DONALDSON Co INC - Quarter Report: 2015 April (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

Commission File Number 1-7891

DONALDSON COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1400 West 94th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55431

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (952) 887-3131

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 ☐ 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 ☐No

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $5 Par Value – 135,955,398 shares as of April 30, 2015.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

DONALDSON COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note A – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Donaldson Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S) (U.S. GAAP) and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended April 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014.

Note B – Inventories

The components of inventory as of April 30, 2015 and July 31, 2014 are as follows (thousands of dollars):

Note C – Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized using the fair-value method for all awards. In addition to granting stock options, the Company also granted reload options during the nine months ended April 30, 2015. A reload stock option is granted for the number of shares tendered as payment for the exercise price and minimum tax withholding obligation upon the exercise of a stock option with a reload provision. The option price of the reload option is equal to the market price of the stock on the date of exercise of the original option and will expire on the same date as the original option which was exercised. The Company determined the fair value of its option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to value the options, including reload options, which generally have a shorter contractual life, granted during the nine months ended April 30, 2015: range of less than one year to 8 years expected life; expected volatility range of 18.6 percent to 26.7 percent; risk-free interest rate range of 0.05 percent to 2.27 percent; and annual dividend yield of 1.6 percent. The expected life for options granted during the period represents the period of time that the options are expected to be outstanding based on the contractual life and historical data of option holder exercise and termination behavior. Expected volatilities are based upon historical volatility of the Company’s stock over a period at least equal to the expected life of each option grant. Option grants have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value for options granted during the nine months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $9.94 per share and $11.51 per share, respectively. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options of $1.3 million and $8.2 million, respectively, and recorded $0.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of related tax benefit. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2014, the Company recorded pre-tax stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options of $2.2 million and $8.3 million, respectively, and recorded $0.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of related tax benefit.

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended April 30, 2015:

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $17.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of April 30, 2015:

At April 30, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $64.6 million and $63.6 million, respectively.

As of April 30, 2015, there was $9.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted under the 2010 Master Stock Incentive Plan. This unvested expense is expected to be recognized during the remainder of Fiscal Years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Note D – Net Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. The Company’s diluted net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents relating to stock options and stock incentive plans. Certain outstanding options were excluded from the diluted net earnings per share calculations because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during those periods. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, there were 1,814,149 and 869,490 options excluded from the diluted net earnings per share calculation. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2014, there were 855,242 and 877,802 options excluded from the diluted net earnings per share calculation.

The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and diluted net earnings per common share (thousands, except per share amounts):

Note E – Shareholders’ Equity

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 15.0 million shares of common stock on September 27, 2013. During the three months ended April 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 717,000 shares for $27.0 million at an average price of $37.61 per share. During the nine months ended April 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 5,103,000 shares for $201.2 million at an average price of $39.42 per share. As of April 30, 2015, the Company had remaining authorization to repurchase up to 3.4 million shares. Subsequently, on May 29, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 14.0 million shares of common stock under the stock repurchase plan dated May 29, 2015 and cancelled the remaining shares from the previously approved authorization.

On January 31, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend in the amount of 16.5 cents per common share, payable to stockholders of record on February 17, 2015. The dividend was paid on March 5, 2015.

On May 29, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend in the amount of 17.0 cents per common share, payable to stockholders of record on June 16, 2015. The dividend will be paid on July 2, 2015.

Note F – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component are as follows:

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Note G – Segment Reporting

The Company has identified two reportable segments: Engine Products and Industrial Products. Segment selection was based on the internal organization structure, management of operations, and performance evaluation by management and the Company’s Board of Directors. Corporate and Unallocated includes corporate expenses determined to be non-allocable to the segments, such as interest income and interest expense. The Company is an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations, and sharing of assets. Therefore, the Company does not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating profit and other financial information shown below. Segment detail is summarized as follows (thousands of dollars):

There were no Customers that accounted for over 10 percent of net sales for the three or nine months ended April 30, 2015 or 2014. There were no Customers that accounted for over 10 percent of gross accounts receivable as of April 30, 2015 or 2014.

Note H – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The Company performed an impairment assessment during the third quarter of Fiscal 2015. The results of this assessment showed that the estimated fair values of the reporting units to which goodwill is assigned continued to exceed the corresponding carrying values of the respective reporting units resulting in no goodwill impairment. Following is a reconciliation of goodwill for the nine months ended April 30, 2015 (thousands of dollars):

As of April 30, 2015 and July 31, 2014, other intangible assets were $36.0 million. Intangible assets increased during the year due to the acquisition of Northern Technical L.L.C. (Northern Technical) intangibles of $6.2 million, offset by amortization of existing assets of $4.9 million, and a $1.3 million foreign exchange translation decrease. Refer to Note R for further discussion of the Northern Technical acquisition.

