BRADY CORP - Quarter Report: 2015 January (Form 10-Q)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 31, 2015



¨	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 1-14959

BRADY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Wisconsin		39-0178960
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



6555 West Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin		53223
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(414) 358-6600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of March 3, 2015, there were 47,751,384 outstanding shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and 3,538,628 shares of Class B Voting Common Stock. The Class B Voting Common Stock, all of which is held by affiliates of the Registrant, is the only voting stock.

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FORM 10-Q

BRADY CORPORATION

INDEX




	Page
PART I. Financial Information	3
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition	19
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	28
PART II. Other Information	29
Item 6. Exhibits	29
Signatures	30

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)



	January 31, 2015			July 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	93,299		$	81,834
Accounts receivable—net	151,426			177,648
Inventories:
Finished products	70,974			73,096
Work-in-process	19,315			17,689
Raw materials and supplies	26,649			22,490
Total inventories	116,938			113,275
Assets held for sale	—			49,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,953			41,543
Total current assets	405,616			463,842
Other assets:
Goodwill	478,991			515,004
Other intangible assets	81,526			91,014
Deferred income taxes	19,293			27,320
Other	20,775			22,314
Property, plant and equipment:
Cost:
Land	5,924			7,875
Buildings and improvements	97,729			101,866
Machinery and equipment	283,773			288,409
Construction in progress	8,508			12,500
	395,934			410,650
Less accumulated depreciation	266,680			276,479
Property, plant and equipment—net	129,254			134,171
Total	$	1,135,455		$	1,253,665
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	$	11,850		$	61,422
Accounts payable	74,154			88,099
Wages and amounts withheld from employees	32,535			38,064
Liabilities held for sale	—			10,640
Taxes, other than income taxes	5,928			7,994
Accrued income taxes	1,549			7,893
Other current liabilities	32,935			35,319
Current maturities on long-term debt	42,514			42,514
Total current liabilities	201,465			291,945
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	222,778			159,296
Other liabilities	65,652			69,348
Total liabilities	489,895			520,589
Stockholders’ investment:
Class A nonvoting common stock—Issued 51,261,487 and 51,261,487 shares, respectively and outstanding 47,748,984 and 47,704,196 shares, respectively	513			513
Class B voting common stock—Issued and outstanding, 3,538,628 shares	35			35
Additional paid-in capital	312,819			311,811
Earnings retained in the business	456,777			452,057
Treasury stock—3,512,503 and 3,477,291 shares, respectively of Class A nonvoting common stock, at cost	(94,089		)	(93,337		)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(27,569		)	64,156
Other	(2,926		)	(2,159		)
Total stockholders’ investment	645,560			733,076
Total	$	1,135,455		$	1,253,665

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net sales	$	282,628		$	291,194		$	592,868		$	598,724
Cost of products sold	144,425			148,658			304,503			298,341
Gross margin	138,203			142,536			288,365			300,383
Operating expenses:
Research and development	8,948			8,440			18,579			17,027
Selling, general and administrative	107,565			111,426			216,846			224,159
Restructuring charges	4,879			4,324			9,157			11,163
Total operating expenses	121,392			124,190			244,582			252,349
Operating income	16,811			18,346			43,783			48,034
Other income and (expense):
Investment and other income	211			255			535			1,017
Interest expense	(3,000		)	(3,676		)	(5,891		)	(7,397		)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	14,022			14,925			38,427			41,654
Income tax expense	2,438			4,408			11,344			13,002
Earnings from continuing operations	$	11,584		$	10,517		$	27,083		$	28,652
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—			5,907			(1,915		)	11,701
Net earnings	$	11,584		$	16,424		$	25,168		$	40,353
Earnings from continuing operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.20		$	0.53		$	0.55
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.20		$	0.53		$	0.55
Earnings from continuing operations per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.20		$	0.51		$	0.53
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.20		$	0.51		$	0.53
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	—		$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
Diluted	$	—		$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	—		$	0.11		$	(0.03	)	$	0.23
Diluted	$	—		$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
Net earnings per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.31		$	0.49		$	0.77
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.31		$	0.49		$	0.77
Dividends	$	0.20		$	0.195		$	0.40		$	0.39
Net earnings per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23		$	0.31		$	0.48		$	0.76
Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.75
Dividends	$	0.20		$	0.195		$	0.383		$	0.373
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic	51,272			52,208			51,262			52,140
Diluted	51,348			52,494			51,330			52,457

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands)



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net earnings	$	11,584		$	16,424		$	25,168		$	40,353
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Net loss recognized in other comprehensive income	(46,816		)	(16,805		)	(71,120		)	(270		)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings	—			—			(34,697		)	—
	(46,816		)	(16,805		)	(105,817		)	(270		)

Net investment hedge translation adjustments	12,276			348			20,427			(4,365		)
Long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments:
Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income	2,232			796			882			623
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings	—			—			(393		)	—
	2,232			796			489			623
Cash flow hedges:
Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income	1,239			246			1,841			231
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings	(116		)	(2		)	(95		)	(92		)
	1,123			244			1,746			139
Pension and other post-retirement benefits:
Actuarial gain amortization	(214		)	(66		)	(428		)	(132		)
Prior service credit amortization	(81		)	(51		)	(162		)	(102		)
	(295		)	(117		)	(590		)	(234		)

Other comprehensive loss, before tax	(31,480		)	(15,534		)	(83,745		)	(4,107		)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(4,654		)	(171		)	(7,980		)	2,471
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(36,134		)	(15,705		)	(91,725		)	(1,636		)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(24,550	)	$	719		$	(66,557	)	$	38,717

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)



	Six months ended January 31,
	(Unaudited)
	2015			2014
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$	25,168		$	40,353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	20,066			22,342
Non-cash portion of stock-based compensation expense	2,471			4,377
Non-cash portion of restructuring charges	896			97
Loss on sale of business, net	426			—
Deferred income taxes	(781		)	(2,402		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of business acquisitions/divestitures):
Accounts receivable	10,918			(1,418		)
Inventories	(10,840		)	(8,754		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(3,053		)	(3,505		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(15,423		)	(7,263		)
Income taxes	(5,918		)	(2,050		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	23,930			41,777

Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(17,808		)	(17,607		)
Sale of business, net of cash retained	6,111			—
Other	4,173			89
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,524		)	(17,518		)

Financing activities:
Payment of dividends	(20,449		)	(20,370		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	847			10,894
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facilities	47,818			3,187
Repayment of borrowing on credit facilities	(18,390		)	(30,000		)
Income tax on the exercise of stock options and deferred compensation distributions, and other	(3,830		)	(984		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,996			(37,273		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(10,937		)	1,072

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,465			(11,942		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	81,834			91,058

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	93,299		$	79,116

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	6,146		$	7,283
Income taxes, net of refunds	15,727			14,083

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Six Months Ended January 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE A — Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Brady Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company," "Brady," "we," or "our") without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of the Company, the foregoing statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, its results of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, and cash flows for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014. The consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of that date. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts therein. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from the estimates.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014.

