Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended February 28, 2007

Commission File No. 000-06936

WD-40 COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-1797918

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

1061 Cudahy Place, San Diego, California   92110
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (619) 275-1400

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

Yes  ¨    No  x

As of March 30, 2007, 17,587,807 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.

 



Part I Financial Information

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

WD-40 Company

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

 

     February 28, 2007     August 31, 2006  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 46,643,000     $ 45,206,000  

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $712,000 and $762,000

     49,690,000       44,491,000  

Product held at contract packagers

     1,910,000       1,385,000  

Inventories

     15,010,000       15,269,000  

Current deferred tax assets, net

     4,336,000       4,331,000  

Other current assets

     3,970,000       4,858,000  
                

Total current assets

     121,559,000       115,540,000  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     8,802,000       8,940,000  

Goodwill

     96,263,000       96,118,000  

Other intangibles, net

     42,647,000       42,722,000  

Investment in related party

     972,000       972,000  

Other assets

     3,987,000       4,183,000  
                
   $ 274,230,000     $ 268,475,000  
                
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 10,714,000     $ 10,714,000  

Accounts payable

     17,534,000       11,287,000  

Accounts payable to related party

     902,000       463,000  

Accrued liabilities

     13,129,000       11,678,000  

Accrued payroll and related expenses

     3,759,000       7,485,000  

Income taxes payable

     1,975,000       2,040,000  
                

Total current liabilities

     48,013,000       43,667,000  

Long-term debt

     42,857,000       53,571,000  

Deferred employee benefits and other long-term liabilities

     2,001,000       1,895,000  

Long-term deferred tax liabilities, net

     14,588,000       13,611,000  
                

Total liabilities

     107,459,000       112,744,000  
                

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $.001 par value, 36,000,000 shares authorized — 17,587,807 and 17,510,668 shares issued

     18,000       17,000  

Paid-in capital

     65,530,000       62,322,000  

Retained earnings

     109,961,000       103,335,000  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     6,288,000       5,083,000  

Common stock held in treasury, at cost (534,698 shares)

     (15,026,000 )     (15,026,000 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     166,771,000       155,731,000  
                
   $ 274,230,000     $ 268,475,000  
                

(See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.)

 

2


WD-40 Company

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended February 28,     Six Months Ended February 28,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Net sales

   $ 79,331,000     $ 71,480,000     $ 151,287,000     $ 138,695,000  

Cost of products sold (including cost of products acquired from related party of $4,604,000 and $9,696,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and $9,795,000 and $20,446,000 for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively)

     40,293,000       37,204,000       77,776,000       72,105,000  
                                

Gross profit

     39,038,000       34,276,000       73,511,000       66,590,000  

Operating expenses:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     19,736,000       17,267,000       38,791,000       33,624,000  

Advertising and sales promotion

     5,061,000       4,829,000       10,703,000       8,174,000  

Amortization of intangible asset

     146,000       130,000       287,000       262,000  
                                

Income from operations

     14,095,000       12,050,000       23,730,000       24,530,000  

Other (expense) income:

        

Interest expense, net of interest income of $404,000 and $359,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and $837,000 and $674,000 for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     (613,000 )     (853,000 )     (1,294,000 )     (1,858,000 )

Other (expense) income, net

     (94,000 )     82,000       (185,000 )     223,000  
                                

Income before income taxes

     13,388,000       11,279,000       22,251,000       22,895,000  

Provision for income taxes

     4,449,000       4,048,000       7,618,000       8,151,000  
                                

Net income

   $ 8,939,000     $ 7,231,000     $ 14,633,000     $ 14,744,000  
                                

Earnings per common share:

        

Basic

   $ 0.52     $ 0.43     $ 0.86     $ 0.88  
                                

Diluted

   $ 0.52     $ 0.43     $ 0.85     $ 0.88  
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

     17,043,032       16,716,309       17,032,602       16,702,570  
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

     17,232,563       16,825,560       17,236,795       16,801,018  
                                

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.25     $ 0.22     $ 0.47     $ 0.44  
                                

(See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.)

 

3


WD-40 Company

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended February 28,  
     2007     2006  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 14,633,000     $ 14,744,000  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,820,000       1,699,000  

Losses (gains) on sales and disposals of property and equipment

     22,000       (20,000 )

Deferred income tax expense

     989,000       1,053,000  

Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options

     (114,000 )     (205,000 )

Distributions received and equity (earnings) losses from related party, net

     —         178,000  

Stock-based compensation

     1,064,000       987,000  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Trade accounts receivable

     (4,663,000 )     (657,000 )

Product held at contract packagers

     (525,000 )     (341,000 )

Inventories

     358,000       (4,513,000 )

Other assets

     879,000       274,000  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     3,801,000       (1,564,000 )

Accounts payable to related party

     439,000       (965,000 )

Income taxes payable

     107,000       2,891,000  

Deferred employee benefits and other long-term liabilities

     55,000       52,000  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     18,865,000       13,613,000  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of short-term investments

     (99,600,000 )     —    

Sales of short-term investments

     99,600,000       —    

Proceeds from collections on note receivable

     25,000       50,000  

Capital expenditures

     (1,181,000 )     (1,878,000 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

     109,000       163,000  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,047,000 )     (1,665,000 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (10,714,000 )     (10,714,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     2,025,000       2,334,000  

Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options

     114,000       205,000  

Dividends paid

     (8,007,000 )     (7,344,000 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (16,582,000 )     (15,519,000 )
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     201,000       40,000  
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,437,000       (3,531,000 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     45,206,000       37,120,000  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 46,643,000     $ 33,589,000  
                

(See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.)

 

4


WD-40 Company

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended February 28,    Six Months Ended February 28,  
     2007     2006    2007    2006  

Net income

   $ 8,939,000     $ 7,231,000    $ 14,633,000    $ 14,744,000  

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

          

Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation, net of tax (benefit) / provision of ($91,000) and $96,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively; and ($115,000) and ($164,000) for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively

     (111,000 )     400,000      1,205,000      (477,000 )
                              

Total comprehensive income

   $ 8,828,000     $ 7,631,000    $ 15,838,000    $ 14,267,000  
                              

(See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.)

 

5


WD-40 COMPANY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

February 28, 2007

(unaudited)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company

WD-40 Company (the Company), based in San Diego, California, markets two lubricant brands known as WD-40® and 3-IN-ONE Oil®, two heavy-duty hand cleaner brands known as Lava ® and Solvol ®, and six household product brands known as X-14 ® hard surface cleaners and automatic toilet bowl cleaners, 2000 Flushes ® automatic toilet bowl cleaner, Carpet Fresh ® and No Vac ® rug and room deodorizers, Spot Shot ® aerosol and liquid carpet stain removers and 1001 ® carpet and household cleaners and rug and room deodorizers.

The Company’s brands are sold in various locations around the world. Lubricant brands are sold worldwide in markets such as North, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Rim, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Household product brands are currently sold primarily in North America, the U.K., Australia and the Pacific Rim. Heavy-duty hand cleaner brands are sold primarily in the U.S. and Australia.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Financial Statement Presentation

The financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2006 year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial information for the interim periods reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation thereof. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Short-term Investments

Periodically, the Company invests in short-term investments. These short-term investments consist of investment grade auction rate securities classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with maturities that could range from 13 months to 30 years. The interest rates are reset through an auction bidding process at predetermined periods ranging from 7 to 35 days. Due to the frequent nature of the reset feature, the realized or unrealized gains or losses associated with these securities are not significant; therefore, auction rate securities are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Purchase and sale activity of short-term investments is presented as cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. As of February 28, 2007 and August 31, 2006, the Company did not carry any short-term investments.

 

6


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

Sales Concentration

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is a significant U.S. mass retail customer and offers a variety of the Company’s products. Sales to U.S. Wal-Mart stores accounted for approximately 10 percent and 8 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales during the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 9 percent and 8 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales during the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Excluding sales to U.S. Wal-Mart stores, sales to affiliates of Wal-Mart worldwide accounted for approximately 4 percent during each of the three-month periods ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, and 4 percent during each of the six-month periods ended February 28, 2007 and 2006.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by the weighted average number of potentially dilutive common shares (dilutive securities) that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive securities are comprised of options granted under the Company’s stock option plan. The schedule below summarizes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods ended February 28, 2007 and 2006.

 

     Three Months Ended February 28,    Six Months Ended February 28,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

           

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

   17,043,032    16,716,309    17,032,602    16,702,570

Weighted average dilutive securities

   189,531    109,251    204,193    98,448
                   

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

   17,232,563    16,825,560    17,236,795    16,801,018
                   

Weighted average options outstanding totaling 283,100 and 410,480 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 207,690 and 654,391 for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the options have an exercise price greater than or equal to the average market value of the Company’s common stock during the respective periods. Additionally, weighted average options outstanding totaling 478,648 and 291,072 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2006, respectively, were also excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method as they were anti-dilutive. These options were anti-dilutive as a result of the assumed proceeds from (i) amounts option holders must pay for exercising stock options, (ii) the amount of compensation costs for future service that the Company has not yet recognized as expense, and (iii) the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital upon exercise of the options. For each of the three- and six-month periods ended February 28, 2007, there were no additional anti-dilutive weighted average options outstanding excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS under the treasury stock method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the Board’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is

 

7


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements.” Management is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 159 may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating SFAS No. 157 to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company will adopt this interpretation as required beginning September 1, 2007. Management is currently assessing the effect that FIN 48 will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

NOTE 2 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and other intangibles principally relate to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested at least annually for impairment during the Company’s second fiscal quarter and otherwise as may be required. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company tested its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Based on this test, the Company determined that there were no instances of impairment.