Expected amortization expense relating to existing intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

Note I – Guarantees

The Company and Caterpillar Inc. equally own the shares of Advanced Filtration Systems Inc. (AFSI), an unconsolidated joint venture, and guarantee certain debt of the joint venture. As of April 30, 2015, AFSI had $27.8 million of outstanding debt, of which the Company guarantees half. The Company recorded $0.5 million and $0.9 million of earnings from this equity method investment during the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company recorded $1.9 million and $2.2 million of earnings from this equity method investment for the nine months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company also recorded royalty income of $1.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, and $1.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, related to AFSI.

As of April 30, 2015, the Company had a contingent liability for standby letters of credit totaling $7.9 million that have been issued and are outstanding. The letters of credit guarantee payment to third parties in the event the Company is in breach of insurance contract terms as detailed in each letter of credit. At April 30, 2015, there were no amounts drawn upon these letters of credit.

Note J – Warranty

The Company estimates warranty expense using quantitative measures based on historical warranty claim experience and evaluation of specific Customer warranty issues. Following is a reconciliation of warranty reserves for the nine months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 (thousands of dollars):

There were no significant specific warranty matters accrued for in the periods ended April 30, 2015 or 2014. The Company’s warranty matters are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, liquidity, or financial position.

Note K – Employee Benefit Plans

The Company and certain of its international subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans for many of their hourly and salaried Employees. There are two types of U.S. plans. The first type of U.S. plan is a traditional defined benefit pension plan primarily for production Employees. The second is a plan for salaried workers that provides defined benefits pursuant to a cash balance feature whereby a participant accumulates a benefit comprised of a percentage of current salary that varies with years of service, interest credits, and transition credits. The international plans generally provide pension benefits based on years of service and compensation level.

Net periodic pension costs for the Company’s pension plans include the following components:

The Company’s general funding policy for its pension plans is to make at least the minimum contributions as required by applicable regulations. Additionally, the Company may elect to make additional contributions up to the maximum tax deductible contribution. For the nine months ended April 30, 2015, the Company made contributions of $2.8 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and $1.6 million to its U.S. pension plans. The minimum funding requirement for the Company’s U.S. plans for Fiscal 2015 is $12.1 million. Per the Pension Protection Act of 2006, this obligation can be met with existing credit balances that resulted from payments above the minimum obligation in prior years. The Company plans to utilize existing credit balances to meet the minimum obligation for Fiscal 2015. The Company currently estimates that it will contribute an additional $0.7 million to its non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of Fiscal 2015.

In July 2013, the Company adopted a sunset freeze on its U.S. salaried pension plan. Effective August 1, 2013, the plan was frozen to any Employees hired on or after August 1, 2013. Effective August 1, 2016, Employees hired prior to August 1, 2013 will no longer continue to accrue Company contribution credits under the plan. Additionally, in July 2013, the Company announced that Employees hired on or after August 1, 2013 are eligible for a 3.0 percent annual Company retirement contribution in addition to the Company’s 401(k) match. Effective August 1, 2016, Employees hired prior to August 1, 2013 will be eligible for the 3.0 percent annual Company retirement contribution.

In the first quarter of Fiscal 2015, the Company offered lump sum payments to certain participants of its U.S. pension plans. During the second quarter, the Company made cash distributions to all participants who accepted these settlement offers, which qualified as a partial settlement of these plans. The Company recorded $3.9 million of expense in the quarter associated with the partial settlement.

Note L – Credit Facilities

On October 28, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment (Amendment) to its five-year, multi-currency revolving credit facility with a group of banks under which the Company was able to borrow up to $250.0 million. The Amendment increased the borrowing availability up to $400.0 million. The credit facility provides that loans may be made under a selection of currencies and rate formulas including Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans. The interest rate on each advance is based on certain market interest rates and leverage ratios. Facility fees and other fees on the entire loan commitment are payable over the duration of this facility. As of April 30, 2015, there was $275.0 million borrowed under this facility. The multi-currency revolving facility contains debt covenants specifically related to maintaining a certain interest coverage ratio, and a certain leverage ratio as well as other covenants that, under certain circumstances, can restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, and sell assets. As of April 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The Company expects to remain in compliance with these covenants. 

Note M – Fair Values

At April 30, 2015 and July 31, 2014, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and derivative contracts. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-term borrowings approximated carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. As of April 30, 2015, the estimated fair value of long-term debt with fixed interest rates was $265.9 million compared to the carrying value of $250.0 million. The fair value is estimated by discounting projected cash flows using the rate that similar amounts of debt could currently be borrowed, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative contracts are reported at their fair values based on third-party quotes. The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities listed below reflect the amounts that would be received to sell the assets or paid to transfer the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The fair values are based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. These inputs include foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The financial assets and financial liabilities are primarily valued using standard calculations and models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters. Industry standard data providers are the primary source for forward and spot rate information for both interest rates and currency rates.

