UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2019,

or

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission File No. 1-14187

 

RPM International Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(330) 273-5090

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Not Applicable

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

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

As of April 5, 2019 131,075,271 Shares of RPM International Inc. Common Stock were outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES*

INDEX

 

 

 

 

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PART I. – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 — CONSOLIDATION, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included for the three and nine month periods ended February 28, 2019 and 2018.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018.

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries. We account for our investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures, for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the equity method.  Effects of transactions between related companies are eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests are presented in our consolidated financial statements as if parent company investors (controlling interests) and other minority investors (noncontrolling interests) in partially-owned subsidiaries have similar economic interests in a single entity. As a result, investments in noncontrolling interests are reported as equity in our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, our consolidated financial statements include 100% of a controlled subsidiary’s earnings, rather than only our share. Transactions between the parent company and noncontrolling interests are reported in equity as transactions between stockholders, provided that these transactions do not create a change in control.

Our business is dependent on external weather factors. Historically, we have experienced strong sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters comprising the three month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, with weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter (December through February).

 

 

NOTE 2 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective June 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and all the related amendments included within Accounting Standards Codification 606 (“ASC 606”), using the modified retrospective method of adoption.  Under the modified retrospective method, comparative periods are not restated. The new standard requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contract(s), which includes (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied.   As a result of our adoption procedures, we determined that revenue recognition for our broad portfolio of products and services will remain largely unchanged.  Accordingly, our adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our overall Consolidated Financial Statements.  Refer to Note 15, “Revenue,” and Note 16, “Segment Information,” for additional information.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which provides amended guidance for certain aspects of recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments. The main provisions of the standard impact how we account for changes in the fair value of our marketable securities currently classified as available-for-sale.  Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities are required to be recognized in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. Our adoption of the new standard during fiscal 2019 did not have a material effect on our overall Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 4, “Marketable Securities,” and Note 7, “Investment Expense (Income), Net,” for additional information.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which increases lease transparency and comparability among organizations.  Under the new standard, lessees will be required to recognize all assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet, with the exception of leases with a term of 12 months or less, which permits a lessee to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. In March 2018, the FASB approved an alternative transition method to the modified retrospective approach, which eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements and requires the cumulative effect of the retrospective allocation to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of adoption.  We have selected the alternative transition method for adoption, which we will adopt on June 1, 2019 and are still evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. At a minimum, total assets and total liabilities will increase in the period the ASU is adopted.    

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

In August 2018, the SEC issued Final Rule Release No. 33-10532, “Disclosure Update and Simplification,” which makes a number of changes meant to simplify interim disclosures. The new rule requires a presentation of changes in stockholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest in the form of a reconciliation, either as a separate financial statement or in the notes to the financial statements, for the current and comparative year-to-date interim periods. The additional elements of this release did not have a material impact on our overall Consolidated Financial Statements.  We adopted the new disclosure requirements in our Form 10-Q for the period ended February 28, 2019.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which makes a number of changes meant to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows.  Our June 1, 2018 adoption of the new guidance, which we applied retrospectively to all periods presented, did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (disposals) of assets or of businesses. We adopted the new guidance as of June 1, 2018 and do not expect this revised guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” to eliminate step two from the goodwill impairment test in order to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented.  Our June 1, 2018 adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which makes a number of changes meant to add, modify or remove certain disclosure requirements associated with the movement amongst or hierarchy associated with Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of the update. We do not expect our adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which makes a number of changes meant to add, modify or remove certain disclosure requirements associated with employers that sponsor defined benefit or other postretirement plans. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities and the amendments in this update are required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We are currently reviewing, but adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangible—Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” The update makes a number of changes meant to help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (hosting arrangement), by providing guidance in determining when the arrangement includes a software license.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Our early adoption of this revised guidance as of June 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

NOTE 3 — RESTRUCTURING

 

We record restructuring charges associated with management-approved restructuring plans to either reorganize one or more of our business segments, or to remove duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with our businesses. Restructuring charges can include severance costs to eliminate a specified number of employees, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities and consolidate operations, contract cancellation costs and other costs. Restructuring charges are recorded based upon planned employee termination dates and site closure and consolidation plans. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent upon the type of restructuring charge and can extend over a multi-year period. We record the short-term portion of our restructuring liability in Other Accrued Liabilities and the long-term portion, if any, in Other Long-Term Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

2020 MAP to Growth

 

Between May and August 2018, we approved and implemented the initial phases of a multi-year restructuring plan, the 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan (“2020 MAP to Growth”).  The initial phases of our 2020 MAP to Growth affected all of our reportable segments, as well as our corporate/nonoperating segment, and focused on margin improvement by simplifying business processes; reducing inventory categories and rationalizing SKUs; eliminating underperforming businesses; reducing headcount and working capital; and improving operating efficiency.  The majority of the activities included in the initial phases of the restructuring activities have been completed.

 

During the second quarter ended November 30, 2018, we formally announced the final phases of our 2020 MAP to Growth.  This multi-year restructuring is expected to increase operational efficiency while maintaining our entrepreneurial growth culture and will include three additional phases between September 2018 and December 2020.  Our execution of the 2020 MAP to Growth will continue to drive the de-layering and simplification of management and businesses associated with group realignment.  We will implement four center-led functional areas including manufacturing and operations; procurement and supply chain; information technology; and accounting and finance.

 

Our 2020 MAP to Growth will optimize our manufacturing facilities and will ultimately provide more efficient plant and distribution facilities.  In the first phase of the restructuring we are implementing the planned closure of twelve plants and seven warehouses.  We also expect to incur additional severance and benefit costs as part of our planned closure of these facilities.

 

Throughout the additional phases of our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative, we will continue to assess and find areas of improvement and cost savings.  As such, the final implementation of the aforementioned phases and total expected costs are subject to change.  In addition to the announced plan, we have continued to broaden the scope of our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative, specifically in consolidation of the general and administrative areas, potential outsourcing, as well as additional future plant closures and consolidations; the estimated costs of which have not yet been finalized.  The current total expected costs associated with this plan are outlined in the table below and decreased by approximately $10.9 million compared to our previous estimate, primarily attributable to a reduction in expected facility closure and other related costs within our industrial, consumer, and specialty segments.  These decreases were partially offset by increases in the expected severance charges within our industrial and specialty segments.  Most activities under our 2020 MAP to Growth are anticipated to be completed by the end of calendar year 2020.

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

A summary of the charges recorded in connection with restructuring by reportable segment during fiscal 2019 is as follows:

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

A summary of the activity in the restructuring reserves related to our 2020 MAP to Growth is as follows:

 

 

 

In connection with our 2020 MAP to Growth, during the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we incurred approximately $1.1 million and $0.8 million of inventory-related charges at our industrial and consumer segments, respectively.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we incurred approximately $8.2 million and $2.1 million of inventory-related charges at our industrial and consumer segments, respectively.  The inventory-related charges are partially offset by a favorable adjustment of approximately $0.2 million to the previous write-off at our consumer segment.  All of the aforementioned inventory-related charges are recorded in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income.  These inventory charges were the result of product line and SKU rationalization initiatives in connection with our overall plan of restructuring. 

 

 

NOTE 4 — MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The following tables summarize available-for-sale marketable securities held at February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018 by asset type:

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

 

 

Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets totaling $7.6 million and $16.2 million at February 28, 2019, respectively, and included in other current and long-term assets totaling $97.4 million and $70.7 million at May 31, 2018, respectively, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value.  We carry a portion of our marketable securities portfolio in long-term assets since they are generally held for the settlement of our general and product liability insurance claims processed through our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries.

Marketable securities are composed of available-for-sale debt securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in the fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in investment income, net in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether other-than-temporary declines in market value have occurred, the duration of the decline in value and our ability to hold the investment are considered in conjunction with an evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value.  

During fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities,” which requires gains and losses on marketable equity securities to be recognized in earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. Prior to adoption, equity securities were included in our available-for-sale portfolio and unrealized changes in fair value were recognized through other comprehensive (loss) income until realized, at which point we recorded a gain or loss on sale. As of February 28, 2019, we held approximately $89.2 million in equity securities.  Additionally, as of February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, we held approximately $12.4 million and $9.9 million, respectively, in trading securities in relation to our deferred compensation plan.

Gross realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities are included in investment (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Refer to Note 7, “Investment Expense (Income), Net,” for further details.

Summarized below are the available-for-sale securities we held at February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018 that were in an unrealized loss position and that were included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss), aggregated by the length of time the investments had been in that position:

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

We have reviewed all of the securities included in the table above and have concluded that we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until their cost can be recovered, based upon the severity and duration of the decline. Therefore, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at February 28, 2019 were less than 15% below their original cost. From time to time, we may experience significant volatility in general economic and market conditions.  If we were to experience unrealized losses that were to continue for longer periods of time, or arise to more significant levels of unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.

