The Marzetti Company - 10-Q quarterly report FY2015 Q2

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)



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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014



¨	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 000-04065




Lancaster Colony Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Ohio		13-1955943
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

37 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio		43215
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

614-224-7141

(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 ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨

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



Large Accelerated filer	ý	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

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

As of January 23, 2015, there were approximately 27,352,000 shares of Common Stock, without par value, outstanding.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS





PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	19

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	19

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION		20

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	20

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	20

Item 6.	Exhibits	20

SIGNATURES		21

INDEX TO EXHIBITS		22

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION



Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)



(Amounts in thousands, except share data)	December 31, 2014			June 30, 2014
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	256,148		$	211,539
Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts, December-$557; June-$432)	58,910			57,808
Inventories:
Raw materials	28,742			28,069
Finished goods	40,139			46,447
Total inventories	68,881			74,516
Deferred income taxes and other current assets	16,837			23,428
Total current assets	400,776			367,291
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land, buildings and improvements	110,875			107,690
Machinery and equipment	246,577			238,791
Total cost	357,452			346,481
Less accumulated depreciation	186,356			177,807
Property, plant and equipment-net	171,096			168,674
Other Assets:
Goodwill	89,840			89,840
Other intangible assets-net	4,904			5,376
Other noncurrent assets	7,861			7,449
Total	$	674,477		$	638,630
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	41,487		$	37,907
Accrued liabilities	31,036			31,165
Total current liabilities	72,523			69,072
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	21,061			22,208
Deferred Income Taxes	19,626			18,753
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock-authorized 3,050,000 shares; outstanding-none
Common stock-authorized 75,000,000 shares; outstanding – December-27,351,677 shares; June-27,339,421 shares	106,230			104,789
Retained earnings	1,198,315			1,167,211
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7,936		)	(8,061		)
Common stock in treasury, at cost	(735,342		)	(735,342		)
Total shareholders’ equity	561,267			528,597
Total	$	674,477		$	638,630

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net Sales	$	303,411		$	292,281		$	563,398		$	540,418
Cost of Sales	224,758			210,658			427,321			401,624
Gross Margin	78,653			81,623			136,077			138,794
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	28,437			25,438			51,257			46,178
Operating Income	50,216			56,185			84,820			92,616
Interest Income and Other-Net	(47		)	(86		)	(39		)	(124		)
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	50,169			56,099			84,781			92,492
Taxes Based on Income	17,215			18,966			29,066			31,307
Income From Continuing Operations	32,954			37,133			55,715			61,185
Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	—			2,101			—			2,850
Net Income	$	32,954		$	39,234		$	55,715		$	64,035
Income Per Common Share From Continuing Operations:
Basic	$	1.21		$	1.36		$	2.04		$	2.24
Diluted	$	1.20		$	1.36		$	2.04		$	2.24
Income Per Common Share From Discontinued Operations:
Basic and diluted	$	—		$	0.08		$	—		$	0.10
Net Income Per Common Share:
Basic	$	1.21		$	1.44		$	2.04		$	2.35
Diluted	$	1.20		$	1.44		$	2.04		$	2.34

Cash Dividends Per Common Share	$	0.46		$	0.44		$	0.90		$	0.84

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	27,294			27,244			27,290			27,256
Diluted	27,323			27,299			27,319			27,306

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net Income	$	32,954		$	39,234		$	55,715		$	64,035
Other Comprehensive Income:
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans:
Amortization of loss, before tax	100			108			200			216
Amortization of prior service asset, before tax	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	99			107			198			214
Tax Attributes of Items in Other Comprehensive Income:
Amortization of loss, tax	(37		)	(39		)	(73		)	(79		)
Amortization of prior service asset, tax	—			—			—			—
Total Tax Expense	(37		)	(39		)	(73		)	(79		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	62			68			125			135
Comprehensive Income	$	33,016		$	39,302		$	55,840		$	64,170

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)



	Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2014			2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	55,715		$	64,035
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,665			10,649
Deferred income taxes and other noncash changes	1,130			672
Stock-based compensation expense	1,519			1,200
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(242		)	(39		)
Gain on sale of property	—			(6		)
Pension plan activity	(296		)	(122		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(1,227		)	(16,666		)
Inventories	5,635			16,611
Other current assets	7,033			6,716
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,060			1,022
Net cash provided by operating activities	82,992			84,072
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Payments on property additions	(13,069		)	(4,370		)
Proceeds from sale of property	—			6
Other-net	(945		)	(656		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,014		)	(5,020		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Purchase of treasury stock	—			(2,957		)
Payment of dividends	(24,611		)	(22,933		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	242			39
Decrease in cash overdraft balance	—			(324		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(24,369		)	(26,175		)
Net change in cash and equivalents	44,609			52,877
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year	211,539			123,385
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	256,148		$	176,262
Supplemental Disclosure of Operating Cash Flows:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	19,472		$	25,016

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and SEC Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position for such periods. All such adjustments reflected in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior-year results reflect the classification of the sold candle manufacturing and marketing operations as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise noted, the term “year” and references to a particular year pertain to our fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30; for example, 2015 refers to fiscal 2015, which is the period from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and excluded from the property additions and the change in accounts payable in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were as follows:



	December 31,
	2014		2013
Construction in progress in accounts payable	$	1,055	$	68

Accrued Distribution

Accrued distribution costs included in accrued liabilities were approximately $8.3 million and $6.4 million at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights) outstanding during each period. Unvested shares of restricted stock granted to employees are considered participating securities since employees receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under the two-class method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which includes the dilutive potential common shares associated with nonparticipating restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Basic and diluted income per common share from continuing operations were calculated as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Income from continuing operations	$	32,954		$	37,133		$	55,715		$	61,185
Income from continuing operations available to participating securities	(57		)	(51		)	(95		)	(83		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	32,897		$	37,082		$	55,620		$	61,102

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic	27,294			27,244			27,290			27,256
Incremental share effect from:
Nonparticipating restricted stock	3			3			4			4
Stock-settled stock appreciation rights	26			52			25			46
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted	27,323			27,299			27,319			27,306

Income per common share from continuing operations – basic	$	1.21		$	1.36		$	2.04		$	2.24
Income per common share from continuing operations – diluted	$	1.20		$	1.36		$	2.04		$	2.24

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of period	$	(7,998	)	$	(8,324	)	$	(8,061	)	$	(8,391	)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items:
Amortization of unrecognized net loss ⁽¹⁾	107			115			214			230
Postretirement Benefit Plan Items:
Amortization of unrecognized net gain ⁽¹⁾	(7		)	(7		)	(14		)	(14		)
Amortization of prior service asset ⁽¹⁾	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
Total other comprehensive income, before tax	99			107			198			214
Total tax expense	(37		)	(39		)	(73		)	(79		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	62			68			125			135
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(7,936	)	$	(8,256	)	$	(7,936	)	$	(8,256	)

(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit income/cost. See Notes 6 and 7 for additional information.

Significant Accounting Policies

There were no changes to our Significant Accounting Policies from those disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 14-09”) which creates a comprehensive set of guidelines for the recognition of revenue under the principle: “Recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The requirements of ASU 14-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and will require either retrospective application to each prior period presented or retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on our financial position and results of operations.

Note 2 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill attributable to the Specialty Foods segment was approximately $89.8 million at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014.

The following table summarizes our identifiable other intangible assets, all included in the Specialty Foods segment:



	December 31, 2014			June 30, 2014
Trademarks (40-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	370		$	370
Accumulated amortization	(218		)	(214		)
Net carrying value	$	152		$	156
Customer Relationships (12 to 15-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	13,020		$	13,020
Accumulated amortization	(8,268		)	(7,800		)
Net carrying value	$	4,752		$	5,220
Total net carrying value	$	4,904		$	5,376

Amortization expense for our other intangible assets was as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Amortization expense	$	236	$	237	$	472	$	473

Total annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be as follows:




2016	$	775
2017	$	604
2018	$	604
2019	$	604
2020	$	604

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 3 – Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, we had an unsecured credit facility ("Facility") under which we may borrow, on a revolving credit basis, up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time, with potential to expand the total credit availability to $200 million based on obtaining consent of the issuing banks and certain other conditions. The Facility expires on April 18, 2017, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to LIBOR or an alternative base rate defined in the credit agreement, at our option. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. Based on the long-term nature of this Facility, when we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt.

