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Oil-Dri Corp of America - Quarter Report: 2009 April (Form 10-Q)

oildri10q.htm
 



 



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 April 30, 2009

 
OR
 

 
 [ ]          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 001-12622

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
 60611-4213
 Chicago, Illinois
 (Zip Code)
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o   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 
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer 
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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of April 30, 2009.

Common Stock – 5,152,780 Shares and Class B Stock – 1,914,797 Shares

 

 
 
 
 
 CONTENTS
 
      Page
  
 PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
 Item 1:   Financial Statements  3 – 17
     
 Item 2:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations 18 - 26
     
 Item 3:  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 27 - 28
     
 Item 4:   Controls and Procedures        29
     
 
 PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
 Item 2:  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds        30
     
 Item 6:  Exhibits         31
     
 Signatures          32
     
 Exhibits           33
     
 

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, 2008, 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, Cat’s Pride, Jonny Cat, KatKit, ConditionAde, Pelunite, Perform, Select, Pure-Flo, UltraClear, Poultry Guard, Flo-Fre and Terra Green are all registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America or of its subsidiaries.  Pro’s Choice and Saular are trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America.  Fresh Step is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company.

 
2

 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

ASSETS
 
April 30, 
2009
   
July 31, 
2008
 
       
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 11,680     $ 6,848  
Investment in securities
    3,996       20,916  
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $671 and
               
  $614 at April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2008, respectively
    28,711       31,383  
Inventories
    20,136       17,744  
Deferred income taxes
    890       890  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    5,888       4,870  
               Total Current Assets
    71,301       82,651  
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment
               
Cost
    166,223       155,934  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (107,681 )     (104,494 )
               Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
    58,542       51,440  
                 
Other Assets
               
Goodwill
    5,162       5,162  
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization
               
 of $371 and $349 at April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2008,   respectively
    666       733  
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization
               
 of $460 and $525 at April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2008, respectively
    319       338  
Licensing agreements and non-compete agreements, net of
               
 accumulated amortization of $3,276 and $2,987 at
 April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2008, respectively
    1,463       1,752  
Deferred income taxes
    2,052       2,048  
Other
    4,599       4,864  
               Total Other Assets
    14,261       14,897  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 144,104     $ 148,988  
                 
 
 
 
 
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)
 
             
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
April 30, 
2009
   
July 31,
2008
 
             
Current Liabilities
           
Current maturities of notes payable
  $ 3,200     $ 5,580  
Accounts payable
    5,887       7,491  
Dividends payable
    922       919  
Accrued expenses:
               
  Salaries, wages and commissions
    4,725       5,578  
  Trade promotions and advertising
    2,167       2,126  
  Freight
    1,564       2,345  
  Other
    5,979       6,062  
               Total Current Liabilities
    24,444       30,101  
                 
Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Notes payable
    18,300       21,500  
Deferred compensation
    5,750       5,498  
Other
    4,208       4,263  
               Total Noncurrent Liabilities
    28,258       31,261  
                 
               Total Liabilities
    52,702       61,362  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued
               
  7,438,301 shares at April 30, 2009 and 7,392,475
  shares at July 31, 2008
    744       739  
Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued
               
  2,239,538 shares at April 30, 2009 and 2,239,538
  shares at July 31, 2008
    224       224  
Additional paid-in capital
    22,809       22,218  
Restricted unearned stock compensation
    (455 )     (674 )
Retained earnings
    110,053       105,966  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
               
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    41       68  
  Pension and postretirement benefits
    (85 )     (121 )
  Cumulative translation adjustment
    (158 )     612  
      133,173       129,032  
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,285,521 Common and 324,741
               
  Class B shares at April 30, 2009 and 2,261,942 Common and
               
  324,741 Class B shares at July 31, 2008)
    (41,771 )     (41,406 )
               Total Stockholders’ Equity
    91,402       87,626  
                 
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 144,104     $ 148,988  

 
 
 
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 Nine Months Ended
 April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net Sales
  $ 180,311     $ 172,854  
Cost of Sales
    (142,802 )     (138,019 )
Gross Profit
    37,509       34,835  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    (26,711 )     (25,347 )
Income from Operations
    10,798       9,488  
                 
Other Income (Expense)
               
  Interest expense
    (1,453 )     (1,696 )
  Interest income
    321       884  
  Other, net
    9       346  
               Total Other Income (Expense), Net
    (1,123 )     (466 )
                 
Income Before Income Taxes
    9,675       9,022  
Income taxes
    (2,641 )     (2,436 )
Net Income
    7,034       6,586  
                 
Retained Earnings
               
Balance at beginning of year
    105,966       100,503  
Cash dividends declared and treasury stock issuances
    (2,947 )     (2,539 )
Retained Earnings – April 30
  $ 110,053     $ 104,550  
                 
Net Income Per Share
               
  Basic Common
  $ 1.06     $ 1.01  
  Basic Class B
  $ 0.86     $ 0.81  
  Diluted
  $ 0.97     $ 0.91  
                 
 Average Shares Outstanding
               
  Basic Common
    5,135       5,052  
  Basic Class B
    1,872       1,852  
  Diluted
    7,237       7,206  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Nine Months Ended
 April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net Income
  $ 7,034     $ 6,586  
                 
Other Comprehensive Income:
               
  Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities
    (27 )     3  
  Pension and postretirement benefits
    36       13  
  Cumulative translation adjustment
    (770 )     156  
                 
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 6,273     $ 6,758  



 
 
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 and Retained Earnings
 
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
(unaudited)
 
   
For The Three Months Ended
 April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net Sales
  $ 58,053     $ 59,543  
Cost of Sales
    (44,833 )     (48,486 )
Gross Profit
    13,220       11,057  
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    (9,631 )     (8,236 )
Income from Operations
    3,589       2,821  
                 
Other Income (Expense)
               