The net carrying values of debt securities at February 28, 2019, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

NOTE 5 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial instruments recorded in the balance sheet include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes and accounts payable, and debt.

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved, and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility and past experience, but are primarily made up of individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility.

The valuation techniques utilized for establishing the fair values of assets and liabilities are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect management’s market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value, as follows:

Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

 

Our investments in available-for-sale debt securities and trading and other equity securities and are valued using a market approach. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For most of our financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.

The contingent consideration represents the estimated fair value of the additional variable cash consideration payable in connection with recent acquisitions that is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance milestones. We estimated the fair value using expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and applied a discount rate that appropriately captures a market participant's view of the risk associated with the obligation, which are considered to be Level 3 inputs. During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we paid approximately $4.7 million for settlements of contingent consideration obligations relating to certain performance milestones that were established in prior periods and achieved during the current period, and recorded an increase in the accrual for approximately $2.7 million and $5.8 million related to fair value adjustments and new acquisitions, respectively.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, we paid approximately $3.8 million for settlements of contingent consideration obligations relating to certain performance milestones that were established in prior periods and achieved during last year’s first nine months, and we increased our accrual by $0.5 million for fair value adjustments. These amounts are reported in payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration in cash flows from operations and from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The carrying value of our current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, the fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using active market quotes, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of our financial instruments and long-term debt as of February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

 

 

NOTE 6 — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, from time to time, we enter into various derivative transactions. We use various types of derivative instruments including forward contracts and swaps. We formally assess, designate and document, as a hedge of an underlying exposure, each qualifying derivative instrument that will be accounted for as an accounting hedge at inception. Additionally, we assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in the hedging transaction are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures.

Net Investment Hedge

In October 2017, as a means of mitigating the impact of currency fluctuations on our Euro investments in foreign entities, we executed a fair value hedge and two cross currency swaps, in which we will pay variable rate interest in Euros and receive fixed rate interest in U.S. Dollars with a combined notional amount of approximately €85.25 million ($100 million U.S. Dollar equivalent), and which have a maturity date of November 2022. This effectively converts a portion of our U.S. Dollar denominated fixed-rate debt to Euro denominated variable rate debt. The fair value hedge is recognized at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, while changes in the fair value of the hedge are recognized in interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We designated the swaps as net investment hedges of our net investment in our European operations under ASU 2017-12 and applied the spot method to these hedges. The changes in fair value of the derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to offset the changes in the values of the net investments being hedged.  Amounts released from AOCI and reclassified into interest expense did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

We have designated certain forward contracts as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC No. 815 (“ASC 815”), “Derivatives and Hedging.” Changes in the fair value of these highly effective hedges are recorded as a component of AOCI. During the period in which a forecasted transaction affects earnings, amounts previously recorded as a component of AOCI are reclassified into earnings as a component of cost of sales.  Amounts released from AOCI and reclassified into earnings did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented. As of May 31, 2018 the notional amount of the forward contracts held to sell international currencies was $8.7 million, while there was no amount held at February 28, 2019.

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

At February 28, 2019, we held one foreign currency forward contract designed to reduce our exposure to changes in the cash flows of intercompany foreign-currency-denominated loans related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates by fixing the functional currency cash flows.  The contract has not been designated as a hedge; therefore, the changes in fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings as a component of other (income) expense. Amounts recognized in earnings did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented. As of February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, the notional amounts of the forward contract held to purchase foreign currencies was $33.6 million and $147.4 million, respectively.

Disclosure about Derivative Instruments

All of our derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. We determine the fair value of our derivatives based on valuation methods, which project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market based observable inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign currency rates, as well as future and basis point spreads, as applicable.

The fair values of qualifying and non-qualifying instruments used in hedging transactions as of February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

 

 

NOTE 7 — INVESTMENT EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

Investment (income), net, consists of the following components:

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Net (Gain)Loss on Marketable Securities

During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we recognized gross realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of $0.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  Also during the current quarter, we recognized gross realized gains on sales of trading securities of $0.2 million and unrealized losses on trading securities of $0.1 million. For the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we recognized realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities of $0.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, realized gains on trading securities of $0.2 million and unrealized losses on trading securities of $0.7 million.  During the three and nine-month periods ended February 28, 2019, we recognized unrealized gains of $3.7 million and unrealized losses of $2.9 million marketable equity securities.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we recognized gross realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities of $2.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2018, we recognized gross realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities of $8.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  

 

NOTE 8 — OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following components:

 

 

 

NOTE 9 — INCOME TAXES

 

On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”) was enacted into law.  The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period when enacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates. Generally, the more significant provisions of the Act that impacted us for the year ended May 31, 2018 included the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the creation of a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings) and allowance for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property.  The corporate tax rate reduction was effective for RPM as of January 1, 2018 and, accordingly, reduced our fiscal year 2018 federal statutory rate to a blended rate of approximately 29.2%. The significant provisions of the Act which impact us for fiscal 2019 include the full federal statutory rate reduction to 21% and the repeal of the domestic production activities deduction. Also effective for fiscal 2019 are provisions of the Act that subject us to current U.S. tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries and allows a benefit for foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”).

Subsequent to the enactment of the Act, the SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act.  SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118 and based on the information available as of May 31, 2018, we recorded a net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act. The net provisional income tax expense was comprised of a benefit of $15.7 million related to the provisional re-measurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities at the reduced U.S. corporate tax rates, a provisional expense of $67.9 million for the transition tax on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries, and a provisional benefit of $44.9 million for the partial reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities recorded for the estimated tax cost associated with unremitted foreign earnings not considered permanently reinvested.  

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

During our fiscal 2019 third quarter, we completed our assessment of the accounting for the impact of Act, which included analysis based on related legislative updates and technical interpretations of the Act.  As a result, and consistent with SAB 118, during the three months ended February 28, 2019 we recorded a net discrete income tax benefit of $8.1 million, which was comprised of a $6.3 million benefit for the re-measurement of certain U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities and a $1.8 million benefit resulting from the reduction of the transition tax on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries. No other SAB 118 adjustments for the impact of the Act were recorded this fiscal year.

We have estimated the tax impact related to GILTI and FDII for the year ended May 31, 2019 and included such impact in the estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of GILTI and FDII was not material for the nine months ended February 28, 2019.

The effective income tax benefit rate of 224.7% for the three months ended February 28, 2019 compares to the effective income tax benefit rate of 17.0% for the three months ended February 28, 2018. The effective income tax benefit rate of 224.7% for the three months ended February 28, 2019 reflects variances from the 21% statutory rate due primarily to the favorable impact of $12.7 million of net discrete tax benefits recorded during the quarter and the amplified impact of those tax benefits on the relatively low level of pre-tax earnings. The $12.7 million net discrete benefits recorded are primarily comprised of the net $8.1 million benefit resulting from completion of our SAB 118 accounting for the impact of the Act and the release certain income tax reserves for uncertain tax positions.  The 17.0% effective income tax benefit rate for the three months ended February 28, 2018 reflects variances from the blended fiscal year 2018 statutory rate of 29.2% due primarily to the cumulative favorable impact of the statutory rate reduction from 35% to 29.2% which occurred during that prior period. Additionally, the 17.0% effective income tax benefit rate reflects a $1.4 million discrete tax benefit related to an adjustment to the net provisional estimate of the Act as recorded in the prior period and consistent with SAB 118.

The effective income tax rate of 17.8% for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 compares to the effective income tax rate of 15.3% for the nine months ended February 28, 2018. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 reflects variances from the 21% statutory rate due primarily to $16.5 million of net discrete tax benefits, which are comprised of the $12.7 million net tax benefit described above with the remaining balance being recorded in the prior quarters of this fiscal year. These discrete tax benefits were partially offset primarily by the unfavorable impact of state and local taxes and incremental valuation allowances associated with certain foreign net operating losses. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 28, 2018 reflects variances from the 29.2% statutory rate primarily due to $27.0 million in discrete tax benefits recorded in connection with foreign tax credit planning and the implementation of a foreign legal entity restructuring and corresponding planning strategy.

Our deferred tax liability for unremitted foreign earnings was adjusted to $19.9 million as of May 31, 2018. The $19.9 million deferred tax liability represented our estimate of the foreign tax cost associated with the remittance of $549.8 million of foreign earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested. As of February 28, 2019, the amount of these earnings have been modified to approximately $423.4 million and the related deferred tax liability, which represents the estimated tax cost to repatriate these earnings, was adjusted to $19.2 million to reflect the impact of foreign exchange.  The reduction to the earnings amounts no longer permanently reinvested is due principally to distributions made during this fiscal year, which were not subject to foreign withholding taxes.