The Company tests for goodwill impairment based on the SFAS No. 142 goodwill impairment model, which is a two-step process. First, the impairment model requires comparison of the book value of net assets to the fair value of the related reporting units that have goodwill assigned to them. If the fair value is determined to be less than book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment. In the second step, the implied fair value of goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step less the fair values of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair market value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The Company tests for impairment of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives in accordance with SFAS No. 142 based on discounted future cash flows compared to the related book values. The Company’s impairment test is based on a discounted cash flow approach that requires significant management judgment and estimates with respect to forecasted revenue, advertising and promotional expenses, cost of products sold, gross margins, operating margins, the success of product innovations and introductions, customer retention and the selection of appropriate discount and royalty rates.

In addition to the annual impairment tests, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated each reporting period. Goodwill is evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life and to determine whether any indicators of impairment exist. Indicators such as underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, changes in the Company’s strategy for its overall business or use of acquired assets, decline in the Company’s stock price for a sustained period, unexpected adverse industry or economic trends, unanticipated technological change or competitive activities, loss of key distribution, change in consumer demand, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts may signal that an asset has become impaired.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their useful lives and are also evaluated each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support their remaining useful lives.

 

8


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

Acquisition-related Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the six months ended February 28, 2007 are summarized below:

 

     Acquisition-related Goodwill
     Americas    Europe    Asia-Pacific    Total

Balance as of August 31, 2006

   $ 85,667,000    $ 9,239,000    $ 1,212,000    $ 96,118,000

Translation adjustments

     18,000      126,000      1,000      145,000
                           

Balance as of February 28, 2007

   $ 85,685,000    $ 9,365,000    $ 1,213,000    $ 96,263,000
                           

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, which are not amortized as they have been determined to have indefinite lives, consist of the trade names Carpet Fresh, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Spot Shot and 1001.

Changes in indefinite-lived intangibles by segment for the six months ended February 28, 2007 are summarized below:

 

     Indefinite-lived Intangibles
     Americas    Europe    Asia-Pacific    Total

Balance as of August 31, 2006

   $ 35,700,000    $ 3,862,000    $           —      $ 39,562,000

Translation adjustments

     —        119,000      —        119,000
                           

Balance as of February 28, 2007

   $ 35,700,000    $ 3,981,000    $ —      $ 39,681,000
                           

Definite-lived Intangible Asset

The Company’s definite-lived intangible asset consists of the non-contractual customer relationships acquired in the 1001 acquisition. This definite-lived intangible asset is included in the Europe segment and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated eight-year life. The following table summarizes the non-contractual customer relationships intangible asset and the related amortization:

 

     As of
February 28, 2007
    As of
August 31, 2006
 

Gross carrying amount

   $ 4,668,000     $ 4,528,000  

Accumulated amortization

     (1,702,000 )     (1,368,000 )
                

Net carrying amount

   $ 2,966,000     $ 3,160,000  
                

 

     Three Months Ended February 28,    Six Months Ended February 28,
     2007    2006    2007    2006

Amortization expense

   $ 146,000    $ 130,000    $ 287,000    $ 262,000
                           

 

9


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The estimated amortization expense for the non-contractual customer relationships intangible asset is based on current foreign currency exchange rates, and amounts in future periods may differ from those presented due to fluctuations in those rates. The estimated amortization for the non-contractual customer relationships intangible asset in future fiscal years is as follows:

 

Remainder of fiscal year 2007

   $ 292,000

Fiscal year 2008

     583,000

Fiscal year 2009

     583,000

Fiscal year 2010

     583,000

Fiscal year 2011

     583,000

Thereafter

     342,000
      
   $ 2,966,000
      

Changes in definite-lived intangibles by segment for the six months ended February 28, 2007 are summarized below:

 

     Definite-lived Intangibles  
     Americas    Europe     Asia-Pacific    Total  

Balance as of August 31, 2006

   $ —      $ 3,160,000     $ —      $ 3,160,000  

Amortization

     —        (287,000 )     —        (287,000 )

Translation adjustments

     —        93,000       —        93,000  
                              

Balance as of February 28, 2007

   $ —      $ 2,966,000     $ —      $ 2,966,000  
                              

NOTE 3 - SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

 

     As of
February 28, 2007
   As of
August 31, 2006

Inventories

     

Raw materials and components

   $ 1,081,000    $ 1,110,000

Work-in-process(1)

     1,792,000      2,196,000

Finished goods

     12,137,000      11,963,000
             
   $ 15,010,000    $ 15,269,000
             

 

(1)

Consists entirely of WD-40 No-Mess Pens that require final packaging before being offered for sale.

 

Other Current Assets

    

Prepaid expenses and other

   $ 3,341,000     $ 4,229,000  

Federal income taxes receivable

     629,000       629,000  
                
   $ 3,970,000     $ 4,858,000  
                

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

    

Land

   $ 590,000     $ 583,000  

Buildings and improvements

     4,343,000       4,196,000  

Furniture and fixtures

     1,145,000       1,090,000  

Computer and office equipment

     3,901,000       3,513,000  

Software

     3,408,000       3,207,000  

Machinery, equipment and vehicles

     7,331,000       7,135,000  
                
     20,718,000       19,724,000  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (11,916,000 )     (10,784,000 )
                
   $        8,802,000     $     8,940,000  
                

Accrued Liabilities

    

Accrued advertising and sales promotion expenses

   $ 7,001,000     $ 6,854,000  

Other

     6,128,000       4,824,000  
                
   $ 13,129,000     $ 11,678,000  
                

 

10


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

     As of
February 28, 2007
   As of
August 31, 2006

Accrued Payroll and Related Expenses

     

Accrued bonus

   $ 1,214,000    $ 3,928,000

Accrued profit sharing

     427,000      1,404,000

Accrued payroll

     1,348,000      1,141,000

Accrued payroll taxes

     568,000      779,000

Other

     202,000      233,000
             
   $ 3,759,000    $ 7,485,000
             

NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTIES

VML Company L.L.C. (VML), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, was formed in April 2001, at which time the Company acquired a 30% membership interest. Since formation, VML has served as the Company’s contract manufacturer for certain household products and acts as a warehouse distributor for other product lines of the Company. Although VML has begun to expand its business to other customers, the Company continues to be its largest customer. VML makes profit distributions to the Company and the 70% owner on a discretionary basis in proportion to each party’s respective interest.

The Company has a put option to sell its interest in VML to the 70% owner, and the 70% owner has a call option to purchase the Company’s interest. The sale price in each case is established pursuant to formulas based on VML’s operating results.

Under Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,” VML qualifies as a variable interest entity, and it has been determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s investment in VML is accounted for using the equity method of accounting, and its equity in VML earnings or losses is recorded as a component of cost of products sold, as VML acts primarily as a contract manufacturer to the Company. The Company recorded equity earnings related to its investment in VML of $30,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and equity losses of $150,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2006. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, the Company recorded equity earnings related to its investment in VML of $36,000. For the six months ended February 28, 2006, the Company recorded equity losses related to its investment in VML of $96,000.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with VML was $1.0 million as of February 28, 2007. This amount represents the balance of the Company’s equity investment in VML, which is presented as investment in related party on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s investment in VML as of August 31, 2006 was $1.0 million.

Cost of products sold which were purchased from VML, net of rebates and equity earnings, was approximately $4.6 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $9.8 million and $20.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company had product payables to VML of $0.9 million and $0.5 million at February 28, 2007 and August 31, 2006, respectively. Additionally, the Company receives rental income from VML, which is recorded as a component of other (expense) income, net. Rental income from VML was $48,000 during each of the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, and $95,000 during each of the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006.

NOTE 5 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is party to various claims, legal actions and complaints, including product liability litigation, arising in the ordinary course of business. With the possible exception of the legal proceedings discussed below, management is of the opinion that none of these matters is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

11


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

On April 19, 2006, a legal action was filed against the Company in the United States District Court, Southern District of California (Drimmer v. WD-40 Company) . After several of the plaintiff’s factual claims were dismissed by way of motion, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint on September 20, 2006, seeking class action status and alleging that the Company misrepresented that its 2000 Flushes Bleach and 2000 Flushes Blue Plus Bleach automatic toilet bowl cleaners (ATBCs) are safe for plumbing systems and unlawfully omitted to advise consumers regarding the allegedly damaging effect the use of the ATBCs has on toilet parts made of plastic and rubber. The amended complaint seeks to remedy such allegedly wrongful conduct: (i) by requiring the Company to identify all consumers who have purchased the ATBCs and to return money as may be ordered by the court; and (ii) by the granting of other equitable relief, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. Though a new named plaintiff brought this case, it is legally and factually identical to a similar case that was dismissed by the San Diego Superior Court in April 2005, and the Company intends to vigorously defend this case in the same manner as before. If class action certification is granted in this aforementioned legal action, it is reasonably possible that the outcome could have a material adverse effect on the operating results, financial position and cash flows of the Company. There is not sufficient information to estimate the Company’s exposure at this time.

