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Oil-Dri Corp of America - Quarter Report: 2008 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended January 31, 2008
 
OR
 
o
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 0-8675

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
36-2048898
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois
 
60611-4213
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

The Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 321-1515

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

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
 o
Accelerated filer
 x
       
Non-accelerated filer
 o
Smaller reporting company
 o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     

Yes o No x
 
The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Common Stock owned by non-affiliates as of January 31, 2008 for accelerated filer purposes was $100,149,000.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this report.

Common Stock – 5,076,000 Shares
Class B Stock – 1,914,797 Shares



CONTENTS

   
Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1:
Financial Statements
3 – 16
     
Item 2:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations
17 - 23
     
Item 3:
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
     
Item 4:
Controls and Procedures
25
     
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1A:
Risk Factors
26
     
Item 4:
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
26
     
Item 6:
Exhibits
27
     
Signatures
 
28
     
Exhibits
 
29

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including, but not limited to, those under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and those statements elsewhere in this report and other documents we file with the Commission contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs, and our management’s assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls, and conference calls. Words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would”, “could,” “should,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe”, “may,” “assume,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially, including those described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected or planned. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
 
TRADEMARK NOTICE

Oil-Dri, Agsorb, Oil-Dri All Purpose, Oil-Dri Lites, Cat’s Pride, Jonny Cat, KatKit, ConditionAde, Pure-Flo, UltraClear, Poultry Guard, Flo-Fre, Saular, Terra Green and Pro’s Choice are all registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America or of its subsidiaries. PelUnite Plus, Perform and Select are trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America. Fresh Step is the registered trademark of The Clorox Company.

2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
January 31,
2008  
 
July 31,
2007
 
ASSETS 
         
Current Assets
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
4,325
 
$
12,133
 
Investment in securities
   
24,355
   
17,894
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $643 and $569 at January 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively
   
29,973
   
27,933
 
Inventories
   
16,396
   
15,237
 
Deferred income taxes
   
788
   
788
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
5,511
   
4,315
 
Total Current Assets
   
81,348
   
78,300
 
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
             
Cost
   
154,550
   
151,478
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(102,818
)
 
(100,033
)
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
   
51,732
   
51,445
 
               
Other Assets
             
Goodwill
   
5,162
   
5,162
 
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization of $339 and $327 at January 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively
   
817
   
817
 
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $487 and $450 at January 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively
   
376
   
413
 
Licensing agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $2,857 and $2,757 at January 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively
   
582
   
682
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,652
   
1,618
 
Other
   
3,692
   
3,650
 
Total Other Assets
   
12,281
   
12,342
 
               
Total Assets
 
$
145,361
 
$
142,087
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.   

3


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

   
January 31,
2008  
 
July 31,
2007
 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
         
               
Current Liabilities
             
Current maturities of notes payable
 
$
8,080
 
$
4,080
 
Accounts payable
   
6,130
   
6,181
 
Dividends payable
   
846
   
833
 
Accrued expenses:
             
Salaries, wages and commissions
   
4,018
   
7,052
 
Trade promotions and advertising
   
3,028
   
2,395
 
Freight
   
1,524
   
1,305
 
Other
   
5,796
   
5,559
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
29,422
   
27,405
 
               
Noncurrent Liabilities
             
Notes payable
   
23,000
   
27,080
 
Deferred compensation
   
4,958
   
4,756
 
Other
   
3,043
   
2,604
 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities
   
31,001
   
34,440
 
               
Total Liabilities
   
60,423
   
61,845
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
             
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 7,362,226 shares at January 31, 2008 and 7,270,167 shares at July 31, 2007
   
736
   
727
 
Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued 2,239,538 shares at January 31, 2008 and 2,234,538 shares at July 31, 2007
   
224
   
223
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
21,572
   
20,150
 
Restricted unearned stock compensation
   
(824
)
 
(991
)
Retained earnings
   
103,386
   
100,503
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
             
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
   
50
   
59
 
Pension and postretirement benefits
   
869
   
857
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
   
718
   
507
 
 
   
126,731
   
122,035
 
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,286,226 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at January 31, 2008 and 2,286,226 Common and 324,741 Class B shares at July 31, 2007)
   
(41,793
)
 
(41,793
)
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
84,938
   
80,242
 
               
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
145,361
 
$
142,087
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
(unaudited)

   
For The Six Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Net Sales
 
$
113,311
 
$
105,002
 
Cost of Sales
   
(89,533
)
 
(82,842
)
Gross Profit
   
23,778
   
22,160
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
   
(17,111
)
 
(16,812
)
Income from Operations
   
6,667
   
5,348
 
               
Other Income (Expense)
             
Interest expense
   
(1,144
)
 
(1,258
)
Interest income
   
652
   
691
 
Other, net
   
133
   
147
 
Total Other Income (Expense), Net
   
(359
)
 
(420
)
               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
6,308
   
4,928
 
Income taxes
   
(1,735
)
 
(1,318
)
Net Income
   
4,573
   
3,610
 
               
Retained Earnings
             
Balance at beginning of year
   
100,503
   
97,390
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax*
   
   
(1,235
)
Cash dividends declared
   
(1,690
)
 
(1,513)
 
Retained Earnings – January 31
 
$
103,386
 
$
98,252
 
               
Net Income Per Share
             
Basic Common
 
$
0.70
 
$
0.58
 
Basic Class B
 
$
0.57
 
$
0.43
 
Diluted
 
$
0.64
 
$
0.52
 
               
Average Shares Outstanding
             
Basic Common
   
5,033
   
4,861
 
Basic Class B
   
1,846
   
1,810
 
Diluted
   
7,196
   
6,952
 
 
*See Note 8 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of the change in accounting for stripping costs incurred during production.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)
 
   
For The Six Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Net Income
 
$
4,573
 
$
3,610
 
               
Other Comprehensive Income:
             