 

We have not provided for foreign withholding or income taxes on the remaining foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings because such earnings have been retained and reinvested by the subsidiaries as of February 28, 2019.  Accordingly, no provision has been made for foreign withholding or income taxes, which may become payable if the remaining undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries were remitted to us as dividends.

 

 

NOTE 10 — INVENTORIES

Inventories, net of reserves, were composed of the following major classes:

 

 

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

NOTE 11 — STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On January 8, 2008, we announced our authorization of a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of RPM International Inc. common stock at management’s discretion for general corporate purposes. As announced on November 28, 2018, our goal is to return $1.5 billion in capital to stockholders by May 31, 2021 through dividends and share repurchases.  As a result, we may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions at various times and in amounts and for prices that our management deems appropriate, subject to insider trading rules and other securities law restrictions. The timing of our purchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. We may limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time. During the three months ended February 28, 2019, we repurchased 1,570,647 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $91.2 million, or an average cost of $58.08 per share, under this program.  During the nine months ended February 28, 2019, we repurchased 2,819,045 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $173.2 million, or an average cost of $61.45 per share, under this program.  

 

 

NOTE 12 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine-month periods ended February 28, 2019 and 2018.  For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018, basic earnings per share were calculated using the two-class method.  For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2019, diluted earnings per share was calculated using the treasury method.  For the three months ended February 28, 2018, basic weighted-average shares outstanding and basic net income available to common shareholders and basic weighted average common shares were used in calculating diluted earnings per share under the two-class method, as that method resulted in the most-dilutive earnings per share.  For the nine months ended February 28, 2018, diluted earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

 

 

 

NOTE 13 — PENSION PLANS

We offer defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, and various postretirement benefit plans.  The following tables provide the retirement-related benefit plans’ impact on income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

 

Due to slightly higher discount rates and increased asset values, offset by higher interest cost and lump sum mortality rates, net periodic pension and postretirement cost for fiscal 2019 is slightly higher than to our fiscal 2018 expense level. We expect that pension expense will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, but such changes are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial results. We previously disclosed in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 that we expected to contribute approximately $1.3 million to our retirement plans in the U.S. and approximately $8.1 million to plans outside the U.S. during the current fiscal year.  However, during February 2019 we contributed an additional $56.5 million to the RPM Retirement Plan in the U.S., which increases our total expected U.S. contributions to $57.8 million for the current fiscal year.

 

 

NOTE 14 — CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ACCRUED LOSSES

We provide, through our wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, certain insurance coverage, primarily product liability coverage, to our other subsidiaries. Excess coverage is provided by third-party insurers. Our product liability accruals provide for these potential losses as well as other uninsured claims.  Product liability accruals are established based upon actuarial calculations of potential liability using industry experience, actual historical experience and actuarial assumptions developed for similar types of product liability claims, including development factors and lag times.  To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that potential losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, we believe that the amount of any such additional loss would be immaterial to our results of operations, liquidity and consolidated financial position.

We also offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long-term warranty programs at certain of our businesses, and have established product warranty liabilities. We review these liabilities for adequacy on a quarterly basis and adjust them as necessary. The primary factors that could affect these liabilities may include changes in performance rates as well as costs of replacement. Provision for estimated warranty costs is recorded at the time of sale and periodically adjusted, as required, to reflect actual experience. It is probable that we will incur future losses related to warranty claims we have received but that have not been fully investigated and related to claims not yet received. While our warranty liabilities represent our best estimates at February 28, 2019, we can provide no assurances that we will not experience material claims in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to resolve such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what we may recover from our suppliers. Based upon the nature of the expense, product warranty expense is recorded as a reduction of sales, as a component of cost of sales, or within selling, general and administrative expense.

Also, due to the nature of our businesses, the amount of claims paid can fluctuate from one period to the next.  While our warranty liabilities represent our best estimates of our expected losses at any given time, from time-to-time we may revise our estimates based on our experience relating to factors such as weather conditions, specific circumstances surrounding product installations and other factors.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:

 

 

In addition, like other companies participating in similar lines of business, some of our subsidiaries are involved in several proceedings relating to environmental matters.  It is our policy to accrue remediation costs when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related costs can be reasonably estimated.  In general, our environmental accruals are undiscounted liabilities, which are exclusive of claims against third parties, and are not material to our financial statements during any of the periods presented.  

We were notified by the SEC on June 24, 2014, that we are the subject of a formal investigation pertaining to the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves in fiscal 2013 with respect to the previously disclosed U.S. Department Of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the U.S. General Services Administration (the “GSA”) Office of Inspector General investigation into compliance issues relating to Tremco Roofing Division’s GSA contracts. As previously disclosed, our Audit Committee completed an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves with respect to the GSA and DOJ investigation, and determined that it was appropriate to restate our financial results for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013.  These restatements had no impact on our audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 or 2014. The Audit Committee’s investigation concluded that there was no intentional misconduct on the part of any of our officers.

In connection with the foregoing, on September 9, 2016, the SEC filed an enforcement action against us and our General Counsel.  We have cooperated with the SEC’s investigation and believe the allegations in the complaint mischaracterize both our and our General Counsel’s actions in connection with the matters related to our quarterly results in fiscal 2013 and are without merit.  Both we and our General Counsel filed motions to dismiss the complaint on February 24, 2017.  Those motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the Court on September 29, 2017.  We and our General Counsel filed answers to the complaint on October 16, 2017.  Formal discovery commenced in January 2018 and is ongoing.  The parties have engaged in written discovery, and depositions of fact witnesses began in September 2018.  Further depositions scheduled in January 2019 were put on hold due to the U.S. government shutdown.  The Court recently granted a joint motion to modify the case schedule in light of the delay resulting from the U.S. government shutdown, and set deadlines including May 10, 2019 for discovery, July 19, 2019 for our and our General Counsel’s dispositive motions, September 13, 2019 for the SEC’s oppositions and cross-dispositive motions, October 11, 2019 for our and our General Counsel’s reply briefs and cross-oppositions, and November 8, 2019 for the SEC’s cross-reply brief.  We intend to continue to contest the allegations in the complaint vigorously.

Also in connection with the foregoing, a stockholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, against certain of our directors and officers. The court has stayed this stockholder derivative action pending the completion of the SEC enforcement action.

The action by the SEC could result in sanctions against us and/or our General Counsel and could impose substantial additional costs and distractions, regardless of its outcome. We have determined that it is probable that we will incur a loss relating to this matter and have estimated a range of potential loss. We have accrued at the low end of the range of loss, as no amount within the range is more likely to occur, and no amount within the estimated range of loss would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

With respect to a previously disclosed case pending against one of our subsidiaries in which both trade secret and trademark infringement had been alleged, during the quarter ended November 30, 2018, we agreed to settle the case for $6.5 million.

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 15 – REVENUE

 

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives.  We disaggregate revenues from the sales of our products and services based upon geographical location by each of our reportable segments, which are aligned by similar economic factors, trends and customers, which best depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.  See Note 16, “Segment Information,” for further details regarding our disaggregated revenues as well as a description of each of the unique revenue streams related to each of our three reportable segments.  

 

Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. The majority of our revenue is recognized at a point in time.  However, we also record revenues generated under construction contracts, mainly in connection with the installation of specialized roofing and flooring systems and related services. For certain polymer flooring installation projects, we account for our revenue using the output method, as we consider square footage of completed flooring to be the best measure of progress toward the complete satisfaction of the performance obligation.  In contrast, for certain of our roofing installation projects, we account for our revenue using the input method, as that method was the best measure of performance as it considers costs incurred in relation to total expected project costs, which essentially represents the transfer of control for roofing systems to the customer.  In general, for our construction contracts, we record contract revenues and related costs as our contracts progress on an over-time model.  

 

We have elected to apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although our customers’ payment terms generally include a requirement to pay within 30 to 60 days of fulfilling our performance obligations.  In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined that our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component.  We have elected to apply the practical expedient to treat all shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs as a significant portion of these costs are incurred prior to control transfer.  

 

Significant Judgments

 

Our contracts with customers may include promises to transfer multiple products and/or services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. For example, judgment is required to determine whether products sold in connection with the sale of installation services are considered distinct and accounted for separately, or not distinct and accounted for together with installation services and recognized over time.