The Company entered into an agreement with LTI Flexible Products, Inc. (d/b/a Boyd Corporation) on February 24, 2014, for the sale of the Die-Cut business. The first phase of this divestiture closed on May 1, 2014, and included the Die-Cut businesses in Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, and the Balkhausen business in Europe. The remainder of the Die-Cut business was located in China and was divested on August 1, 2014. The assets and liabilities were reclassified in accordance with the authoritative literature on assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2014. The results of operations of the Company's Die-Cut business have been reported as discontinued operations within the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and for the three and six months ended January 31, 2014. In accordance with the authoritative literature, the Company has elected to not separately disclose the cash flows or other comprehensive income related to discontinued operations. Refer to Note J, "Discontinued Operations" for further discussion regarding the business.

NOTE B — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended January 31, 2015, were as follows:



	IDS			WPS			Total
Balance as of July 31, 2014	$	412,289		$	102,715		$	515,004
Translation adjustments	(22,177		)	(13,836		)	$	(36,013	)
Balance as of January 31, 2015	$	390,112		$	88,879		$	478,991

Goodwill at January 31, 2015 included $118,637 and $172,280 of accumulated impairment losses within the IDS and WPS segments, respectively, for a total of $290,917. There were no impairment charges recorded during the six months ended January 31, 2015.

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Other intangible assets include patents, trademarks, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and other intangible assets with finite lives being amortized in accordance with the accounting guidance for other intangible assets. The Company also has unamortized indefinite-lived trademarks that are classified as other intangible assets. The net book value of these assets was as follows:



	January 31, 2015								July 31, 2014
	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value		Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
Amortized other intangible assets:
Patents	5	$	11,769	$	(10,353	)	$	1,416	5	$	11,656	$	(10,160	)	$	1,496
Trademarks and other	5	14,562		(11,364		)	3,198		5	15,366		(10,706		)	4,660
Customer relationships	7	138,218		(90,205		)	48,013		7	168,525		(114,363		)	54,162
Non-compete agreements and other	4	9,338		(9,240		)	98		4	10,089		(9,622		)	467
Unamortized other intangible assets:
Trademarks	N/A	28,801		—			28,801		N/A	30,229		—			30,229
Total		$	202,688	$	(121,162	)	$	81,526		$	235,865	$	(144,851	)	$	91,014

There were no impairment charges recorded during the six months ended January 31, 2015. The decrease in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets as of January 31, 2015 compared to July 31, 2014 was due the effect of currency fluctuations during the six month period.

The gross carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at January 31, 2015 differs from the value assigned to them in the original allocation of purchase price due to impairments and the effect of currency fluctuations between the date of acquisition and January 31, 2015.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $2,982 and $5,047 for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $6,351 and $10,124 for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amortization over each of the next five fiscal years is projected to be $11,747, $9,660, $7,391, $6,640 and $6,355 for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

NOTE C — Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Other comprehensive (loss) income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, and the unamortized gain on post-retirement plans, net of their related tax effects.

The following table illustrates the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss)income, net of tax, for the six months ended January 31, 2015:



	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges			Unamortized gain on post-retirement plans			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Beginning balance, July 31, 2014	$	(12	)	$	4,854		$	59,314		$	64,156
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification	1,218			—			(57,598		)	(56,380		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(58		)	(590		)	(34,697		)	(35,345		)
Ending balance, January 31, 2015	$	1,148		$	4,264		$	(32,981	)	$	(27,569	)

The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI") as of January 31, 2015 compared to July 31, 2014 was primarily due the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies during the six month period. The decrease was also attributable to the accumulated foreign currency translation gains in the China Die-Cut businesses, which were reclassified into net earnings upon the completion of the second phase of the Die-Cut divestiture during the three months ended October 31, 2014. The foreign currency translation adjustments column in the table above includes the impact of foreign currency translation, foreign currency translation on intercompany notes, and the settlements of net investment hedges, net of tax. Of the total $35,345

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in amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, the $34,697 gain was reclassified to the net loss on the sale of the Die-Cut business, the $58 gain on cash flow hedges was reclassified into cost of products sold, and the $590 gain on post-retirement plans was reclassified into SG&A on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended January 31, 2015.

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of tax, for the six months ended January 31, 2014 were as follows:



	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges			Unamortized gain on post-retirement plans			Foreign currency translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance, July 31, 2013	$	99		$	1,853		$	54,111		$	56,063
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	136			—			(1,481		)	(1,345		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(57		)	(234		)	—			(291		)
Ending balance, January 31, 2014	$	178		$	1,619		$	52,630		$	54,427

The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income for the six months ended January 31, 2014 compared to July 31, 2013 was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. Of the total $291 in amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, the $57 gain on cash flow hedges was reclassified into cost of products sold and the $234 gain on post-retirement plans was reclassified into SG&A on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the six months ended January 31, 2014.

The following table illustrates the income tax (expense) benefit on the components of other comprehensive income for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income:
Net investment hedge translation adjustments	$	(4,788	)	$	(576	)	$	(7,967	)	$	738
Long-term intercompany loan settlements	501			440			550			1,843
Cash flow hedges	(394		)	(78		)	(597		)	(60		)
Other income tax adjustments and currency translation	27			43			34			(50		)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	$	(4,654	)	$	(171	)	$	(7,980	)	$	2,471

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NOTE D — Net Earnings per Common Share

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock are summarized as follows:



	Three months ended January 31,					Six months ended January 31,
	2015		2014			2015			2014
Numerator: (in thousands)
Earnings from continuing operations	$	11,584	$	10,517		$	27,083		$	28,652
Less:
Restricted stock dividends	—		(16		)	—			(61		)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share	$	11,584	$	10,501		$	27,083		$	28,591
Less:
Preferential dividends	—		—			(794		)	(813		)
Preferential dividends on dilutive stock options	—		—			(1		)	(6		)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per Class B Voting Common Share	$	11,584	$	10,501		$	26,288		$	27,772
Denominator: (in thousands)
Denominator for basic earnings from continuing operations per share for both Class A and Class B	51,272		52,208			51,262			52,140
Plus: Effect of dilutive stock options	76		286			68			317
Denominator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per share for both Class A and Class B	51,348		52,494			51,330			52,457
Earnings from continuing operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23	$	0.20		$	0.53		$	0.55
Diluted	$	0.23	$	0.20		$	0.53		$	0.55
Earnings from continuing operations per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23	$	0.20		$	0.51		$	0.53
Diluted	$	0.23	$	0.20		$	0.51		$	0.53
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	—	$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
Diluted	$	—	$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	—	$	0.11		$	(0.03	)	$	0.23
Diluted	$	—	$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	0.22
Net earnings per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23	$	0.31		$	0.49		$	0.77
Diluted	$	0.23	$	0.31		$	0.49		$	0.77
Net earnings per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic	$	0.23	$	0.31		$	0.48		$	0.76
Diluted	$	0.23	$	0.31		$	0.47		$	0.75

Options to purchase approximately 3,860,000 and 2,537,000 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 3,878,000 and 2,521,000 shares for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net earnings or loss per share because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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NOTE E — Segment Information

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within two business platforms: Identification Solutions and Workplace Safety, which are the reportable segments.

