LANCASTER COLONY CORP - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013

or

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 000-04065

Lancaster Colony Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

614-224-7141

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  x    No  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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 by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates on December 31, 2012 was approximately $1,275,525,000, based on the closing price of these shares on that day.

As of August 9, 2013, there were approximately 27,324,000 shares of Common Stock, without par value, outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed for its November 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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PART I

GENERAL

Lancaster Colony Corporation, an Ohio corporation, is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of consumer products. We focus primarily on specialty foods for the retail and foodservice markets. We also manufacture and market candles for the food, drug and mass markets. In recent years, our strategy has shifted away from operating businesses in a variety of industries towards emphasizing the growth and success we have achieved in specialty foods. We began our operations in 1961 as a Delaware corporation. In 1992, we reincorporated as an Ohio corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 37 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 and our telephone number is 614-224-7141.

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and except as the context otherwise may require, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “registrant,” or “the Company” mean Lancaster Colony Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where it is clear that the term only means the parent company. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year which ends on June 30; for example, 2013 refers to fiscal 2013, which is the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Available Information

Our Internet web site address is http://www.lancastercolony.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available through our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained on our web site or connected to it is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

DESCRIPTION OF AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in two business segments – “Specialty Foods” and “Glassware and Candles” – with the sales of these segments accounting for approximately 87% and 13%, respectively, of consolidated net sales for the year ended June 30, 2013. The financial information relating to business segments for the three years ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is included in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further description of each business segment within which we operate is provided below.

Specialty Foods Segment

The food products our Specialty Foods segment manufactures and sells include: salad dressings and sauces marketed under the brand names “Marzetti,” “T. Marzetti,” “Cardini’s,” “Pfeiffer,” “Simply Dressed,” “Katherine’s Kitchen” and “Girard’s” fruit glazes, vegetable dips and fruit dips marketed under the brand name “T. Marzetti” Greek yogurt vegetable dips marketed under the brand name “Otria” frozen garlic breads marketed under the brand names “New York BRAND” and “Mamma Bella” frozen Parkerhouse style yeast dinner rolls and sweet rolls, as well as biscuits, marketed under the brand names “Sister Schubert’s,” “Marshall’s” and “Mary B’s” premium dry egg noodles marketed under the brand names “Inn Maid” and “Amish Kitchen” frozen specialty noodles and pastas marketed under the brand names “Reames” and “Aunt Vi’s” croutons and related products marketed under the brand names “New York BRAND,” “Texas Toast,” “Chatham Village,” “Cardini’s” and “T. Marzetti” and caviar marketed under the brand name “Romanoff.” A portion of our sales in this segment relates to products sold under private label to retailers, distributors and restaurants primarily in the United States. Additionally, a portion of our sales relates to dressing packets, frozen specialty noodles and pastas sold to industrial customers for use as ingredients or components in their products.

The dressings, sauces, croutons, fruit glazes, vegetable dips, fruit dips, frozen breads and yeast rolls are sold primarily through sales personnel, food brokers and distributors throughout the United States. Sales are made to retail, club stores and foodservice markets. We have strong placement of products in U.S. grocery produce departments through our refrigerated salad dressings, vegetable and fruit dips, and croutons. Within

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the frozen aisles of grocery retailers, we also have prominent market positions of frozen yeast rolls, as well as garlic breads. Products we sell in the foodservice markets are often custom-formulated and include salad dressings, sandwich and dipping sauces, frozen breads and yeast rolls. Similar to our retail efforts, we utilize our research and development resources to accommodate a strong desire for new and differentiated products among our foodservice users. The dry egg noodles, frozen specialty noodles and pasta are sold through sales personnel, food brokers and distributors to retail, foodservice and industrial markets.

In 2013, two customers, each with sales greater than 10% of total segment net sales, accounted for approximately 30% of this segment’s total net sales. Sales attributable to one customer comprised approximately 16% of this segment’s total net sales in both 2012 and 2011. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of this segment’s total net sales during these years. Although we believe we have the leading market share in several product categories, all of the markets in which we sell food products are highly competitive in the areas of price, quality and customer service.

Our strong retail brands and product development capabilities continue to be a source of future growth for this segment. In foodservice markets, we attempt to expand existing customer relationships and pursue new opportunities by leveraging our culinary skills and experience to support the development of new menu offerings. Acquisitions are also a component of our future growth plans, with a focus on fit and value.

A significant portion of this segment’s product lines is manufactured at our 14 food plants located throughout the United States. However, certain items are also manufactured and packaged by third parties located in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Efficient and cost-effective production remains a key focus of the Specialty Foods segment. Beyond this segment’s ongoing initiatives for cost savings and operational improvements, we completed the construction of two new production facilities in Horse Cave, Kentucky, in recent years. Our salad dressing plant provided us with incremental capacity enabling us to achieve operating efficiencies at both the new and existing dressing plant locations. Our frozen yeast rolls plant, which was significantly expanded in 2011, helped to satisfy increased customer demand and improved operating efficiencies. In 2013, we expanded our crouton manufacturing capacity to satisfy customer demand and improve operating efficiencies as well.

The operations of this segment are not affected to any material extent by seasonal fluctuations, although sales of frozen retail products tend to be most pronounced in the fiscal second quarter. We do not utilize any franchises or concessions in this business segment. The trademarks that we utilize are significant to the overall success of this segment. The patents and licenses under which we operate, however, are not essential to the overall success of this segment.

Glassware and Candles Segment

We sell candles, candle accessories, and other home fragrance products in a variety of sizes, forms and fragrances in retail markets to mass merchants, supermarkets, drug stores and specialty shops under the “Candle-lite” brand name. A significant portion of our candle business is marketed under private label. While much less significant, we have also sold candles, glassware and various other products to customers in certain commercial markets. These commercial product lines were sold in May 2013. The sales and related operating income were not material to the segment’s results of operations.

All the markets in which we sell candle products are highly competitive in the areas of design, price, quality and customer service. Sales attributable to one customer comprised approximately 57% of this segment’s total net sales in 2013. In 2012, two customers, each with sales greater than 10% of total segment net sales, accounted for approximately 63% of this segment’s total net sales. Sales attributable to one customer comprised approximately 58% of this segment’s total net sales in 2011. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of this segment’s total net sales during these years.

Seasonal retail stocking patterns cause certain products in this segment to experience increased sales in the first half of the fiscal year. We do not use any franchises or concessions in this segment. The patents and licenses under which we operate are not essential to the overall success of this segment. Certain trademarks are important, however, to this segment’s marketing efforts.

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NET SALES BY CLASS OF PRODUCTS

The following table sets forth business segment information with respect to the percentage of net sales contributed by each class of similar products that account for at least 10% of our consolidated net sales in any year from 2011 through 2013:

Net sales attributable to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”) totaled approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of consolidated net sales for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net sales attributable to McLane Company, Inc., a wholesale distribution subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., totaled approximately 11% of consolidated net sales for 2013.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The estimated amount spent during each of the last three years on research and development activities determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles was less than 1% of net sales.