 

We provide customer rebate programs and incentive offerings, including special pricing and co-operative advertising arrangements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. These customer programs and incentives are considered variable consideration. We include in revenue variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the variable consideration is resolved. In general, this determination is made based upon known customer program and incentive offerings at the time of sale, and expected sales volume forecasts as it relates to our volume-based incentives. This determination is updated each reporting period.  Certain of our contracts include contingent consideration that is receivable only upon the final inspection and acceptance of a project.  We include estimates of such variable consideration in our transaction price. Based on historical experience, we consider the probability-based expected value method appropriate to estimate the amount of such variable consideration.

 

Our products are generally sold with a right of return and we may provide other credits or incentives, which are accounted for as variable consideration when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available.  We record a right of return liability to accrue for expected customer returns. Historical actual returns are used to estimate future returns as a percentage of current sales. Obligations for returns and refunds were not material individually or in the aggregate.

 

We offer assurance type warranties on our products as well as separately sold warranty contracts. Revenue related to warranty contracts that are sold separately is recognized over the life of the warranty term.  Warranty liabilities for our assurance type warranties are discussed further in Note 14.

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Contract Balances  

 

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing customers. Our contract assets are recorded for products and services that have been provided to our customer but have not yet been billed, and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Our short-term contract liabilities consist of advance payments, or deferred revenue, and are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances, and net contract assets (liabilities) consisted of the following:

 

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. The $6.0 million change in our net contract liabilities from November 30, 2018 to February 28, 2019 and the $8.4 million change in our net contract liabilities from May 31, 2018 to February 28, 2019 resulted primarily from the seasonality associated with construction jobs in progress during peak summer months versus later in the calendar year, as well as the timing of revenue recognition under the new standard.  We also record long-term deferred revenue, which amounted to $64.7 million and $64.1 million as of February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively.  The long-term portion of deferred revenue is related to assurance type warranty contracts and is included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

We have elected to adopt the practical expedient to not disclose the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period for performance obligations that are part of a contract with an original expected duration of one year or less.

 

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. As our contract terms are primarily one year or less in duration, we have elected to apply a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs include our internal sales force compensation program and certain incentive programs as we have determined annual compensation is commensurate with annual sales activities.

 

 

NOTE 16 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

During the quarter ended August 31, 2018, we made the determination to streamline certain businesses and management structures within our industrial reportable segment.  As a result, our former tremco illbruck Group, Tremco Group and several components from our Performance Coatings Group, including our Euclid and Flowcrete businesses, were combined to form a new Construction Products Group.  There were no changes in the composition of any of our reportable segments and, therefore, previously reported business segment information remains unchanged.

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into three reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment, the consumer reportable segment and the specialty reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate operating segments or product lines that consist of individual companies or groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our six operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These six operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on income before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The industrial reportable segment comprises two separate operating segments — Construction Products Group and Performance Coatings Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals, roofing systems, weatherproofing and other sealants, and polymer flooring.

Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe and other parts of the world. Our consumer reportable segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops, cosmetic companies and through distributors. This reportable segment comprises three operating segments — Rust-Oleum Group, DAP Group and SPG-Consumer Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; nail enamels; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants and wood stains.

Our specialty reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and a few international locations, primarily in Europe. Our specialty product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The specialty reportable segment is a single operating segment, which offers products that include industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty OEM coatings.

In addition to our three reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with any reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes and identifiable assets.

We reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method, and receive royalties from our licensees.

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The following tables present a disaggregation of revenues by geography, and reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, by representing the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses.  

 

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RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 17 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As of April 8, 2019, we have repurchased 467,862 shares of RPM common stock since February 28, 2019, at a cost of approximately $27.0 million, or an average of $57.71, under the stock repurchase program described in Note 11.

 

 

 

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries.  Investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over are accounted for under the equity method. Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; inventories; allowances for recoverable taxes; uncertain tax positions; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; derivative and hedging; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts, and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.

Goodwill

Our annual goodwill impairment analysis for fiscal 2018 did not result in any indicators of impairment.  Should the future earnings and cash flows at our reporting units decline and/or discount rates increase, future impairment charges to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

In connection with our 2020 MAP to Growth initiatives, during the current quarter ended February 28, 2019, we changed the composition of certain of our reporting units that are included in our industrial reportable segment.  Accordingly, we performed an interim impairment test for each reporting unit that changed in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.”  Our assessment for the quarter ended February 28, 2019 did not indicate the presence of any goodwill impairment for any of the reporting units tested.  However, the interim impairment test for our Construction Products Group – Europe, which has approximately $125.0 million of goodwill, resulted in an excess of fair value over carrying value of approximately 9% using the income approach.  We will continue to monitor the performance of this reporting unit in fiscal 2019.  If the timing of projected economic recovery in Europe and planned improvements in operational efficiencies for these businesses are not achieved, impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill, and other long-lived assets, could result.

A comprehensive discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018.  Other than our June 1, 2018 adoption of ASC 606, which is more fully described in Note 15, “Revenue,” and changes outlined in Note 2, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” there have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies or estimates since May 31, 2018.

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

During the quarter ended August 31, 2018, we made the determination to streamline certain businesses and management structures within our industrial reportable segment.  As a result, our former tremco illbruck Group, Tremco Group and several components from our Performance Coatings Group, including our Euclid and Flowcrete businesses, were combined to form a new Construction Products Group. There were no changes in the composition of any of our reportable segments and, therefore, previously reported business segment information remains unchanged.

 

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into three reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment, the consumer reportable segment and the specialty reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate operating segments or product lines that consist of individual companies or groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our six operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These six operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on income before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The industrial reportable segment comprises two separate operating

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segments — Construction Products Group and Performance Coatings Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals, roofing systems, weatherproofing and other sealants, and polymer flooring.

Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe and other parts of the world. Our consumer reportable segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops, cosmetic companies and through distributors. This reportable segment comprises three operating segments — Rust-Oleum Group, DAP Group and SPG-Consumer Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; nail enamels; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants and wood stains.

Our specialty reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and a few international locations, primarily in Europe. Our specialty product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The specialty reportable segment is a single operating segment, which offers products that include industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty OEM coatings.

In addition to our three reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with any reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes, interest expense and earnings before interest and taxes.

We reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method, and receive royalties from our licensees.

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The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represent the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses.  

 

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended February 28, 2019

Net Sales  Consolidated net sales of $1,140.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 grew by approximately 3.4% from net sales of $1,102.7 million for last year’s third quarter. Acquisitions added 2.1%, while organic sales, which include the impact of price and volume, improved by 4.3%.  Consolidated net sales for the quarter also reflect an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 3.0%.  

Industrial segment net sales for the current quarter grew by 2.1% to $580.9 million, from net sales of $569.2 million during the same period a year ago. The improvement resulted from recent acquisitions, which contributed 1.3% to net sales during the current quarter, and organic growth, which contributed 4.8% during the quarter, driven mainly by the recovery of our industrial coatings business. Unfavorable foreign exchange impacted industrial segment net sales by 4.0% during the current quarter.

Consumer segment net sales for the quarter grew by 6.0% to $385.0 million, from $363.4 million during last year’s third quarter.  Recent acquisitions provided 2.7% of the growth in net sales, while organic growth provided 5.3%, during the current quarter, driven primarily by new accounts and market share gains.  Unfavorable foreign currency impacted net sales in the consumer segment by 2.0% during the current quarter versus the same period a year ago.  

Specialty segment net sales for the quarter grew by 2.7% to $174.7 million, from $170.1 million during last year’s third quarter. Recent acquisitions provided 3.4% of the growth in net sales, while organic growth provided 0.6% during the current quarter.  Organic growth in net sales was driven by increases in fluorescent pigments and marine coatings businesses.  Foreign currency had an unfavorable impact on specialty segment net sales for the quarter by 1.3%.

Gross Profit Margin  Our consolidated gross profit margin of 39.1% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 39.9% for the comparable period a year ago. This gross profit decline of approximately 0.8% of net sales primarily reflects current-quarter margins that were burdened by the impact of overall higher raw material costs for approximately 120 basis points (“bps”), which partially offset selling price increases.  Additionally, in relation to our restructuring initiatives undertaken during fiscal 2018 and continuing into the third quarter of fiscal 2019, as further described in Note 3, “Restructuring,” inventory-related charges totaling 20 bps impacted the current-quarter gross profit margin, which mainly included product line rationalization at our industrial segment.  The remainder of the decline in gross profit margin of approximately 50 bps, resulted from an unfavorable mix of product sold versus last year.  Recent changes in international trade duties and policies could materially impact the cost of our raw materials.  Specifically, recently imposed tariffs, including tariffs on steel imports into the U.S., will likely have an unfavorable impact on the cost of our cans and packaging.  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)  Our consolidated SG&A expense during the current period was $27.9 million higher versus the same period last year, and increased to 36.0% of net sales from 34.8% of net sales for the prior year quarter.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2019, we continued our 2020 MAP to Growth.  In connection with this plan, we incurred ERP implementation and consolidation expenses and professional fees in connection with implementing our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative totaling approximately $9.0 million.  Additional SG&A expense incurred from companies acquired during the previous 12 months approximated $8.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019.  There was also higher advertising and distribution expense on higher sales volume during the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

Our industrial segment SG&A was approximately $5.2 million higher for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 versus the comparable prior year period and increased as a percentage of net sales, mainly due to increases in warranty and commission expense, as well as an unfavorable swing in transactional foreign exchange, slightly offset by a decrease as a result in a reduction in workforce.  Further contributing to these increases was approximately $0.9 million of additional SG&A expense generated from companies acquired during the past 12 months.  