At December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, we had no borrowings outstanding under this Facility. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $4.2 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the Facility. We paid no interest for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. At December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins. At December 31, 2014, we were not aware of any event that would constitute a default under the Facility.

The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions. There are two principal financial covenants: an interest expense test that requires us to maintain an interest coverage ratio not less than 2.5 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter; and an indebtedness test that requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not greater than 3 to 1 at all times. The interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated EBIT (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated Interest Expense (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement), and the leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated Debt (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated EBITDA (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement).

Note 4 – Income Taxes

Prepaid Federal, state and local income taxes of approximately $1.0 million and $9.7 million were included in deferred income taxes and other current assets at December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The significant prepaid balance at June 30, 2014 was due to the impact of the tax effect of the loss on the sale of our candle manufacturing and marketing operations.

The gross tax contingency reserve at December 31, 2014 was approximately $1.0 million and consisted of tax liabilities of approximately $0.6 million and penalties and interest of approximately $0.4 million. We have not classified any of the gross tax contingency reserve as current liabilities as none of these amounts are expected to be resolved within the next 12 months. The entire liability of approximately $1.0 million was included in other noncurrent liabilities. We expect that the amount of these liabilities will change within the next 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations. We recognize interest and penalties related to these tax liabilities in income tax expense.

Note 5 – Stock-Based Compensation

Our shareholders previously approved the adoption of and subsequent amendments to the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan reserved 2,000,000 common shares for issuance to our employees and directors, and all awards granted under the 2005 Plan will be exercisable at prices not less than fair market value as of the date of the grant. The vesting period for awards granted under the 2005 Plan varies as to the type of award granted, but generally these awards have a maximum term of five years.

Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

We use periodic grants of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSSARs”) as a vehicle for rewarding certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value. We calculate the fair value of SSSARs grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our policy is to issue shares upon SSSARs exercise from new shares that had been previously authorized.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

There were no SSSARs grants in the six months ended December 31, 2014. In August 2013, we granted SSSARs under the terms of the 2005 Plan. The following table summarizes information relating to this grant:



	Six Months Ended December 31, 2013
SSSARs granted	2
Weighted average grant date fair value per right	$	10.14
Weighted average assumptions used in fair value calculations:
Risk-free interest rate	0.61		%
Dividend yield	2.01		%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock	23.00		%
Weighted average expected life in years	2.68

For this grant, the volatility factor was estimated based on actual historical volatility of our stock for a time period equal to the term of the SSSARs. The expected average life was determined based on historical exercise experience for this type of grant. The SSSARs we grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date, one-third on the second anniversary of the grant date and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant date. As needed, we estimate a forfeiture rate for our SSSARs grants based on historical experience.

We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period. Compensation expense was reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We recorded tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to SSSARs. These excess tax benefits were included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our continuing operations SSSARs compensation expense and tax benefits recorded:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Compensation expense	$	231	$	203	$	585	$	500
Tax benefits	$	81	$	71	$	205	$	175
Intrinsic value of exercises	$	178	$	70	$	656	$	88
Excess tax benefits	$	63	$	25	$	230	$	31

The total fair values of SSSARs vested were as follows:



	Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Fair value of vested rights	$	7	$	—

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes the activity relating to SSSARs granted under the 2005 Plan for the six months ended December 31, 2014:



	Number of Rights		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of year	358		$	76.75
Exercised	(43	)	$	63.86
Granted	—		$	—
Forfeited	(31	)	$	79.42
Outstanding at end of period	284		$	78.40	3.24	$	4,325
Exercisable and vested at end of period	42		$	65.66	1.82	$	1,178
Vested and expected to vest at end of period	278		$	78.38	3.24	$	4,236

At December 31, 2014, there was approximately $1.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to SSSARs that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years.

