Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended May 31, 2014

Commission File Number: 1-9852

 

CHASE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Massachusetts

 

11-1797126

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
of organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

26 Summer Street, Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02324

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

 

(508) 819-4200

(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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  x  NO  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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  x  NO  o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

 

Non-accelerated filer o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company o

 

 

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

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 30, 2014 was 9,128,778.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended May 31, 2014

 

Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1 — Unaudited Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013

4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013

5

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the nine months ended May 31, 2014

6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013

7

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8

 

 

 

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

19

 

 

Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

27

 

 

Item 4 — Controls and Procedures

28

 

 

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

29

 

 

Item 1A — Risk Factors

29

 

 

Item 6 — Exhibits

29

 

 

SIGNATURES

30

 

2



Table of Contents

 

Part 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 — Unaudited Financial Statements

 

CHASE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

 

 

May 31,

 

August 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash & cash equivalents

 

$

42,575

 

$

29,997

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $726 and $696

 

34,334

 

32,084

 

Inventories

 

32,658

 

32,048

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,420

 

1,826

 

Due from sale of product line

 

739

 

 

Assets held for sale, net

 

 

1,905

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,115

 

2,115

 

Total current assets

 

114,841

 

99,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

44,701

 

45,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

38,360

 

37,815

 

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $21,779 and $17,554

 

28,752

 

31,781

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

7,319

 

7,278

 

Restricted investments

 

1,197

 

1,094

 

Funded pension plan

 

1,237

 

1,014

 

Other assets

 

186

 

211

 

 

 

$

236,593

 

$

224,360

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

13,592

 

$

12,416

 

Accrued payroll and other compensation

 

4,256

 

7,046

 

Accrued expenses

 

5,012

 

5,171

 

Accrued income taxes

 

1,273

 

2,161

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

6,650

 

5,600

 

Total current liabilities

 

30,783

 

32,394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

53,550

 

58,800

 

Deferred compensation

 

1,972

 

1,897

 

Accumulated pension obligation

 

8,010

 

7,834

 

Other liabilities

 

138

 

108

 

Deferred income taxes

 

9,437

 

9,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

First Serial Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value: Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued

 

 

 

Common stock, $.10 par value: Authorized 20,000,000 shares; 9,110,972 shares at May 31, 2014 and 9,066,115 shares at August 31, 2013 issued and outstanding

 

911

 

907

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

14,142

 

13,336

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(2,660

)

(5,163

)

Retained earnings

 

119,260

 

103,734

 

Chase Corporation stockholders’ equity

 

131,653

 

112,814

 

Non-controlling interest related to NEPTCO joint venture

 

1,050

 

1,046

 

Total equity

 

132,703

 

113,860

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

236,593

 

$

224,360

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

56,973

 

$

55,096

 

$

161,040

 

$

155,787

 

Royalties and commissions

 

625

 

636

 

1,932

 

1,718

 

 

 

57,598

 

55,732

 

162,972

 

157,505

 

Costs and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products and services sold

 

37,067

 

36,833

 

106,496

 

107,571

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

10,518

 

10,784

 

30,887

 

32,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

10,013

 

8,115

 

25,589

 

17,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(278

)

(312

)

(866

)

(989

)

Gain on sale of product line (Note 8)

 

 

 

5,706

 

 

Other income (expense)

 

(10

)

(2

)

(240

)

282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

9,725

 

7,801

 

30,189

 

16,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

3,404

 

2,730

 

10,566

 

5,945

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

6,321

 

5,071

 

19,623

 

11,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss (gain) attributable to non-controlling interest

 

3

 

63

 

(4

)

277

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation

 

$

6,324

 

$

5,134

 

$

19,619

 

$

11,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders, per common and common equivalent share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.57

 

$

2.16

 

$

1.25

 

Diluted

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.56

 

$

2.11

 

$

1.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

8,950,763

 

8,864,047

 

8,943,849

 

8,856,813

 

Diluted

 

9,165,482

 

8,966,756

 

9,161,343

 

8,949,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid per share

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.40

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

4



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

Net income

 

$

6,321

 

$

5,071

 

$

19,623

 

$

11,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on restricted investments, net of tax

 

(27

)

33

 

46

 

66

 

Change in funded status of pension plans, net of tax

 

48

 

32

 

144

 

925

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

130

 

34

 

2,313

 

(993

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

151

 

99

 

2,503

 

(2

)

Comprehensive income

 

6,472

 

5,170

 

22,126

 

11,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest

 

3

 

63

 

(4

)

277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Chase Corporation

 

$

6,475

 

$

5,233

 

$

22,122

 

$

11,316

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

5



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

NINE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2014

(UNAUDITED)

 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

Chase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Stockholders’

 

Non-conrolling

 

Total

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income (loss)

 

Earnings

 

Equity

 

Interest

 

Equity

 

Balance at August 31, 2013

 

9,066,115

 

$

907

 

$

13,336

 

$

(5,163

)

$

103,734

 

$

112,814

 

$

1,046

 

$

113,860

 

Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures

 

32,851

 

3

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted stock grants

 

 

 

 

 

634

 

 

 

 

 

634

 

 

 

634

 

Amortization of stock option grants

 

 

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

Exercise of stock options

 

37,210

 

4

 

607

 

 

 

 

 

611

 

 

 

611

 

Common stock received for payment of stock option exercises

 

(18,981

)

(2

)

(577

)

 

 

 

 

(579

)

 

 

(579

)

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

 

 

156

 

 

 

156

 

Common stock retained to pay statutory minimum withholding taxes on common stock

 

(6,223

)

(1

)

(189

)

 

 

 

 

(190

)

 

 

(190

)

Annual cash dividend paid, $0.45 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,093

)

(4,093

)

 

 

(4,093

)

Change in funded status of pension plan, net of tax of $78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

144

 

 

 

144

 

 

 

144

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,313

 

 

 

2,313

 

 

 

2,313

 

Net unrealized gain on restricted investments, net of tax of $26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

46

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,619

 

19,619

 

4

 

19,623

 

Balance at May 31, 2014

 

9,110,972

 

$

911

 

$

14,142

 

$

(2,660

)

$

119,260

 

$

131,653

 

$

1,050

 

$

132,703

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

6



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

19,623

 

$

11,041

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

(4

)