Our consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $9.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 versus the same period last year, and increased as a percentage of net sales.  This was primarily attributable to higher distribution and advertising expenses when compared to the prior year quarter, as well as approximately $3.8 million of additional SG&A expense generated from companies acquired during the past 12 months.  

Our specialty segment SG&A was approximately $1.5 million higher during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 versus the comparable prior year period, but remained fairly flat as a percentage of net sales.  The increase in SG&A expense is mainly attributable to the $3.5 million of additional SG&A expense generated from recent acquisitions, the ERP consolidation plan associated with our 2020 MAP to Growth and increased promotional expenses related to new product initiatives.  

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SG&A expenses in our corporate/other category of $27.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 increased by $12.0 million from $15.6 million recorded during last year’s third quarter, resulting primarily from professional fees in connection with our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative, which approximated $7.4 million.  Additionally, in last year’s third quarter, we reversed $3.4 million of long-term incentive compensation when it became clear that the targeted goals would not be reached.    

We recorded total net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs of $11.4 million and $10.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The $0.6 million increase in pension expense resulted from an approximate $1.4 million increase in interest cost, partially offset by the combination of lower net actuarial losses recognized during the current quarter versus last year’s third quarter for approximately $0.4 million and a higher expected return on increased plan assets during the current quarter versus the same period last year for approximately $0.4 million. We expect that pension expense will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, but such changes are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial results.

Restructuring Charges  We recorded restructuring charges of $8.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019, which were the result of our continued implementation of a multi-year restructuring plan, our 2020 MAP to Growth, which focuses upon strategic shifts in operations across our entire business.  On a consolidated basis, we incurred $3.4 million of severance and benefit costs, $4.3 million of facility closure and other related costs, and $0.9 million of other asset write-offs during the period.  These charges were associated with closures of certain facilities as well as the elimination of duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with certain of our businesses.

We expect to incur approximately $14.4 million of future additional charges in relation to this initiative.  These additional charges include approximately $8.9 million of facility closure and other related charges, $3.9 million of severance and benefit costs, as well as $1.6 million of other asset write-offs.  We expect these charges to be incurred by the end of calendar year 2020, upon which we expect to achieve an annualized pretax savings of approximately $290 million per year.  Additionally, upon the completion of this initiative, we have targeted $30.0 million of improvement of working capital, and believe that, assuming 3% organic growth and approximately $150 million to $200 million annually in acquisitions of businesses, our fiscal year 2021 cash flow from operations will improve to approximately $872.0 million.  In addition, we have continued to assess and find areas of improvement and cost savings as part of our 2020 MAP to Growth restructuring plan.  As such, the final implementation and expected costs of our plan are subject to change.  Most notably, we have broadened the scope of our announced plan to include the consolidation of the general and administrative areas, potential outsourcing, as well as additional future plant closures and consolidations; the estimated future costs of which have not yet been established.  See Note 3, “Restructuring,” to the consolidated financial statements, for further detail surrounding our 2020 MAP to Growth restructuring plan.  

Interest Expense  Interest expense was $26.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 versus $27.5 million for the same period a year ago. Excluding acquisition-related borrowings, which carried higher average interest financing costs, lower average borrowings quarter over quarter decreased interest expense by approximately $4.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 when compared to the prior year quarter.  Higher average borrowings, related to recent acquisitions, increased interest expense during this year’s third quarter by approximately $1.8 million versus the same period a year ago.  Higher interest rates, which averaged 4.61% overall for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compared with 4.37% for the same period of fiscal 2018, increased interest expense by approximately $1.9 million during the current quarter versus the same period last year.

Investment (Income), Net  Net investment income of approximately $4.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 compares to net investment income of $5.5 million during the same period last year.  Dividend and interest income totaled $3.0 million and $3.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Net gains on marketable securities totaled $1.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2019, while there were net realized gains of $1.9 million during the same period a year ago.

Income Before Income Taxes (“IBT”)  Our consolidated pretax income for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 of $4.5 million compares with pretax income of $34.7 million for the same period a year ago.

Our industrial segment had IBT of $11.4 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for the quarter ended February 28, 2019, versus IBT of $17.8 million, or 3.1% of net sales, for the same period a year ago. Our industrial segment results reflect increased sales volume, which were offset by the impact from higher raw material costs, warranty expense, and restructuring charges.  Our consumer segment IBT approximated $23.2 million, or 6.0% of net sales, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, versus the prior year third quarter pretax income of $29.1 million, or 8.1% of net sales.  The current quarter result includes market share gains, as demonstrated by the increase in sales volume, which were more than offset by rising raw material costs, advertising, distribution and restructuring charges.  Our specialty segment had pretax income of $17.1 million, or 9.8% of net sales for the quarter ended February 28, 2019, versus pretax income of $22.8 million, or 13.4% of net sales, for the same period a year ago, reflecting rising raw material costs and the costs associated with restructuring, the ERP consolidation plan and new product initiatives.

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Income Tax Rate  On December 22, 2017 the Act was enacted into law.  The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period when enacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates. Generally, the more significant provisions of the Act that impacted us for the year ended May 31, 2018 included the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the creation of a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings) and allowance for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property.  The corporate tax rate reduction was effective for RPM as of January 1, 2018 and, accordingly, reduced our fiscal year 2018 federal statutory rate to a blended rate of approximately 29.2%. The significant provisions of the Act which impact us for fiscal 2019 include the full federal statutory rate reduction to 21% and the repeal of the domestic production activities deduction. Also effective for our fiscal 2019 are provisions of the Act that subject us to current U.S. tax on GILTI earned by certain foreign subsidiaries and allows a benefit for FDII.

Subsequent to the enactment of the Act, the SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act.  SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118 and based on the information available as of May 31, 2018, we recorded a net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act.

During the three months ended February 28, 2019 we recorded a net discrete income tax benefit of $8.1 million. Refer to Note 9, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures and discussion regarding the Act, the provisional income tax expense recorded as of May 31, 2018 and our completion of the SAB 118 accounting for the Act during this fiscal 2019 third quarter.

The effective income tax benefit rate of 224.7% for the three months ended February 28, 2019 compares to the effective income tax benefit rate of 17.0% for the three months ended February 28, 2018. The effective income tax benefit rate of 224.7% for the three months ended February 28, 2019 reflects variances from the 21% statutory rate due primarily to the favorable impact of $12.7 million of net discrete tax benefits recorded during the quarter and the amplified impact of those tax benefits on the relatively low level of pre-tax earnings. The $12.7 million net discrete tax benefits recorded are primarily comprised of the net $8.1 million benefit resulting from completion of our SAB 118 accounting for the impact of the Act and the release of certain income tax reserves for uncertain tax positions.   The effective income tax benefit rate of 17.0% for the three months ended February 28, 2018 reflects variances from the blended fiscal year 2018 statutory rate of 29.2% due primarily to the cumulative favorable impact of the statutory rate reduction from 35% to 29.2% which occurred during that prior period. Additionally, the 17.0% effective income tax benefit rate reflects a $1.4 million discrete tax benefit related to an adjustment to the net provisional estimate of the Act as recorded in the prior period and consistent with SAB 118.  

Net Income  Net income of $14.5 million for the quarter ended February 28, 2019 compares to net income of $40.6 million for the comparable prior year period.  Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests approximated $0.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, which compared to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $0.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2018.  Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 was $14.2 million, or 1.2% of consolidated net sales, which compared to net income of $40.2 million, or 36% of consolidated net sales for the comparable prior year period.

Diluted earnings per share of common stock for the quarter ended February 28, 2019 of $0.11 compares with diluted earnings per share of common stock of $0.30 for the quarter ended February 28, 2018.

 

Nine Months Ended February 28, 2019

Net Sales  Consolidated net sales of $3,963.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 grew by approximately 5.3% from net sales of $3,763.5 million for last year’s first nine months. Acquisitions added 2.1%, while organic sales, which include the impact of price and volume, improved by 5.1%.  Consolidated net sales for this year’s first nine months also reflects an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 1.9%.  