  Interest expense
    (470 )     (552 )
  Interest income
    60       232  
  Other, net
    241       213  
               Total Other Income (Expense), Net
    (169 )     (107 )
                 
Income Before Income Taxes
    3,420       2,714  
Income taxes
    (1,004 )     (701 )
Net Income
  $ 2,416     $ 2,013  
                 
Net Income Per Share
               
  Basic Common
  $ 0.36     $ 0.30  
  Basic Class B
  $ 0.29     $ 0.25  
  Diluted
  $ 0.33     $ 0.28  
                 
 Average Shares Outstanding
               
  Basic Common
    5,149       5,092  
  Basic Class B
    1,880       1,862  
  Diluted
    7,223       7,223  
 
 
 

 
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
 April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net Income
  $ 2,416     $ 2,013  
                 
Other Comprehensive Income:
               
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    11       12  
  Pension and postretirement benefits
    12       1  
  Cumulative translation adjustment
    107       (55 )
                 
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 2,546     $ 1,971  



 
 
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 Nine Months Ended April 30
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net Income
  $ 7,034     $ 6,586  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
  provided by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation and amortization
    5,427       5,596  
    Amortization of investment discount
    (115 )     (601 )
    Non-cash stock compensation expense
    353       691  
    Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
    (189 )     (277 )
    Deferred income taxes
    5       16  
    Provision for bad debts
    50       109  
    Loss on the sale of fixed assets
    35       161  
    (Increase) Decrease in:
               
        Accounts receivable
    2,623       (3,285 )
        Inventories
    (2,392 )     (1,704 )
        Prepaid expenses
    (1,018 )     (770 )
        Other assets
    (1,042 )     (790 )
    Increase (Decrease) in:
               
        Accounts payable
    (1,424 )     1,431  
        Accrued expenses
    (1,676 )     (1,233 )
        Deferred compensation
    252       392  
        Other liabilities
    384       (199 )
               Total Adjustments
    1,273       (463 )
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    8,307       6,123  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
    Capital expenditures
    (12,682 )     (4,352 )
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    22       43  
    Purchases of investment securities
    (73,965 )     (71,940 )
    Dispositions of investment securities
    91,000       71,500  
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
    4,375       (4,749 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
    Principal payments on notes payable
    (5,580 )     (4,080 )
    Dividends paid
    (2,760 )     (2,528 )
    Purchase of treasury stock
    (656 )     (20 )
    Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock
    107       --  
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    272       1,075  
    Excess tax benefits for share-based payments
    189       277  
    Other, net
    (312 )     45  
    Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (8,740 )     (5,231 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes
    890       (111 )
                 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    4,832       (3,968 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year
    6,848       12,133  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, April 30
  $ 11,680     $ 8,165  
 
 
 

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, 2008 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 nine months ended April 30, 2009 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2009.

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated 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, all marketing related costs, any miscellaneous trade spending expenses not required to be included in net sales, research and development costs, depreciation and amortization related to assets outside the product manufacturing and distribution process 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.  A customer is determined to be uncollectible when we have completed our internal collection procedures, including termination of shipments, direct customer contact and formal demand of payment.  We maintain and monitor a list of customers whose creditworthiness has diminished.  We will continue to monitor customer creditworthiness given the recent economic credit crisis.
 
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.
 
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.  
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FAS No. 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than Temporary Impairments.  This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities by clarifying the interaction of the factors that should be considered when determining whether a debt security is other than temporarily impaired and by improving the related presentation and disclosure for such debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end of July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  This FSP requires a publicly traded company to include disclosures about the fair value of its financial instruments whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim reporting periods.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 157-4 (“FSP SFAS 157-4) Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.  This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”) when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased.  FSP SFAS 157-4 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies.  This FSP addresses issues on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination.  This FSP is effective for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt this FSP as of August 1, 2009 and will apply it to future business combinations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”).  This statement establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS 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 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 do not believe this SFAS will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1).  This FSP states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.  The FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.  Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share data (including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data) to conform to the provisions in this FSP.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  We will adopt this FSP as of August 1, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or our earnings per share.

In November 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF No. 08-7 (“FSP EITF 08-7), Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets.  This FSP clarifies the definition and accounting for defensive intangible assets acquired in a business combination or an asset acquisition.  This FSP states that, upon acquisition, an intangible asset must be recognized at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, regardless of how the acquiring entity intends to use the asset.  The intangible asset should be amortized over a useful life approximated by the period over which it is expected to provide direct and indirect cash flows benefits resulting from the limitation against others to use the intangible asset.  FSP EITF 08-7 will be effective for any intangible assets we acquire on or after August 1, 2009.
 
 
11


 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 (“FSP FAS 132(R)-1”), Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.  This FSP amends SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to expand the disclosure requirements for employers’ pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.  FSP FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets, the investment policies and strategies for the major categories of plan assets and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  We will adopt this FSP in our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010, on a prospective basis.  We are currently evaluating the impact FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

3.  
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

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 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 (“FSP SFAS 157-1”) and by FSP SFAS No. 157-2 Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (“FSP SFAS 157-2”).  FSP SFAS 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to exclude FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases (“SFAS 13”) and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under SFAS 13.  FSP SFAS 157-1 was effective upon the initial adoption of SFAS 157.  FSP SFAS 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS 157 until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 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).