BACKLOG

The nature of our backlog varies by segment. Orders in our Specialty Foods segment are generally filled in three to seven days. In our Glassware and Candles segment, we receive certain orders in a highly seasonal manner. The timing of these orders can materially impact the amount of the backlog we have at any point in time without being an indication of longer-term sales. Due to these variables, we do not view the amount of backlog at any particular point in time as a meaningful indicator of longer-term shipments.

COMPETITION

All the markets in which we sell products are highly competitive. Both our Specialty Foods segment and our Glassware and Candles segment face competition from a number of manufacturers of various sizes and capabilities. We compete with other branded products, as well as an increasing presence of private label goods. We also compete with both domestic and foreign manufacturers of various sizes in the United States and internationally. Our ability to compete depends upon a variety of factors, including the position of our branded goods within various categories, product quality, product innovation, promotional and marketing activity and our ability to service customers.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Certain of our operations are subject to various Federal, state and local environmental protection laws. Based upon available information, compliance with these laws and regulations is not expected to have a material effect upon the level of capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position for 2014.

EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS

As of June 30, 2013, we had approximately 3,100 employees. Approximately 18% of our employees are represented under various collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 11% of our employees are represented under collective bargaining agreements that will expire within one year. While we believe that labor relations with unionized employees are good, a prolonged labor dispute could have a material effect on our business and results of operations.

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FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES

Foreign operations and export sales have not been significant in the past and are not expected to be significant in the future based upon existing operations.

RAW MATERIALS

During 2013, we obtained adequate supplies of raw materials for all of our segments. We rely on a variety of raw materials for the day-to-day production of our products, including soybean oil, various sweeteners, eggs, dairy-related products, flour, glass, fragrances and colorant agents, paraffin and other waxes, various films and plastic and paper packaging materials.

We purchase the majority of these materials on the open market to meet current requirements, but we also have some fixed-price contracts with terms generally less than one year. See further discussion in our contractual obligations disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Although the availability of certain of these materials has become more influenced by the level of global demand, we anticipate that future sources of supply will generally be adequate for our needs.

An investment in our common stock is subject to certain risks inherent in our business. The material risks and uncertainties that we believe could or do affect us are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

If any of the following risks occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly.

Wal-Mart is our largest customer and the loss of, or a significant reduction in, its business could cause our sales and net income to decrease.

Our net sales to Wal-Mart represented approximately 22% of consolidated net sales for the year ended June 30, 2013. We believe that our relationship with Wal-Mart is good, but we cannot assure that we will be able to maintain this relationship. Wal-Mart is not contractually obligated to purchase from us. In addition, changes in Wal-Mart’s general business model, such as reducing branded products or devoting more shelf space to private label products, could affect the profitability of our business with Wal-Mart even if we maintain a good relationship. The loss of, or a significant reduction in, this business could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. Unfavorable changes in Wal-Mart’s financial condition or other disruptions to Wal-Mart, such as decreased consumer demand or stronger competition, could also have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Competitive conditions within our markets could impact our sales volumes and operating margins.

Competition within all of our markets is intense and is expected to remain so. Numerous competitors exist, many of which are larger than us in size. Global production overcapacity has also had an impact on operations within our Glassware and Candles segment. These competitive conditions could lead to significant downward pressure on the prices of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.

Competitive considerations in the various product categories in which we sell are numerous and include price, product innovation, product quality, brand recognition and loyalty, effectiveness of marketing, promotional activity and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer preferences. In order to protect existing market share or capture increased market share among our retail channels, we may decide to increase our spending on marketing, advertising and new product innovation. The success of marketing, advertising and new product innovation is subject to risks, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance. As a result, any increased expenditures we make may not maintain or enhance market share and could result in lower profitability.

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We may be subject to product recalls or other claims for mislabeled, adulterated, contaminated, defective or spoiled food products or consumer products.

Our operations could be impacted by both genuine and fictitious claims regarding our products, our competitors’ products and our suppliers’ products. Under adverse circumstances, we may need to recall some of our products if they are, or have the potential to be, mislabeled, adulterated, contaminated, or contain a defect. Any of these circumstances could necessitate a recall due to a substantial product hazard, a need to change a product’s labeling or out of an abundance of caution to avoid any potential product hazards. In March 2010, we instituted a recall of our salad dressing and dip products as a result of a recall by an ingredient supplier. A pervasive product recall may have an adverse effect on our results of operations due to the costs of a recall or the related legal claims, the destruction of product inventory, lost sales due to the unavailability of product for a period of time or a loss of goodwill. In addition, we may also be liable if any of our products causes bodily injury.

Any claim or product recall could stem from or result in noncompliance with regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or state law. Such an action could force us to stop selling our products and create significant adverse publicity that could harm our credibility and decrease market acceptance of our products.

If we are required to defend against a product liability or other claim, whether or not we are found liable under the claim, we could incur substantial costs, our reputation could suffer and our customers might substantially reduce their existing or future orders from us.

In addition, either a significant product recall or a product liability claim involving a competitor’s products or products in markets related to those in which we compete could result in a loss of consumer confidence in our products or our markets generally and could have a material impact on consumer demand, which could have an adverse effect on our business results and the value of our brands.

We rely on the value of our brands, and the failure to maintain and enhance our brands could adversely affect our business.

We rely on the success of our well-recognized brand names. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image and recognition is essential to our long-term success, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We seek to maintain and enhance our brands through a variety of efforts, including the delivery of quality products, extending our brands into new markets and new products and investing in traditional marketing and advertising. The costs of maintaining and enhancing our brands are increasing, and these increased costs could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, we increasingly rely on electronic marketing, such as social media platforms and the use of online promotional efforts to support and enhance our brands. This marketplace is growing and evolving quickly and allows for the rapid dissemination of information regarding our brands by us and consumers. We may not be able to successfully adapt our marketing efforts to this marketplace, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, negative opinions or commentary posted online regarding our brands could diminish the value of our brands and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on the performance of major retailers, wholesalers, food brokers, distributors, foodservice customers and mass merchants for the success of our business, and should they perform poorly or give higher priority to other brands or products, our business could be adversely affected.

We sell our products principally to retail outlets and wholesale distributors, including traditional supermarkets, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, wholesalers, foodservice distributors and direct accounts, specialty food distributors, nonfood outlets such as drug store chains and dollar stores. The replacement by or poor performance of our major wholesalers, retailers or chains, or our foodservice customers, or our inability to collect accounts receivable from our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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In addition, many of our customers offer branded and private label products that compete directly with our products for retail shelf space and consumer purchases. Accordingly, there is a risk that these customers may give higher priority or promotional support to their own products or to the products of our competitors or discontinue the use of our products in favor of their own products or other competing products. If we are not successful in maintaining our retail shelf space or priority with these customers, this could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Increases in the costs or limitations to the availability of raw materials we use to produce our products could adversely affect our business by increasing our costs to produce goods.

