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BALCHEM CORP - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)


 FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)          
 
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2016
 
or

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 1-13648

BALCHEM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Maryland
 
13-2578432
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

52 Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, New York
 
10958
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

 
845-326-5600
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

Indicate by a 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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.

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

Yes  ☑
 
No  ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☑
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑

As of October 28, 2016 the registrant had 31,720,947 shares of its Common Stock, $.06 2/3 par value, outstanding.
 


Part I.
Financial Information
Item 1.
Financial Statements

BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Assets
 
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)
   
December 31,
2015
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
32,533
   
$
84,795
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $390 and $235 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
   
68,841
     
60,485
 
Inventories
   
56,675
     
46,085
 
Prepaid expenses
   
2,814
     
3,208
 
Prepaid income taxes
   
8,066
     
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
814
     
810
 
Other current assets
   
3,042
     
2,909
 
Total current assets
   
172,785
     
198,292
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
166,680
     
158,515
 
                 
Goodwill
   
444,083
     
383,906
 
Intangible assets with finite lives, net
   
154,842
     
134,911
 
Other assets
   
8,442
     
4,062
 
Total assets
 
$
946,832
   
$
879,686
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable
 
$
16,165
   
$
14,708
 
Accrued expenses
   
17,324
     
12,829
 
Accrued compensation and other benefits
   
5,305
     
5,128
 
Dividends payable
   
-
     
10,727
 
Income taxes payable
   
-
     
2,728
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
35,000
     
35,000
 
Total current liabilities
   
73,794
     
81,120
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
235,112
     
260,963
 
Revolving loan - long-term
   
28,000
     
-
 
Deferred income taxes
   
86,157
     
67,215
 
Other long-term obligations
   
7,347
     
6,683
 
Total liabilities
   
430,410
     
415,981
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (note 14)
               
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, $.0667 par value. Authorized 120,000,000 shares; 31,720,147 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 31,528,449 shares  issued and 31,527,360 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015
   
2,115
     
2,102
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
134,745
     
122,594
 
Retained earnings
   
384,247
     
344,197
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(4,685
)
   
(5,114
)
Treasury stock, at cost: 0 and 1,089 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
   
-
     
(74
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
516,422
     
463,705
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
946,832
   
$
879,686
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2

BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Net sales
 
$
138,509
   
$
140,128
   
$
412,444
   
$
419,763
 
                                 
Cost of sales
   
93,853
     
96,954
     
278,515
     
291,592
 
                                 
Gross margin
   
44,656
     
43,174
     
133,929
     
128,171
 
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling expenses
   
13,601
     
11,807
     
41,182
     
34,960
 
Research and development expenses
   
1,681
     
1,510
     
5,543
     
4,450
 
General and administrative expenses
   
6,428
     
6,935
     
20,957
     
17,027
 
     
21,710
     
20,252
     
67,682
     
56,437
 
                                 
Earnings from operations
   
22,946
     
22,922
     
66,247
     
71,734
 
                                 
Other expenses (income):
                               
Interest income
   
(2
)
   
(3
)
   
(7
)
   
(7
)
Interest expense
   
1,790
     
1,617
     
5,538
     
5,092
 
Other, net
   
387
     
119
     
581
     
209
 
                                 
Earnings before income tax expense
   
20,771
     
21,189
     
60,135
     
66,440
 
                                 
Income tax expense
   
6,759
     
7,213
     
20,087
     
22,377
 
                                 
Net earnings
 
$
14,012
   
$
13,976
   
$
40,048
   
$
44,063
 
                                 
Net earnings per common share - basic
 
$
0.44
   
$
0.45
   
$
1.27
   
$
1.42
 
                                 
Net earnings per common share - diluted
 
$
0.44
   
$
0.44
   
$
1.26
   
$
1.40
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3

BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
                         
Net earnings
 
$
14,012
   
$
13,976
   
$
40,048
   
$
44,063
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
                                 
Net foreign currency translation adjustment
   
302
     
375
     
850
     
(1,754
)
                                 
Net change in postretirement benefit plan, net of taxes of $(4) and $1 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $(9) and $5 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
   
9
     
(3
)
   
(421
)
   
(9
)
                                 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
311
     
372
     
429
     
(1,763
)
                                 
Comprehensive income
 
$
14,323
   
$
14,348
   
$
40,477
   
$
42,300
 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

BALCHEM CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
             
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
 
$
40,048
   
$
44,063
 
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
34,383
     
29,816
 
Stock compensation expense
   
5,646
     
5,656
 
Deferred income taxes
   
656
     
27
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
160
     
(62
)
Foreign currency transaction loss
   
43
     
126
 
Loss on disposal of assets
   
319
     
186
 
Changes in assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
   
(522
)
   
7,277
 
Inventories
   
5,502
     
(1,392
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
1,996
     
2,068
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
2,404
     
(6,563
)
Income taxes
   
(10,118
)
   
(2,598
)
Other
   
(700
)
   
246
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
79,817
     
78,850
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired
   
(110,601
)
   
-
 
Capital expenditures
   
(18,801
)
   
(28,117
)
Proceeds from insurance
   
1,000
     
-
 
Intangible assets acquired
   
(765
)
   
(693
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(129,167
)
   
(28,810
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from revolving loan
   
65,000
     
-
 
Principal payments on revolving loan
   
(37,000
)
   
-
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
   
(26,250
)
   
(26,250
)
Principal payment on acquired debt
   
(884
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from stock options exercised
   
5,985
     
11,901
 
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation
   
1,935
     
6,688
 
Dividends paid
   
(10,727
)
   
(9,251
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(1,478
)
   
(1,131
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(3,419
)
   
(18,043
)
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
507
     
(728
)
                 
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(52,262
)
   
31,269
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
   
84,795
     
50,287
 
Cash and cash equivalents end of period
 
$
32,533
   
$
81,556
 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - see Note 12

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(All dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 1 – CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the accounting policies described in its December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes, which appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. References in this report to the “Company” mean either Balchem Corporation or Balchem Corporation and its subsidiaries, including SensoryEffects, Inc., SensoryEffects Cereal Systems, Inc., Albion International, Inc., BCP Ingredients, Inc., Aberco, Inc., Balchem BV, Balchem Italia Srl, and Balchem LTD, on a consolidated basis, as the context requires.

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements furnished in this Form 10-Q include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) governing interim financial statements and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and therefore do not include some information and notes necessary to conform to annual reporting requirements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for the full year or any interim period.

Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Company has renamed its SensoryEffects segment as Human Nutrition & Health, as this segment now includes encapsulates, human choline, mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts, mineral complexes, and customized food and beverage solutions (the aforementioned three mineral product lines are contributions from the Albion International, Inc. acquisition; see Note 2). The Company believes that this segment name change provides more clarity as to the segment’s core businesses and strategies.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”), which addresses the recognition of assets and liabilities that arise from all leases. The guidance requires lessees to recognize right-to-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance.
 
