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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - LYDALL INC /DE/v324283_ex31-1.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - LYDALL INC /DE/v324283_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - LYDALL INC /DE/v324283_ex31-2.htm

 

 

  

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

 

OR

 

¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number: 1-7665

 

 

 

LYDALL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 06-0865505
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

One Colonial Road, Manchester, Connecticut 06042
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

 

(860) 646-1233

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

None

(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 x    No ¨

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨      Accelerated filer x      Non-accelerated filer ¨      Smaller reporting company ¨

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common Stock $ .10 par value per share.

 

Total Shares outstanding October 26, 2012 16,989,727

 

 
 

  

LYDALL, INC.

INDEX

 

      Page
      Number
       
Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results 3
       
Part I. Financial Information  
  Item 1. Financial Statements  
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations 4
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 6
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 7
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 8
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 9
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 18
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 29
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 29
Part II. Other Information  
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 30
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 30
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 30
  Item 6. Exhibits 31
Signature   33
Exhibit Index   34

 

2
 

 

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In general, any statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E. All such forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations for the future operating and financial performance of the Company based on current expectations and assumptions relating to the Company’s business, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified through the use of the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “targets,” and other similar expressions in connection with the discussion of future operating or financial performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Accordingly, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors are cautioned against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes, among others, statements relating to:

 

·Overall economic and business conditions and the effects on the Company’s markets;
·Expected vehicle production in the North American or European markets;
·Growth opportunities in markets served by the Company’s Performance Materials segment;
·Product development and new business opportunities;
·Future strategic transactions, included but not limited to: acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances, licensing agreements and divestitures;
·Pension plan funding requirements;
·Future cash flow and uses of cash;
·Future repurchases of the Company’s Common Stock;
·Future amounts of stock-based compensation expense;
·Future earnings and other measurements of financial performance;
·Future levels of indebtedness and capital spending;
·The Company’s ability to meet cash operating requirements;
·The Company’s ability to meet financial covenants in its Domestic Credit Facility;
·The expected future impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements upon adoption;
·Future effective income tax rates and realization of deferred tax assets;
·Estimates of fair values of reporting units and long-lived assets used in assessing goodwill and long-lived assets for possible impairment; and
·The expected outcomes of contingencies.

 

All forward-looking statements are inherently subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those reflected in forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in press releases and in other statements made by the Company’s authorized officers. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, worldwide economic cycles that affect the markets which the businesses serve could affect demand for the Company’s products and impact the Company’s profitability, disruptions in the global credit and financial markets, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, swings in consumer confidence and spending, unstable economic growth, fluctuations in unemployment rates, and increases in fuel prices, which could cause economic instability and could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition, as well as other risks and uncertainties identified in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors of Lydall’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and Part 2, Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this initial filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Lydall does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement made in this report or that may from time to time be made by or on behalf of the Company.

 

3
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

 

   Quarter Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Net sales  $94,167   $93,741 
Cost of sales   74,898    79,229 
Gross profit   19,269    14,512 
Selling, product development and administrative expenses   14,069    12,644 
Gain on sale of product line   -    (404)
Operating income   5,200    2,272 
Interest expense   96    103 
Other income, net   (19)   (15)
Income before income taxes   5,123    2,184 
Income tax expense   1,248    1,053 
Net income  $3,875   $1,131 
Earnings per share:          
Basic  $0.23   $0.07 
Diluted  $0.23   $0.07 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   16,630    16,757 
Diluted   16,943    16,932 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4
 

 

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Net sales  $288,456   $294,245 
Cost of sales   227,953    243,671 
Gross profit   60,503    50,574 
Selling, product development and administrative expenses   41,968    39,991 
Gain on sale of product line   (810)   (1,214)
Operating income   19,345    11,797 
Interest expense   273    786 
Other (income) expense, net   (3)   13 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes   19,075    10,998 
Income tax expense   4,696    4,619 
Income from continuing operations   14,379    6,379 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $2,728   -    4,732 
Net Income  $14,379   $11,111 
Basic earnings per share:          
Continuing operations  $0.86   $0.38 
Discontinued operations  $-   $0.28 
Net income  $0.86   $0.66 
Diluted earnings per share:          
Continuing operations  $0.85   $0.38 
Discontinued operations  $-   $0.28 
Net income  $0.85   $0.66 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   16,742    16,744 
Diluted   16,978    16,893 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5
 

 

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
Net income  $3,875   $1,131   $14,379   $11,111 
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax   1,039    (5,892)   (617)   (89)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax   138    87    415    257 
Comprehensive income (loss)  $5,052   $(4,674)  $14,177   $11,279 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6
 

 

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $51,511   $30,905 
Short-term investment   -    12,015 
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2012 - $475; 2011 - $622)   58,068    47,258 
Inventories   32,937    33,846 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   7,601    6,796 
Total current assets   150,117    130,820 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost   245,293    240,157 
Accumulated depreciation   (168,299)   (161,218)
Net, property, plant and equipment   76,994    78,939 
Goodwill   18,142    18,059 
Other intangible assets   3,911    4,537 
Other assets, net   1,921    2,830 
Total assets  $251,085   $235,185 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of long-term debt  $800   $1,035 
Accounts payable   33,769    28,163 
Accrued payroll and other compensation   8,975    9,031 
Accrued taxes   2,845    2,532 
Other accrued liabilities   4,126    4,038 
Total current liabilities   50,515    44,799 
Long-term debt   1,829    2,261 
Deferred tax liabilities   5,244    5,240 
Benefit plan liabilities   19,260    21,269 
Other long-term liabilities   1,003    764 
           
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)          
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock   -    - 
Common stock   2,376    2,365 
Capital in excess of par value   57,484    56,214 
Retained earnings   198,670    184,291 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (16,820)   (16,618)
Treasury stock, at cost   (68,476)   (65,400)
Total stockholders’ equity   173,234    160,852 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $251,085   $235,185 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7
 

  

LYDALL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $14,379   $11,111 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided          
by operating activities:          
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax   -    (3,857)
Gain on sale of product line   (810)   (1,214)
Depreciation and amortization   10,346    11,541 
Deferred income taxes   (687)   482 
Stock based compensation   1,040    1,235 
Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment   101    9 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (11,136)   (11,776)
Inventories   810    (6,022)
Accounts payable   5,678    2,294 
Accrued payroll and other compensation   (16)   (233)
Accrued taxes   401    1,154 
Other, net   (895)   (2,650)
Net cash provided by operating activities   19,211    2,074 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Proceeds from divestiture   -    13,982 
Proceeds from maturity of short-term investment   12,015    - 
Purchases of short-term investment   -    (12,000)
Proceeds from sale of product line   1,000    - 
Capital expenditures   (7,945)   (5,945)
Reimbursement of cash from leasing company   -    818 
Increase in restricted cash   -    (3,275)
Decrease in restricted cash   -    2,388 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities   5,070    (4,032)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Debt repayments   (778)   (1,114)
Repurchases of common stock   (3,076)   - 
Common stock issued   303    115 
Net cash used for financing activities   (3,551)   (999)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (124)   76 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   20,606    (2,881)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   30,905    24,988 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $51,511   $22,107 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

8
 

  

LYDALL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

 

Description of Business

 

Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Lydall”) design and manufacture specialty engineered filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation, and bio/medical applications.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All financial information is unaudited for the interim periods reported. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the same accounting principles followed in the preparation of the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. The year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from the December 31, 2011 audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management believes that all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods reported, have been included. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company revised its reportable segments in order to better align them with its strategic approach and operational decision-making. Refer to Note 12 Segment Information for further information. Prior period segment amounts throughout the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to reflect the new segment structure. The reclassification of historical business segment information had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 

Out of Period Adjustment

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company identified an error within its Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment related to customer pricing that resulted in the overstatement of consolidated net sales for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012 of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The correction of this error was recorded as a reduction in net sales and accounts receivable of $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012. This error was quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial to all quarters impacted.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB’s ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As required by the new standard, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB’s ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. This ASU requires the categorization by level for items that are required to be disclosed at fair value, information about transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and additional disclosure for Level 3 measurements. In addition, the ASU provides guidance on measuring the fair value of financial instruments managed within a portfolio and the application of premiums and discounts on fair value measurements. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

9
 

 

2. Short-Term Investment

 

The Company’s short-term investment at December 31, 2011 consisted of a $12.0 million certificate of deposit with a banking institution. At December 31, 2011, the short-term investment was classified as held to maturity and carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at amortized cost. The certificate of deposit matured on January 23, 2012, and $12.0 million of proceeds were recorded to cash and cash equivalents. There were no significant holding gains or losses.

 

3. Inventories

 

Inventories as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
In thousands  2012   2011 
Raw materials  $14,019   $15,068 
Work in process   13,242    11,569 
Finished goods   9,805    9,915 
    37,066    36,552 
Less: Progress billings   (4,129)   (2,706)
Total inventories  $32,937   $33,846 

 

Included in work in process is gross tooling inventory of $7.4 million and $6.4 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Tooling inventory, net of progress billings, was $3.3 million and $3.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

4. Goodwill

 

The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may exceed its fair value.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

       Currency         
   December 31,   translation   Other   September 30, 
In thousands  2011   adjustments   adjustments   2012 
Performance Materials  $13,399   $(34)  $117   $13,482 
Other Products and Services   4,660    -    -    4,660 
Total goodwill  $18,059   $(34)  $117   $18,142 

 

Other adjustments relate to contingent consideration owed to the seller of DSM Solutech B.V. (“Solutech”) which was acquired by the Company in December 2008. The Company is obligated to pay, for a period of five years beginning December 1, 2008, consideration equal to 4.0% of Solutech’s net revenues (included in the Performance Materials segment). These payments increase the amount of goodwill previously recorded, as the acquisition occurred prior to the revised guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (ASC 805) for business combinations.

 

5. Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the majority of debt outstanding was capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under any domestic credit facility, or any credit arrangement entered into by a foreign subsidiary, other than letters of credit.

 

On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into a $35.0 million senior secured domestic revolving credit facility (“Domestic Credit Facility”) with a new financial institution, which replaced the Company’s prior $35.0 million domestic credit facility that was terminated by the Company. The Domestic Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The maturity date for the Domestic Credit Facility is June 15, 2016.

 

10
 

 

The loan agreement governing the Domestic Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants. The Company is required to meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The fixed charge coverage ratio requires that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the loan agreement, to fixed charges may not be less than 1 to 1 for the immediately preceding 12 month period. In addition, the Company must maintain a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, as of the end of each fiscal quarter of no greater than 2.5 to 1.0. The Company must also meet a minimum consolidated EBITDA for the preceding 12 month period of $15.0 million through September 30, 2014 and $25.0 million thereafter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2012.

 

The Company expects to fund its cash requirements from existing cash balances, cash generated by operations, and through borrowings, if needed, under its Domestic Credit Facility and foreign credit facilities. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had borrowing availability of $32.5 million under the Domestic Credit Facility net of standby letters of credit outstanding of $2.5 million. As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries had various credit arrangements with banks totaling €9.0 million (approximately $11.6 million) all of which was available for borrowing, primarily restricted to borrowings by the respective foreign subsidiary.

 

6. Divestiture

 

On June 29, 2011, the Company sold its Affinity business for $15.2 million in cash. Affinity designed and manufactured high precision, specialty engineered temperature-control equipment for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, life sciences and industrial applications. The Company recorded a gain on sale, net of transaction costs and income taxes, of $3.9 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been retroactively restated to reflect Affinity as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

 

The following table is a summary of the results of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

In thousands    
Net sales  $13,255 
      
Income before income taxes   1,374 
Income tax expense   499 
Income from discontinued operations   875 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $2,229   3,857 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  $4,732 

 

7. Equity Compensation Plans

 

As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s equity compensation plans consisted of the 2003 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2003 Plan”) and the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan” and together with the 2003 Plan, the “Plans”) under which incentive and non-qualified stock options and time and performance based restricted shares have been granted to employees and directors from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury shares. The 2003 Plan is not active, but continues to govern all outstanding awards granted under the plan until the awards themselves are exercised or terminate in accordance with their terms. The 2012 Plan, approved by shareholders on April 27, 2012, authorized 1.75 million shares of common stock for awards. The 2012 Plan also authorizes an additional 1.2 million shares of common stock to the extent awards granted under prior stock plans that were outstanding as of April 27, 2012 are forfeited. The 2012 Plan provides for the following type of awards: options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards.

 

The Company incurred compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, for the Plans, including restricted stock awards. No compensation costs were capitalized as part of inventory. Compensation expense decreased by $0.2 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 due to adjusted estimated forfeiture rates based on new information related to expected terminations.

 

11
 

 

Stock Options

 

The following table is a summary of outstanding and exercisable options as of September 30, 2012:

 

In thousands except per share amounts and years  Shares   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2012   896,153   $8.74    6.0   $4,850 
Exercisable at September 30, 2012   524,952   $9.18    4.3   $2,629 

 

There were 20,000 options granted during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.1 million and $0.2 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. There were no options granted and minimal stock option activity during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011. At September 30, 2012, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards was approximately $1.0 million, with a weighted average expected amortization period of 2.7 years.

 

Restricted Stock

 

Restricted stock includes both performance-based and time-based awards. There were 15,000 time-based restricted shares granted during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. There were no performance-based restricted shares granted during the three months ended September 30, 2012. There were 114,500 performance-based restricted shares granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, with a 2014 earnings per share target. No restricted shares vested in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. There were no shares granted in the prior year third quarter and 22,120 shares were granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. No restricted shares vested in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011. At September 30, 2012, there were 383,712 unvested restricted stock awards with total unrecognized compensation cost related to these awards of $1.7 million with a weighted average expected amortization period of 2.1 years.

 

8. Stock Repurchase Plan

 

In April 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “2012 Stock Repurchase Program”) which authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1.0 million shares of its common stock.

 

The Company repurchased 29,457 shares of its common stock at an average price of $12.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $0.4 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and 248,933 shares at an average price of $12.36 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $3.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 under the 2012 Stock Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2012, there were 751,067 shares remaining and authorized for repurchase under the 2012 Stock Repurchase Program.