We purchase a majority of our key raw materials on the open market. Our ability to avoid the adverse effects of a pronounced, sustained price increase in our raw materials is limited. However, we try to limit our exposure to price fluctuations for raw materials by occasionally entering into longer-term, fixed-price contracts for certain raw materials. Our principal raw-material needs include soybean oil, various dairy-related products, flour, paper and plastic packaging materials, wax and water. We have observed increased volatility in the costs of many of these raw materials in recent years. From 2007 through the first half of 2009, and again in 2011 and 2012, commodity markets for grain-based products, on which our food products depend, including dairy, soybean oil and flour products, rose significantly and were unusually volatile due to market concerns over grain-based fuel sources and worldwide demand. Further, fluctuating petroleum prices have impacted our costs of wax and inbound freight on all purchased materials.

Disruptions in availability and increased prices of raw materials could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The increase in the costs of raw materials used in our Specialty Foods segment during 2007 through 2009 and 2011 through 2012 had an adverse impact on our operating income. We took measures to offset the impact of these higher costs, including the implementation of higher pricing. However, there is no assurance that we will not experience further increases in the costs of raw materials, and uncertainty exists as to our ability to implement offsetting measures. Such further increases, as well as an inability to effectively implement additional measures to offset higher costs, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Increases in energy-related costs could negatively affect our business by increasing our costs to produce goods.

We are subject to volatility in energy-related costs that affect the cost of producing our products. This is true in both our Glassware and Candles segment, in which we use large amounts of wax, and in our Specialty Foods segment, in which we utilize petroleum-derived packaging materials. Increases in these types of costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Manufacturing capacity constraints may have a material adverse effect on us.

Our current manufacturing facilities may be inadequate to meet significantly increased demand for some of our food products. Our ability to increase our manufacturing capacity depends on many factors, including the availability of capital, steadily increasing consumer demand, tool delivery, construction lead-times, installation and qualification.

A lack of sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet demand could cause our customer order times to increase and our product quality to decrease, which may negatively affect customer demand for our products and customer relations generally, and which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, operating our facilities at or near capacity may also negatively affect relations with our employees, which could result in higher employee turnover, labor disputes, and disruptions in our operations.

A disruption of production at certain manufacturing facilities could result in an inability to provide adequate levels of customer service.

Because we source certain products from single manufacturing sites, it is possible that we could experience a production disruption that results in a reduction or elimination of the availability of some of our products. Should we not be able to obtain alternate production capability in a timely manner, a negative impact on our operations could result, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with various customers.

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The availability and cost of transportation for our products is vital to our success, and the loss of availability or increase in the cost of transportation could have an unfavorable impact on our business and results of operations.

Our ability to obtain adequate and reasonably priced methods of transportation to distribute our products is a key factor to our success. Our Specialty Foods segment requires the use of refrigerated trailers to ship a substantial portion of its products. Delays in transportation, especially in our Specialty Foods segment, where orders are generally filled in three to seven days following the receipt of the order, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, high fuel costs also negatively impact our financial results. We are often required to pay fuel surcharges to third-party transporters of our products due to high fuel costs. These fuel surcharges can be substantial and would increase our cost of goods sold. If we were unable to pass those high costs to our customers in the form of price increases, those high costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our inability to successfully renegotiate union contracts and any prolonged work stoppages or other business disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We believe that our labor relations with unionized employees are good, but our inability to negotiate the renewal of these contracts could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Any prolonged work stoppages could also have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are also subject to risks of other business disruptions associated with our dependence on our production facilities and our distribution systems. Natural disasters, terrorist activity or other events could interrupt our production or distribution and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, including the potential for long-term loss of product placement with various customers.

Technology failures could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business.

We increasingly rely on information technology systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information. For example, our sales group and our production and distribution facilities utilize information technology to increase efficiencies and limit costs. Furthermore, a significant portion of the communications between our personnel, customers, and suppliers depends on information technology. Like other companies, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions due to events beyond our control, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, hackers, cyber-based attacks and other security issues. If we are unable to adequately protect against these vulnerabilities, our operations could be disrupted or we may suffer financial damage or loss because of lost or misappropriated information.

We are subject to Federal, state and local government regulations that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Certain of our business operations are subject to regulation by various Federal, state and local government entities and agencies. As a producer of food products for human consumption, our operations are subject to stringent production, packaging, quality, labeling and distribution standards, including regulations mandated by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. We cannot predict if future regulation by various Federal, state and local governmental entities and agencies would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

In addition, our business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of our properties, including idle properties, are subject to extensive and changing Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposition of wastes (including solid and hazardous wastes) or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. Although most of our properties have been subjected to periodic environmental assessments, these assessments may be limited in scope and may not include or identify all potential environmental liabilities or risks associated with any particular property. We cannot be certain that our environmental assessments have identified all potential environmental liabilities or that we will not incur material environmental liabilities in the future.

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We cannot assure that environmental issues relating to presently known matters or identified sites or to other matters or sites will not require additional, currently unanticipated investigation, assessment or expenditures. If we do incur or discover any material environmental liabilities or potential environmental liabilities in the future, we may face significant remediation costs and find it difficult to sell or lease any affected properties.

Increased government regulations to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions as a result of concern over climate change may result in increased compliance costs, capital expenditures and other financial obligations for us. We use natural gas, diesel fuel, and electricity in the manufacture and distribution of our products. Legislation or regulations affecting these inputs could affect our profitability. In addition, climate change legislation or regulations could affect our ability to procure needed commodities at costs and in quantities we currently experience and may require us to make additional unplanned expenditures.

We may incur liabilities related to multiemployer pension plans which could adversely affect our financial results.

We contribute to two multiemployer pension plans under certain union agreements that provide pension benefits to employees and retired employees who are part of the plan. Generally, as a contributor, we are responsible for making annual contributions to these plans and, upon termination or withdrawal from a plan, we are responsible for our proportionate share of the plan’s underfunded vested liability. The amount of our share for this liability can vary at any given time based upon a number of factors, including our ability to renegotiate union contracts successfully, current and future regulatory requirements, the performance of the pension plan’s investments, the number of participants who are entitled to receive benefits from the plan, and the number of other contributors who participate or withdraw from the plan. These factors may cause our required contributions to increase, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, should we choose to withdraw from a plan to which we contribute, we may incur withdrawal liabilities that could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to successfully consummate proposed acquisitions or divestitures or integrate acquired businesses.