The Company has been named as a defendant in an increasing number of lawsuits brought by a growing group of attorneys on behalf of individual plaintiffs who assert that exposure to products that allegedly contain benzene is a cause of certain cancers. The Company is one of many defendants in these legal proceedings whose products are alleged to contain benzene. However, the Company specifies that its suppliers provide constituent ingredients free of benzene, and the Company believes its products have always been formulated without containing benzene. Except for self-insured retention amounts applicable to each separately filed lawsuit, the Company expects that the benzene lawsuits will be adequately covered by insurance and will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits in an effort to demonstrate conclusively that its products do not contain benzene, and that they have not contained benzene in prior years. The Company is unable to assess the expected cost of defense of these lawsuits in future periods. If the number of benzene lawsuits filed against the Company continues to increase, it is reasonably possible that such costs of defense may materially affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

As permitted under Delaware law, the Company has agreements whereby it indemnifies senior officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at the Company’s request in such capacity. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company maintains Director and Officer insurance coverage that mitigates the Company’s exposure with respect to such obligations. As a result of the Company’s insurance coverage, management believes that the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. No liabilities have been recorded for these agreements as of February 28, 2007.

The Company has relationships with various suppliers (contract manufacturers) who manufacture the Company’s products. Although the Company does not have any definitive minimum purchase obligations included in the contract terms with the contract manufacturers, supply needs are communicated and the Company is committed to purchase the products produced based on orders and short-term projections provided to the contract manufacturers, ranging from two to five months. The Company is also obligated to purchase back obsolete or slow-moving inventory. The Company has acquired inventory under these commitments, the amounts of which have not had a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Additionally, the Company periodically enters into purchase commitments with suppliers for products under development. During the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the Company entered into a new agreement to purchase finished goods of approximately $0.7 million.

From time to time, the Company enters into indemnification agreements with certain contractual parties in the ordinary course of business, including agreements with lenders, lessors, contract manufacturers, marketing distributors, customers and certain vendors. All such indemnification agreements are entered into in the context of the particular agreements and are provided in an attempt to properly allocate risk of loss in connection with the consummation of the underlying contractual arrangements. Although the maximum amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited, management believes that the Company maintains adequate levels of insurance coverage to protect the Company with

 

12


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

respect to most potential claims arising from such agreements and that such agreements do not otherwise have value separate and apart from the liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. No liabilities have been recorded with respect to such indemnification agreements as of February 28, 2007.

NOTE 6 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS

The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on sales, operating income and expected return. The Company is organized based on geographic location. Segment data does not include inter-segment revenues and incorporates costs from corporate headquarters into the Americas segment, without allocation to other segments. The Company’s segments are run independently, and as a result, there are few costs that could be considered only costs from headquarters that would qualify for allocation to other segments. The most significant portions of costs from headquarters relate to the Americas segment both as a percentage of time and sales. Therefore, any allocation to other segments would be arbitrary.

The tables below present information about reportable segments and net sales by product line for the three and six months ended February 28:

Three Months Ended February 28:

 

     Americas    Europe    Asia-Pacific    Total

2007

           

Net sales

   $ 48,942,000    $ 24,350,000    $ 6,039,000    $ 79,331,000

Income from operations

   $ 8,254,000    $ 5,060,000    $ 781,000    $ 14,095,000

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 516,000    $ 341,000    $ 39,000    $ 896,000

Interest income

   $ 272,000    $ 122,000    $ 10,000    $ 404,000

Interest expense

   $ 1,011,000    $ —      $ 6,000    $ 1,017,000

Total assets

   $ 208,921,000    $ 58,401,000    $ 6,908,000    $ 274,230,000

2006

           

Net sales

   $ 45,477,000    $ 20,445,000    $ 5,558,000    $ 71,480,000

Income from operations

   $ 6,729,000    $ 3,889,000    $ 1,432,000    $ 12,050,000

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 523,000    $ 306,000    $ 22,000    $ 851,000

Interest income

   $ 297,000    $ 58,000    $ 4,000    $ 359,000

Interest expense

   $ 1,212,000    $ —      $ —      $ 1,212,000

Total assets

   $ 200,277,000    $ 49,367,000    $ 5,268,000    $ 254,912,000

Six Months Ended February 28:

           
     Americas    Europe    Asia-Pacific    Total

2007

           

Net sales

   $ 94,086,000    $ 46,236,000    $ 10,965,000    $ 151,287,000

Income from operations

   $ 13,193,000    $ 9,198,000    $ 1,339,000    $ 23,730,000

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 1,082,000    $ 673,000    $ 65,000    $ 1,820,000

Interest income

   $ 600,000    $ 223,000    $ 14,000    $ 837,000

Interest expense

   $ 2,125,000    $ —      $ 6,000    $ 2,131,000

Total assets

   $ 208,921,000    $ 58,401,000    $ 6,908,000    $ 274,230,000

2006

           

Net sales

   $ 91,733,000    $ 37,394,000    $ 9,568,000    $ 138,695,000

Income from operations

   $ 15,697,000    $ 6,761,000    $ 2,072,000    $ 24,530,000

Depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 1,044,000    $ 611,000    $ 44,000    $ 1,699,000

Interest income

   $ 564,000    $ 101,000    $ 9,000    $ 674,000

Interest expense

   $ 2,532,000    $ —      $ —      $ 2,532,000

Total assets

   $ 200,277,000    $ 49,367,000    $ 5,268,000    $ 254,912,000

 

13


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

Product Line Information

 

     Net Sales
     February 28, 2007    February 28, 2006

Three Months Ended

     

Lubricants

   $ 56,745,000    $ 49,066,000

Household products

     21,378,000      21,040,000

Hand cleaners

     1,208,000      1,374,000
             
   $ 79,331,000    $ 71,480,000
             
     Net Sales
     February 28, 2007    February 28, 2006

Six Months Ended

     

Lubricants

   $ 105,649,000    $ 91,492,000

Household products

     42,720,000      43,970,000

Hand cleaners

     2,918,000      3,233,000
             
   $ 151,287,000    $ 138,695,000
             

NOTE 7 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On March 27, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share buy-back plan. Under the plan, which is in effect for up to twelve months, the Company is authorized to acquire up to $35 million of the Company’s outstanding shares.

On March 27, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share payable on April 30, 2007 to shareholders of record on April 16, 2007.

 

14


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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and the MD&A included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.

In MD&A, “we,” “our,” “us,” and “the Company” refer to WD-40 Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. Amounts and percents in tables and discussions may not total due to rounding.

OVERVIEW

The Company markets two lubricant brands known as WD-40® and 3-IN-ONE Oil®, two heavy-duty hand cleaner brands known as Lava® and Solvol ®, and six household product brands known as X-14 ® hard surface cleaners and automatic toilet bowl cleaners, 2000 Flushes ® automatic toilet bowl cleaner, Carpet Fresh ® and No Vac ® rug and room deodorizers, Spot Shot ® aerosol and liquid carpet stain removers and 1001 ® carpet and household cleaners and rug and room deodorizers. These brands are sold in various locations around the world. Lubricant brands are sold worldwide in markets such as North, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Rim, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Household product brands are currently sold primarily in North America, the U.K., Australia and the Pacific Rim. Heavy-duty hand cleaner brands are sold primarily in the U.S. and Australia.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended February 28,   Six Months Ended February 28,
     2007    2006    % Change   2007    2006    % Change

Net sales

   $ 79,331    $ 71,480    11%   $ 151,287    $ 138,695      9% 

Gross profit

   $ 39,038    $ 34,276    14%   $ 73,511    $ 66,590    10% 

Income from operations

   $ 14,095    $ 12,050    17%   $ 23,730    $ 24,530    (3)%

Net income

   $ 8,939    $ 7,231    24%   $ 14,633    $ 14,744    (1)%

Earnings per common share (diluted)

   $ 0.52    $ 0.43    21%   $ 0.85    $ 0.88    (3)%

HIGHLIGHTS

 

   

In the second quarter, sales in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific increased 8%, 19% and 9%, respectively, compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, sales in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific increased 3%, 24% and 15%, respectively, compared to the same prior fiscal year period.

 

   

In the second quarter, lubricant sales were up 16%, household product sales were up 2%, and hand cleaner sales were down 12%. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, lubricant sales were up 15%, household product sales were down 3%, and hand cleaner sales were down 10%.