The following summarizes the Company’s fair value of outstanding derivatives at April 30, 2015 and July 31, 2014 on the balance sheets (thousands of dollars):

____________________

The Company holds equity method investments which are classified in other long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying amount of these investments was $18.3 million as of April 30, 2015, and $21.4 million as of July 31, 2014. These equity method investments are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value of the Company’s equity method investments has not been estimated as there have been no identified events or changes in circumstance that would have had an adverse impact on the value of these investments. In the event that these investments were required to be measured, these investments would fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, due to the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, as the investments are privately-held entities without quoted market prices.

Goodwill and intangible assets are assessed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets are not recorded at fair value as there have been no events or circumstances that would have an adverse impact on the value of these assets. In the event that an impairment was recognized, the fair value would be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note H for further discussion of the annual goodwill impairment analysis and carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets.

The Company assesses the impairment of property, plant, and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of property, plant, and equipment assets may not be recoverable. There were no significant impairment charges recorded during the three or nine months ended April 30, 2015 or 2014.

Note N – Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation The Company records provisions with respect to identified claims or lawsuits when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Claims and lawsuits are reviewed quarterly and provisions are taken or adjusted to reflect the status of a particular matter. The Company believes the recorded reserves in its condensed consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable outcomes. The recorded liabilities were not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or liquidity, and the Company does not believe that any of the currently identified claims or litigation will materially affect its financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

Note O – Debt Issuance

On April 16, 2015, the Company entered into a First Supplement to Note Purchase Agreement (First Supplement), dated April 16, 2015, with a group of institutional investors, which supplements a Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2014. Pursuant to the First Supplement, the Company issued $25.0 million of senior unsecured notes due April 16, 2025. The debt was issued at face value and bears interest payable semi-annually at an annual rate of interest of 2.93 percent. The proceeds from the notes primarily were used to refinance existing debt, and were also used for general corporate purposes. The notes contain debt covenants specifically related to maintaining a certain leverage ratio as well as other covenants that, under certain circumstances, can restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, and sell assets. As of April 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The Company expects to remain in compliance with these covenants.

Subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, which the Company expects to be able to satisfy, the First Supplement also provides for the issuance and sale, on June 25, 2015, of $125.0 million 3.18 percent senior unsecured notes due June 17, 2030, to certain of the institutional investors.

Note P – Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015 was 29.4 percent and 28.0 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2014 was 28.5 percent and 27.9 percent, respectively. The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2015, was primarily due to non-recurring discrete tax benefits recorded in the prior year quarter.

The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2015, was primarily due to a $6.4 million tax benefit associated with the favorable settlement of a tax audit recorded in the prior year nine month period. This increase was partially offset by the retroactive reinstatement of the Research and Experimentation Credit in the United States, which was recognized during the current year nine month period, and non-recurring tax costs associated with foreign dividend distributions recorded during the prior year nine month period.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008. The United States Internal Revenue Service has completed examinations of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns through 2012.

At April 30, 2015, the total unrecognized tax benefits were $17.1 million and accrued interest and penalties on these unrecognized tax benefits were $1.8 million. The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. If the Company were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, substantially all of the unrecognized tax benefits would benefit the effective tax rate. With an average statute of limitations of about 5 years, up to $1.0 million of the unrecognized tax benefits could potentially expire in the next 12 month period. It is possible that quicker than expected settlement of either current audits, future audits, or disputes would cause additional reversals of previously recorded reserves in the next 12 month period. Quantification of an estimated range and timing of future audit settlements cannot be made at this time.

Note Q – New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance related to obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The guidance was effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of Fiscal 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For additional information, refer to Note I.

Note R – Acquisitions

On September 30, 2014, the Company acquired 100 percent of the voting interest of Northern Technical, a Limited Liability Corporation that manufactures gas turbine inlet air filtration systems and replacement filters. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $97.1 million after recording a working capital adjustment in accordance with the share purchase agreement during the second quarter. The Company received cash for this adjustment, which reduced the purchase price and goodwill. Based upon a preliminary acquisition valuation, including the impact of the working capital adjustment noted above, the Company acquired $6.2 million of intangible assets that had estimated useful lives ranging from six months to 7 years at the time of acquisition, $32.2 million of net tangible assets, and $60.3 million of goodwill. Acquired goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company is currently in the process of finalizing the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The actual allocation of the final purchase price and the resulting effect on income from operations may differ from the unaudited amounts included herein. The Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation within one year of the purchase date. Northern Technical’s results of operations are reported as part of the Gas Turbine Products operating segment in the Industrial Products reporting segment.

The Company anticipates potential additional adjustments pending finalization of the acquisition accounting. These adjustments are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition of Northern Technical:

Pro forma results associated with the acquisition of Northern Technical are not provided as the Company has concluded this acquisition is not material.

The Company is a worldwide manufacturer of filtration systems and replacement parts. The Company’s core strengths are leading filtration technology, strong Customer relationships, and its global presence. Products are manufactured at 40 plants around the world and through three joint ventures.

