LANCASTER COLONY CORP - Quarter Report: 2015 December (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)



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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2015



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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-04065




Lancaster Colony Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Ohio		13-1955943
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

37 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio		43215
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

614-224-7141

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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



Large Accelerated filer	ý	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company	¨

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

As of January 22, 2016, there were 27,374,838 shares of Common Stock, without par value, outstanding.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS





PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	14

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	18

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	18

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION		19

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	19

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	19

Item 6.	Exhibits	19

SIGNATURES		20

INDEX TO EXHIBITS		21

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)



(Amounts in thousands, except share data)	December 31, 2015			June 30, 2015
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	87,141		$	182,202
Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts, December-$172; June-$206)	60,752			62,437
Inventories:
Raw materials	34,277			30,655
Finished goods	46,194			47,244
Total inventories	80,471			77,899
Other current assets	8,032			7,672
Total current assets	236,396			330,210
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land, buildings and improvements	113,862			113,844
Machinery and equipment	259,948			253,143
Total cost	373,810			366,987
Less accumulated depreciation	203,919			194,676
Property, plant and equipment-net	169,891			172,311
Other Assets:
Goodwill	143,788			143,788
Other intangible assets-net	46,248			47,771
Other noncurrent assets	7,574			8,076
Total	$	603,897		$	702,156
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	43,506		$	38,823
Accrued liabilities	32,693			35,821
Total current liabilities	76,199			74,644
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	21,834			23,654
Deferred Income Taxes	23,258			22,940
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock-authorized 3,050,000 shares; outstanding-none
Common stock-authorized 75,000,000 shares; outstanding – December-27,374,600 shares; June-27,360,581 shares	109,029			107,767
Retained earnings	1,118,119			1,219,119
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,631		)	(10,057		)
Common stock in treasury, at cost	(735,911		)	(735,911		)
Total shareholders’ equity	482,606			580,918
Total	$	603,897		$	702,156

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net Sales	$	324,769		$	303,411		$	618,854		$	563,398
Cost of Sales	241,175			224,758			467,293			427,321
Gross Margin	83,594			78,653			151,561			136,077
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	31,479			28,437			57,558			51,257
Operating Income	52,115			50,216			94,003			84,820
Other, Net	(205		)	(47		)	(83		)	(39		)
Income Before Income Taxes	51,910			50,169			93,920			84,781
Taxes Based on Income	17,399			17,215			31,781			29,066
Net Income	$	34,511		$	32,954		$	62,139		$	55,715
Net Income Per Common Share:
Basic	$	1.26		$	1.21		$	2.27		$	2.04
Diluted	$	1.25		$	1.20		$	2.26		$	2.04

Cash Dividends Per Common Share	$	5.50		$	0.46		$	5.96		$	0.90

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	27,328			27,294			27,324			27,290
Diluted	27,374			27,323			27,359			27,319

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net Income	$	34,511		$	32,954		$	62,139		$	55,715
Other Comprehensive Income:
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans:
Prior service credit arising during the period, before tax	2,038			—			2,038			—
Amortization of loss, before tax	127			100			258			200
Amortization of prior service credit, before tax	(31		)	(1		)	(32		)	(2		)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	2,134			99			2,264			198
Tax Attributes of Items in Other Comprehensive Income:
Prior service credit arising during the period, tax	(753		)	—			(753		)	—
Amortization of loss, tax	(48		)	(37		)	(97		)	(73		)
Amortization of prior service credit, tax	12			—			12			—
Total Tax Expense	(789		)	(37		)	(838		)	(73		)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	1,345			62			1,426			125
Comprehensive Income	$	35,856		$	33,016		$	63,565		$	55,840

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)