Restricted Stock

We use periodic grants of restricted stock as a vehicle for rewarding our nonemployee directors and certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value.

There were no grants of restricted stock to employees during the six months ended December 31, 2014. In August 2013, we granted 200 shares of restricted stock under the terms of the 2005 Plan. The grant date fair value was approximately $16,000 and the grant date fair value per award was $79.78. The restricted stock under this employee grant vests on the third anniversary of the grant date. As needed, we estimate a forfeiture rate for our restricted stock grants based on historical experience. Under the terms of our grants, employees receive dividends on unforfeited restricted stock regardless of their vesting status. No employee restricted stock vested during the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

In November 2014 and 2013, we granted shares of restricted stock to our nonemployee directors under the terms of the 2005 Plan. The following table summarizes information relating to each of these grants:



	Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Nonemployee directors
Restricted stock granted	7		6
Grant date fair value	$	639	$	490
Weighted average grant date fair value per award	$	92.92	$	84.42

The 2015 grant vests over a one-year period, and all of these shares are expected to vest. Dividends earned on the stock during the vesting period will be paid to the directors at the time the stock vests. Approximately 6,000 and 7,000 shares of nonemployee director restricted stock vested in the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the directors were paid the related dividends.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period. Compensation expense was reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We recorded tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to restricted stock. These excess tax benefits were included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our continuing operations restricted stock compensation expense and tax benefits recorded:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Compensation expense	$	477	$	331	$	934	$	661
Tax benefits	$	167	$	116	$	327	$	231
Excess tax benefits	$	12	$	6	$	12	$	8

The total fair values of restricted stock vested were as follows:



	Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Fair value of vested shares	$	490	$	490

The following table summarizes the activity relating to restricted stock granted under the 2005 Plan for the six months ended December 31, 2014:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested restricted stock at beginning of year	58		$	79.09
Granted	7		$	92.92
Vested	(6	)	$	84.24
Forfeited	(3	)	$	78.62
Unvested restricted stock at end of period	56		$	80.27

At December 31, 2014, there was approximately $2.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years.

Note 6 – Pension Benefits

We sponsor multiple defined benefit pension plans that covered certain union workers. However, as a result of prior-years' restructuring activities, for all periods presented, we no longer have any active employees continuing to accrue service cost or otherwise eligible to receive plan benefits. Benefits being paid under the plans are primarily based on negotiated rates and years of service. We contribute to these plans at least the minimum amount required by regulation.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income for our pension plans:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Components of net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$	403		$	438		$	806		$	876
Expected return on plan assets	(658		)	(614		)	(1,316		)	(1,228		)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	107			115			214			230
Net periodic benefit income	$	(148	)	$	(61	)	$	(296	)	$	(122	)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, we made no pension plan contributions and we do not expect to make any contributions to our pension plans during 2015.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7 – Postretirement Benefits

We and certain of our operating subsidiaries provide multiple postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We recognize the cost of benefits as the employees render service. Postretirement benefits are funded as incurred.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement plans:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	8		$	8		$	16		$	16
Interest cost	27			32			54			64
Amortization of unrecognized net gain	(7		)	(7		)	(14		)	(14		)
Amortization of prior service asset	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	27		$	32		$	54		$	64

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, we made approximately $27,000 and $54,000, respectively, in contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We expect to make approximately $0.1 million more in contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans during the remainder of 2015.

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2014, we were a party to various claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Such matters did not have a material effect on the current-year results of operations and, in our opinion, their ultimate disposition will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 9 – Business Segment Information

The following summary of financial information by business segment is consistent with the basis of segmentation and measurement of segment profit or loss presented in our June 30, 2014 consolidated financial statements. The December 31, 2014 identifiable assets by reportable segment are generally consistent with that of June 30, 2014.