6

NOTE 2—ACQUISITION OF ALBION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Albion International, Inc. (“Albion” or the “Acquisition”), a privately held manufacturer of mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts and mineral complexes, headquartered in Clearfield, Utah.  The Company made payments of approximately $116.4 million on the acquisition date, amounting to approximately $110.6 million to the former shareholders, adjustments for working capital acquired of $4.9 million, and approximately $0.9 million to Albion’s lenders to pay off all Albion bank debt.  Albion has been a world leader and innovator in the manufacture of superior organic mineral compounds for sixty years and leverages scientific expertise in the areas of human and micronutrient agricultural nutrition.  Albion’s products are renowned in the supplement industry for technologically advanced, unparalleled bioavailability.  The acquisition of Albion continues to expand the Company’s science based human health and wellness solutions and will immediately increase our product offerings in the nutritional ingredient market.  Additionally, the Company will also benefit from a broader geographic footprint and a stronger position as a technological leader in spray-drying and ingredient delivery solutions.  Albion’s human nutrition business has become a part of the Human Nutrition & Health reportable segment and the micronutrient agricultural business has become a part of the Specialty Products reportable segment.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,949
 
Accounts receivable
   
7,671
 
Inventories
   
15,989
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
7,217
 
Customer relationships
   
18,443
 
Developed technology
   
9,060
 
Trade name
   
7,224
 
Licensing agreements
   
6,658
 
Other assets
   
1,200
 
Trade accounts payable
   
(1,104
)
Accrued expenses
   
(2,788
)
Bank debt
    (884
)
Deferred income taxes
    (18,262
)
Goodwill
   
60,177
 
Amount paid to shareholders
   
115,550
 
Albion bank debt paid on purchase date
    884  
Total amount paid on acquisition date
 
$
116,434
 

The preliminary goodwill of $60,177 arising from the Acquisition consists largely of expected synergies, including the combined entities’ experience and technical problem solving capabilities, and acquired workforce. Goodwill of $43,180 and $16,997 is assigned to the Human Nutrition & Health and Specialty Products segments, respectively, and approximately $1,600 is tax deductible for income tax purposes.
 
7

The estimated valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on management’s estimates and assumptions that are subject to change. In preparing our preliminary fair value estimates of the intangible assets and certain tangible assets acquired, management, among other things, consulted an independent advisor. The purchase price and related allocation to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is preliminary pending finalizing actual working capital acquired as of the Acquisition date. Additionally, certain intangible assets are not tax deductible and the related deferred tax liabilities are preliminary pending management’s final review.

Customer relationships are amortized over a 10-year period utilizing an accelerated method based on the estimated average customer attrition rate. Trade name, licensing agreements, and developed technology are amortized over 17 years, 8 years, and 5 years, respectively, utilizing the straight-line method as the consumption pattern of the related economic benefits cannot be reliably determined.

The Company is indemnified for tax liabilities prior to the Acquisition date. Indemnified tax liabilities will create an indemnification asset (receivable). At this time, an indemnification asset (receivable) balance has not been established.

Transaction and integration related costs included in selling, and general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are $1,484.

The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared as if the Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
                         
   
Net Sales
   
Net Earnings
   
Net Sales
   
Net Earnings
 
2016 Albion actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement from February 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
 
$
11,816
   
$
639
   
$
37,915
   
$
801
 
                                 
2016 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information
 
$
138,509
   
$
14,276
   
$
417,024
   
$
44,911
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
         
$
0.45
           
$
1.43
 
Diluted earnings per share
         
$
0.45
           
$
1.41
 
                                 
2015 Albion actual results included in the Company’s consolidated income statement
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
                                 
2015 Supplemental pro forma combined financial information
 
$
152,969
   
$
13,129
   
$
462,942
   
$
44,089
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
         
$
0.42
           
$
1.41
 
Diluted earnings per share
         
$
0.41
           
$
1.38
 
 
8

2016 supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 exclude $26,203 of acquisition-related costs incurred and $5,363 of non-recurring expenses related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory. The pro forma information presented does not purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have been attained if the Albion acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented and is not intended to be a projection of future results.

NOTE 3 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company records stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” The Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 reflected the following stock-based compensation cost, and such compensation cost had the following effects on net earnings:

   
Increase/(Decrease) for the
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Cost of sales
 
$
260
   
$
214
 
Operating expenses
   
1,436
     
2,756
 
Net earnings
   
(1,114
)
   
(1,904
)

   
Increase/(Decrease) for the
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Cost of sales
 
$
780
   
$
640
 
Operating expenses
   
4,867
     
5,016
 
Net earnings
   
(3,587
)
   
(3,647
)

As currently required by ASC 718, the Company has made an estimate of expected forfeitures based on its historical experience and is recognizing compensation cost only for those stock-based compensation awards expected to vest.

The Company’s stock incentive plans allow for the granting of stock awards and options to purchase common stock. Both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options can be awarded under the plans. No option will be exercisable for longer than ten years after the date of grant. The Company has approved and reserved a number of shares to be issued upon exercise of the outstanding options that is adequate to cover all exercises. As of September 30, 2016, the plans had 3,419,191 shares available for future awards. Compensation expense for stock options and stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, generally three years for stock options, four years for employee restricted stock awards, three years for employee performance share awards, and four years for non-employee director restricted stock awards. Certain awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans) or other qualifying events.
 
9

Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below:

 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
   
1,017
   
$
37.29
   
$
23,927
       
Granted
   
338
     
60.78
               
Exercised
   
(198
)
   
31.03
               
Forfeited
   
-
     
-
               
Outstanding as of September 30, 2016
   
1,157
   
$
45.22
   
$
37,435
     
6.6
 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2016
   
644
   
$
34.29
   
$
27,857
     
4.9
 

 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014
   
1,470
   
$
27.35
   
$
57,742
       
Granted
   
209
     
58.34
               
Exercised
   
(603
)
   
19.73
               
Forfeited
   
(12
)
   
50.46
               
Outstanding as of September 30, 2015
   
1,064
   
$
37.52
   
$
24,747
     
6.1
 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2015
   
690
   
$
29.23
   
$
21,773
     
4.6
 

ASC 718 requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yields of 0.5% and 0.6%; expected volatilities of 34% and 33%; risk-free interest rates of 1.2% and 1.7%; and expected lives of 5.0 and 5.5 years, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company used a projected expected life for each award granted based on historical experience of employees’ exercise behavior. Expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical volatility levels. Dividend yields are based on the Company’s historical dividend yields. Risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yields currently available on U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life.
 
10

Other information pertaining to option activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 
Three Months
Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
 
$
-
   
$
18.13
   
$
18.45
   
$
18.35
 
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised ($000s)
 
$
4,423
   
$
2,944
   
$
6,680
   
$
23,229
 

Non-vested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below:

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015
   
150
   
$
47.46
 
Granted
   
18
     
60.85
 
Vested
   
(52
)
   
42.36
 
Forfeited
   
-
     
-
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016
   
116
   
$
51.83
 

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014
   
134
   
$
38.13
 
Granted
   
76
     
55.77
 
Vested
   
(48
)
   
36.34
 
Forfeited
   
-
     
-
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2015
   
162
   
$
47.01
 

Non-vested performance share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below:

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2015
   
20
   
$
58.77
 
Granted
   
21
     
63.15
 
Vested
   
-
     
-
 
Forfeited
   
(4
)
   
60.87
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2016
   
37
   
$
61.04
 
 
11

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Shares (000s)
   
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested balance as of December 31, 2014
   
-
   
$
-
 
Granted
   
29
     
58.77
 
Vested
   
-
     
-
 
Forfeited
   
(9
)
   
58.77
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2015
   
20
   
$
58.77
 
 
The performance share (“PS”) awards provide the recipients the right to receive a certain number of shares of the Company’s common stock in the future, subject to an (1) EBITDA performance  hurdle, where vesting is dependent upon the Company achieving a certain EBITDA percentage growth over the performance period, and (2) relative total shareholder return (TSR) where vesting is dependent upon the Company’s TSR performance over the performance period relative to a comparator group consisting of the Russell 2000 index constituents. Expense is measured based on the fair value at the date of grant utilizing a Black-Scholes methodology to produce a Monte-Carlo simulation model which allows for the incorporation of the performance hurdles that must be met before the PS vests. The assumptions used in the fair value determination were risk free interest rates of 0.88% and 1.00%; dividend yields of 0.6% and 0.5%; volatilities of 32% and 34%; and initial TSR’s of -6.6% and -6.9%, in each case for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expense is based on the estimated number of shares expected to vest, assuming the requisite service period is rendered and the probable outcome of the performance condition is achieved.  The estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of shares likely to vest differs from previous estimates. Expense is ultimately adjusted based on the actual achievement of service and performance targets. The PS will cliff vest 100% at the end of the third year following the grant in accordance with the performance metrics set forth.