(11

)

Gain on sale of product line

 

(5,706

)

 

Depreciation

 

4,278

 

4,418

 

Amortization

 

3,584

 

3,598

 

Cost of sale of inventory step-up

 

 

564

 

Provision (recovery) on allowance for doubtful accounts

 

10

 

(260

)

Stock based compensation

 

812

 

1,248

 

Realized gain on restricted investments

 

(57

)

(42

)

Decrease in cash surrender value life insurance

 

90

 

112

 

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

 

(156

)

(7

)

Pension curtailment and settlement loss

 

 

1,223

 

Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(1,956

)

1,232

 

Inventories

 

(2,649

)

(4,330

)

Prepaid expenses & other assets

 

(520

)

(948

)

Accounts payable

 

1,018

 

131

 

Accrued compensation and other expenses

 

(2,985

)

(2,373

)

Accrued income taxes

 

(779

)

(718

)

Deferred compensation

 

76

 

147

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

14,679

 

15,025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(3,460

)

(2,675

)

Cost to acquire intangible assets

 

(105

)

(281

)

Contingent purchase price paid for acquisition

 

(156

)

(141

)

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

84

 

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

 

14

 

105

 

Net proceeds from sale of product line

 

9,179

 

 

Contributions from restricted investments

 

24

 

(41

)

Payments for cash surrender value life insurance

 

(137

)

(137

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

5,359

 

(3,086

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings on debt

 

2,104

 

313

 

Payments of principal on debt

 

(6,304

)

(4,513

)

Dividend paid

 

(4,093

)

(3,626

)

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 

32

 

209

 

Payments of statutory minimum taxes on stock options and restricted stock

 

(190

)

(209

)

Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation

 

156

 

7

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(8,295

)

(7,819

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCREASE IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

11,743

 

4,120

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash

 

835

 

(251

)

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

29,997

 

15,180

 

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

42,575

 

$

19,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock received for payment of stock option exercises

 

$

579

 

$

209

 

Property, plant & equipment additions included in accounts payable

 

$

59

 

$

74

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

7



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Therefore, they do not include all information and footnote disclosure necessary for a complete presentation of Chase Corporation’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Chase Corporation (the “Company,” “Chase,” “we,” or “us”) filed audited consolidated financial statements, which included all information and notes necessary for such presentation for the three years ended August 31, 2013 in conjunction with its 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The results of operations for the interim periods ended May 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period or the entire fiscal year.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2013, which are contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of May 31, 2014, the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, and changes in equity for the interim period ended May 31, 2014.

 

The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company uses the US dollar as the reporting currency for financial reporting.  The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s UK based operations are measured using the UK pound sterling as the functional currency and the financial position and results of operations of the Company’s operations based in France are measured using the euro as the functional currency.  Foreign currency translation gains and losses are determined using current exchange rates for monetary items and historical exchange rates for other balance sheet items and are recorded as a change in other comprehensive income.  Translation gains and losses generated from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign operations are included in other (expense) / income on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company identified an immaterial error in the statement of comprehensive income within the Company’s previously reported unaudited financial statements for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013.  In those fiscal quarters, the Company properly recorded pension settlement losses that resulted from lump sum distributions to pension plan participants in earnings, but did not properly reclassify the amount out of Equity—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).  As a result, the Company revised the reclassification adjustment for the change in funded status of pension plans line item from $139 to $925 for the nine months ended May 31, 2013.  There was no impact on the comparing balance sheet or the related statement of operations, and statement of cash flows.

 

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date.  Based on this evaluation, the Company is not aware of any events or transactions that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 2 — Recent Accounting Policies

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):  Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”.  This ASU expands the presentation of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The new guidance requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income either on the face of the net income statement or as a separate disclosure in the notes. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012.  The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (See Note 13 for additional details).  The provisions of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services.  The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017 (fiscal 2018), including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Note 3 — Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:

 

 

 

May 31, 2014

 

August 31, 2013

 

Raw materials

 

$

15,048

 

$

14,545

 

Work in process

 

7,084

 

5,967

 

Finished goods

 

10,526

 

11,536

 

Total Inventories

 

$

32,658

 

$

32,048

 

 

9



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 4 — Net Income Per Share

 

The Company has unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends which are considered participating securities under ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”.  The Company allocates earnings to participating securities and computes earnings per share using the two class method.  The determination of earnings per share under the two-class method is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation

 

$

6,324

 

$

5,134

 

$

19,619

 

$

11,318

 

Less: Allocated to participating securities

 

106

 

120

 

333

 

259

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

6,218

 

$

5,014

 

$

19,286

 

$

11,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

8,950,763

 

8,864,047

 

8,943,849

 

8,856,813

 

Net income per share - Basic

 

$

0.69

 

$

0.57

 

$

2.16

 

$

1.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation

 

$

6,324

 

$

5,134

 

$

19,619

 

$

11,318

 

Less: Allocated to participating securities

 

103

 

118

 

325

 

256

 

Net income available to common shareholders

 

$

6,221

 

$

5,016

 

$

19,294

 

$

11,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

8,950,763

 

8,864,047

 

8,943,849

 

8,856,813

 

Additional dilutive common stock equivalents

 

214,719

 

102,709

 

217,494

 

93,150

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

9,165,482

 

8,966,756

 

9,161,343

 

8,949,963

 

Net income per share - Diluted

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.56

 

$

2.11

 

$

1.24

 

 

For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014, stock options to purchase 25,969 and 18,222 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted income per share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive shares for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2013.  Included in the calculation of dilutive common stock equivalents are the unvested portion of restricted stock and stock options.

 

Note 5 — Stock Based Compensation

 

In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the fiscal year 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2013 LTIP”) for the executive officers.  The 2013 LTIP is an equity-based plan with a grant date of October 22, 2012 and contains a performance and service-based restricted stock grant of 11,861 shares in the aggregate, subject to adjustment, with a vesting date of August 31, 2015.  Based on the fiscal year 2013 financial results, 11,861 additional shares of restricted stock (total of 23,722 shares) were earned and granted subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2013 in accordance with the performance measurement criteria.  No further performance-based measurements apply to this award.  Compensation expense is being recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.