 

   

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year-to-date period contributed to the growth of our sales as well as growth in expenses. The current fiscal year-to-date results translated at last fiscal year’s period exchange rates would have produced sales of $147.0 million and net income of $14.1 million. The impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected sales and net income for the first six months of fiscal year 2007 by $4.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

   

The categories where the Company’s household products compete continue to face significant competition. For the three and six months ended February 28, 2007, sales of the Company’s household products in the U.S. were down 4% and 8%, respectively, versus the same prior fiscal year periods as a result of temporary decreases in distribution, lost distribution, promotional timing and customer purchasing patterns.

 

15


   

We continue to be concerned about rising costs of components and raw materials during fiscal year 2007. We began to incur increased costs during fiscal year 2004 and have continued to see further cost increases. To combat these cost increases, the Company has created a cost reduction team to focus on cost saving initiatives as well as supply chain opportunities. In addition, the Company implemented price increases on certain products during the third quarter of fiscal year 2005. Since that time, the Company has continued to experience increases in product costs. As a result, the Company implemented additional price increases on certain products during the third quarter of fiscal year 2006.

 

   

We continue to be focused and committed to new product development under our brand names. We see innovation and renovation as an important factor to the success of our brands, and we intend to continue our commitment to work on future product, packaging and promotional innovations and renovations.

 

   

Advertising and sales promotion expenses were up 31% during the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the first six months of the prior fiscal year. Advertising and sales promotion expenses were up due to increased consumer broadcast and print media advertising in the U.S. to support the Company’s new products. The Company expects its investment in global advertising and sales promotion expenses to be in the range of 6.5% to 8.5% of net sales for fiscal year 2007.

 

   

Selling, general and administrative expenses were up 15% during the first six months of fiscal year 2007 compared to the first six months of the prior fiscal year due to increased employee-related costs, legal expenses, commissions, freight costs, bad debt expense and the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes.

 

   

During the current fiscal year 2007, the Company has begun direct operations in China. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, SG&A costs related to the direct operations in China totaled $0.5 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2007 Compared to Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2006

Net Sales

 

         Three Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales by Segment

                        

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Americas

   $ 48,942    $ 45,477    $ 3,465      8%

Europe

     24,350      20,445      3,905    19%

Asia-Pacific

     6,039      5,558      481      9%
                       

Total net sales

   $ 79,331    $ 71,480    $ 7,851    11%
                       

Please refer to the discussion under “Segment Results” included later in this section for further detailed results by segment. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year period positively impacted the growth of the Company’s sales. The current fiscal year second quarter results translated at last fiscal year’s second quarter exchange rates would have produced sales of $76.6 million, thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected second quarter fiscal year 2007 sales by $2.7 million, or 3.5%.

 

         Three Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales by Product Line

                         

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change     % Change

Lubricants

   $ 56,745    $ 49,066    $ 7,679     16%

Household products

     21,378      21,040      338       2%

Hand cleaners

     1,208      1,374      (166 )   (12)%
                        

Total net sales

   $ 79,331    $ 71,480    $ 7,851     11%
                        

 

16


By product line, sales of lubricants include WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE; sales of household products include Carpet Fresh, No Vac, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Spot Shot and 1001; and hand cleaner sales include Lava and Solvol.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $39.0 million, or 49.2% of sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to $34.3 million, or 48.0% of sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. The rise in the gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to price increases on some of the Company’s products that were implemented during the third quarter of the prior fiscal year to reduce the impact of rising costs of products, which continue to negatively affect gross margins in all of the Company’s regions. The increase in pricing of certain products worldwide added approximately 2.0% to gross margin percentage in the current fiscal year second quarter compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter. This benefit was partially offset by the continued increase in cost of products. The rising costs of products have been due to the significant increase in costs for components and raw materials, including aerosol cans and petroleum-based products. As a result of the general upward trend of costs in the market, we remain concerned about the possibility of continued rising costs of components, raw materials and finished goods.

Although the price increases helped reduce the current effect of rising costs on gross margin percentage, further rises in the cost of products could offset the benefits of the price increases. In addition to these price increases, the Company is also examining supply chain cost savings initiatives through a cost reduction team in an effort to further reduce the impact of increased costs on gross margin percentage. Additionally, the Company believes that innovation will be a key factor in improving gross margin percentage in the long term.

A decrease in advertising and promotional and other discounts, which are recorded as a reduction to sales, also contributed 0.3% to the rise in gross margin percentage. The decrease in discounts resulted from both timing and reductions in advertising and promotional activities, which include coupon redemptions, consideration and allowances given to retailers for space in their stores, consideration and allowances given to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores and co-operative advertising and promotional activity. The timing of these promotional activities, as well as shifts in product mix, may cause fluctuations in gross margin percentage from period to period.

Note that the Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to those of other reporting entities, since some entities include all costs related to distribution of their products in cost of products sold, whereas we exclude the portion associated with amounts paid to third parties for distribution to our customers from our contract packagers, and include these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 increased to $19.7 million, or 24.9% of sales, from $17.3 million, or 24.2% of sales, for the same prior fiscal year period. The increase in SG&A was largely attributable to increases in employee-related costs, miscellaneous expenses, freight costs and the impact of foreign currency translation. Employee-related costs, which include salaries, profit sharing, bonus and other fringe benefits, increased $0.9 million versus the prior fiscal year second quarter as a result of annual compensation increases, relocation expenses and additional staffing to support global sourcing and inventory management, direct operations in China and product introductions. Miscellaneous expenses increased $0.7 million, which included increased commissions, legal expenses and travel costs. Freight costs increased $0.2 million due to sales growth. Also contributing to the increase in SG&A was $0.6 million related to increased foreign currency exchange rates. The current fiscal year second quarter SG&A expenses translated at last fiscal year’s second quarter exchange rates would have produced total SG&A expenses of $19.1 million.

The Company continued its research and development investment in support of its focus on innovation and renovation. Research and development costs in the current fiscal year second quarter were $0.7 million compared to $0.8 million in the prior fiscal year second quarter. The Company’s new-product development team, known as Team Tomorrow, engages in consumer research, product development, current product improvement and testing activities. This team leverages its development capabilities by partnering with a network of outside resources including the Company’s current and prospective outsource suppliers.

 

17


Advertising and Sales Promotion Expenses

Advertising and sales promotion expenses increased to $5.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, up from $4.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and, as a percentage of sales, decreased to 6.4% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 from 6.8% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in dollars is related to an increase in advertising activities in the Asia-Pacific region during the current fiscal year second quarter compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter. Investment in global advertising and sales promotion expenses for fiscal year 2007 is expected to be in the range of 6.5% to 8.5% of net sales.

As a percentage of sales, advertising and sales promotion expenses may fluctuate period to period based upon the type of marketing activities employed by the Company and the period in which the costs are incurred. The costs of certain promotional activities are required to be recorded as reductions to sales, while others remain in advertising and sales promotion expenses. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, the total promotional costs recorded as reductions to sales were $3.4 million versus $3.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Therefore, the Company’s total investment in advertising and sales promotion activities totaled $8.5 million in the current fiscal year second quarter versus $8.4 million in the prior fiscal year second quarter.

Amortization of Intangible Asset Expense

Amortization of intangible asset expense was $146,000 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to $130,000 in last fiscal year’s second quarter. The amortization relates to the non-contractual customer relationships intangible asset acquired in the 1001 acquisition, which was completed in April 2004. This intangible asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated eight-year life.

Income from Operations

Income from operations was $14.1 million, or 17.8% of sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to $12.1 million, or 16.9% of sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. The increase in income from operations was due to the items discussed above.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net was $0.6 million compared to $0.9 million for the quarters ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The change in interest expense, net was primarily due to the reduced principal balance on long-term borrowings resulting from the annual $10.7 million principal payment made in October 2006.

Other Expense / Income, net

Other expense, net was $94,000 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to other income, net of $82,000 in the prior fiscal year second quarter, a decrease of $176,000, which was due to foreign currency exchange losses.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was 33.2% of income before income taxes for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, a decrease from 35.9% in the prior fiscal year second quarter. The current fiscal year second quarter tax rate of 33.2% is not an indication of future effective tax rates. The decrease in tax rate was primarily due to favorable rulings on foreign tax matters, the renewed federal research and experimentation credit, the benefits of I.R.C. Section 199 related to qualified production activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the tax benefit of municipal bond interest. The decrease in tax rate was partially offset by the impact of reduced low income housing credits and the phase out of the extraterritorial income (ETI) deduction.

 

18


Net Income

Net income was $8.9 million, or $0.52 per common share on a fully diluted basis for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to $7.2 million, or $0.43 per common share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. The change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period had a positive impact of $0.3 million on second quarter fiscal year 2007 net income. Current fiscal year second quarter results translated at last fiscal year’s second quarter foreign currency exchange rates would have produced net income of $8.6 million.

Segment Results

Following is a discussion of sales by region for the current and prior fiscal year second quarters.