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities
   
(9
)
 
15
 
Pension and postretirement benefits
   
12
       
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
   
211
   
(28
)
               
Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
4,787
 
$
3,597
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

 
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
(unaudited)

   
For The Three Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Net Sales
 
$
58,026
 
$
52,873
 
Cost of Sales
   
(46,678
)
 
(41,376
)
Gross Profit
   
11,348
   
11,497
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
   
(8,251
)
 
(8,651
)
Income from Operations
   
3,097
   
2,846
 
               
Other Income (Expense)
             
Interest expense
   
(570
)
 
(641
)
Interest income
   
284
   
353
 
Other, net
   
71
   
122
 
Total Other Income (Expense), Net
   
(215
)
 
(166
)
               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
2,882
   
2,680
 
Income taxes
   
(793
)
 
(717
)
Net Income
 
$
2,089
 
$
1,963
 
               
Net Income Per Share
             
Basic Common
 
$
0.32
 
$
0.32
 
Basic Class B
 
$
0.26
 
$
0.23
 
Diluted
 
$
0.29
 
$
0.28
 
               
Average Shares Outstanding
             
Basic Common
   
5,062
   
4,871
 
Basic Class B
   
1,853
   
1,815
 
Diluted
   
7,239
   
6,987
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.   
 
7

 
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)
 
   
For The Three Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Net Income
 
$
2,089
 
$
1,963
 
               
Other Comprehensive Income:
             
               
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities
   
(35
)
 
7
 
Pension and postretirement benefits
   
6
   
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
   
(236
)
 
(102
)
               
Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
1,824
 
$
1,868
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
8


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

   
For The Six Months Ended
January 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
             
Net Income
 
$
4,573
 
$
3,610
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,735
   
3,672
 
Amortization of investment discount
   
(455
)
 
(447
)
Non-cash stock compensation expense
   
468
   
567
 
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
   
(238
)
 
(86
)
Deferred income taxes
   
10
   
(6
)
Provision for bad debts
   
120
   
205
 
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
   
18
   
446
 
(Increase) Decrease in:
         
 
 
Accounts receivable
   
(2,159
)
 
(1,010
)
Inventories
   
(1,159
)
 
1,268
 
Prepaid expenses
   
(1,196
)
 
(454
)
Other assets
   
180
   
(201
)
Increase (Decrease) in:
             
Accounts payable
   
144
   
(968
)
Accrued expenses
   
(1,893
)
 
(95
)
Deferred compensation
   
202
   
89
 
Other liabilities
   
372
   
523
 
Total Adjustments
   
(1,851
)
 
3,503
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
   
2,722
   
7,113
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
             
Capital expenditures
   
(3,828
)
 
(4,098
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
   
28
   
30
 
Purchases of investment securities
   
(56,006
)
 
(22,852
)
Dispositions of investment securities
   
50,000
   
23,700
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
   
(9,806
)
 
(3,220
)
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
             
Principal payments on notes payable
   
(80
)
 
(80
)
Dividends paid
   
(1,678
)
 
(1,509
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
893
   
496
 
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
   
238
   
86
 
Other, net
   
68
   
36
 
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
   
(559
)
 
(971
)
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(165
)
 
43
 
               
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(7,808
)
 
2,965
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year
   
12,133
   
6,607
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 31
 
$
4,325
 
$
9,572
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

9


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF STATEMENT PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial statements and the related notes are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended July 31, 2007, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein. Operating results for the three months and the six months ended January 31, 2008 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2008.

The preparation of the unaudited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. Estimates are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Under the terms of our sales agreements with customers, we recognize revenue when title is transferred. Upon shipment an invoice is generated that sets the fixed and determinable price. Promotional reserves are provided for sales incentives made directly to consumers and customers and are netted against sales. Sales returns and allowances have historically not been material. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages and benefits associated with staff outside the manufacturing and distribution functions, advertising costs, research and development costs and all other non-manufacturing and non-distribution expenses.
 
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts utilizing a combination of a historical experience and a periodic review of our accounts receivable aging and specific customer account analysis. We maintain and monitor a list of customers whose creditworthiness has diminished.
 
As part of our overall operations, we mine sorbent materials on property that we either own or lease. A significant part of our overall mining cost is incurred during the process of removing the overburden (non-usable material) from the mine site, thus exposing the sorbent material that is then used in a majority of our production processes. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 04-06, “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry,” production stripping costs are treated as a variable inventory production cost and are included in cost of sales in the period they are incurred. We defer and amortize the pre-production overburden removal costs associated with opening a new mine.
 
During the normal course of our overburden removal activities we perform on-going reclamation activities. As overburden is removed from a pit, it is hauled to previously mined pits and used to refill older sites. This process allows us to continuously reclaim older pits and dispose of overburden simultaneously, therefore minimizing the liability for the reclamation function.
 
Additionally, it is our policy to capitalize the purchase cost of land and mineral rights, including associated legal fees, survey fees and real estate fees. The costs of obtaining mineral patents, including legal fees and drilling expenses, are also capitalized. Pre-production development costs on new mines and any prepaid royalties that can be offset against future royalties due upon extraction of the mineral are also capitalized. All exploration related costs are expensed as incurred.
 
10

 
2. INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

   
January 31,
 
July 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
Finished goods
 
$
9,734
 
$
9,012
 
Packaging
   
3,615
   
3,118
 
Other
   
3,047
   
3,107
 
   
$
16,396
 
$
15,237
 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventory costs include the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, labor and other overhead costs. We perform a quarterly review of our inventory items to determine if an obsolescence reserve adjustment is necessary. The review surveys all of our operating facilities and sales groups to ensure that both historical issues and new market trends are considered. The allowance not only considers specific items, but also takes into consideration the overall value of the inventory as of the balance sheet date. The inventory obsolescence reserve values at January 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007 were $183,000 and $199,000, respectively.

3. PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The components of net periodic pension benefits cost of our sponsored defined benefit plans were as follows:

   
PENSION PLANS
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost: 
         
Service cost
 
$
212
 
$
198
 
$
424
 
$
405
 
Interest cost
   
292
   
270
   
584
   
545
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(347
)
 
(301
)
 
(694
)
 
(602
)
Net amortization
   
37
   
6
   
86
   
12
 
   
$
194
 
$
173
 
$
400
 
$
360
 

We have funded the plan based upon actuarially determined contributions that take into account the amount deductible for income tax purposes, the normal cost and the minimum contribution required and the maximum contribution allowed under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. We did not make a contribution to our pension plan during the first six months of fiscal 2008. We intend to make a contribution to the pension plan during the current fiscal year equal to the annual actuarial determined cost. We currently estimate this amount to be approximately $830,000.

The components of the net periodic postretirement health benefit cost were as follows:

   
POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost: 
                         
Service cost
 
$
17
 
$
16
 
$
34
 
$
32
 
Interest cost
   
18
   
16
   
36
   
32
 
Amortization of net transition obligation
   
4
   
4
   
8
   
8
 
Net actuarial loss
   
(1
)
 
1
   
6
   
2
 
   
$
38
 
$
37
 
$
84
 
$
74
 

Our plan covering postretirement health benefits is an unfunded plan.

11

 
Assumptions used in the previous calculations are as follows:

   
PENSION PLAN
 
POST RETIREMENT
HEALTH BENEFITS
 
   
For three and six months ended:
 
   
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
January 31,
2008
 
January 31,
2007
 
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost
   
6.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
   
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
   
 
Long-term expected rate of return on assets
   
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
   
 
Medical trend
   
   
   
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
Measurement date
   
7/31/2007
   
7/31/2006
   
7/31/2007
   
7/31/2006
 
Census date
   
8/1/2006
   
8/1/2005
   
8/1/2006
   
8/1/2005
 

4.  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141-R). SFAS No.141-R will significantly change the accounting for future business combinations after adoption. SFAS No. 141-R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non controlling interest in the acquired business. SFAS No. 141-R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141-R is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We will adopt this Statement as of August 1, 2009. When we adopt this Statement, we will apply it to future periods in the event that we have an acquisition.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51. This statement establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires the noncontrolling interest to be reported as a component of equity, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We will adopt this Statement as of August 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact SFAS No. 160 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, SFAS No. 157 was amended by FASB Staff Positions (“FSP”) SFAS No. 157-1 Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 and by FSP SFAS No. 157-2 Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. FSP SFAS No. 157-1 amends SFAS No. 157 to exclude FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under Statement 13. FSP SFAS No. 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We will adopt the provisions of these Statements as of August 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting these Statements on our consolidated financial statements.

12

 
5. SEGMENT REPORTING

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. Under this standard, we have two reportable operating segments: Retail and Wholesale Products and Business to Business Products. These segments are managed separately because each business has different customer characteristics. Net sales and operating income for each segment are provided below. Revenues by product line are not provided because it would be impracticable to do so.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Management does not rely on any segment asset allocations and does not consider them meaningful because of the shared nature of our production facilities; however, we have estimated the segment asset allocations as follows:

   
Assets
 
   
January 31,
 
July 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Business to Business Products
 
$
36,575
 
$
35,298
 
Retail and Wholesale Products
   
64,493
   
61,992
 
Unallocated Assets
   
44,293
   
44,797
 
Total Assets
 
$
145,361
 
$
142,087
 
 
   
Six Months Ended January 31,
 
   
Net Sales
 
Operating Income
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Business to Business Products
 
$
35,480
 
$
33,782
 
$
7,657
 
$
6,249
 
Retail and Wholesale Products
   
77,831
   
71,220
   
8,233
   
8,089
 
Total Sales/Operating Income
 
$
113,311
 
$
105,002
   
15,890
   
14,338
 
Less:
                         
Corporate Expenses
               
9,090
   
8,843
 
Interest Expense, net of
                         
Interest Income
               
492
   
567
 
Income before Income Taxes
               
6,308
   
4,928
 
Income Taxes
               
(1,735
)
 
(1,318
)
Net Income
             
$
4,573
 
$
3,610
 


   
Three Months Ended January 31,
 
   
Net Sales
 
Operating Income
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Business to Business Products
 
$
18,563
 
$
16,897
 
$
3,656
 
$
2,851
 
Retail and Wholesale Products
   
39,463
   
35,976
   
3,883
   
4,540
 
Total Sales/Operating Income
 
$
58,026
 
$
52,873
   
7,539
   
7,391
 
Less:
                         
Corporate Expenses
               
4,371
   
4,423
 
Interest Expense, net of
                         
Interest Income
               
286
   
288
 
Income before Income Taxes
               
2,882
   
2,680
 
Income Taxes
               
(793
)
 
(717
)
Net Income
             
$
2,089
 
$
1,963
 

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6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payments” (“SFAS 123R”) in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. In accordance with this pronouncement, we record compensation expense for all awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption. The stock-based compensation expense in the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007 is the cost related to the unvested portion of grants issued after August 1, 2000 and grants issued after July 31, 2005. The stock options granted before August 1, 2000 were fully vested as of the beginning of fiscal 2006.

Stock Options

Our 1995 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “1995 Plan”) provided for grants of both incentive and non-qualified stock options principally at an option price per share of 100% of the fair market value of our Class A Common Stock or, if no Class A Common Stock is outstanding, our Common Stock (“Stock”) on the date of grant. Stock options were generally granted with a five-year vesting period and a 10-year term. The stock options generally vest 25% two years after the grant date and 25% in each of the three following anniversaries of the grant date. This plan expired for purposes of issuing new grants on August 5, 2005. All stock issued from option exercises under this plan were from authorized but unissued stock. All restricted stock issued was from treasury stock.