The Company evaluates short-term segment performance based on segment profit or loss and customer sales. Segment profit or loss does not include certain administrative costs, such as the cost of finance, information technology, human resources, legal, and executive leadership, which are managed as global functions. Restructuring charges, impairment charges, equity compensation costs, interest expense, investment and other income (expense) and income taxes are also excluded when evaluating segment performance.

Each business platform has a President (or acting President) that reports directly to the Company's chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer. Each platform has its own distinct operations, is managed locally by its own management team, maintains its own financial reports and is evaluated based on global segment profit. The Company has determined that these business platforms comprise its operating and reportable segments based on the information used by the Chief Executive Officer to allocate resources and assess performance.

The segment results have been adjusted to reflect continuing operations in all periods presented. The following is a summary of segment information for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,				Six months ended January 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Sales to External Customers
ID Solutions	$	192,065	$	194,732	$	404,162	$	404,278
Workplace Safety	90,563		96,462		188,706		194,446
Total Company	$	282,628	$	291,194	$	592,868	$	598,724
Segment Profit
ID Solutions	$	35,719	$	37,526	$	79,186	$	88,493
Workplace Safety	12,776		14,668		28,315		33,042
Total Company	$	48,495	$	52,194	$	107,501	$	121,535

The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Total profit from reportable segments	$	48,495		$	52,194		$	107,501		$	121,535
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	(26,805		)	(29,524		)	(54,561		)	(62,338		)
Restructuring charges	(4,879		)	(4,324		)	(9,157		)	(11,163		)
Investment and other income	211			255			535			1,017
Interest expense	(3,000		)	(3,676		)	(5,891		)	(7,397		)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$	14,022		$	14,925		$	38,427		$	41,654

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NOTE F – Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock unit awards ("RSUs"), or restricted and unrestricted shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors.

The options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and generally vest over a three-year service period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. Options issued under the plan, referred to herein as “service-based” stock options, generally expire 10 years from the date of grant.

Restricted shares and RSUs issued under the plan have an issuance price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant. The RSUs granted under the plan generally vest over a three-year service period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. The Company also grants restricted shares and RSUs to certain executives and key management employees that vest upon meeting certain financial performance conditions.

As of January 31, 2015, the Company has reserved 4,023,697 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for outstanding stock options, RSUs, and restricted and unrestricted shares and 3,398,921 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock remain for future issuance of stock options, RSUs, and restricted and unrestricted shares under the active plan. The Company uses treasury stock or will issue new Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to deliver shares under the plan.

The Company recognizes the compensation cost of all share-based awards at the time it is deemed probable the award will vest. This cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. If it is determined that it is unlikely the award will vest, the expense recognized to date for the award is reversed in the period in which this is evident and the remaining expense is not recorded. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company during the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, was $1,152 ($714 net of taxes) and $1,777 ($1,102 net of taxes), respectively. Expense recognized during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, was $2,471 ($1,532 net of taxes) and $4,377 ($2,714 net of taxes), respectively.

As of January 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation awards was $10,511 pre-tax, net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.

The Company has estimated the fair value of its service-based option awards granted during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model are reflected in the following table:



	Six months ended January 31,
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions	2015			2014
Expected term (in years)	6.05			5.97
Expected volatility	34.03		%	37.32		%
Expected dividend yield	2.48		%	2.35		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.91		%	1.80		%
Weighted-average market value of underlying stock at grant date	$	22.70		$	30.98
Weighted-average exercise price	$	22.70		$	30.98
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period	$	6.11		$	9.17

The Company uses historical data regarding stock option exercise behaviors to estimate the expected term of options granted based on the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical dividend payments and historical yield. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the option. The market value is calculated as the average of the high and the low stock price on the date of the grant.

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A summary of stock option activity under the Company’s share-based compensation plans for the six months ended January 31, 2015 is presented below:



Options	Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at July 31, 2014	4,204,260	$	30.82
New grants	618,733	22.70
Exercised	(36,333)	22.82
Forfeited or expired	(1,048,929)	31.04
Outstanding at January 31, 2015	3,737,731	$	29.49	5.8	$	3,108,904
Exercisable at January 31, 2015	3,131,418	$	30.97	4.7	$	1,005,722

There were 3,131,418 and 3,274,218 options exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $30.97 and $31.14 at January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The cash received from the exercise of options during the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $756 and $5,685, respectively. The cash received from the exercise of options during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $847 and $10,894, respectively. The tax benefit on options exercised during the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $41 and $316, respectively. The tax benefit on options exercised during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $44 and $788, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, based upon the average market price at the time of exercise during the period, was $115 and $2,020, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, was $3,841 and $6,338, respectively.

The following table summarizes the RSU and restricted share activity under the Company's share-based compensation plans for the six months ended January 31, 2015:



Service-Based RSUs and Restricted Shares	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at July 31, 2014	104,857		$	31.02
New grants	239,997		23.57
Vested	(34,247	)	30.79
Forfeited	(24,641	)	30.35
Outstanding at January 31, 2015	285,966		$	24.85

Performance-Based RSUs and Restricted Shares	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at July 31, 2014	80,000		$	32.50
New grants	—		—
Vested	—		—
Forfeited	(80,000	)	32.50
Outstanding at January 31, 2015	—		$	—

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NOTE G — Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair market value are classified in one of the following categories:

Level 1 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that are accessible as of the reporting date.

Level 2 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on other significant pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable.

Level 3 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on significant unobservable pricing inputs to the extent little or no market data is available, which result in the use of management's own assumptions.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, according to the valuation techniques the Company used to determine their fair values.



	Inputs Considered As
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Fair Values		Balance Sheet Classifications
January 31, 2015
Trading securities	$	14,920	$	—	$	14,920	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		1,871		1,871		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	14,920	$	1,871	$	16,791
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	438	$	438	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	438	$	438
July 31, 2014
Trading securities	$	15,962	$	—	$	15,962	Other assets
Foreign exchange contracts	—		166		166		Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Assets	$	15,962	$	166	$	16,128
Foreign exchange contracts	$	—	$	389	$	389	Other current liabilities
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	389	$	389

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Trading securities: The Company’s deferred compensation investments consist of investments in mutual funds. These investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these investments trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Foreign exchange contracts: The Company’s foreign exchange contracts were classified as Level 2 as the fair value was based on the present value of the future cash flows using external models that use observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign exchange rates. See Note I, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities,” for additional information.