 

12
 

 

9. Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans

 

As of September 30, 2012, the Company maintains a defined benefit pension plan that covers certain domestic Lydall employees (“domestic pension plan”) that is closed to new employees and benefits are no longer accruing. The domestic pension plan is noncontributory and benefits are based on either years of service or eligible compensation paid while a participant is in the plan. The Company’s funding policy is to fund not less than the ERISA minimum funding standard and not more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Contributions of $1.1 million were made during the third quarter of 2012 and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Contributions for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 satisfy the ERISA minimum funding standard. Contributions of $1.0 million were made during the third quarter of 2011 and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension plan for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
In thousands  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Components of net periodic benefit cost                    
Interest cost  $648   $646   $1,944   $1,938 
Expected return on assets   (640)   (662)   (1,920)   (1,986)
Amortization of actuarial loss   224    140    671    420 
Net periodic benefit cost  $232   $124   $695   $372 

 

10. Income Taxes

 

The Company's effective tax rate for income from continuing operations was 24.4% and 48.2% for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and 24.6% and 42.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to statutory federal income tax rates was due to the reversal of valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers in the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate for 2012. The anticipated use of foreign tax credit carryovers to offset 2012 U.S. federal income taxes is based on estimates concerning 2012 income generated from domestic and foreign sources.

 

The Company maintains valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not reasonably assured. The Company evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduces the carrying amount to the extent it believes a portion will not be realized. The Company’s effective tax rates in future periods could be affected by earnings being lower or higher than anticipated in countries where tax rates differ from the United States federal rate, the relative impact of permanent tax adjustments on higher or lower earnings from domestic operations, changes in net deferred tax asset valuation allowances, completion of acquisitions or divestitures, changes in tax rates or tax laws and the completion of tax audits.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, as well as returns required by various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities, including such major jurisdictions as the United States, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Within the next four quarters, the Company expects to conclude certain U.S. federal income tax matters through the year ended December 31, 2009 and it is reasonably expected that net unrecognized benefits of $0.5 million may be recognized. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations for years before 2006, state and local examinations for years before 2002, and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2007.

 

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11. Earnings Per Share

 

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, basic earnings per share were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Unexercised stock options and unvested restricted shares are excluded from this calculation but are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method as long as their effect is not anti-dilutive.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share.

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
In thousands  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Basic average common shares outstanding   16,630    16,757    16,742    16,744 
Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock awards   313    175    236    149 
Diluted average common shares outstanding   16,943    16,932    16,978    16,893 

 

For the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, stock options for 0.2 million and 0.4 million shares of common stock, respectively, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, stock options for 0.2 million and 0.5 million shares of common stock, respectively, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive.

 

12. Segment Information

 

The Company’s reportable segments are Performance Materials, Thermal/Acoustical Metals, and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers. The Performance Materials segment reports the results of the Company’s Industrial Filtration, Industrial Thermal Insulation, and Life Sciences Filtration businesses. The Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment reports the results of the Company’s metal-based automotive business. The Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment reports the results of the Company’s fiber-based automotive business. Other Products and Services (“OPS”) includes Life Sciences Vital Fluids.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Thermal/Acoustical business reorganized its management reporting structure. Prior to this reorganization, the Thermal/Acoustical business was comprised of one operating segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company now manages and measures its Thermal/Acoustical business performance in two distinct operating segments: Thermal/Acoustical Metals and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers. The new segments reflect the way the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews operating results for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance.

 

Prior period segment amounts throughout the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to give effect to the new segment structure and for discontinued operations. The reclassification of historical business segment information had no impact on the consolidated financial results.

 

Performance Materials Segment

 

The Performance Materials segment includes filtration media solutions for air, fluid power, and industrial applications (“Industrial Filtration”), air and liquid life science applications (“Life Sciences Filtration”), and industrial thermal insulation solutions for building products, appliances, and energy and industrial markets (“Industrial Thermal Insulation”).

 

Industrial Filtration products include LydAir® MG (Micro-Glass) Air Filtration Media, LydAir® MB (Melt Blown) Air Filtration Media, LydAir® SC (Synthetic Composite) Air Filtration Media, and Arioso™ Membrane Composite Media. These products constitute the critical media component of clean-air systems for applications in clean-space, commercial, industrial and residential HVAC, power generation, and industrial processes. Lydall has leveraged its extensive technical expertise and applications knowledge into a suite of media products covering the vast liquid filtration landscape across the engine and industrial fields. The LyPore® Liquid Filtration Media and activated carbon containing ActiPure® Filtration Media series address a variety of application needs in fluid power including hydraulic filters, air-water and air-oil coalescing, industrial fluid processes, diesel filtration and fuel filtration.

 

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Life Sciences Filtration products include the LyPore® and ActiPure® Filtration Media developed to meet the requirements of life science applications including biopharmaceutical pre-filtration and clarification, diagnostic and analytical testing, respiratory protection, life protection, medical air filtration, drinking water filtration and high purity process filtration such as that found in food and beverage and medical applications. Lydall also offers Solupor® Membrane specialty microporous membranes that are utilized in various markets and applications including air and liquid filtration and transdermal drug delivery. Solupor® membranes are made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and incorporate a unique combination of mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and high porosity in a unique open structure.

 

Industrial Thermal Insulation products are high performance nonwoven veils, papers, mats and specialty composites for the building products, appliance, and energy and industrial markets. The Manniglas® Thermal Insulation brand is diverse in its product application ranging from high temperature seals and gaskets in ovens and ranges to specialty veils for HVAC and cavity wall insulation. appLY® Mat Needled Glass Mats have been developed to expand Lydall’s high temperature technology portfolio for broad application into the appliance market and supplements the Lytherm® Insulation Media product brand, traditionally utilized in the industrial market for kilns and furnaces used in metal processing. Lydall’s Cryotherm® Super-Insulating Media, CRS-Wrap® Super-Insulating Media and Cryo-LiteTM Cryogenic Insulation products are industry standards for state-of-the-art cryogenic insulation designs used by manufacturers of cryogenic equipment for liquid gas storage, piping, and transportation.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment

 

The Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment offers a full line of innovative engineered products to assist in noise and heat abatement within the transportation sector. Lydall products are found in the interior (dash insulators), underbody (wheel well, fuel tank, exhaust) and under hood (engine compartment) of cars, trucks, SUV’s, heavy duty trucks and recreational vehicles.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment products are stamped metal combinations which provide thermal and acoustical shielding solutions for the global automotive and truck markets. Thermal/Acoustical Metals products include AMS® which is an all metal shield designed to be used in various vehicle applications, and Direct Exhaust Mount Heat shields which are mounted to high temperature surfaces like exhaust down-pipes or engine manifolds.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment

 

The Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment offers a full line of innovative engineered products to assist in noise and heat abatement within the transportation sector. Lydall products are found in the interior (dash insulators), underbody (wheel well, fuel tank, exhaust) and under hood (engine compartment) of cars, trucks, SUV’s, heavy duty trucks and recreational vehicles.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment products offer thermal and acoustical insulating solutions comprised of organic and inorganic fiber composites for the automotive and truck markets primarily in North America. Lydall’s dBCore® is a lightweight acoustical composite that emphasizes absorption principles over heavy-mass type systems. Lydall’s dBLyte® is a high-performance acoustical barrier with sound absorption and blocking properties and can be used throughout a vehicle’s interior to minimize intrusive noise from an engine compartment and road. Lydall’s ZeroClearance® is an innovative thermal solution that utilizes an adhesive backing for attachment and is ideal for protecting floor sheet metal from excessive exhaust heat. Lydall’s specially engineered wheel wells provide a solution with weight reduction and superior noise suppression capabilities over conventional designs.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment operating results include allocations of certain costs shared between the segments.