From time to time, we evaluate acquiring other businesses that would strategically fit within our various operations. If we are unable to consummate, successfully integrate and grow these acquisitions and to realize contemplated revenue growth, synergies and cost savings, our financial results could be adversely affected. In addition, we may, from time to time, divest businesses, product lines or other operations that are less of a strategic fit within our portfolio or do not meet our growth or profitability targets. As a result, our profitability may be impacted by either gains or losses on the sales of divested assets or lost operating income or cash flows from those businesses.

We may also not be able to divest businesses, product lines or other operations that are not core businesses or may not be able to do so on terms that are favorable to us. Further, a buyer’s inability to fulfill contractual obligations that were assigned as part of a divestiture, including those relating to customer contracts, could lead to future financial loss on our part. In addition, we may incur asset impairment or restructuring charges related to acquired or divested assets, which may reduce our profitability and cash flows. These potential acquisitions or divestitures present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including diversion of management attention from ongoing businesses, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and financial and other systems, increased expenses, assumption of unknown liabilities, indemnities and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers.

A future increase in our indebtedness could adversely affect our profitability and operational flexibility.

Although we do not have any outstanding debt at this time, we may incur indebtedness for a variety of reasons, including acquisitions or potential changes in capitalization that might require significant cash expenditures. A consequence of such indebtedness could be a reduction in the level of our profitability due to higher interest expense. Depending on the future extent and availability of our borrowings, we could also become more vulnerable to economic downturns, require curtailment of cash dividends or share repurchases, reduce or delay beneficial expansion or investment plans, or otherwise be unable to meet our obligations

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when due. For more information regarding our debt, see the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restructuring and impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

We did not record any restructuring and impairment charges for the three-year period ended June 30, 2013. Future events may occur though that could adversely affect the reported value of our assets and require impairment charges. Such events may include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on our customer base, or a material adverse change in our relationship with significant customers.

There is no certainty regarding the amount of any future CDSOA distributions.

The Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000 (“CDSOA”) provides for the distribution of monies collected by U.S. Customs from anti-dumping cases to qualifying domestic producers. Our CDSOA receipts totaled approximately $0.3 million, $2.7 million and $14.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

CDSOA remittances relate to certain candles being imported from the People’s Republic of China. CDSOA provisions for remittances apply only to duties collected on products imported prior to October 2007. Accordingly, we may receive some level of annual distributions for an undetermined period of years in the future as the monies collected that relate to entries filed prior to October 2007 are administratively finalized by U.S. Customs. Without further legislative action, we expect these distributions will eventually cease.

Cases have been brought in U.S. courts challenging certain aspects of CDSOA. In two separate cases, the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”) ruled that the procedure for determining recipients eligible to receive CDSOA distributions is unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed both CIT decisions and the U.S. Supreme Court did not hear either case. This allowed the appellate court decisions to stand, but other legal challenges to CDSOA are still pending.

We are unable to determine, at this time, what the ultimate outcome of the other legal challenges will be, and it is possible that further legal actions, potential additional changes in the law and other factors could affect the amount of funds available for distribution, including funds relating to entries prior to October 2007. Accordingly, we cannot predict the amount of future distributions, if any, we may receive. U.S. Customs has advised affected domestic producers that it is possible that CDSOA distributions could be subject to clawback until the resolution of outstanding litigation. We believe that the likelihood of clawback is remote. Any change in CDSOA distributions could affect our earnings and cash flow.

The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance of our senior management team, several of which are long-serving employees with significant knowledge of our business model and operations. Should we not be able to find qualified replacements for any of these individuals if their services were no longer available, our ability to manage our operations or successfully execute our business strategy may be materially and adversely affected.

Mr. Gerlach, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board of Directors, has a significant ownership interest in our Company.

As of June 30, 2013, Mr. Gerlach owned or controlled approximately 30% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Accordingly, Mr. Gerlach has significant influence on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of our common stock, including the election of directors. Mr. Gerlach’s voting power also may have the effect of discouraging transactions involving an actual or a potential change of control of our Company, regardless of whether a premium is offered over then-current market prices.

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The interests of Mr. Gerlach may conflict with the interests of other holders of our common stock.

Anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.

Certain provisions of our charter documents, including provisions limiting the ability of shareholders to raise matters at a meeting of shareholders without giving advance notice and provisions classifying our Board of Directors, may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or influence our Board of Directors. This may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control or management, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock.

Additionally, Ohio corporate law contains certain provisions that could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control. The Ohio Control Share Acquisition Act found in Chapter 1701 of the Ohio Revised Code provides that certain notice and informational filings and a special shareholder meeting and voting procedures must be followed prior to consummation of a proposed “control share acquisition,” as defined in the Ohio Revised Code. Assuming compliance with the prescribed notice and information filings, a proposed control share acquisition may be accomplished only if, at a special meeting of shareholders, the acquisition is approved by both a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting and a majority of the voting power remaining after excluding the combined voting power of the “interested shares,” as defined in the Ohio Revised Code. The Interested Shareholder Transactions Act found in Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code generally prohibits certain transactions, including mergers, majority share acquisitions and certain other control transactions, with an “interested shareholder,” as defined in the Ohio Revised Code, for a three-year period after becoming an interested shareholder, unless our Board of Directors approved the initial acquisition. After the three-year waiting period, such a transaction may require additional approvals under this Act, including approval by two-thirds of our voting shares and a majority of our voting shares not owned by the interested shareholder. The application of these provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, or any similar anti-takeover law adopted in Ohio, could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of our stock.

Also, our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 1,150,000 shares of Class B Voting Preferred Stock and 1,150,000 shares of Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of those shares without any further vote or action by the shareholders. The rights of the holders of our common stock may be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any Class B Voting Preferred Stock and Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future. The Company could use these rights to put in place a shareholder rights plan, or “poison pill,” that could be used in connection with a bid or proposal of acquisition for an inadequate price.

Disruptions in the financial markets may adversely affect our ability to access capital in the future.

We may need financing in the future to conduct our operations, expand our business, or refinance future indebtedness. Disruptions in global financial markets and banking systems may make credit and capital markets more difficult for companies to access, even for some companies with established revolving or other credit facilities. Any sustained weakness in the general economic conditions and/or financial markets in the U.S. or globally could adversely affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all.

From time to time, we may rely on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions, and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our revolving credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to that facility to meet their funding commitments. The obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.

Long-term volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives, or failure of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity that may be needed for our businesses in the longer term. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Disruptions

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in the capital and credit markets could result in higher interest rates on publicly issued debt securities and increased costs under credit facilities. Continuation of these disruptions could increase interest rates and the cost of capital and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

None.

We use approximately 2.6 million square feet of space for our operations. Of this space, approximately 0.5 million square feet are leased.

