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EX-10.30 - EXHIBIT 10.30 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex1030.htm
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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex311.htm
EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex23.htm
EX-10.29 - EXHIBIT 10.29 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex1029.htm
EX-10.28 - EXHIBIT 10.28 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex1028.htm
EX-10.23 - EXHIBIT 10.23 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex1023.htm
EX-10.22 - EXHIBIT 10.22 - CSS INDUSTRIES INCcss-3312016xex1022.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
(Mark one)
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016
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 1-2661
 
CSS INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
Delaware
 
13-1920657
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
450 Plymouth Road, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA
 
19462
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (610) 729-3959
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
 
 
Title of each class 
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.10 par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
(Title of class) 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
ý
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  ý
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant is $231,178,015. Such aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price of the common stock of the registrant on the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2015, being the last trading day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Such calculation excludes the shares of common stock beneficially owned at such date by certain directors and officers of the registrant, as described under the section entitled “Ownership of CSS Common Stock” in the proxy statement to be filed by the registrant for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In making such calculation, registrant does not determine the affiliate or non-affiliate status of any holders of the shares of common stock for any other purpose.
At May 20, 2016, there were outstanding 9,033,019 shares of common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.



CSS INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.




PART I
Item 1. Business.
General
CSS Industries, Inc. (“CSS” or the “Company”) is a consumer products company primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of all occasion and seasonal social expression products, principally to mass market retailers. These all occasion and seasonal products include decorative ribbons and bows, classroom exchange Valentines, infant products, journals, buttons, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, gift card holders, gift bags, gift wrap, decorations, floral accessories, craft and educational products, Easter egg dyes and novelties, memory books, scrapbooks, stickers, stationery, and other items that commemorate life’s celebrations. CSS’ product breadth provides its retail customers the opportunity to use a single vendor for much of their seasonal product requirements. A substantial portion of CSS’ products are manufactured, packaged and/or warehoused in facilities located in the United States, with the remainder sourced from foreign suppliers, primarily in Asia. The Company’s products are sold to its customers by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives. CSS maintains a showroom in Hong Kong as well as a purchasing office to administer Asian sourcing opportunities. The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries include Berwick Offray LLC (“Berwick Offray”), Paper Magic Group, Inc. (“Paper Magic”) and C.R. Gibson, LLC (“C.R. Gibson”).
The Company’s fiscal year ends on March 31. References to a particular year refer to the fiscal year ending in March of that year. For example, fiscal 2016 refers to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.
The strategy of CSS is to build on existing relationships with craft, seasonal and celebrations customers by expanding and diversifying the product lines and thereby growing presence in the largest retailers in North America. This will include acquiring companies which fit into appropriate acquisition parameters. We actively meet with craft, seasonal and celebrations companies to review and assess potential acquisition targets.
On February 2, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal Lansing Company, LLC ("Blumenthal") for approximately $19,626,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $81,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $1,028,000 in fiscal 2016, primarily related to severance. Blumenthal was the leading provider of buttons to the sewing and craft markets in the United States, selling to mass market retailers and wholesale distributors that service independent retail stores. As of March 31, 2016, a portion of the purchase price is being held in escrow for certain post-closing adjustments and indemnification obligations. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $4,075,000, which is the excess of cost over preliminary fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
On February 19, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Hollywood Ribbon Industries, Inc. ("Hollywood Ribbon") for approximately $12,903,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $121,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $760,000 in fiscal 2015, primarily related to services performed under a transition service agreement and costs related to the relocation of inventory and equipment. Hollywood Ribbon was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of ribbon, bows and similar products to mass market retailers and national grocery, drug store, party and craft, and discount chains. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $745,000, which is the excess of cost over fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
On May 19, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel Ribbon Co., LLC ("Carson & Gebel") for approximately $5,173,000 in cash, including transaction costs of $31,000. Carson & Gebel was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of decorative ribbon and similar products to wholesale florists, packaging distributors and bow manufacturers. Key product categories include cut edge acetate ribbon and velvet ribbon used in everyday and holiday floral arrangements. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $553,000, which is the excess of cost over fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
Principal Products CSS designs and markets decorative ribbons and bows, infant products, journals, buttons, all occasion boxed greeting cards, gift card holders, gift bags, gift wrap, floral accessories, memory books, scrapbooks, stickers, stationery, and other gift and craft items to its mass market, craft, specialty and floral retail and wholesale distribution customers, and teachers’ aids and other learning oriented products to the education market through mass market retailers, school supply distributors and teachers’ stores. CSS also designs, manufactures, procures, distributes and sells a broad range of

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seasonal consumer products primarily through the mass market distribution channel. Christmas products include decorative ribbons and bows, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, gift card holders, gift bags, gift wrap, tissue paper and decorations. CSS’ Valentine product offerings include classroom exchange Valentine cards and other related Valentine products, while its Easter product offerings include Dudley’s® brand of Easter egg dyes and related Easter seasonal products.
Key brands include Paper Magic®, Berwick®, Offray®, C.R. Gibson®, Markings®, Stepping Stones®, Tapestry®, Seastone®, Dudley’s®, Eureka®, Stickerfitti®, Favorite Findings® and La Mode®.
CSS operates eleven manufacturing and/or distribution facilities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Alabama and Iowa. A description of the Company’s product lines and related manufacturing and/or distribution facilities is as follows:

Ribbons and bows are primarily manufactured and warehoused in seven facilities located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama. The manufacturing process is vertically integrated. Non-woven ribbon and bow products are primarily made from polypropylene resin, a petroleum-based product, which is mixed with color pigment, melted and pressed through an extruder. Large rolls of extruded film go through various combinations of manufacturing processes before being made into bows or packaged on ribbon spools or reels as required by various markets and customers. Woven fabric ribbons are manufactured domestically or imported from Mexico and Asia. Imported woven products are either narrow woven or converted from bulk rolls of wide width textiles. Domestic woven products are narrow woven.
Journals, educational products, infant products, memory books, scrapbooks, stationery, and other gift items are imported from Asian manufacturers and warehoused and distributed from a distribution facility in Alabama.
Floral accessories, including pot covers, foil, waxed tissue, shred, aisle runners, corsage bags and other paper and film products, are manufactured in facilities located in New Hampshire or imported from Mexico. Manufacturing includes gravure and flexo printing, waxing and converting. Products are warehoused and distributed from a distribution facility in Pennsylvania.
Other products including, but not limited to, buttons, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, gift card holders, gift bags, gift wrap, decorative tissue paper, classroom exchange Valentine products, Easter products, and decorations are produced to the specifications of CSS and are imported primarily from Asian manufacturers.

During our 2016 fiscal year, CSS experienced no material difficulties in obtaining raw materials or finished goods from suppliers.
Intellectual Property Rights CSS has a number of copyrights, patents, tradenames, trademarks and intellectual property licenses which are used in connection with its products. Substantially all of its designs and artwork are protected by copyright. Intellectual property license rights which CSS has obtained are viewed as especially important to the success of its classroom exchange Valentines and stickers. It is CSS’ view that its operations are not dependent upon any individual patent, tradename, trademark, copyright or intellectual property license. The collective value of CSS’ intellectual property is viewed as substantial, and CSS seeks to protect its rights in all patents, copyrights, tradenames, trademarks and intellectual property licenses.
Sales and Marketing Most of CSS’ products are sold in the United States and Canada by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives. CSS maintains permanent showrooms in Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia and Hong Kong where buyers for major retail customers will typically visit for a presentation and review of the new lines. Products are also displayed and presented in showrooms maintained by various independent manufacturers’ representatives in major cities in the United States and Canada. Relationships are developed with key retail customers by CSS sales personnel and independent manufacturers’ representatives. Customers are generally mass market retailers, discount department stores, specialty chains, warehouse clubs, drug and food chains, dollar stores, office supply stores, independent card, gift and floral shops and retail teachers’ stores. Net sales to Walmart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates and Target Corporation accounted for approximately 30% and 10% of total net sales, respectively, during fiscal 2016. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net sales in fiscal 2016. Our ten largest customers, which include mass market retailers, warehouse clubs and national drug store chains, accounted for approximately 58% of our sales in our 2016 fiscal year. Approximately 61% of the Company’s sales are attributable to all occasion products with the remainder attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter) products. Approximately 30% of CSS’ sales relate to the Christmas season. Seasonal products are generally designed and marketed beginning up to 18 to 20 months before the holiday event and manufactured during an eight to ten month production cycle. Due to these long lead time requirements, timely communication with third party factories, licensors, customers and independent manufacturers’ representatives is critical to the timely production of seasonal products. Sales terms for our

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seasonal products do not generally require payment until just before or just after the holiday, in accordance with industry practice. C.R. Gibson’s social stationery products are sold by a national organization of sales representatives that specialize in the gift and specialty channel, as well as by C.R. Gibson’s key account representatives. The Company also sells custom products to private label customers, to other social expression companies, and to converters of the Company’s ribbon products. Custom products are sold by both independent manufacturers’ representatives and CSS sales managers. CSS products, with some customer specific exceptions, are not sold under guaranteed or return privilege terms. All occasion ribbon and bow products are also sold through sales representatives or independent manufacturers’ representatives to wholesale distributors and independent small retailers who serve the floral, craft and retail packaging trades.
Competition among retailers in the sale of the Company’s products to end users is intense. CSS seeks to assist retailers in developing merchandising programs designed to enable the retailers to meet their revenue and profit objectives while appealing to their consumers’ tastes. These objectives are met through the development and manufacture of custom configured and designed products and merchandising programs. CSS’ years of experience in merchandising program development and product quality are key competitive advantages in helping retailers meet their objectives.
Competition CSS competes with various domestic and foreign companies in each of its product offerings. Some of our competitors, such as American Greetings Corporation, LLC ("American Greetings") and Hallmark Cards, Incorporated (“Hallmark”), are larger and have greater resources than the Company. CSS believes its products are competitively positioned in their primary markets. Since competition is based primarily on category knowledge, timely delivery, creative design, price and, with respect to seasonal products, the ability to serve major retail customers with single, combined product shipments for each holiday event, CSS believes that its focus on products, combined with consistent service levels, allows it to compete effectively in its core markets.

Employees
At May 20, 2016, approximately 1,200 persons were employed by CSS (increasing to approximately 1,530 as seasonal employees are added). The Company believes that relationships with its employees are satisfactory.
With the exception of the bargaining unit at the ribbon manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, which totaled approximately 85 employees as of May 20, 2016, CSS employees are not represented by labor unions. Because of the seasonal nature of certain of its businesses, the number of production employees fluctuates during the year. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the Hagerstown-based production and maintenance employees remains in effect until December 31, 2017. Historically, we have been successful in renegotiating expiring agreements without any disruption of operating activities.
SEC Filings
The Company’s Internet address is www.cssindustries.com. Through its website, the following filings are made available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission: its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
You should carefully consider each of the risk factors we describe below, as well as other factors described in this annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in our SEC filings.
Our results of operations fluctuate on a seasonal basis, and quarter to quarter comparisons may not be a good indicator of our performance. Seasonal demand fluctuations may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to sell our products.
Approximately 61% of our sales are all occasion with the remainder attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter) products. Approximately 30% of our sales relate to the Christmas season. The seasonal nature of our business has historically resulted in lower sales levels and operating losses in our first and fourth quarters, and higher sales levels and operating profits in our second and third quarters. As a result, our quarterly results of operations fluctuate during our fiscal year, and a quarter to quarter comparison is not a good indication of our performance or how we will perform in the future. For example, our overall results of operations in the future may fluctuate substantially based on seasonal demand for our products. Such variations in demand could have a material adverse effect on the timing of cash flow and therefore our ability to meet our obligations with respect to our debt and other financial commitments. Seasonal fluctuations also affect our inventory levels. We must carry significant amounts of inventory, especially before the Christmas retail selling period. If we

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are not successful in selling the inventory during the relevant period, we may have to sell the inventory at significantly reduced prices, or we may not be able to sell the inventory at all.