 

Other Products and Services

 

The Life Sciences Vital Fluids business offers specialty products for blood filtration devices, blood transfusion single-use containers and bioprocessing single-use containers and products for containment of media, buffers and bulk intermediates used in biotech, pharmaceutical and diagnostic reagent manufacturing processes.

 

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The tables below present net sales and operating income by segment for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and also a reconciliation of total segment net sales and operating income to total consolidated net sales and operating income.

 

Net sales by segment:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
In thousands  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Performance Materials Segment:                    
Industrial Filtration  $17,035   $18,518   $53,320   $57,438 
Industrial Thermal Insulation   10,647    12,374    30,497    37,950 
Life Sciences Filtration   3,128    3,107    8,604    10,972 
Performance Materials Segment net sales   30,810    33,999    92,421    106,360 
                     
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment:                    
Metal parts   31,347    34,354    104,893    107,323 
Tooling   5,249    2,062    11,501    10,406 
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment net sales   36,596    36,416    116,394    117,729 
                     
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment:                    
Fiber parts   23,484    19,576    69,821    59,288 
Tooling   146    750    891    2,053 
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment net sales   23,630    20,326    70,712    61,341 
                     
Other Products and Services:                    
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   4,326    3,788    12,306    10,959 
Other Products and Services net sales   4,326    3,788    12,306    10,959 
Eliminations and Other   (1,195)   (788)   (3,377)   (2,144)
Consolidated Net Sales  $94,167   $93,741   $288,456   $294,245 

 

Operating income by segment:

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
In thousands  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Performance Materials  $3,325   $2,843   $10,427   $15,233 
Thermal/Acoustical Metals   2,612    3,383    11,729    11,244 
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers   3,445    (641)   9,056    (3,728)
Other Products and Services:                    
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   354    (174)   874    (753)
Corporate Office Expenses   (4,536)   (3,139)   (12,741)   (10,199)
Consolidated Operating Income  $5,200   $2,272   $19,345   $11,797 

 

13. Commitments and Contingencies

 

From time-to-time the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, investigations and inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business such as, but not limited to, patent, employment, personal injury, commercial and environmental matters. Although there can be no assurance, the Company is not aware of any matters pending that are expected to be material with respect to the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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14. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which amends ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. This ASU gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine if indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. The entity may first determine based on qualitative factors if it is more likely than not that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than their carrying amount. If that assessment indicates no impairment, the quantitative impairment test is not required. This standard is effective for financial statements of periods beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which amends ASC 210, Balance Sheet. This ASU requires entities to disclose gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and those subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This would include derivatives and other financial securities arrangements. The effective date is January 1, 2013, and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption of this ASU will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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

 

Overview and Outlook

 

Business

 

Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Lydall”) design and manufacture specialty engineered filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for filtration/separation, thermal/acoustical, and bio/medical applications. Lydall principally conducts its business through three reportable segments: Performance Materials, Thermal/Acoustical Metals and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers, with sales globally.

 

The Performance Materials segment includes filtration media solutions for air, fluid power, and industrial applications (“Industrial Filtration”), air and liquid life science applications (“Life Sciences Filtration”), and industrial thermal insulation solutions for building products, appliances, and energy and industrial markets (“Industrial Thermal Insulation”).

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Thermal/Acoustical business reorganized its management reporting structure. Prior to this reorganization, the Thermal/Acoustical business was comprised of one operating segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company now manages and measures its Thermal/Acoustical business performance in two distinct operating segments: Thermal/Acoustical Metals and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers. The new segments reflect the way the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews operating results for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance.

 

The Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment offer a full line of innovative engineered products to assist in noise and heat abatement within the transportation sector. Lydall products are found in the interior (dash insulators), underbody (wheel well, fuel tank, exhaust) and under hood (engine compartment) of cars, trucks, SUV’s, heavy duty trucks and recreational vehicles. Lydall’s patented products include organic and inorganic fiber composites (fiber parts) as well as metal combinations (metal parts).

 

Included in Other Products and Services (“OPS”) is the Life Sciences Vital Fluids business. Life Sciences Vital Fluids offers specialty products for blood filtration devices, blood transfusion single-use containers and bioprocessing single-use containers and products for containment of media, buffers and bulk intermediates used in biotech, pharmaceutical and diagnostic reagent manufacturing processes.

 

Third Quarter 2012 Highlights

 

Below are financial highlights comparing Lydall’s quarter ended September 30, 2012 (“Q3 2012”) results to its quarter ended September 30, 2011 (“Q3 2011”) results:

 

·Net sales were $94.2 million, essentially flat compared to Q3 2011; foreign currency translation negatively impacted Q3 2012 net sales by $3.9 million, or 4.2%;
·Gross margin increased to 20.5% compared to 15.5%, principally caused by improvement in the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment and to a lesser extent Performance Materials;
·Selling, product development and administrative expenses were $14.1 million, or 14.9% of net sales, compared to $12.6 million, or 13.5%. Professional services and severance and recruiting charges primarily contributed to an increase in administrative expenses;
·Operating income was $5.2 million, or 5.5% of net sales, compared to operating income of $2.3 million, or 2.4% of net sales;
·Effective tax rate of 24.4%, as a result of reversal of valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers in the estimated annual effective tax rate for 2012 of $0.5 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to an effective tax rate of 48.2%;
·Net income was $3.9 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to $1.1 million, or $0.07 per share;
·Cash provided by operations was $6.7 million compared to cash used by operations of $3.7 million.
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Operational and Financial Overview

 

Performance Materials Segment

 

The Performance Materials segment reported net sales of $30.8 million in the third quarter of 2012, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 9.4%, compared to net sales of $34.0 million in the third quarter of 2011. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted net sales by $1.2 million, or 3.5%, in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011. A reduction in Industrial Thermal Insulation net sales of $1.7 million primarily contributed to the remaining reduction in segment net sales, as electrical paper products net sales decreased by $1.7 million in the current quarter compared the third quarter of 2011. This reduction was due to the Company selling the electrical papers product line to a customer in 2010. The Company manufactured minimal electrical paper products for this customer in the third quarter of 2012 as the customer prepares to commence its own manufacturing of electrical paper products.

 

The segment reported operating income of $3.3 million, or 10.8% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2012 compared to operating income of $2.8 million, or 8.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2011. The Company completed services under a License Agreement associated with the sale of the electrical papers product line in the second quarter of 2012, while the third quarter of 2011 includes a gain of $0.4 million. While net sales decreased by $3.2 million, or $2.0 million excluding foreign currency translation, gross margin percentage improved by 510 basis points as a result of a reduction in manufacturing costs, as the third quarter of 2011 was negatively impacted by higher repairs and maintenance expense and labor and benefits. Also contributing to this improvement in the third quarter of 2012 were favorable product sales mix and absorption of fixed costs.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment

 

The Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment reported net sales of $36.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, which was essentially flat compared to the third quarter of 2011. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted net sales by $2.7 million, or 7.5%, in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011. Automotive parts net sales decreased by $3.0 million, or 8.8%, compared to the third quarter of 2011. This decrease was primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation of $2.2 million and lower net sales from the Company’s European operations, offset by higher net sales of domestic automotive parts. Economic conditions in Europe and Asia continued to contribute to lower demand for certain automotive parts from the Company’s European operations during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011. Tooling net sales in the third quarter of 2012 increased $3.2 million, compared to the third quarter of 2011, due to timing of new product launches, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.5 million.