In October 2008, SFAS 157 was further amended by FSP SFAS No. 157-3 (“FSP SFAS 157-3”) Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active.  FSP SFAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance and clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active.  We did not have any financial assets in a market that was not active; therefore, the adoption of FSP SFAS 157-3 had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.  See Note 5 for the description of our adoption of the nondelayed portions of SFAS 157.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  We adopted this Statement as of August 1, 2008.  We did not elect the Fair Value Option for any of our financial assets or liabilities; therefore, the adoption of FAS 159 had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In June 2007, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”).  EITF 06-11 requires that the tax benefit related to dividend and dividend equivalents paid on equity-classified nonvested shares and nonvested share units, which are expected to vest, be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital.  EITF 06-11 was to be applied prospectively for tax benefits on dividends declared in our fiscal year beginning August 1, 2008.  The adoption of EITF 06-11 had an insignificant impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

4.  
INVENTORIES

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

   
April 30,
   
July 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
 
Finished goods
  $ 12,308     $ 10,076  
Packaging
    3,955       3,798  
Other
    3,873       3,870  
    $ 20,136     $ 17,744  

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 April 30, 2009 and July 31, 2008 were $176,000 and $138,000, respectively.
 
 
12


 
5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We adopted the required portions of SFAS 157, as amended, on August 1, 2008.  SFAS 157 applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  An asset or liability’s level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  This Statement requires that financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 
Level 1:
Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2:
Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on:
1)  
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
2)    Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
3)  
Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
Level 3:
Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  These inputs may reflect estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the financial assets and liabilities.

The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:

   
Fair Value at April 30, 2009
(in thousands)
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
 
Assets
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,801     $ 1,801     $ --  
Marketable equity securities
    44       44       --  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    3,622       --       3,622  
                         

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they were valued using quoted market prices in active markets.  These cash instruments are primarily money market mutual funds.

Marketable equity securities were valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  These securities represent stock we own in one publicly traded company.

Cash surrender value of life insurance is classified as Level 2.  The value was determined by the underwriting insurance company’s valuation models and represents the guaranteed value we would receive upon surrender of these policies as of April 30, 2009.  These life insurance policies are held on key employees.

The investments in securities of $3,996,000 reported on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets consisted of U.S. Treasury securities carried at amortized cost and are not included in the above table.

We generally apply fair value techniques on a non-recurring basis associated with: 1) valuing potential impairment loss related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and other Intangible Assets and 2) valuing potential impairment loss related to long-lived assets accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 144 Accounting for Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

6. PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The components of net periodic pension benefits cost of our sponsored defined benefit plans were as follows:
 
 
13


 
   
PENSION PLANS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
 
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 210     $ 254     $ 631     $ 678  
Interest cost
    334       414       1,002       998  
Expected return on plan assets
    (324 )     (506 )     (974 )     (1,200 )
Net amortization
    11       (78 )     35       8  
    $ 231     $ 84     $ 694     $ 484  

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.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2009 we made a contribution of $827,000 to our pension plan.  See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for certain information regarding the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.

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

   
POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
 
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 15     $ 21     $ 46     $ 55  
Interest cost
    23       25       70       61  
Amortization of net transition obligation
    4       4       12       12  
Net actuarial loss
    4       (5 )     11       1  
    $ 46     $ 45     $ 139     $ 129  

Our plan covering postretirement health benefits is an unfunded plan.

Assumptions used in the previous calculations were as follows:

   
PENSION PLAN
   
POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS
 
   
For three and nine months ended:
 
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
   
April 30,
2009
   
April 30,
2008
 
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost
    7.00 %     6.50 %     7.00 %     6.50 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    4.00 %     4.00 %     --       --  
Long-term expected rate of return on assets
    7.50 %     8.00 %     --       --  
Measurement date
 
7/31/2008
   
7/31/2007
   
7/31/2008
   
7/31/2007
 
Census date
 
8/1/2008
   
8/1/2007
   
8/1/2008
   
8/1/2007
 

The medical cost trend assumption for postretirement health benefits was a graded rate starting at 10% and decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5% in 1% annual increments.
 
 
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7.  
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, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We do not rely on any segment asset allocations and we do not consider them meaningful because of the shared nature of our production facilities; however, we have estimated the segment asset allocations below for those assets for which we can reasonably determine.  The unallocated asset category is the remainder of our total assets.  The asset allocation is estimated and is not a measure used by our chief operating decision maker about allocating resources to the operating segments or in assessing their performance.  The corporate expenses line includes certain unallocated expenses including primarily salaries, wages and benefits, purchased services, rent, utilities and depreciation and amortization associated with corporate functions such as research and development, information systems, finance, legal, human resources and customer service.  Corporate expenses also include the annual incentive plan bonus accrual.

   
Assets
   
April 30,
  July 31,
   
2009
   
2008
   
(in thousands)
Business to Business Products
  $ 42,518     $ 38,026  
Retail and Wholesale Products
    68,413       66,838  
Unallocated Assets
    33,173       44,124  
Total Assets
  $ 144,104     $ 148,988  
 

(in thousands)

 
             
Nine Months Ended April 30, 
         
     
Net Sales 
     
Operating Income 
 
     
2009 
     
2008 
     
2009 
     
2008 
 
             
(in thousands) 
         
Business to Business Products
  $ 58,841     $ 55,802     $ 11,991     $ 11,561  
Retail and Wholesale Products
    121,470       117,052       11,908       11,416  
Total Sales/Operating Income
  $ 180,311     $ 172,854       23,899       22,977  
Less:
                               
           Corporate Expenses
                    13,092       13,143  
           Interest Expense, net of
                               
           Interest Income
                    1,132       812  
Income before Income Taxes
                    9,675       9,022  
Income Taxes
                    (2,641 )     (2,436 )
Net Income
                  $ 7,034     $ 6,586  

 
 
 
 
   
Three Months Ended April 30,
 
   
Net Sales
   
Operating Income
 
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
         
  (in thousands) 
       
                         
Business to Business Products
  $ 19,992     $ 20,322     $ 4,085     $ 3,904  
Retail and Wholesale Products
    38,061       39,221       4,693       3,183  
Total Sales/Operating Income
  $ 58,053     $ 59,543       8,778       7,087  
Less:
                               
           Corporate Expenses
                    4,948       4,053  
           Interest Expense, net of
                               
           Interest Income
                    410       320  
Income before Income Taxes
                    3,420       2,714  
Income Taxes
                    (1,004 )     (701 )
Net Income
                  $ 2,416     $ 2,013  

 
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8. 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 nine months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008 is the cost related to the unvested portion of grants issued after August 1, 2000 and grants issued after July 31, 2005.