The following table summarizes our locations that in total exceed 75,000 square feet of space (including aggregation of multiple facilities) and that are considered our principal manufacturing and warehousing operations:

From time to time we are a party to various legal proceedings. While we believe that the ultimate outcome of these various proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, litigation is always subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. An unfavorable ruling could include monetary damages or an injunction prohibiting us from manufacturing or selling one or more products or could lead to us altering the manner in which we manufacture or sell one or more products, which could have a material impact on net income for the period in which the ruling occurs and future periods. In the fourth quarter of 2013, a previously disclosed action brought by a competitor against us in our Glassware and Candles segment, was settled through our insurers. The outcome did not have a material impact on our results of operations.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol LANC. The following table sets forth the high and low prices for Lancaster Colony Corporation common shares and the dividends paid for each quarter of 2013 and 2012. Stock prices were provided by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

The number of shareholders of record as of August 9, 2013 was approximately 10,500. The highest and lowest prices for our common stock from July 1, 2013 to August 9, 2013 were $86.13 and $78.06.

We have paid dividends for 200 consecutive quarters. Future dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other factors.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 shares in November 2010. Approximately 1,468,000 shares from this authorization remained authorized for future purchase at June 30, 2013. This share repurchase authorization does not have a stated expiration date. In the fourth quarter, we did not repurchase any of our common stock.

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

OF LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION, THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX

AND THE DOW JONES U.S. FOOD PRODUCERS INDEX

The graph set forth below compares the five-year cumulative total return from investing $100 on June 30, 2008 in each of our Common Stock, the S&P Midcap 400 Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Food Producers Index. It is assumed that all dividends are reinvested.

There can be no assurance that our stock performance will continue into the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the above graph.

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LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

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Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year; for example, 2013 refers to fiscal 2013, which is the period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, all included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this report involve risks and uncertainties including statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and financial performance. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of factors set forth under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

Business Overview

Lancaster Colony Corporation is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of consumer products focusing primarily on specialty foods for the retail and foodservice markets. We also manufacture and market candles for the food, drug and mass markets. While much less significant, we have also sold candles, glassware and various other products to customers in certain commercial markets. These commercial product lines were sold in May 2013. Our operations are organized in two reportable segments: “Specialty Foods” and “Glassware and Candles.” The sales of each segment are predominately domestic.

In recent years, our strategy has shifted away from operating businesses in a variety of industries towards emphasizing the growth and success we have achieved in our Specialty Foods segment. For perspective, in 2013, approximately 87% of our consolidated net sales was derived from the Specialty Foods segment, as compared to approximately 55% of our consolidated net sales being derived from the Specialty Foods segment in 2003.

We intend to periodically reassess the strategic fit and contribution of our remaining nonfood operations in light of market conditions, capital needs and other factors. Our current strategy focuses our efforts on the most profitable part of our business and minimizes the amount of financial and management resources devoted to our nonfood operations.

We view our food operations as having the potential to achieve future growth in sales and profitability due to attributes such as:

Within the Specialty Foods segment, our goal is to grow both retail and foodservice sales over time by:

Within retail markets, our Specialty Foods segment utilizes numerous branded products to support growth and maintain market competitiveness. We place great emphasis on our product innovation and development efforts so as to enhance growth by providing distinctive new products meeting the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

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Our foodservice sales primarily consist of products sold to restaurant chains. Over the long-term, we have experienced broad-based growth in our foodservice sales, as we build on our strong reputation for product development and quality.

We expect that part of our future growth in the Specialty Foods segment will result from acquisitions. We continue to review potential acquisitions that we believe will provide good complements to our existing product lines, enhance our gross margins or offer good expansion opportunities in a manner that fits our overall goals.

As has occasionally been required to support future growth opportunities, we have historically made substantial capital investments to support our existing food operations, such as the construction of a new frozen yeast roll facility in Horse Cave, Kentucky that began operations in 2008 and was significantly expanded through a project that was completed in June 2011. This facility has helped provide capacity for potential future sales growth and also provided greater manufacturing efficiencies. In 2013, we expanded our crouton manufacturing capacity to provide capacity for potential future sales growth as well as improve operating efficiencies. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe that our total capital expenditures for 2014 could total $25 million, and perhaps more depending on the timing and approval of certain food-related projects currently being evaluated.

Summary of 2013 Results

Consolidated net sales reached approximately $1,166 million during 2013, increasing by approximately 3% as compared to prior-year net sales of $1,131 million, driven by growth coming from both operating segments. The Specialty Foods segment’s increase reflected higher retail and foodservice sales, including some benefit from higher pricing. The increase in sales of the Glassware and Candles segment was influenced by the growth of seasonal candle programs.

Gross margin increased 11% to approximately $267.1 million from the prior-year comparable total of $240.1 million. The higher level of net sales, lower material costs and a more favorable sales mix contributed to the improved gross margin.

Overall results were also affected by the funds received under CDSOA. In 2013, we received approximately $0.3 million under CDSOA, as compared to approximately $2.7 million in 2012 and approximately $14.4 million in 2011. For a more-detailed discussion of CDSOA, see the subcaption “Other Income – Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act” of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”).

Net income totaled approximately $109.2 million in 2013, or $3.99 per diluted share, compared to net income of $95.8 million, or $3.51 per diluted share, in 2012. Net income in 2011 totaled approximately $106.4 million, or $3.84 per diluted share.

Looking Forward

Factors that are expected to affect our future performance include the impact of added volumes from several newer retail and foodservice programs, as well as further market expansion of certain key product lines. We will also continue to review acquisition opportunities within the Specialty Foods segment that are consistent with our growth strategy and represent good value or otherwise provide significant strategic benefits. However, continued unsettled economic conditions affecting consumer and retailer buying patterns and market acceptance of our new product lines are among the many influences that may impact our ability to improve sales and operating margins in the coming year.

Within our Specialty Foods segment for 2014, we anticipate volume growth from both retail and foodservice sales channels. No significant impact is expected from pricing actions. Additionally, based on current market conditions, we foresee modestly favorable material cost comparisons for 2014. It is possible that future changes in the economy and regulatory environment could cause increases in these costs. To help offset or stabilize the impact of such increases, we have historically pursued various pricing actions and operational strategies that we believe will aid our future results. We are also continuing to limit some of our exposure to volatile swings in food commodity costs through a structured purchasing program for certain key materials.

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With respect to our Glassware and Candles segment in 2014, we expect our results to be challenged by weaker demand from several customers, including reduced seasonal sales, as well as by correspondingly lower production levels.

For a more-detailed discussion of the effect of commodity costs, see the “Impact of Inflation” section of this MD&A below.

In order to ensure that our capitalization is adequate to support future internal growth prospects, acquire food businesses consistent with our strategic goals, and maintain cash returns to our shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases, we will need to maintain sufficient flexibility in our future capital structure. We will continue to reassess our allocation of capital periodically to ensure that we maintain adequate operating flexibility while providing appropriate levels of cash returns to our shareholders, whether through share repurchases or cash dividends, including special dividends, if appropriate.

REVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Segment Sales Mix

The relative proportion of sales contributed by each of our business segments can impact a year-to-year comparison of the consolidated statements of income. The following table summarizes the sales mix over each of the last three years:

Net Sales and Gross Margin

Consolidated net sales for the year ended June 30, 2013 increased by approximately 3% to approximately $1,166 million from the prior-year total of approximately $1,131 million. There were increased sales within both of our segments. The Specialty Foods segment’s increase reflected higher retail and foodservice sales. Retail sales reflected the incremental benefit from some recently introduced food products. The segment’s foodservice sales increased on expanded volumes associated with certain existing customer programs. Higher pricing contributed less than one-third of the segment’s net sales growth for 2013. The increased sales of the Glassware and Candles segment primarily reflected growth in seasonal candle volumes. Consolidated net sales for the year ended June 30, 2012 increased by approximately 4% over the 2011 total of approximately $1,090 million. In 2012, increased sales within the Specialty Foods segment were partially offset by lower sales within the Glassware and Candles segment. The Specialty Foods segment’s increase reflected higher retail and foodservice sales. Higher pricing totaled approximately 4% of segment net sales for 2012. Retail sales also reflected the incremental benefit from some recently introduced food products. The segment’s foodservice sales also increased on expanded volumes associated with programs among existing customers. The decrease in sales of the Glassware and Candles segment primarily reflected lower candle volumes. In 2012, we exited certain lower-margin business, including some seasonal

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candle programs. Higher pricing helped to offset some of these declines.

Our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was approximately 22.9% in 2013 compared with 21.2% in 2012 and 22.2% in 2011. In the Specialty Foods segment, gross margin percentages improved in 2013, reflecting factors such as modestly improved sales volumes, beneficial pricing actions and favorable ingredient costs (especially for soybean oil, flour and sweeteners). Gross margin percentages in the Glassware and Candles segment also improved in 2013, as influenced by a more beneficial customer and product mix, higher sales and production levels and lower wax costs. In 2012, gross margin percentages in the Specialty Foods segment declined, reflecting a somewhat less favorable sales mix, as well as comparatively higher costs for a wide variety of raw materials (especially for soybean oil and flour) and freight, as partially offset by higher pricing. In the Glassware and Candles segment, gross margin percentages improved slightly in 2012 primarily due to the impact of higher pricing and an improved sales mix. These factors were somewhat mitigated by higher wax costs, lower sales and reduced production levels.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2013 totaled approximately $105.2 million and increased 9% as compared with the 2012 total of $96.8 million, which had increased 1% from the 2011 total of $95.4 million. The 2013 increase was influenced by higher sales and greater marketing and personnel costs. The 2012 increase was influenced by the higher levels of food sales.

Operating Income

Due to the factors discussed above, consolidated operating income for 2013 totaled approximately $161.9 million, a 13% increase from 2012 operating income of $143.3 million. The 2012 total had decreased 3% from 2011 operating income totaling approximately $147.0 million. See further discussion of operating results by segment following the discussion of “Net Income” below.

Other Income – Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act

CDSOA provides for the distribution of monies collected by U.S. Customs from anti-dumping cases to qualifying domestic producers. Our CDSOA receipts totaled approximately $0.3 million, $2.7 million and $14.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

CDSOA remittances relate to certain candles being imported from the People’s Republic of China. CDSOA provisions for remittances apply only to duties collected on products imported prior to October 2007. Accordingly, we may receive some level of annual distributions for an undetermined period of years in

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the future as the monies collected that relate to entries filed prior to October 2007 are administratively finalized by U.S. Customs. Without further legislative action, we expect these distributions will eventually cease.

Cases have been brought in U.S. courts challenging certain aspects of CDSOA. In two separate cases, the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”) ruled that the procedure for determining recipients eligible to receive CDSOA distributions is unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed both CIT decisions and the U.S. Supreme Court did not hear either case. This allowed the appellate court decisions to stand, but other legal challenges to CDSOA are still pending.

We are unable to determine, at this time, what the ultimate outcome of the other legal challenges will be, and it is possible that further legal actions, potential additional changes in the law and other factors could affect the amount of funds available for distribution, including funds relating to entries prior to October 2007. Accordingly, we cannot predict the amount of future distributions, if any, we may receive. Any change in CDSOA distributions could affect our earnings and cash flow.

Interest Income and Other – Net

Interest income and other was expense of approximately $0.2 million, income of less than $0.1 million and income of approximately $0.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Before Income Taxes

As affected by the factors discussed above, our income before income taxes for 2013 of approximately $162.0 million increased 11% from the 2012 total of $146.0 million. The 2011 total income before income taxes was approximately $161.5 million. Our effective tax rate was 32.6%, 34.4% and 34.1% in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in the 2013 effective rate was influenced by an increased deduction for dividends paid to our frozen ESOP Plan due to the $5.00 per share special dividend paid in December 2012, a higher qualified production activities deduction and a lower state rate, as influenced by the release of reserves associated with uncertain tax positions.

Net Income

As influenced by factors discussed above, net income for 2013 of approximately $109.2 million increased from 2012 net income of $95.8 million. Net income was approximately $106.4 million in 2011. Diluted net income per share totaled approximately $3.99 in 2013, a 14% increase from the prior-year total of $3.51. The latter amount was 9% lower than 2011 diluted net income per share of $3.84. Net income per share in recent years has been beneficially affected by share repurchases, which have totaled approximately $52.0 million over the three-year period ended June 30, 2013.

SEGMENT REVIEW – SPECIALTY FOODS

During 2013, net sales of the Specialty Foods segment exceeded $1 billion for the first time, surpassing a record sales level set in 2012. Net sales for 2013 totaled approximately $1,013.8 million, an increase from the 2012 total of $988.9 million. Net sales for 2012 increased 7% from the 2011 total of approximately $922.9 million. 2013 operating income of approximately $165.7 million increased 9% from the 2012 level of $151.5 million. The percentage of retail customer sales within the segment was approximately 52% during 2013, 2012 and 2011.

In 2013, net sales of the Specialty Foods segment increased approximately 3%. Higher pricing contributed less than one-third of the segment’s net sales growth for 2013. Volume growth exceeded 1% of sales and was primarily derived from sales to the foodservice channel. The retail sales increase of approximately 3% reflected the incremental benefit from some recently-introduced food products, higher pricing and a reduced level of coupon redemption costs. The segment’s foodservice sales increased approximately 2% on expanded volumes associated with certain existing customer programs. In 2012, net sales of the Specialty Foods segment increased approximately 7%. Higher product pricing totaled approximately 4% of segment net sales. The retail sales increase of over 5% also reflected the incremental benefit from some recently introduced food products. The segment’s foodservice sales increased approximately 9% on expanded volumes associated with programs among existing customers.