Americas

 

         Three Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                        

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 30,192    $ 26,021    $ 4,171     16%

Household products

     17,792      18,358      (566)      (3)%

Hand cleaners

     958      1,098      (140)    (13)%
                       

Sub-total

   $ 48,942    $ 45,477    $ 3,465       8% 
                       

% of consolidated

     62%      64%      

The increase in lubricant sales in the Americas during the current fiscal year second quarter compared to last fiscal year’s second quarter was the result of WD-40 sales growth in the U.S., where sales increased by 25%. The WD-40 sales increase in the U.S. was the result of increased promotional activity as well as price increases implemented during the third quarter of the prior fiscal year. The increase in U.S. WD-40 sales was partially offset by a decrease in sales of 3-IN-ONE as a result of lost distribution to a key customer. Decreased WD-40 sales in Canada and Latin America of 8% and 3%, respectively, also partially offset the increase in U.S. WD-40 sales. The declines in these regions were due to decreased promotional activities during the quarter.

Household product sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 were down $0.6 million, or 3%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 due to declines in the U.S. Sales in the U.S. decreased by $0.6 million, or 4%, due to decreased sales of 2000 Flushes and X-14. These declines were the result of several factors, including lost or decreased distribution compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and the effect of competitive factors within and among their product categories that are further described below. These declines were partially offset by sales growth of Spot Shot and Carpet Fresh.

U.S. sales of 2000 Flushes/X-14 automatic toilet bowl cleaners were down 15% in the current fiscal year second quarter compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter due to reduced distribution with a key customer. The decrease in U.S. sales of automatic toilet bowl cleaners was partially offset by a 26% increase in Canada. The increase in Canada was the result of increased promotional activity as well as regained distribution with a key customer. Overall, sales in the toilet bowl cleaning category have declined in the grocery trade channel.

U.S. sales of the X-14 hard surface cleaners decreased 17% in the current fiscal year second quarter versus the prior fiscal year second quarter due primarily to lost distribution. In an effort to offset these losses and generate growth for the brand, the Company is renovating the X-14 brand through repositioning and repackaging to better communicate and deliver product appeal. This repositioning and repackaging launched during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

Spot Shot sales increased 8% in the U.S. during the current fiscal year second quarter as compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter due to expanded distribution of the Spot Shot trigger product with a key customer and increased distribution in the grocery trade channel. The Company has also committed both marketing and research and development resources to support and create meaningful innovation for the Spot Shot brand.

Sales of Carpet Fresh in the U.S. increased 11% in the current fiscal year second quarter due to expanded distribution with a key customer and the timing of promotional activities as compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter. These increases were partially offset by decreased sales to smaller customers as a result of competitor activities. In recent years, retailers have reduced shelf space for traditional rug and room deodorizers for reallocation to other air care products. As a result, the rug and room deodorizer category as a whole has declined in the mass retail and grocery trade channels. The Company continues to refine its marketing, promotions and pricing strategies, and has committed research and development resources to create innovation for the Carpet Fresh brand, including packaging enhancements that were introduced during the current fiscal year second quarter.

 

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To address the challenges and opportunities that exist within the competitive environments of the household products categories, the Company continues to focus on innovation and renovation through product, packaging and promotional strategies.

Sales of heavy-duty hand cleaners for the Americas decreased 13% in the current fiscal year second quarter compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter as a result of decreased promotional activity. Although sales of heavy-duty hand cleaners decreased, distribution remains consistent through the grocery trade and other classes of trade.

For the Americas, 86% of sales came from the U.S., and 14% came from Canada and Latin America in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, compared to the distribution in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, when 85% of sales came from the U.S., and 15% came from Canada and Latin America.

Europe

 

         Three Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                        

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 21,464    $ 18,234    $ 3,230    18%

Household products

     2,886      2,211      675    31%

Hand cleaners

     —        —        —      —  
                       

Sub-total

   $ 24,350    $ 20,445    $ 3,905    19%
                       

% of consolidated

     31%      29%      

For the quarter ended February 28, 2007, sales in Europe grew to $24.4 million, up $3.9 million, or 19%, over sales in the same prior fiscal year period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year period contributed to the growth of sales. The current fiscal year second quarter results translated at last fiscal year’s second quarter exchange rates would have produced sales of $21.7 million in this region. Thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected second quarter fiscal year 2007 sales by approximately $2.7 million, or 12%.

The countries where the Company sells through a direct sales force include the U.K, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria. Sales from these countries increased 15% in the current fiscal year second quarter versus last fiscal year’s second quarter. Sales from these countries also accounted for 72% of the region’s sales in the current fiscal year second quarter, down from 74% in the prior fiscal year second quarter. Percentage increases in sales in U.S. dollars across the various parts of the region over the prior fiscal year second quarter are as follows: the U.K., 14%; France, 23%; the German sales region, 8%; Spain/Portugal, 13%; and Italy, 52%. These direct sales markets are expected to continue to be important contributors to the region’s growth. In the long term, the number of countries where the Company sells through a direct sales force is expected to increase.

The U.K. market benefited from sales growth of the 1001 brand. The increase in 1001 brand sales was the result of increased distribution and awareness of 1001 No Vac. The sales growth in France was the result of the continued introduction of the WD-40 Smart Straw as well as increased distribution of the 3-IN-ONE Professional line of products. The sales growth in the German sales region, which includes Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria, was the result of the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates. Sales in Spain/Portugal were up due to the continued development of the WD-40 Smart Straw and the 3-IN-ONE Professional line of products. The sales growth in Italy was also the result of increased awareness and penetration of the WD-40 brand and the continued launch of the WD-40 Smart Straw.

In the countries in which the Company sells through local distributors, sales increased 30% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 versus the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. The sales growth in the distributor markets was the result of the continued growth in Eastern and Northern Europe and the Middle East. The distributor market accounted for approximately 28% of the total Europe segment sales in the current fiscal year second quarter, up from 26% in the prior fiscal year second quarter. These markets continue to experience growth in distribution and usage resulting from increased market penetration and brand awareness.

 

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Asia-Pacific

 

         Three Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                        

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 5,089    $ 4,811    $ 278      6%

Household products

     700      471      229    49%

Hand cleaners

     250      276      (26)      (9)%
                       

Sub-total

   $ 6,039    $ 5,558    $ 481      9%
                       

% of consolidated

     8%      8%      

In the Asia-Pacific region, which includes Australia and Asia, total sales in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 were $6.0 million, up $0.5 million, or 9%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter did not significantly impact the current fiscal year second quarter sales. The current fiscal year second quarter results translated at last fiscal year’s second quarter exchange rates would have produced sales of $5.9 million in this region. Thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected second quarter fiscal year 2007 sales by approximately $0.1 million, or 2%. Asia-Pacific sales primarily benefited from increased lubricant sales in both Asia and Australia and increased No Vac sales in Australia.

Sales in Australia were up 19% in the current fiscal year second quarter as compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter due to sales growth of No Vac as a result of new product introductions and increased distribution. No Vac continues to gain market share in Australia. Lubricant sales also contributed to the growth in Australia as a result of increased promotional activity and the continued launch of the WD-40 Smart Straw.

Sales in Asia were up 4% in the current fiscal year second quarter as compared to the prior fiscal year second quarter primarily due to increased WD-40 sales to customers in China as a result of increased promotional activity. Sales across other parts of the Asian region were also up, including in Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. This region represents long-term growth potential for the Company.

While the Company has historically sold to Asia through third party marketing distributors, to help accelerate the growth in this region, the Company has begun direct operations in China in the current fiscal year.

Six Months Ended February 28, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended February 28, 2006

Net Sales

 

         Six Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales by Segment

                        

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Americas

   $ 94,086    $ 91,733    $ 2,353      3%

Europe

     46,236      37,394      8,842    24%

Asia-Pacific

     10,965      9,568      1,397    15%
                       

Total net sales

   $ 151,287    $ 138,695    $ 12,592      9%
                       

Please refer to the discussion under “Segment Results” included later in this section for further detailed results by segment. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year period positively impacted the growth of the Company’s sales. The current fiscal year six-month results translated at last fiscal year’s period exchange rates would have produced sales of $147.0 million, thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected sales in the first six months of fiscal year 2007 by $4.3 million, or 3%.

 

21


         Six Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales by Product Line

                       

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 105,649    $ 91,492    $ 14,157     15%

Household products

     42,720      43,970      (1,250)       (3)%

Hand cleaners

     2,918      3,233      (315)    (10)%
                       

Total net sales

   $ 151,287    $ 138,695    $ 12,592       9% 
                       

By product line, sales of lubricants include WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE; sales of household products include Carpet Fresh, No Vac, X-14, 2000 Flushes, Spot Shot and 1001; and hand cleaner sales include Lava and Solvol.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $73.5 million, or 48.6% of sales for the six months ended February 28, 2007, compared to $66.6 million, or 48.0% of sales in the comparable period last fiscal year. The rise in the gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to price increases on some of the Company’s products that were implemented during the third quarter of the prior fiscal year to reduce the impact of rising costs of products, which continue to negatively affect gross margins in all of the Company’s regions. The increase in pricing of certain products worldwide added approximately 2.0% to gross margin percentage in the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the same prior fiscal year period. This benefit was partially offset by the continued increase in cost of products. The rising costs of products have been due to the significant increase in costs for components and raw materials, including aerosol cans and petroleum-based products. As a result of the general upward trend of costs in the market, we remain concerned about the possibility of continued rising costs of components, raw materials and finished goods.