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.  Since plan inception, 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 63,250 stock options outstanding as of April 30, 2009 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 $8,000 and $99,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $69,000 and $306,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively.

There were no stock options granted in the first nine months of fiscal years 2009 or 2008.
 
 
16

 

 
Changes in our stock options during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 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, 2008
624
 
$  8.66
 
4.4
 
$  4,688
Exercised
(64) 
 
$  5.94
     
$     713
Cancelled
(15)
 
$  8.32
     
$     117
Options outstanding, April 30, 2009
545
 
$  8.99
 
3.9
 
$  3,919
Options exercisable, April 30, 2009
513
 
$  8.60
 
3.7
 
$  3,870

The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $36,000 and the related tax benefit was $19,000.  The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $379,000 and the related tax benefit was $192,000.

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 third quarter of fiscal years 2009 and 2008 is $71,000 and $77,000, respectively, related to the unvested restricted stock granted in fiscal 2006.  In the first nine months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the expense related to the unvested restricted stock was $219,000 and $244,000, respectively.  No shares of restricted stock were granted in the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

Changes in our restricted stock outstanding during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were as follows:

 
(shares in thousands)
 
Restricted Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested restricted stock at July 31, 2008
55
 
$15.42
Vested
(20)
   
Unvested restricted stock at April 30, 2009
35
 
$15.37


 
17

 

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, 2008.  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, 2008.

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 7 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2009 COMPARED TO
NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008

Consolidated net sales for the nine months ended April 30, 2009 were $180,311,000, an increase of 4% from net sales of $172,854,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $7,034,000, an increase of 7% from net income of $6,586,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Diluted income per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $0.97 compared to $0.91 for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was positively impacted by a higher average net selling price and was negatively affected by higher costs and by lower tons sold compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Selling prices were increased to contend with higher costs incurred throughout our business, and particularly in freight, packaging and materials.  Freight costs were impacted by fuel prices which affect our truck, rail and ship distribution channels.  Packaging costs were affected by prices for resin and paper commodities. Our fuel, paper and resin costs decreased during the later part of the first nine months of fiscal 2009; however, our overall freight and packaging costs were higher than in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Material costs were similarly impacted by the cost of fuel used to dry our clay-based products and to transport raw materials.  As described in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk, we employ a forward purchase policy to mitigate the volatility of the cost of fuel used to dry our clay-based products.  Under this policy, the impact of fuel cost increases may be lessened; however, the benefit of fuel cost decreases may also be moderated.  Both the Business to Business Products Group and the Retail and Wholesale Products Group experienced improved operating income as higher net selling prices outweighed increased costs and decreased tons sold.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were $58,841,000, an increase of $3,039,000 from net sales of $55,802,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The net sales increase was attributed primarily to higher net selling prices that more than offset an overall 8% decrease in tons sold.  Tons sold were down for all products, except for co-packaged cat litter products.  Our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter net sales increased 13% due primarily to an increase in net selling price accompanied by a 4% increase in tons sold.  Net sales of agricultural chemical carriers increased 15% due primarily to higher net selling prices that overcame a 9% decrease in tons sold.  Fewer tons were sold in the crop protection market due to greater use of genetically modified seed and in the lawn and garden market due to the weak economy and the increased use of engineered granules.  Net sales of our flowability aid product increased 5% while tons sold decreased 21%.  The demand for flowability aid products used in animal feed was reduced due to the protein content of the soybean crop which is a determining factor in feed formulations.  Net sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products increased 4% due primarily to a higher net selling price while tons sold declined 6%.  A good quality soybean crop, which requires less bleaching clay to process the oil, a weak global economy and high export freight costs resulted in lower tons sold for bleaching earth products.  Animal health and nutrition products reported a 10% increase in net sales with a 21% decline in tons sold.  The increase in net sales of animal health and nutrition products was due primarily to increased net selling prices and the initial sales of new products.  Tons sold declined during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 in part due to the transition of customers to these new products.  Sports products experienced a 19% decline in net sales along with a 23% decline in tons sold.  Sales of our baseball products suffered from the impact of the economic downturn on municipalities and other recreational baseball customers.  Sales of golf products declined upon the loss of a golf products distributor.
 
 
18


 
The Business to Business Products Group’s segment operating income increased 4% from $11,561,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $11,991,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  Higher net selling prices offset decreased tons sold and an approximately 11% increase in combined freight, materials and packaging costs.  Freight costs increased approximately 14%.  Although overall international freight costs and domestic diesel fuel prices declined during the later part of the first nine months of fiscal 2009, on average our freight costs were higher compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Material costs were impacted by increased costs for fuel used to dry our clay-based products which resulted in approximately a 13% cost increase.  See the discussion of manufacturing costs under Consolidated Results below.  Conversely, packaging costs decreased approximately 7% due primarily to lower costs for resin.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group were up approximately 26% due primarily to increased product development and marketing costs associated with the launch of new animal health and nutrition products.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were $121,470,000, an increase of $4,418,000 from net sales of $117,052,000 reported in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The net sales growth was driven by increased average net selling prices that more than offset a 2% decline in tons sold.  The decline in total tons sold was driven by reductions in tons sold by our foreign subsidiaries and in sales of our industrial absorbents, while domestic cat litter tons sold were flat.  Net sales of private label cat litter increased 9% due primarily to 3% more tons sold and a higher net selling price.  The higher tons sold was the result of expanded distribution to existing customers, as well as distribution to new customers.  Net sales of branded cat litter also increased 6% due to higher net selling prices that more than offset a 6% decline in tons sold.  Our branded coarse cat litter tons sold declined; however, our branded scoopable cat litter tons sold increased as a result of new products and marketing programs.  Net sales of domestic industrial absorbents also increased 4% due to a higher net selling price while tons sold were 2% lower due to poor economic conditions in the domestic manufacturing and automotive industries.  Net sales of our foreign subsidiaries decreased 23% with a 14% decline in tons sold.  Both our United Kingdom and Canadian subsidiaries have been negatively impacted by weak local currencies compared to the U.S. Dollar and the worldwide economic slowdown.  See Foreign Operations below for further information regarding our foreign subsidiaries’ results.