We rely on a few mass market retailers, warehouse clubs and national drug store chains for a significant portion of our sales. The loss of sales, or a significant reduction of sales, to one or more of our large customers may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Past and future consolidation within the retail sector also may lead to reduced profit margins, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A few of our customers are material to our business and operations. Our sales to Walmart Stores, Inc. and its affiliates and Target Corporation accounted for approximately 30% and 10% of our sales, respectively, during our 2016 fiscal year. No other single customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales in fiscal 2016. Our ten largest customers, which include mass market retailers, warehouse clubs and national drug store chains, accounted for approximately 58% of our sales in our 2016 fiscal year. Our business depends, in part, on our ability to identify and define product and market trends, and to anticipate, understand and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. There can be no assurance that our large customers will continue to purchase our products in the same quantities that they have in the past. The loss of sales, or a significant reduction of sales, with one or more of our large customers, including without limitation a loss or significant reduction in sales resulting from our failure or inability to comply with one or more of any of our customers’ sourcing requirements, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, in recent years there has been consolidation among our retail customer base. As the retail sector consolidates, our customers become larger, and command increased leverage in negotiating prices and other terms of sale of our products, including credits, discounts, allowances and other incentive considerations to these customers. Past and future consolidation may lead to reduced profit margins, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Increases in raw material and energy costs, resulting from general economic conditions, acts of nature, such as hurricanes, earthquakes or pandemics, acts of war, threats of war, terrorism, civil unrest, or other factors, may raise our cost of goods sold and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Paper and petroleum-based materials are essential in the manufacture of our products, and the cost of such materials is significant to our cost of goods sold. Energy costs, especially fuel costs, also are significant expenses in the production and delivery of our products. Increased costs of raw materials or energy resulting from general economic conditions, acts of nature, such as hurricanes, earthquakes or pandemics, acts of war, threats of war, terrorism, civil unrest, or other factors, may result in declining margins and operating results if market conditions prevent us from passing these increased costs on to our customers through timely price increases on our products.
Risks associated with our use of foreign suppliers may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
For a large portion of our product lines, with the exception of our decorative ribbon and bow product lines, we use foreign suppliers to manufacture a significant portion of our products. Approximately 56% of our sales in fiscal 2016 were related to products sourced from foreign suppliers. Our use of foreign suppliers exposes us to risks inherent in doing business outside of the United States, including risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, transportation costs and delays or disruptions, difficulties in maintaining and monitoring quality control (including without limitation risks associated with defective products), enforceability of agreed upon contract terms, compliance with existing and new United States and foreign laws and regulations, such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and legislation and regulations relating to imported products, costs relating to the imposition or retrospective application of antidumping and countervailing duties or other trade-related sanctions on imported products, economic, civil or political instability, acts of war, threats of war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor-related issues, such as labor shortages or wage disputes or increases, international public health issues, and restrictions on the repatriation of profits and assets.
Increased overseas sourcing by our competitors and our customers may reduce our market share and profit margins, adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have relatively high market share in many of our seasonal product categories. Most of our product markets have shown little or no growth, and some of our product markets have declined in recent years, and we continue to confront significant cost pressure as our competitors source certain products from overseas and certain customers increase direct sourcing from overseas factories. Increased overseas sourcing by our competitors and certain customers may result in a reduction of our market share and profit margins, adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.


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Difficulties encountered by our key customers may cause them to reduce their purchases from us and/or increase our exposure to losses from bad debts, and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Many of our largest customers are national and regional retail chains. The retail channel in the United States has experienced significant shifts in market share among competitors in recent years, including as a result of the emergence of e-commerce retailers. Any current or future economic slowdown, slow economic recovery, or uncertain economic outlook could further adversely affect our key customers. Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if our customers file for bankruptcy protection and/or cease doing business, significantly reduce the number of stores they operate, significantly reduce their purchases from us, do not pay us for their purchases, or if their payments to us are delayed or reduced because of bankruptcy or other factors beyond our control.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by volatility in the demand for our products.
Our success depends on the sustained demand for our products. Many factors affect the level of consumer spending on our products, including, among other things, general business conditions, interest rates, the availability of consumer credit, taxation, the effects of war, terrorism or threats of war, civil unrest, fuel prices, consumer demand for our products based upon, among other things, consumer trends and the availability of alternative products, and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. A decline in economic activity in the United States or other regions of the world, a slow economic recovery, or an uncertain outlook, in addition to adversely affecting our customers, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition because of, among other things, reduced consumer spending on discretionary items, including our products. We also routinely utilize new artwork, designs or licensed intellectual property in connection with our products, and our inability to design, select, procure, maintain or sell consumer-desired artwork, designs or licensed intellectual property could adversely affect the demand for our products, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to compete successfully against our competitors.
Our success depends in part on our ability to compete against our competitors in our highly competitive markets. Our competitors, including domestic businesses, foreign manufacturers who market directly to our customer base, and importers of products, may be able to offer similar products with more favorable pricing, servicing and/or terms of sale or may be able to provide products that more readily meet customer requirements or consumer preferences. Our inability to successfully compete against our competitors could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel.
Our success depends, to a substantial extent, on the ability, experience and performance of our senior management. In order to hire and retain qualified personnel, including our senior management team, we seek to provide competitive compensation programs. Our inability to retain our senior management team, or our inability to attract and retain qualified replacement personnel, may adversely affect us. We also regularly hire a large number of seasonal employees. Any difficulty we may encounter in hiring seasonal employees may result in significant increases in labor costs, which may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining contract with our labor union, if disputes with our union arise, or if our unionized employees were to engage in a strike, or other work stoppage.
Approximately 85 of our employees at our ribbon manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland are represented by a labor union. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the Hagerstown-based production and maintenance employees will expire on December 31, 2017. Although we believe our relations with our employees are satisfactory, no assurance can be given that we will be able to successfully extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreement. If we fail to extend or renegotiate our collective bargaining agreement, if disputes with our union arise, or if our unionized workers engage in a strike or other work stoppage, we could incur higher ongoing labor costs or experience a significant disruption of operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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Employee benefit costs may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We seek to provide competitive employee benefit programs to our employees. Employee benefit costs, such as healthcare costs for our eligible and participating employees, may increase significantly at a rate that is difficult to forecast, in part because of the current and/or future impact of federal healthcare legislation on our employer-sponsored medical plans. Higher employee benefit costs could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our acquisition strategy involves risks, and difficulties in integrating potential acquisitions may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities to support, strengthen and grow our business. In fiscal 2016, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal and in fiscal 2015, we completed the acquisitions of substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel and of Hollywood Ribbon. We cannot be sure that we will be able to locate suitable acquisition candidates, acquire possible acquisition candidates, acquire such candidates on commercially reasonable terms, or integrate acquired businesses successfully. Future acquisitions may require us to incur debt and contingent liabilities, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The process of integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations may result in operating, contract and supply chain difficulties, such as the failure to retain customers or management personnel. Also, prior to our completion of any acquisition, we could fail to discover liabilities of the acquired business for which we may be responsible as a successor owner or operator in spite of any investigation we may make prior to the acquisition. Such difficulties may divert significant financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations, and make it more difficult to achieve our operating and strategic objectives. The diversion of management attention, particularly in a difficult operating environment, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our strategy to continuously review the efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of our business may result in our decision to divest or close selected operations.  Any divesture or closure involves risks, and decisions to divest or close selected operations may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We regularly evaluate the efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of our business, including our competitiveness within our product categories.  As part of such review, we also regularly evaluate the efficiency and productivity of our production and distribution facilities.  In fiscal 2013, we sold the Halloween portion of our Paper Magic business. In fiscal 2012, we sold the Christmas gift wrap portion of our Cleo business and closed our former gift wrap manufacturing facility that was located in Memphis, Tennessee. If we decide to divest a portion of our business, we cannot be sure that we will be able to locate suitable buyers or that we will be able to complete such divestiture successfully, timely or on commercially reasonable terms. If we decide to close a portion of our business, we cannot be sure of the effect such closure would have on the productivity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of our business, including our ongoing relationships with suppliers and customers, or of the expected success, timing or costs relating to such closure. Activities associated with any divestiture or closure may divert significant financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations, and make it more difficult to achieve our operating and strategic objectives.  Accordingly, future decisions to divest or close any portion of our business may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or infringement claims asserted against us by others, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have a number of copyrights, patents, tradenames, trademarks and intellectual property licenses which are used in connection with our products. While our operations are not dependent upon any individual copyright, patent, tradename, trademark or intellectual property license, we believe that the collective value of our intellectual property is substantial. We rely upon copyright, patent, tradename and trademark laws in the United States and other jurisdictions and on confidentiality agreements with some of our employees and others to protect our proprietary rights. If our proprietary rights were infringed, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, our activities could infringe upon the proprietary rights of others, who could assert infringement claims against us. We could face costly litigation to defend these claims. If we are unsuccessful in defending such claims, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We seek to register certain of our copyrights, patents, tradenames and trademarks in the United States and elsewhere. These registrations could be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. In addition, our confidentiality agreements with some employees or others may not provide adequate protection in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our proprietary information, or if our proprietary information otherwise becomes known, or is independently developed by competitors.

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Various laws and governmental regulations applicable to a manufacturer or distributor of consumer products may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to numerous federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws and regulations, including laws and regulations with respect to labor and employment, product safety, including regulations enforced by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission, import and export activities, the Internet and e-commerce, antitrust issues, taxes, chemical usage, air emissions, wastewater and storm water discharges and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials, including hazardous materials. Although we believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, because legal requirements frequently change and are subject to interpretation, we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance or the consequences of non-compliance with these requirements, or the affect on our operations, any of which may be significant. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, or prohibitions on importing or exporting. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or concerns about product safety, also may lead to a recall or post-manufacture repair of selected products, resulting in the rejection of our products by our customers and consumers, lost sales, increased customer service and support costs, and costly litigation. There is risk that any claims or liabilities, including product liability claims, relating to such noncompliance may exceed, or fall outside the scope of, our insurance coverage. Further, a failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations with respect to the Internet and e-commerce activities, which cover issues relating to user privacy, data protection, copyrights and consumer protection, may subject us to significant liabilities. We cannot be certain that existing laws or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws or regulations, will not have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by national or global changes in economic or political conditions.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by national or global changes in economic or political conditions, including foreign currency fluctuations and fluctuations in inflation and interest rates, a national or international economic downturn, any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, threats of war, civil unrest, and the national and global military, diplomatic and financial exposure to such attacks or other threats.

Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by our ability to successfully manage our information technology (“IT”) infrastructure.
We rely upon our IT infrastructure to operate our business. If we suffer damage, interruption, or impairment of our IT infrastructure resulting from human error, theft, vandalism, fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorist attacks, a computer virus, hacker attack or a malfunction of an IT application, we could experience substantial operational issues, including loss of data or information, misuse of data or information by a third party, increases in costs, disruption of operations or business interruption. Our inability to successfully manage our IT infrastructure could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to a number of restrictive covenants under our borrowing arrangement, including customary operating restrictions and customary financial covenants. Our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain compliance with such covenants.
Our borrowing arrangement contains a number of restrictive covenants, including customary operating restrictions that limit our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional debt, making investments, granting liens on our assets, making capital expenditures, paying dividends and making other distributions on our capital stock, and engaging in mergers, acquisitions, asset sales and repurchases of our capital stock. Under such arrangements, we are also subject to customary financial covenants, including covenants requiring us to maintain our capital expenditures below a maximum permitted amount each year and to keep our tangible net worth and our interest coverage ratio at or above certain minimum levels. Compliance with the financial covenants contained in our borrowing arrangements is based on financial measures derived from our operating results.
If our business, results of operations or financial condition is adversely affected by one or more of the risk factors described above, or other factors described in this annual report on Form 10-K or elsewhere in our filings with the SEC, we may be unable to maintain compliance with these covenants. If we fail to comply with such covenants, our lenders under our borrowing arrangements could stop advancing funds to us under these arrangements and/or demand immediate payment of amounts outstanding under such arrangements. Under such circumstances, we may need to seek alternate financing sources to fund our ongoing operations and to repay amounts outstanding and satisfy our other obligations under our existing borrowing arrangements. Such financing may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. Consequently, we may be restricted in how we

7


fund ongoing operations and strategic initiatives and deploy capital, and in our ability to make acquisitions and to pay dividends. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be further adversely affected if we are unable to maintain compliance with the covenants under our borrowing arrangements.
If our business, results of operations or financial condition is adversely affected as a result of any of the risk factors described above or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K or our other SEC filings, we may be required to incur financial statement charges, such as asset or goodwill impairment charges, which may, in turn, have a further adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If our business, results of operations or financial condition are adversely affected by one or more circumstances, such as any one or more of the risk factors above or other factors described in this annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in our SEC filings, we then may be required under applicable accounting rules to incur additional charges associated with reducing the carrying value on our financial statements of certain assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets or tangible assets.
Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment which must be performed at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. We perform our required annual assessment as of our fiscal year end. Authoritative guidance provides entities with the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two step impairment test would be required. The first step of the test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill, as of the date of the test. We use both a market approach and an income approach to determine the fair value of our reporting units because we believe that the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each of our reporting units. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment loss will be reported.

Other indefinite lived intangible assets, such as our tradenames, also are required to be tested annually for impairment. Authoritative guidance gives an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. To perform a qualitative assessment, an entity must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and entity-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the result of the qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, a more detailed fair value calculation will need to be performed which is used to identify potential impairments and to measure the amount of impairment losses to be recognized, if any. We calculate the fair value of our tradenames using a “relief from royalty payments” methodology. We also review long-lived assets, except for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, we will recognize, for impairment purposes, an amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
If we are required to incur any of the foregoing financial charges, our results of operations and financial condition may be further adversely affected.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.


8


Item 2. Properties.
The following table sets forth the location and approximate square footage of the Company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities:
 
 
Use

Approximate Square Feet
Location
 
Owned

Leased
Danville, PA
 
Distribution

133,000



Berwick, PA
 
Manufacturing and distribution

213,000



Berwick, PA
 
Manufacturing and distribution

220,000



Berwick, PA
 
Distribution

226,000



Berwick, PA
 
Distribution



431,000

Hagerstown, MD
 
Manufacturing and distribution

284,000



Batesburg, SC
 
Manufacturing

229,000



Florence, AL
 
Distribution



100,000

Florence, AL
 
Distribution



180,000

Milford, NH
 
Manufacturing



58,000

Lansing, IA
 
Manufacturing and distribution
 
104,000

 

Total
 


1,409,000


769,000

The Company also utilizes owned and leased space aggregating approximately 182,000 square feet for various marketing and administrative purposes, including approximately 9,000 square feet utilized as an office and showroom in Hong Kong. The headquarters and principal executive office of the Company are located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
CSS and its subsidiaries are involved in ordinary, routine legal proceedings that are not considered by management to be material. In the opinion of Company counsel and management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such legal proceedings will not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Company or its results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.


9


PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The common stock of the Company is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of that stock, and the dividends declared per share, for each of the quarters during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015.
 
Fiscal 2016
 

 

Dividends
Declared
 
High

Low

First Quarter
$
30.71


$
27.27


$
0.18

Second Quarter
31.13


25.00


0.18

Third Quarter
30.83


25.21


0.18

Fourth Quarter
28.96


24.47


0.20

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2015
 

 

Dividends
Declared
 
High

Low

First Quarter
$
27.28


$
23.05


$
0.15

Second Quarter
27.95


23.97


0.15

Third Quarter
32.62


23.92


0.15

Fourth Quarter
30.50


26.87


0.18

At May 20, 2016, there were approximately 4,230 holders of the Company’s common stock and there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
The ability of the Company to pay any cash dividends on its common stock is dependent on the Company’s earnings and cash requirements and is further limited by maintaining compliance with financial covenants contained in the Company’s credit facilities. The Company anticipates that quarterly cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

10


Performance Graph
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholders’ return on the Company’s common stock for the period from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2016, with (i) the cumulative total return on the Standard and Poors 500 (“S&P 500”) Index and (ii) a peer group, as described below (assuming the investment of $100 in our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the peer group on April 1, 2011 and reinvestment of all dividends).
The peer group utilized consists of Checkpoint Systems, Inc., Ennis, Inc., JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Lifetime Brands, Inc. (the “Peer Group”). The Company selected this group as its Peer Group because they are engaged in businesses that are sometimes categorized with the Company’s business. However, management believes that a comparison of the Company’s performance to this Peer Group will be flawed, because the businesses of the Peer Group companies are in large part different from the Company’s business. In this regard, Lifetime Brands is principally focused on food preparation, tabletop and home décor, competing only with some of the Company’s products; and the other companies principally engage in retail security solutions, printing services or sell juvenile products.


11


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
 
Years Ended March 31,
 
2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations Data:









Net sales
$
317,017


$
313,044


$
320,459


$
364,193


$
384,663

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
26,641


26,641


27,700


22,637


25,245

Income from continuing operations
17,236


16,954


18,564


15,588


16,229

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax




205


(361
)

(559
)
Net income
17,236


16,954


18,769


15,227


15,670

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share:
 








Basic:
 








Continuing operations
$
1.88


$
1.82


$
1.98


$
1.63


$
1.67

Discontinued operations
$


$


$
0.02


$
(0.04
)

$
(0.06
)
Total
$
1.88


$
1.82


$
2.00


$
1.59


$
1.61

Diluted:
 

 

 

 

 
Continuing operations
$
1.87


$
1.80


$
1.97


$
1.63


$
1.67

Discontinued operations
$


$


$
0.02


$
(0.04
)

$
(0.06
)
Total
$
1.87


$
1.80


$
1.99


$
1.59


$
1.61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data:









Working capital (1)
$
176,886


$
190,047


$
183,395


$
170,537


$
159,699

Total assets (1)
309,926


309,473


293,535


289,180


286,564

Long-term debt









Stockholders’ equity
271,490


270,255


257,216


248,978


243,203

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.74


$
0.63


$
0.60


$
0.60


$
0.60

 
(1)
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" ("ASU 2015-17"), requiring deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 retrospectively as of March 31, 2016. Accordingly, working capital and total assets in the Selected Financial Data have been adjusted to give effect to the retrospective adoption of ASU 2015-17. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

12


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
On September 9, 2011, the Company and its Cleo Inc ("Cleo") subsidiary sold the Christmas gift wrap portion of Cleo's business and certain assets relating to such business, including certain equipment, contract rights, customer lists, intellectual property and other intangible assets to Impact Innovations, Inc. ("Impact"). The results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 reflect the historical operations of the Christmas gift wrap business as discontinued operations. The discussion in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented on the basis of continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.
Approximately 61% of the Company’s sales are attributable to all occasion products with the remainder attributable to seasonal (Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter) products. Seasonal products are sold primarily to mass market retailers, and the Company has relatively high market share in many of these categories. Most of these markets have shown little growth and in some cases have declined in recent years. The Company continues to confront significant price pressure as its competitors source certain products from overseas and its customers increase direct sourcing from overseas factories. Increasing customer concentration has augmented their bargaining power, which has also contributed to price pressure. In recent fiscal years, the Company has experienced lower sales in Christmas boxed greetings cards and gift tags.
The Company has taken several measures to respond to sales volume, cost and price pressures. The Company believes it continues to have strong core Christmas product offerings which has allowed it to compete effectively in this competitive market. In addition, the Company is pursuing new product initiatives related to craft, all occasion and seasonal products, including new licensed and non-licensed product offerings. CSS continually invests in product and packaging design and product knowledge to assure that it can continue to provide unique added value to its customers. In addition, CSS maintains a purchasing office in Hong Kong to be able to provide foreign-sourced products at competitive prices. CSS continually evaluates the efficiency and productivity of its North American production and distribution facilities and of its back office operations to maintain its competitiveness.
The seasonal nature of CSS’ business has historically resulted in lower sales levels and operating losses in the first and fourth quarters and comparatively higher sales levels and operating profits in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year, which ends March 31, thereby causing significant fluctuations in the quarterly results of operations of the Company.
Historically, significant revenue growth at CSS has come through acquisitions. Management anticipates that it will continue to consider acquisitions as a strategy to stimulate growth.
On February 2, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal for approximately $19,626,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $81,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $1,028,000 in fiscal 2016, primarily related to severance. Blumenthal was the leading provider of buttons to the sewing and craft markets in the United States, selling to mass market retailers and wholesale distributors that service independent retail stores. As of March 31, 2016, a portion of the purchase price is being held in escrow for certain post-closing adjustments and indemnification obligations. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $4,075,000, which is the excess of cost over preliminary fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
On February 19, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Hollywood Ribbon for approximately $12,903,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $121,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $760,000 in fiscal 2015 primarily related to services performed under a transition service agreement and costs related to the relocation of inventory and equipment. Hollywood Ribbon was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of ribbon, bows and similar products to mass market retailers and national grocery, drug store, party and craft, and discount chains. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and the excess of cost over fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired of $745,000 was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
On May 19, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel Ribbon for approximately $5,173,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $31,000. Carson & Gebel was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of decorative ribbon and similar products to wholesale florists, packaging distributors and bow manufacturers. Key product categories include cut edge acetate ribbon and velvet ribbon used in everyday and holiday floral arrangements. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and the excess of cost over fair

13


value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired of $553,000 was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
Litigation
CSS and its subsidiaries are involved in ordinary, routine legal proceedings that are not considered by management to be material. In the opinion of Company counsel and management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such legal proceedings will not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Company or its results of operations or cash flows.
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015
Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2016 increased to $317,017,000 from $313,044,000 in fiscal 2015. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher sales of Christmas bows and ribbon of $7,967,000 (largely due to the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Hollywood Ribbon on February 19, 2015) and buttons of $2,354,000, which is related to the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal on February 2, 2016, partially offset by lower sales of Christmas gift tags and cards of $4,652,000 and $3,026,000, respectively.
Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 68% in fiscal 2016 and 2015.
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was 24% in fiscal 2016 and 2015. The transaction and transition costs of $1,109,000 related to the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal on February 2, 2016 recorded in the current year substantially offset costs of approximately $1,111,000 that were recorded in the prior year related to a mergers and acquisitions project that was terminated.