	Six Months Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2015			2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	62,139		$	55,715
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,149			9,665
Deferred income taxes and other noncash changes	269			1,130
Stock-based compensation expense	1,353			1,519
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(411		)	(242		)
Pension plan activity	(148		)	(296		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	1,731			(1,227		)
Inventories	(2,572		)	5,635
Other current assets	51			7,033
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(115		)	4,060
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,446			82,992
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	(12		)	—
Payments for property additions	(7,362		)	(13,069		)
Other-net	(379		)	(945		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,753		)	(14,014		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Payment of dividends (including special dividend payment, 2016-$136,677; 2015-$0)	(163,139		)	(24,611		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	411			242
Increase in cash overdraft balance	974			—
Net cash used in financing activities	(161,754		)	(24,369		)
Net change in cash and equivalents	(95,061		)	44,609
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year	182,202			211,539
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	87,141		$	256,148
Supplemental Disclosure of Operating Cash Flows:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	33,600		$	19,472

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and SEC Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position for such periods. All such adjustments reflected in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, the term “year” and references to a particular year pertain to our fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30; for example, 2016 refers to fiscal 2016, which is the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

Cash and Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and equivalents, including money market funds and commercial paper, approximate fair value due to their short maturities and are considered level 1 investments, which have quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. As a result of our cash management system, checks issued but not presented to the banks for payment may create negative book cash balances. When such negative balances exist, they are included in other accrued liabilities and reflected as a financing activity in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, except for those acquired as part of a business combination, which are stated at fair value at the time of purchase. Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and excluded from the property additions and the change in accounts payable in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were as follows:



	December 31,
	2015		2014
Construction in progress in accounts payable	$	476	$	1,055

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights) outstanding during each period. Unvested shares of restricted stock granted to employees are considered participating securities since employees receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under the two-class method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which includes the dilutive potential common shares associated with nonparticipating restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Basic and diluted net income per common share were calculated as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net income	$	34,511		$	32,954		$	62,139		$	55,715
Net income available to participating securities	(177		)	(57		)	(192		)	(95		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	34,334		$	32,897		$	61,947		$	55,620

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic	27,328			27,294			27,324			27,290
Incremental share effect from:
Nonparticipating restricted stock	3			3			4			4
Stock-settled stock appreciation rights	43			26			31			25
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted	27,374			27,323			27,359			27,319

Net income per common share – basic	$	1.26		$	1.21		$	2.27		$	2.04
Net income per common share – diluted	$	1.25		$	1.20		$	2.26		$	2.04

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of period	$	(9,976	)	$	(7,998	)	$	(10,057	)	$	(8,061	)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items:
Amortization of unrecognized net loss ⁽¹⁾	135			107			270			214
Postretirement Benefit Plan Items:
Prior service credit arising during the period ⁽²⁾	2,038			—			2,038			—
Amortization of unrecognized net gain ⁽¹⁾	(8		)	(7		)	(12		)	(14		)
Amortization of prior service credit ⁽¹⁾	(31		)	(1		)	(32		)	(2		)
Total other comprehensive income, before tax	2,134			99			2,264			198
Total tax expense	(789		)	(37		)	(838		)	(73		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,345			62			1,426			125
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(8,631	)	$	(7,936	)	$	(8,631	)	$	(7,936	)

(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit income/cost. See Notes 9 and 10 for additional information.

(2) Due to a negative plan amendment and subsequent remeasurement. See Note 10 for additional information.

Significant Accounting Policies

There were no changes to our Significant Accounting Policies from those disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost or net realizable value,” thereby simplifying current guidance. Under current guidance an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, where market is defined as one of three different measures, one of which is net realizable value. The guidance will be effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating this guidance, but do not believe it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for the recognition of revenue under the principle: “Recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” Following a one-year deferral of the effective date, the guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and will require either retrospective application to each prior period presented or retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. This guidance may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis and is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are adopting this guidance effective December 31, 2015 using a retrospective basis of adoption. With the adoption, our net deferred tax liability for all periods presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets has been classified as noncurrent. For June 30, 2015, the reclassification of $12.8 million of current deferred tax assets to noncurrent liabilities caused the Other Current Assets line to change from $20.5 million to $7.7 million and the Deferred Income Taxes line to change from $35.7 million to $22.9 million. As this guidance only relates to balance sheet classification, there was no statement of income impact.