The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income increased 4% to $11,908,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 from $11,416,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  A higher net selling price overcame an approximate 5% increase in combined freight, materials and packaging costs compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Packaging costs increased approximately 7% due primarily to higher paper prices.  Material costs increased approximately 6% due primarily to the higher cost for fuel used to dry our clay-based products compared to the prior fiscal year.  Freight costs were even with the prior fiscal year as lower diesel prices have reduced domestic freight costs, particularly in the later part of the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group increased approximately 10% due primarily to higher advertising costs.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was 21% compared to 20% in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Higher net selling prices outweighed increased fuel, manufacturing, freight, material and packaging costs.  The cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process was 24% higher in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Non-fuel manufacturing costs, including depreciation and amortization, also increased 10% over the same period of the prior fiscal year.  Significant manufacturing cost increases were in purchased materials, repairs, labor and non-kiln fuel.

We use natural gas, fuel oil and coal in the manufacturing process to operate kilns that dry our clay.  As described below in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, we have contracted for a substantial portion of our planned fuel needs for fiscal 2009.  Despite recent decreased market prices in some energy-related commodities, we anticipate that fuel costs incurred during fiscal 2009 will exceed costs in fiscal 2008.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were 15%, the same as in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The discussions of the Groups’ operating income above describe the fluctuation in the selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments.  The remaining unallocated corporate expenses were slightly lower due primarily to a lower estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.  The lower incentive bonus expense was based on performance targets that are established for each year.
 
 
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Interest expense was $243,000 less for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period in fiscal 2008 due to continued debt reduction.  Interest income was $563,000 lower in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to a lower average interest rate and a lower average investment balance.

Our effective tax rate was 27% of pre-tax income in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the same as in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The effective tax rate was based on the projected level and composition of our taxable income for fiscal 2009.

Total assets decreased $4,884,000 or 3% during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  Current assets decreased $11,350,000 or 14% from fiscal 2008 year-end balances due primarily to decreased investments in Treasury securities and accounts receivable.  These decreases were partially offset by increased cash and cash equivalents, inventories and prepaid expenses.  The changes in current assets are described below in Liquidity and Capital Resources.  Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, increased $7,102,000 during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to the capital projects related to new product development at our manufacturing facilities and the purchase of land.

Total liabilities decreased $8,660,000 or 14% during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  Current liabilities decreased $5,657,000 or 19% due primarily to decreased current maturities of notes payable, accounts payable, accrued salaries and accrued freight.  Increased accrued trade promotions partially offset these decreases.  The changes in current liabilities are described below in Liquidity and Capital Resources.  Non-current liabilities decreased $3,003,000 or 10% due to lower notes payable partially offset by an increased deferred compensation liability.  The decrease in notes payable is due to the reclassification from long-term to current.  The increase in the deferred compensation liability is due to ongoing deferrals and accrued interest.

THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2009 COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2009 were $58,053,000, a decrease of 3% from net sales of $59,543,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $2,416,000, an increase of 20% from net income of $2,013,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Diluted income per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $0.33 compared to $0.28 diluted net income per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was positively impacted by a higher average net selling price and generally flat costs for fuel used in the manufacturing process and combined materials, packaging and freight costs.  To a lesser extent, net income was negatively affected by lower tons sold and higher non-fuel manufacturing costs, including depreciation and amortization.  Operating income improved for both the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and for the Business to Business Products Group.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $19,992,000, a decrease of $330,000 or 2% from net sales of $20,322,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  This decrease was due primarily to a 14% decline in tons sold which prevailed over higher net selling prices.  Net sales were down for sports products, bleaching earth and fluid filtration products.  Net sales of sports products declined 24% with 26% lower tons sold.  Sales of our baseball products declined due to the negative impact of economic conditions on municipalities and other recreational baseball customers.  Sales of golf products decreased upon the loss of a distributor.  Net sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products were down 10% from the third quarter last year as a 17% decline in tons sold outweighed a higher net selling price.  The lower tons sold for bleaching earth products were the result of a weak global economy and a good quality soybean crop, which requires less bleaching clay to process the oil.  Net sales of our flowability aid product decreased 11% with 25% lower tons sold.  The demand for flowability aid products used in animal feed was reduced due to the protein content of the soybean crop which is a determining factor in feed formulations.  Net sales increased for agricultural chemical carriers, co-packaged products and animal health and nutrition products.  Net sales of agricultural chemical carriers were up 15% due primarily to a higher net selling price that more than offset a 7% decrease in tons sold.  Agricultural chemical carriers tons sold declined primarily in the lawn and garden market due to the increased use of engineered granules and the poor economy.  A higher net selling price for our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter and a 5% increase in tons sold resulted in an 11% net sales increase; however, under the terms of the agreement with our co-packaging partner, the net selling price was reduced at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of animal health and nutrition products were up 14% due primarily to increased net selling prices and the sales of new products.