There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value hierarchy levels outlined above during the three or six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014. In addition, the Company had no significant measurements of assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their initial recognition during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015.

During fiscal 2014, goodwill with a carrying amount of $193,689 in the PeopleID reporting unit was written down to its estimated implied fair value of $93,277, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $100,412. In order to arrive at the implied fair value of goodwill, the Company calculated the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination. After assigning fair value to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, the result was the implied fair value of goodwill of $93,277, which represented a Level 3 asset measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to its original recognition.

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The PeopleID reporting unit had intangible assets consisting of tradenames and customer relationships, which were valued using the income approach as part of the goodwill impairment valuation described above. The valuation was based upon current sales projections and profitability for each asset group, and the relief from royalty method was applied. As a result of the analysis, a definite-lived customer relationship with a carrying amount of $88,803 was written down to its estimated fair value of $44,600. In addition, indefinite-lived tradenames and other definite-lived customer relationships with a carrying amount of $5,384 were written down to their estimated fair value of $1,448. These represented Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their original recognition, which resulted in a total non-cash impairment charge of $48,139 within the IDS segment.

The Company’s financial instruments, other than those presented in the disclosures above, include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term and long-term debt. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s short-term and long-term debt obligations, excluding notes payable, based on the quoted market prices for similar issues and on the current rates offered for debt of similar maturities was$278,364 and $216,280 at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to the carrying value of $265,292 and $201,810 at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, respectively.

NOTE H — Restructuring

In fiscal 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan to consolidate facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia to enhance customer service, improve efficiency of operations and reduce operating expenses. Facility consolidation activities extended into fiscal 2015.

In connection with this plan, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $4,879 and $9,157 during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, respectively. The three month restructuring charges of $4,879 consisted of $1,905 of employee separation costs, $700 of fixed asset write-offs, $2,078 of facility closure related costs, and $196 of contract termination costs. Of the $4,879 of restructuring charges, $3,922 was incurred within IDS and $957 within WPS.

The restructuring charges of $9,157 for the six months ended January 31, 2015 consisted of $4,492 of employee separation costs, $900 of fixed asset write-offs, $3,027 of facility closure related costs, and $738 of contract termination costs. Of the $9,157 of restructuring charges, $6,309 was incurred within IDS and $2,848 within WPS.

In fiscal 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce to address its cost structure. The Company incurred restructuring charges of $4,324 and $11,163 during the three and six months ended January 31, 2014. The three month restructuring charges related to the fiscal 2014 facility consolidation plan and consisted of $1,274 of employee separation costs, $97 of fixed asset write-offs, $2,335 of facility closure related costs, and $618 of contract termination costs. Of the $4,324 of restructuring charges, $2,458 was incurred within IDS and $1,866 within WPS.

The restructuring charges of $11,163 for the six months ended January 31, 2014 related to the fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 restructuring plans and consisted of $7,765 of employee separation costs, $97 of fixed asset write-offs, $2,683 of facility closure related costs, and $618 of contract termination costs. Of the $11,163 of restructuring charges, $6,434 was incurred within IDS and $4,729 within WPS.

The charges for employee separation costs consisted of severance pay, outplacement services, medical and other benefits. The costs related to these restructuring activities were recorded on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings as restructuring charges. The Company expects the majority of the remaining cash payments to be made during the next twelve months.

A reconciliation of the Company’s restructuring liability is as follows:



	Employee Related			Asset Write-offs			Other			Total
Beginning balance, July 31, 2014	$	3,389		$	—		$	1,606		$	4,995
Restructuring charges in continuing operations	4,492			900			3,765			9,157
Restructuring charges in discontinued operations	—			(4		)	245			241
Non-cash write-offs	—			(896		)	—			(896		)
Cash payments	(4,897		)	—			(3,568		)	(8,465		)
Ending balance, January 31, 2015	$	2,984		$	—		$	2,048		$	5,032

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NOTE I — Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign currency denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed rate at a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges under the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The primary objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management program is to minimize the impact of currency movements due to transactions in other than the respective subsidiaries’ functional currency and to minimize the impact of currency movements on the Company’s net investment denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges a portion of known exposures using forward foreign exchange currency contracts. As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, the notional amount of outstanding forward exchange contracts was $67,996 and $104,000, respectively.

The Company hedges a portion of known exposure using forward exchange contracts. Main exposures are related to transactions denominated in the British Pound, the Euro, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore Dollar. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to minimize the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions.

Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly effective at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. Gains or losses on the derivative related to hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has designated a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and recorded these contracts at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, unrealized gains of $1,724 and $258 have been included in OCI, respectively. Balances are reclassified from OCI to earnings during the next twelve months when the hedged transactions impact earnings. For the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company reclassified gains of $116 and $2 from OCI into earnings, respectively. For the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company reclassified gains of $95 and $92 from OCI into earnings. At January 31, 2015, the U.S. dollar equivalent of these outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts totaled $11,088, including contracts to sell Euros, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars, and U.S. Dollars.

Net Investment Hedges

The Company has also designated intercompany and third party foreign currency denominated debt instruments as net investment hedges. At January 31, 2015, the Company designated £25,036 of intercompany loans as net investment hedges to hedge portions of its net investment in British foreign operations. On May 13, 2010, the Company completed the private placement of €75 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to accredited institutional investors. This Euro-denominated debt obligation was designated as a net investment hedge to selectively hedge portions of its net investment in European operations. The Company’s foreign denominated debt obligations are valued under a market approach using publicized spot prices.

Additionally, the Company utilizes forward foreign exchange currency contracts designated as hedge instruments to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in foreign operations. The net gains or losses attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded in OCI. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation is limited to circumstances such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged foreign operation. At January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, the U.S dollar equivalent of these outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts totaled $3,500 and $5,300, respectively. As of January 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized OCI losses of $53 and $280, respectively, on its outstanding net investment hedges.

Non-Designated Hedges

For the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, the Company recognized losses of $1,173 and $2,050 respectively, in “Investment and other income” on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings related to non-designated hedges. For the three and six months ended January 31, 2014, the Company recognized losses of $26 and gains of $1,421, respectively.