The Company has two reporting segments: Engine Products and Industrial Products. Products in the Engine Products segment consist of air filtration systems, exhaust and emissions systems, liquid filtration systems, including hydraulics, fuel, and lube systems, and replacement filters. The Engine Products segment sells to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the construction, mining, agriculture, aerospace, defense, and truck markets, and to independent distributors, OEM dealer networks, private label accounts, and large equipment fleets. Products in the Industrial Products segment include dust, fume, and mist collectors, compressed air purification systems, air filtration systems for gas turbines, PTFE membrane-based products, and specialized air and gas filtration systems for applications including computer hard disk drives and semi-conductor manufacturing. The Industrial Products segment sells to various industrial dealers, distributors, OEMs of gas-fired turbines, and OEMs and end-users requiring clean filtration solutions and replacement filters.

The following discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

The Company reported diluted net earnings per share of $0.33 for the third quarter of Fiscal 2015, which includes restructuring charges of $5.2 million, down from $0.46 in the same period of the prior year. Net earnings for the current quarter were $46.4 million, compared to $67.3 million in the three months ended April 30, 2014. The Company reported sales in the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 of $568.0 million, a decrease of 9.0 percent from $624.2 million in the third quarter of the prior year. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased reported sales by $44.4 million, or 7.1 percent, in the quarter.

The Company had declines in all of its reportable units, except in its On-Road Products and Aerospace and Defense businesses, which increased 5.8 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively. These sales increases were offset by a 24.3 percent decrease in Off-Road Products, as a result of weaker conditions in the global agriculture, Asia Pacific construction, and global mining markets. The Company’s Engine Products’ sales decreased 8.5 percent from last year and its Industrial Products’ sales decreased 10.0 percent.

The Company’s operating margin for the quarter was 11.4 percent, which includes $5.2 million of restructuring charges, down 350 basis points from the prior year period, which included $0.2 million of restructuring charges. Year-to-date operating margin was 11.9 percent, down 230 basis points from Fiscal 2014, primarily attributable to lower fixed cost absorption due to a decrease in production volumes, unfavorable mix due to a higher proportion of large Gas Turbine Systems project shipments, and expenses related to the Company’s ongoing strategic investments, including the continued implementation of its global enterprise resource planning system (Global ERP Project). These factors were partially offset by benefits from the Company’s ongoing Continuous Improvement initiatives, which include Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and cost reduction efforts. For additional information, refer to the gross margin and operating expenses discussions in the Results of Operations section below.

Results of Operations

The Company’s overall sales decreased compared to the third quarter of the prior year by 9.0 percent. The Company saw some weakening in demand for replacement filters in the most recent quarter and many of its first-fit equipment end-markets that are dependent on capital spending remain weak. Additionally, the Company saw further deterioration in the business conditions in Asia, particularly China. The decrease compared to the prior year was primarily driven by a 24.3 percent decrease in the Company’s Off-Road Product sales, a 10.9 percent decrease in Industrial Filtration Solutions Products sales, and a 5.8 percent decrease in Aftermarket Products sales. Sales decreased in Europe by $40.1 million, or 21.0 percent, by $13.6 million in Asia, or 10.8 percent, and by $3.3 million, or 1.1 percent, in the Americas, compared to the third quarter of the prior year.

The impact of foreign currency translation during the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 decreased net sales by $44.4 million, or 7.1 percent, from the prior year third quarter. The impact of foreign currency translation on the year-to-date results decreased net sales by $83.0 million, or 4.6 percent. Worldwide sales for the third quarter of Fiscal 2015, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, decreased 1.9 percent from the third quarter of the prior year and increased 2.2 percent year-to-date over the prior year. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased net earnings by $2.0 million, or 3.0 percent, and by $5.9 million, or 3.2 percent, for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, respectively.

Although net sales excluding foreign currency translation and net earnings excluding foreign currency translation are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, the Company believes they are useful in understanding its financial results. Both measures enable the Company to obtain a more clear understanding of the operating results of its foreign entities without the varying effects that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may have on those results. A shortcoming of these financial measures is that they do not reflect the Company’s actual results under U.S. GAAP. Management does not intend for these items to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related U.S. GAAP measures.

Following is a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures (millions of dollars):

Gross margin was 33.8 percent for the quarter compared to prior year margin of 35.8 percent. The decrease was driven almost entirely by lower fixed cost absorption, which resulted from the decrease in third quarter sales. Year-to-date gross margin was 34.4 percent compared to 35.4 percent in the prior year period. The decreases were driven primarily by lower fixed cost absorption due to a decrease in sales and the negative mix impacts from more Gas Turbine Systems project shipments.

Purchased raw materials generally represent approximately 60 to 65 percent of the Company’s cost of sales. Of that amount, steel, including fabricated parts, represents approximately 25 percent. Filter media represents approximately 15 to 20 percent and the remainder is primarily made up of petroleum-based products and other components. The cost the Company paid for steel during the three months ended April 30, 2015, varied by grade, but in aggregate it decreased compared to the prior year quarter in the U.S. The Company’s cost of filter media also varies by type but was up slightly compared to the prior year quarter. The cost of petroleum-based products was down over the prior year quarter. Currently, the market prices for steel are decreasing and the market prices for filter media are expected to be slightly up over the near term. The Company enters into selective supply arrangements with certain of its steel suppliers that allow the Company to reduce volatility in its costs. The Company does strive to recover or offset all material cost increases through selective price increases to its Customers and the Company’s Continuous Improvement cost reduction initiatives, which include material substitution, process improvement, and product redesigns.