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net Sales - Specialty Foods	$	303,411		$	292,281		$	563,398		$	540,418
Operating Income
Specialty Foods	$	53,240		$	59,413		$	90,739		$	98,956
Corporate Expenses	(3,024		)	(3,228		)	(5,919		)	(6,340		)
Total	$	50,216		$	56,185		$	84,820		$	92,616

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

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year; for example, 2015 refers to fiscal 2015, which is the period from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, all included elsewhere in this report. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this report involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, including statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and financial performance. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to these factors. For more information, see the section below entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

Business Overview

Lancaster Colony Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets.

We also manufactured and marketed candles for the food, drug and mass markets until that business was sold on January 30, 2014. The financial results of these operations, previously included in our Glassware and Candles segment, are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein.

Our operations are organized into one reportable segment: “Specialty Foods.” The sales of this segment are predominately domestic.

We view this segment as having the potential to achieve future growth in sales and profitability due to attributes such as:


•	leading retail market positions in several branded products with a high-quality perception;


•	a broad customer base in both retail and foodservice accounts;


•	well-regarded culinary expertise among foodservice accounts;


•	recognized leadership in foodservice product development;


•	experience in integrating complementary business acquisitions; and


•	historically strong cash flow generation that supports growth opportunities.

Our goal is to grow both retail and foodservice sales over time by:


•	leveraging the strength of our retail brands to increase current product sales;


•	introducing new products and expanding into new channels;


•	growing our foodservice sales through the strength of our reputation in product development and quality; and


•	pursuing acquisitions that meet our strategic criteria.

We have made substantial capital investments to support our existing food operations and future growth opportunities. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe our capital expenditures for 2015 could total approximately $20 million.

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Net Sales and Gross Margin



	Three Months Ended December 31,											Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Change					2014			2013			Change
Net Sales - Specialty Foods	$	303,411		$	292,281		$	11,130		4	%	$	563,398		$	540,418		$	22,980		4	%
Gross Margin	$	78,653		$	81,623		$	(2,970	)	(4	)%	$	136,077		$	138,794		$	(2,717	)	(2	)%
Gross Margin as a Percentage of Net Sales	25.9		%	27.9		%						24.2		%	25.7		%

Net sales for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 increased approximately 4%, and, in general, the growth was driven by volume. Retail net sales increased approximately 1% and 3% during the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively, on higher sales of New York BRAND^® frozen garlic bread, Olive Garden^® retail dressings and Marzetti^®refrigerated dressings, but were offset in part by increased promotional spending on some retail product offerings and by placement costs for new products. Foodservice net sales improved approximately 7% and 5% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, primarily due to increased sales to national chain restaurants. In general, the impacts of pricing for both retail and foodservice were less than 1% of segment net sales. The segment's overall sales volume, as measured by pounds shipped, is estimated to have improved by approximately 4% for both the three and six months ended December 31, 2014.

Gross margin percentages declined for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, as the benefits from the improved sales volumes were offset by increased operating costs due to ongoing capacity constraints in our dressing manufacturing, higher freight expense, and the increased promotional spending on some retail product offerings and placement costs for new products. We estimate that lower material costs beneficially affected the segment's gross margins by less than 1% of net sales for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses



	Three Months Ended December 31,										Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Change				2014			2013			Change
SG&A Expenses	$	28,437		$	25,438		$	2,999	12	%	$	51,257		$	46,178		$	5,079	11	%
SG&A Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales	9.4		%	8.7		%					9.1		%	8.5		%

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 12% and 11% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively. The increase in these costs was driven by higher consumer promotional spending on new products, as well as increased consumer spending on certain branded retail products.

