsuits and may involve monetary sanctions of $0.1 million or more (exclusive of interest and litigation costs).

The company’s management reviews the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or contribution of the company relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. To the extent the company can reasonably estimate the amount of its probable liabilities for environmental matters, the company establishes a financial provision if certain criteria are met. As of March 1, 2008, the company had reserved $3.1 million, which represents its best estimate of probable liabilities with respect to environmental matters, inclusive of the accrual related to the Sorocaba facility as described above. However, the full extent of the company’s future liability for environmental matters is difficult to predict because of uncertainty as to the cost of investigation and clean up of the sites, the company’s responsibility for such hazardous substances and the number of and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties.

Because of the uncertainties described above, the company cannot accurately estimate the cost of resolving pending and future environmental matters impacting the company. While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the company’s ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, management does not believe that these matters, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.

Other Legal Proceedings. From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, the company is a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, health and safety and employment matters. While the company is unable to predict

 

32


the outcome of these matters, it does not believe, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in aggregate, including the EIFS and asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.

A subsidiary of the company is a defendant in a number of exterior insulated finish systems (“EIFS”) related lawsuits. As of March 1, 2008, the company’s subsidiary was a defendant in approximately 16 lawsuits and claims related primarily to single-family homes. The EIFS product was used primarily in the residential construction market in the southeastern United States. Some of the lawsuits and claims involve EIFS in commercial or multi-family structures. Lawsuits and claims related to this product line seek monetary relief for water intrusion-related property damages. The company has insurance coverage for certain years with respect to this product line.

As of March 1, 2008, the company had recorded $1.1 million for the probable EIFS-related liabilities and $0.3 million for insurance recoveries, for all remaining EIFS-related liabilities. The company continually reevaluates these amounts.

EIFS-related liabilities include amounts for pending lawsuits and claims as well as unasserted claims. The liabilities are recorded at management’s best estimate of the outcome of the lawsuits and claims taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the individual matters as well as past experience on similar matters. Amounts accrued for the unasserted claims are based primarily on historical experience. Because of the many uncertainties involved with litigation, management has concluded that it is not possible to estimate a range of loss, if any, that would exceed the historical experience-based accrual.

The rollforward of EIFS-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended
March 1, 2008
   Year Ended
December 1, 2007
 

Lawsuits and claims at beginning of period

   15    29  

New lawsuits and claims asserted

   1    5  

Lawsuits and claims settled

   —      (11 )

Lawsuits and claims dismissed

   —      (8 )
           

Lawsuits and claims at end of period

   16    15  

A summary of the aggregate costs and settlement amounts for EIFS-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

 

(in thousands)    13 Weeks Ended
March 1, 2008
   Year Ended
December 1, 2007

Settlements reached

   $ —      $ 283

Defense costs incurred

   $ 183    $ 843

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

   $ 400    $ 580

Plaintiffs in EIFS cases generally seek to have their homes repaired or the EIFS replaced, but a dollar amount for the cost of repair or replacement is not ordinarily specified in the complaint. Although complaints in EIFS cases usually do not contain a specific amount of damages claimed, a complaint may assert that damages exceed a specified amount in order to meet jurisdictional requirements of the court in which the case is filed. Therefore, the company does not believe it is meaningful to disclose the dollar amount of damages asserted in EIFS complaints.

Based on currently available information, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of any pending legal proceedings and claims related to this product line, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse

 

33


effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters. Given the numerous uncertainties surrounding litigation and the projection of future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year and the average cost of disposing of each such claim, the actual costs could be higher or lower than the current estimated reserves or insurance recoveries.

The company and/or its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 25 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by the company or its subsidiaries. The company is typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff establishes that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to the company’s products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

As a result of bankruptcy filings by numerous defendants in asbestos-related litigation and the prospect of national and state legislative reform relating to such litigation, the rate at which plaintiffs filed asbestos-related lawsuits against various companies (including the company) increased in 2001, 2002 and the first half of 2003. Since the second half of 2003, the rate of these filings has declined. However, the company expects that asbestos-related lawsuits will continue to be filed against the company in the future.

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements relating to asbestos-related litigation involving the company continues to be paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which the company acquired a business from a third party. Historically, this third party routinely defended all cases tendered to it and paid settlement amounts resulting from those cases. In the 1990s, the third party sporadically reserved its rights, but continued to defend and settle all asbestos-related claims tendered to it by the company. In 2002, the third party rejected the tender of certain cases by the company and indicated it would seek contributions from the company for past defense costs, settlements and judgments. However, this third party has continued to defend and pay settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party by the company. As discussed below, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the company and a group of other defendants, including the third party obligated to indemnify the company against certain asbestos-related claims, entered into negotiations with certain law firms to settle a number of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims.