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, there was $10,423 and $9,239, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. As of September 30, 2016, the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years. The Company estimates that share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 will be approximately $7,300.

REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK

The Company has an approved stock repurchase program. The total authorization under this program is 3,763,038 shares. Since the inception of the program in June 1999, a total of 2,149,574 shares have been purchased, of which no shares remained in treasury at September 30, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a total of 23,651 shares have been purchased at an average cost of $62.51 per share. The Company intends to acquire shares from time to time at prevailing market prices if and to the extent it deems it advisable to do so based on its assessment of corporate cash flow, market conditions and other factors.
 
12

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES

Inventories at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Raw materials
 
$
21,789
   
$
16,786
 
Work in progress
   
3,031
     
1,807
 
Finished goods
   
31,855
     
27,492
 
Total inventories
 
$
56,675
   
$
46,085
 

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Land
 
$
4,282
   
$
3,247
 
Building
   
45,677
     
33,051
 
Equipment
   
175,679
     
153,682
 
Construction in progress
   
16,978
     
39,525
 
     
242,616
     
229,505
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
   
75,936
     
70,990
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
166,680
   
$
158,515
 
 
NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company had goodwill in the amount of $444,083 and $383,906 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, subject to the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.”

Goodwill at January 1, 2016
 
$
383,906
 
Goodwill as a result of the Acquisition of Albion International, Inc. – see Note 2
   
60,177
 
Goodwill at September 30, 2016
 
$
444,083
 
 
There was a $1,307 reduction in the carrying amount of goodwill during the three months ended September 30, 2016, as a result of changes to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (See Note 2).
 
   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
406,964
   
$
363,784
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
11,734
     
11,734
 
Specialty Products
   
24,157
     
7,160
 
Industrial Products
   
1,228
     
1,228
 
Total
 
$
444,083
   
$
383,906
 
 
13

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

   
Amortization
Period
(in years)
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount at
9/30/16
   
Accumulated
Amortization
at 9/30/16
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount at
12/31/15
   
Accumulated
Amortization
at 12/31/15
 
Customer relationships & lists
   
10
   
$
185,885
   
$
80,604
   
$
167,442
   
$
63,578
 
Trademarks & trade names
   
17
     
39,241
     
8,363
     
32,014
     
5,704
 
Developed technology
   
5
     
12,260
     
2,746
     
3,200
     
1,057
 
Other
   
5-17
     
12,532
     
3,363
     
5,102
     
2,508
 
           
$
249,918
   
$
95,076
   
$
207,758
   
$
72,847
 

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was approximately $22,225 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Assuming no change in the gross carrying value of identifiable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2016 is $7,600, approximately $26,140 for 2017, $23,620 for 2018, $21,590 for 2019, $19,615 for 2020 and $16,455 for 2021. At September 30, 2016, there were no identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives as defined by ASC 350. Identifiable intangible assets are reflected in “Intangible assets with finite lives, net” in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. There were no changes to the useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

NOTE 7 – EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT

In 2013, the Company and Eastman Chemical Company (formerly Taminco Corporation) formed a joint venture (66.66% / 33.34% ownership), St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC, to design, develop, and construct an expansion of the Company’s St. Gabriel aqueous choline chloride plant.  The Company contributed the St. Gabriel plant, at cost, and expansion will be funded by the owners. The joint venture became operational as of July 1, 2016. St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC is a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) because the total equity at risk is not sufficient to permit the joint venture to finance its own activities without additional subordinated financial support.  Additionally, voting rights (2 votes each) are not proportionate to the owners’ obligation to absorb expected losses or receive the expected residual returns of the joint venture. The Company will receive up to 2/3 of the production offtake capacity and absorbs operating expenses approximately proportional to the actual percentage of offtake. The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting since the Company is not the primary beneficiary as we do not have the power to direct the activities of the joint venture that most significantly impact its economic performance.  The Company recognized a loss of $132 relating to its portion of the joint venture’s expenses in other expense. The carrying value of the joint venture at September 30, 2016 is $4,681 and is recorded in other assets.

NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM DEBT

On May 7, 2014, the Company and a bank syndicate entered into a loan agreement providing for a senior secured term loan of $350,000 and revolving loan of $100,000 (collectively referred to as the “loans”). On February 1, 2016, $65,000 of the revolving loan was used to fund the Albion International, Inc. acquisition (see Note 2). At September
 
14

30, 2016, the Company had a total of $299,250 of debt outstanding. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments of $8,750 commencing on September 30, 2014, with the outstanding principal due on the maturity date. The Company may draw on the revolving loan at its discretion. The revolving loan does not have installments and all outstanding amounts are due on the maturity date. The loans may be voluntarily prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty and have a maturity date of May 7, 2019. The loans are subject to an interest rate equal to LIBOR or a fluctuating rate as defined by the loan agreement, at the Company’s discretion, plus an applicable rate. The applicable rate is based upon the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement, and the interest rate was 2.02% at September 30, 2016. The Company has $72,000 of undrawn revolving loan at September 30, 2016 that is subject to a commitment fee, which is based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined in the loan agreement. The loan agreement contains quarterly covenants requiring the consolidated leverage ratio to be less than a certain maximum ratio and the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio to exceed a certain minimum ratio. At September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.  Indebtedness under the Company’s loan agreements are secured by assets of the company.

The following table summarizes the future minimum debt payments:

Year
 
Term loan
   
Revolving loan
   
Total
 
October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
 
$
8,750
   
$
-
   
$
8,750
 
2017
   
35,000
     
-
     
35,000
 
2018
   
35,000
     
-
     
35,000
 
2019
   
192,500
     
28,000
     
220,500
 
Future principle payments
271,250
28,000
299,250
 
Less unamortized debt financing costs
     1,138        -        1,138  
Less current portion of long-term debt
   
35,000
     
-
     
35,000
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
235,112
   
$
28,000
   
$
263,112
 

Costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized as debt discount and amortized over the terms of the respective financing arrangements using the effective interest method. If debt is retired early, the related unamortized costs are expensed in the period the debt is retired. Capitalized costs net of accumulated amortization total $1,138 at September 30, 2016 and are shown net against outstanding principle, as required by ASU 2015-03, on the accompanying balance sheet. Amortization expense pertaining to these costs totaled $130 and $144 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $398 and $458 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and is included in interest expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

NOTE 9 – NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following presents a reconciliation of the net earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted net earnings per share:
 
15

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
Net
Earnings
(Numerator)
   
Number of
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding
 
$
14,012
     
31,566,067
   
$
.44
 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
           
412,736
         
                         
Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
 
$
14,012
     
31,978,803
   
$
.44
 

 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Net
Earnings
(Numerator)
   
Number of
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding
 
$
13,976
     
31,309,710
   
$
.45
 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
           
408,449
         
                         
Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
 
$
13,976
     
31,718,159
   
$
.44
 


 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Net
Earnings
(Numerator)
   
Number of
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding
 
$
40,048
     
31,483,053
   
$
1.27
 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
           
404,209
         
                         
Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
 
$
40,048
     
31,887,262
   
$
1.26
 
 
16

 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Net
Earnings
(Numerator)
   
Number of
Shares
(Denominator)
   
Per Share
Amount
 
Basic EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding
 
$
44,063
     
31,087,691
   
$
1.42
 
                         
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
           
492,701
         
                         
Diluted EPS – Net earnings and weighted average common shares outstanding and effect of stock options, restricted stock, and performance shares
 
$
44,063
     
31,580,392
   
$
1.40
 

The Company had stock options covering 332,560 and 260,872 shares at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future periods that were not included in diluted earnings per share because their effect on the period presented was anti-dilutive.