 

In September 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the fiscal year 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2014 LTIP”) for the executive officers and other members of management.  The 2014 LTIP is an equity-based plan with a grant date of September 1, 2013 and contains the following equity components:

 

Restricted Shares — (a) performance and service-based restricted stock grant of 7,529 shares in the aggregate, subject to adjustment, with a vesting date of August 31, 2016.  Compensation expense is

 

10



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period based on quarterly probability assessments; (b) time-based restricted stock grant of 8,323 and 1,040 shares in the aggregate, with vesting dates of August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2014, respectively.  Compensation expense is recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.

 

Stock options — options to purchase 25,969 shares of common stock in the aggregate with an exercise price of $29.72 per share.  The options will vest in three equal annual allotments beginning on August 31, 2014 and ending on August 31, 2016. The options will expire on August 31, 2023.  Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award on an annual basis consistent with the vesting terms.

 

As part of their annual retainer, non-employee members of the Board of Directors receive a combined total of $144 of Chase Corporation common stock, in the form of restricted stock valued in conjunction with the start of the new year of Board service which generally coincides with the Company’s annual shareholder meeting.  The stock award vests one year from the date of grant.  In February 2014, non-employee members of the Board received a total grant of 4,878 shares of restricted stock for service for the period from January 31, 2014 through January 31, 2015.  The shares of restricted stock will vest at the conclusion of this service period.  Compensation is being recognized on a ratable basis over the twelve month vesting period.

 

Note 6 — Segment Data & Foreign Operations

 

The Company is organized into two operating segments, an Industrial Materials segment and a Construction Materials segment.  The segments are distinguished by the nature of the products and how they are delivered to their respective markets.

 

The Industrial Materials segment reflects specified products that are used in, or integrated into, another company’s product with demand dependent upon general economic conditions.  Industrial Materials products include insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, moisture protective coatings for electronics and printing services, laminated durable papers, laminates for the packaging and industrial laminate markets, pulling and detection tapes used in the installation, measurement and location of fiber optic cables, water and natural gas lines, cover tapes essential to delivering semiconductor components via tape and reel packaging, and wind energy composite materials and elements.  Additionally, the Industrial Materials segment includes a joint venture which produces glass-based strength elements designed to allow fiber optic cables to withstand mechanical and environmental strain and stress.

 

The Construction Materials segment comprises project-oriented product offerings that are primarily sold and used as “Chase” branded products.  Construction Materials products include protective coatings for pipeline applications, coating and lining systems for use in liquid storage and containment applications, high performance polymeric asphalt additives, and expansion and control joint systems for use in the transportation and architectural markets.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

The following tables summarize information about the Company’s reportable segments:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

$

42,678

 

$

43,146

 

$

124,268

 

$

120,897

 

Construction Materials

 

14,920

 

12,586

 

38,704

 

36,608

 

Total

 

$

57,598

 

$

55,732

 

$

162,972

 

$

157,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

$

8,935

 

$

8,504

 

$

30,250

(a)

$

18,972

 

Construction Materials

 

2,783

 

1,544

 

5,241

 

3,616

 

Total for reportable segments

 

11,718

 

10,048

 

35,491

 

22,588

 

Corporate and Common Costs

 

(1,993

)

(2,247

)

(5,302

)

(5,602

)

Total

 

$

9,725

 

$

7,801

 

$

30,189

 

$

16,986

 

 


(a)         Includes $5,706 gain on sale of Insulfab product line

 

The Company’s products are sold world-wide.  For the quarters ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, sales from its operations located in the United Kingdom accounted for 11% and 6% of total Company revenues, respectively.  In the fiscal year to date period, sales from its operations located in the United Kingdom accounted for 10% of total Company revenues compared to 7% in the same period in fiscal 2013.  No other foreign geographic area accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues for the three and nine month periods ended May 31, 2014 and 2013.

 

Total assets for the Company’s reportable segments as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:

 

 

 

May 31, 2014

 

August 31, 2013

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

$

130,068

 

$

133,110

 

Construction Materials

 

50,411

 

48,573

 

Total for reportable segments

 

180,479

 

181,683

 

Corporate and Common Assets

 

56,114

 

42,677

 

Total

 

$

236,593

 

$

224,360

 

 

As of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, the Company had long-lived assets (that provide the future economic benefit beyond the current year or operating period, including buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements) of $4,282 and $4,063, respectively, located in the United Kingdom.  These balances exclude goodwill and intangibles of $10,297 and $10,333, as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively, associated with its operations in the United Kingdom.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 7 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:

 

 

 

Construction 
Materials

 

Industrial 
Materials

 

Consolidated

 

Balance at August 31, 2013

 

$

10,735

 

$

27,080

 

$

37,815

 

Acquisition of Paper Tyger - additional earnout

 

 

156

 

156

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

20

 

369

 

389

 

Balance at May 31, 2014

 

$

10,755

 

$

27,605

 

$

38,360

 

 

The Company’s goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit based on the nature of the products manufactured by the respective business combinations that originally created the goodwill.   The Company identified several reporting units within each of its two operating segments that are used to evaluate the possible impairment of goodwill.  Goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value.  Assessments of possible impairment of goodwill are made when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable through future operations.  Additionally, testing for possible impairment of recorded goodwill balances is required annually.  The amount and timing of any impairment charges based on these assessments require the estimation of future cash flows and the fair market value of the related assets based on management’s best estimates of certain key factors, including future selling prices and volumes, operating, raw material and energy costs, and various other projected operating and economic factors.  When testing, fair values of the reporting units and the related implied fair values of their respective goodwill are established using public company analysis and discounted cash flows. The Company evaluates the possible impairment of goodwill annually each fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Amortization Period

 

Value

 

Amortization

 

Value

 

May 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents and agreements

 

11.8 years

 

$

3,327

 

$

2,225

 

$

1,102

 

Formulas

 

9.1 years

 

5,862

 

2,723

 

3,139

 

Trade names

 

5.7 years

 

6,417

 

2,899

 

3,518

 

Customer lists and relationships

 

10.2 years

 

34,925

 

13,932

 

20,993

 

 

 

 

 

$

50,531

 

$

21,779

 

$

28,752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents and agreements

 

11.9 years

 

$

3,198

 

$

2,200

 

$

998

 

Formulas

 

9.1 years

 

5,772

 

2,238

 