On March 14, 2006, our Board of Directors unanimously approved adoption of the Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan; our Board amended and restated the plan following the five-for-four stock split described below (as so amended and restated, the “2006 Plan”). The 2006 Plan was approved by our stockholders at our annual meeting on December 5, 2006. The 2006 Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards.  Our employees and non-employee directors are eligible to receive grants under the 2006 Plan.  The total number of shares of Stock subject to grants under the 2006 Plan may not exceed 919,500. Option grants covering 25,000 shares were issued to our outside directors with a vesting period of one year and option grants covering 32,500 shares were issued to employees with vesting similar to the vesting described above under the 1995 Plan. There were 90,000 shares of restricted stock issued under the 2006 Plan.

The Oil-Dri Corporation of America Outside Director Stock Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for grants of stock options to our directors at an option price per share of 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant. Our directors are considered employees under the provisions of SFAS 123R. Stock options have been granted to our directors for a 10-year term with a one year vesting period. There are 106,250 stock options outstanding as of January 31, 2008, and no stock options available for future grants under this plan. All stock issued under this plan were from treasury stock.

A five-for-four stock split was announced by our Board on June 6, 2006. In keeping with historical practices, we have adjusted the number of shares and the option prices to equitably adjust all outstanding stock options. Under SFAS 123R, the equitable adjustment of outstanding options to reflect a change in capitalization (such as a stock split) may require the recognition of incremental compensation expense if the adjustment is not determined to have been required by the actual terms of the equity incentive plan. The Directors’ Plan and the 1995 Plan may be deemed to have been discretionary, rather than required by the actual terms of these plans. We therefore recognized additional stock-based compensation expense as a result of the modification of approximately $96,000 and $105,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $207,000 and $247,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The fair value of the fiscal 2007 stock options was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. The assumptions used during the full fiscal 2007 were: volatility, 22.4%; risk free interest rate, 4.6%; expected life, 5.0 years; dividend rate, 2.8%. There were no stock options granted in the first six months of fiscal 2008. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of the options granted was estimated by reference to the vesting schedule, historical and future expected exercise behavior of employees and comparison with other reporting companies. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period of five years, ending the day of grant, and calculated on a daily basis. The dividend rate is based on the actual dividend and share price on the grant date.

14


Changes in our stock options during the first six months of fiscal 2008 were as follows:

   
Number
of Shares
(in
thousands)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual
Term
(Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (in
thousands)
 
Options outstanding, July 31, 2007
   
786
 
$
8.87
       
$
8,789
 
Exercised
   
(97
)
$
9.20
       
$
983
 
Cancelled
   
(10
)
$
9.33
       
$
101
 
Options outstanding, January 31, 2008
   
679
 
$
8.81
   
4.6
 
$
7,633
 
Options exercisable, January 31, 2008
   
460
 
$
8.84
   
4.3
 
$
5,157
 

The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $302,000 and the related tax benefit was $80,000. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first six months of fiscal 2008 was $895,000 and the related tax benefit was $238,000.

Restricted Stock

Our 1995 Plan and 2006 Plan both provide for grants of restricted stock. The vesting schedule under the 1995 Plan has varied, but has generally been three years or less. Under the 2006 Plan, the grants issued so far have vesting periods between three and five years.

Included in our stock-based compensation expense in the second quarter of fiscal years 2008 and 2007 is $84,000 and $82,000, respectively, related to the unvested restricted stock granted in fiscal 2005 and the 90,000 shares of restricted stock granted in fiscal 2006. In the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, the expense related to the unvested restricted stock was $164,000 and $167,000, respectively. No shares of restricted stock were granted in the first six months of fiscal 2008.

Changes in our restricted stock outstanding during the first six months of fiscal 2008 were as follows:

   
(shares in thousands)
 
 
 
Restricted
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested restricted stock at July 31, 2007
   
76
 
$
15.38
 
Vested
   
(18
)
     
Unvested restricted stock at January 31, 2008
   
58
 
$
15.39
 

7. RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PROUNOUNCEMENT

We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) on August 1, 2007. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The pronouncement provides a recognition threshold and measurement guidance for the financial statement recognition of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, declassification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
As of August 1, 2007, we have recognized no material adjustments in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. As of the adoption date on August 1, 2007, we had approximately $200,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits was not materially changed as of January 31, 2008.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. We have no material accrued interest expense or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

15

 
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. Our federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2004, through July 31, 2006, remain open for examination by the IRS. However, all U.S. federal income tax examinations for the fiscal years through July 31, 2005, have been effectively concluded. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 5 years. The state impact of any federal income tax changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. There are no material open or unsettled federal, state, local or foreign income tax audits. We believe our accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years. This assessment is based on estimates and assumptions that may involve judgments about future events. On the basis of present information, we do not anticipate the total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to the settlement of audits or the expiration of statue of limitations in the next twelve months.

8. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING FOR STRIPPING COSTS INCURRED DURING PRODUCTION

In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified the consensus reached in EITF Issue No. 04-06 (“EITF Issue 04-06”), “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production in the Mining Industry.” The consensus was effective for the first fiscal period in the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2005; therefore, we adopted the pronouncement at the beginning of fiscal 2007. The consensus on EITF Issue 04-06 calls for production stripping costs to be treated as a variable inventory production cost and to be included in cost of sales in the period they are incurred. We will continue to defer and amortize the pre-production overburden removal costs associated with opening a new mine.

Prior to this new pronouncement, we recorded these production stripping costs in a prepaid expense account and, as the usable sorbent material was mined, the prepaid overburden removal expense was amortized over the estimated available material. In accordance with the transition guidance provided by this new pronouncement, we wrote off the August 1, 2006 balance of our prepaid overburden removal expense account to opening retained earnings, with no charge to current earnings. The results for prior periods have not been restated. The cumulative effect adjustment reduced opening retained earnings by $1,235,000, eliminated the $1,686,000 balance of the prepaid overburden removal expense account and adjusted our tax accounts by $451,000.