Operating expenses were $127.0 million for the third quarter, down 2.9 percent from $130.7 million in the prior year period. As a percent of sales, operating expenses for the third quarter were 22.4 percent, up from 20.9 percent of sales during the prior year quarter. Operating expenses year-to-date were $396.3 million, or 22.5 percent of sales, compared to $382.9 million, or 21.2 percent of sales, in the prior year. The increase in operating expenses for both periods as a percent of sales was primarily due to softer-than-expected sales and sales growth related initiatives. The Company also recorded restructuring charges of $2.6 million in both the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015 that negatively impacted operating expenses. Additionally, the Company recorded a $3.9 million lump sum pension settlement in the nine month period.

Other income, net for the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 totaled $4.6 million, compared to $3.8 million in the third quarter of the prior year. The increase for the third quarter compared to the prior year third quarter was primarily due to $1.1 million of foreign exchange gains offset by a $0.6 million decrease in income generated from the Company’s joint ventures. Year-to-date other income, net totaled $11.8 million compared to $10.2 million reported in the prior year. The prior year included $0.9 million of restructuring expenses related to the sale of a facility in Germany.

The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015 was 29.4 percent and 28.0 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2014 was 28.5 percent and 27.9 percent, respectively. The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended April 30, 2015, was primarily due to non-recurring discrete tax benefits recorded in the prior year quarter.

The increase in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2015, was primarily due to a $6.4 million tax benefit associated with the favorable settlement of a tax audit recorded in the prior year nine month period. This increase was partially offset by the retroactive reinstatement of the Research and Experimentation Credit in the United States, which was recognized during the current year nine month period, and non-recurring tax costs associated with foreign dividend distributions recorded during the prior year nine month period.

Operations by Segment

Following is financial information for the Company’s Engine and Industrial Products segments. Corporate and Unallocated includes corporate expenses determined to be non-allocable to the segments and interest income and expense. Segment detail is summarized as follows (thousands of dollars):

Following are net sales by product within the Engine and Industrial Products segments (thousands of dollars):

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Engine Products Segment For the third quarter of Fiscal 2015, worldwide Engine Products sales were $368.0 million, a decrease of 8.5 percent from $402.2 million in the third quarter of the prior year. This decrease was driven by a 24.3 percent decrease in Off-Road Products, due to weaker conditions in the global agriculture, Asia Pacific construction, and global mining markets, along with a 5.8 percent decrease in Aftermarket Products, due to weakness in the mining and agricultural equipment markets. These decreases were partially offset by a 5.8 percent increase in On-Road Products in the quarter. Sales in Europe, Asia and the Americas decreased by 21.3 percent, 15.1 percent, and 0.5 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. The impact of foreign currency translation during the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 decreased sales by $28.7 million, or 7.2 percent.

Year-to-date worldwide Engine Products sales were $1,115.9 million, a decrease of 3.9 percent from $1,160.9 million in the prior year period. This decrease was driven by a 21.5 percent decrease in Off-Road Products partially offset by an 8.5 percent increase in On-Road Products and a 0.6 percent increase in Aftermarket Products. Sales in Europe and Asia decreased by 12.4 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively, while sales in the Americas increased by 1.1 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. The impact of foreign currency translation on the year-to-date results for the first nine months of Fiscal 2015 decreased sales by $51.5 million, or 4.4 percent.

For the three months ended April 30, 2015, earnings before income taxes as a percentage of Engine Product segment sales were 13.0 percent, a decrease from 15.3 percent in the prior year period. Year-to-date, earnings before income taxes as a percentage of Engine Products segment sales were 12.8 percent, a decrease from 14.7 percent in the prior year. The percentage earnings decreases for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015 were driven by lower fixed cost absorption due to a decrease in production volumes, investments to support sales growth initiatives, and expenses from the Company’s Global ERP Project, partially offset by the positive mix impacts from slightly higher replacement filter sales in the nine month period.

Worldwide sales of Off-Road Products in the current quarter were $67.2 million, a decrease of 24.3 percent from $88.8 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Sales of Off-Road Products were down 31.7 percent from the third quarter of the prior year in Europe, 18.6 percent in the Americas, and 23.8 percent in Asia. Year-to-date, worldwide sales of Off-Road Products totaled $204.5 million, a decrease of 21.5 percent from $260.3 million in the prior year. Year-to-date sales of Off-Road Products were down 20.9 percent in Europe, 22.0 percent in the Americas, and 24.0 percent in Asia, from the prior year. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, the sales decreases were driven by a continued weakness in the agriculture equipment and Asia Pacific construction equipment markets, with decreased build rates in all regions, continued softness in the global mining equipment markets, and the negative impacts of foreign currency translation.