Interest income, net was $112,000 in fiscal 2016 compared to interest expense, net of $7,000 in fiscal 2015. The change was primarily due to higher average balances of funds invested in short-term investments, as well as higher rates of return on invested balances, compared to the prior year.
Income taxes, as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes, were 35% in fiscal 2016 and 36% in 2015. The decrease in income taxes, as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes, was primarily attributable to an increase in the tax benefit related to the domestic manufacturing tax deduction recorded in the current year compared to the prior year.
Net income for the year ended March 31, 2016 increased 2% to $17,236,000 from $16,954,000 in fiscal 2015.
Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2015 decreased to $313,044,000 from $320,459,000 in fiscal 2014. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower sales of Christmas cards, gift bags and decorations of $7,628,000, all occasion stationery products of $5,718,000, and all occasion cards of $2,157,000. These sales declines were partially offset by higher sales of floral products of $5,549,000 (largely due to the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel on May 19, 2014) and gift card holders of $2,161,000.
Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was 68% in fiscal 2015 and 2014.
SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was 24% in fiscal 2015 and 23% in fiscal 2014. The increase in SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, was primarily related to costs of approximately $1,111,000 related to a mergers and acquisitions project that was terminated and recorded in fiscal 2015, partially offset by lower commissions.

Interest expense, net was $7,000 in fiscal 2015 compared to $191,000 in fiscal 2014. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to higher average balances of funds invested in short-term investments, as well as higher rates of return on invested balances, compared to the prior year.
Income from continuing operations before income taxes was $26,641,000, or 9% of net sales, in fiscal 2015 compared to $27,700,000, or 9% of net sales, in fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of lower sales volume and higher SG&A expenses, as described above.
Income taxes, as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes, were 36% in fiscal 2015 and 33% in 2014. The increase in income taxes, as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes,

14


was primarily attributable to a tax benefit related to the reduction to the property, plant and equipment deferred tax liability recorded in the prior year which did not recur in the current fiscal year.
There was no income from discontinued operations in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $205,000 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014 reflects pre-tax income of $117,000 related to the Christmas gift wrap business which was sold on September 9, 2011 and an income tax benefit of $88,000. See further discussion in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had working capital of $176,886,000 and $190,047,000, respectively, and stockholders’ equity of $271,490,000 and $270,255,000, respectively. Operating activities of continuing operations provided net cash of $15,123,000 in fiscal 2016 compared to $33,223,000 in fiscal 2015 and $28,240,000 in fiscal 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in fiscal 2016 reflects our working capital requirements which resulted in an increase in accounts receivable of $4,268,000, an increase in inventory of $4,674,000, an increase in other assets of $4,627,000 and a decrease in accrued expenses and long-term obligations of $2,723,000. Included in fiscal 2016 net income were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $8,308,000, provision for accounts receivable allowances of $2,712,000, deferred tax provision of $1,868,000 and share-based compensation of $1,654,000. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in fiscal 2015 reflects our working capital requirements which resulted in a decrease in accounts receivable of $1,593,000, a decrease in other assets of $1,248,000 and an increase in accounts payable of $2,253,000, offset by an increase in inventory of $2,903,000. Included in fiscal 2015 net income were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $7,878,000, provision for accounts receivable allowances of $2,143,000, share-based compensation of $2,038,000 and deferred tax provision of $1,666,000. Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations in fiscal 2014 reflects our working capital requirements which resulted in a decrease in inventory of $3,346,000, offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $3,972,000 and a decrease in accounts payable of $2,536,000. Included in fiscal 2014 net income were non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $7,543,000, provision for accounts receivable allowances of $2,862,000, deferred tax provision of $2,511,000 and share-based compensation of $1,843,000.
Our investing activities of continuing operations used net cash of $14,058,000 in fiscal 2016, consisting primarily of the purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities of $84,632,000, purchase of businesses of $19,545,000 and capital expenditures of $6,411,000, partially offset by maturities of investment securities of $95,000,000 and proceeds from sale of assets of $1,530,000. In fiscal 2015, our investing activities consisted primarily of the purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities of $69,749,000, purchase of businesses of $15,146,000 and capital expenditures of $3,924,000, partially offset by maturities of investment securities of $30,000,000. In fiscal 2014, our investing activities consisted primarily of the purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities of $29,862,000 and capital expenditures of $5,024,000.
Our financing activities used net cash of $17,567,000 in fiscal 2016, consisting primarily of purchases of treasury stock of $11,274,000 and payments of cash dividends of $6,764,000. In fiscal 2015, financing activities used net cash of $5,969,000, consisting primarily of payments of cash dividends of $5,878,000. In fiscal 2014, financing activities used net cash of $12,360,000, consisting primarily of purchases of treasury stock of $6,634,000 and payments of cash dividends of $5,637,000.
On March 4, 2016, the Company agreed to purchase, under its stock repurchase program, 45,000 shares of its common stock from a charitable foundation of which the Company's former Chairman of the Board, who retired as a director and officer of the Company on July 28, 2015, is a founder, director and officer. The purchase price was lower than the closing market price on the preceding trading day. The transaction was approved by the Company's Board of Directors on March 4, 2016 and completed on March 8, 2016. The total amount of this transaction was $1,274,000.
Under a stock repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased 397,789 shares (inclusive of the 45,000 shares described above) of the Company’s common stock for $11,274,000 (inclusive of the $1,274,000 described above) in fiscal 2016. There were no repurchases of the Company's common stock by the Company during fiscal 2015. The Company repurchased 272,655 shares of the Company’s common stock for $6,634,000 in fiscal 2014. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had 303,166 shares remaining available for repurchase under the Board’s authorization.
The Company relies primarily on cash generated from its operations and, if needed, seasonal borrowings under its revolving credit facility to meet its liquidity requirements throughout the year. Historically, a significant portion of the Company’s revenues have been seasonal, primarily Christmas related, with approximately 68% of sales recognized in the second and third quarters. As payment for sales of Christmas related products is usually not received until just before or just after the holiday selling season in accordance with general industry practice, working capital has historically increased in the second and third quarters, peaking prior to Christmas and dropping thereafter. The sale of the Christmas gift wrap portion of

15


Cleo’s business and the sale of the Halloween portion of Paper Magic’s business has reduced the Company’s seasonal working capital requirements. Seasonal financing requirements are available under a revolving credit facility with two banks. Reflecting the seasonality of the Company’s business, the maximum credit available at any one time under the credit facility (“Commitment Level”) adjusts to $50,000,000 from February to June (“Low Commitment Period”), $100,000,000 from July to October (“Medium Commitment Period”) and $150,000,000 from November to January (“High Commitment Period”) in each respective year over the term of the facility. The Company has the option to increase the Commitment Level during part of any Low Commitment Period from $50,000,000 to an amount not less than $62,500,000 and not in excess of $125,000,000; provided, however, that the Commitment Level must remain at $50,000,000 for at least three consecutive months during each Low Commitment Period. The Company has the option to increase the Commitment Level during all or part of any Medium Commitment Period from $100,000,000 to an amount not in excess $125,000,000. Fifteen days prior written notice is required for the Company to exercise an option to increase the Commitment Level with respect to a particular Low Commitment Period or Medium Commitment Period. The Company may exercise an option to increase the Commitment Level no more than three times each calendar year. This financing facility is available to fund the Company’s seasonal borrowing needs and to provide the Company with sources of capital for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions as permitted under the revolving credit facility. This facility is due to expire on March 16, 2020. For information concerning this credit facility, see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. At March 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
Based on its current operating plan, the Company believes its sources of available capital are adequate to meet its ongoing cash needs for at least the next 12 months.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Less than 1
 
1-3
 
4-5
 
After 5
 
 
Contractual Obligations
Year
 
Years
 
Years
 
Years
 
Total
Operating leases
$
5,401

 
$
8,816

 
$
5,213

 
$
1,996

 
$
21,426

Other long-term obligations (1)
211

 
700

 
336

 
1,028

 
2,275

Royalty obligations (2) 
570

 
973

 

 

 
1,543

 
$
6,182

 
$
10,489

 
$
5,549

 
$
3,024

 
$
25,244

 
(1) 
Other long-term obligations consist primarily of postretirement medical liabilities and deferred compensation arrangements. Future timing of payments for other long-term obligations is estimated by management.
(2) 
The Company is committed to pay guaranteed minimum royalties attributable to sales of certain intellectual property licensed products.

The above table excludes any potential uncertain income tax liabilities that may become payable upon examination of the Company’s income tax returns by taxing authorities. Such amounts and periods of payment cannot be reliably estimated. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further explanation of the Company’s uncertain tax positions.
As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s other commitments are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Less than 1
Year
 
1-3
Years
 
4-5
Years
 
After 5
Years
 
Total
Letters of credit
$
1,570

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,570

The Company has a reimbursement obligation with respect to stand-by letters of credit that guarantee the funding of workers’ compensation claims and guarantee the funding of obligations to a certain vendor. The Company has no financial guarantees or other similar arrangements with any third parties or related parties other than its subsidiaries.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. These purchase orders do not contain any significant termination payments or other penalties if canceled.
Critical Accounting Policies
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that, among other things, affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and

16


assumptions are most significant where they involve levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or matters susceptible to change, and where they can have a material impact on our financial condition and operating performance. Below are the most significant estimates and related assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected.
Revenue
Revenue is recognized from product sales when goods are shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. The Company records estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs, which may include special pricing agreements for specific customers, volume incentives and other promotions. In limited cases, the Company may provide the right to return product as part of its customer programs with certain customers. The Company also records estimated reductions to revenue, based primarily on historical experience, for customer returns and chargebacks that may arise as a result of shipping errors, product damaged in transit or for other reasons that become known subsequent to recognizing the revenue. These provisions are recorded in the period that the related sale is recognized and are reflected as a reduction from gross sales. The related reserves are shown as a reduction of accounts receivable, except for reserves for customer programs which are shown as a current liability. If the amount of actual customer returns and chargebacks were to increase or decrease significantly from the estimated amount, revisions to the estimated allowance would be required.