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, the company has insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities (including defense costs). Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation involving the company. However, certain of the company’s insurers are insolvent. During 2005, the company and a number of its insurers entered into a cost-sharing agreement that provides for the allocation of defense costs, settlements and judgments among these insurers and the company in certain asbestos-related lawsuits. Under this agreement, the company is required to fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent. The cost-sharing agreement applies only to asbestos litigation involving the company that is not covered by the third-party indemnification arrangements.

During the quarter ended March 1, 2008, the company settled two asbestos-related lawsuits for $93 thousand. The company’s insurers have paid or are expected to pay $61 thousand of that amount. In addition, as referenced above, during the fourth quarter of 2007, the company and a group of other defendants entered into negotiations with certain law firms to settle a number of asbestos-related lawsuits and claims. Subject to finalization of the terms and conditions of the settlement, the company expects to contribute up to $4.6 million towards the settlement amount to be paid to the claimants in exchange for a full release of claims. Of this amount, the company’s insurers have committed to pay $1.9 million based on a probable liability of $4.6 million. Given that the payouts will occur on certain dates over a four-year period, the company applied a present value approach and has accrued $4.4 million and recorded a receivable of $1.8 million.

The company does not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against the company because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products made by the company. Rather, the company believes it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff.

 

34


To the extent the company can reasonably estimate the amount of its probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, the company establishes a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries if certain criteria are met. As of March 1, 2008, the company had $4.8 million accrued for probable liabilities and $2.2 million for insurance recoveries related to asbestos claims. However, the company has concluded that it is not possible to reasonably estimate the cost of disposing of other asbestos-related claims (including claims that might be filed in the future) due to its inability to project future events. Future variables include the number of claims filed or dismissed, proof of exposure to company products, seriousness of the alleged injury, the number and solvency of other defendants in each case, the jurisdiction in which the case is brought, the cost of disposing of such claims, the uncertainty of asbestos litigation, insurance coverage and indemnification agreement issues, and the continuing solvency of certain insurance companies.

Because of the uncertainties described above, the company cannot reasonably estimate the cost of resolving pending and future asbestos-related claims against the company. Based on currently available information, the company does not believe that asbestos-related litigation, individually or in aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the company’s long-term financial condition. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements in such litigation could negatively impact the company’s results of operations or cash flows in one or more future quarters.

In addition to product liability claims discussed above, the company and its subsidiaries are involved in other claims or legal proceedings related to its products, which it believes are not out of the ordinary in a business of the type and size in which it is engaged.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements concerning the company’s future programs, products, expenses, revenue, liquidity and cash needs as well as the company’s plans and strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and the company assumes no obligation to update this information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ significantly from the results described in these forward-looking statements, including the risk factors identified under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2007. There have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed by the company under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2007.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Upon vesting of restricted stock awarded by the company to employees, shares are withheld to cover the employees’ withholding taxes. Information on the company’s purchases of equity securities during the first quarter follows:

 

35


Period

   (a)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   (b)
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   (c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   (d)
Maximum
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

(thousands)

December 2, 2007 – January 5, 2008

   21,459    $ 25.29    2,086      —  

January 6, 2008 – February 2, 2008

   226,953    $ 19.46    218,546    $ 195,735

February 3, 2008 – March 1, 2008

   2,639,662    $ 21.52    2,639,662    $ 138,935

Repurchases of common stock are made to support the company’s stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. On January 24, 2008, the board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200 million of the company’s outstanding common shares after just completing a $100 million stock buyback program, authorized July 11, 2007. Under the new program, the company, at management’s discretion, may repurchase shares for cash on the open market from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The primary source of funding for the new program is expected to be excess cash held in the United States and short-term debt financing. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. In the first quarter of 2008, the company repurchased common shares in the amount $61.1 million under the new program.

Also in the first quarter of 2008, the July 11, 2007 repurchase program was completed with the repurchase of the remaining $53 thousand in shares.

 

1

The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) shares purchased under the board’s authorization described above, and (ii) shares withheld to satisfy the employees’ withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock awarded by the company to employees. There were 27,780 shares withheld in the quarter to satisfy employee tax withholdings.

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

12    Computation of Ratios
31.1    Form of 302 Certification - Michele Volpi
31.2    Form of 302 Certification - James R. Giertz
32.1    Form of 906 Certification - Michele Volpi
32.2    Form of 906 Certification - James R. Giertz

 

 

 

36


SIGNATURES

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

 

  H.B. Fuller Company
Dated: April 4, 2008  

/s/ James R. Giertz

  James R. Giertz
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

Exhibits

 

12    Computation of Ratios
31.1    Form of 302 Certification - Michele Volpi
31.2    Form of 302 Certification - James R. Giertz
32.1    Form of 906 Certification - Michele Volpi
32.2    Form of 906 Certification - James R. Giertz