In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which allows entities to prospectively reflect adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized for a business combination during the measurement period. Under the current guidance these adjustments need to be reflected retrospectively as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 but can be adopted early if financial statements have not been issued. We adopted this guidance effective July 1, 2015, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 – Acquisition

On March 13, 2015, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Flatout Holdings, Inc. (“Flatout”), a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of flatbread wraps and pizza crusts based in Saline, Michigan. The purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $92.2 million and was funded by cash on hand. Flatout is reported in our Specialty Foods segment, and its results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.

The following preliminary purchase price allocation is based on the fair value of the net assets acquired:



Balance Sheet Captions	Allocation
Receivables	$	2,479
Inventories	3,748
Other current assets	212
Property, plant and equipment	6,937
Goodwill (not tax deductible)	53,948
Other intangible assets	44,000
Current liabilities	(2,445		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(16,651		)
Net assets acquired	$	92,228

Further adjustments may occur to the allocation above as certain tax aspects of the transaction are finalized during the measurement period.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 3 – Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, we had an unsecured credit facility (“Facility”) under which we may borrow, on a revolving credit basis, up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time, with potential to expand the total credit availability to $200 million subject to us obtaining consent of the issuing banks and certain other conditions. The Facility expires on April 18, 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. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. When we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt due to the long-term nature of this Facility.

At December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, we had no borrowings outstanding under this Facility. At December 31, 2015, we had $4.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the Facility. We paid no interest for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions. There are two principal financial covenants: an interest expense test that requires us to maintain an interest coverage ratio not less than 2.5 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter; and an indebtedness test that requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not greater than 3 to 1 at all times. The interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated EBIT (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated Interest Expense (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement), and the leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated Debt (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated EBITDA (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement).

Note 4 – Commitments and Contingencies

At December 31, 2015, we were a party to various claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Such matters did not have a material effect on the current-year results of operations and, in our opinion, their ultimate disposition will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 5 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill attributable to the Specialty Foods segment was $143.8 million at December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes our identifiable other intangible assets, all included in the Specialty Foods segment:



	December 31, 2015			June 30, 2015
Tradename (30-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	34,500		$	34,500
Accumulated amortization	(910		)	(365		)
Net carrying value	$	33,590		$	34,135
Trademarks (40-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	370		$	370
Accumulated amortization	(228		)	(223		)
Net carrying value	$	142		$	147
Customer Relationships (10 to 15-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	18,020		$	18,020
Accumulated amortization	(9,600		)	(8,882		)
Net carrying value	$	8,420		$	9,138
Technology / Know-how (10-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	3,900		$	3,900
Accumulated amortization	(309		)	(114		)
Net carrying value	$	3,591		$	3,786
Non-compete Agreements (5-year life)
Gross carrying value	$	600		$	600
Accumulated amortization	(95		)	(35		)
Net carrying value	$	505		$	565
Total net carrying value	$	46,248		$	47,771

Amortization expense for our other intangible assets, which is reflected in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, was as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Amortization expense	$	777	$	236	$	1,523	$	472

Total annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be as follows:




2017	$	2,764
2018	$	2,764
2019	$	2,764
2020	$	2,729
2021	$	2,644

Note 6 – Income Taxes

Prepaid Federal income taxes of $4.9 million and $3.8 million were included in Other Current Assets at December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively. Prepaid state and local income taxes of $0.8 million and $0.6 million were included in Other Current Assets at December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively.