Worldwide sales of On-Road Products in the current quarter were $35.0 million, an increase of 5.8 percent from $33.1 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Sales increased 25.4 percent in the Americas, partially offset by a 29.8 percent decrease in Europe. Year-to-date, worldwide sales of On-Road Products were $103.5 million, an increase of 8.5 percent from $95.4 million in the prior year. Year-to-date sales increased primarily due to an 18.7 percent increase in the Americas. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, sales increased due to increases in Customer new truck build rates.

Worldwide sales of Aftermarket Products in the current quarter were $241.0 million, a decrease of 5.8 percent from $255.8 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Aftermarket Products sales decreased 13.8 percent in Europe, 12.9 percent in Asia, and 1.2 percent in the Americas. Sales decreased in the third quarter mainly due to weakness in the mining and agricultural equipment markets. Year-to-date, worldwide sales of Aftermarket Products were $733.2 million, an increase of 0.6 percent from $729.1 million in the prior year. Aftermarket Products sales increased 4.6 percent in the Americas, partially offset by decreases of 8.7 percent in Europe and 1.9 percent in Asia. Sales for the nine months ended April 30, 2015, increased primarily due to increased sales of the Company’s proprietary replacements filters, through expansion of the Company’s product portfolio and distribution, and modest increases in the utilization rates of equipment fleets. PowerCore proprietary replacement filter sales increased $5.6 million and $14.7 million in the three and nine month periods, respectively, which was an increase of 24.2 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively, from the prior year period.

Worldwide sales of Aerospace and Defense Products were $24.8 million, an increase of 1.4 percent from $24.5 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Sales increased 17.6 percent in the Americas, partially offset by 28.5 percent decrease in Europe. Year-to-date, worldwide sales of Aerospace and Defense Products were $74.8 million, a decrease of 1.9 percent from $76.2 million in the prior year. Sales decreased 8.6 percent in Europe, partially offset by a 0.9 percent increase in the Americas. For the nine months ended April 30, 2015, the sales decreases were primarily due to the negative impacts of foreign currency translation compared to the prior year period.

Industrial Products Segment For the current quarter, worldwide sales in the Industrial Products segment were $200.0 million, a decrease of 10.0 percent from $222.1 million in the third quarter of the prior year. The decrease was driven by a 10.9 percent decrease in Industrial Filtration Solutions, along with a decrease in sales of 14.9 percent in Gas Turbine Products. Sales in Europe, Asia, and the Americas decreased by 20.6 percent, 6.1 percent, and 2.9 percent, respectively. The impact of foreign currency translation during the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 decreased sales by $15.6 million, or 7.0 percent.

Year-to-date, global net sales were $645.6 million, an increase of 0.2 percent from $644.3 million in the prior year. This increase was driven by a 18.7 percent increase in Gas Turbine Products, partially offset by a sales decrease in Industrial Filtration Solutions Products of 4.6 percent. Year-to-date, sales in the Americas increased by 5.5 percent compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset by a 5.8 percent decrease in Asia. The impact of foreign currency translation on the year-to-date results decreased sales by $31.5 million, or 4.9 percent.

For the three months ended April 30, 2015, earnings before income taxes as a percentage of sales were 11.6 percent, a decrease from 14.6 percent in the prior year period. Year-to-date earnings before income taxes as a percentage of Industrial Products segment sales were 13.7 percent, a decrease from 14.2 percent in the prior year. The earnings percentage decreases for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, were due to deleveraging of fixed costs due to a decrease in production volumes, the negative mix impacts from more Gas Turbine Systems project shipments, investments to support sales growth initiatives, and pricing and cost pressures in certain businesses. In addition, the prior nine month period included the disposal of the Company’s Flensburg, Germany plant.

Worldwide sales of Industrial Filtration Solutions Products in the current quarter were $122.4 million, a decrease of 10.9 percent from $137.4 million in the prior year. Sales decreased 20.6 percent in Europe, and 14.4 percent in Asia. Sales in the Americas were flat. Year-to-date worldwide sales of Industrial Filtration Solutions Products were $383.1 million, a decrease of 4.6 percent from $401.6 million in the prior year. Sales decreased 9.8 percent in Europe and 4.8 percent in Asia from the prior year period. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, the Company continued to experience soft new equipment sales due to a continued weak capital investment environment, partially offset by strong replacement air filter sales due to improved manufacturing activity by the equipment already installed in the field.

Worldwide sales of the Company’s Gas Turbine Products in the third quarter were $35.8 million, a decrease of 14.9 percent compared to sales of $42.0 million in the prior year quarter. Year-to-date global sales of the Company’s Gas Turbine Products were $130.7 million, an increase of 18.7 percent compared to sales of $110.1 million in the prior year period. Gas Turbine Products sales are typically large systems and, as a result, the Company’s shipments and revenues fluctuate from period to period. Sales of Gas Turbine Products systems were up for the nine months ended April 30, 2015, primarily due to increased shipments of large systems used in power generation and the acquisition of Northern Technical.