Although the price increases helped reduce the current effect of rising costs on gross margin percentage, further rises in the cost of products could offset the benefits of the price increases. In addition to these price increases, the Company is also examining supply chain cost savings initiatives through a cost reduction team in an effort to further reduce the impact of increased costs on gross margin percentage. Additionally, the Company believes that innovation will be a key factor in improving gross margin percentage in the long term.

A decrease in advertising and promotional and other discounts, which are recorded as a reduction to sales, also contributed 0.4% to the rise in gross margin percentage. The decrease in discounts resulted from both timing and reductions in advertising and promotional activities, which include coupon redemptions, consideration and allowances given to retailers for space in their stores, consideration and allowances given to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores and co-operative advertising and promotional activity. The timing of these promotional activities, as well as shifts in product mix, may cause fluctuations in gross margin percentage from period to period.

Note that the Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to those of other reporting entities, since some entities include all costs related to distribution of their products in cost of products sold, whereas we exclude the portion associated with amounts paid to third parties for distribution to our customers from our contract packagers, and include these costs in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for the six months ended February 28, 2007 increased to $38.8 million, or 25.6% of sales, from $33.6 million, or 24.2% of sales, for the same prior fiscal year period. The increase in SG&A was largely attributable to increases in employee-related costs, miscellaneous expenses, freight costs, bad debt expense and the impact of foreign currency translation. Employee-related costs, which include salaries, profit sharing, bonus and other fringe benefits, increased $1.9 million versus the same prior fiscal year period as a result of annual compensation increases, relocation expenses and additional staffing to support global sourcing and inventory management, direct operations in China and product introductions. Miscellaneous expenses increased $1.5 million, which included increased commissions, travel costs and legal expenses. Freight costs increased $0.5 million due to sales growth and increased fuel surcharges. Bad debt expense increased $0.3 million as the same prior fiscal year period expense reflected the benefit of bad debt recoveries. Also contributing to the increase in SG&A was $1.0 million related to increased foreign currency exchange rates. SG&A expenses for the six months ended February 28, 2007 translated at last fiscal year’s exchange rates would have produced total SG&A expenses of $37.8 million.

 

22


The Company continued its research and development investment in support of its focus on innovation and renovation. Research and development costs were $1.6 million in each of the first six months of the current fiscal year and the prior fiscal year. The Company’s new-product development team, known as Team Tomorrow, engages in consumer research, product development, current product improvement and testing activities. This team leverages its development capabilities by partnering with a network of outside resources including the Company’s current and prospective outsource suppliers.

Advertising and Sales Promotion Expenses

Advertising and sales promotion expenses increased to $10.7 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2007, up from $8.2 million for the same period last fiscal year, and as a percentage of sales, increased to 7.1% for the current fiscal year period from 5.9% in the comparable prior fiscal year period. The increase is related to the timing of investment in advertising activities in the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the first six months of the prior fiscal year. In the first half of the current fiscal year, the Company increased its consumer broadcast and print media advertising to support new products. In the same prior fiscal year period, the Company had lower levels of marketing investment, as the Company did not begin its consumer broadcast advertising until the second quarter. Investment in global advertising and sales promotion expenses for fiscal year 2007 is expected to be in the range of 6.5% to 8.5% of net sales.

As a percentage of sales, advertising and sales promotion expenses may fluctuate period to period based upon the type of marketing activities employed by the Company and the period in which the costs are incurred. The costs of certain promotional activities are required to be recorded as reductions to sales, while others remain in advertising and sales promotion expenses. In the first six months of fiscal year 2007, the total promotional costs recorded as reductions to sales were $7.7 million versus $7.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2006. Therefore, the Company’s total investment in advertising and sales promotion activities totaled $18.4 million and $15.6 million in the first six months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Amortization of Intangible Asset Expense

Amortization of intangible asset expense was $287,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2007, compared to $262,000 in the same prior fiscal year period. The amortization relates to the non-contractual customer relationships intangible asset acquired in the 1001 acquisition, which was completed in April 2004. This intangible asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated eight-year life.

Income from Operations

Income from operations was $23.7 million, or 15.7% of sales for the first six months of fiscal year 2007, compared to $24.5 million, or 17.7% of sales for the same six-month period in fiscal year 2006. The decrease in income from operations was due to the items discussed above.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net was $1.3 million compared to $1.9 million during the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The change in interest expense, net was primarily due to the reduced principal balance on long-term borrowings resulting from the annual $10.7 million principal payments made in October 2006 and October 2005.

Other Expense / Income, net

Other expense, net was $185,000 during the first six months of fiscal year 2007, compared to other income, net of $223,000 in the same prior fiscal year period, a decrease of $408,000, which was due to foreign currency exchange losses.

 

23


Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was 34.2% of income before income taxes for the six months ended February 28, 2007, a decrease from 35.6% for the same prior fiscal year period. The decrease in tax rate was primarily due to favorable rulings on foreign tax matters, the renewed federal research and experimentation credit, the benefits of I.R.C. Section 199 related to qualified production activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the tax benefit of municipal bond interest. The decrease in tax rate was partially offset by the impact of reduced low income housing credits and the phase out of the extraterritorial income (ETI) deduction.

Net Income

Net income was $14.6 million, or $0.85 per common share on a fully diluted basis for the six months ended February 28, 2007, compared to $14.7 million, or $0.88 per common share for the six months ended February 28, 2006. The change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period had a positive impact of $0.5 million on net income for the first six months of fiscal year 2007. Current fiscal year six-month results translated at last fiscal year’s period foreign currency exchange rates would have produced net income of $14.1 million.

Segment Results

Following is a discussion of sales by region for the current and prior fiscal year six-month periods.

Americas

 

         Six Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                       

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 55,783    $ 50,245    $ 5,538     11%

Household products

     35,923      38,845      (2,922)      (8)%

Hand cleaners

     2,380      2,643      (263)    (10)%
                       

Sub-total

   $ 94,086    $ 91,733    $ 2,353       3% 
                       

% of consolidated

     62%      66%      

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year period positively impacted the growth of sales. The current fiscal year-to-date results translated at last fiscal year’s period exchange rates would have produced sales of $93.9 million in this region. Thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected sales in the first six months of fiscal year 2007 by approximately $0.2 million.

The increase in lubricant sales in the Americas during the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the same prior fiscal year period was the result of WD-40 sales growth across the region, as WD-40 sales in the U.S., Latin America and Canada increased by 14%, 9% and 12%, respectively. The WD-40 sales increase in the U.S. was the result of increased promotional activity. Growth in Latin America was primarily due to new distribution and increased promotional activity. Growth in Canada was due to promotional activities with key customers and the continued launch of the WD-40 Smart Straw. Price increases implemented on certain products during the prior fiscal year third quarter also contributed to the overall lubricant sales growth in the Americas in the first six months of the current fiscal year.

Household product sales in the first six months of fiscal year 2007 were down $2.9 million, or 8%, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2006 due to declines in the U.S. Sales in the U.S. decreased by $3.0 million, or 8%, due to decreased sales of Spot Shot, Carpet Fresh, X-14 and 2000 Flushes. These declines were the result of several factors, including temporarily lost or decreased distribution compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2006 and the effect of competitive factors within and among their product categories that are further described below.

Spot Shot sales declined 3% in the U.S. during the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared to the same prior fiscal year period due to reduced sales to a key customer and reduced promotional activity. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year, a key customer temporarily replaced Spot Shot with seasonal items, which had not occurred in the prior fiscal year first quarter. The Company regained distribution with this customer during the second quarter of the current fiscal year. Additionally, certain

 

24


promotional activity during the first six months of the prior fiscal year was not repeated in the first six months of the current fiscal year. The Company has committed both marketing and research and development resources to support and create meaningful innovation for the Spot Shot brand.

Sales of Carpet Fresh in the U.S. declined 4% in the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared to the same prior fiscal year period due to decreased sales to some smaller customers as a result of competitor activities. This decline was partially offset by expanded distribution with a key customer during the second quarter of the current fiscal year. In recent years, retailers have reduced shelf space for traditional rug and room deodorizers for reallocation to other air care products. As a result, the rug and room deodorizer category as a whole has declined in the mass retail and grocery trade channels. The Company continues to refine its marketing, promotions and pricing strategies, and has committed research and development resources to create innovation for the Carpet Fresh brand, including packaging enhancements that were introduced during the current fiscal year second quarter.

U.S. sales of the X-14 hard surface cleaners decreased 20% in the first six months of the current fiscal year versus the same prior fiscal year period due primarily to lost distribution. In an effort to offset these losses and generate growth for the brand, the Company is renovating the X-14 brand through repositioning and repackaging to better communicate and deliver product appeal. This repositioning and repackaging launched during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007.

U.S. sales of 2000 Flushes/X-14 automatic toilet bowl cleaners were down 11% in the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the first six months of the prior fiscal year due to reduced distribution with a key customer. The decrease in U.S. sales of automatic toilet bowl cleaners was partially offset by a 20% increase in Canada. The increase in Canada was the result of increased promotional activity as well as regained distribution with a key customer. Overall, sales in the toilet bowl cleaning category have declined in the grocery trade channel.