Accounts Receivable
The Company offers seasonal dating programs related to certain seasonal product offerings pursuant to which customers that qualify for such programs are offered extended payment terms. While some customers are granted return rights as part of their sales program, customers generally do not have the right to return product except for reasons the Company believes are typical of our industry, including damaged goods, shipping errors or similar occurrences. The Company is generally not required to repurchase products from its customers, nor does the Company have any regular practice of doing so. In addition, the Company endeavors to mitigate its exposure to bad debts by evaluating the creditworthiness of its major customers utilizing established credit limits and purchasing credit insurance when warranted in management’s judgment and available on terms that management deems satisfactory. Bad debt and returns and allowances reserves are recorded as an offset to accounts receivable while reserves for customer programs are recorded as accrued liabilities. The Company evaluates accounts receivable related reserves and accruals monthly by specifically reviewing customers’ creditworthiness, historical recovery percentages and outstanding customer deductions and program arrangements. Customer account balances are charged off against the allowance reserve after reasonable means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered unlikely.

Inventory Valuation
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is primarily determined by the first-in, first-out method although certain inventories are valued based on the last-in, first-out method. The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions, customer planograms and sales forecasts. Additional inventory write downs could result from unanticipated additional carryover of finished goods and raw materials, or from lower proceeds offered by parties in our traditional closeout channels.
Goodwill, Other Intangibles and Long-Lived Assets
When a company is acquired, the difference between the fair value of its net assets, including intangibles, and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment which must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Entities have the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the basis of the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two step impairment test would still be required. The first step of the test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill, as of the date of the test. The Company uses a dual approach to determine the fair value of its reporting units, including both a market approach and an income approach. The market approach computes fair value using a multiple of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization which was developed considering both the multiples of recent transactions as well as trading multiples of consumer products companies. The income approach is based on the present value of discounted cash flows and a terminal value projected for each reporting unit. The income approach requires significant judgments including the Company’s projected net cash flows, the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) used to discount the cash flows and terminal value

17


assumptions. The projected net cash flows are derived using the most recent available estimate for each reporting unit. The WACC rate is based on an average of the capital structure, cost of capital and inherent business risk profiles of the Company and peer consumer products companies. We believe the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be reported. The Company performs its required annual assessment as of the fiscal year end. Changes to our judgments regarding assumptions and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair market value of the reporting units, which could result in an impairment of goodwill.
Other indefinite lived intangible assets consist primarily of tradenames, which are also required to be tested annually for impairment. An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. To perform a qualitative assessment, an entity must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and entity-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the result of the qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, a more detailed fair value calculation will need to be performed which is used to identify potential impairments and to measure the amount of impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The fair value of the Company’s tradenames is calculated using a “relief from royalty payments” methodology. This approach involves first estimating reasonable royalty rates for each trademark then applying these royalty rates to a net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine the fair value. The royalty rate is estimated using both a market and income approach. The market approach relies on the existence of identifiable transactions in the marketplace involving the licensing of tradenames similar to those owned by the Company. The income approach uses a projected pretax profitability rate relevant to the licensed income stream. We believe the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each tradename. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of each tradename.
Long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment), except for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.
In connection with the Company’s review of the recoverability of its goodwill as it prepared its financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Company elected not to perform a qualitative assessment of its goodwill and proceeded directly to the more detailed two step impairment test. The results of our testing indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit, indicating that there was no impairment of goodwill. In connection with the Company's review of the recoverability of other intangibles as it prepared its financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the fair value of other intangible assets was in excess of the carrying value and no impairment was recorded. In connection with the recoverability of property, plant and equipment, no circumstances were identified that indicated the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. No impairment of assets was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. In connection with the Company’s review of the recoverability of its goodwill, other intangibles and long-lived assets as it prepared its financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of all goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 was in excess of the carrying value and no impairment was recorded. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
Accounting for Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax expense or benefit (state, federal and foreign), including the impact of permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences and operating loss and credit carryforwards result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or increase (decrease) such allowance in a period, we would record additional tax expense (benefit) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The management of the Company periodically estimates the probable tax obligations of the Company using historical experience in tax jurisdictions and informed judgments. There are inherent uncertainties related to the interpretation of tax regulations. The judgments and

18


estimates made at a point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits, as well as changes to or further interpretations of regulations. If such changes take place, there is a risk that the tax rate may increase or decrease in any period.

Share-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation using a fair-value based recognition method. Share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is expensed ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and the expected option life.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value service-based stock options and uses Monte Carlo simulation to value performance-based stock options and restricted stock units. The fair value of each service-based restricted stock unit is estimated on the day of grant based on the closing price of the Company's common stock reduced by the present value of the expected dividend stream during the vesting period using the risk-free interest rate. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on historical volatility of its common stock. Estimated option life assumptions are also derived from historical data. Had the Company used alternative valuation methodologies and assumptions, compensation cost for share-based payments could be significantly different. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the stated vesting period consistent with the terms of the arrangement (i.e. either on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis).
Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for information concerning recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of those standards.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s goals of expanding by developing new or complementary products, entering new markets, pursuing new product initiatives, and acquiring companies that are complimentary to the Company's existing businesses; the Company’s anticipation that quarterly cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future; the expected future impact of legal proceedings; the Company’s view that its risk exposure with regard to foreign currency fluctuations is insignificant; the estimated amount and timing of future amortization expense, future compensation expense related to non-vested outstanding stock options and RSUs and future lease payments and other contractual obligations and commitments; the expected future effect of certain accounting pronouncements; and the Company’s belief that its sources of available capital are adequate to meet its future cash needs for at least the next 12 months. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management as to future events and financial performance with respect to the Company’s operations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances arising after the date as of which they were made. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including without limitation, general market and economic conditions; increased competition (including competition from foreign products which may be imported at less than fair value and from foreign products which may benefit from foreign governmental subsidies); difficulties entering new markets and/or developing new and complementary products that drive incremental sales; information technology risks, such as cyber attacks and data breaches; increased operating costs, including labor-related and energy costs and costs relating to the imposition or retrospective application of duties on imported products; currency risks and other risks associated with international markets; difficulties identifying and evaluating suitable acquisition opportunities; risks associated with acquisitions, including realization of intangible assets and recoverability of long-lived assets, and acquisition integration costs and the risk that the Company may not be able to integrate and derive the expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks associated with the combination of the operations of the Company's operating businesses; the risk that customers may become insolvent, may delay payments or may impose deductions or penalties on amounts owed to the Company; costs of compliance with governmental regulations and government investigations; liability associated with non-compliance with governmental regulations, including regulations pertaining to the environment, federal and state employment laws, and import and export controls, customs laws and consumer product safety regulations; and other factors described more fully elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of these factors, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included herein or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by, or on behalf of, the Company.


19


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. These financial exposures are monitored and, where considered appropriate, managed by the Company as described below.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s primary market risk exposure with regard to financial instruments is to changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had held-to-maturity investments of $59,806,000 consisting of commercial paper with original maturities at the date of purchase of six months or less. These highly liquid investments are subject to interest rate and interest income risk and will decrease in value if market interest rates increase. Because the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold these investments until maturity, it does not expect any decline in value of its investments caused by market interest rate changes. Pursuant to the Company’s variable rate line of credit in effect during fiscal 2016, a change in the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) would have affected the rate at which the Company could borrow funds thereunder. However, the Company had no borrowings under its revolving credit facility during fiscal 2016.
Foreign Currency Risk
Approximately 1% of the Company’s sales in fiscal 2016 were denominated in a foreign currency. The Company considers its risk exposure with regard to foreign currency fluctuations insignificant as it enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the majority of firmly committed transactions and related receivables that are denominated in a foreign currency. The Company has designated its foreign currency forward contracts as fair value hedges. The gains or losses on the fair value hedges are recognized in earnings and generally offset the transaction gains or losses on the foreign denominated assets that they are intended to hedge.


20


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
 


21


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CSS Industries, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSS Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2016. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule included in Item 15(a)2. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CSS Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), CSS Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated May 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
May 25, 2016
Philadelphia, PA

22


CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,927

 
$
36,429

Short-term investments
59,806

 
69,845

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,363 and $1,059
45,144

 
42,052

Inventories
73,022

 
65,491

Other current assets
12,792

 
11,235

Total current assets
210,691

 
225,052

Net property, plant and equipment
27,053

 
25,493

Deferred income taxes
3,193

 
4,957

Other assets:
 
 
 
Goodwill
19,974

 
15,820

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,624 and $11,959
42,183

 
33,048

Other
6,832

 
5,103

Total other assets
68,989

 
53,971

Total assets
$
309,926

 
$
309,473

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
14,463

 
$
12,917

Accrued income taxes

 
745

Accrued payroll and other compensation
9,016

 
9,054

Accrued customer programs
3,275

 
4,042

Accrued royalties
1,527

 
2,362

Accrued other expenses
5,524

 
5,885

Total current liabilities
33,805

 
35,005

Long-term obligations
4,631

 
4,213

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9 and 11)

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, Class 2, $.01 par, 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued

 

Common stock, $.10 par, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 14,703,084 shares issued at March 31, 2016 and 2015
1,470

 
1,470

Additional paid-in capital
56,157

 
54,399

Retained earnings
364,030

 
356,467

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(62
)
 
(91
)
Common stock in treasury, 5,670,819 and 5,359,334 shares, at cost
(150,105
)
 
(141,990
)
Total stockholders’ equity
271,490

 
270,255

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
309,926

 
$
309,473

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


23


CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
$
317,017

 
$
313,044

 
$
320,459

Costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
214,746

 
211,342

 
217,303

Selling, general and administrative expenses
76,047

 
75,062

 
75,204

Interest (income) expense, net
(112
)
 
7

 
191

Other (income) expense, net
(305
)
 
(8
)
 
61

 
290,376

 
286,403

 
292,759

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
26,641

 
26,641

 
27,700

Income tax expense
9,405

 
9,687

 
9,136

Income from continuing operations
17,236

 
16,954

 
18,564

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
205

Net income
$
17,236

 
$
16,954

 
$
18,769

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.88

 
$
1.82

 
$
1.98

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Total
$
1.88

 
$
1.82

 
$
2.00

Diluted:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.87

 
$
1.80

 
$
1.97

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Total
$
1.87

 
$
1.80

 
$
1.99

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
9,147

 
9,326

 
9,389

Diluted
9,239

 
9,410

 
9,436

 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
17,236

 
$
16,954

 
$
18,769

Postretirement medical plan, net of tax
29

 
(72
)
 
21

Comprehensive income
$
17,265

 
$
16,882

 
$
18,790


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

24


CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
17,236

 
$
16,954

 
$
18,769

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
8,308

 
7,878

 
7,543

Accretion of investment discount
(329
)
 
(234
)
 

Provision for accounts receivable allowances
2,712

 
2,143

 
2,862

Deferred tax provision
1,868

 
1,666

 
2,511

Gain on sale or disposal of assets
(120
)
 
(16
)
 
(8
)
Share-based compensation expense
1,654

 
2,038

 
1,843

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(4,268
)
 
1,593

 
(3,972
)
Inventories
(4,674
)
 
(2,903
)
 
3,346

Other assets
(4,627
)
 
1,248

 
(1,282
)
Accounts payable
539

 
2,253

 
(2,536
)
Accrued income taxes
(453
)
 
821

 
(726
)
Accrued expenses and long-term obligations
(2,723
)
 
(218
)
 