9.  
SALE OF EMISSION REDUCTION CREDITS

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell emission reduction credits we hold in the State of California to an unaffiliated third party. On November 1, 2007, during our second quarter of fiscal 2008, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District completed the transfer of ownership forms and releases, thereby allowing consummation of the sale. Cost of sales for the three and six months ending January 31, 2008, was reduced by the net proceeds of $507,000 as a result of this sale.

16


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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the financial statements and the related notes included herein and our consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2007. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007.

OVERVIEW

We develop, manufacture and market sorbent products principally produced from clay minerals and, to a lesser extent, other sorbent materials. Our principal products include cat litter, industrial and automotive absorbents, bleaching clay and clarification aids, agricultural chemical carriers, animal health and nutrition and sports field products. Our products are sold to two primary customer groups, including customers who resell our products as originally produced to the end customer and those who use our products as part of their production process or use them as an ingredient in their final finished product. We have two reportable segments, the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and the Business to Business Products Group, as described in Note 5 of the unaudited condensed financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008 COMPARED TO
SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

Consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 were $113,311,000, an increase of 8% from net sales of $105,002,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2008 was $4,573,000, an increase of 27% from net income of $3,610,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Diluted income per share for the first six months of fiscal 2008 was $0.64 versus $0.52 diluted net income per share for the first six months of fiscal 2007.

Net income for the first six months of fiscal 2008 was positively impacted by overall higher net selling prices, increased volume, lower cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process and a $507,000 reduction in cost of sales resulting from the sale of emission reduction credits, as described in Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Net income was negatively impacted by higher freight and packaging costs. Freight costs increased significantly due to record diesel fuel prices in both the trucking and rail distribution channels and changes in our customer geographic distribution mix. Packaging costs were up due to price increases in the resin and paper markets.

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the first six months of fiscal 2008 were $35,480,000, an increase of $1,698,000 from net sales of $33,782,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Total tons sold for the Group were down 3% compared to the first six months of fiscal 2007; however, the mix of products and increased selling prices provided for higher sales in the first six months of fiscal 2008. Sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products were up 16% due to increased selling prices and higher tons sold. The higher tonnage was due to increased sales to existing customers and new business, which included applications in the biodiesel production industry. Our co-packaged cat litter sales increased 2% due to a higher selling price and a new co-packaging customer. Sales of animal health and nutrition products also increased primarily due to higher volume and selling price increases for our mycotoxin binder and animal feed binder products. Conversely, sales of agricultural chemical carriers were down due to 16% lower volume caused by the continued market erosion due to growth of genetically modified seed and seed treatments.

The Business to Business Products Group’s segment income increased 23% from $6,249,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007 to $7,657,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008. A higher net selling price for most products in the Group offset an increase of approximately 7% in combined freight and packaging costs. Freight costs increased significantly due to higher diesel fuel prices. Packaging costs were up due to price increases in the resin and paper markets.

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the first six months of fiscal 2008 were $77,831,000, an increase of $6,611,000 from net sales of $71,220,000 reported in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Total tons sold for the Group were up 8%. Cat litter tons sold increased 18%. Net sales of private label cat litter increased 47% due to higher volume and price increases. The higher volume is the result of new distribution to existing customers as well as new customers. In contrast, branded cat litter sales declined 7% due to loss of a customer. Sales of industrial absorbents were down 5% due to lower volume.

17

 
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment income increased 2% from $8,089,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007 to $8,233,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008. The Group’s overall increase in sales was mostly offset by higher costs. Freight costs were approximately 18% higher in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2007. The cost of freight has increased significantly due to higher fuel costs and the geographic distribution mix of customers. The Group’s product margins were also negatively impacted by increased packaging costs.

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2008 was 21%, the same as in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Increased freight costs were offset by net selling price increases and a 4% decrease in the cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process. Cost of sales for the first six months of fiscal 2008 was also reduced by $507,000 as a result of the sale of emission reduction credits as described in Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Non-fuel manufacturing costs were flat with the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2008 were 15%, compared to 16% in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Expenses in the first six months of fiscal 2008 included a lower discretionary bonus accrual and lower stock compensation expense, which were partially offset by increased spending for research and development. Discretionary bonus targets are revised each year. Stock compensation expense declined as existing grants were fully expensed and no new grants were issued. Research and development costs increased as we focused on new product development and improvements in existing products.

Interest expense was down $114,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to the same period in fiscal 2007 due to continued debt reduction. Interest income was down $39,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. A lower average interest rate offset the benefit of higher average investment balances.

Our effective tax rate was 28% of pre-tax income in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to 27% in the first six months of fiscal 2007. The effective tax rate is up slightly based on the projected composition of our taxable income for fiscal 2008.

Total assets increased $3,274,000 or 2% during the first six months of fiscal 2008. Current assets increased $3,048,000 or 4% from fiscal 2007 year-end balances, primarily due to an increase in investments, accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. The changes in current assets are described in Liquidity and Capital Resources. Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, increased $287,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2008.

Total liabilities decreased $1,410,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2008. Current liabilities increased $2,017,000 or 7% primarily due to an increase in current maturities of notes payable, accrued trade spending and other accrued expenses. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in accrued salaries. The changes in current liabilities are described in Liquidity and Capital Resources. Non-current liabilities decreased $3,427,000 or 10% due to a reclassification of notes payable from long-term to current.

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008 COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 were $58,026,000, an increase of 10% from net sales of $52,873,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $2,089,000, an increase of 6% from net income of $1,963,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Diluted income per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was $0.29 versus $0.28 diluted net income per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was positively impacted by overall higher net selling prices, increased volume, lower cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process and a $507,000 reduction in cost of sales as a result of the sale of emission reduction credits as described in Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Net income for the quarter was negatively impacted by higher freight, packaging and material costs. Freight costs increased significantly due to record diesel fuel prices and changes in our customer geographic distribution mix. Higher selling prices in the Business to Business Products Group contributed to the increased net income; however, higher volume in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group could not overcome a decreased net selling price and higher costs.