 
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The Business to Business Products Group’s segment operating income increased 5% from $3,904,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $4,085,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  The income increase was due primarily to a higher net selling price that offset both lower tons sold and slightly higher combined freight, materials and packaging costs.   Material costs increased approximately 10% due to higher costs associated with the mining and processing of our clay as described under Consolidated Results below. The Group’s average freight cost was approximately 9% lower compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as the result of lower international freight costs and lower domestic diesel fuel prices. Packaging costs decreased about 8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 due to lower costs for resin and paper.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group increased approximately 31% due primarily to increased marketing and other costs associated with the launch of new animal health and nutrition products.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $38,061,000, a decrease of $1,160,000 or 3% from net sales of $39,221,000 reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  The net sales decline was driven by a 9% decrease in tons sold that outweighed increased net selling prices.  Domestic industrial absorbents and cat litter products, as well as our foreign subsidiaries all experienced a reduction in tons sold.  Net sales of our foreign subsidiaries decreased 31% with a 17% decline in tons sold.  Both our United Kingdom and Canadian subsidiaries have been negatively impacted by weak local currencies compared to the U.S. Dollar and the worldwide economic slowdown.  See Foreign Operations below for further information regarding our foreign subsidiaries’ results.  Total cat litter net sales were up 1% as a higher net selling price offset a decrease in tons sold of approximately 6%.  Net sales of private label cat litter increased 1% due a higher net selling price that offset 4% lower tons sold.  Net sales of branded cat litter also increased 1% due primarily to higher net selling prices that offset a 10% decline in tons sold.  Sales of our branded coarse cat litter declined in dollars and tons sold; however, sales of our branded scoopable cat litter increased in dollars and tons sold due to improved sales to existing customers.  Our industrial absorbents net sales were flat for the quarter with 7% lower tons sold. The continuing poor economic conditions in the manufacturing and automotive industries had a negative impact on industrial absorbent sales.

The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income increased 47% to $4,693,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 from $3,183,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Combined freight, materials and packaging costs decreased slightly compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Freight costs declined approximately 9% due to lower diesel fuel prices.  Material and packaging costs were flat with the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group increased approximately 5% due primarily to higher advertising costs.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 23% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 19% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  Higher net selling prices prevailed over an increase in non-fuel manufacturing costs, while the cost of fuel used in the manufacturing process and combined materials, packaging and freight were flat.  Non-fuel manufacturing costs, including depreciation and amortization, increased 8%.  Significant manufacturing cost increases were in purchased materials, repairs, labor and non-kiln fuel.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 17% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 14% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The discussions of the Groups’ operating income above describe the fluctuation in the selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments.  The remaining unallocated corporate expenses were higher due primarily to a higher quarterly estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.  The incentive bonus accrual was based on performance targets that are established for each year and the estimated accrual is calculated quarterly based on actual results compared to these targets.

Interest expense was $82,000 lower for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period in fiscal 2008 due to continued debt reduction.  Interest income was $172,000 lower in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to a lower average interest rate and a lower average investment balance.

Our effective tax rate was 29% of pre-tax income in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 26% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 included an adjustment to increase the nine month effective tax rate to 27% based on the projected level and composition of our taxable income for fiscal 2009.  The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 included an adjustment to decrease the nine month effective tax rate to 27% based on the projected level and composition of our taxable income for fiscal 2008.
 
 
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FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were $10,206,000 or 6% of our consolidated net sales.  This represents a decrease of 23% compared to foreign subsidiary net sales from the first nine months of fiscal 2008 of $13,186,000 or 8% of our consolidated net sales.  Net sales and tons sold decreased in both our Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries.  Industrial absorbent sales were down for both subsidiaries as the worldwide economic slowdown impacted sales through reduced orders.  In addition, the British Pound was approximately 21% weaker and the Canadian Dollar was approximately 15% weaker against the U.S. Dollar for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008, which resulted in lower sales values after translation to U.S. Dollars for the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $496,000, a decrease of $1,432,000 from the $936,000 net income reported in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The lower tons sold and currency impacts described above contributed to the net loss, along with increased material and packaging costs.

Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of April 30, 2009 were $9,186,000 compared to $11,101,000 as of April 30, 2008.  The decrease is due primarily to lower cash balances and the weaker value of both the British Pound and Canadian Dollar compared to the U.S. Dollar as of April 30, 2009 versus April 30, 2008.  The exchange rate fluctuation resulted in lower asset values translated to U.S. Dollars as of April 30, 2009.

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were $3,117,000 or 5% of our consolidated net sales.  This represents a 31% decrease compared to foreign subsidiary net sales from with the third quarter of fiscal 2008 of $4,488,000 or 8% of our consolidated net sales.  Net sales and tons sold decreased in both our Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries. Industrial absorbent sales were down for both subsidiaries due to the continued worldwide economic slowdown.  Canadian cat litter sales also declined for the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  The quarter’s results were further impacted by the British Pound approximately 27% weaker and the Canadian Dollar approximately 19% weaker against the U.S. Dollar as described for the nine month period above.  For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $63,000, a decrease of $510,000 from the $447,000 net income reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

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 increased $4,832,000 during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to $11,680,000 at April 30, 2009.

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

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
April 30, 2009
   
April 30, 2008
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 8,307     $ 6,123  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    4,375       (4,749 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (8,740 )     (5,231 )
Effect of exchange rate changes
    890       (111 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,832     $ (3,968 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operations was $8,307,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2009, compared to $6,123,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The increase was due primarily to increased net income and changes in working capital.  For the first nine months of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the primary components of working capital that impacted operating cash flows were as follows:

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, decreased by $2,623,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of $3,285,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were significantly less than in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, particularly in the comparison of the last month of each quarter.  Sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were greater than in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, again particularly in the comparison of the last month of each quarter.  The change in both years is also subject to timing of sales and collections and ongoing efforts to improve collection procedures.  We assessed our accounts receivable as of April 30, 2009 using various statistical measures and specific account reviews and believe the quality of our accounts receivable has not diminished compared to April 30, 2008.
 

 
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Inventories increased $2,392,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of $1,704,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.  Finished goods inventories increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to increased tons in inventory to cover downtime for planned maintenance.  Finished goods and packaging inventories increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 due to normal operational fluctuations and higher costs.