The Company has some share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable dividend rights. These awards are restricted shares and they participate on a one-for-one basis with holders of common stock. These awards have an immaterial impact as participating securities with regard to the calculation using the two-class method for determining earnings per share.

NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.”  ASC 740-10 clarifies whether or not to recognize assets or liabilities for tax positions taken that may be challenged by a tax authority. All of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized in future periods, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in various states and foreign countries. As of September 30, 2016, in the major jurisdictions where the Company operates, it is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was primarily related to the acquisition of Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Company (d/b/a SensoryEffects). The acquisition resulted in an assumed liability for unrecognized tax benefits based on an estimated fair value of $2,520. The Company is indemnified for this liability, and as such, has recognized a corresponding indemnification asset of $2,520. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately $6,839 and $6,570, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in other long-term obligations on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company includes interest expense or income as well as potential penalties on unrecognized tax positions as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was approximately $2,570 and $2,405, respectively, and is included in other long-term obligations.
 
17

NOTE 11 SEGMENT INFORMATION

Human Nutrition & Health (formerly SensoryEffects)

Our Human Nutrition & Health segment supplies ingredients in the food and beverage industry, providing customized solutions in powder, solid and liquid flavor delivery systems, spray dried emulsified powder systems, and cereal systems.  Our products include creamer systems, dairy replacers, powdered fats, nutritional beverage bases, beverages, juice & dairy bases, chocolate systems, ice cream bases & variegates, ready-to-eat cereals, grain based snacks, and cereal based ingredients. Additionally, we provide microencapsulation solutions to a variety of applications in food, pharmaceutical and nutritional ingredients to enhance performance of nutritional fortification, processing, mixing, and packaging applications and shelf-life. Major product applications are baked goods, refrigerated and frozen dough systems, processed meats, seasoning blends, confections, and nutritional supplements. We also produce and market human grade choline nutrients and mineral amino acid chelated products through this segment for wellness applications. Choline is recognized to play a key role in the development and structural integrity of brain cell membranes in infants, processing dietary fat, reproductive development and neural functions, such as memory and muscle function. Our mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts, and mineral complexes are used as raw materials for inclusion in premier human nutrition products. Science and patented technology have been combined to create an organic molecule in a form the body can readily assimilate. 

 Animal Nutrition & Health

Our Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) segment provides nutritional products derived from our microencapsulation and chelation technologies in addition to basic choline chloride. For ruminant animals, our microencapsulated products boost health and milk production, delivering nutrient supplements that are biologically available, providing required nutritional levels. Our proprietary chelation technology provides enhanced nutrient absorption for various species of production and companion animals and is marketed for use in animal feed throughout the world. ANH also manufactures and supplies choline chloride, an essential nutrient for monogastric animal health, predominantly to the poultry, pet and swine industries. Choline, which is manufactured and sold in both dry and aqueous forms, plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat. Choline deficiency can result in reduced growth and perosis in poultry, and fatty liver, kidney necrosis and general poor health condition in swine.

Sales of specialty products for the animal nutrition and health industry are highly dependent on dairy industry economics as well as the ability of the Company to leverage the results of university and field research on the animal health benefits of the Company’s products. Management believes that success in the commodity-oriented basic choline chloride marketplace is highly dependent on the Company’s ability to maintain its strong reputation for excellent product quality and customer service. The Company continues to increase production efficiencies in order to maintain its competitive-cost position to effectively compete in a competitive global marketplace.
 
18

Specialty Products

Ethylene oxide, at the 100% level, is sold as a sterilant gas, primarily for use in the health care industry. It is used to sterilize a wide range of medical devices because of its versatility and effectiveness in treating hard or soft surfaces, composites, metals, tubing and different types of plastics without negatively impacting the performance of the device being sterilized. Our 100% ethylene oxide product is distributed in uniquely designed, recyclable, double-walled, stainless steel drums to assure compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards as outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these specially built drums, along with our two filling facilities, represents a significant capital investment. Contract sterilizers and medical device manufacturers are principal customers for this product. We also sell single use canisters with 100% ethylene oxide for use in sterilizing re-usable devices typically processed in autoclave units in hospitals. As a fumigant, ethylene oxide blends are highly effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and insects in spices and other seasoning materials.

Propylene oxide is marketed and sold as a fumigant to aid in the control of insects and microbiological spoilage; and to reduce bacterial and mold contamination in certain shell and processed nut meats, processed spices, cacao beans, cocoa powder, raisins, figs and prunes. We distribute our propylene oxide product primarily in recyclable, single-walled, carbon steel cylinders according to standards outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these cylinders also represents a significant capital investment. Propylene oxide is also sold to customers seeking smaller (as opposed to bulk) quantities and whose requirements include utilization in various chemical synthesis applications, such as increasing paint durability and manufacturing specialty starches and textile coatings.

Our micronutrient agricultural nutrition business sells chelated minerals primarily into high value crops.  We have a unique and patented two-step approach to solving mineral deficiency in plants to optimize health, yield and shelf-life.  First, we determine optimal mineral balance for plant health. We then have a foliar applied Metalosate product range, utilizing patented amino acid chelate technology. Our products quickly and efficiently deliver mineral nutrients. As a result, the farmer/grower gets healthier crops that are more resistant to disease and pests, larger yields and healthier food for the consumer with extended shelf life for produce being shipped long distances.

Industrial Products

Certain derivatives of choline chloride are manufactured and sold into industrial applications predominately as a component for hydraulic fracturing of shale natural gas wells. Our products offer an attractive, effective and more environmentally responsible alternative than other clay stabilizers. Industrial grade choline bicarbonate is completely chloride free and our choline chloride reduces the amount of chlorides released into the environment up to 75% when compared to potassium chloride. The Industrial Products segment also includes the manufacture and sale of methylamines. Methylamines are a primary building block for the manufacture of choline products and are produced at our Italian operation and sold for a wide range of industrial applications in Europe.
 
19

Business Segment Assets:
   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
719,503
   
$
642,929
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
112,551
     
107,459
 
Specialty Products
   
62,412
       24,769  
Industrial Products
   
8,575
     
16,191
 
Other Unallocated
   
43,791
     
88,338
 
Total
 
$
946,832
   
$
879,686
 

Depreciation/Amortization:
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
8,578
   
7,594
   
 
25,172
   
 
22,766
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
 
$
 1,837    
$
 1,703    
$
 5,515    
$
 4,831  
Specialty Products
   
982
     
288
     
2,777
     
929
 
Industrial Products
   
186
     
192
     
521
     
832
 
Total
 
$
11,583
   
$
9,777
   
$
33,985
   
$
29,358
 

Capital Expenditures:
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
11,780
   
$
12,663
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
5,442
     
13,711
 
Specialty Products
     1,060        750  
Industrial Products
   
519
     
993
 
Total
 
$
18,801
   
$
28,117
 

Business Segment Net Sales:
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
74,926
   
$
72,978
   
$
221,281
   
$
207,965
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
40,935
     
39,947
     
118,579
     
124,295
 
Specialty Products
     16,477        13,818        53,919        41,202  
Industrial Products
   
6,171
     
13,385
     
18,665
     
46,301
 
Total
 
$
138,509
   
$
140,128
   
$
412,444
   
$
419,763
 
 
20

Business Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes:
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
10,460
   
$
11,604
   
$
27,856
   
$
28,397
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
6,784
     
5,625
     
20,623
     
21,603
 
Specialty Products
   
5,237
     
6,031
     
17,541
     
17,825
 
Industrial Products
   
527
     
1,124
     
1,019
     
5,371
 
Unallocated equity compensation
   
-
     
(1,462
)
   
-
     
(1,462
)
Transaction, integration costs, and legal settlement
   
(62
)
   
-
     
(792
)
   
-
 
Interest and other income (expense)
   
(2,175
)
   
(1,733
)
   
(6,112
)
   
(5,294
)
Total
 
$
20,771
   
$
21,189
   
$
60,135
   
$
66,440
 

Transaction and integration costs were primarily related to the definitive agreement to acquire Albion International, Inc.; see Note 2.