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Operating income of the Specialty Foods segment in 2013 totaled approximately $165.7 million, a 9% increase from the 2012 level of $151.5 million. The 2012 level decreased 2% from the 2011 level of $155.2 million. The 2013 increase reflected factors such as improved sales volumes, beneficial pricing actions and modestly favorable ingredient costs (especially for soybean oil, flour and sweeteners). We estimate that lower material costs beneficially affected the segment’s results by less than one percent of segment net sales. The 2012 decrease reflected a somewhat less favorable sales mix, as well as comparatively higher costs for a wide variety of raw materials (especially for soybean oil and flour) and freight, as partially offset by higher pricing. We estimate that higher material costs in 2012 adversely affected comparative results by approximately 5% of segment net sales.

SEGMENT REVIEW – GLASSWARE AND CANDLES

Glassware and Candles segment net sales totaled approximately $152.1 million during 2013, as compared to $142.4 million in 2012 and $167.1 million in 2011. The 2013 increase was influenced by the growth of seasonal candle programs. The 2012 decrease primarily reflected lower candle volumes as we exited certain lower-margin business, including some seasonal candle programs. Higher pricing helped to offset some of the 2012 volume declines.

The segment recorded operating income of approximately $8.0 million in 2013, $2.1 million in 2012 and $3.8 million in 2011. The 2013 increase was influenced by a more beneficial customer and product mix, higher sales and production levels and lower wax costs. We estimate that the lower wax costs benefited segment operating margins by over 1% of segment net sales. The 2012 decrease reflected higher wax costs, lower sales and reduced production levels. These factors were somewhat mitigated by modestly higher pricing and an improved sales mix. We estimate that higher wax costs in the Glassware and Candles segment adversely affected the segment’s comparative results in 2012 by over 1% of net sales.

CORPORATE EXPENSES

The 2013 corporate expenses totaled approximately $11.8 million as compared to $10.3 million in 2012 and $12.0 million in 2011. The 2013 increase was influenced by greater personnel costs. The 2012 decrease reflected lower expenses related to previously idled held-for-sale real estate.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to ensure that our capitalization is adequate to support our future internal growth prospects, acquire food businesses consistent with our strategic goals, and maintain cash returns to our shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases, we will need to maintain sufficient flexibility in our future capital structure. Our balance sheet retained fundamental financial strength during 2013, and we ended the year with approximately $123 million in cash and equivalents, along with shareholders’ equity of approximately $501 million and no debt.

Under our unsecured revolving credit facility, we may borrow up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. We had no borrowings outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2013. At June 30, 2013, we had approximately $3.4 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the unsecured revolving credit facility. The facility expires in April 2017, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to LIBOR or an alternative base rate defined in the credit agreement, at our option. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Based on the long-term nature of this facility, when we have outstanding borrowings under this facility, we will classify the outstanding balance as long-term debt.

The facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions, and financial covenants relating to interest coverage and leverage. At June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all applicable provisions and covenants of the facility, and we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins.

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We currently expect to remain in compliance with the facility’s covenants for the foreseeable future. A default under the facility could accelerate the repayment of any outstanding indebtedness and limit our access to additional credit available under the facility. Such an event could require curtailment of cash dividends or share repurchases, reduce or delay beneficial expansion or investment plans, or otherwise impact our ability to meet our obligations when due. At June 30, 2013, we were not aware of any event that would constitute a default under the facility.

We believe that internally generated funds and our existing balances in cash and equivalents, in addition to our currently available bank credit arrangements, should be adequate to meet our cash requirements through 2014. If we were to borrow outside of our credit facility under current market terms, our average interest rate may increase significantly and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

For additional information regarding our credit facility, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows for the years 2011 through 2013 are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash flow generated from operations remains the primary source of financing for our internal growth. Cash provided by operating activities in 2013 totaled approximately $131.7 million, an increase of 8% as compared with the prior-year total of $122.4 million, which decreased from the 2011 total of $147.5 million. The 2013 increase in cash provided by operating activities resulted from higher net income. The 2012 decrease reflected relative changes in working capital, particularly accounts receivable, as well as lower net income.

Cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $22.4 million in 2013, $16.6 million in 2012 and $35.8 million in 2011. The 2013 increase in cash used in investing activities reflected the higher level of capital expenditures in 2013, including expenditures for expanded crouton manufacturing capacity. The 2012 decrease reflected a lower level of capital expenditures. Capital expenditures totaled approximately $24.1 million in 2013, compared to $16.3 million in 2012 and $35.3 million in 2011. Capital spending allocations during 2013 by segment approximated 97% for Specialty Foods and 3% for Glassware and Candles. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe that our total capital expenditures for 2014 could total $25 million, and perhaps more depending on the timing and approval of certain food-related projects currently being evaluated.

Financing activities used net cash totaling approximately $177.6 million, $46.5 million and $80.3 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2013 increase in cash used in financing activities was due to higher dividend payments, including the $5.00 per share special dividend that was paid in December 2012, as partially offset by a lower level of share repurchases. The 2012 decrease was due to a lower level of share repurchases, as partially offset by an increase in dividend payments. The total payment for cash dividends for the year ended June 30, 2013 was approximately $178.1 million. The dividend payout rate for 2013 was $1.52 per share, excluding the special dividend, as compared to $1.41 per share during 2012 and $1.29 per share in 2011. This past fiscal year marked the 50th consecutive year in which our dividend rate was increased. Cash utilized for share repurchases totaled approximately $0.6 million, $8.3 million and $43.1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 shares in November 2010. Approximately 1,468,000 shares from this authorization remained authorized for future purchase at June 30, 2013.

The future levels of share repurchases and declared dividends are subject to the periodic review of our Board of Directors and are generally determined after an assessment is made of such factors as anticipated earnings levels, cash flow requirements and general business conditions.

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Our ongoing business activities continue to be subject to compliance with various laws, rules and regulations as may be issued and enforced by various Federal, state and local agencies. With respect to environmental matters, costs are incurred pertaining to regulatory compliance and, upon occasion, remediation. Such costs have not been, and are not anticipated to become, material.

We are contingently liable with respect to lawsuits, taxes and various other matters that routinely arise in the normal course of business. We do not have any related party transactions that materially affect our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “Variable Interest Entities,” that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.