Other assets increased $1,042,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of $790,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The change in other assets includes the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-cash assets held by our foreign subsidiaries.  The change in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to both the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar resulted in a significant increase in other assets in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, while in the same period of fiscal 2008 the result was a small decrease.  The increase in other assets in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was primarily due to a noncurrent receivable established in a new arrangement with our co-packaging partner.

Other prepaid expenses increased $1,018,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of $770,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The timing of insurance premium payments resulted in an increase in prepaid expenses in both years.  Spare parts inventory also increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

Accrued expenses decreased $1,676,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to a decrease of $1,233,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  The decrease in both years was due primarily to nine months of discretionary bonus accrued at April 30 compared to twelve months accrued at July 31.  The lower bonus accrual at April 30, 2009 resulted in a comparatively greater decrease.  Accrued freight decreased for the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due to lower costs and lower tons sold, particularly during the last month of the quarter.  Accrued freight increased for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 due to higher costs and higher tons sold during the third quarter.  Accrued freight in both years is impacted by the timing of payments and shipments at quarter-end.

Accounts payable decreased $1,424,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to an increase of $1,431,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in fiscal 2009 reflected a recent decline in manufacturing fuel costs combined with fewer tons of clay processed at our plants, particularly during the last month of the fiscal 2009 third quarter.  The increase in fiscal 2008 reflected higher manufacturing fuel costs and more tons of clay processed at our plants.  Both years were subject to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments.

Other liabilities increased $384,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to a decrease of $199,000 in the same period of fiscal 2008.  The change relates primarily to the currency exchange rate fluctuation described above for other assets.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash provided by investing activities was $4,375,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to cash used in investing activities of $4,749,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Dispositions of investment securities were greater than purchases of investment securities during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 as a result of the funds needed for capital projects, as well as to make payments on long-term debt, to pay the fiscal 2008 bonus and to pay dividends.  Cash used for capital expenditures of $12,682,000 during this period included approximately $7,000,000 related to construction of a new plant to produce engineered granules and land purchases.  Purchases of investment securities were greater than dispositions during the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  During fiscal 2008 we changed our investment strategy to allocate a greater portion of our financial resources to investments compared to cash.  Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities.  Cash used for capital expenditures during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was $4,352,000.

Net cash used in financing activities

Cash used in financing activities was $8,740,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to $5,231,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Cash used for payment of long-term debt in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $1,500,000 higher than in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Cash used to purchase treasury stock in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $656,000 compared to $20,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.  Dividend payments in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 were $232,000 higher compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2008 due to a dividend increase.  In addition, cash provided from the issuance of common stock and treasury stock related to stock options exercise activity in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $696,000 less than for the same period in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in stock option exercises also provided $88,000 lower excess tax benefit in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period of fiscal 2008.

 
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Other

Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries at April 30, 2009 and 2008 were $1,125,000 and $2,116,000, respectively.  Our foreign subsidiaries’ cash and investment balances decreased due to lower net sales.

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 April 30, 2009, the value of these guarantees was $451,000 of lease liabilities.

On December 19, 2008, we signed an amendment to extend our $15,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement with Harris N.A. (“Harris”) that was set to expire on January 27, 2009.  The amended agreement is effective until December 31, 2011 and changes certain terms of the original agreement.

The credit agreement with Harris 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 April 30, 2009, the variable rates would have been 3.3% for the Harris’ prime-based rate or 2.5% for the LIBOR-based rate.  The credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions, 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 April 30, 2009 and 2008, 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.  We expect cash requirements for capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 to increase significantly from fiscal 2008 due to investment in our manufacturing facilities.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2009 we had capital expenditures of approximately $7,000,000 related to construction of a new plant to produce engineered granules and land purchases.  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 our cash requirements.

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 April 30, 2009 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
  $ 21,500,000     $ 3,200,000     $ 7,100,000     $ 7,300,000     $ 3,900,000  
Interest on Long-Term Debt
    4,337,000       1,325,000       1,920,000       953,000       139,000  
Operating Leases
    12,459,000       2,836,000       3,686,000       2,060,000       3,877,000  
Unconditional Purchase Obligations
    9,032,000       6,671,000       2,361,000       --       --  
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
  $ 47,328,000     $ 14,032,000     $ 15,067,000     $ 10,313,000     $ 7,916,000  
 
 
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The unconditional purchase obligations represent forward purchase contracts we have entered into for a portion of our natural gas fuel needs for fiscal 2009, 2010 and 2011.  As of April 30, 2009, the remaining purchase obligation for fiscal 2009 was $3,322,000 for 360,000 MMBtu, for fiscal 2010 was $4,346,000 for 570,000 MMBtu and for fiscal 2011 was $1,364,000 for 160,000 MMBtu.  These contracts were entered into in the normal course of business and no contracts were entered into for speculative purposes.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2009 we made a contribution of $827,000 to our defined benefit pension plan.  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.  See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk below for certain information regarding the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.

As of April 30, 2009, our non-current liability for uncertain tax positions was approximately $200,000.  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.

   
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
Other Commercial Commitments
 
Total
   
Less Than 1 Year
   
1 – 3 Years
   
4 – 5 Years
   
After 5 Years
 
Other Commercial Commitments
  $ 49,886,000     $ 36,348,000     $ 9,792,000     $ 3,746,000     $ --  

The other commercial commitments represent open purchase orders, including blanket purchase orders, for items such as packaging, additives and pallets used in the normal course of operations.  The expected timing of payments of these obligations is estimated based on current information.  Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.