(110
)
Net cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations
15,123

 
33,223

 
28,240

Net cash used for operating activities-discontinued operations

 
(232
)
 
(410
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
15,123

 
32,991

 
27,830

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Maturities of investment securities
95,000

 
30,000

 

Purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities
(84,632
)
 
(69,749
)
 
(29,862
)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash received of $0 and $2,778 in 2016 and 2015, respectively
(19,545
)
 
(15,146
)
 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(6,411
)
 
(3,924
)
 
(5,024
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
1,530

 
26

 
8

Net cash used for investing activities-continuing operations
(14,058
)
 
(58,793
)
 
(34,878
)
Net cash provided by investing activities-discontinued operations

 

 
500

Net cash used for investing activities
(14,058
)
 
(58,793
)
 
(34,378
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Payment of financing transaction costs

 
(112
)
 

Dividends paid
(6,764
)
 
(5,878
)
 
(5,637
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(11,274
)
 

 
(6,634
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
770

 
46

 
49

Payments for tax withholding on net restricted stock settlements
(520
)
 
(293
)
 
(563
)
Tax effect of stock awards
221

 
268

 
425

Net cash used for financing activities
(17,567
)
 
(5,969
)
 
(12,360
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(16,502
)
 
(31,771
)
 
(18,908
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
36,429

 
68,200

 
87,108

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
19,927

 
$
36,429

 
$
68,200

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

25


CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Other
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
in Treasury
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Total
Balance, March 31, 2013

 
$

 
14,703,084

 
$
1,470

 
$
49,884

 
$
338,464

 
$
(40
)
 
(5,235,312
)
 
$
(140,800
)
 
$
248,978

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 
1,843

 

 

 

 

 
1,843

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 
(2,044
)
 

 
59,793

 
2,093

 
49

Issuance of common stock under equity plan

 

 

 

 

 
(2,083
)
 

 
39,928

 
1,520

 
(563
)
Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(272,655
)
 
(6,634
)
 
(6,634
)
Tax effect of stock awards

 

 

 

 
425

 

 

 

 

 
425

Reduction of deferred tax assets due to expired stock options

 

 

 

 
(35
)
 

 

 

 

 
(35
)
Cash dividends ($.60 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 
(5,637
)
 

 

 

 
(5,637
)
Postretirement medical plan, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
21

 

 

 
21

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
18,769

 

 

 

 
18,769

Balance, March 31, 2014

 

 
14,703,084

 
1,470

 
52,117

 
347,469

 
(19
)
 
(5,408,246
)
 
(143,821
)
 
257,216

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 
2,038

 

 

 

 

 
2,038

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 
(760
)
 

 
22,899

 
806

 
46

Issuance of common stock under equity plan

 

 

 

 

 
(1,318
)
 

 
26,013

 
1,025

 
(293
)
Tax effect of stock awards

 

 

 

 
268

 

 

 

 

 
268

Reduction of deferred tax assets due to expired stock options

 

 

 

 
(24
)
 

 

 

 

 
(24
)
Cash dividends ($.63 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 
(5,878
)
 

 

 

 
(5,878
)
Postretirement medical plan, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
(72
)
 

 

 
(72
)
Net income

 

 

 

 

 
16,954

 

 

 

 
16,954

Balance, March 31, 2015

 

 
14,703,084

 
1,470

 
54,399

 
356,467

 
(91
)
 
(5,359,334
)
 
(141,990
)
 
270,255

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 
1,654

 

 

 

 

 
1,654

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 
(895
)
 

 
47,560

 
1,665

 
770

Issuance of common stock under equity plan

 

 

 

 

 
(2,014
)
 

 
38,744

 
1,494

 
(520
)
Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(397,789
)
 
(11,274
)
 
(11,274
)
Tax effect of stock awards

 

 

 

 
221

 

 

 

 

 
221

Reduction of deferred tax assets due to expired stock options

 

 

 

 
(117
)
 

 

 

 

 
(117
)
Cash dividends ($.74 per common share)

 

 

 

 

 
(6,764
)
 

 

 

 
(6,764
)
Postretirement medical plan, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
29

 

 

 
29

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
17,236

 

 

 

 
17,236

Balance, March 31, 2016

 
$

 
14,703,084

 
$
1,470

 
$
56,157

 
$
364,030

 
$
(62
)
 
(5,670,819
)
 
$
(150,105
)
 
$
271,490

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

26


CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2016
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
CSS Industries, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, “CSS” or the “Company”) has prepared the consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
On September 9, 2011, the Company and its Cleo Inc ("Cleo") subsidiary sold the Christmas gift wrap portion of Cleo's business and certain assets relating to such business, including certain equipment, contract rights, customer lists, intellectual property and other intangible assets to Impact Innovations, Inc. ("Impact"). Cleo's remaining assets, including accounts receivables and inventory, were excluded from the sale. The results of operations and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 reflect the historical operations of the Christmas gift wrap business as discontinued operations. The discussions in this annual report are presented on the basis of continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on March 31. References to a particular year refer to the fiscal year ending in March of that year. For example fiscal 2016 refers to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CSS Industries, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Nature of Business
CSS is a consumer products company primarily engaged in the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of all occasion and seasonal social expression products, principally to mass market retailers. These all occasion and seasonal products include decorative ribbons and bows, classroom exchange Valentines, infant products, journals, buttons, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, gift card holders, gift bags, gift wrap, decorations, floral accessories, craft and educational products, Easter egg dyes and novelties, memory books, scrapbooks, stickers, stationery, and other items that commemorate life’s celebrations. CSS’ product breadth provides its retail customers the opportunity to use a single vendor for much of their seasonal product requirements. A substantial portion of CSS’ products are manufactured, packaged and/or warehoused in facilities located in the United States, with the remainder purchased primarily from manufacturers in Asia and Mexico. The Company’s products are sold to its customers by national and regional account sales managers, sales representatives, product specialists and by a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives. CSS maintains a showroom in Hong Kong as well as a purchasing office to administer Asian sourcing opportunities.
The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries include Berwick Offray LLC (“Berwick Offray”), Paper Magic Group, Inc. (“Paper Magic”) and C.R. Gibson, LLC (“C.R. Gibson”). On December 3, 2013, the Company combined the operations of its C.R. Gibson business with the operations of its Berwick Offray and Paper Magic businesses, which were previously combined on March 27, 2012. These businesses were combined in order to provide stronger management oversight by reallocating sourcing, sales and marketing resources in a more strategic manner.
Approximately 85 of its 1,200 employees (increasing to approximately 1,530 as seasonal employees are added) are represented by a labor union. The collective bargaining agreement with the labor union representing the production and maintenance employees in Hagerstown, Maryland remains in effect until December 31, 2017. Historically, we have been successful in renegotiating expiring agreements without any disruption of operating activities.
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year classification.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
Translation adjustments are charged or credited to a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are not material and are included in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

27


Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Judgments and assessments of uncertainties are required in applying the Company’s accounting policies in many areas. Such estimates pertain to revenue recognition, the valuation of inventory and accounts receivable, the assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible and long-lived assets, income tax accounting, the valuation of share-based awards and resolution of litigation and other proceedings. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Short-Term Investments
The Company categorizes and accounts for its short-term investment holdings as held-to-maturity securities. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair market value at March 31, 2016 and 2015. This categorization is based upon the Company's positive intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity. Short-term investments at March 31, 2016 consisted of commercial paper with an amortized cost of $59,806,000 and mature in fiscal 2017. Short-term investments at March 31, 2015 consisted of commercial paper with an amortized cost of $69,845,000 and matured in fiscal 2016.
Accounts Receivable
The Company offers seasonal dating programs related to certain seasonal product offerings pursuant to which customers that qualify for such programs are offered extended payment terms. With some exceptions, customers do not have the right to return product except for reasons the Company believes are typical of our industry, including damaged goods, shipping errors or similar occurrences. The Company generally is not required to repurchase products from its customers, nor does the Company have any regular practice of doing so. In addition, the Company mitigates its exposure to bad debts by evaluating the creditworthiness of its major customers, utilizing established credit limits, and purchasing credit insurance when appropriate and available on terms satisfactory to the Company. Bad debt and returns and allowances reserves are recorded as an offset to accounts receivable while reserves for customer programs are recorded as accrued liabilities. The Company evaluates accounts receivable related reserves and accruals monthly by specifically reviewing customers’ creditworthiness, historical recovery percentages and outstanding customer deductions and program arrangements. Customer account balances are charged off against the allowance reserve after reasonable means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered unlikely.

Inventories
The Company records inventory when title is transferred, which occurs upon receipt or prior to receipt dependent on supplier shipping terms. The Company adjusts unsaleable and slow-moving inventory to its estimated net realizable value. Substantially all of the Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. The remaining portion of the inventory is valued at the lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market, which was $143,000 and $279,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Had all inventories been valued at the lower of FIFO cost or market, inventories would have been greater by $599,000 and $725,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Raw material
$
11,392

 
$
9,612

Work-in-process
17,745

 
15,376

Finished goods
43,885

 
40,503

 
$
73,022

 
$
65,491


28


Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and include the following (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
2016

2015
Land
$
2,508


$
2,508

Buildings, leasehold interests and improvements
34,317


35,664

Machinery, equipment and other
87,675


88,148


124,500


126,320

Less – Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(97,447
)

(100,827
)
Net property, plant and equipment
$
27,053


$
25,493

Depreciation is provided generally on the straight-line method and is based on estimated useful lives or terms of leases as follows:
 
Buildings, leasehold interests and improvements
  
 
Lease term to 45 years
  
Machinery, equipment and other
  
 
3 to 15 years
  
When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the consolidated balance sheet. Any gain or loss from the disposition of property, plant and equipment is included in other (income) expense, net. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company sold a former manufacturing facility, previously recorded as an asset held for sale and included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and recognized a gain of $159,000. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
The Company maintained no assets under capital leases as of March 31, 2016 and 2015. Depreciation expense was $5,643,000, $6,027,000 and $5,917,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Company maintains various operating leases and records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 9 for further discussion.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets including Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment
When a company is acquired, the difference between the fair value of its net assets, including intangibles, and the purchase price is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is subject to an assessment for impairment which must be performed at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Entities have the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the basis of the qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two step impairment test would still be required. The first step of the test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill, as of the date of the test. The Company uses a dual approach to determine the fair value of its reporting units including both a market approach and an income approach. The market approach computes fair value using a multiple of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization which was developed considering both the multiples of recent transactions as well as trading multiples of consumer products companies. The income approach is based on the present value of discounted cash flows and a terminal value projected for each reporting unit. The income approach requires significant judgments including the Company’s projected net cash flows, the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) used to discount the cash flows and terminal value assumptions. The projected net cash flows are derived using the most recent available estimate for each reporting unit. The WACC rate is based on an average of the capital structure, cost of capital and inherent business risk profiles of the Company and peer consumer products companies. We believe the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each reporting unit.
The Company then corroborates the reasonableness of the total fair value of the reporting units by reconciling the aggregate fair values of the reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization adjusted to include an estimated control premium. The estimated control premium is derived from reviewing observable transactions involving the purchase of controlling interests in comparable companies. The market capitalization is calculated using the relevant shares outstanding and an average closing stock price which considers volatility around the test date. The exercise of reconciling the market capitalization to the computed fair value further supports the Company’s conclusion on the fair value. If the carrying amount of