The gross tax contingency reserve at December 31, 2015 was $1.5 million and consisted of estimated tax liabilities of $1.0 million and interest and penalties of $0.5 million. We have not classified any of the gross tax contingency reserve at December 31, 2015 as a current liability as none of these amounts are expected to be resolved within the next 12 months. Consequently, the entire liability of $1.5 million was included in other noncurrent liabilities. We expect that the amount of these liabilities will change within the next 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations. We recognize interest and penalties related to these tax liabilities in income tax expense.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7 – Business Segment Information

The December 31, 2015 identifiable assets by reportable segment are generally consistent with that of June 30, 2015. However, the amount of Corporate assets declined because of the decrease in cash, which is treated as a Corporate asset, due to the payment of the December 2015 special dividend. The following summary of financial information is consistent with the basis of segmentation and measurement of segment profit or loss presented in our June 30, 2015 consolidated financial statements:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net Sales	$	324,769		$	303,411		$	618,854		$	563,398
Operating Income
Specialty Foods	$	55,429		$	53,240		$	100,390		$	90,739
Corporate Expenses	(3,314		)	(3,024		)	(6,387		)	(5,919		)
Total	$	52,115		$	50,216		$	94,003		$	84,820

Note 8 – Stock-Based Compensation

Our shareholders previously approved the adoption of and subsequent amendments to the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan reserved 2,000,000 common shares for issuance to our employees and directors. As the 2005 Plan expired in May 2015, we obtained shareholder approval of the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) at our November 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The 2015 Plan did not affect any currently outstanding equity awards granted under the 2005 Plan. The 2015 Plan reserved 1,500,000 common shares for issuance to our employees and directors. All awards granted under these plans will be exercisable at prices not less than fair market value as of the date of the grant. The vesting period for awards granted under these plans varies as to the type of award granted, but generally these awards have a maximum term of five years.

We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant. Compensation expense is reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We record tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSSARs”) and restricted stock awards. These excess tax benefits are included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

We use periodic grants of SSSARs as a vehicle for rewarding certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value. We calculate the fair value of SSSARs grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our policy is to issue shares upon SSSARs exercise from new shares that had been previously authorized.

The following table summarizes our SSSARs compensation expense recorded:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Compensation expense	$	191	$	231	$	538	$	585

At December 31, 2015, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to SSSARs that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 2 years.

Restricted Stock

We use periodic grants of restricted stock as a vehicle for rewarding our nonemployee directors and certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value.

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes our restricted stock compensation expense recorded:



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Compensation expense	$	377	$	477	$	815	$	934

At December 31, 2015, there was $1.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 1 year.

Note 9 – Pension Benefits

We sponsor multiple defined benefit pension plans that covered certain workers under collective bargaining contracts. However, as a result of prior-years’ restructuring activities, for all periods presented, we no longer have any active employees continuing to accrue service cost or otherwise eligible to receive plan benefits. Benefits being paid under the plans are primarily based on negotiated rates and years of service. We contribute to these plans at least the minimum amount required by regulation.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income for our pension plans:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Components of net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$	421		$	403		$	842		$	806
Expected return on plan assets	(630		)	(658		)	(1,260		)	(1,316		)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss	135			107			270			214
Net periodic benefit income	$	(74	)	$	(148	)	$	(148	)	$	(296	)

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, we made no pension plan contributions and we do not expect to make any contributions to our pension plans during 2016.

Note 10 – Postretirement Benefits

We and certain of our operating subsidiaries provide multiple postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We recognize the cost of benefits as the employees render service. Postretirement benefits are funded as incurred.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2015, we terminated the medical benefits offered under the plans. The reduction in these benefits was accounted for as a negative plan amendment and resulted in the subsequent remeasurement of our benefit obligation. The remeasurement reduced the net periodic benefit cost for 2016 compared to the amount expected prior to the remeasurement.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for our postretirement plans:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Six Months Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost
Service cost	$	6		$	8		$	13		$	16
Interest cost	17			27			47			54
Amortization of unrecognized net gain	(8		)	(7		)	(12		)	(14		)
Amortization of prior service credit	(31		)	(1		)	(32		)	(2		)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$	(16	)	$	27		$	16		$	54

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

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, 2016 refers to fiscal 2016, which is the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, all included elsewhere in this report. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this report involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, 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 due to these factors. For more information, see the section below entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

OVERVIEW

Business Overview

Lancaster Colony Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets.