The following table summarizes domestic (U.S.) and foreign sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Domestic
 
$
105,093
   
$
112,859
   
$
314,644
   
$
337,638
 
Foreign
   
33,416
     
27,269
     
97,800
     
82,125
 
Total
 
$
138,509
   
$
140,128
   
$
412,444
   
$
419,763
 

NOTE 12 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 for income taxes and interest is as follows:

 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Income taxes
 
$
25,644
   
$
16,667
 
Interest
 
$
5,107
   
$
4,589
 
 
NOTE 13 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
21

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net foreign currency translation adjustment
 
$
302
   
$
375
 
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 14 for further information)
               
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)
   
16
     
(4
)
Amortization of gain
   
(3
)
   
-
 
Total before tax
   
13
     
(4
)
Tax
   
(4
)
   
1
 
Net of tax
   
9
     
(3
)
                 
Total other comprehensive income
 
$
311
   
$
372
 

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net foreign currency translation adjustment
 
$
850
   
$
(1,754
)
Net change in postretirement benefit plan (see Note 14 for further information)
               
Initial adoption of new plan*
   
(444
)            
   
-
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)
     40        (14
)
Amortization of gain
   
(8
)
   
-
 
Total before tax
   
(412
)
   
(14
)
Tax
   
(9
)
   
5
 
Net of tax
   
(421
)
   
(9
)
                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
429
   
$
(1,763
)

*See Note 14.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following:

   
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment
   
Postretirement
benefit plan
   
Total
 
Balance December 31, 2015
 
$
(5,317
)
 
$
203
   
$
(5,114
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
   
850
     
(421
)
   
429
 
Balance September 30, 2016
 
$
(4,467
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(4,685
)

NOTE 14 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company provides postretirement benefits in the form of an unfunded postretirement medical plan under a collective bargaining agreement covering eligible retired employees
 
22

of the Verona facility. During 2016, the Company adopted an unfunded postretirement medical plan for Named Executive Officers.

The actuarial recorded liabilities for the unfunded postretirement benefits are as follows:

Change in benefit obligation:
   
September
30, 2016
   
December
31, 2015
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
 
$
958
   
$
1,111
 
Initial adoption of new plan
   
444
     
-
 
Service cost with interest to end of period
   
48
     
54
 
Interest cost
   
33
     
36
 
Participant contributions
   
-
     
5
 
Benefits paid
   
-
     
(6
)
Actuarial gain
   
-
     
(242
)
Benefit obligation at end of period
 
$
1,483
   
$
958
 

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet:
   
September 30,
2016
   
December 31,
2015
 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
(1,483
)
 
$
(958
)
Fair value of plan assets
   
-
     
-
 
Funded status
   
(1,483
)
   
(958
)
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss
   
N/A
     
N/A
 
Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet (after ASC 715) (included in other long-term obligations)
 
$
1,483
   
$
958
 
Accrued postretirement benefit cost (included in other long-term obligations)
 
$
N/A
   
$
N/A
 

Net periodic benefit costs for such retirement medical plans were as follows:

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
Service cost
 
$
48
   
$
40
 
Interest cost
   
33
     
27
 
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)
   
40
     
(14
)
Amortization of gain
   
(8
)
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
113
   
$
53
 

Estimated future employer contributions and benefit payments are as follows:
 
23

Year
     
2016
 
$
46
 
2017
   
58
 
2018
   
92
 
2019
   
116
 
2020
   
118
 
Years 2021-2025
   
623
 
 
NOTE 15 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Rent expense charged to operations under lease agreements for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 aggregated approximately $2,347 and $1,799, respectively. Aggregate future minimum rental payments required under all non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2016 are as follows:

Year
     
October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016
 
$
723
 
2017
   
2,450
 
2018
   
2,044
 
2019
   
1,735
 
2020
 
1,328
 
2021
     1,211  
Thereafter
   
8,884
 
Total minimum lease payments
 
$
18,375
 

In 1982, the Company discovered and thereafter removed a number of buried drums containing unidentified waste material from the Company’s site in Slate Hill, New York. The Company thereafter entered into a Consent Decree to evaluate the drum site with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYDEC”) and performed a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study that was approved by NYDEC in February 1994. Based on NYDEC requirements, the Company cleaned the area and removed soil from the drum burial site, which was completed in 1996. The Company continues to be involved in discussions with NYDEC to evaluate test results and determine what, if any, additional actions will be required on the part of the Company to close out the remediation of this site. Additional actions, if any, would likely require the Company to continue monitoring the site. The cost of such monitoring has been less than $5 per year for the period 2004 to date.

The Company’s Verona, Missouri facility, while held by a prior owner, was designated by the EPA as a Superfund site and placed on the National Priorities List in 1983, because of dioxin contamination on portions of the site. Remediation conducted by the prior owner under the oversight of the EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (“MDNR”) included removal of dioxin contaminated soil and equipment, capping of areas of residual contamination in four relatively small areas of the site separate from the manufacturing facilities, and the installation of wells to monitor groundwater and surface water contamination by organic chemicals. No ground water or surface water treatment was required. The Company believes that remediation of the site is complete. In 1998, the EPA certified the work on the contaminated soils to be complete. In February 2000, after the conclusion of two years of monitoring groundwater and surface water, the former
 
24

owner submitted a draft third party risk assessment report to the EPA and MDNR recommending no further action. The prior owner is awaiting the response of the EPA and MDNR to the draft risk assessment.

While the Company must maintain the integrity of the capped areas in the remediation areas on the site, the prior owner is responsible for completion of any further Superfund remedy. The Company is indemnified by the sellers under its May 2001 asset purchase agreement covering its acquisition of the Verona, Missouri facility for potential liabilities associated with the Superfund site and one of the sellers, in turn, has the benefit of certain contractual indemnification by the prior owner that is implementing the above-described Superfund remedy.

From time to time, the Company is a party to various litigation, claims and assessments.  Management believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

NOTE 16 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held for trading purposes. The Company estimates that the fair value of all financial instruments at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 does not differ materially from the aggregate carrying values of its financial instruments recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is based on market and the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.  The Company’s financial instruments also include cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, which are carried at cost and approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 includes $775 and $773 in money market funds and $100 and $0 in certificates of deposit, respectively. The money market funds and certificates of deposit are valued using level one and level two inputs, respectively, as defined by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”

NOTE 17 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company provides services on a contractual agreement to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. These services include accounting, information technology, quality control, and purchasing services, as well as operation of the St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC plant. The Company also sold raw materials to St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC. In return, St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC provides choline chloride finished goods. The services the Company provided and raw materals sold amounted to $859 and $3,735, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and are recorded, net of the finished goods received from St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC of $4,064, in cost of goods sold. At September 30, 2016, the Company had a receivable of $1,175, recorded in other assets, from St. Gabriel CC Company LLC for services rendered and raw materials sold, net of finished goods received.
 