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Fair values of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:



	Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
	January 31, 2015			July 31, 2014			January 31, 2015			July 31, 2014
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Cash flow hedges
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,515	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	—	Other current liabilities	$	—	Other current liabilities	$	—
Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	30		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Other current liabilities	—		Other current liabilities	14
Foreign currency denominated debt	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		Long term obligations, less current maturities	122,609		Long term obligations, less current maturities	100,410
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	1,545		$	—		$	122,609		$	100,424
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,871	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	166	Other current liabilities	$	438	Other current liabilities	$	375
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	1,871		$	166		$	438		$	375

NOTE J — Discontinued Operations

The following table summarizes the operating results of discontinued operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,				Six months ended January 31,
	2015		2014		2015			2014
Net sales	$	—	$	49,759	$	—		$	115,616
Earnings (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses	—		4,432		(1,201		)	12,761
Income tax benefit (expense)	—		1,475		(288		)	(1,060		)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations	—		—		(487		)	—
Income tax benefit on sale of discontinued operations	—		—		61			—
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax	$	—	$	5,907	$	(1,915	)	$	11,701

There were no assets or liabilities held for sale as of January 31, 2015. In accordance with authoritative literature, accumulated other comprehensive income of $34,697 was reclassified to the statement of earnings upon the closing of the second phase of the Die-Cut divestiture during the six months ended January 31, 2015.

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NOTE K — New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the required disclosures related to an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance requires management to evaluate, at each interim and annual reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued, and provide related disclosures. This guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for each annual and interim period thereafter with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on certain share-based payment awards, which clarifies the treatment of performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award. Under the new guidance, an entity should treat these performance targets as conditions that affect vesting. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which eliminates the transaction-and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaces it with a principle-based approach for determining revenue recognition. The accounting standard update requires revenue recognition when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, replacing the existing guidance which requires revenue recognition when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer. Under the new guidance, companies should recognize revenues in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, expenses and cash flows of discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this update will not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

NOTE L — Subsequent Events

On February 18, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock of $0.20 per share payable on April 30, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2015.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Overview

Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions, specialty materials, and workplace safety products that identify and protect premises, products and people. The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized and diverse products for use in various applications, along with a commitment to quality and service, a global footprint and multiple sales channels, have made Brady a leader in many of its markets.

Over the last two years, the Company made significant portfolio and management decisions designed to better position the Company for growth in the future. These changes were a meaningful shift from the more volatile and less profitable consumer electronics Die-Cut business, which was partially divested in fiscal 2014 and completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, to an expansion of our core Identification Solutions (“ID Solutions" or "IDS”) business to focus on markets with long-term growth trends. In our Workplace Safety ("WPS") business, our strategy to return to growth includes a focus on workplace safety critical industries in addition to increased investment in e-commerce expertise.

Refer to Part I, Item 1, "Business," of the Company’s fiscal 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding fiscal 2014 activities impacting the business.

With these changes in place, the Company is targeting the following key initiatives in fiscal 2015:


•	Driving operational excellence and providing the Company's customers with innovative products and the highest level of customer service.


•	Investing in R&D to identify emerging technology opportunities that align with the Company's target markets and enhancing our innovation development process.


•	Growing the Company's business primarily through focused sales and marketing efforts in selected vertical markets and an increased focus on strategic accounts.


•	Expanding the direct-marketing model in the WPS business by increasing its offering of identification and workplace safety products with a heightened focus on proprietary and customized product offerings and an increased emphasis on e-commerce.


•	Completing the consolidation of selected manufacturing facilities in the Americas and Europe to reduce the Company's cost structure and build a more efficient global footprint.

Results of Operations

A comparison of results of Operating Income for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:



	Three months ended January 31,										Six months ended January 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		% Sales		% Change		2014		% Sales		2015		% Sales		% Change		2014		% Sales
Net Sales	$	282,628			(2.9	)%	$	291,194			$	592,868			(1.0	)%	$	598,724
Gross Margin	138,203		48.9	%	(3.0	)%	142,536		48.9	%	288,365		48.6	%	(4.0	)%	300,383		50.2	%
Operating Expenses:
Research and Development	8,948		3.2	%	6.0	%	8,440		2.9	%	18,579		3.1	%	9.1	%	17,027		2.8	%
Selling, General and Administrative	107,565		38.1	%	(3.5	)%	111,426		38.3	%	216,846		36.6	%	(3.3	)%	224,159		37.4	%
Restructuring charges	4,879		1.7	%	12.8	%	4,324		1.5	%	9,157		1.5	%	(18.0	)%	11,163		1.9	%
Total operating expenses	121,392		43.0	%	(2.3	)%	124,190		42.6	%	244,582		41.3	%	(3.1	)%	252,349		42.1	%
Operating Income	$	16,811	5.9	%	(8.4	)%	$	18,346	6.3	%	$	43,783	7.4	%	(8.8	)%	$	48,034	8.0	%

Sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 decreased 2.9% to $282.6 million, compared to $291.2 million in the same period of the prior year, which consisted of organic sales growth of 1.4% and a negative currency impact of 4.3% due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other major currencies during the three month period. Organic sales growth was 1.9% in the IDS segment and 0.6% in the WPS segment.

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Sales for the six months ended January 31, 2015 decreased 1.0% to $592.9 million, compared to $598.7 million in the same period of the prior year, which consisted of organic sales growth of 1.9% and a negative currency impact of 2.9%. Organic sales growth was 2.1% in the IDS segment and 1.5% in the WPS segment.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 48.9% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, which was consistent with the same period of the prior year. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased to 48.6% for the six months ended January 31, 2015, from 50.2% in the same period of the prior year. The decline in gross margin was primarily due to increased costs related to facility consolidation activities in North America, South America, and Europe, and to a lesser extent, sales mix. Facility consolidations had less of an impact in the quarter ended January 31, 2015, compared to the quarter ended October 31, 2014 as costs are beginning to subside as the facility consolidation actions near completion.

Research and development (“R&D”) for the three months ended January 31, 2015 increased 6.0% to $8.9 million, compared to $8.4 million in the same period of the prior year, and increased 9.1% to $18.6 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $17.0 million for the same period in the prior year. As a percentage of sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015, R&D expenses increased to 3.2% from 2.9% in the same period in the prior year, and increased to 3.1% from 2.8% for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in R&D expenses was attributable to the increased costs within the IDS segment associated with our initiative to enhance the innovation development process and invest in emerging technologies such as RFID and sensing technology for harsh environments.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased 3.5% to $107.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 3.3% to $216.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $111.4 million and $224.2 million in the same periods of the prior year, respectively. The declines in both the three and six month periods were primarily driven by a reduction in administrative expenses, reduced amortization expense, and the impact of foreign currency translation. This decline was partially offset by increased investments in sales personnel within the IDS segment and increased spending on both on-line advertising as well as traditional print advertising within the WPS segment.