3,534

 

Trade names

 

5.7 years

 

6,345

 

2,055

 

4,290

 

Customer lists and relationships

 

10.2 years

 

34,020

 

11,061

 

22,959

 

 

 

 

 

$

49,335

 

$

17,554

 

$

31,781

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3,584 and $3,598, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year 2014 and for future periods is as follows:

 

13



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Years ending August 31,

 

 

 

2014 (remaining 3 months)

 

$

1,236

 

2015

 

4,766

 

2016

 

4,707

 

2017

 

4,678

 

2018

 

4,120

 

2019

 

3,335

 

 

 

$

22,842

 

 

Note 8 — Sale of Insulfab Product Line

 

On October 7, 2013, the Company sold substantially all of its property and assets, including intellectual property, comprising the Insulfab® product line, to an unrelated third party (“Buyer”).  The Insulfab product line is primarily focused on manufacturing high quality, engineered barrier laminates used in aerospace applications.  The sale proceeds of $7,394 were subject to certain post-closing adjustments based on the change in the final net book value compared to the bid date net book value.  In the quarter ending November 30, 2013, management determined these post-closing adjustments resulted in an increase in the sale proceeds of $2,516 based on the increase of inventory sold to the Buyer at closing.  This adjustment was settled and paid by the Buyer to the Company in the quarter ending February 28, 2014, net of amounts held in escrow.   The net proceeds from the sale are available for debt reduction, investment in the Company’s core businesses and future acquisitions.

 

This transaction resulted in a pre-tax book gain of $5,706 ($3,709 after-tax gain) which was recorded in the quarter ending November 30, 2013.  The portion of the sale price held in escrow of $739 is recorded as a current asset (Due from sale of product line) as of May 31, 2014, and is available to resolve any submitted claims or adjustments up to 18 months from the closing date of the Insulfab sale.

 

The following table summarizes information about the Insulfab product line as of October 7, 2013 and August 31, 2013:

 

 

 

October 7, 2013

 

August 31, 2013

 

Inventory

 

$

3,153

 

$

885

 

Property & equipment

 

1,062

 

1,060

 

Accrued expenses

 

(3

)

(40

)

 

 

$

4,212

 

$

1,905

 

 

As a result of the efforts to market and sell this product line beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company had classified the Insulfab assets (including inventory and equipment) as assets held for sale as of August 31, 2013.  This product line and related assets were part of the Company’s Industrial Materials segment.

 

Note 9 — Joint Venture

 

The NEPTCO JV LLC (“JV”) was originally formed in 2003 by NEPTCO and a joint venture partner, an otherwise unrelated party (collectively, the “members”), whereby each member’s fiber optic strength elements businesses were combined. This venture, which is 50% owned by each member, is managed and

 

14



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

operated on a day-to-day basis by NEPTCO. The JV operates out of the Company’s Granite Falls, NC facility.

 

The Company accounts for the joint venture partner’s non-controlling interest in the JV under ASC Topic 810 “Consolidations” (“ASC 810”).  Based on the criteria in ASC 810, the Company determined that the JV qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”).  Because of the Company’s controlling financial interest, the JV’s assets and liabilities and results of operations have been consolidated within the Company’s consolidated financial statements since June 27, 2012, the date the Company acquired NEPTCO.  An offsetting amount equal to 50% of net assets and net income (loss) of the JV has been recorded within the Company’s consolidated financial statements to the non-controlling interest, representing the joint venture partner’s 50% ownership interest and pro rata share in the JV.

 

At May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, the following amounts, related to the JV, were consolidated in the Company’s balance sheet:

 

 

 

May 31,

 

August 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

322

 

$

394

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

1,587

 

1,106

 

Inventories

 

1,430

 

1,510

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

224

 

283

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

367

 

448

 

Intangible assets, net

 

682

 

706

 

Total assets

 

$

4,612

 

$

4,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and net assets

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

727

 

$

679

 

Due to Members

 

1,785

 

1,677

 

Total liabilities

 

$

2,512

 

$

2,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

$

2,100

 

$

2,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

 

$

1,050

 

$

1,046

 

 

Effective on the date of the JV’s inception, and for four years following the date on which the members no longer own any membership interest in the JV, non-compete agreements exist between the members. Each member retains the right to tender an offer to buy the other member’s share. Once an offer is tendered, the tendered member has the option to either sell, or match the initial offer to purchase the tendering member’s share.

 

Under the JV agreement, the JV is barred from issuing third party debt, other than customary accounts payable resulting from its normal trade operations. The liabilities of the JV are not guaranteed by any portion of NEPTCO or the Company.

 

The JV has agreed to purchase a minimum of 80% of its total glass fiber requirements from the other joint venture partner. Additionally, the JV has agreed to purchase private-label products exclusively from an affiliate of the other joint venture partner; however, the JV is not subject to a minimum purchase requirement on private-label products. Purchases from the joint venture partner totaled $383 and $525 for the three months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Purchases from the joint venture partner

 

15



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

totaled $1,150 and $1,417 for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The JV had amounts due to the other joint venture partner of $309 and $378 at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.

 

Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business.  Although the Company does not expect that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, litigation is inherently unpredictable.  Therefore, judgments could be rendered or settlements entered into that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results or cash flows in a particular period.  The Company routinely assesses all of its litigation and threatened litigation as to the probability of ultimately incurring a liability, and records its best estimate of the ultimate loss in situations where the Company assesses the likelihood of loss as probable.

 

Note 11 - Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

Service cost

 

$

81

 

$

82

 

$

242

 

$

270

 

Interest cost

 

161

 

102

 

482

 

329

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(178

)

(131

)

(533

)

(431

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

1

 

1

 

3

 

12

 

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

73

 

48

 

220

 

202

 

Curtailment loss

 

 

 

 

25

 

Settlement loss

 

 

 

 

1,198

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

138

 

$

102

 

$

414

 

$

1,605

 

 

When funding is required, the Company’s policy is to contribute amounts that are deductible for federal income tax purposes.  As of May 31 2014, the Company has made contributions of $200 in the current fiscal year to fund its obligations under its pension plan, and plans to make the necessary contributions over the remainder of fiscal 2014 to ensure the qualified plan continues to be adequately funded given the current market conditions.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The financial assets classified as Level 1 as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 represent investments that are restricted for use in a nonqualified retirement savings plan for certain key employees and directors.