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, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q.  For additional information on our adoption of SFAS 157, see Notes 3 and 5 of the notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  For additional information on our adoption of SFAS 159 and EITF 06-11, see Note 3 of the notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FAS No. 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than Temporary Impairments.  This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities by clarifying the interaction of the factors that should be considered when determining whether a debt security is other than temporarily impaired and by improving the related presentation and disclosure for such debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end of July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  This FSP requires a publicly traded company to include disclosures about the fair value of its financial instruments whenever it issues summarized financial information for interim reporting periods.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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In April 2009, FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 157-4 (“FSP SFAS 157-4) Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.  This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”) when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased.  FSP SFAS 157-4 also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We will adopt this FSP at our fiscal year end July 31, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS No. 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies.  This FSP addresses issues on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination.  This FSP is effective for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt this FSP as of August 1, 2009 and will apply it to future business combinations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”).  This statement establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS 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 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 do not believe this SFAS will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1).  This FSP states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.  The FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.  Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share data (including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data) to conform to the provisions in this FSP.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  We will adopt this FSP as of August 1, 2009.  We do not believe this FSP will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or our earnings per share.

In November 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF No. 08-7 (“FSP EITF 08-7), Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets.  This FSP clarifies the definition and accounting for defensive intangible assets acquired in a business combination or an asset acquisition.  This FSP states that, upon acquisition, an intangible asset must be recognized at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, regardless of how the acquiring entity intends to use the asset.  The intangible asset should be amortized over a useful life approximated by the period over which it is expected to provide direct and indirect cash flows benefits resulting from the limitation against others to use the intangible asset.  FSP EITF 08-7 will be effective for any intangible assets we acquire on or after August 1, 2009.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1 (“FSP FAS 132(R)-1”), Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.  This FSP amends SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to expand the disclosure requirements for employers’ pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets.  FSP FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets, the investment policies and strategies for the major categories of plan assets and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  We will adopt this FSP in our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010, on a prospective basis.  We are currently evaluating the impact FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will have 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 offsetting interest rate swap agreements with the same counterparty as of April 30, 2009.  We believe that the market risk arising from holding these financial instruments is not material.

We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risk, primarily U.S. Dollar/British Pound, U.S. Dollar/Euro and U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar, as it relates to certain accounts receivables and our foreign operations.  Foreign currency denominated accounts receivable is a small fraction of our consolidated accounts receivable.  We are also subject to translation exposure of our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements.  In recent years, our foreign subsidiaries have not generated a substantial portion of our consolidated sales or net income.  We do not enter into any hedge contracts in an attempt to offset any adverse effect of changes in currency exchange rates.  We believe that the foreign currency fluctuation risk is limited due to our minimal foreign operations and assets held in such countries.

We are exposed to market risk at it relates to the investments that make up our plan assets under our defined benefit pension plan.  The fair value of these assets is subject to change due to fluctuations in the financial markets.  Changes in the value of plan assets are not expected to have an impact on the income statement for fiscal 2009; however, reduced benefit plan assets could result in increased benefit costs in future years and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of future funding contributions.

We are exposed to regulatory risk in the fluid purification, animal health 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 fuel.  We have contracted for a portion of our anticipated fuel needs for fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 using forward purchase contracts to mitigate the volatility of our kiln fuel prices.  We increased our forward gas contract purchases for future years to take advantage of declines in gas prices.  As of April 30, 2009, we have purchased natural gas contracts representing approximately 70% of our planned kiln fuel needs for fiscal 2009.  We estimate the weighted average cost of these natural gas contracts in fiscal 2009 to be approximately 17% higher than the contracts in fiscal 2008.

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 April 30, 2009, 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 of 2009, 2010 and 2011.  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 June 2, 2009.  All contracts are related to the normal course of business and no contracts are entered into for speculative purposes; therefore, the difference between the contract value and fair value is not recorded on the balance sheet in accordance with the normal purchases exception provided by FAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2009
 
   
Expected 2009 Maturity
   
Fair Value
 
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)
    360,000       --  
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu)
  $ 9.23       --  
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands)
  $ 3,321.6     $ 1,317.5  
 
 
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Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2010
 
   
Expected 2010 Maturity
   
Fair Value
 
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)
    570,000       --  
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu)
  $ 7.62       --  
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands)
  $ 4,346.0     $ 3,170.2  

Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2011
 
   
Expected 2011 Maturity
   
Fair Value
 
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)
    160,000       --  
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu)
  $ 8.53       --  
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands)
  $ 1,364.4     $ 1,100.4  


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 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 Quarterly Report on 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 accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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 April 30, 2009 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.

 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 1A, 3, 4 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 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended April 30, 2009, we did not sell any securities which were not registered under the Securities Act.  The following chart summarizes Common Stock repurchases during this period.

 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES1
         
For the Three Months Ended  April 30, 2009
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs2
         
February 1, 2009 to
       
February 28, 2009
--
--
--
272,688
         
         
March 1, 2009 to
       
March 31, 2009
--
--
--
272,688
         
         
April 1, 2009 to
       
April 30, 2009
445
$15.28
--
272,243
         

1 The table summarizes repurchases of (and remaining authority to repurchase) shares of our Common Stock.  We did not repurchase any shares of our Class B Stock during the period in question, and no shares of our Class A Common Stock are currently outstanding.  Descriptions of our Common Stock, Class B Stock and Class A Common Stock are contained in Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2 On October 10, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock, with repurchases to be made from time to time in the discretion of our management and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.  This authorization does not have a stated expiration date.  The share numbers in this column indicate the number of shares of Common Stock that may yet be repurchased under this authorization.  The share numbers were not affected by the five-for-four stock split that occurred on September 8, 2006.  We do not have any current authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase shares of Class B Stock, and no shares of Class A Common Stock are currently outstanding.

 
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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

(a)  
EXHIBITS:

Exhibit No.
Description
 
SEC Document Reference
       
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.
       
 

 
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SIGNATURES

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


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
President and Chief Executive Officer




Dated:  June 5, 2009


 
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EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
   
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
   
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a).
   
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.

 
 
 
 
 
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