Industrial segment net sales for this year’s first nine months grew by 3.9% to $2,080.8 million, from net sales of $2,001.9 million during the same period a year ago. The improvement resulted from recent acquisitions, which contributed 1.5% to net sales during this year’s first nine months, and organic growth, which contributed 5.0% during the current period, driven mainly by our North American commercial sealants and concrete admixture businesses, in addition to the recovery of our industrial coatings business. Unfavorable foreign exchange impacted industrial segment net sales by 2.6% during the current period.

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Consumer segment net sales for this year’s first nine months grew by 8.0% to $1,302.7 million, from $1,205.9 million during last year’s first nine months.  Recent acquisitions provided 2.4% of the growth in net sales, while organic growth provided 7.0%, during the current period, driven primarily by new accounts and market share gains.  Unfavorable foreign currency impacted net sales in the consumer segment by 1.4% during this year’s first nine months versus the same period a year ago.  

Specialty segment net sales for this year’s first nine months grew by 4.3% to $579.7 million, from $555.7 million during last year’s first nine months. Recent acquisitions provided 4.3% of the growth in net sales, while organic growth provided 1.7% during the current period, despite the decrease in our businesses serving the water damage restoration and equipment markets, which came as a result of more damaging hurricane activity during the first nine months of fiscal 2018.  Organic growth in net sales was driven by our businesses providing fluorescent colorants, marine coatings, and decorative and protective wood coatings businesses.  Foreign currency had an unfavorable impact on specialty segment net sales for the period by 0.7%.

Gross Profit Margin  Our consolidated gross profit margin of 39.8% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 41.5% for the comparable period a year ago. This gross profit decline of approximately 1.7% of net sales primarily reflects current-period margins that were burdened by the impact of overall higher raw material costs for approximately 140 bps, which partially offset selling price increases.  Additionally, in relation to our restructuring initiatives undertaken during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 and continuing into the first nine months of fiscal 2019, as further described in Note 3, “Restructuring,” inventory-related charges totaling 30 bps impacted the current-year gross profit margin, which mainly included product line rationalization at our industrial segment.  We anticipate that rising raw material prices will continue to trend upward due to higher petrochemical costs, rising global demand and recent changes in international trade duties and policies, which could materially impact the cost of our raw materials.  Specifically, recently imposed tariffs, including tariffs on steel imports into the U.S., will likely have an unfavorable impact on the cost of our cans and packaging.  

SG&A  Our consolidated SG&A expense during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 was $103.7 million higher versus the same period last year, and increased to 32.8% of net sales from 31.8% of net sales for the comparable prior period.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we continued our 2020 MAP to Growth.  In connection with this plan, we incurred ERP implementation and consolidation expenses, increases in allowances for doubtful accounts, and professional fees in connection with our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative and the negotiation of a cooperation agreement with an activist stockholder totaling approximately $27.4 million.  Also, during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we incurred higher costs of approximately $10.0 million related to unfavorable legal settlements and associated legal fees when compared to the prior year period.  Additional SG&A expense incurred from companies acquired during the previous 12 months approximated $22.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019.  There was also higher distribution and commission expense on higher sales volume during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, in addition to higher bad debt and advertising expense when compared to the prior year period.  Finally, transactional foreign exchange resulted in an unfavorable variance of approximately $2.4 million compared to the prior year period.

Our industrial segment SG&A was approximately $26.8 million higher for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus the comparable prior year period and increased as a percentage of net sales, mainly due to the increased allowance for doubtful accounts associated with accounts deemed uncollectible as a result of changes in our market and leadership strategy, which approximated $6.7 million.  Additionally, there was also higher distribution expense and unfavorable transactional foreign exchange.  SG&A expense generated from companies acquired during the past 12 months approximated $5.8 million.

Our consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $39.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus the same period last year, and increased as a percentage of net sales.  This was primarily attributable to the combined impact of unfavorable legal settlements and associated legal fees incurred during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, which totaled approximately $10.0 million.  Additional SG&A expense from recent acquisitions approximated $9.4 million during the current year period.  Additionally, there was higher distribution expense on higher sales volume, as well as higher advertising expense when compared to the prior year.  

Our specialty segment SG&A was approximately $8.8 million higher during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus the comparable prior year period and increased slightly as a percentage of net sales.  The increase in SG&A expense is mainly attributable to $6.7 million of additional SG&A from recent acquisitions, the ERP consolidation plan associated with our 2020 MAP to Growth, increased distribution costs and increased expenses related to new product initiatives.  

SG&A expenses in our corporate/other category of $81.8 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 increased by $28.8 million from $53.0 million recorded during last year’s first nine months, resulting primarily from professional fees in connection with our 2020 MAP to Growth initiative and the negotiation of an activist shareholder cooperation agreement, which approximated $16.9 million.  Additionally, there were increases in pension expense, hospitalization costs and legal fees.  Finally, in the prior year, we reversed out $3.4 million of long-term incentive compensation when it became clear that the targeted goals would not be reached.

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We recorded total net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs of $34.1 million and $32.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The $1.7 million increase in pension expense resulted from an approximate $4.4 million increase in interest cost, partially offset by the combination of lower net actuarial losses recognized during the current period versus the same period last year for approximately $1.3 million and a higher expected return on increased plan assets during the current period versus the same period last year for approximately $1.4 million. We expect that pension expense will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, but such changes are not expected to be material to our consolidated financial results.

Restructuring Charges  We recorded restructuring charges of $36.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, which were the result of our continued implementation of our 2020 MAP to Growth, which focuses upon strategic shifts in operations across our entire business.  On a consolidated basis, we incurred $29.0 million of severance and benefit costs, $5.8 million of facility closure and other related costs, and $1.7 million of other asset write-offs.  These charges were associated with closures of certain facilities as well as the elimination of duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with certain of our businesses.

For further information and detail about the 2020 MAP to Growth restructuring plan, see “Restructuring Charges” in Results of Operations – Three Months Ended February 28, 2019, and Note 3, “Restructuring,” to the Condensed Financial Statements.

Interest Expense  Interest expense was $74.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus $80.6 million for the same period a year ago. Higher average borrowings, related to recent acquisitions, increased interest expense during this year’s first nine months by approximately $4.1 million versus the same period a year ago. The reversal of the convertible bond interest accrual decreased interest expense by approximately $2.1 million during this year’s first nine months versus the comparable prior year period.  Excluding acquisition-related borrowings, which carried higher average interest financing costs, lower average borrowings period over period decreased interest expense by approximately $8.1 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 when compared to the prior comparable period.  Lower interest rates, which averaged 4.24% overall for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 compared with 4.35% for the same period of fiscal 2018, decreased interest expense by approximately $0.5 million during the current period versus the same period last year.

Investment (Income), Net  Net investment income of approximately $0.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 compares to net investment income of $13.7 million during the same period a year ago.  Dividend and interest income totaled $6.6 million and $6.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Net losses on marketable securities totaled $6.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, compared to net realized gains on the sales of investments of $6.8 million during the same period a year ago.

Other Expense (Income), Net  Other expense of $4.1 million for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 compares with other income of $0.6 million for the corresponding period a year ago. The current period expense includes a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.1 million, which related to the fair value measurement of our 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2020 on their conversion date of November 27, 2018.  

IBT  Our consolidated pretax income for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 of $163.0 million compares with pretax income of $299.2 million for the same period a year ago.

Our industrial segment had IBT of $134.8 million, or 6.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended February 28, 2019, versus IBT of $174.4 million, or 8.7% of net sales, for the same period a year ago. Our industrial segment results reflect increased sales volume, which were offset by the impact from higher raw material costs, restructuring and unfavorable transactional foreign exchange expense.  Our consumer segment IBT approximated $115.7 million, or 8.9% of net sales, for the first nine months of fiscal 2019, versus the prior year’s first nine months pretax income of $146.6 million, or 12.2% of net sales.  The current period results include market share gains, as demonstrated by the increase in sales volume, which were more than offset by rising raw material costs, unfavorable legal settlements, higher advertising and distribution costs, as well as restructuring charges.  Our specialty segment had pretax income of $74.9 million, or 12.9% of net sales for the nine months ended February 28, 2019, versus pretax income of $90.4 million, or 16.3% of net sales, for the same period a year ago, reflecting rising raw material costs, higher distribution costs, restructuring charges and the costs associated with the ERP consolidation plan.

Income Tax Rate  On December 22, 2017 the Act was enacted into law.  The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period when enacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates. Generally, the more significant provisions of the Act that impacted us for the year ended May 31, 2018 included the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the creation of a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings) and allowance for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property.  The corporate tax rate reduction was effective for RPM as of January 1, 2018 and, accordingly, reduced our fiscal year 2018 federal statutory rate to a blended rate of approximately 29.2%. The significant provisions of the Act which impact us for fiscal 2019 include the full federal statutory rate reduction to 21% and the repeal of the domestic production activities deduction. Also effective for our fiscal 2019 are provisions of the Act that subject us to current U.S. tax on GILTI earned by certain foreign subsidiaries and allows a benefit for FDII.