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value measurement category

 

 

 

Fair value
measurement date

 

Total

 

Quoted prices
in active 
markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted investments

 

May 31, 2014

 

$

1,197

 

$

1,197

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted investments

 

August 31, 2013

 

$

1,094

 

$

1,094

 

$

 

$

 

 

The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, which is recorded at its carrying value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value measurement category

 

 

 

Fair value
measurement date

 

Total

 

Quoted prices
in active 
markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

May 31, 2014

 

$

60,200

 

$

 

$

60,200

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

August 31, 2013

 

$

64,400

 

$

 

$

64,400

 

$

 

 

The carrying value of the long-term debt approximates its fair value, as the monthly interest rate is set based on the movement of the underlying market rates.

 

17



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

 

Note 13 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:

 

 

 

Restricted
Investments

 

Change in Funded 
Status of Pension 
Plan

 

Foreign Currency 
Translation 
Adjustment

 

Total

 

Balance at August 31, 2013

 

$

144

 

$

(3,578

)

$

(1,729

)

$

(5,163

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications (1)

 

83

 

 

2,313

 

2,396

 

Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses (2)

 

(37

)

144

 

 

107

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

46

 

144

 

2,313

 

2,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at May 31, 2014

 

$

190

 

$

(3,434

)

$

584

 

$

(2,660

)

 


(1)         Net of tax benefit of $45, $0, $0, respectively.

(2)         Net of tax expense of $20, tax benefit of $78, $0, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 
(Loss) into Income

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended 
May 31, 2014

 

Nine Months Ended 
May 31, 2014

 

Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income

 

Gains on Restricted Investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gain on sale of restricted investments

 

$

(20

)

$

(57

)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Tax expense (benefit)

 

7

 

20

 

 

 

Gain net of tax

 

$

(13

)

$

(37

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses

 

$

20

 

$

60

 

Cost of products and services sold

 

Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses

 

$

54

 

$

162

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

Tax expense (benefit)

 

(26

)

(78

)

 

 

Loss net of tax

 

$

48

 

$

144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net loss reclassified for the period

 

$

35

 

$

107

 

 

 

 

18



Table of Contents

 

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

 

The following discussion provides an analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

 

Overview

 

Revenues and net income in both the quarter and year to date periods continue to exceed prior year results as the current year has benefitted from overall increased demand from many of product areas as well as favorable sales mix.  We also continue to realize the benefits that have resulted from our ongoing efforts with production facility consolidation, efficiency improvements and streamlining overhead costs.  The sale of the Company’s Insulfab product line in October 2013 significantly contributed to earnings and cash flows in early fiscal 2014.

 

Year to date revenues from our Industrial Materials segment increased over the first nine months of the prior year as a result of continued high demand for our electronic coatings products.  Additionally, while we experienced decreased sales in our Industrial Materials segment this past quarter as compared to the prior year period, we have observed increased demand in the year to date period for both electronic material cover tapes and wire and cable products.  These increased sales in the year to date period were partially offset by a reduction in demand for fiber optic cable component products from our joint venture business.

 

Revenues for our Construction Materials segment were ahead of the prior year in both the quarter and year to date periods primarily driven by increased demand for pipeline coatings products produced at our Rye, UK facility due to several projects in the Middle East that began earlier in our second fiscal quarter.  Additionally, we observed increased demand for our coating and lining system products in our current year third quarter as compared to the prior year period. These increases were partially offset in the current quarter and the year to date periods by decreased sales of our private label products and bridge & highway construction products due to the impact of the harsh winter across the U.S. on these businesses.

 

During the remainder of the fiscal year, we will continue with our on-going global ERP system implementation which is expected to be completed by December 2014, as well as key strategies that focus on our marketing and product development efforts and continued emphasis on identifying potential acquisition targets.  Our balance sheet remains strong, with cash on hand of $42.6 million and a current ratio of 3.7.  Our $15.0 million line of credit is fully available, while the balance of our term debt is $60.2 million.

 

We have two reportable segments as summarized below:

 

Segment

 

Product Lines

 

Manufacturing Focus and Products

Industrial Materials

 

·                  Wire and Cable

·                  Electronic Coatings

·                  Specialty Products

·                  Pulling and Detection

·                  Electronic Materials

·                  Structural Composites

·                  Fiber Optic Cable Components (JV)

 

Protective coatings and tape products including insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, moisture protective coatings for electronics and printing services, laminated durable papers, packaging and industrial laminate markets, pulling and detection tapes used in the installation, measurement and location of fiber optic cables, water and natural gas lines, cover tapes essential to delivering semiconductor components via tape and reel packaging, and wind energy composite materials and elements; a joint venture also produces glass-based strength elements designed to allow fiber optic cables to withstand mechanical and environmental strain and stress.

 

 

 

 

 

Construction Materials

 

·                  Pipeline

·                  Bridge and Highway

·                  Coating and Lining Systems

·                  Private Label

 

Protective coatings and tape products including coating and lining systems for use in liquid storage and containment applications, protective coatings for pipeline and general construction applications, high-performance polymeric asphalt additives, and expansion and control joint systems for use in the transportation and architectural markets.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Revenues and Operating Profit by Segment are as follows (Dollars in Thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
May 31, 2014

 

% of
Total
Revenues

 

Three Months Ended
May 31, 2013

 

% of
Total
Revenues

 

Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2014

 

% of
Total
Revenues

 

Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2013

 

% of
Total
Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

$

42,678

 

74

%

$

43,146

 

77

%

$

124,268

 

76

%

$

120,897

 

77

%

Construction Materials

 

14,920

 

26

%

12,586

 

23

%

38,704

 

24

%

36,608

 

23

%

Total

 

$

57,598

 

 

 

$

55,732

 

 

 

$

162,972

 

 

 

$

157,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
May 31, 2014

 

% of
Segment
Revenues

 

Three Months Ended
May 31, 2013

 

% of
Segment
Revenues

 

Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2014

 

% of
Segment
Revenues

 

Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2013

 

% of
Segment
Revenues

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

$

8,935

 

21

%

$

8,504

 

20

%

$

30,250

(a)

24

%

$

18,972

(b)

16

%

Construction Materials

 