Operating Income

The foregoing factors contributed to consolidated operating income totaling approximately $50.2 million and $84.8 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Our operating income can be summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,											Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2014			2013			Change					2014			2013			Change
Operating Income
Specialty Foods	$	53,240		$	59,413		$	(6,173	)	(10	)%	$	90,739		$	98,956		$	(8,217	)	(8	)%
Corporate Expenses	(3,024		)	(3,228		)	204			(6	)%	(5,919		)	(6,340		)	421			(7	)%
Total	$	50,216		$	56,185		$	(5,969	)	(11	)%	$	84,820		$	92,616		$	(7,796	)	(8	)%
Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales
Specialty Foods	17.5		%	20.3		%						16.1		%	18.3		%
Total	16.6		%	19.2		%						15.1		%	17.1		%

Looking forward, as we enter the second half of our fiscal year, we anticipate continued investment in certain branded retail products and promotional costs to support new products introduced last spring. We expect continued higher freight costs, but we anticipate material costs, net of the impacts of deflationary foodservice pricing, to be neutral for the balance of the fiscal year. We also foresee the second half will gradually begin to capture the cost benefits from the recently completed dressing capacity expansion project in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Finally, given this year's earlier Easter holiday, we anticipate a shift in some of our net sales and related consumer activities into our fiscal third quarter.

Interest Income and Other – Net

Interest income and other was not material in the three and six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 due to the nominal interest rates earned by us on our cash balances and our capital structure.

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

As impacted by the factors discussed above, income from continuing operations before income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 decreased by approximately $5.9 million to $50.2 million from the prior-year total of $56.1 million. Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $84.8 million and $92.5 million, respectively. Consistent with our expectations and guidance, our effective tax rate was 34.3% for the six months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the prior-year rate of 33.8%.

Income From Continuing Operations

Second quarter income from continuing operations for 2015 of approximately $33.0 million decreased from the preceding year's income from continuing operations for the quarter of $37.1 million, as influenced by the factors noted above. Our weighted average shares outstanding remained fairly consistent for all periods due to the absence of or limited levels of share grants or share repurchases. Consequently, and as largely influenced by the decline in income from continuing operations, diluted income per common share from continuing operations declined from $1.36 for the prior year to $1.20 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2015. Year-to-date income from continuing operations of approximately $55.7 million decreased from the prior year-to-date total of $61.2 million. Year-to-date income from continuing operations per share was $2.04 per diluted share compared to $2.24 per diluted share for the prior-year period.

Income From Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

There were no discontinued operations in 2015. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, totaled approximately $2.1 million and $2.8 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2013, respectively. Income from discontinued operations per share for the second quarter of 2014 was $0.08 per diluted share. Year-to-date income from discontinued operations per share was $0.10 per diluted share for the six months ended December 31, 2013.

Net Income

Second quarter net income for 2015 of approximately $33.0 million decreased from the preceding year’s net income for the quarter of $39.2 million, as influenced by the factors noted above. Year-to-date net income of approximately $55.7 million was lower than the prior year-to-date total of $64.0 million. Net income per share for the second quarter of 2015 totaled $1.20 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.44 per diluted share in the prior year. Year-to-date net income per share was $2.04 per diluted share, as compared to $2.34 per diluted share for the prior-year period.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

For the six months ended December 31, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $83.0 million, as compared to $84.1 million in the prior-year period. The slight decrease results from the decrease in net income being largely offset by the net increase in the relative changes in working capital, particularly accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable. The prior-year receivables and inventory included the seasonal impact of our disposed Glassware and Candles segment.

Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $14.0 million, as compared to $5.0 million in the prior year. This increase reflected a higher level of capital expenditures in 2015, the majority of this being spent on our processing capacity expansion project at our Horse Cave, Kentucky dressing facility, which was essentially complete at December 31, 2014.

Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 of approximately $24.4 million decreased from the prior-year total of $26.2 million. This decrease was primarily due to the absence of share repurchases in the current year compared to $3.0 million of repurchases in the prior year, as partially offset by higher dividend payments. At December 31, 2014, approximately 1,426,000 shares remained authorized for future buyback under the existing share repurchase program.

Under our unsecured revolving credit facility ("Facility"), we may borrow up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. We had no borrowings outstanding under this Facility at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $4.2 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the Facility. The Facility expires in April 2017, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to LIBOR or an alternative base rate defined in the credit agreement, at our option. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Based on the long-term nature of this Facility, when we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt.