Worldwide sales of Special Application Products were $41.8 million in the current quarter, a decrease of 2.1 percent from $42.7 million in the prior year quarter. Sales decreased by 25.8 percent in the Americas, partially offset by an increase of 20.6 percent in Europe from the prior year period. Year-to-date worldwide sales of Special Application Products were $131.8 million, a decrease of 0.6 percent from $132.5 million in the prior year. Sales decreased by 16.2 percent in the Americas, partially offset by a 13.1 percent increase in Europe from the prior year period. For the three and nine months ended April 30, 2015, sales were driven by a worldwide decrease in demand for the Company’s membranes products.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the first nine months of Fiscal 2015, $161.4 million of cash was generated from operating activities, compared with $230.1 million in the prior year period. The decrease in cash generated from operating activities of $68.7 million was primarily attributable to a $25.8 million increase in inventories, a $25.6 million decrease in accounts payable, a $20.5 million decrease in accrued compensation, and a $20.5 million decrease in income taxes payable compared to the prior year. These items were partially offset by a $40.3 million decrease in accounts receivable. The Company increased its inventory as a result of planned distribution center expansions in Europe and Latin America, to facilitate moving certain production lines from one facility to another, and in anticipation of several large Gas Turbine Systems projects shipping in the next few quarters. The Company has implemented actions to reduce inventory balances.

In the first nine months of Fiscal 2015, operating cash flows, cash on hand, and credit lines were used to repurchase 5.1 million shares of treasury stock for $201.2 million, to make $72.6 million in capital investments, to pay $68.2 million in dividends, and to acquire Northern Technical. For additional information regarding share repurchases see Part II, Item 2, “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.”

At the end of the third quarter, the Company held $222.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $296.4 million at July 31, 2014. Short-term investments were $28.1 million compared to $127.2 million at July 31, 2014. Short-term investments may change quarter to quarter based on maturity dates of existing investments and the Company’s outlook of cash needs, and available access to liquidity. The amount of unused lines of credit as of April 30, 2015 was approximately $381.7 million. Long-term debt of $265.2 million at April 30, 2015, slightly increased from $243.7 million at July 31, 2014. Long-term debt represented 23.8 percent of total long-term capital, defined as long-term debt plus total shareholders’ equity, compared to 19.6 percent at July 31, 2014.

The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are held by its foreign subsidiaries as over half of the Company’s earnings occur outside the U.S. Most of these funds are considered permanently reinvested outside the U.S., and will only be repatriated when it is tax effective to do so, as the cash generated from U.S. operations and the Company’s access to liquidity is anticipated to be sufficient for the U.S cash needs. In August 2014 and April 2015, the Company repatriated $52.4 million and $27.0 million, respectively, of cash held by its foreign subsidiaries in the form of a cash dividend. These dividends represented a portion of the total planned dividends for Fiscal 2015. The Company anticipates the net tax impact of the Fiscal 2015 dividends to be tax neutral.

The Company’s general funding policy for its pension plans is to make at least the minimum contributions as required by applicable regulations. Additionally, the Company may elect to make additional contributions up to the maximum tax deductible contribution. For the nine months ended April 30, 2015, the Company made contributions of $2.8 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and $1.6 million to its U.S. pension plans. The minimum funding requirement for the Company’s U.S. plans for Fiscal 2015 is $12.1 million. Per the Pension Protection Act of 2006, this obligation can be met with existing credit balances that resulted from payments above the minimum obligation in prior years. The Company plans to utilize existing credit balances to meet the minimum obligation for Fiscal 2015. The Company currently estimates that it will contribute an additional $0.7 million to its non-U.S. pension plans during the remainder of Fiscal 2015.

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of April 30, 2015 (in thousands):

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On April 30, 2015, the Company had a contingent liability for standby letters of credit totaling $7.9 million that have been issued and are outstanding. The letters of credit guarantee payment to third parties in the event the Company is in breach of insurance contract terms as detailed in each letter of credit. At April 30, 2015, there were no amounts drawn upon these letters of credit.

On October 28, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment (Amendment) to its five-year, multi-currency revolving credit facility with a group of banks under which the Company may borrow up to $250.0 million. The Amendment increased the borrowing availability up to $400.0 million. The credit facility provides that loans may be made under a selection of currencies and rate formulas including Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans. The interest rate on each advance is based on certain market interest rates and leverage ratios. Facility fees and other fees on the entire loan commitment are payable over the duration of this facility. As of April 30, 2015, there was $275.0 million borrowed under this facility. The multi-currency revolving facility contains debt covenants specifically related to maintaining a certain interest coverage ratio, and a certain leverage ratio as well as other covenants that, under certain circumstances, can restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, and sell assets. As of April 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The Company expects to remain in compliance with these covenants.