2,783

 

19

%

1,544

 

12

%

5,241

 

14

%

3,616

 

10

%

Total for reportable segments

 

11,718

 

20

%

10,048

 

18

%

35,491

 

22

%

22,588

 

14

%

Corporate and Common Costs

 

(1,993

)

 

 

(2,247

)

 

 

(5,302

)

 

 

(5,602

)(c)

 

 

Total

 

$

9,725

 

17

%

$

7,801

 

14

%

$

30,189

 

19

%

$

16,986

 

11

%

 


(a)              Includes $5,706 gain on sale of Insulfab product line

(b)             Includes $564 of costs of products sold related to inventory step up in fair value as part of the NEPTCO acquisition, $521 of pension related settlement costs due to the timing of lump sum distributions, and $150 of Randolph, MA plant closing expenses

(c)              Includes $595 of pension related settlement costs due to the timing of lump sum distributions

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues increased $1,866,000 or 3% to $57,598,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $55,732,000 in the same quarter of the prior year.  Total revenues increased $5,467,000 or 3% to $162,972,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $157,505,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.

 

Revenues in our Industrial Materials segment decreased $468,000 or 1% in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter.  The decrease in this segment compared to the prior year period is primarily due to the following for the current quarter:  (a) decreased sales of $1,445,000 from our wire and cable products that are used in energy-related applications; (b) decreased sales of $487,000 from our electronic cover tapes; and (c) decreased sales of $487,000 from our electronic cover tapes.  These decreased sales were partially offset by increased sales of $1,406,000 from our electronic coatings products.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2014, revenues from our Industrial Materials segment increased $3,371,000 or 3% compared to the prior year period primarily due to:  (a) increased sales of $2,860,000 from our electronic coatings products primarily due to higher sales into Europe and Asia; (b) increased sales of $918,000 from our pulling and detection tape products; and (c) increased sales of $830,000 of electronic cover tapes.  These increases were partially offset by decreased sales of our joint venture fiber optic cable products in the year to date period of $828,000.

 

Revenues from our Construction Materials segment increased $2,334,000 or 19% in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter.  The increase from our Construction Materials segment compared to the prior year period is primarily due to increased sales of $2,492,000 in pipeline products produced at our Rye, UK facility as a result of higher project related demands in the Middle East, and increased sales of $1,659,000 from our coating and lining systems (CIM Industries).  This increase was partially offset by reduced sales of $1,422,000 from our bridge and highway products as well as lower sales of $662,000 from our private label products as both experienced slower demand this past winter and into the spring months.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2014, revenues from our Construction Materials segment

 

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increased $2,096,000 or 6% compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased sales of $4,643,000 from pipeline products produced at our Rye, UK facility and $1,470,000 from pipeline products produced at our North America facilities.  These increases were partially offset by decreased sales of $1,943,000 from our bridge and highway products as well as lower sales of $1,759,000 from our private label products.

 

Cost of Products and Services Sold

 

Cost of products and services sold increased $234,000 or 1% to $37,067,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $36,833,000 in the prior year quarter.  Cost of products and services sold decreased $1,075,000 or 1% to $106,496,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $107,571,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.

 

The following table summarizes our cost of products and services sold as a percentage of revenues for each of our reporting segments:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

Cost of products and services sold

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Materials

 

62.8%

 

65.5%

 

64.1%

 

67.9%

 

Construction Materials

 

68.9%

 

68.2%

 

69.4%

 

69.7%

 

Total

 

64.4%

 

66.1%

 

65.3%

 

68.3%

 

 

Cost of products and services sold in our Industrial Materials segment was $26,782,000 and $79,632,000 in the current quarter and year to date periods compared to $28,254,000 and $82,038,000 in the comparable periods in the prior year.  As a percentage of revenues, cost of products and services sold in the Industrial Materials segment decreased primarily due to sales mix as well as cost savings realized from the Company’s recent plant consolidation efforts.  In the past eighteen months, this segment has benefitted from exiting the Randolph, MA (operations relocated in December 2012) and Taylorsville, NC (Insulfab product line sold in October 2013) facilities and transitioning the remaining manufacturing activities from those two facilities to other domestic Chase facilities.  Additionally, in the first three months of fiscal 2013, this segment was impacted by incremental cost of products sold of $564,000 due to the sale of inventory which had a stepped up valuation as part of the NEPTCO acquisition.

 

Cost of products and services sold in our Construction Materials segment was $10,285,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $8,579,000 in the prior year quarter.  As a percentage of revenues, cost of products and services sold in the Construction Materials segment increased in the current quarter primarily due to unfavorable product mix as we had increased sales of lower margin products coupled with decreased sales of higher margin products.  Cost of products and services sold was $26,864,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $25,533,000 in the prior year period.  As a percentage of revenues, cost of products and services sold in the Construction Materials segment decreased in the year to date period primarily due to favorable product mix as sales from our lower margin products in this segment had less of an impact on the year to date period compared to the quarter.  We continue to closely monitor raw material pricing across all product lines in this segment.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $266,000 or 2% to $10,518,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $10,784,000 in the prior year quarter. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 18% in the current fiscal quarter compared to 19% in the prior year period.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1,354,000 or 4% to $30,887,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $32,241,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.  For the current fiscal year to date period, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of

 

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revenues decreased to 19% compared to 20% in the same period in fiscal 2013.  The percentage decrease for both the current fiscal quarter and year to date period compared to the prior year periods is primarily attributable to our continued emphasis on controlling costs, as well as the increased benefit due to the capitalization of internal costs related to our on-going global ERP implementation project.  Additionally, the prior year to date period included $771,000 of pension related settlement costs due to the timing of lump sum distributions.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $34,000 to $278,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $312,000 in the prior year quarter.  Interest expense decreased $123,000 to $866,000 for the fiscal year to date period compared to $989,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.  The decrease in interest expense from the prior year period is a direct result of a reduction in our overall debt balance through required principal payments made from operating cash flow over the past year.

 

Gain on sale of product line

 

On October 7, 2013, we sold substantially all of our property and assets, including intellectual property, comprising the Insulfab product line, to an unrelated buyer.  This transaction resulted in a pre-tax book gain of $5,706,000, which was recorded in our fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2013.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Other expense increased $8,000 to $10,000 for the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $2,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.  Other expense was $240,000 for the fiscal year to date period compared to other income of $282,000 in the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $522,000.  Other income (expense) primarily includes interest income and foreign exchange gains (losses) caused by changes in exchange rates on transactions or balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries.