 

For the third quarter of 2012, operating income for the segment was $2.6 million, or 7.1% of net sales, compared to $3.4 million, or 9.3% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2011. Contributing to this decrease was unfavorable mix in sales between automotive parts and tooling, as net sales of automotive parts, which decreased by $3.0 million in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011, typically result in higher gross margin.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment

 

The Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment reported net sales of $23.6 million in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of $3.3 million, or 16.3%, from the third quarter of 2011. This increase was driven by higher consumer demand for vehicles on Lydall’s existing platforms and new platform awards.

 

The segment reported operating income in the third quarter of 2012 of $3.4 million, or 14.6% of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2011. This improvement was due to higher net sales and improved gross margin realized from manufacturing efficiency improvements. Significant reductions in scrap, material usage, and labor costs primarily contributed to lower per-unit manufacturing costs in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011, which resulted in improved gross margin.

 

Liquidity

 

At September 30, 2012, the majority of debt outstanding was capital lease obligations. The Company had a cash balance of $51.5 million and no borrowings under any credit facility other than letters of credit. The Company expects to fund its cash requirements from existing cash balances, cash generated by operations and from available borrowings, as needed, under its Domestic Credit Facility and foreign credit facilities. At September 30, 2012, the Company had borrowing availability of $32.5 million under the Domestic Credit Facility, net of standby letters of credit outstanding of $2.5 million. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries had various credit arrangements with banks totaling €9.0 million (approximately $11.6 million) all of which was available for borrowing, primarily restricted to borrowings by the respective foreign subsidiary.

 

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Outlook

 

Strong demand for Thermal/Acoustical Fibers and Thermal/Acoustical Metals products in North America is helping to offset headwinds in Europe and Asia where the Company is continuing to see a decline in demand due to the macro-economic slowdown. Instability of the global economy provides an element of risk and uncertainty in the Company’s near term outlook. Entering the final quarter of 2012, demand for some of Lydall’s products is anticipated to be lower than prior quarters of 2012, specifically within the Performance Materials segment and the European operations of the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment. The Company is reducing its spending, but at the same time remains committed to funding organic growth and capital investment and to pursuing strategic growth opportunities.

 

Results of Operations

 

Note: All of the following tabular comparisons, unless otherwise indicated, are for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 (Q3-12) and September 30, 2011 (Q3-11) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (YTD-12) and September 30, 2011 (YTD-11).

 

Net Sales

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Percent
Change
   YTD-12   YTD-11   Percent
Change
 
Net sales   $94,167   $93,741    0.5%  $288,456   $294,245    (2.0%)

  

Net sales for the current quarter increased $0.4 million, or 0.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2011. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by $3.9 million, or 4.2%, for the current quarter, compared with the third quarter of 2011, impacting the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment by $2.7 million, or 7.5%, and the Performance Materials segment by $1.2 million, or 3.5%. In the Performance Materials segment, the unfavorable foreign currency translation and lower sales volumes resulted in lower net sales of $3.2 million compared to the same quarter a year ago. This was offset by an increase in net sales volumes from the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment of $3.3 million, compared to the same quarter a year ago. Unfavorable foreign currency translation offset higher tooling sales volumes for the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment resulting in essentially flat net sales in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011. Net sales of OPS, in the third quarter of 2012, increased by $0.5 million, or 14.2%, compared to the same quarter a year ago, primarily due to increased sales volume.

 

Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 decreased by $5.8 million, or 2.0%, compared to the first nine months of 2011. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by $9.3 million, or 3.2%, for the current nine months ended, compared with the first nine months of 2011, impacting the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment by $6.5 million, or 5.6%, and the Performance Materials segment by $2.8 million, or 2.6%. The unfavorable foreign currency translation and lower sales volumes resulted in lower net sales from the Performance Materials segment of $13.9 million or 13.1%. Negative foreign currency translation in the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment was partially offset by increased sales volumes resulting in a reduction in net sales of $1.3 million or 1.1%, compared to the same period of 2011. Net sales from the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment increased $9.4 million, or 15.3%, compared to the same period of 2011. Net sales of OPS, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, increased by $1.3 million, or 12.3%, compared to the same period a year ago, primarily due to increased sales volume.

 

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Gross Profit

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Percent
Change
   YTD-12   YTD-11   Percent
Change
 
Gross profit   $19,269   $14,512    32.8%  $60,503   $50,574    19.6%
Percentage of sales    20.5%   15.5%        21.0%   17.2%     

 

Gross margin for the third quarter of 2012 was 20.5% compared to 15.5% in the third quarter of 2011. The primary contributor to the improved gross margin was the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment which reported improved gross margin realized from manufacturing efficiency improvements. Additionally, to a lesser extent, the Performance Materials segment reported gross margin improvement in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the same quarter of 2011, primarily as a result of a reduction in manufacturing costs, favorable product sales mix and improved absorption of fixed costs, compared to the third quarter of 2011.

 

Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 21.0% compared to 17.2% in the comparable period of 2011. The primary contributor to the improved gross margin was the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment which reported improved gross margin realized from manufacturing efficiency improvements.

 

Selling, Product Development and Administrative Expenses

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Percent
Change
   YTD-12   YTD-11   Percent
Change
 
Selling, product development and administrative expenses   $14,069   $12,644    11.3%  $41,968   $39,991    4.9%
Percentage of sales    14.9%   13.5%        14.5%   13.6%     

  

The increase in selling, product development and administrative expenses for the quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods of 2011 was primarily due to higher expenses incurred by the corporate office, and to a lesser extent, higher salaries, wages and accrued incentive compensation. Professional services were higher by $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Severance and recruiting charges, primarily associated with the departure of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, increased by $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Partially offsetting the increase was a benefit from foreign currency translation of $0.4 million and $0.9 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

Gain On Sale of Product Line, net

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Percent
Change
   YTD-12   YTD-11   Percent
Change
 
Gain on sale of product line, net   $-   $404    (100.0%)  $810   $1,214    (33.3%)

  

On June 30, 2010, the Company divested its electrical papers product line business for total consideration of $5.8 million, of which $4.8 million was paid on June 30, 2010, with the remaining $1.0 million paid in accordance with a License Agreement on July 2, 2012. This transaction contained multiple deliverables, some of which were delivered on June 30, 2010, while others were delivered in subsequent periods through June 30, 2012. The Company completed its services to be provided under the License Agreement during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The Company recognized $0.4 million of gain in the third quarter of 2011. The Company recognized $0.8 million and $1.2 million of gain in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Interest Expense

 

   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Percent
Change
   YTD-12   YTD-11   Percent
Change
 
                         
Interest expense  $96   $103    (6.8%)  $273   $786    (65.3%)
Weighted average interest rate   5.5%   5.4%        5.4%   5.4%     

  

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Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was essentially flat. The decrease in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 was due to lower average principal balances on capital lease obligations as well as lower amortization of debt financing costs resulting from the Company’s new domestic revolving credit facility that was entered into during the second quarter of 2011.

 

Other Income/Expense

 

Other income and expense for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 consisted of insignificant activity related to foreign exchange transaction gains and losses and interest income.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company's effective tax rate for income from continuing operations was 24.4% and 48.2% for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 24.6% and 42.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to statutory federal income tax rates was due to the reversal of valuation allowance against foreign tax credit carryovers in the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate for 2012. The anticipated use of foreign tax credit carryovers to offset 2012 U.S. federal income taxes is based on estimates concerning 2012 income generated from domestic and foreign sources. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to statutory federal income tax rates was primarily due to dividends from a foreign subsidiary and an increase in valuation allowance against foreign tax credits.