On April 16, 2015, the Company entered into a First Supplement to Note Purchase Agreement (First Supplement), dated April 16, 2015, with a group of institutional investors, which supplements a Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2014. Pursuant to the First Supplement, the Company issued $25.0 million of senior unsecured notes due April 16, 2025. The debt was issued at face value and bears interest payable semi-annually at an annual rate of interest of 2.93 percent. The proceeds from the notes were primarily used to refinance existing debt, and were also used for general corporate purposes. The notes contain debt covenants specifically related to maintaining a certain leverage ratio as well as other covenants that, under certain circumstances, can restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments and other restricted payments, create liens, and sell assets. As of April 30, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

Subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, which the Company expects to be able to satisfy, the First Supplement also provides for the issuance and sale, on June 25, 2015, of $125.0 million 3.18 percent senior unsecured notes due June 17, 2030, to certain of the institutional investors.

During the quarter, credit in the global credit markets was accessible and market interest rates remained low. The Company believes that its current financial resources, together with cash generated by operations, are sufficient to continue financing its operations for the next twelve months. There can be no assurance, however, that the cost or availability of future borrowings will not be impacted by future capital market disruptions.

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, with the exception of the guarantee of 50 percent of certain debt of its joint venture, AFSI, as further discussed in Note I of the Company’s Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended revenue recognition guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with Customers. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to Customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with Customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required about Customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 using one of two prescribed retrospective methods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended revenue recognition guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance related to share-based payments where terms of the award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended share-based payment guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued amended guidance requiring the issuance of debt costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014.

Outlook

Consistent with the guidance provided on May 1, Donaldson expects full-year sales to be approximately $2.35 billion, and adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.53 to $1.59, excluding restructuring and pension lump sum settlement expenses as discussed in greater detail in the EPS paragraph below.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES REFORM ACT OF 1995

The Company, through its management, may make forward-looking statements reflecting the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements, which may be included in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), in press releases and in other documents and materials as well as in written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21e of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as enacted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA). In particular, the Company desires to take advantage of the protections of the PSLRA in connection with the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those contained in the “Outlook” section of Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. In addition, the Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014, as well as other factors, could affect the Company’s performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed. These factors include, but are not limited to, world economic factors and the ongoing economic uncertainty, the reduced demand for hard disk drive products with the increased use of flash memory, currency fluctuations, commodity prices, political factors, the Company’s international operations, highly competitive markets, governmental laws and regulations, including the impact of the various economic stimulus and financial reform measures, the implementation of our new information technology systems, information security and data breaches, potential global events resulting in market instability including financial bailouts and defaults of sovereign nations, military and terrorist activities, including political unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine, health outbreaks, natural disasters, and other factors included in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

There have been no material changes in the reported market risk of the Company since July 31, 2014. See further discussion of these market risks in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014.

The Company is in the process of a multi-year implementation of a global enterprise resource planning system (Global ERP Project). In the second quarter of Fiscal 2014, the Company began deploying the system in certain operations, primarily in the Americas. In November 2014, the Company completed deploying the system in the Americas with the exception of Brazil, which goes live at a later date. In March 2015, the Company began deploying the system in Europe. The Company expects this system will continue to be deployed further in Europe and Asia throughout Fiscal 2016. In response to business integration activities related to the new system, the Company is aligning and streamlining the design and operation of the financial reporting controls environment to be responsive to the changing operating environment.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

The Company records provisions with respect to identified claims or lawsuits when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Claims and lawsuits are reviewed quarterly and provisions are taken or adjusted to reflect the status of a particular matter. The Company believes the recorded reserves in its consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable outcomes. Any recorded liabilities were not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or liquidity, and the Company does not believe that any of the currently identified claims or litigation will materially affect its financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s global operations that involve the manufacturing and sale of products for highly demanding Customer applications throughout the world. These risks and uncertainties could adversely affect the Company’s operating performances or financial condition. The “Risk Factors” section in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014, includes a discussion of these risks and uncertainties.

Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information in connection with purchases made by, or on behalf of, the Company or any affiliated purchaser of the Company, of shares of the Company’s common stock during the quarterly period ended April 30, 2015:

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*3-A – Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant as currently in effect (Filed as Exhibit 3-A to Form 10-Q Report for the Second Quarter ended January 31, 2012)

*3-B – Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Registrant, dated as of March 3, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 3-B to 2011 Form 10-K Report)

*3-C – Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant (as of January 30, 2009) (Filed as Exhibit 3-C to Form 10-Q Report for the Second Quarter ended January 31, 2009)

*4 – **

*4-A – Preferred Stock Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated as of January 27, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 4-A to 2011 Form 10-K Report)

*10-JJ – First Amendment, dated as of March 9, 2015, to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 27, 2014 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K Report on March 12, 2015)

*10-KK – First Supplement, dated as of April 15, 2015, to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2014, (as amended) (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K Report on April 21, 2015)

31-A – Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31-B – Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32 – Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101 – The following information from the Donaldson Company, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) The Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.