18

 
Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $18,563,000, an increase of $1,666,000 from net sales of $16,897,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Total tons sold for the Group were even with the second quarter of fiscal 2007; however, increased selling prices provided for higher sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products were up 20% due to increased selling prices and higher tons sold. The higher tonnage was due to increased sales to existing customers and new business, which included applications in the biodiesel production industry. Our co-packaged cat litter sales increased 8% due to a higher selling price and a new co-packaging customer. Sales of animal health and nutrition products also increased due to price increases for our mycotoxin binder products. Sales of agricultural chemical carriers and our Flo-Fre product, a by-product of the chemical carrier manufacturing process, were up due to a higher selling price which offset lower volume.

The Business to Business Products Group’s segment income increased 28% from $2,851,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 to $3,656,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in sales due to the higher net selling price for most products in the Group was partially offset by a combined freight, packaging and material costs increase of approximately 10%. Freight costs increased significantly due to higher diesel fuel prices. Packaging costs were up due to price increases in the resin and paper markets.

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $39,463,000, an increase of $3,487,000 from net sales of $35,976,000 reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Total tons sold for the Group were up 11%. Cat litter tons sold increased 22%. Net sales of private label cat litter increased 49% due to higher volume and price increases. The higher volume was the result of new distribution to existing customers and new customers. In contrast, branded cat litter sales declined 6% due to loss of a customer. Sales of industrial absorbents were down for the quarter due to lower volume.
 
The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment income decreased 15% from $4,540,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 to $3,883,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The Group’s increase in volume was not sufficient to offset an overall decrease in net selling price and higher costs. The decrease in net selling price was driven by higher trade spending and product mix. Freight costs were approximately 21% higher in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The cost of freight has increased significantly due to higher fuel costs and the geographic distribution mix of customers. Our product margins were also negatively impacted by increased packaging costs.

Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 20%, compared to 22% for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Increased freight and packaging costs and a reduced net selling price in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group were partially offset by a 6% decrease in the cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process. Cost of sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was reduced by $507,000 as a result of the sale of emission reduction credits as described in Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Non-fuel manufacturing costs were flat with the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were 14%, compare to 16% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The second quarter of fiscal 2008 expenses included a lower discretionary bonus accrual and lower stock compensation expense. Discretionary bonus targets are revised each year. Stock compensation expense declined as existing grants were fully expensed and no new grants were issued. These decreases were partially offset by increased spending for research and development as we focused on new product development and improvements in existing products.

Interest expense was down $71,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the same period in fiscal 2007 due to continued debt reduction. Interest income was down $69,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. A lower average interest rate offset the benefit of higher average investment balances.

Our effective tax rate was 28% of pre-tax income in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to 27% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. The effective tax rate is up slightly based on the projected composition of our taxable income for fiscal 2008.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the first six months of fiscal 2008 were $8,698,000 or 8% of total Company sales. This represents an increase of 2% from the first six months of fiscal 2007, in which foreign subsidiary sales were $8,510,000 or 8% of total Company sales. The increase in net sales was seen in our United Kingdom subsidiary, while our Canadian subsidiary’s net sales were flat with the comparable period in fiscal 2007. The United Kingdom sales were up due to higher selling prices and higher volume. In our Canadian subsidiary, higher selling prices were offset by lower volume for both cat litter and industrial products. For the first six months of fiscal 2008, our foreign subsidiaries reported net income of $488,000, an increase of $179,000 from the $309,000 net income reported in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Higher selling prices and lower material costs contributed to the improved net income.

19

 
Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of January 31, 2008 were $10,195,000 compared to $9,528,000 as of January 31, 2007. The increase was driven by higher cash and investments and accounts receivable corresponding to the increased sales.

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $4,206,000 or 7% of total Company sales, which is flat with the second quarter of fiscal 2007, in which foreign subsidiary sales were $4,212,000 or 8% of total Company sales. Net sales for our United Kingdom subsidiary were up $148,000, while net sales of our Canadian subsidiary were down a corresponding amount. Selling prices were up for both subsidiaries; however, volume was down for our Canadian subsidiary. For the second quarter of fiscal 2008, our foreign subsidiaries reported net income of $165,000, a decrease of $173,000 from the $338,000 net income reported in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Our Canadian operations were negatively impacted by increased labor and freight costs.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal capital requirements include funding working capital needs, the purchasing and upgrading of real estate, equipment and facilities, funding new product development and investing in infrastructure and potential acquisitions. We principally have used cash generated from operations and, to the extent needed, issuance of debt securities and borrowings under our credit facilities to fund these requirements. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $7,808,000 during the first six months of fiscal 2008 to $4,325,000 at January 31, 2008.

The following table sets forth certain elements of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
January 31, 2008
 
January 31, 2007
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
2,722
 
$
7,113
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(9,806
)
 
(3,220
)
Net cash used in provided by financing activities
   
(559
)
 
(971
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(165
)
 
43
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(7,808
)
$
2,965
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operations was $2,722,000 for the six months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $7,113,000 for the six months ended January 31, 2007. The decrease was due primarily to changes in working capital that offset the increase in net income. For the first six months of fiscal years 2008 and 2007, the primary components of working capital that impacted operating cash flows were as follows:

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, increased by $2,040,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 versus an increase of $1,010,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. The increase in accounts receivable for both fiscal years was due to higher sales in the second quarter compared to sales in the fourth quarter of the preceding fiscal year. The comparative sales increase was greater for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 (particularly in the month of January) resulting in a larger increase in accounts receivable.