 

Non-controlling Interest

 

The income (loss) from non-controlling interest relates to a joint venture in which we have, through our NEPTCO subsidiary, a 50% ownership interest.  The joint venture between NEPTCO and its joint venture partner (an otherwise unrelated party) is managed and operated on a day-to-day basis by NEPTCO.  The purpose of this joint venture was to combine the elements of each member’s fiber optic strength businesses.

 

Net Income

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation increased $1,190,000 or 23% to $6,324,000 in the quarter ended May 31, 2014 compared to $5,134,000 in the prior year quarter.  The increase in net income in the current quarter is primarily due to favorable product sales mix, cost savings realized from the Company’s recent plant consolidation efforts, and our continued emphasis on controlling costs.

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation increased $8,301,000 or 73% to $19,619,000 for the fiscal year to date period compared to $11,318,000 in the same period in fiscal 2013.  The increase in net income in the year to date period is primarily due to the previously mentioned $5,706,000 gain that resulted from the sale of the Insulfab product line in October 2013, numerous cost containment initiatives including recent plant consolidation efforts, and the incremental benefit of $196,000 from capitalized internal labor used in our on-going global ERP implementation project.  We have capitalized $616,000 of internal costs related to our ERP implementation project for the year to date period compared to $420,000 in the prior year to date period.  Additionally, the prior year period included incremental expenses of

 

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$564,000 in inventory fair value step up related to the NEPTCO acquisition, and the acceleration of defined benefit plan settlement costs of $1,223,000 resulting from the timing of lump sum distributions to participants.

 

Other Important Performance Measures

 

We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful performance measures.  They are used by our executive management team and board of directors to measure operating performance, to allocate resources, to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our Board of Directors and investors concerning our financial performance.  EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures.

 

We define EBITDA as follows:  net income attributable to Chase Corporation before interest expense from borrowings, income tax expense, depreciation expense from fixed assets, and amortization expense from intangible assets.  We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding costs and gains/losses related to our acquisitions and divestitures, costs of products sold related to inventory step-up to fair value, and settlement (gains) or losses resulting from lump sum distributions to participants from our defined benefit plan.

 

The use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has limitations and these performance measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as an alternative to, U.S. GAAP measures such as net income.  Our measurement of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to Chase Corporation, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended May 31,

 

Nine Months Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2014

 

2013

 

2014

 

2013

 

Net income attributable to Chase Corporation

 

$

6,324,000

 

$

5,134,000

 

$

19,619,000

 

$

11,318,000

 

Interest expense

 

278,000

 

312,000

 

866,000

 

989,000

 

Income taxes

 

3,404,000

 

2,765,000

 

10,566,000

 

6,095,000

 

Depreciation expense

 

1,426,000

 

1,477,000

 

4,278,000

 

4,418,000

 

Amortization expense

 

1,198,000

 

1,188,000

 

3,584,000

 

3,598,000

 

EBITDA

 

$

12,630,000

 

$

10,876,000

 

$

38,913,000

 

$

26,418,000

 

Gain on sale of Insulfab (a)

 

 

 

(5,706,000

)

 

Cost of sale of inventory step-up (b)

 

 

 

 

564,000

 

Pension curtailment and settlement costs (c)

 

 

 

 

1,223,000

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

12,630,000

 

$

10,876,000

 

$

33,207,000

 

$

28,205,000

 

 


(a)         Represents gain on sale of Insulfab product line that was completed in October 2013

(b)         Represents expense related to the step-up in fair value of inventory through purchase accounting from the June 2012 acquisition of NEPTCO

(c)          Represents pension related settlement costs due to the timing of lump sum distributions

 

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Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

Our overall cash and cash equivalents balance increased $12,578,000 to $42,575,000 at May 31, 2014, from $29,997,000 at August 31, 2013.  The increased cash balance is primarily attributable to the proceeds from the sale of the Insulfab product line in October 2013, as well as from cash from operations, partially offset by payments on:  annual dividend, outstanding debt, income taxes, annual incentive compensation and equipment purchases.  Of the above noted amounts, $13,514,000 and $10,013,000 were held outside the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.  Given our cash position in the U.S. and the potential for increased investment and acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions, we do not have a history of repatriating a significant portion of our foreign cash.  However, we do not currently take the position that undistributed foreign subsidiaries’ earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested.  Accordingly, we recognize a deferred tax liability for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences due to these unremitted earnings.  In the event that circumstances should change in the future and we decide to repatriate these foreign amounts to fund U.S. operations, the Company would pay the applicable U.S. taxes on these repatriated foreign amounts to satisfy all previously recorded tax liabilities.

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $14,679,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 compared to $15,025,000 in the prior year period.  Cash provided by operations during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 was primarily related to operating income and increased accounts payable due to the timing of vendor payments, offset by increased inventory resulting from strategic purchases of raw materials and increased accounts receivable balances due to higher sales volumes.

 

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 3.7 as of May 31, 2014, compared to 3.1 as of August 31, 2013.  The increase in our current ratio at May 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to increases in cash due to the proceeds from the sale of the Insulfab product line in October 2013 and accounts receivable resulting from higher sales volumes, as well as decreases in accrued income taxes due to the timing of tax payments and accrued payroll and other compensation due to the payment of our annual incentive program.  This was partially offset by an increase to accounts payable due to the timing of some raw material purchases.

 

Cash flow provided by investing activities of $5,359,000 was primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of the Insulfab product line in October 2013, which was partially offset by cash paid for purchases of machinery and equipment at our manufacturing locations during the first nine months of fiscal 2014.

 

Cash flow used in financing activities of $8,295,000 was primarily due to our annual dividend payment and payments made on the bank loans used to finance our acquisition of NEPTCO, described in more detail below.

 

On October 23, 2013, we announced a cash dividend of $0.45 per share (totaling $4,093,000). The dividend was paid on December 4, 2013 to shareholders of record on November 5, 2013.