To address the challenges and opportunities that exist within the competitive environments of the household products categories, the Company continues to focus on innovation and renovation through product, packaging and promotional strategies.

Sales of heavy-duty hand cleaners for the Americas decreased 10% in the first six months of the current fiscal year compared to the same prior fiscal year period as a result of decreased promotional activity. Although sales of heavy-duty hand cleaners decreased, distribution remains consistent through the grocery trade and other classes of trade.

For the Americas, 85% of sales came from the U.S., and 15% came from Canada and Latin America in each of the first six months of fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Europe

 

         Six Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                       

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 40,722    $ 33,154    $ 7,568    23%

Household products

     5,514      4,240      1,274    30%

Hand cleaners

     —        —        —      —  
                       

Sub-total

   $ 46,236    $ 37,394    $ 8,842    24%
                       

% of consolidated

     31%      27%      

For the six months ended February 28, 2007, sales in Europe grew to $46.2 million, up $8.8 million, or 24%, over sales in the same prior fiscal year period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same prior fiscal year period contributed to the growth of sales. The current fiscal year-to-date results translated at last fiscal year’s period exchange rates would have produced sales of $42.3 million in this region. Thus, the impact of the change in foreign currency exchange rates period over period positively affected the current fiscal year-to-date sales by approximately $3.9 million, or 9%.

 

25


The countries where the Company sells through a direct sales force include the U.K, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria. Sales from these countries increased 19% in the first six months of the current fiscal year versus the same period last fiscal year. Sales from these countries also accounted for 69% of the region’s sales in the first six months of the current fiscal year, down from 71% in the same prior fiscal year period. Percentage increases in sales in U.S. dollars across the various parts of the region over the prior fiscal year’s first six months are as follows: the U.K., 12%; France, 25%; the German sales region, 30%; Spain/Portugal, 13%; and Italy, 34%. These direct sales markets are expected to continue to be important contributors to the region’s growth. In the long term, the number of countries where the Company sells through a direct sales force is expected to increase.

The U.K. market benefited from sales growth of the 1001 brand and 3-IN-ONE. The increase in 1001 brand sales was the result of increased distribution and awareness of 1001 No Vac. The increase in 3-IN-ONE sales was due to the increased distribution of the 3-IN-ONE Professional line of products. The sales growth in France was the result of the continued introduction of the WD-40 Smart Straw as well as increased distribution of the 3-IN-ONE Professional line of products. The sales growth in the German sales region, which includes Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Austria, was the result of increased awareness and penetration of the WD-40 brand, the continued introduction of the WD-40 Smart Straw and the further development of direct sales into the Netherlands. Sales in Spain/Portugal were up as a result of the continued development of the WD-40 Smart Straw. The sales growth in Italy was also the result of increased awareness and penetration of the WD-40 brand and the continued launch of the WD-40 Smart Straw.

In the countries in which the Company sells through local distributors, sales increased 34% in the first six months of fiscal year 2007 versus the same prior fiscal year period. The sales growth in the distributor markets was the result of the continued growth in Eastern and Northern Europe and the Middle East. The distributor market accounted for approximately 31% of the total Europe segment sales in the first six months of the current fiscal year, up from 29% in the same prior fiscal year period. These markets continue to experience growth in distribution and usage resulting from increased market penetration and brand awareness.

Asia-Pacific

 

         Six Months Ended February 28,

Net Sales

                       

(in thousands)

   2007    2006    $ Change    % Change

Lubricants

   $ 9,144    $ 8,093    $ 1,051     13% 

Household products

     1,283      885      398     45% 

Hand cleaners

     538      590      (52)      (9)%
                       

Sub-total

   $ 10,965    $ 9,568    $ 1,397     15% 
                       

% of consolidated

     7%      7%      

In the Asia-Pacific region, which includes Australia and Asia, total sales in the first six months of fiscal year 2007 were $11.0 million, up $1.4 million, or 15%, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2006. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the prior fiscal year period did not impact the current fiscal year period sales. Asia-Pacific sales benefited from increased lubricant sales in both Asia and Australia and increased No Vac sales in Australia.

Sales in Australia were up 17% in the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared to the same prior fiscal year period due to sales growth of No Vac as a result of new product introductions and increased distribution. No Vac continues to gain market share in Australia. Lubricant sales also contributed to the growth in Australia as a result of increased promotional activity and the continued launch of the WD-40 Smart Straw.

Sales in Asia were up 13% in the first six months of the current fiscal year as compared to the first six months of the prior fiscal year primarily due to increased WD-40 sales to customers in China as a result of increased promotional activity. Sales across other parts of the Asian region were also up, including in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. This region represents long-term growth potential for the Company.

While the Company has historically sold to Asia through third party marketing distributors, to help accelerate the growth in this region, the Company has begun direct operations in China in the current fiscal year.

 

26


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the six months ended February 28, 2007, cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.4 million, from $45.2 million at the end of fiscal year 2006 to $46.6 million at February 28, 2007. Operating cash flow of $18.9 million was offset by cash used in investing activities of $1.0 million and cash used in financing activities of $16.6 million.

Current assets increased by $6.0 million to $121.6 million at February 28, 2007, up from $115.5 million at August 31, 2006. Accounts receivable increased to $49.7 million, up $5.2 million from $44.5 million at August 31, 2006, as a result of the timing of sales. Product held at contract packagers increased to $1.9 million, up from $1.4 million at August 31, 2006 due to timing. Inventory decreased to $15.0 million, down by $0.3 million from $15.3 million at August 31, 2006. Other current assets decreased by $0.9 million to $4.0 million at February 28, 2007, down from $4.9 million at August 31, 2006 due to the timing of prepaid expenses.

Current liabilities were $48.0 million at February 28, 2007, up from $43.7 million at August 31, 2006. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased by $8.1 million due to timing of payments and higher sales levels in January and February of fiscal year 2007 compared to July and August of fiscal year 2006. Accrued payroll and related expenses were down $3.7 million primarily due to decreased bonus accrual. At February 28, 2007, the accrued bonus balance included only six months of accrual compared to twelve months of accrual as of August 31, 2006. Accrued payroll and related expenses were also down due to decreased profit sharing accrual. At February 28, 2007, the accrued profit sharing balance included only two months of accrual compared to eight months of accrual at August 31, 2007, as the Company’s profit sharing plan is based on a calendar year.

At February 28, 2007, working capital increased to $73.5 million, up $1.7 million from $71.9 million at the end of fiscal year 2006. The current ratio was 2.5 at February 28, 2007, down from 2.6 at August 31, 2006.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended February 28, 2007 was $18.9 million. This amount consisted of $14.6 million from net income with an additional $3.8 million of adjustments for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, losses on sales of equipment, deferred income tax expense, excess tax benefits from exercises of stock options, distributions received and equity earnings from VML Company L.L.C. (VML) and stock-based compensation along with $0.5 million related to changes in the working capital as described above and changes in other long-term liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2007 was $1.0 million. The Company purchased and sold $99.6 million of short-term investments, which consisted of investment grade auction rate securities with an active resale market to ensure liquidity and the ability to be readily converted into cash. Capital expenditures of $1.2 million were primarily in the areas of computer hardware and software, buildings and improvements, furniture and fixtures and vehicle replacements. For fiscal year 2007, the Company expects to spend approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million for new capital assets, largely driven by new product development, computer equipment, software and vehicles.

For the first six months of fiscal year 2007, net cash used in financing activities included a $10.7 million principal payment on debt in October 2006 and $8.0 million of dividend payments, partially offset by $2.0 million in proceeds from the exercise of common stock options and $0.1 million of excess tax benefits from exercises of stock options. The $10.7 million payment on debt was the second principal payment on the Company’s original $75 million, 7.28% fixed-rate term loan. Subsequent payments in similar amounts will be due in October in each of the following five years.

Management believes the Company has access to sufficient capital through the combination of available cash balances and internally generated funds. Management considers various factors when reviewing liquidity needs and plans for available cash on hand including: future debt, principal and interest payments, early debt repayment penalties, future capital expenditure requirements, future dividend payments (which are determined on a quarterly basis by the Company’s Board of Directors), alternative investment opportunities, loan covenants and any other relevant considerations currently facing the business.

 

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On March 27, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share buy-back plan. Under the plan, which is in effect for up to twelve months, the Company is authorized to acquire up to $35 million of the Company’s outstanding shares. As a result of the share buy-back plan, the Company’s debt covenants related to its fixed-rate term loan have been revised. Previously, the aggregate payments for dividends and share repurchases by the Company were limited to $7.5 million, plus 75% of consolidated net income for each quarter beginning in fiscal year 2002. Under the revised debt covenants, the aggregate payments for dividends and share repurchases by the Company are limited to $35 million, plus 75% of consolidated net income for each quarter beginning March 1, 2007.