25

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (All dollar amounts in thousands)

This Report contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our expectation or belief concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actions and performance could differ materially from what is contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. Factors that might cause differences from the forward-looking statements include those referred to or identified in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other factors that may be identified elsewhere in this Report. Reference should be made to such factors and all forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statements.

Overview

We develop, manufacture, distribute and market specialty performance ingredients and products for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical, animal health, plant, industrial and medical device sterilization industries.

Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Company has renamed its SensoryEffects segment as Human Nutrition & Health, as this segment now includes encapsulates, human choline, mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts, mineral complexes, and customized food and beverage solutions (the aforementioned three mineral product lines are contributions from the Albion International, Inc. acquisition). The Company believes that this segment name change provides more clarity as to the segment’s core businesses and strategies.

Acquisition of Albion International, Inc.

On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100 percent of the outstanding common shares of Albion International, Inc. (Albion), a privately held manufacturer of mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts and mineral complexes, headquartered in Clearfield, Utah.  The Company made payments of approximately $116.4 million on the acquisition date, amounting to approximately $110.6 million to the former shareholders, adjustments for working capital acquired of $4.9 million, and approximately $0.9 million to Albion’s lenders to pay off all Albion bank debt. The Company funded $65 million from the revolving line of credit and the remaining was funded from the Company’s existing cash balances. Albion has been a world leader and innovator in the manufacture of superior organic mineral compounds for sixty years and leverages scientific expertise in the areas of human and micronutrient agricultural nutrition.  Albion’s products are renowned in the supplement industry for technologically advanced, unparalleled bioavailability.  The acquisition of Albion continues to expand the Company’s science based human health and wellness solutions and will immediately increase our product offerings in the nutritional ingredient market.  Additionally, the Company will also benefit from a broader geographic footprint and a stronger position as a technological leader in spray-drying and ingredient delivery solutions.  Albion’s human nutrition business has become a part of the Human Nutrition & Health reportable segment and the micronutrient agricultural nutrition business has become a part of the Specialty Products reportable segment.
 
26

Human Nutrition & Health (formerly SensoryEffects)

Our Human Nutrition & Health segment supplies ingredients in the food and beverage industry; providing customized solutions in powder, solid and liquid flavor delivery systems, spray dried emulsified powder systems, and cereal systems.  Our products include creamer systems, dairy replacers, powdered fats, nutritional beverage bases, beverages, juice & dairy bases, chocolate systems, ice cream bases & variegates, ready-to-eat cereals, grain based snacks, and cereal based ingredients. Additionally, we provide microencapsulation solutions to a variety of applications in food, pharmaceutical and nutritional ingredients to enhance performance of nutritional fortification, processing, mixing, and packaging applications and shelf-life. Major product applications are baked goods, refrigerated and frozen dough systems, processed meats, seasoning blends, confections, and nutritional supplements. We also produce and market human grade choline nutrients and mineral amino acid chelated products through this segment for wellness applications. Choline is recognized to play a key role in the development and structural integrity of brain cell membranes in infants, processing dietary fat, reproductive development and neural functions, such as memory and muscle function. Our mineral amino acid chelates, specialized mineral salts, and mineral complexes are used as raw materials for inclusion in premier human nutrition products. Science and patented technology have been combined to create an organic molecule in a form the body can readily assimilate. 

Animal Nutrition & Health

Our Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) segment provides nutritional products derived from our microencapsulation and chelation technologies in addition to basic choline chloride. For ruminant animals, our microencapsulated products boost health and milk production, delivering nutrient supplements that are biologically available, providing required nutritional levels. Our proprietary chelation technology provides enhanced nutrient absorption for various species of production and companion animals and is marketed for use in animal feed throughout the world. ANH also manufactures and supplies choline chloride, an essential nutrient for monogastric animal health, predominantly to the poultry, pet and swine industries. Choline, which is manufactured and sold in both dry and aqueous forms, plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat. Choline deficiency can result in reduced growth and perosis in poultry, and fatty liver, kidney necrosis and general poor health condition in swine.

Sales of specialty products for the animal nutrition and health industry are highly dependent on dairy industry economics as well as the ability of the Company to leverage the results of university and field research on the animal health benefits of the Company’s products. Management believes that success in the commodity-oriented basic choline chloride marketplace is highly dependent on the Company’s ability to maintain its strong reputation for excellent product quality and customer service. The Company continues to increase production efficiencies in order to maintain its competitive-cost position to effectively compete in a competitive global marketplace.

Specialty Products

Ethylene oxide, at the 100% level, is sold as a sterilant gas, primarily for use in the health care industry. It is used to sterilize a wide range of medical devices because of its versatility
 
27

and effectiveness in treating hard or soft surfaces, composites, metals, tubing and different types of plastics without negatively impacting the performance of the device being sterilized. Our 100% ethylene oxide product is distributed in uniquely designed, recyclable, double-walled, stainless steel drums to assure compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards as outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these specially built drums, along with our two filling facilities, represents a significant capital investment. Contract sterilizers and medical device manufacturers are principal customers for this product. We also sell single use canisters with 100% ethylene oxide for use in sterilizing re-usable devices typically processed in autoclave units in hospitals. As a fumigant, ethylene oxide blends are highly effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and insects in spices and other seasoning materials.

Propylene oxide is marketed and sold as a fumigant to aid in the control of insects and microbiological spoilage; and to reduce bacterial and mold contamination in certain shell and processed nut meats, processed spices, cacao beans, cocoa powder, raisins, figs and prunes. We distribute our propylene oxide product primarily in recyclable, single-walled, carbon steel cylinders according to standards outlined by the EPA and the DOT. Our inventory of these cylinders also represents a significant capital investment. Propylene oxide is also sold to customers seeking smaller (as opposed to bulk) quantities and whose requirements include utilization in various chemical synthesis applications, such as increasing paint durability and manufacturing specialty starches and textile coatings.

Our plant nutrition business sells chelated minerals primarily into high value crops.  We have a unique and patented two-step approach to solving mineral deficiency in plants to optimize health, yield and shelf-life.  First, we determine optimal mineral balance for plant health. We then have a foliar applied Metalosate product range, utilizing patented amino acid chelate technology. Our products quickly and efficiently deliver mineral nutrients. As a result, the farmer/grower gets healthier crops that are more resistant to disease and pests, larger yields and healthier food for the consumer with extended shelf life for produce being shipped long distances.

Industrial Products

Certain derivatives of choline chloride are manufactured and sold into industrial applications predominately as a component for hydraulic fracturing of shale natural gas wells. Our products offer an attractive, effective and more environmentally responsible alternative than other clay stabilizers. Industrial grade choline bicarbonate is completely chloride free and our choline chloride reduces the amount of chlorides released into the environment up to 75% when compared to potassium chloride. The Industrial Products segment also includes the manufacture and sale of methylamines. Methylamines are a primary building block for the manufacture of choline products and are produced at our Italian operation and sold for a wide range of industrial applications in Europe.

The Company sells products for all four segments through its own sales force, independent distributors, and sales agents.