 

In June 2012, as part of our acquisition of NEPTCO, we borrowed $70,000,000 under a five year term debt financing arrangement led and arranged by Bank of America, with participation from RBS Citizens (the “Credit Facility”). The applicable interest rate is based on the effective LIBOR plus a range of 1.75% to 2.25%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio.  At May 31, 2014, the applicable interest rate was 1.90% per annum and the outstanding principal amount was $60,200,000.  We are required to repay the principal amount of the term loan in quarterly installments of $1,400,000 beginning in September 2012 through June 2014, increasing to $1,750,000 per quarter thereafter through June 2015, and to $2,100,000 per quarter thereafter through March 2017.  The Credit Facility matures in June 2017 and prepayment of the Credit Facility is allowed at any time.

 

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We have a revolving line of credit with Bank of America (the “Revolver”) totaling $15,000,000, which bears interest at LIBOR plus a range of 1.75% to 2.25%, depending on our consolidated leverage ratio, or, at our option, at the bank’s base lending rate.  As of May 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014, the entire amount of $15,000,000 was available for use.  The Revolver is scheduled to mature in June 2017.  This Revolver allows for increased flexibility for working capital requirements going forward, and we plan to use this availability to help finance our cash needs, including potential acquisitions, in future periods.

 

The Credit Facility with Bank of America contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness.  It also requires us to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA (each as defined in the facility) of no more than 3.00 to 1.00, and to maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as calculated in the facility) of at least 1.25 to 1.00.  We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of May 31, 2014.

 

We currently have several on-going capital projects that are important to our long term strategic goals.  Machinery and equipment will also be added as needed to increase capacity or enhance operating efficiencies in our manufacturing plants.

 

We may also consider the acquisition of companies or other assets in future periods which are complementary to our business.  We believe that our existing resources, including cash on hand and our Revolver, together with cash generated from operations and additional bank borrowings, will be sufficient to fund our cash flow requirements through at least the next twelve months.  However, there can be no assurances that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all.

 

To the extent that interest rates increase in future periods, we will assess the impact of these higher interest rates on the financial and cash flow projections of our potential acquisitions.

 

We have no significant off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Please refer to Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013 for a complete discussion of our contractual obligations.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):  Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”.  This ASU expands the presentation of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The new guidance requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income either on the face of the net income statement or as a separate disclosure in the notes. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012.  We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  The provisions of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services.  The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments.  The ASU

 

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will be effective for our fiscal year beginning September 1, 2017 (fiscal 2018), including interim periods in our fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  To apply these principles, we must make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  In many instances, we reasonably could have used different accounting estimates and, in other instances, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from our estimates.  To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations will be affected.  We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable at the time and under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.  We refer to accounting estimates and judgments of this type as critical accounting policies, judgments, and estimates.  Management believes there have been no material changes during the nine months ended May 31, 2014 to the critical accounting policies reported in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

 

Forward Looking Information

 

The part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains certain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements as to our future operating results, plans for manufacturing facilities, future economic conditions and expectations or plans relating to the implementation or realization of our strategic goals and future growth.  These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industries in which we operate, and the beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Readers should refer to the discussions under “Forward Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013 concerning certain factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These discussions and Risk Factors are hereby incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report.

 

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Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

We limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer.  At May 31, 2014, other than our restricted investments (which are restricted for use in a non-qualified retirement savings plan for certain key employees and members of the Board of Directors), all of our funds were either in demand deposit accounts or investment instruments that meet high credit quality standards such as money market funds, government securities, or commercial paper.

 

Our domestic operations have limited currency exposure since substantially all transactions are denominated in USD.  However, our European operations are subject to currency exchange fluctuations.  We continue to review our policies and procedures to reduce this exposure while maintaining the benefit from these operations and sales to other European customers.  As of May 31, 2014, the Company had cash balances in the following foreign currencies (with USD equivalents):

 

Currency Code

 

Currency Name

 

USD Equivalent at May 31, 2014

 

GBP

 

British Pound

 

$

10,051,000

 

EUR

 

Euro

 

$

3,323,000

 

CNY

 

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

$

157,000

 

CAD

 

Canadian Dollar

 

$

45,000

 

 

We will continue to review our current cash balances denominated in foreign currency in light of current tax guidelines, working capital requirements, infrastructure improvements and potential acquisitions.

 

We recognized a foreign currency translation gain for the nine months ended May 31, 2014 in the amount of $2,313,000 related to our European operations, which is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) within our Statement of Equity and Statement of Comprehensive Income.  We do not have or utilize any derivative financial instruments.

 

We pay interest on our outstanding long-term debt at interest rates that fluctuate based upon changes in various base interest rates. The carrying value of our long-term debt was $60,200,000 at May 31, 2014.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Sources of Capital” and Note 12 — “Fair Value Measurements” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our outstanding long-term debt.  The effect of an immediate hypothetical 10% change in variable interest rates would not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

We carry out a variety of ongoing procedures under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

Effective April 1, 2013, the Company began the process of implementing a single enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) computer system world-wide.  During fiscal 2013 and the first nine months of fiscal 2014, the Company expanded its existing ERP modules to seven of its domestic locations which resulted in changes to the Company’s processes and procedures affecting its internal control over financial reporting.  The Company expects this process to be completed by December 2014 as it continues with its plan to deploy more effective and efficient processes to support the Company’s financial reporting as it continues to grow in size and scale.  Otherwise, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during its most recent fiscal year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved from time to time in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business.  Although we do not expect that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, litigation is inherently unpredictable.  Therefore, judgments could be rendered or settlements entered, that could adversely affect our operating results or cash flows in a particular period.  We routinely assess all of our litigation and threatened litigation as to the probability of ultimately incurring a liability, and record our best estimate of the ultimate loss in situations where we assess the likelihood of loss as probable.

 

Item 1A — Risk Factors

 

Please refer to Item 1A in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013 for a complete discussion of the risk factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.

 

Item 6 - Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.1

 

Separation Agreement between the Company and Kenneth L. Dumas dated April 17, 2014

31.1

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

32.2

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 


*                                         Furnished, not filed

 

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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.

 

 

 

Chase Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: July 10, 2014

By:

/s/ Peter R. Chase

 

 

Peter R. Chase,

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: July 10, 2014

By:

/s/ Kenneth L. Dumas

 

 

Kenneth L. Dumas

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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