Inventories increased $1,159,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008, versus a decrease of $1,268,000 in the same period in fiscal 2007. Finished goods and packaging inventories increased in the first six months of fiscal 2008. The increase in finished goods inventory was a planned effort to meet future demand of specific products. The increase in packaging inventory was due to higher costs and increased safety stock for bag items. Inventories decreased in the first six months of fiscal 2007 due to a concerted effort to reduce packaging inventory levels, lower fuel inventory and procurement cost reduction initiatives.

Other prepaid expenses increased $1,196,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 versus an increase of $454,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. The timing of insurance premium payments resulted in an increase in prepaid expenses in both years. Prepaid income taxes also increased due to timing of tax payments in the first six months of fiscal 2008.

20

 
Accounts payable decreased $51,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 versus a decrease of $968,000 in the same period in fiscal 2007. The decrease in both periods was due to the normal fluctuations in the timing of payments and a decline in manufacturing fuel costs.

Accrued expenses decreased $1,945,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 versus a decrease of $95,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. In the first six months of fiscal 2008, accrued salaries was down due to the payout of the prior year’s discretionary bonus accrual. Partially offsetting this decrease was higher accrued trade spending due to increased advertising and an increase in accrued freight due to higher freight costs. In the first six months of fiscal 2007, accrued trade spending decreased due to timing and reduction of promotional activities. Other accrued expenses decreased due to lower packaging and fuel inventories and timing of real estate tax payments. These decreases were partially offset by a higher audit expense accrual and an increase in accrued salaries. The audit expense accrual was higher due to additional expense to comply with the internal control reporting requirements mandated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Accrued salaries were up due to a higher estimated fiscal 2007 discretionary bonus accrual.

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash used in investing activities was $9,806,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to $3,220,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. In the first six months of fiscal 2008, more cash was used for purchases of investment securities as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2007. We have changed our investment strategy to allocate a greater portion of our financial resources to investments versus cash. Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are also subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities. Capital expenditures were $3,828,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to $4,098,000 in the same period of fiscal 2007.

Net cash used in financing activities

Cash used in financing activities was $559,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to $971,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007. Dividend payments were $1,678,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008, compared to $1,509,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007 due to a dividend increase. Conversely, higher stock options exercise activity in the first six months of fiscal 2008 provided $893,000 from the issuance of common stock compared to $496,000 for the same period in fiscal 2007. The increase in stock option exercises also provided an excess tax benefit of $238,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to $86,000 in the same period of fiscal 2007.

Other

Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries at January 31, 2008 and 2007 were $1,372,000 and $848,000, respectively. Our foreign subsidiaries’ investment balances increased due to higher net income.
 
As part of our normal course of business, we guarantee certain debts and trade payables of our wholly owned subsidiaries. These arrangements are made at the request of the subsidiaries’ creditors because separate financial statements are not distributed for the wholly owned subsidiaries. As of January 31, 2008, the value of these guarantees was $2,500,000 of long-term debt.

On January 27, 2006, we entered into a $15,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement with Harris N.A. (“Harris”) that is effective until January 27, 2009. The credit agreement provides that we may select a variable rate based on either Harris’ prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt to earnings ratio, or a fixed rate as agreed between us and Harris. At January 31, 2008, the variable rates would have been 6.0% for the Harris’ prime-based rate or 3.5% for the LIBOR-based rate. The credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions (including a limitation on capital expenditures), limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to dispose of assets. The agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum fixed coverage ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth. As of January 31, 2008 and 2007, we had $15,000,000 available under this credit facility and we were in compliance with its covenants.

We believe that cash flow from operations, availability under our revolving credit facility and current cash and investment balances will provide adequate cash funds for foreseeable working capital needs, capital expenditures at existing facilities and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months. Our ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments and to remain in compliance with all of the financial covenants under debt agreements, including, but not limited to, the credit agreement, depends on our future operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors. The timing and size of any new business ventures or acquisitions that we complete may also impact the cash requirements.

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Our capital requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise. The tables in the following subsection summarize our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at January 31, 2008 for the time frames indicated.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual
Obligations
 
Total
 
Less Than 1
Year
 
1 – 3 Years
 
4 – 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
 
Long-Term Debt
 
$
31,080,000
 
$
8,080,000
 
$
6,200,000
 
$
7,900,000
 
$
8,900,000
 
Interest on Long-Term Debt
   
6,775,000
   
1,730,000
   
2,601,000
   
1,700,000
   
744,000
 
Operating Leases
   
12,881,000
   
2,412,000
   
3,476,000
   
2,537,000
   
4,456,000
 
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
   
4,088,000
   
4,088,000
   
   
   
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
 
$
54,824,000
 
$
16,310,000
 
$
12,277,000
 
$
12,137,000
 
$
14,100,000
 
 
We are not required to make a contribution to our defined benefit pension plan in fiscal 2008. We have not presented this obligation for future years in the table above because the funding requirement can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions.

As of January 31, 2008, our non-current liability for uncertain tax positions was approximately $200,000, as described in Note 7 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We have not presented this obligation in the table above because the timing of future cash flows is dependent on examinations by taxing authorities and can not reasonably be estimated.

The unconditional purchase obligations represent forward purchase contracts we have entered into for a portion of our natural gas fuel needs for fiscal 2008. As of January 31, 2008, the remaining purchase obligation for fiscal 2008 was $4,088,000 for 470,000 MMBtu. These contracts were entered into in the normal course of business and no contracts were entered into for speculative purposes.

   
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
Other Commercial
Commitments
 
Total
 
Less Than 1
Year
 
1 – 3 Years
 
4 – 5 Years
 
After 5 Years
 
Standby Letters of Credit
 
$
253,000
 
$
253,000
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
Other Commercial Commitments
   
28,465,000
   
28,465,000
   
   
   
 
Total Commercial Commitments
 
$
28,718,000
 
$
28,718,000
 
$
 
$
 
$
 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Estimates are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

See the information concerning our critical accounting policies included under Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q. For additional information on our adoption of FIN 48, see Note 7 of the notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141-R). SFAS No.141-R will significantly change the accounting for future business combinations after adoption. SFAS No. 141-R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non controlling interest in the acquired business. SFAS No. 141-R also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141-R is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We will adopt this Statement as of August 1, 2009. When we adopt this Statement, we will apply it to future periods in the event that we have an acquisition.