The following tables summarize consolidated business segment net sales and earnings from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:
 
28

Business Segment Net Sales:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
74,926
   
$
72,978
   
$
221,281
   
$
207,965
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
40,935
     
39,947
     
118,579
     
124,295
 
Specialty Products
     16,477        13,818        53,919        41,202  
Industrial Products
   
6,171
     
13,385
     
18,665
     
46,301
 
Total
 
$
138,509
   
$
140,128
   
$
412,444
   
$
419,763
 

Business Segment Earnings From Operations:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Human Nutrition & Health
 
$
10,460
   
$
11,604
   
$
27,856
   
$
28,397
 
Animal Nutrition & Health
   
6,784
     
5,625
     
20,623
     
21,603
 
Specialty Products
   
5,237
     
6,031
     
17,541
     
17,825
 
Industrial Products
   
527
     
1,124
     
1,019
     
5,371
 
Unallocated equity compensation
   
-
     
(1,462
)
   
-
     
(1,462
)
Transaction and integration costs and legal settlement
   
(62
)
   
-
     
(792
)
   
-
 
Total
 
$
22,946
   
$
22,922
   
$
66,247
   
$
71,734
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to three months ended September 30, 2015.

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were $138,509, as compared with $140,128 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $1,619 or 1.2%.  Net sales for the Human Nutrition & Health segment were $74,926 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared with $72,978 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $1,948 or 2.7%.  The sales from the recently acquired Albion business contributed $8,917 to the overall increase. This increase was partially offset by Powder & Flavor Systems’ sales decline of $4,293 or 8.6%, due to lower volume and average selling prices, when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015. Also, offsetting the overall increase was an unfavorable mix impact of $1,779 in Cereal Systems.  Net sales for the Animal Nutrition & Health segment were $40,935 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared with $39,947 for the three months ended
 
29

September 30, 2015, an increase of $988 or 2.5%.  Sales of products targeted for ruminant animal feed markets increased by $2,728 or 24.0% from the prior year comparable period.  The increase was primarily the result of higher sales volumes of Reashure®.  Total monogastric product sales declined by $1,740 or 6.1%, primarily due to lower average selling prices for food grade choline, partially offset by higher volumes. Net sales for the Specialty Products segment were $16,477 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared with $13,818 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $2,659 or 19.2%. The sales from the recently acquired Albion business contributed $2,899 to the overall increase. Net sales for the Industrial Products segment were $6,171 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $13,385 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $7,214 or 53.9%.  The decrease is principally due to volume decreases experienced in various choline and choline derivatives used in shale fracking applications, consistent with the end market activity decline.

Gross Margin

For the three months ended September 30, 2016, gross margin increased to $44,656 compared to $43,174 for the three months ended September 30, 2015.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased to 32.2% from 30.8% in the prior year comparative period.  Gross margin percentage for the Human Nutrition & Health segment decreased 0.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to lower volume resulting in manufacturing inefficiencies. Gross margin percentage increased for Animal Nutrition & Health by 2.0% primarily due to product mix and decreases in raw material costs.  Gross margin percentage for the Specialty Products segment decreased by 5.4% compared to the three month period ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to product mix and the valuation of acquired inventory to fair value, which increased cost of goods sold by $317. Industrial Products gross margin percentage increased by 2.2% from the prior year comparative period, primarily due to a more favorable customer mix and improve cost structure.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were $21,710 or 15.7% of net sales as compared to $20,252 or 14.5% of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase was primarily due to Albion’s operating expenses, partially offset by a prior year one-time equity compensation charge of $1,462.

Earnings from Operations

Principally as a result of the above-noted details, earnings from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were $22,946 as compared to $22,922 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $24 or 0.1%.  Earnings from operations as a percentage of sales (“operating margin”) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were 16.6%, increasing slightly from 16.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to the higher gross margin being offset by increased operating expenses. Excluding the impact of amortization expenses, the one-time equity compensation charge, valuation of the acquired inventory, and transaction and integration costs, earnings from operations were $30,855, or 22.3% of sales, for the three months ended
 
30

September 30, 2016 and $30,999, or 22.1%, of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Earnings from the Human Nutrition & Health segment were $10,460, a decrease of $1,144 or 9.9%. Operating income from the recently acquired Albion business was more than offset by the decline in Powder & Flavor Systems’ sales. Animal Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations were $6,784, an increase of $1,159 or 20.6%, primarily the result of higher sales, favorable mix, and raw material cost decreases. Earnings from operations from the Specialty Products segment were $5,237, a decrease of $794, or 13.2%. The recently acquired Albion business accounted for $554 of the overall decrease, primarily resulting from seasonality driving lower sales and an impact of the valuation of acquired inventory of $317. Earnings from operations from the Industrial Products segment of $527 for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 declined $597 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to volume decreases.

Other Expenses (Income)

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1,790 and $1,617, respectively, and is primarily related to the loans entered into on May 7, 2014.  Other expense was $387 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $119 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Income Tax Expense

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 32.5% and 34.0%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to certain tax credits and deductions.

Net Earnings

Principally as a result of the above-noted details, net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2016 were $14,012 as compared with $13,976 for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $36 or 0.3%.

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2015.

Net Sales

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $412,444, as compared with $419,763 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $7,319 or 1.7%.  Net sales for the Human Nutrition & Health segment were $221,281 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared with $207,965 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $13,316 or 6.4%.  The sales from the recently acquired Albion business contributed $25,658 to the overall increase. This increase was partially offset by Powder & Flavor Systems’ sales decline of $8,198 or 5.9%, due to lower volume and average selling prices, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Also, partially offsetting the overall increase was an unfavorable customer mix impact of $2,698 in Cereal Systems.  Net sales for the Animal Nutrition & Health segment were $118,579 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared with $124,295 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $5,716 or 4.6%.  Sales of products
 
31

targeted for ruminant animal feed markets decreased by $74 or 0.2% from the prior year comparable period.  The decline was primarily the result of lower sales volumes of NitroshureTM products and lower average selling price of Aminoshure® products, due to weaker dairy economics, particularly in international markets as well as increased competition, partially offset by increased sales of Reashure.  Monogastric product sales declined by $5,642 or 6.6% primarily due to lower average selling prices for feed grade choline chloride, partially offset by higher volumes. Net sales for the Specialty Products segment were $53,919 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared with $41,202 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $12,717 or 30.9%. The sales from the recently acquired Albion business contributed $12,257 of the overall increase. Net sales for the Industrial Products segment were $18,665 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $46,301 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $27,636 or 59.7%.  The decrease is principally due to volume decreases experienced in various choline and choline derivatives used in shale fracking applications, consistent with the end market activity decline.

Gross Margin

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, gross margin increased to $133,929 compared to $128,171 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased to 32.5% from 30.5% in the prior year comparative period.  Gross margin percentage for the Human Nutrition & Health segment increased 0.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to improved product mix and lower raw material costs. The acquired product lines within the Human Nutrition & Health segment carry a higher gross margin but were partially offset by the valuation of acquired inventory to fair value, which increased cost of goods sold by $3,214. Gross margin percentage increased for Animal Nutrition & Health by 1.0% primarily due to product mix and decreased raw material cost.  Gross margin percentage for the Specialty Products segment decreased by 5.3% compared to the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the valuation of acquired inventory to fair value, which increased cost of goods sold by $2,149, along with an unfavorable product mix. Industrial Products gross margin percentage declined by 3.0% from the prior year comparative period, primarily due to lower volume resulting in manufacturing inefficiencies, and lower average selling prices.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $67,682 or 16.4% of net sales as compared to $56,437 or 13.4% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase was primarily due to Albion’s operating expenses.