In March 2015 we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Flatout Holdings, Inc. (“Flatout”), a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of flatbread wraps and pizza crusts based in Saline, Michigan. The purchase price was $92.2 million, net of cash acquired. This transaction is discussed in further detail in Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Part of our future growth may result from acquisitions. We continue to review potential acquisitions that we believe will complement our existing product lines, enhance our gross margins and/or offer good expansion opportunities in a manner that fits our overall strategic goals.

Our operations are organized into one reportable segment: “Specialty Foods.” Our sales are predominately domestic.

Our business has the potential to achieve future growth in sales and profitability due to attributes such as:


•	leading retail market positions in several product categories with a high-quality perception;


•	recognized innovation in retail products;


•	a broad customer base in both retail and foodservice accounts;


•	well-regarded culinary expertise among foodservice accounts;


•	recognized leadership in foodservice product development;


•	experience in integrating complementary business acquisitions; and


•	historically strong cash flow generation that supports growth opportunities.

Our goal is to grow both retail and foodservice sales over time by:


•	leveraging the strength of our retail brands to increase current product sales;


•	introducing new retail products and expanding distribution;


•	growing our foodservice sales through the strength of our reputation in product development and quality; and


•	pursuing acquisitions that meet our strategic criteria.

We have made substantial capital investments to support our existing food operations and future growth opportunities. For example, in 2015 we completed a significant processing capacity expansion at our Horse Cave, Kentucky dressing facility to help meet demand for our dressing products. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe our capital expenditures for 2016 could total approximately $15 to $20 million. We anticipate we will be able to fund all of our capital needs in 2016 with cash generated from operations.

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Net Sales and Gross Margin



	Three Months Ended December 31,										Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change				2015			2014			Change
Net Sales	$	324,769		$	303,411		$	21,358	7	%	$	618,854		$	563,398		$	55,456	10	%
Gross Margin	$	83,594		$	78,653		$	4,941	6	%	$	151,561		$	136,077		$	15,484	11	%
Gross Margin as a Percentage of Net Sales	25.7		%	25.9		%					24.5		%	24.2		%

In March 2015 we acquired Flatout and its results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition with Flatout contributing approximately $9 million and $20 million in net sales to our results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

Net sales for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 increased 7% and 10%, respectively. The growth was primarily driven by the contribution from Flatout, as well as increased foodservice volumes on our existing national account business. Net pricing actions relating to our ingredient cost changes and lower new product placement costs also contributed to our net sales growth. Retail net sales increased 7% and 11% during the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, on the addition of Flatout and higher sales of certain product lines including Olive Garden^®retail dressings, Marzetti^®Simply Dressed^®refrigerated dressings and New York BRAND^® croutons and salad toppings. In the second quarter, increased spending on retail trade promotions and continued softness in our frozen roll business combined to limit retail sales growth. Foodservice net sales improved 7% and 9% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, as demand from national chain restaurants remained strong and pricing actions were taken in response to higher egg costs. Our overall sales volume, as measured by pounds shipped, improved by 4% and 6% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively. In general, the net impact of higher pricing represented 2% and more than 1% of net sales for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.