In fiscal 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan to consolidate facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Company implemented this restructuring plan to enhance customer service, improve efficiency of operations and reduce operating expenses. Facility consolidation activities have extended into fiscal 2015 and are expected to be complete by the end of the fiscal year. The Company expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately $15 million associated with these activities in fiscal 2015. We will begin to realize operational savings from these actions in fiscal 2016, which will continue into the long term.

In connection with this plan, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $4.9 million and $9.2 million during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, respectively, which consisted primarily of employee separation costs, facility closure costs, and contract termination costs. Of the $4.9 million of restructuring charges recognized during the three-month period ended January 31, 2015, $3.9 million was incurred within the IDS segment and $1.0 million was incurred within the WPS segment. Of the $9.2 million of restructuring charges recognized during the six-month period ended January 31, 2015, $6.3 million was incurred within IDS and $2.9 million was incurred within WPS.

In fiscal 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring plan to reduce its global workforce to address its cost structure. In connection with the fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014 plans, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $4.3 million and $11.2 million during the three and six months ended January 31, 2014, respectively, which consisted primarily of employee separation costs and facility closure costs. Of the $4.3 million of restructuring charges recorded during the quarter, $2.4 million was incurred within the IDS segment and $1.9 million was incurred within the WPS segment. Of the $11.2 million of restructuring charges recorded for the six months ended January 31, 2014, $6.4 million was incurred within IDS and $4.8 million was incurred within WPS.

Operating income was $16.8 million during the three months ended January 31, 2015. Excluding restructuring charges of $4.9 million, operating income was $21.7 million. Operating income was $18.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2014. Excluding restructuring charges of $4.3 million, operating income was $22.6 million. The decrease of $0.9 million was primarily due to the negative impact of currency fluctuations during the three month period.

Operating income was $43.8 million during the six months ended January 31, 2015. Excluding restructuring charges of $9.2 million, operating income was $53.0 million. Operating income was $48.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2014. Excluding restructuring charges of $11.2 million, operating income was $59.2 million. The decrease of $6.2 million was mainly due to the segment profit declines in both the IDS and WPS segments, which are discussed in further detail within the Business Segment Operating Results section.

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OPERATING INCOME TO NET EARNINGS



	Three months ended January 31,										Six months ended January 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			% Sales		2014			% Sales		2015			% Sales		2014			% Sales
Operating income	$	16,811		5.9	%	$	18,346		6.3	%	$	43,783		7.4	%	$	48,034		8.0	%
Other income and (expense):
Investment and other income	211			0.1	%	255			0.1	%	535			0.1	%	1,017			0.2	%
Interest expense	(3,000		)	(1.1	)%	(3,676		)	(1.3	)%	(5,891		)	(1.0	)%	(7,397		)	(1.2	)%
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax	14,022			5.0	%	14,925			5.1	%	38,427			6.5	%	41,654			7.0	%
Income tax expense	2,438			0.9	%	4,408			1.5	%	11,344			1.9	%	13,002			2.2	%
Earnings from continuing operations	$	11,584		4.1	%	$	10,517		3.6	%	$	27,083		4.6	%	$	28,652		4.8	%
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	—			—	%	5,907			2.0	%	(1,915		)	(0.3	)%	11,701			2.0	%
Net earnings	$	11,584		4.1	%	$	16,424		5.6	%	$	25,168		4.2	%	$	40,353		6.7	%

Investment and other income remained consistent for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year, and decreased to $0.5 million from $1.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest income and the decline in market value of securities held in executive deferred compensation plans.

Interest expense decreased to $3.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from $3.7 million for the same period in the prior year. Interest expense decreased to $5.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, from $7.4 million for the same period in the prior year. For both the three and six month periods, the decrease was due to the Company’s declining principal balance under its outstanding long-term debt agreements and a reduction in the weighted average interest rate on the outstanding debt.

The Company’s income tax rate on continuing operations was 17.4% for the three months and 29.5% for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to 29.5% for the three months and 31.2% for the six months ended January 31, 2014. For both the three and six month periods, the decrease in the income tax rate was primarily due to the extension of the U.S. R&D tax credit and certain other tax provisions that were passed by Congress in December 2014. The tax rate is anticipated to be in the mid-to-upper 20% range for fiscal year 2015.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations include the Asia Die-Cut and Balkhausen Die-Cut business ("Die-Cut"), of which a portion was divested in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and the remainder was divested in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The closing on the second and final phase was completed on August 1, 2014. The loss from discontinued operations net of income taxes was $1.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to earnings from discontinued operations of $11.7 million for the same period in the prior year. The loss in the six months ended January 31, 2015 consisted of a loss on operations of $1.5 million primarily related to professional fees associated with the divestiture and a $0.4 million loss on the sale of Die-Cut, recorded during the three months ended October 31, 2015. Refer to Note J, "Discontinued Operations" for further discussion regarding discontinued operations.

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Business Segment Operating Results

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within two business platforms: IDS and WPS, which are the reportable segments. Each business platform has a President (or acting President) that reports directly to the Company's chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer. Each platform has its own distinct operations, is managed locally by its own management team, maintains its own financial reports and is evaluated based on global segment profit. The Company has determined that these business platforms comprise its operating and reportable segments based on the information used by the Chief Executive Officer to allocate resources and assess performance.

The following is a summary of segment information for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS
ID Solutions	$	192,065		$	194,732		$	404,162		$	404,278
Workplace Safety	90,563			96,462			188,706			194,446
Total	$	282,628		$	291,194		$	592,868		$	598,724
SALES GROWTH INFORMATION
ID Solutions
Organic	1.9		%	2.5		%	2.1		%	2.9		%
Currency	(3.3		)%	(0.5		)%	(2.1		)%	(0.4		)%
Acquisitions	—		%	13.8		%	—		%	19.8		%
Total	(1.4		)%	15.8		%	—		%	22.3		%
Workplace Safety
Organic	0.6		%	(6.8		)%	1.5		%	(8.4		)%
Currency	(6.7		)%	(0.9		)%	(4.5		)%	(0.8		)%
Acquisitions	—		%	—		%	—		%	—		%
Total	(6.1		)%	(7.7		)%	(3.0		)%	(9.2		)%
Total Company
Organic	1.4		%	(1.1		)%	1.9		%	(1.6		)%
Currency	(4.3		)%	(0.6		)%	(2.9		)%	(0.5		)%
Acquisitions	—		%	8.5		%	—		%	12.0		%
Total	(2.9		)%	6.8		%	(1.0		)%	9.9		%
SEGMENT PROFIT
ID Solutions	$	35,719		$	37,526		$	79,186		$	88,493
Workplace Safety	12,776			14,668			28,315			33,042
Total	$	48,495		$	52,194		$	107,501		$	121,535
SEGMENT PROFIT AS A PERCENT OF SALES
ID Solutions	18.6		%	19.3		%	19.6		%	21.9		%
Workplace Safety	14.1		%	15.2		%	15.0		%	17.0		%
Total	17.2		%	17.9		%	18.1		%	20.3		%

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The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Total profit from reportable segments	$	48,495		$	52,194		$	107,501		$	121,535
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs	(26,805		)	(29,524		)	(54,561		)	(62,338		)
Restructuring charges	(4,879		)	(4,324		)	(9,157		)	(11,163		)
Investment and other income	211			255			535			1,017
Interest expense	(3,000		)	(3,676		)	(5,891		)	(7,397		)
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$	14,022		$	14,925		$	38,427		$	41,654

ID Solutions

Approximately 70% of net sales in the IDS segment were generated in the Americas region, 20% in Europe and 10% in Asia. IDS sales decreased 1.4% to $192.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $194.7 million for the same period in the prior year, which consisted of organic sales growth of 1.9% and a negative currency impact of 3.3%. IDS sales remained flat for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year. Organic sales improved by 2.1% and currency fluctuations decreased sales by 2.1% during the six month period ended January 31, 2015.