29


the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed. The second step compares the carrying amount of the goodwill to the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be reported. The Company performs its required annual assessment as of the fiscal year end. Changes to our judgments regarding assumptions and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair market value of the reporting units, which could result in an impairment of goodwill.
Other indefinite lived intangible assets consist primarily of tradenames which are also required to be tested annually for impairment. An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. To perform a qualitative assessment, an entity must identify and evaluate changes in economic, industry and entity-specific events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset. If the result of the qualitative analysis indicates it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, a more detailed fair value calculation will need to be performed which is used to identify potential impairments and to measure the amount of impairment losses to be recognized, if any. The fair value of the Company’s tradenames is calculated using a “relief from royalty payments” methodology. This approach involves first estimating reasonable royalty rates for each trademark then applying these royalty rates to a net sales stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine the fair value. The royalty rate is estimated using both a market and income approach. The market approach relies on the existence of identifiable transactions in the marketplace involving the licensing of tradenames similar to those owned by the Company. The income approach uses a projected pretax profitability rate relevant to the licensed income stream. We believe the use of multiple valuation techniques results in a more accurate indicator of the fair value of each tradename. This fair value is then compared with the carrying value of each tradename.
Long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment), except for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.
The Company elected not to perform a qualitative assessment of its goodwill and proceeded directly to the more detailed two step impairment test. The results of our testing indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit, indicating that there was no impairment of goodwill. In connection with the Company's review of the recoverability of other intangibles for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the fair value of other intangible assets was in excess of the carrying value and no impairment was recorded. In each of fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company determined that no impairment of intangible assets existed in fiscal 2015 or in fiscal 2014.

In connection with the Company’s review of the recoverability of its long-lived assets for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, no circumstances were identified that indicated the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. There was no impairment of assets recorded in fiscal 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments as part of its risk management strategy to reduce foreign currency risk. Derivatives are not used for trading or speculative activities.
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company generally designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), or (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the required criteria for, a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as, and meets all the required criteria for, a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged item affects earnings. The portion of the change in fair value of a derivative associated with hedge ineffectiveness or the component of a derivative instrument excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recorded currently in earnings. Also, changes in the entire fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded immediately in earnings. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions.

30


The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.
The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts in order to reduce the impact of certain foreign currency fluctuations. Firmly committed transactions and the related receivables and payables may be hedged with forward exchange contracts. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in other (income) expense, net as offsets of gains and losses resulting from the underlying hedged transactions. Realized gains of $151,000, $183,000 and $123,000 were recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no open foreign currency forward exchange contracts as of March 31, 2016 and 2015.
 Interest Expense (Income)
Interest expense was $288,000, $281,000 and $283,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income was $400,000, $274,000 and $92,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company recognizes the impact of an uncertain tax position, if it is more likely than not that such position will be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position. See Note 7 for further discussion.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized from product sales when goods are shipped, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured. The Company records estimated reductions to revenue for customer programs, which may include special pricing agreements for specific customers, volume incentives and other promotions. In limited cases, the Company may provide the right to return product as part of its customer programs with certain customers. The Company also records estimated reductions to revenue, based primarily on historical experience, for customer returns and chargebacks that may arise as a result of shipping errors, product damaged in transit or for other reasons that become known subsequent to recognizing the revenue. These provisions are recorded in the period that the related sale is recognized and are reflected as a reduction from gross sales. The related reserves are shown as a reduction of accounts receivable, except for reserves for customer programs which are shown as a current liability. If the amount of actual customer returns and chargebacks were to increase or decrease significantly from the estimated amount, revisions to the estimated allowance would be required.
Product Development Costs
Product development costs consist of purchases of outside artwork, printing plates, cylinders, catalogs and samples. For seasonal products, the Company typically begins to incur product development costs 18 to 20 months before the applicable holiday event. These costs are amortized monthly over the selling season, which is generally within two to four months of the holiday event. Development costs related to all occasion products are incurred within a period beginning six to nine months prior to the applicable sales period. These costs generally are amortized over a six to twelve month selling period. The expense of certain product development costs that are related to the manufacturing process are recorded in cost of sales while the portion that relates to creative and selling efforts are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Product development costs capitalized as of March 31, 2016 were $4,686,000, of which $3,776,000 was recorded in other current assets and $910,000 was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated financial statements. Product development costs capitalized as of March 31, 2015 were $4,321,000, of which $3,938,000 was recorded in other current assets and $383,000 was recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated financial statements. Product development expense of $6,902,000, $7,172,000 and $5,716,000 was recognized in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

31


Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs are reported in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on a fair-value model. Calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility and expected option life.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value service-based stock options and uses Monte Carlo simulation to value performance-based stock options and restricted stock units. The fair value of each service-based restricted stock unit is estimated on the day of grant based on the closing price of the Company's common stock reduced by the present value of the expected dividend stream during the vesting period using the risk-free interest rate. The Company estimates stock price volatility based on historical volatility of its common stock. Estimated option life assumptions are also derived from historical data. Had the Company used alternative valuation methodologies and assumptions, compensation cost for share-based payments could be significantly different. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the stated vesting period consistent with the terms of the arrangement (i.e. either on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis).
Net Income Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic net income per common share and diluted net income per common share for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
17,236

 
$
16,954

 
$
18,564

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 
205

Net income
$
17,236

 
$
16,954

 
$
18,769

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic income per common share
9,147

 
9,326

 
9,389

Effect of dilutive stock options
92

 
84

 
47

Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding for diluted income per common share
9,239

 
9,410

 
9,436

Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.88

 
$
1.82

 
$
1.98

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Total
$
1.88

 
$
1.82

 
$
2.00

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.87

 
$
1.80

 
$
1.97

Discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
0.02

Total
$
1.87

 
$
1.80

 
$
1.99

The Company has excluded 253,000 shares, 223,000 shares, and 189,000 shares, consisting of outstanding stock options and unearned restricted stock units, in computing diluted net income per common share for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because their effects were antidilutive.
Statements of Cash Flows
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all holdings of highly liquid investments with a maturity at time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

32


Supplemental Schedule of Cash Flow Information
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Cash paid during the year for:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
$
210

 
$
254

 
$
289

Income taxes
$
9,736

 
$
6,215

 
$
9,112

 
 
 
 
 
 
Details of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of assets acquired
$
20,796

 
$
18,128

 
$

Liabilities assumed
1,251

 
204

 

Net assets acquired
19,545

 
17,924

 

Less cash acquired

 
2,778

 

Net cash paid for acquisitions
$
19,545

 
$
15,146

 
$

(2) BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
On February 2, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal Lansing Company, LLC ("Blumenthal") for approximately $19,626,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $81,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $1,028,000 in fiscal 2016, primarily related to severance. Blumenthal was the leading provider of buttons to the sewing and craft markets in the United States, selling to mass market retailers and wholesale distributors that service independent retail stores. As of March 31, 2016, a portion of the purchase price is being held in escrow for certain post-closing adjustments and indemnification obligations. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $4,075,000, which is the excess of cost over preliminary fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition in fiscal 2016 (in thousands):
Accounts receivable
$
1,536

Inventory
2,915

Other assets
203

Total current assets
4,654

Property, plant and equipment
267

Intangible assets
11,800

Goodwill
4,075

     Total assets acquired
20,796

Current liabilities
1,051

Other long-term obligations
200

     Total liabilities assumed
1,251

Net assets acquired
$
19,545

The financial results of Blumenthal are included in the Company's fiscal 2016 results of operations from February 2, 2016, the transaction close date. Blumenthal contributed approximately $2,354,000 of revenue and an immaterial amount of earnings for the period from acquisition through March 31, 2016. The following table summarizes the revenue and earnings of the Company had the date of the acquisition been April 1, 2014 (in thousands):
 
Revenue
 
Earnings
Supplemental pro forma for the year ended March 31, 2016
$
331,075

 
$
18,508

Supplemental pro forma for the year ended March 31, 2015
$
332,109

 
$
18,149


33


On February 19, 2015, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Hollywood Ribbon Industries, Inc. (“Hollywood Ribbon”) for approximately $12,903,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $121,000. The Company also incurred costs of approximately $760,000 in fiscal 2015, primarily related to services performed under a transition service agreement and costs related to the relocation of inventory and equipment. Hollywood Ribbon was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of ribbon, bows and similar products to mass market retailers and national grocery, drug store, party and craft, and discount chains. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $745,000, which is the excess of cost over fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015. During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an increase in goodwill of $79,000 related to adjustments to acquired inventory and property, plant and equipment. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
On May 19, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel Ribbon Co., LLC ("Carson & Gebel") for approximately $5,173,000 in cash, including transaction costs of approximately $31,000. Carson & Gebel was a manufacturer, distributor and supplier of decorative ribbon and similar products to wholesale florists, packaging distributors and bow manufacturers. Key product categories include cut edge acetate ribbon and velvet ribbon used in everyday and holiday floral arrangements. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase, and $553,000, which is the excess of cost over fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, was recorded as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. For tax purposes, goodwill resulting from this acquisition is deductible.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisitions in fiscal 2015 (in thousands):
Cash
$
2,778

Accounts receivable
1,545

Inventory
3,336

Other assets
38

Total current assets
7,697

Property, plant and equipment
543

Intangible assets
8,590

Goodwill
1,298

     Total assets acquired
18,128

Current liabilities
204

     Total liabilities assumed
204

Net assets acquired
$
17,924

(3) GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The following table shows changes in goodwill for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 and 2016 (in thousands):

Balance as of March 31, 2014
$
14,522

Acquisition of Carson & Gebel
553

Acquisition of Hollywood Ribbon
745

Balance as of March 31, 2015
15,820

Acquisition of Blumenthal
4,075

Increase in goodwill - Hollywood Ribbon
79

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
19,974



34


The change in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets for the year ended March 31, 2015 and 2016 is as follows (in thousands):
 
Tradenames and Trademarks
 
Customer Relationships
 
Patents
 
Covenant Not to Compete
Balance as of March 31, 2014
$
12,793

 
$
22,057

 
$
1,193

 
$

Acquisition of Carson & Gebel
160

 
1,300

 

 
160

Acquisition of Hollywood Ribbon

 
6,600

 

 
370

Write-off of patent

 

 
(29
)
 

Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
12,953

 
$
29,957

 
$
1,164

 
$
530

Acquisition of Blumenthal
2,600

 
9,200

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2016
$
15,553

 
$
39,157

 
$
1,164

 
$
530

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): 
 
March 31, 2016
 
March 31, 2015
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Tradenames and trademarks
$
15,553

 
$

 
$
12,953

 
$

Customer relationships
39,157

 
13,444

 
29,957

 
11,031

Patents
1,164

 
708

 
1,164

 
592

Trademarks
403

 
333

 
403

 
303

Covenants not to compete
530

 
139

 
530

 
33

 
$
56,807

 
$
14,624

 
$
45,007

 
$
11,959


The weighted-average amortization period of customer relationships, patents, trademarks and covenants not to compete are 12 years, 10 years, 10 years, and 5 years, respectively.
Amortization expense was $2,665,000 for fiscal 2016, $1,851,000 for fiscal 2015, and $1,626,000 for fiscal 2014. The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as follows (in thousands):
 
Fiscal 2016
$
3,212

Fiscal 2017
3,212

Fiscal 2018
3,188

Fiscal 2019
3,144

Fiscal 2020
2,956

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company performed the required annual impairment test of the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles and determined that no impairment existed.
The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization and property and plant and equipment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important that could trigger an impairment review include significant changes in the use of any assets, changes in historical trends in operating performance, changes in projected operating performance, stock price, loss of a major customer, failure to pass step one of the goodwill impairment test and significant negative economic trends. In connection with the Company’s review of the recoverability of its long-lived assets for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company determined that no impairment existed in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014.