 

The Company maintains valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not reasonably assured. The Company evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduces the carrying amount to the extent it believes a portion will not be realized. The Company’s effective tax rates in future periods could be affected by earnings being lower or higher than anticipated in countries where tax rates differ from the United States federal rate, the relative impact of permanent tax adjustments on higher or lower earnings from domestic operations, changes in net deferred tax asset valuation allowances, completion of acquisitions or divestitures, changes in tax rates or tax laws and the completion of tax audits.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, as well as returns required by various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities, including such major jurisdictions as the United States, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Within the next four quarters, the Company expects to conclude certain U.S. federal income tax matters through the year ended December 31, 2009, and it is reasonably expected that net unrecognized benefits of $0.5 million may be recognized. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations for years before 2006, state and local examinations for years before 2002, and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2007.

 

Discontinued Operation, net of tax

 

On June 29, 2011, the Company sold its Affinity business for $15.2 million in cash. Affinity designed and manufactured high precision, specialty engineered temperature-control equipment for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, life sciences and industrial applications.

 

The following table is a summary of the results of discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

In thousands    
Net Sales  $13,255 
      
Income before income taxes   1,374 
Income tax expense   499 
Income from discontinued operations   875 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax of $2,229   3,857 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  $4,732 

 

22
 

 

Segment Results

 

The following tables presents sales and operating income information for the key product and service groups included within each operating segment and other products and services for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2011:

 

Net sales by segment:

 

   Quarter Ended 
In thousands  Q3-12   Q3-11   Dollar
Change
 
Performance Materials Segment:               
Industrial Filtration  $17,035   $18,518   $(1,483)
Industrial Thermal Insulation   10,647    12,374    (1,727)
Life Sciences Filtration   3,128    3,107    21 
Performance Materials Segment net sales   30,810    33,999    (3,189)
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment:               
Metal parts   31,347    34,354    (3,007)
Tooling   5,249    2,062    3,187 
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment net sales   36,596    36,416    180 
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment:               
Fiber parts   23,484    19,576    3,908 
Tooling   146    750    (604)
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment net sales   23,630    20,326    3,304 
Other Products and Services:               
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   4,326    3,788    538 
Other Products and Services net sales   4,326    3,788    538 
Eliminations and Other   (1,195)   (788)   (407)
Consolidated Net Sales  $94,167   $93,741   $426 

 

23
 

 

   Nine Months Ended 
In thousands  YTD-12   YTD-11   Dollar Change 
Performance Materials Segment:               
Industrial Filtration  $53,320   $57,438   $(4,118)
Industrial Thermal Insulation   30,497    37,950    (7,453)
Life Sciences Filtration   8,604    10,972    (2,368)
Performance Materials Segment net sales   92,421    106,360    (13,939)
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment:               
Metal parts   104,893    107,323    (2,430)
Tooling   11,501    10,406    1,095 
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment net sales   116,394    117,729    (1,335)
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment:               
Fiber parts   69,821    59,288    10,533 
Tooling   891    2,053    (1,162)
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment net sales   70,712    61,341    9,371 
Other Products and Services:               
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   12,306    10,959    1,347 
Other Products and Services net sales   12,306    10,959    1,347 
Eliminations and Other   (3,377)   (2,144)   (1,233)
Consolidated Net Sales  $288,456   $294,245   $(5,789)

 

Operating income by segment:

 

   Quarter Ended     
   Q3-12   Q3-11     
In thousands  Operating
Income
   Operating
Margin %
   Operating
Income
   Operating
Margin %
   Dollar
Change
 
Performance Materials  $3,325    10.8%  $2,843    8.4%  $482 
Thermal/Acoustical Metals   2,612    7.1%   3,383    9.3%   (771)
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers   3,445    14.6%   (641)   (3.2%)   4,086 
Other Products and Services:                         
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   354    8.2%   (174)   (4.6%)   528 
Corporate Office Expenses   (4,536)        (3,139)        (1,397)
Consolidated Operating Income  $5,200    5.5%  $2,272    2.4%  $2,928 

 

   Nine Months Ended       
   YTD-12   YTD-11       
In thousands  Operating
Income
   Operating
Margin %
   Operating
Income
   Operating
Margin %
 
   Dollar
Change
 
Performance Materials  $10,427    11.3%  $15,233    14.3%  $(4,806)
Thermal/Acoustical Metals   11,729    10.1%   11,244    9.6%   485 
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers   9,056    12.8%   (3,728)   (6.1%)   12,784 
Other Products and Services:                         
Life Sciences Vital Fluids   874    7.1%   (753)   (6.9%)   1,627 
Corporate Office Expenses   (12,741)        (10,199)        (2,542)
Consolidated Operating Income  $19,345    6.7%  $11,797    4.0%  $7,548 

  

24
 

 

Performance Materials

 

Segment net sales decreased $3.2 million, or 9.4%, in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, due to decreased sales volumes and the negative impact of foreign currency translation of $1.2 million, or 3.5%. A reduction in Industrial Thermal Insulation net sales of $1.7 million, or 14.0%, primarily contributed to the reduction in net sales. This reduction was due to the Company selling the electrical papers product line to a customer in 2010. The Company manufactured minimal electrical paper products for this customer in the third quarter of 2012 as the customer prepares to commence its own manufacturing of electrical paper products. Net sales of Industrial Filtration products decreased by $1.5 million, or 8.0%, in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, primarily attributed to unfavorable foreign currency translation of $1.2 million. Net sales of Life Sciences Filtration products in the third quarter of 2012 were essentially flat compared to the third quarter of 2011.

 

The segment reported operating income of $3.3 million, in the third quarter of 2012, or 10.8% of net sales, compared to operating income of $2.8 million, or 8.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2011. The Company completed services under a License Agreement associated with the sale of the electrical papers product line in the second quarter of 2012, while the third quarter of 2011 includes a gain of $0.4 million. While net sales decreased by $3.2 million, or $2.0 million excluding foreign currency translation, gross margin percentage improved by 510 basis points as a result of a reduction in manufacturing costs in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011. The reduction in manufacturing costs included lower repairs and maintenance expenses and lower labor and benefits, as the third quarter of 2011 included a worker compensation claim of $0.3 million. Favorable product mix and absorption of fixed costs, due to an increase in inventory levels, also contributed to improved gross margin performance in the third quarter of 2012.

 

Segment net sales decreased $13.9 million, or 13.1%, in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011, due to decreased volumes and the negative impact of foreign currency translation of $2.8 million. A reduction in Industrial Thermal Insulation net sales of $7.5 million, or 19.6%, primarily contributed to the reduction in net sales. This reduction was due to the Company selling the electrical papers product line to a customer in 2010. The Company sold $4.8 million less electrical paper products to this customer in the first nine months of 2012, compared to the same period of 2011, as the customer prepares to commence its own manufacturing of electrical paper products. Also impacting Industrial Thermal Insulation net sales was a decrease in products used in commercial buildings due to a temporary customer shut-down in the first quarter of 2012 and customers adjusting inventory levels on certain products. Net sales of Industrial Filtration products decreased by $4.1 million, or 7.2%, in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011, due to a reduction in demand for its products in Europe and Asia markets as well as foreign currency translation decreasing net sales $2.8 million. Net sales of Life Sciences Filtration products decreased by $2.4 million, or 21.6%, in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011, primarily due to decreased demand for products used in water and life protection application products.