Organic sales in the Americas grew in the low-single digits for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. This growth was primarily within the U.S. and was driven by our continued focus on expanding the core Brady-brand businesses and an increased focus on key customers and certain industries, such as chemical, oil, and gas; food and beverage; laboratories, industrial OEMs, and healthcare. We experienced growth specifically in the Wire ID and Safety and Facility ID product offerings in the quarter ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year. In addition, sales in the healthcare ID business increased slightly from both the quarter ended October 31, 2014 and the quarter ended January 31, 2014 as healthcare admission rates have improved. This growth was partially offset by organic sales declines in Brazil for the three and six month periods due to continued economic challenges.

Organic sales in Europe declined in the low-single digits for the quarter, but grew in the low-single digits for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. We experienced mid-single digit organic sales growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 driven by our businesses in Western and Central Europe where we increased our salesforce and expanded in focused geographies. This growth trend did not continue in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 due primarily to the negative impact on the businesses from the weakening economy in Western Europe.

The IDS business in Asia had double-digit organic sales growth for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. Sales of product identification products to our OEM customers in China continue to grow as we expand production capacity and capabilities. The investment in our MRO growth strategies and the expansion of the MRO business in China continues to positively impact sales.

Segment profit decreased to $35.7 million from $37.5 million for the three months, and decreased to $79.2 million from $88.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, segment profit decreased to 18.6% from 19.3% for the three months, and decreased to 19.6% from 21.9% for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in both the three and six month periods was mainly driven by increased costs associated with facility consolidation activities, including increased supplies, outsourcing costs, additional labor, and moving costs. The increased investment in R&D and product mix also contributed to the decline in segment profit in both periods.

WPS

Approximately 50% of net sales in the WPS segment were generated in Europe, 35% in the Americas and 15% in Australia. WPS sales decreased 6.1% to $90.6 million for the three months and 3.0% to $188.7 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $96.5 million and $194.4 million, respectively, for the same periods in the prior year. Currency fluctuations decreased sales by 6.7% and 4.5% for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Since half of the WPS business is in Europe, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro had a larger impact on the WPS segment than it did on the IDS segment.

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Organic sales increased 0.6% and 1.5% for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, respectively, compared to the same periods of the prior year. The Company has seen organic sales improvement for three consecutive quarters in the WPS segment as we refine our business strategy to focus on improving business fundamentals and investing in the following: expanding our e-commerce presence, increasing the offering of workplace safety products, enhancing our industry expertise, providing high levels of service, and investing in our catalog marketing strategy.

The WPS business in Europe realized low-single digit organic sales growth for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The growth in both the three and six month periods was driven primarily in the UK, Germany, and France due to improvements in the business related to website functionality, key account management, pricing efforts, and the launch of new products. This growth slowed near the end of the second quarter due to the economic challenges in Europe.

Organic sales in the Americas improved slightly for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. We continue to focus on and invest in e-commerce, which is the primary driver of the growth in WPS Americas.

Organic sales in Australia experienced low-single digit declines for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. This was an improvement over the double-digit percentage declines in the first half of fiscal 2014 and the mid-single digit declines in the second half of fiscal 2014. While the Company’s Australian business is diversified in many industries, it has a higher concentration in industries that are experiencing economic challenges which include manufacturing, non-residential construction, and most importantly, mining. The improvement from the prior year was primarily due to the continued focus on enhancing our expertise in these industries to further differentiate and create value for our customers.

Segment profit decreased to $12.8 million from $14.7 million for the three months, and decreased to $28.3 million from $33.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, segment profit decreased to 14.1% from 15.2% for the three months, and decreased to 15.0% from 17.0% for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in segment profit in both the three and six month periods was mainly driven by the increased costs associated with facility consolidation activities in the U.S., increased spending on both on-line advertising as well as traditional print advertising due to the timing of catalog mailings, and investments in e-commerce capabilities.

Financial Condition

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $11.5 million and decreased by $11.9 million during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The significant changes were as follows:



	Six months ended January 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Net cash flow provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	23,930		$	41,777
Investing activities	(7,524		)	(17,518		)
Financing activities	5,996			(37,273		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(10,937		)	1,072
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	11,465		$	(11,942	)

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $17.8 million to $23.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $41.8 million in the same period of the prior year. The prior year results included discontinued operations, which were approximately break-even for cash flow from operating activities. Therefore, this decline of $17.8 million was primarily due to changes in working capital from continuing operations. A majority of the decline in working capital from continuing operations related to the change in accounts payable due to an increase in days payable outstanding in all regions and a decision to accelerate corporate credit card payment terms.

Net cash used in investing activities was $7.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $17.5 million in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in cash used in investing activities of $10.0 million was primarily due to the $6.1 million of net cash received from the Die-Cut divestiture during the six months ended January 31, 2015. In addition, certain assets were sold as part of the facility consolidation activities, which reduced cash used in investing activities compared to the

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prior year. Cash used for capital expenditures during the six months ended January 31, 2015 was consistent with the same period of the prior year.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.0 million during the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $37.3 million in the same period of the prior year. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to $29.4 million in net borrowing on the revolving loan agreement and lines of credit during the six months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $30.0 million of repayments on the revolving loan agreement in the same period of the prior year.

Currency had a negative impact on cash of $10.9 million during the six months ended January 31, 2015 due to the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar against other major currencies, particularly the Euro.

During fiscal 2006 and 2007, the Company completed two private placement note issuances totaling $350 million in ten-year fixed rate notes with varying maturity dates to institutional investors at interest rates varying from 5.30% to 5.33%. The notes must be repaid equally over seven years, with final payments due in 2016 and 2017, with interest payable on the notes due semiannually on various dates throughout the year. The notes have certain prepayment penalties for repaying them prior to the maturity date.