Excluding sales contributed by Flatout, net sales increased 4% and 6% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

Gross margin percentages were relatively unchanged for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 as the benefits from lower freight costs, lower new product placement costs and lower soybean oil and dairy-based ingredient costs were offset by higher egg costs attributed to the avian influenza outbreak, increased retail trade spending and a less favorable sales mix. Excluding any pricing actions, total ingredient costs negatively affected our gross margins by less than 1% of net sales for the quarter and 1% of net sales for the year-to-date period.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses



	Three Months Ended December 31,										Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change				2015			2014			Change
SG&A Expenses	$	31,479		$	28,437		$	3,042	11	%	$	57,558		$	51,257		$	6,301	12	%
SG&A Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales	9.7		%	9.4		%					9.3		%	9.1		%

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 11% and 12% for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, but were relatively consistent as a percentage of net sales for the comparative second quarter and first half of 2016 and 2015. In general, the increase in these costs reflects the influence of overall higher sales volumes, consumer and trade activities related to Flatout and amortization expense attributable to the Flatout intangible assets.

Operating Income

The foregoing factors contributed to consolidated operating income totaling $52.1 million and $94.0 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015, respectively. Our operating income can be summarized as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,											Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014			Change					2015			2014			Change
Operating Income
Specialty Foods	$	55,429		$	53,240		$	2,189		4	%	$	100,390		$	90,739		$	9,651		11	%
Corporate Expenses	(3,314		)	(3,024		)	(290		)	10	%	(6,387		)	(5,919		)	(468		)	8	%
Total	$	52,115		$	50,216		$	1,899		4	%	$	94,003		$	84,820		$	9,183		11	%
Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales
Specialty Foods	17.1		%	17.5		%						16.2		%	16.1		%
Total	16.0		%	16.6		%						15.2		%	15.1		%

Looking forward, similar to 2015, third quarter results for 2016 will include the impact of the Easter holiday. Assuming no recurrence of a widespread avian influenza outbreak, we anticipate pricing actions taken during the first half of our fiscal year will fully offset higher egg costs in the third quarter with egg prices now trending down from their recent peaks. Other

commodity costs and freight costs are expected to remain modestly favorable in the third quarter. An initiative to selectively rationalize some of our foodservice business in the coming quarters is expected to slow future sales growth in that channel. Finally, we anticipate an increase in product placement, marketing and promotional costs in the second half of our fiscal year to support new product introductions.

Income Before Income Taxes

As impacted by the factors discussed above, income before income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2015 increased by $1.7 million to $51.9 million from the prior-year total of $50.2 million. Income before income taxes for the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $93.9 million and $84.8 million, respectively.

Taxes Based on Income

Our effective tax rate was 33.8% for the six months ended December 31, 2015 and was lower than the prior-year rate of 34.3%. The decrease in the 2016 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 2015.

Net Income

Second quarter net income for 2016 of $34.5 million increased from the preceding year’s net income for the quarter of $33.0 million, as influenced by the factors noted above. Year-to-date net income of $62.1 million was higher than the prior year-to-date total of $55.7 million. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding have remained relatively stable. As a result, and due to the change in net income for each year, net income per share for the second quarter of 2016 totaled $1.25 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.20 per diluted share in the prior year. Year-to-date net income per share was $2.26 per diluted share, as compared to $2.04 per diluted share for the prior-year period.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

For the six months ended December 31, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $74.4 million, as compared to $83.0 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was due to higher working capital requirements as partially offset by the increase in net income and depreciation and amortization. In general, the increased levels of working capital requirements reflect higher sales volumes, the influence of higher egg costs on inventory and the impact of our Flatout acquisition. Additionally, the changes in other current assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities reflect the timing of estimated tax payments and the favorable tax impact of the loss on sale of discontinued operations in prior years. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects the amortization of intangibles relating to the Flatout acquisition and the related depreciation on its acquired fixed assets, as well as additional depreciation on recent capital expenditures.

Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2015 was $7.8 million, as compared to $14.0 million in the prior year. This decrease reflected a planned lower level of capital expenditures in 2016. Our 2015 capital expenditures included a processing capacity expansion project at our Horse Cave, Kentucky dressing facility which was essentially complete at December 31, 2014.

Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2015 of $161.8 million increased from the prior-year total of $24.4 million. This increase was due to higher dividend payments, including the $5.00 per share special dividend that was paid in December 2015. The special dividend payment, which totaled $136.7 million, led to the decline in retained earnings since June 30, 2015 and also resulted in the decrease of Corporate assets from that presented in the business segment information disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There were no share repurchases in the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, 1,419,682 shares remained authorized for future buyback under the existing share repurchase program.

Under our unsecured revolving credit facility (“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 December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, we had $4.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the 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. When we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt due to the long-term nature of this Facility.

The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions, and financial covenants relating to interest coverage and leverage. At December 31, 2015, 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.

We expect to remain in compliance with the Facility’s covenants for the foreseeable future. However, 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 a reduction in or 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 December 31, 2015, 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 2016. If we were to borrow outside of our Facility under current market terms, our average interest rate may increase significantly and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We have various contractual obligations that are appropriately recorded as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain other items, such as purchase obligations, are not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Examples of items not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements are commitments to purchase raw materials or packaging inventory that has not yet been received as of December 31, 2015 and future minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements. Aside from expected changes in raw-material needs due to changes in product demand and the impact of commodity prices, there have been no significant changes to the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes in critical accounting policies from those policies disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recent accounting pronouncements and their impact on our consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 1 to the condensed 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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, one 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:


•	the potential for another large outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. and the resulting fluctuations in the cost and availability of egg-based ingredients;


•	our ability to successfully implement an initiative to selectively rationalize business within our foodservice channel;


•	fluctuations in the cost and availability of other raw materials and packaging;


•	the reaction of customers or consumers to the effect of price increases we may implement;


•	the potential for loss of larger programs or key customer relationships;


•	the effect of consolidation of customers within key market channels;


•	price and product competition;


•	the success and cost of new product development efforts;


•	the lack of market acceptance of new products;


•	the possible occurrence of product recalls or other defective or mislabeled product costs;


•	changes in demand for our products, which may result from loss of brand reputation or customer goodwill;


•	maintenance of competitive position with respect to other manufacturers;


•	adverse changes in freight, energy or other costs of producing, distributing or transporting our products;


•	capacity constraints that may affect our ability to meet demand or may increase our costs;


•	dependence on contract manufacturers;


•	efficiencies in plant operations;


•	stability of labor relations;


•	the outcome of any litigation or arbitration;


•	the impact of fluctuations in our pension plan asset values on funding levels, contributions required and benefit costs;


•	the ability to successfully grow the Flatout business;


•	the extent to which future business acquisitions are completed and acceptably integrated;


•	dependence on key personnel;


•	changes in financial markets;


•	access to any required financing;


•	changes in estimates in critical accounting judgments; and


•	certain other factors, including the information disclosed in our discussion of risk factors under Item 1A of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is 1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and 2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c) In November 2010, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 shares, of which 1,419,682 shares remained authorized for future repurchases at December 31, 2015. This share repurchase authorization does not have a stated expiration date. In the second quarter, we did not repurchase any of our common stock.



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans
October 1-31, 2015	—	$	—	—	1,419,682
November 1-30, 2015	—	$	—	—	1,419,682
December 1-31, 2015	—	$	—	—	1,419,682
Total	—	$	—	—	1,419,682

Item 6. Exhibits

See Index to Exhibits following Signatures.

SIGNATURES

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




		LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
			(Registrant)
Date:	February 5, 2016	By:	/s/ JOHN B. GERLACH, JR.
			John B. Gerlach, Jr.
			Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
			President and Director
			(Principal Executive Officer)

Date:	February 5, 2016	By:	/s/ DOUGLAS A. FELL
			Douglas A. Fell
			Treasurer, Vice President,
			Assistant Secretary and
			Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

DECEMBER 31, 2015

INDEX TO EXHIBITS




Exhibit Number	Description	Located at

31.1	Certification of CEO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

31.2	Certification of CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed herewith

32	Certification of CEO and CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Furnished herewith

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed herewith

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	Filed herewith

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	Filed herewith

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	Filed herewith