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Subsequent to the enactment of the Act, the SEC issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act.  SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118 and based on the information available as of May 31, 2018, we recorded a net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act.

During the three months ended February 28, 2019 we recorded a net discrete income tax benefit of $8.1 million.  Refer to Note 9, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures and discussion regarding the Act, the provisional income tax expense recorded as of May 31, 2018 and our completion of the SAB 118 accounting for the Act during this fiscal 2019 third quarter.

The effective income tax rate of 17.8% for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 compares to the effective income tax rate of 15.3% for the nine months ended February 28, 2018. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 reflects variances from the 21% statutory rate due primarily to $16.5 million of net discrete tax benefits, which are comprised of a $12.7 million net tax benefit recorded in the current quarter, with the remaining balance being recorded in the prior quarters of this fiscal year. The $12.7 million net discrete benefits recorded in the current quarter are primarily comprised of the net $8.1 million benefit resulting from completion of our SAB 118 accounting for the impact of the Act and the release of certain income tax reserves for uncertain tax positions. These discrete tax benefits were partially offset primarily by the unfavorable impact of state and local taxes and incremental valuation allowances associated with certain foreign net operating losses. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended February 28, 2018 reflects variances from the 29.2% statutory rate due primarily to $27.0 million in discrete tax benefits recorded in connection with the implementation of a foreign legal entity restructuring and corresponding planning strategy.

Net Income  Net income of $133.9 million for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 compares to net income of $253.3 million for the comparable prior year period.  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests approximated $0.7 million and $1.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 was $133.2 million, or 3.4% of consolidated net sales, which compared to net income of $252.1 million, or 6.7% of consolidated net sales for the comparable prior year period.

Diluted earnings per share of common stock for the nine months ended February 28, 2019 of $1.00 compares with diluted earnings per share of common stock of $1.87 for the nine months ended February 28, 2018.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Fiscal 2019 Compared with Fiscal 2018

Approximately $145.5 million of cash was provided by operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2019, compared with $140.7 million of cash provided by operating activities during the same period last year.

The net change in cash from operations includes the change in net income, which decreased by $119.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus the same period during fiscal 2018.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we recorded $36.5 million in restructuring charges and made cash payments of $27.2 million related to our 2020 MAP to Growth, as further described in Note 3, “Restructuring.”  Changes in working capital accounts and all other accruals provided approximately $51.4 million more cash flow during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 versus the same period last year, which included additional contributions of $56.5 million made to the RPM Retirement Plan in the U.S. during February 2019.  

The change in accounts receivable during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 provided approximately $13.7 million more cash than during the same period a year ago. Days sales outstanding (“DSO”) at February 28, 2019 increased to 71.0 days from 68.2 days at February 28, 2018.  

During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we spent approximately $40.4 million less cash for inventory compared to our spending during the same period a year ago.  This resulted from the combination of timing of purchases by retail customers and a systematic reduction of inventory levels at certain businesses in our consumer segment in connection with product rationalization initiatives. Days of inventory outstanding (“DIO”) at February 28, 2019 decreased to 118.8 days from 126.3 days at February 28, 2018.

The change in accounts payable during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 used approximately $54.1 million more cash than during the first nine months of fiscal 2018, resulting principally from the timing of certain payments.  Cash provided from operations, along with the use of available credit lines, as required, remain our primary sources of liquidity.

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Investing Activities

Capital expenditures, other than for ordinary repairs and replacements, are made to accommodate our continued growth to achieve production and distribution efficiencies, expand capacity, introduce new technology, improve environmental health and safety capabilities, improve information systems, and enhance our administration capabilities. During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, we paid $167.7 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, versus $60.0 million during the comparable prior year period. Capital expenditures of $84.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2019 compare with depreciation of $71.9 million. In the comparable prior year period, capital expenditures were $72.8 million, which compared with depreciation of $61.1 million. We have been increasing, and will continue to increase, our capital spending in fiscal 2019 in an effort to more aggressively invest in our internal growth initiatives, especially in overseas markets, and consolidate production resulting from plant closings.  We anticipate that additional shifts at our production facilities, coupled with the capacity added through acquisition activity and our planned increase in future capital spending levels, will enable us to meet increased demand throughout fiscal 2019 and beyond.

Our captive insurance companies invest their excess cash in marketable securities in the ordinary course of conducting their operations, and this activity will continue. Differences in the amounts related to these activities on a year-over-year basis are primarily attributable to differences in the timing and performance of their investments balanced against amounts required to satisfy claims. At February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, the fair value of our investments in marketable securities totaled $113.0 million and $168.1 million, respectively.  During the third quarter ended February 28, 2019, we liquidated $60.0 million of our captives’ investment portfolio, as a result of good claims experience and favorable investment performance.  We used the $60.0 million in proceeds from the sale of investments to pay down a portion of our outstanding balance on our Revolving Credit Agreement.  The fair value of our portfolio of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices for identical, or similar, instruments in active or non-active markets or model-derived-valuations with observable inputs. We have no marketable securities whose fair value is subject to unobservable inputs.

At February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018, the fair value of our available-for-sale debt securities totaled $23.8 million and $23.5 million, respectively.  Total pretax unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at February 28, 2019 and May 31, 2018 were $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. We regularly review our available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions in order to determine whether or not we have the ability and intent to hold these investments. That determination is based upon the severity and duration of the decline, in addition to our evaluation of the cash flow requirements of our businesses. Unrealized losses at February 28, 2019 were generally related to the normal volatility in valuations over the past several months for a portion of our portfolio of investments in marketable securities. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at February 28, 2019 were less than 15% below their original cost or that have been in a loss position for less than six consecutive months. From time to time, we may experience significant volatility in general economic and market conditions.  If we were to experience unrealized losses that were to continue for longer periods of time, or arise to more significant levels of unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.

As of February 28, 2019, approximately $176.0 million of our consolidated cash and cash equivalents were held at various foreign subsidiaries, compared with $214.1 million at May 31, 2018.  Undistributed earnings held at our foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanently reinvested will be used, for instance, to expand operations organically or for acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions.  Further, our operations in the U.S. generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy U.S. operating requirements.  Refer to Note 9, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding unremitted foreign earnings.

Financing Activities

Our available liquidity, including our cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our committed credit facilities, stood at $1.2 billion at February 28, 2019, compared with $1.01 billion at May 31, 2018. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 63.7% at February 28, 2019, compared with 57.1% at May 31, 2018.

4.550% Notes due 2029

On February 27, 2019, we closed an offering for $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.550% Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”).  The proceeds from the 2029 Notes were used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.  Interest on the 2029 Notes accrues from February 27, 2019 and is payable semiannually in arrears on March 1^st and September 1^st of each year, beginning September 1, 2019, at a rate of 4.550% per year. The 2029 Notes mature on March 1, 2029.  The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

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4.250% Notes due 2048

On December 20, 2017, we closed an offering for $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Notes due 2048 (the “2048 Notes”).  The proceeds from the 2048 Notes were used to repay $250.0 million in principal amount of unsecured 6.50% senior notes due February 15, 2018, and for general corporate purposes.  Interest on the 2048 Notes accrues from December 20, 2017 and is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15^th and July 15^th of each year, beginning July 15, 2018, at a rate of 4.250% per year. The 2048 Notes mature on January 15, 2048.  The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

5.250% Notes due 2045 and 3.750% Notes due 2027

On March 2, 2017, we issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 (the “2045 Notes”) and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”).  The 2045 Notes are a further issuance of the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 initially issued by us on May 29, 2015.  Interest on the 2045 Notes accrues from December 1, 2016 and is payable semiannually in arrears on June 1st and December 1st of each year, beginning June 1, 2017, at a rate of 5.250% per year. The 2045 Notes mature on June 1, 2045.  Interest on the 2027 Notes accrues from March 2, 2017 and is payable semiannually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, beginning September 15, 2017, at a rate of 3.750% per year. The 2027 Notes mature on March 15, 2027.  The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

Revolving Credit Agreement

During the quarter ended November 30, 2018, we replaced our previous $800.0 million revolving credit agreement, which was set to expire on December 5, 2019, with a $1.3 billion unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which expires on October 31, 2023.  The Revolving Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans, which are comparatively short-term loans used for working capital purposes and letters of credit.  The aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be expanded upon our request, subject to certain conditions, up to $1.5 billion.  The Revolving Credit Facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness, to finance working capital and capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes.  Accordingly, during October 2019, we intend to utilize available funds from our Revolving Credit Facility to repay our unsecured 6.125% senior notes, which mature on October 15, 2019.  At February 28, 2019, the outstanding balance on our 6.125% senior notes approximated $451.1 million, which is included in the current portion of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with various customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a leverage covenant and interest coverage ratio, which are calculated in accordance with the terms as defined by the credit agreement.  Under the terms of the leverage covenant, we may not permit our leverage ratio for total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA for the four most recent fiscal quarters to exceed 3.75 to 1.0.  During certain periods the ratio is 4.25 to 1.0.  The minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio for EBITDA to interest expense is 3.50 to 1.  The interest coverage ratio is calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended using an EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement.