On May 13, 2010, the Company completed a private placement of €75 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to accredited institutional investors. The €75 million of senior notes consists of €30 million aggregate principal amount of 3.71% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2017 and €45 million aggregate principal amount of 4.24% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2020, with interest payable on the notes semiannually. The notes have certain prepayment penalties for repaying them prior to maturity.

On February 1, 2012, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an unsecured $300 million multi-currency revolving loan agreement. Under the revolving loan agreement, which has a final maturity date of February 1, 2017, the Company has the option to select either a base interest rate (based upon the higher of the federal funds rate plus one-half of 1% or the prime rate of Bank of America plus a margin based upon the Company's consolidated leverage ratio) or a Eurocurrency interest rate (at the LIBOR rate plus a margin based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio). At the Company's option, and subject to certain conditions, the available amount under the revolving loan agreement may be increased from $300 million to $450 million. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, the Company drew down an additional $41.0 million in order to fund general corporate needs. As of January 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on the credit facility was $79.0 million. The Company also had letters of credit outstanding under the loan agreement of $4.6 million as of January 31, 2015 and there was $216.4 million available for future borrowing, which can be increased to $366.4 million at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions.

In February 2013, the Company entered into an unsecured $26.2 million multi-currency line of credit in China, which was amended in November 2013 to $24.2 million. In August 2014, the Company entered into an additional unsecured $10.0 million multi-currency line of credit in China, but did not borrow on this facility until January 2015. These lines of credit support USD-denominated or CNY-denominated borrowing to fund working capital and operations for the Company's Chinese entities and are due on demand. The borrowings under these facilities may be made for a period up to one year from the date of borrowing with interest on the USD-denominated borrowings incurred equal to U.S. Dollar LIBOR on the date of borrowing plus a margin and on the CNY-denominated borrowings incurred equal to the local China rate based upon duration. There is no ultimate maturity on either of the facilities and the facilities are subject to periodic review and repricing. The Company is not required to comply with any financial covenants as part of the agreements. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, the Company drew $6.8 million USD equivalent to fund working capital needs and repaid $14.4 of the borrowings on the lines of credit. As of January 31, 2015, the outstanding balance was $11.9 million USD equivalent of borrowings and there was $22.4 available for future borrowing under these credit facilities.

The Company’s private placement notes and revolving loan agreement require it to maintain certain financial covenants, including a ratio of debt to the trailing twelve months EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreements, of not more than a 3.25 to 1.0 ratio (leverage ratio) and the trailing twelve months EBITDA to interest expense of not less than a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio (interest expense coverage). As of January 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants, with the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, equal to 1.8 to 1.0 and the interest expense coverage ratio equal to 12.1 to 1.0.

The Company paid dividends of $20.4 million in both the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014.

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The Company's cash balances are generated and held in numerous locations throughout the world. At January 31, 2015, approximately 87% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held outside the United States. The Company's growth has historically been funded by a combination of cash provided by operating activities and debt financing. The Company believes that its cash flow from operating activities, in addition to its borrowing capacity, are sufficient to fund its anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, restructuring activities, common stock repurchases, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments for the next twelve months.

Subsequent Events

Effective February 9, 2015, Matthew O. Williamson resigned his position as Vice President of Brady Corporation and President - Identification Solutions. Mr. Williamson will remain employed by the Company until his retirement date of June 9, 2015. During the transition period, the Identification Solutions business will report to Mr. Williamson on an interim basis until his successor is named.

On February 17, 2015, the Board of Directors elected Harold Sirkin to the Board of Directors, effective immediately, following a recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board. Mr. Sirkin has been appointed to the Technology Committee of the Board of Directors.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have material off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company is not aware of factors that are reasonably likely to adversely affect liquidity trends, other than the risk factors described in this and other Company filings. However, the following additional information is provided to assist those reviewing the Company’s financial statements.

Operating Leases - The leases generally are entered into for investments in facilities such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses and office space, computer equipment and Company vehicles.

Purchase Commitments - The Company has purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services, and property, plant and equipment as part of the ordinary conduct of its business. In the aggregate, such commitments are not in excess of current market prices and are not material to the financial position of the Company. Due to the proprietary nature of many of the Company’s materials and processes, certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for early termination. The Company does not believe a material amount of penalties will be incurred under these contracts based upon historical experience and current expectations.

Other Contractual Obligations - The Company does not have material financial guarantees or other contractual commitments that are reasonably likely to adversely affect liquidity.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, statements that are not reported financial results or other historic information may be “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the Company's future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations.

The use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain and are subject to risks, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond Brady's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For Brady, uncertainties arise from:


•	Implementation of the healthcare strategy;


•	Implementation of the Workplace Safety strategy;


•	Future competition;


•	Risks associated with restructuring plans;


•	Fluctuations in currency rates versus the U.S. dollar;


•	Technology changes and potential security violations to the Company's information technology system;


•	Brady's ability to develop and successfully market new products;

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•	Future financial performance of major markets Brady serves, which include, without limitation, telecommunications, hard disk drive, manufacturing, electrical, construction, laboratory, education, governmental, public utility, computer, healthcare and transportation;


•	Risks associated with international operations;


•	Difficulties associated with exports;


•	Changes in the supply of, or price for, parts and components;


•	Increased price pressure from suppliers and customers;


•	Brady's ability to retain significant contracts and customers;


•	Risk associated with loss of key talent;


•	Risks associated with obtaining governmental approvals and maintaining regulatory compliance;


•	Risk associated with product liability claims;


•	Environmental, health and safety compliance costs and liabilities;


•	Potential write-offs of Brady's substantial intangible assets;


•	Risks associated with our ownership structure;


•	Unforeseen tax consequences;


•	Risks associated with divestitures and businesses held for sale;


•	Risks associated with identifying, completing, and integrating acquisitions;


•	Brady's ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants;


•	Increase in our level of debt; and

•

Numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive, and regulatory nature contained from time to time in Brady's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, those factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section within Item 1A of Part I of the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 29, 2014.

These uncertainties may cause Brady’s actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Brady does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Refer to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014. There has been no material change in this information since July 31, 2014.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Brady Corporation maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s President & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There were no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the Company's most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


(a)	Exhibits



10.1	Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2015, with Harold L. Sirkin

31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of J. Michael Nauman

31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Aaron J. Pearce

32.1	Section 1350 Certification of J. Michael Nauman

32.1	Section 1350 Certification of Aaron J. Pearce

101	Interactive Data File

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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.

SIGNATURES



						BRADY CORPORATION

Date: March 4, 2015						/s/ J. MICHAEL NAUMAN
						J. Michael Nauman
						President and Chief Executive Officer
						(Principal Executive Officer)


Date: March 4, 2015						/s/ AARON J. PEARCE
						Aaron J. Pearce
						Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
						(Principal Financial Officer)