The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions, and financial covenants relating to interest coverage and leverage. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all applicable provisions and covenants of the Facility, and we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins.

We currently expect to remain in compliance with the Facility’s covenants for the foreseeable future. However, a default under the Facility could accelerate the repayment of any outstanding indebtedness and limit our access to additional credit available under the Facility. Such an event could require curtailment of cash dividends or share repurchases, reduce or delay beneficial expansion or investment plans, or otherwise impact our ability to meet our obligations when due. At December 31, 2014, we were not aware of any event that would constitute a default under the Facility.

We believe that internally generated funds and our existing balances in cash and equivalents, in addition to our currently available bank credit arrangements, should be adequate to meet our cash requirements through 2015. If we were to borrow outside of our Facility under current market terms, our average interest rate may increase significantly and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We have various contractual obligations that are appropriately recorded as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain other items, such as purchase obligations, are not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Examples of such purchase obligations are commitments to purchase raw materials or inventory that has not yet been received as of December 31, 2014 and future minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements. Aside from expected changes in raw-material needs due to changes in product demand, there have been no significant changes to the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes in critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

There were no recently adopted accounting pronouncements that impacted our consolidated financial statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the PSLRA and other applicable securities laws. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “hope” or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations; contain projections regarding future developments, operations or financial conditions; or state other forward-looking information. Such statements are based upon assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements involve various important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which we have no, or limited, control including, without limitation, the specific influences outlined below. Management believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable; however, one should not place undue reliance on such statements that are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Items which could impact these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:


•	the potential for loss of larger programs or key customer relationships;


•	the effect of consolidation of customers within key market channels;


•	the success and cost of new product development efforts;


•	the lack of market acceptance of new products;


•	price and product competition;


•	the reaction of customers or consumers to the effect of price increases we may implement;


•	the possible occurrence of product recalls or mislabeled product costs;


•	changes in demand for our products, which may result from loss of brand reputation or customer goodwill;


•	maintenance of competitive position with respect to other manufacturers;


•	the extent to which future business acquisitions are completed and acceptably integrated;


•	efficiencies in plant operations;


•	fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials and packaging;


•	capacity constraints that may affect our ability to meet demand or may increase our costs;


•	dependence on contract manufacturers;


•	stability of labor relations;


•	adverse changes in freight, energy or other costs of producing, distributing or transporting our products;


•	the impact of fluctuations in our pension plan asset values on funding levels, contributions required and benefit costs;


•	dependence on key personnel;


•	changes in financial markets;


•	access to any required financing;


•	changes in estimates in critical accounting judgments;


•	the outcome of any litigation or arbitration; and


•	certain other factors, including the information disclosed in our discussion of risk factors under Item 1A of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is 1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and 2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

(c) In November 2010, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 shares, of which approximately 1,426,000 shares remained authorized for future repurchases at December 31, 2014. This share repurchase authorization does not have a stated expiration date. In the second quarter, we did not repurchase any of our common stock.



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans
October 1-31, 2014	—	$	—	—	1,425,949
November 1-30, 2014	—	$	—	—	1,425,949
December 1-31, 2014	—	$	—	—	1,425,949
Total	—	$	—	—	1,425,949

Item 6. Exhibits

See Index to Exhibits following Signatures.

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.




		LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
			(Registrant)
Date:	February 6, 2015	By:	/s/ JOHN B. GERLACH, JR.
			John B. Gerlach, Jr.
			Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
			President and Director
			(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:	February 6, 2015	By:	/s/ DOUGLAS A. FELL
			Douglas A. Fell
			Treasurer, Vice President,
			Assistant Secretary and
			Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

DECEMBER 31, 2014

INDEX TO EXHIBITS




Exhibit Number	Description	Located at

31.1	Certification of CEO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

31.2	Certification of CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

32	Certification of CEO and CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Furnished herewith

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed herewith

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	Filed herewith

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

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