 

The segment reported operating income of $10.4 million, in the first nine months of 2012, or 11.3% of net sales, compared to operating income of $15.2 million, or 14.3% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2011. Operating income in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011 includes a $0.8 million and $1.2 million gain, respectively, from services provided to the buyer of the electrical papers product line in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement. The decrease in operating income was primarily a result of lower net sales of $13.9 million, lower absorption of fixed overhead costs as well as unfavorable mix among product sales.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Metals

 

In the third quarter of 2012, segment net sales of $36.6 million were essentially flat compared to the third quarter of 2011. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by $2.7 million, or 7.5%, for the current quarter, compared with the third quarter of 2011. Automotive parts net sales decreased by $3.0 million, or 8.8%, compared to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation of $2.2 million, and to a lesser extent, decreased demand from customers served by the Company’s European automotive operations offset by higher net sales of domestic automotive parts. Tooling net sales in the third quarter of 2012 increased $3.2 million compared to the third quarter of 2011 due to timing of new product launches, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.5 million.

 

25
 

 

For the third quarter of 2012, operating income for the segment was $2.6 million, or 7.1% of net sales, compared to $3.4 million, or 9.3% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2011. Contributing to this decrease was unfavorable mix in sales between automotive parts and tooling, as net sales of automotive parts, which decreased by $3.0 million in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 2011, typically result in higher gross margin. Additionally, the correction of an immaterial error in the third quarter of 2012 decreased operating income by $0.5 million.

 

In the first nine months of 2012, segment net sales decreased by $1.3 million, or 1.1%, compared to the first nine months of 2011. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by $6.5 million, or 5.6%, in the first nine months of 2012 compared with the first nine months of 2011. Automotive parts net sales decreased by $2.4 million, or 2.3% compared to the first nine months of 2011 due to unfavorable foreign currency translation of $5.8 million. Higher sales volumes were due to strong consumer demand for vehicles in North America on existing platforms and new platform awards, partially offset by lower demand in Europe. Tooling net sales in the first nine months of 2012 were higher by $1.1 million, or 10.5%, compared to the first nine months of 2011 due to timing of new product launches, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.7 million.

 

For the first nine months of 2012, operating income for the segment was $11.7 million, or 10.1% of net sales, compared to $11.2 million, or 9.6% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2011. Contributing to this increase was lower raw material costs, specifically aluminum and aluminum conversion costs, partially offset by lower net sales, compared to the first nine months of 2011. Segment selling, product development and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011, primarily due to foreign currency translation.

 

Thermal/Acoustical Fibers

 

Segment net sales increased by $3.3 million, or 16.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2011. Automotive parts net sales increased by $3.9 million, or 20.0%, compared to the third quarter of 2011. Higher volumes of net sales were due to strong consumer demand for vehicles on existing platforms and new platform awards. Tooling net sales in the third quarter of 2012 were lower by $0.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2011, due to timing of new product launches.

 

Operating income for the segment was $3.4 million, or 14.6% of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2011. This improvement was due to higher net sales and improved gross margin realized from manufacturing efficiency improvements. These manufacturing improvements began in the second half of 2011 and continued through the third quarter of 2012. Significant reductions in scrap, material usage, and labor costs primarily contributed to lower per-unit manufacturing costs in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011, resulting in improved gross margin.

 

Segment net sales increased by $9.4 million, or 15.3%, compared to the first nine months of 2011. Automotive parts net sales increased by $10.5 million, or 17.8%, compared to the first nine months of 2011. Higher volumes of net sales were due to strong consumer demand for vehicles on existing platforms and new platform awards. Tooling net sales in the first nine months of 2012 were lower by $1.2 million compared to the first nine months of 2011, due to timing of new product launches.

 

Operating income for the segment was $9.1 million, or 12.8% of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $3.7 million in the first nine months of 2011. This improvement was due to higher net sales and improved gross margin realized from manufacturing efficiency improvements. These manufacturing improvements began in the second half of 2011 and continued through 2012. Significant reductions in scrap, material usage, and labor costs primarily contributed to lower per-unit manufacturing costs in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011, resulting in improved gross margin. Segment selling, product development and administrative expenses increased $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the first nine months of 2011. This increase was primarily related to increases in selling expenses as a result of higher net sales.

 

Other Products and Services

 

OPS net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 increased $0.5 million, or 14.2%, compared to the same quarter a year ago, due to increased sales from the Life Sciences Vital Fluids business which was primarily attributed to higher volumes of blood filtration and blood transfusion net sales and, to a lesser extent, price increases.

 

26
 

 

OPS reported operating income of $0.4 million, or 8.2% of net sales, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to an operating loss of $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2011. This improvement was due to higher net sales as well as reductions in the business’s cost structure in order to better align it with the long development cycles in the bioprocessing industry.

 

OPS net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1.3 million, or 12.3%, compared to the same period a year ago, due to increased sales from the Life Sciences Vital Fluids business which was primarily attributed to higher volumes of blood filtration, blood transfusion and bioprocessing product net sales and, to a lesser extent, price increases.

 

OPS reported operating income of $0.9 million, or 7.1% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to an operating loss of $0.8 million for the same period a year ago. This improvement was due to higher net sales as well as reductions in 2012 to the business’s cost structure in order to better align it with the long development cycles in the bioprocessing industry.

 

Corporate Office Expenses

 

Corporate office expenses were $4.5 million and $3.1 million in the third quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in the third quarter of 2012 was principally due to higher professional services expenses of $0.6 million and severance and recruiting charges of $0.6 million primarily associated with the departure of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

 

Corporate office expenses were $12.7 million and $10.2 million in the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase was due to higher professional services expenses of $1.0 million, severance and recruiting charges of $0.6 million, primarily associated with the departure of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, and higher accrued incentive compensation expense of $0.5 million.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company assesses its liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund operating, investing and financing activities. The principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows. In addition to operating cash flows, other significant factors that affect the overall management of liquidity include capital expenditures, investments in businesses, strategic transactions, income tax payments, outcomes of contingencies, pension funding and availability of lines of credit and long-term financing. The Company manages worldwide cash requirements by considering available funds among domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company expects to finance its 2012 operating cash and capital spending requirements from existing cash balances, cash provided by operating activities and through borrowings under its existing credit agreements, as needed.

 

Financing Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the majority of debt outstanding was capital lease obligations. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under any domestic credit facility, or any credit arrangement entered into by a foreign subsidiary, other than letters of credit.

 

On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into a $35.0 million senior secured domestic revolving credit facility (“Domestic Credit Facility”) with a new financial institution, which replaced the Company’s prior $35.0 million domestic credit facility that was terminated by the Company. The Domestic Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The maturity date for the Domestic Credit Facility is June 15, 2016.

 

The loan agreement governing the Domestic Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants. The Company is required to meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The fixed charge coverage ratio requires that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the loan agreement, to fixed charges may not be less than 1 to 1 for the immediately preceding 12 month period. In addition, the Company must maintain a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined, as of the end of each fiscal quarter of no greater than 2.5 to 1.0. The Company must also meet a minimum consolidated EBITDA of $15.0 million through September 30, 2014 and $25.0 million thereafter. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2012.

 

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had borrowing availability of $32.5 million under the Domestic Credit Facility, net of standby letters of credit outstanding of $2.5 million. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries had various credit arrangements with banks totaling €9.0 million (approximately $11.6 million) all of which was available for borrowings, primarily restricted to borrowings by the respective foreign subsidiary.