Earnings from Operations

Principally as a result of the above-noted details, earnings from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $66,247 as compared to $71,734 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $5,487 or 7.6%.  Earnings from operations as a percentage of sales (“operating margin”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were 16.1%, decreasing from 17.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to the aforementioned impact of the valuation of the
 
32

acquired inventory, transaction and integration expenses and volume decrease experienced in the Industrial Products segment.  These were partially offset by a favorable product mix, lower raw material costs, a favorable legal settlement, and operating expenses in 2015 that included a one-time equity compensation charge.  Excluding the impact of amortization expenses, valuation of the acquired inventory, transaction and integration costs, one-time equity compensation charge, and the favorable legal settlement, the earnings from operations were $94,629, or 22.9% of sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $93,044, or 22.2%, of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Earnings from the Human Nutrition & Health segment were $27,856, a decrease of $541 or 1.9%, primarily due to the impact of the valuation of acquired inventory and lower sales volumes of Powders & Flavors systems, partially offset by an improved product mix and reduced raw material costs. Animal Nutrition & Health segment earnings from operations were $20,623, a decrease of $980 or 4.5%, primarily the result of lower sales and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by raw material cost decreases. Earnings from operations from the Specialty Products segment were $17,541, a decrease of $284, or 1.6%, primarily the result of valuation of acquired inventory to fair value, partially offset by higher sales and favorable raw material costs. Earnings from operations from the Industrial Products segment of $1,019 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 declined $4,352 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to volume decreases.

Other Expenses (Income)

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $5,538 and $5,092, respectively, and is primarily related to the loans entered into on May 7, 2014.  Other expense was $581 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and $209 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Income Tax Expense

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 33.4% and 33.7%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to certain tax credits and deductions.

Net Earnings

Principally as a result of the above-noted details, net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $40,048 as compared with $44,063 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $4,015 or 9.1%.

FINANCIAL CONDITION
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are principally associated with future minimum non-cancelable operating lease obligations, long-term debt obligations
 
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and purchase orders principally with vendors for inventory not yet received or recorded on the balance sheet.

The Company's contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016, are summarized in the table below:

   
Payments due by period
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1-3 years
   
3-5 years
   
More than
5 years
 
Operating lease obligations (1)
 
$
18,375
   
$
2,561
   
$
3,958
   
$
2,670
   
$
9,186
 
Purchase obligations (2)
   
16,235
     
16,235
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Debt (3)
   
299,250
     
35,000
     
264,250
     
-
     
-
 
Total
 
$
333,860
   
$
53,796
   
$
268,208
   
$
2,670
   
$
9,186
 

(1)
Principally includes obligations associated with future minimum non-cancelable operating lease obligations.

(2)
Principally includes open purchase orders with vendors for inventory not yet received or recorded on our balance sheet.

(3)
Consists of $271,250 senior secured term loan and $28,000 revolving loan.

The table above excludes a $6,839 liability for uncertain tax positions, including the related interest and penalties, recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10, as we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of settlement, if any.

The Company knows of no current or pending demands on, or commitments for, its liquid assets that will materially affect its liquidity.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, other than the long-term debt and other obligations related to the acquisition of Albion International, Inc., there were no other material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the specified contractual obligations set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.  The Company expects its operations to continue generating sufficient cash flow to fund working capital requirements, capital investments and service future debt payments.  The Company continues to pursue additional acquisition candidates.  The Company could seek additional bank loans or access to financial markets to fund such acquisitions, its operations, working capital, capital investments, or other cash requirements as deemed necessary.

Cash

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $32,533 at September 30, 2016 from $84,795 at December 31, 2015 primarily resulting from the acquisition of Albion.  At September 30, 2016, the Company had $18,571 of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries.  It is our intention to permanently reinvest these funds in our foreign operations by continuing to make additional plant related investments, and potentially invest in partnerships or acquisitions; therefore, we do not currently expect to repatriate these funds in order to fund our U.S. operations or obligations. However, if these funds are needed for our U.S. operations, we could be required to pay additional U.S. taxes to
 
34

repatriate these funds.  Working capital was $98,991 at September 30, 2016 as compared to $117,172 at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $18,181.

Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities provided $79,817 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $78,850 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in cash flows from operating activities was primarily due to improved inventories, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, along with higher depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by lower net earnings and unfavorable accounts receivable and income taxes.

Investing Activities

As previously noted, on February 1, 2016 the Company acquired Albion for a purchase price of approximately $111,500, amounting to approximately $110,600 to the former shareholders, including adjustments for working capital acquired, and approximately $900 to Albion’s lenders to pay off all of Albion’s bank debt. The Company continues to invest in projects across all production facilities and capital expenditures were $18,801 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company spent approximately $6,519 towards its agglomeration production equipment initiative. In addition, capital expenditures of approximately $1,825 were related to expanding the Company’s Animal, Nutrition & Health capacity in our manufacturing facility located in Verona, Missouri.

Financing Activities

As previously noted, the Company borrowed $65,000 from the available revolving loan to finance the acquisition of Albion International, Inc. The Company made debt payments of $26,250 related to the senior secured term loan and $37,000 related to the revolving loan during 2016. The Company has $72,000 available under its revolving loan agreement.

The Company has an approved stock repurchase program. The total authorization under this program is 3,763,038 shares. Since the inception of the program in September 1999, a total of 2,149,574 shares have been purchased, none of which remained in treasury at September 30, 2016.   The Company intends to acquire shares from time to time at prevailing market prices if and to the extent it deems it advisable to do so based on its assessment of corporate cash flow, market conditions and other factors.

Proceeds from stock options exercised were $5,985 and $11,901 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Dividend payments were $10,727 and $9,251 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Matters Impacting Liquidity

The Company currently provides postretirement benefits in the form of two retirement medical plans.  The liability recorded in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016 is $1,483 and the plans are not funded.  Historical cash payments made under these plans have typically been less than $100 per year. We do not anticipate any changes to the payments made in the current year for the newly adopted plan.
 
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Critical Accounting Policies

There were no changes to the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies, as described in its December 31, 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Related Party Transactions

The Company was engaged in related party transactions with St. Gabriel CC Company, LLC during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. See Note 17.
 
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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are held primarily in certificates of deposit and money market investment funds. The Company has no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments, nor does the Company have any financial instruments entered into for trading or hedging purposes. As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s borrowings were under a bank term loan and revolving loan bearing interest at LIBOR or a fluctuating rate as defined by the loan agreement, at the Company’s discretion, plus an applicable rate. The applicable rate is based upon the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the loan agreement. A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates, applied to the Company’s borrowings at September 30, 2016, would result in an increase or decrease in annual interest expense and a corresponding reduction or increase in cash flow of approximately $2,993. The Company is exposed to market risks for changes in foreign currency rates and has exposure to commodity price risks, including prices of our primary raw materials. Our objective is to seek a reduction in the potential negative earnings impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and raw material pricing arising in our business activities. The Company manages these financial exposures, where possible, through pricing and operational means. Our practices may change as economic conditions change.
 
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Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management (including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer) to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to give reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls

During the most recent fiscal quarter, except with respect to the Albion International, Inc. acquisition described below, there has been no significant change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

On February 1, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Albion International, Inc. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. We are integrating Albion into our internal control over financial reporting process and expect to include the business in our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.  Total assets of the Albion International, Inc. business represented approximately 13% of our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016, and net sales related to the Albion International, Inc. business represented approximately 9% of our consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
 
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Part II.
Other Information

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Risk Factors identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Item 4.
Reserved.

Item 6.
Exhibits
 
Exhibit 31.1     
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
     
 
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
     
 
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
     
 
Exhibit 32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
     
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
     
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
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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.

 
BALCHEM CORPORATION
   
 
By: /s/ Theodore L. Harris
 
Theodore L. Harris, President and
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
 
By: /s/ William A. Backus
 
William A. Backus, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

Date: November 4, 2016
 
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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
Description
   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
   
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
   
101.INS           
XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
41