We have various contractual obligations that are appropriately recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Certain other items, such as purchase obligations, are not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Examples of items not recognized as liabilities in our consolidated financial statements are commitments to purchase raw materials or inventory that has not yet been received as of June 30, 2013 and future minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

IMPACT OF INFLATION

In recent years, we have been exposed to significant fluctuations in certain manufacturing input costs, including materials such as food commodities and paraffin wax. In 2013, these fluctuations were not as significant, but in 2012, we experienced comparatively higher costs for a wide variety of raw materials (especially for soybean oil, flour and paraffin wax) and in 2011, we experienced comparatively higher ingredient costs (including for soybean oil, dairy products, sugar, eggs and paraffin wax). We estimate that higher material costs adversely affected our 2012 and 2011 results by approximately 4% and 3% of net sales, respectively. We also experienced higher distribution costs in 2012, which were, in part, influenced by higher diesel costs. Entering 2014, under current market conditions, we foresee a modestly favorable material costs comparison.

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Over the course of 2012 and 2011, we were generally able to adjust various selling prices of food products to partially offset the effects of increased raw-material costs. However, these adjustments generally lagged the increase in our costs, having a net negative impact on our 2012 and 2011 operating margins.

We also attempt to minimize the exposure to increased costs through our ongoing efforts to achieve greater manufacturing and distribution efficiencies through the improvement of work processes.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

This MD&A discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including, but not limited to, those related to accounts receivable, inventories, marketing and distribution costs, asset impairments and self-insurance reserves. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Historically, the aggregate differences, if any, between our estimates and actual amounts in any year have typically not had a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. While a summary of our significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, we believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue upon transfer of title and risk of loss, provided that evidence of an arrangement exists, pricing is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Net sales are recorded net of estimated sales discounts, returns and certain sales incentives, including coupons and rebates.

Receivables and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the aging of accounts receivable balances, historical write-off experience and on-going reviews of our trade receivables. Measurement of potential losses requires credit review of existing customer relationships, consideration of historical loss experience, including the need to adjust for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates and the economic health of customers. In addition to credit concerns, we also evaluate the adequacy of our allowances for customer deductions considering several factors including historical losses and existing customer relationships.

Valuation of Inventory

When necessary, we provide allowances to adjust the carrying value of our inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose. The determination of whether inventory items are slow moving, obsolete or in excess of needs requires estimates about the future demand for our products. The estimates as to future demand used in the valuation of inventory are subject to the ongoing success of our products and may differ from actual due to such factors as changes in customer and consumer demand. A decrease in product demand due to changing customer tastes, consumer buying patterns or loss of shelf space to competitors could significantly impact our evaluation of our excess and obsolete inventories.

Long-Lived Assets

We monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets by periodically considering whether indicators of impairment are present. If such indicators are present, we determine if the assets are recoverable by comparing the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows to the assets’ carrying amounts. Our cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. If the carrying amounts are greater, then the assets are not recoverable. In that instance, we compare the carrying amounts to the fair value to determine the amount of the impairment to be recorded.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized. It is evaluated annually at April 30, through asset impairment testing, as appropriate. Intangible assets with lives restricted by contractual, legal, or other means are amortized over their useful lives. We periodically evaluate the future economic benefit of the recorded goodwill and intangible assets when events or circumstances indicate potential recoverability concerns. Carrying amounts are adjusted appropriately when determined to have been impaired.

Accrued Marketing and Distribution

Various marketing programs are offered to customers to reimburse them for a portion or all of their promotional activities related to our products. Additionally, we often incur various costs associated with shipping products to the customer. We provide accruals for the costs of marketing and distribution based on historical information as may be modified by estimates of actual costs incurred. Actual costs may differ significantly if factors such as the level and success of the customers’ programs, changes in customer utilization practices, or other conditions differ from expectations.

Accruals for Self-Insurance

Self-insurance accruals are made for certain claims associated with employee health care, workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. These accruals include estimates that may be based on historical loss development factors. Differences in estimates and assumptions could result in an accrual requirement materially different from the calculated accrual.

Accounting for Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

To determine our ultimate obligation under our defined benefit pension plans and our other postretirement benefit plans, we must estimate the future cost of benefits and attribute that cost to the time period during which each covered employee works. To record the related net assets and obligation of such benefit plans, we use assumptions related to inflation, investment returns, mortality, employee turnover, medical costs and discount rates. To determine the discount rate, we, along with our third-party actuaries, considered several factors, including the June 30, 2013 rates of various bond indices, such as the Moody’s Aa long-term bond index, yield curve analysis results from our actuaries based on expected cash flows of our plans, and the past history of discount rates used for the plan valuation. We, along with our third-party actuaries, review all of these assumptions on an ongoing basis to ensure that the most reasonable information available is being considered. Changes in assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on pension expense and related funding requirements. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit plans as an asset or liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Any changes in that funded status caused by subsequent plan revaluations are recognized through comprehensive income. We may also experience future plan settlements or curtailments having unanticipated effects on operating results.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 13-02”) which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 13-02 effectively replaces the requirements previously outlined in ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 11-05”) and ASU No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income: Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU 11-12”). The requirements of ASU 13-02 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. As ASU 13-02 relates to disclosure requirements only, we do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 11-12. This ASU indefinitely deferred the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income as set forth in

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ASU 11-05. ASU 11-12 had the same effective date as the unaffected provisions of ASU 11-05, for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. As this update is merely a deferral, it had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 11-05. This ASU amended comprehensive income guidance to eliminate the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, it requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 11-05 was effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. As noted above, portions of this ASU relating to reclassifications were indefinitely deferred with the issuance of ASU 11-12. We adopted the presentation provisions of this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 by presenting other comprehensive income and its components in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. There was no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 11-08”). This ASU permitted an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. ASU 11-08 was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We chose not to use the qualitative approach for our annual goodwill review in fiscal 2013 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the PSLRA and other applicable securities laws. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “hope” or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations; contain projections regarding future developments, operations or financial conditions; or state other forward-looking information. Such statements are based upon assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements involve various important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which we have no, or limited, control including, without limitation, the specific influences outlined below. Management believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on such statements that are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Items which could impact these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

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We have exposure to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates and ingredient prices. We have not had exposure to market risk associated with derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.

INTEREST RATE RISK

We are subject to interest rate risk primarily associated with any borrowings we may have outstanding. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates could adversely affect earnings and cash flows. Rates under our credit facility are set at the time of each borrowing and are based on predetermined formulas connected to certain benchmark rates. Increases in these rates could have an adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows. At the end of 2013, we had no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility. The nature and amount of our borrowings may vary as a result of business requirements, acquisitions, market conditions and other factors.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

We purchase a variety of commodities and other materials, such as soybean oil, flour, wax and packaging materials, which we use to manufacture our products. The market prices for these commodities are subject to fluctuation based upon a number of economic factors and may become volatile at times. While we do not use any derivative commodity instruments to hedge against commodity price risk, we do actively manage a portion of the risk through a structured purchasing program for certain future requirements. This program gives us more predictable input costs, which may help stabilize our margins during periods of volatility in commodity markets.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Lancaster Colony Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lancaster Colony Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the table of contents at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 29, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Columbus, Ohio

August 29, 2013

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LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.