 

27
 

 

Operating Cash Flows

 

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2012 was $19.2 million compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $2.1 million in the first nine months of 2011. In the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period for 2011, net income, excluding the gain on sale of discontinued operations and the gain on sale of product line from all periods, improved by $7.5 million primarily due to improved operating income from the Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment. Since December 31, 2011, operating assets and liabilities increased by $5.2 million, primarily due to increases in accounts receivable of $11.1 million, partially offset by higher accounts payable of $5.7 million due to timing of inventory purchases. The increase in accounts receivable was due to higher net sales in the last half of the third quarter of 2012 compared to the last half of the fourth quarter of 2011, with accounts receivable days outstanding at September 30, 2012 being consistent with December 31, 2011. The increase in inventory of $6.0 million in 2011 was due to increased production activity as well as the Company purchasing greater volumes of raw material to take advantage of pricing and availability.

 

Investing Cash Flows

 

In the first nine months of 2012, net cash provided by investing activities was $5.1 million compared to net cash used for investing activities of $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2011. Capital expenditures were $7.9 million during the first nine months of 2012, compared with $5.9 million for the same period of 2011. Capital spending for 2012 is expected to be approximately $10.0 million to $12.0 million. In 2012, the Company redeeemed its $12.0 million dollar short term investment, which was purchased in 2011. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company received the remaining $1.0 million due from the sale of the Company’s electrical papers product line paid in accordance with a License Agreement. The first nine months of 2011 includes $14.0 million of proceeds from the Company’s sale of the Affinity business during the second quarter of 2011.

 

Financing Cash Flows

 

In the first nine months of 2012, net cash used for financing activities was $3.6 million compared to net cash used of $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2011. In the first nine months of 2012, the Company repurchased $3.1 million in company stock, compared to none for the comparable period. Debt repayments were $0.8 million and $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Footnote 1 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” and Critical Accounting Estimates in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” of this report describe the significant accounting policies and critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is required to make judgments and estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting estimates during the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis of $4.7 million of goodwill in the Life Sciences Vital Fluids reporting unit (“VF reporting unit”), included in OPS. The Company’s goodwill impairment testing analysis included estimating the fair value of the VF reporting unit, using both: (i) the income approach - discounted cash flows, and (ii) the market approach - comparable company analysis. The income approach involved determining the present value of future cash flows from the reporting unit’s projected financial results in 2012 – 2014 (and the projected cash flows beyond that three year period computed as the terminal value) and discounting those amounts based on appropriate market risks and other market factors. Based on those projections and the market approach using valuation multiples derived from select guideline companies, the Company concluded that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value of net assets. As a result, there was no impairment of goodwill.

 

28
 

 

The estimates of fair value of reporting units are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment, which incorporate management assumptions about expected future cash flows, as well as other factors such as market capitalization and other market information. Future cash flows can be affected by numerous factors including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in the underlying business or products of the reporting unit, changes in competition and changes in technology. Any changes in key assumptions about the business and its prospects, changes in any of the factors discussed above or other factors could affect the fair value of one or more of the reporting units resulting in an impairment charge. If future operating performance in the VF reporting unit does not reasonably meet expectations or other key assumptions change or are not met, then a non-cash impairment charge to income from operations could occur.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which amends ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. This ASU gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine if indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. The entity may first determine based on qualitative factors if it is more likely than not that the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets are less than their carrying amount. If that assessment indicates no impairment, the quantitative impairment test is not required. This standard is effective for financial statements of periods beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which amends ASC 210, Balance Sheet. This ASU requires entities to disclose gross and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and those subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This would include derivatives and other financial securities arrangements. The effective date is January 1, 2013, and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption of this ASU will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in market risks from those disclosed in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

  

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of the Company, with the participation of its CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

29
 

 

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, investigations and inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business such as, but not limited to, patent, employment, personal injury, commercial, and environmental matters. Although there can be no assurance, the Company is not aware of any matters pending that are expected to be material with respect to the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

See the Company’s most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K (Part I, Item 1A). There has been no material change in this information. The risks described in the annual report on Form 10-K, and the “Safe Harbor Statement” in this report, are not the only risks faced by the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that are currently judged to be immaterial may also materially affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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

 

In August 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program to mitigate the potentially dilutive effects of stock options and shares of restricted and unrestricted stock granted by the Company. Under the 2003 stock repurchase program, shares may be purchased by the Company up to the quantity of shares underlying options and other equity-based awards granted under shareholder approved plans.

 

On April 27, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program under which the Company may purchase up to 1.0 million shares. The new stock repurchase program replaces the 2003 stock repurchase program. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 29,457 shares of common stock at a total cost of $0.4 million.

 

The following table provides information with respect to all purchases made by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2012. All purchases listed below were made in the open market at prevailing market prices.

 

Period  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price
Paid per
Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program
   Maximum
Number of
Shares That
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Program
 
                 
July 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012    28,457   $12.37    28,457    752,067 
August 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012    1,000   $12.49    1,000    751,067 
September 1, 2012 - September 30, 2012    -   $-    -    751,067 
    29,457   $12.38    29,457    751,067 

  

30
 

 

Item 6.    Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
 

 

Description

     
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     

  3.2 

 

  Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated as of December 11, 2003, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.1   Lydall 2012 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan, filed with the Registrant’s 2012 Proxy Statement dated March 16, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.2   Offer of Employment Letter to David H. Williams dated June 12, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.3   Employment Agreement with David H. Williams dated June 27, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.4   Form (for U.S. Employees) of Lydall, Inc. [Nonqualified] [Incentive] Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.5   Form (For U.S. Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.6   Form (For French Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.7   Form (For German Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.8   Form (For U.S Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Restricted Share Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.9   Form (For Non-Employee Directors) of Lydall, Inc. Restricted Share Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.10   Form (For Netherlands Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.11   Form (For French Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.12   Form (For German Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.13   Employment Agreement with Robert K. Julian dated October 1, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.

 

31
 

 

 31.1

  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
     
31.2   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
     
32.1   Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

32
 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

  LYDALL, INC.
   
November 8, 2012 By:

/s/ Robert K. Julian  

   

Robert K. Julian
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(On behalf of the Registrant and as
Principal Financial Officer)

 

33
 

 

LYDALL, INC.

Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
 

 

Description

     
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     

  3.2 

 

  Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended and restated as of December 11, 2003, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on 10-K dated March 12, 2004 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.1   Lydall 2012 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan, filed with the Registrant’s 2012 Proxy Statement dated March 16, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.2   Offer of Employment Letter to David H. Williams dated June 12, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.3   Employment Agreement with David H. Williams dated June 27, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.4   Form (for U.S. Employees) of Lydall, Inc. [Nonqualified] [Incentive] Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.5   Form (For U.S. Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.6   Form (For French Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.7   Form (For German Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Performance Share Award Agreement (Three-Year Period), filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.8   Form (For U.S Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Restricted Share Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.9   Form (For Non-Employee Directors) of Lydall, Inc. Restricted Share Award Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.10   Form (For Netherlands Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.11   Form (For French Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.12   Form (For German Employees) of Lydall, Inc. Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 1, 2012 and incorporated herein by this reference.
     
10.13   Employment Agreement with Robert K. Julian dated October 1, 2012, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 4, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

34
 

 

31.1

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.

     
31.2   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed herewith.
     
32.1   Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

35