In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51. This statement establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 requires the noncontrolling interest to be reported as a component of equity, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, and any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We will adopt this Statement as of August 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact SFAS No. 160 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, SFAS No. 157 was amended by FASB Staff Positions (“FSP”) SFAS No. 157-1 Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13 and by FSP SFAS No. 157-2 Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. FSP SFAS No. 157-1 amends SFAS No. 157 to exclude FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under Statement 13. FSP SFAS No. 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We will adopt the provisions of these Statements as of August 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting these Statements on our consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risk and employ policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in the market risk of our cash equivalents and short-term investments. We had two interest rate swap agreements as of January 31, 2008. We believe that the market risk arising from holding our financial instruments is not material.

We are exposed to currency risk as it relates to certain accounts receivables and from our foreign operations. We believe that the currency risk is immaterial to the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We are exposed to regulatory risk in the fluid purification and agricultural markets, principally as a result of the risk of increasing regulation of the food chain in the United States and Europe. We actively monitor developments in this area, both directly and through trade organizations of which we are a member.

We are exposed to commodity price risk with respect to natural gas. We have contracted for a portion of our fuel needs for the twelve months in fiscal 2008 using forward purchase contracts to manage the volatility in fuel prices related to this exposure. The weighted average cost of the fiscal 2008 contracts has been estimated to be approximately 5% higher than the contracts for fiscal 2007. All contracts were entered into during the normal course of business and no contracts were entered into for speculative purposes.

The tables below provide information about our natural gas purchase contracts, which are sensitive to changes in commodity prices, specifically natural gas prices. For the purchase contracts outstanding at January 31, 2008, the table presents the notional amounts in MMBtu’s, the weighted average contract prices, and the total dollar contract amount, which will mature by July 31, 2008. The Fair Value was determined using the “Most Recent Settle” price for the “Henry Hub Natural Gas” option contract prices as listed by the New York Mercantile Exchange on February 29, 2008.
 
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Six Months Ending July 31, 2008
 
   
Expected 2008 Maturity
 
Fair Value
 
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)
   
470,000
   
 
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu)
 
$
8.70
   
 
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands)
 
$
4,088.3
 
$
4,304.0
 

Factors that could influence the fair value of the natural gas contracts, include, but are not limited to, the creditworthiness of our natural gas suppliers, the overall general economy, developments in world events, and the general demand for natural gas by the manufacturing sector, seasonality and the weather patterns throughout the United States and the world. Some of these same events have allowed us to mitigate the impact of the natural gas contracts by the continued, and in some cases expanded, use of recycled oil in our manufacturing processes. Accurate estimates of the impact that these contracts may have on our fiscal 2008 financial results are difficult to make due to the inherent uncertainty of future fluctuations in option contract prices in the natural gas options market.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. The controls evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and CFO, during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

25


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 2, 3, and 5 of this Part II are either inapplicable or are answered in the negative and are omitted pursuant to the instructions to Part II.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For information regarding Risk Factors, please refer to Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2007. There have been no material changes in risk factors since July 31, 2007.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

On December 4, 2007, we held our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of considering and voting on two matters, summarized below.

1.
Election of Directors

The following schedule sets forth the results of the vote to elect eight directors. As of the record date of the meeting a total of 6,929,392 shares of Common Stock and Class B Stock were eligible to cast a total of 24,117,565 votes. At the meeting, shares representing a total of 20,287,716 votes were present in person or by proxy.
 
Director
 
Votes For
 
Votes Withheld
 
J. Steven Cole
   
20,187,373
   
100,343
 
Arnold W. Donald
   
20,232,165
   
55,551
 
Daniel S. Jaffee
   
19,247,947
   
1,039,769
 
Richard M. Jaffee
   
19,248,044
   
1,039,672
 
Joseph C. Miller
   
19,244,328
   
1,043,388
 
Michael A. Nemeroff
   
19,198,522
   
1,089,194
 
Allan H. Selig
   
20,180,647
   
107,069
 
Paul E. Suckow
   
20,238,415
   
49,301
 

2.
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2008 was ratified by receiving 20,240,775 votes of a total 24,117,565 eligible votes, with 33,716 votes against and 13,225 votes to abstain.

26


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)  
EXHIBITS: 

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
SEC Document Reference
10.1
 
First Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2007, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective April 1, 2003)*
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.2
 
Second Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2008, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective April 1, 2003)*
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.3
 
Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008)*
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.4
 
Oil-Dri Corporation of America Annual Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008)*
 
Filed herewith.
         
10.5
 
First Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2008, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective July 28, 2006)*
 
Filed herewith.
         
11
 
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
 
Filed herewith.
         
31
 
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
         
32
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Furnished herewith.
         
*
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
   

27


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.
 
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Registrant)
   
BY /s/ Andrew N. Peterson
 
Andrew N. Peterson
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
BY /s/ Daniel S. Jaffee
 
Daniel S. Jaffee
 

Dated: March 7, 2008

28

 
EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1
 
First Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2007, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective April 1, 2003)
     
10.2
 
Second Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2008, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective April 1, 2003)
     
10.3
 
Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008)
     
10.4
 
Oil-Dri Corporation of America Annual Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008)
     
10.5
 
First Amendment, effective as of January 1, 2008, to Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective July 28, 2006)
     
11
 
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
     
31
 
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a).
     
32
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Note:
Stockholders may receive copies of the above listed exhibits, without fee, by written request to Investor Relations, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, 410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611-4213.
 
29