On March 27, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share payable on April 30, 2007 to shareholders of record on April 16, 2007. The Company’s ability to pay dividends could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our discussion and analysis of our operating results and financial condition is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Critical accounting policies are those that involve subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates. The following areas all require the use of judgments and estimates: allowance for doubtful accounts, revenue recognition, accounting for sales incentives, accounting for income taxes, valuation of long-lived intangible assets and goodwill and inventory valuation. Estimates in each of these areas are based on historical experience and various judgments and assumptions that we believe are appropriate. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in more detail in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the Board’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “ Fair Value Measurements.” Management is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 159 may have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating SFAS No. 157 to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company will adopt this interpretation as required beginning September 1, 2007. Management is currently assessing the effect that FIN 48 will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

 

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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

VML Company L.L.C. (VML), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, was formed in April 2001, at which time the Company acquired a 30% membership interest. Since formation, VML has served as the Company’s contract manufacturer for certain household products and acts as a warehouse distributor for other product lines of the Company. Although VML has begun to expand its business to other customers, the Company continues to be its largest customer. VML makes profit distributions to the Company and the 70% owner on a discretionary basis in proportion to each party’s respective interest.

The Company has a put option to sell its interest in VML to the 70% owner, and the 70% owner has a call option to purchase the Company’s interest. The sale price in each case is established pursuant to formulas based on VML’s operating results.

Under Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,” VML qualifies as a variable interest entity, and it has been determined that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s investment in VML is accounted for using the equity method of accounting, and its equity in VML earnings or losses is recorded as a component of cost of products sold, as VML acts primarily as a contract manufacturer to the Company. The Company recorded equity earnings related to its investment in VML of $30,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2007 and equity losses of $150,000 for the three months ended February 28, 2006. For the six months ended February 28, 2007, the Company recorded equity earnings related to its investment in VML of $36,000. For the six months ended February 28, 2006, the Company recorded equity losses related to its investment in VML of $96,000.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with VML was $1.0 million as of February 28, 2007. This amount represents the balance of the Company’s equity investment in VML, which is presented as investment in related party on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s investment in VML as of August 31, 2006 was $1.0 million.

Cost of products sold which were purchased from VML, net of rebates and equity earnings, was approximately $4.6 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $9.8 million and $20.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company had product payables to VML of $0.9 million and $0.5 million at February 28, 2007 and August 31, 2006, respectively. Additionally, the Company receives rental income from VML, which is recorded as a component of other (expense) income, net. Rental income from VML was $48,000 during each of the three months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006, and $95,000 during each of the six months ended February 28, 2007 and 2006.

 

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Periodically, the Company invests in highly liquid investment grade auction rate securities, which are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with maturities that could range from 13 months to 30 years. The interest rates are reset through an auction bidding process at predetermined periods ranging from 7 to 35 days. Due to the frequent nature of the reset feature, the realized or unrealized gains or losses associated with these securities are not significant; therefore, the Company considers the reported amounts of these investments, which are stated at cost, to be reasonable approximations of fair values. Management does not believe changes in market interest rates will have a material impact on our financial position.

Please refer to Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006 for a discussion of the Company’s exposure to market risks. The Company’s exposure to market risks has not changed materially since August 31, 2006.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). The term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of a Company that are designed to ensure the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits

 

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under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of February 28, 2007, the end of the period covered by this report (the Evaluation Date), and they have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, such controls and procedures were effective at ensuring that required information will be disclosed on a timely basis in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act. Although management believes the Company’s existing disclosure controls and procedures are adequate to enable the Company to comply with its disclosure obligations, management continues to review and update such controls and procedures. The Company has a disclosure committee, which consists of certain members of the Company’s senior management.

There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or would be reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II Other Information

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is party to various claims, legal actions and complaints, including product liability litigation, arising in the ordinary course of business.

On April 19, 2006, a legal action was filed against the Company in the United States District Court, Southern District of California (Drimmer v. WD-40 Company) . After several of the plaintiff’s factual claims were dismissed by way of motion, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint on September 20, 2006, seeking class action status and alleging that the Company misrepresented that its 2000 Flushes Bleach and 2000 Flushes Blue Plus Bleach automatic toilet bowl cleaners (ATBCs) are safe for plumbing systems and unlawfully omitted to advise consumers regarding the allegedly damaging effect the use of the ATBCs has on toilet parts made of plastic and rubber. The amended complaint seeks to remedy such allegedly wrongful conduct: (i) by requiring the Company to identify all consumers who have purchased the ATBCs and to return money as may be ordered by the court; and (ii) by the granting of other equitable relief, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. Though a new named plaintiff brought this case, it is legally and factually identical to a similar case that was dismissed by the San Diego Superior Court in April 2005, and the Company intends to vigorously defend this case in the same manner as before. If class action certification is granted in this aforementioned legal action, it is reasonably possible that the outcome could have a material adverse effect on the operating results, financial position and cash flows of the Company. There is not sufficient information to estimate the Company’s exposure at this time.

The Company has been named as a defendant in an increasing number of lawsuits brought by a growing group of attorneys on behalf of individual plaintiffs who assert that exposure to products that allegedly contain benzene is a cause of certain cancers. The Company is one of many defendants in these legal proceedings whose products are alleged to contain benzene. However, the Company specifies that its suppliers provide constituent ingredients free of benzene, and the Company believes its products have always been formulated without containing benzene. Except for self-insured retention amounts applicable to each separately filed lawsuit, the Company expects that the benzene lawsuits will be adequately covered by insurance and will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits in an effort to demonstrate conclusively that its products do not contain benzene, and that they have not contained benzene in prior years. The Company is unable to assess the expected cost of defense of these lawsuits in future periods. If the number of benzene lawsuits filed against the Company continues to increase, it is reasonably possible that such costs of defense may materially affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in future periods.

 

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During the quarter ended February 28, 2007, there were no material developments with respect to legal proceedings that were pending as of the prior fiscal year end and disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

The Company is subject to a variety of risks, including component supply risk, reliance on supply chain, inventory risks, competition, volume growth, political and economic risks, international operations, business risks, new product development risks, risk that operating results and net earnings may not meet expectations, regulatory risks, resolution of tax disputes, acquisition risk, debt financing risk, protection of intellectual property, intellectual property infringement, volatility in the insurance market, product liability and other litigation risks, marketing distributor relationships, natural disasters, market expectations and internal control over financial reporting. These risk factors are discussed in more detail in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006.

There were no material changes during the most recent fiscal quarter in the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain forward-looking statements. This report contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance.

These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The words “aim,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and other expressions that indicate future events and trends identify forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006, as updated from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending upon factors including, but not limited to, the near term growth expectations for lubricants, household products and heavy-duty hand cleaners in the Americas, the impact of changes in product distribution, competition for shelf space, plans for product and promotional innovation, the impact of new product introductions on the growth of sales, the impact of customer mix and raw material, component and finished goods costs on gross margins, the impact of promotions on sales, the rate of sales growth in the Asia-Pacific region, direct European countries and Eastern Europe, the impact of changes in inventory management, the effect of future income tax provisions and audit outcomes on tax rates, the amount of future capital expenditures, foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates, the effects of, and changes in, worldwide economic conditions, legal proceedings and the other risk factors identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2006.

Readers also should be aware that while the Company does, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, it is against the Company’s policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Further, the Company has a policy against confirming financial forecasts or projections issued by others. Accordingly, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of the Company.

 

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ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting on December 12, 2006, the following matters were voted upon and approved by the margins indicated.

 

          Number of Shares
          Voted For    Withheld

1.

   Election of Directors.      
  

John C. Adams, Jr.

   15,886,777    66,752
  

Giles H. Bateman

   15,876,417    77,112
  

Peter D. Bewley

   15,882,316    71,213
  

Richard A. Collato

   15,875,407    78,122
  

Mario L. Crivello

   15,850,475    103,054
  

Linda A. Lang

   15,876,926    76,603
  

Gary L. Luick

   15,865,202    88,327
  

Kenneth E. Olson

   15,868,892    84,637
  

Garry O. Ridge

   15,879,018    74,511
  

Neal E. Schmale

   15,878,136    75,393

 

          Number of Shares
          Voted For    Voted
Against
   Abstain

2.

  

Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent accountants for the fiscal year 2007

   15,849,806    38,330    65,393

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.  

Description

3(a)   The Certificate of Incorporation is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed January 14, 2000, Exhibit 3(a) thereto.
3(b)   The Bylaws are incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed October 20, 2005, Exhibit 3 thereto.
10(a)   Amended Compensation Agreement between WD-40 Company and Geoff Holdsworth dated March 27, 2007.
31(a)   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(a)   18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32(b)   18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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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.

 

   

WD-40 COMPANY

Registrant

Date: April 9, 2007     By:   /s/ GARRY O. RIDGE
        Garry O. Ridge
        Chief Executive Officer and Director
        (Principal Executive Officer)
      By:   /s/ MICHAEL J. IRWIN
        Michael J. Irwin
        Executive Vice President
        Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial Officer)
      By:   /s/ JAY REMBOLT
        Jay Rembolt
        Vice President of Finance, Controller
        (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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