As of February 28, 2019, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Facility, including the leverage and interest coverage ratio covenants. At that date, our leverage ratio was 3.36 to 1, while our interest coverage ratio was 7.55 to 1. Our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility stood at $949.4 million at February 28, 2019.

Our access to funds under our Revolving Credit Facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the Revolving Credit Facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our Revolving Credit Facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.  

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

On May 9, 2017, we entered into a new, three-year, $200.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the “AR Program”). The maximum availability under the AR Program is $200.0 million. Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration levels or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain times, we may not be able to fully access the $200.0 million of funding available under the AR Program.

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As of February 28, 2019, the outstanding balance under the AR Program was $90.0 million, which compares with the maximum availability on that date of $150.0 million.  The interest rate under the Purchase Agreement is based on the Alternate Base Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate, one-month LIBOR or LIBOR for a specified tranche period, as selected by us, plus in each case, a margin of 0.80%. In addition, we are obligated to pay a monthly unused commitment fee based on the daily amount of unused commitments under the Agreement, which fee ranges from 0.30% to 0.50% based on usage.  The AR Program contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains customary default and termination provisions.

Our failure to comply with the covenants described above and other covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility could result in an event of default under that agreement, entitling the lenders to, among other things, declare the entire amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to be due and payable. The instruments governing our other outstanding indebtedness generally include cross-default provisions that provide that under certain circumstances, an event of default that results in acceleration of our indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility will entitle the holders of such other indebtedness to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On December 9, 2013, we issued $205 million of 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2020 (the “Convertible Notes”).  We paid interest on the Convertible Notes semi-annually on June 15^th and December 15^th of each year.  

We completed the redemption of all $205.0 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding Convertible Notes on November 27, 2018 (the “Redemption Date”).  The redemption price for the Convertible Notes was equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest until, but excluding, the Redemption Date.  As a result of the issuance of the notice of redemption, the Convertible Notes became convertible at any time prior to the close of business on November 26, 2018.  The conversion rate was 19.221062 shares of RPM common stock per $1,000 original principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $52.12 per share (subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Indenture).  In accordance with the provisions of the indenture for the Convertible Notes, we elected to settle the Convertible Notes surrendered for conversion through a combination settlement of cash and shares of RPM common stock. In settlement of those conversions, we paid an aggregate of approximately $204.6 million in cash, including cash in lieu of fractional shares, and issued 598,601 shares of RPM common stock in the aggregate.

Stock Repurchase Program

Under the terms of our current stock repurchase program, we may repurchase shares of RPM International Inc. common stock at management’s discretion for general corporate purposes. As a result, we may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions at various times and in amounts and for prices that our management deems appropriate, subject to insider trading rules and other securities law restrictions. The timing of our purchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. We may limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time.

As announced on November 28, 2018, our goal is to return $1.5 billion in capital to stockholders by May 31, 2021 through dividends and share repurchases. During the three months ended February 28, 2019, we repurchased 1,570,647 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $91.2 million, or an average cost of $58.08 per share, under this program. During the nine months ended February 28, 2019, we repurchased 2,819,045 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $173.2 million, or an average cost of $61.45 per share, under this program.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet financings, other than the minimum operating lease commitments as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018. We have no subsidiaries that are not included in our financial statements, nor do we have any interests in, or relationships with, any special purpose entities that are not reflected in our financial statements.

OTHER MATTERS

Environmental Matters

Environmental obligations continue to be appropriately addressed and, based upon the latest available information, it is not anticipated that the outcome of such matters will materially affect our results of operations or financial condition. Our critical accounting policies and estimates set forth above describe our method of establishing and adjusting environmental-related accruals and should be read in conjunction with this disclosure. For additional information, refer to “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.”

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing discussion includes forward-looking statements relating to our business. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by us, are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including those specified below), which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. As a result, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) global markets and general economic conditions, including uncertainties surrounding the volatility in financial markets, the availability of capital and the effect of changes in interest rates, and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; (b) the prices, supply and capacity of raw materials, including assorted pigments, resins, solvents, and other natural gas- and oil-based materials; packaging, including plastic containers; and transportation services, including fuel surcharges; (c) continued growth in demand for our products; (d) legal, environmental and litigation risks inherent in our construction and chemicals businesses and risks related to the adequacy of our insurance coverage for such matters; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f) the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon our foreign operations; (g) the effect of non-currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (h) risks and uncertainties associated with our ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities; (i) the timing of and the realization of anticipated cost savings from restructuring initiatives and the ability to identify additional cost savings opportunities; (j) risks related to the adequacy of our contingent liability reserves; and (k) other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018, as the same may be updated from time to time. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in raw materials costs, interest rates and foreign exchange rates since we fund our operations through long- and short-term borrowings and conduct our business in a variety of foreign currencies. There were no material potential changes in our exposure to these market risks since May 31, 2018.

(a) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of February 28, 2019 (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

SEC Investigation and Enforcement Action

As previously disclosed, we were notified by the SEC on June 24, 2014, that we are the subject of a formal investigation pertaining to the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves in fiscal 2013 with respect to the previously disclosed DOJ and GSA Office of Inspector General investigation into compliance issues relating to Tremco Roofing Division’s GSA contracts.  As previously disclosed, our audit committee completed an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves with respect to the GSA and DOJ investigations, and determined that it was appropriate to restate our financial results for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013.  These restatements had no impact on our audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 or 2014.  The audit committee’s investigation concluded that there was no intentional misconduct on the part of any of our officers.

In connection with the foregoing, on September 9, 2016, the SEC filed an enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against us and our General Counsel.  We have cooperated with the SEC’s investigation and believe the allegations in the complaint mischaracterize both our and our General Counsel’s actions in connection with the matters related to our quarterly results in fiscal 2013 and are without merit.  The complaint seeks disgorgement of gains that may have resulted from the conduct alleged in the complaint, and payment of unspecified monetary penalties from us and our General Counsel pursuant to Section 20(d) of the Securities Act and Section 21(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.  Further, the complaint seeks to permanently enjoin us from violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (a)(3) of the Securities Act, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, and Exchange Act Rules 12b-20, 13a-1, 13a-11 and 13a-13, and to permanently enjoin our General Counsel from violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (a)(3) of the Securities Act and Exchange Act Rules 13b2-1 and 13b2-2(a).  Both we and our General Counsel filed motions to dismiss the complaint on February 24, 2017.  Those motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the Court on September 29, 2017.  We and our General Counsel filed answers to the complaint on October 16, 2017.  Formal discovery commenced in January 2018 and is ongoing.  The parties have engaged in written discovery, and depositions of fact witnesses began in September 2018.  Further depositions scheduled in January 2019 were put on hold due to the U.S. government shutdown.  The Court recently granted a joint motion to modify the case schedule in light of the delay resulting from the U.S. government shutdown, and set deadlines including May 10, 2019 for discovery, July 19, 2019 for our and our General Counsel’s dispositive motions, September 13, 2019 for the SEC’s oppositions and cross-dispositive motions, October 11, 2019 for our and our General Counsel’s reply briefs and cross-oppositions, and November 8, 2019 for the SEC’s cross-reply brief.  We intend to continue to contest the allegations in the complaint vigorously.

Environmental Proceedings

 

In June 2017, the U.S. EPA visited a Kop-Coat facility and then issued a notice of potential non-compliance with Toxic Release Inventory reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act in September 2018.  On March 21, 2019, Kop-Coat and U.S. EPA signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order with regard to this matter that includes a penalty of $154,220.

As previously reported, several of our subsidiaries are, from time to time, identified as a “potentially responsible party” under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar local environmental statutes. In some cases, our subsidiaries are participating in the cost of certain clean-up efforts or other remedial actions. Our share of such costs to date, however, has not been material and management believes that these environmental proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Other Matters,” in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018.

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(c) The following table presents information about repurchases of common stock we made during the third quarter of fiscal 2019:

 

 

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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.

 

Dated: April 8, 2019

 

 

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