35


(4) TREASURY STOCK TRANSACTIONS

On March 4, 2016, the Company agreed to purchase, under its stock repurchase program, 45,000 shares of its common stock from a charitable foundation of which the Company's former Chairman of the Board, who retired as a director and officer of the Company on July 28, 2015, is a founder, director and officer. The purchase price was lower than the closing market price on the preceding trading day. The transaction was approved by the Company's Board of Directors on March 4, 2016 and completed on March 8, 2016. The total amount of this transaction was $1,274,000.
Under a stock repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased 397,789 shares (inclusive of the 45,000 shares described above) of the Company’s common stock for $11,274,000 (inclusive of the $1,274,000 described above) in fiscal 2016. The Company repurchased 272,655 shares of the Company’s common stock for $6,634,000 in fiscal 2014. There were no repurchases of the Company's common stock by the Company during fiscal 2015. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had 303,166 shares remaining available for repurchase under the Board’s authorization.
(5) SHARE-BASED PLANS

2013 Equity Compensation Plan
On July 30, 2013, the Company's stockholders approved the CSS Industries, Inc. 2013 Equity Compensation Plan ("2013 Plan"). Under the terms of the Company's 2013 Plan, the Human Resources Committee of the Company's Board of Directors ("Board"), or other committee appointed by the Board (collectively with the Human Resources Committee, the "2013 Equity Plan Committee"), may grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock units, restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights, stock bonus awards and dividend equivalents to officers and other employees. Grants under the 2013 Plan may be made through July 29, 2023. The term of each grant is at the discretion of the 2013 Equity Plan Committee, but in no event greater than ten years from the date of grant. The 2013 Equity Plan Committee has discretion to determine the date or dates on which granted options become exercisable. Service-based options outstanding as of March 31, 2016 become exercisable at the rate of 25% per year commencing one year after the date of grant. Market-based stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2016, will become exercisable only if certain market conditions and service requirements are satisfied, and the date(s) on which they become exercisable will depend on the period in which such market conditions and service requirements are met, if at all, except that vesting and exercisability are accelerated upon a change of control. Market-based restricted stock units ("RSUs") outstanding at March 31, 2016 will vest only if certain market conditions and service requirements have been met, and the date(s) on which they vest will depend on the period in which such market conditions and service requirements are met, if at all, except that vesting and redemption are accelerated upon a change of control. At March 31, 2016, there were 788,715 shares available for grant.

2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors
Under the terms of the CSS Industries, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“2011 Plan”), which expired on December 31, 2015, non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 150,000 shares of common stock were available for grant to non-employee directors at exercise prices of not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Under the 2011 Plan, options to purchase 4,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted automatically to each non-employee director on the last day that the Company’s common stock was traded in November of each year from 2011 to 2015. Each option will expire five years after the date the option was granted and options may be exercised at the rate of 25% per year commencing one year after the date of grant. Given that the 2011 Plan is now expired, no further grants may be made under such plan.

Compensation cost is recognized over the stated vesting period consistent with the terms of the arrangement (i.e. either on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis).


36


Stock Options

Activity and related information pertaining to stock options for the year ended March 31, 2016 was as follows:
 
 
Number
of Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding at April 1, 2015
436,600

 
$
23.84

 
 
 
 
Granted
158,100

 
27.87

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(58,525
)
 
18.29

 
 
 
 
Forfeited/canceled
(27,500
)
 
31.03

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016
508,675

 
$
25.34

 
4.5 years
 
$
1,926

Exercisable at March 31, 2016
108,624

 
$
20.27

 
2.4 years
 
$
961

Expected to vest at March 31, 2016
331,334

 
$
26.55

 
5.1 years
 
$
841

The Company issues treasury shares for stock option exercises. The cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those share awards (referred to as excess tax benefits) were presented as financing cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The fair value of each stock option granted was estimated on the date of grant using either the Black-Scholes option valuation model (for service-based awards) or a Monte Carlo simulation model (for performance-based awards) with the following average assumptions:
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Expected dividend yield at time of grant
2.58
%
 
2.33
%
 
2.02
%
Expected stock price volatility
37
%
 
48
%
 
52
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.92
%
 
1.45
%
 
0.94
%
Expected life of option (in years)
4.6

 
4.8

 
4.8

Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant. The expected option life reflects the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted-average vesting period for all option tranches.
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $7.24, $9.14 and $11.19, per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $428,000, $628,000 and $1,606,000, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $909,000, $813,000 and $667,000.
As of March 31, 2016, there was $1,445,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years.
Compensation cost related to stock options recognized in operating results (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) was $872,000, $1,150,000, and $1,008,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the associated future income tax benefit recognized was $331,000, $436,000, and $375,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


37


Restricted Stock Units
Activity and related information pertaining to RSUs for the year ended March 31, 2016 was as follows:
 
 
Number
of RSUs
 
Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average
Contractual Life
Outstanding at April 1, 2015
202,585

 
$
16.99

 
 
Granted
50,100

 
19.26

 
 
Vested
(57,550
)
 
16.35

 
 
Forfeited/canceled
(6,325
)
 
18.08

 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016
188,810

 
$
17.75

 
1.6 years
The fair value of each market-based RSU granted during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following assumptions:
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Expected dividend yield at time of grant
2.60
%
 
2.38
%
 
2.04
%
Expected stock price volatility
37
%
 
39
%
 
40
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.29
%
 
1.17
%
 
0.66
%
The fair value of each service-based restricted stock unit is estimated on the day of grant based on the closing price of the Company's common stock reduced by the present value of the expected dividend stream during the vesting period using the risk-free interest rate.
The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1,053,000, $975,000 and $990,000.
As of March 31, 2016, there was $1,224,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RSUs granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
On August 11, 2015, the Company granted 10,000 RSUs to the new Chair of the Company's Board of Directors. On August 15, 2017, the RSUs will become vested and convertible into a lump sum cash payment equal to the then fair market value of corresponding shares of common stock of the Company if, and only to the extent that, certain service-based vesting conditions and other terms and conditions are satisfied, or upon occurrence of a change of control. The RSUs are classified as liability awards because they will be paid in cash upon vesting. The RSU award liability is measured at its fair market value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, will fluctuate based on the performance of the Company's stock. The total amount accrued related to this grant as of March 31, 2016 was $87,000 and is included in long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet. There were no such liability classified awards as of March 31, 2015. During fiscal 2016, dividend equivalents of approximately $6,000 were paid in cash related to these liability classified awards and were charged to selling, general and administrative expenses.
Compensation cost related to RSUs (inclusive of the liability classified awards described above) recognized in operating results (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) was $875,000, $888,000 and $835,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the associated future income tax benefit recognized was $332,000, $336,000 and $311,000 in the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(6) RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Profit Sharing Plans
The Company maintains a defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plan covering substantially all of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016. Annual contributions under the plan are determined by the Board of Directors of the Company. Consolidated expense related to the plans for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $758,000, $697,000 and $689,000, respectively.


38


Postretirement Medical Plan
The Company’s Berwick Offray subsidiary administers a postretirement medical plan covering certain persons who are employees or former employees of a former subsidiary. The plan is unfunded and frozen to new participants. The following table provides a reconciliation of the benefit obligation for the postretirement medical plan (in thousands):
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
883

 
$
804

Interest cost
32

 
35

Actuarial (gain) loss
(39
)
 
111

Benefits paid
(60
)
 
(67
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
$
816

 
$
883

As of March 31, 2016, $65,000 of the benefit obligation was recorded in accrued other expenses and $751,000 was recorded in long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2015, $60,000 of the benefit obligation was recorded in accrued other expenses and $823,000 was recorded in long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet.
The net loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2016 was $69,000, net of tax, and the actuarial loss expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2017 is approximately $3,000.
The assumptions used to develop the net periodic benefit cost for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were a discount rate of 3.75% (4.50% for 2015 and 4.25% for 2014) and assumed health care cost trend rate of 9% (9% for 2015 and 9% for 2014) trending down to an ultimate rate of 5% in 2024. The assumption used to develop the benefit obligation as of the years ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was a discount rate of 4.25% (3.75% in 2015). The discount rate is determined based on the average of the Citigroup Pension Liability Index, Moody's Long Term Corporate Bond Yield, and Corporate Bond Rate calculated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Net periodic pension and postretirement medical costs were $32,000, $35,000 and $36,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(7) INCOME TAXES

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense was as follows (in thousands):
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
United States
$
18,319

 
$
13,919

 
$
18,112

Foreign
8,322

 
12,722

 
9,588

 
$
26,641

 
$
26,641

 
$
27,700



39


The following table summarizes the provision for U.S. federal, state and foreign taxes on income from continuing operations (in thousands):
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
5,600

 
$
5,370

 
$
4,830

State
564

 
552

 
481

Foreign
1,373

 
2,099

 
1,582

 
7,537

 
8,021

 
6,893

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
1,547

 
1,550

 
1,978

State
321

 
116

 
265

 
1,868

 
1,666

 
2,243

 
$
9,405

 
$
9,687

 
$
9,136


The differences between the statutory and effective federal income tax rates on income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
U.S. federal statutory rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State income taxes, less federal benefit
1.9

 
1.8

 
1.9

Changes in tax reserves and valuation allowance
0.7

 
0.7

 
1.6

Permanent book/tax differences (primarily §199 deduction)
(2.4
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(2.2
)
Other, net
0.1

 
(0.2
)
 
(3.3
)
 
35.3
 %
 
36.4
 %
 
33.0
 %
The Company receives distributions from its foreign operations and, therefore, does not assume that the income from operations of its foreign subsidiaries will be permanently reinvested.
Income tax benefits related to the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units reduced current taxes payable by $645,000, $550,000 and $1,175,000 in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Deferred taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and available net operating loss and credit carryforwards. The following temporary differences gave rise to net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 

40


 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
$
85

 
$
63

Inventories
2,681

 
3,311

Accrued expenses
2,519

 
2,791

State net operating loss and credit carryforwards
8,547

 
8,597

Share-based compensation
2,358

 
2,259

Intangibles

 
949

 
16,190

 
17,970

Valuation allowance
(8,468
)
 
(8,625
)
 
7,722

 
9,345

Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Intangibles
136

 

Property, plant and equipment
1,786

 
725

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries
2,333

 
3,418

Other
274

 
245

 
4,529

 
4,388

Net deferred income tax asset
$
3,193

 
$
4,957

At March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had potential state income tax benefits of $8,991,000 (net of federal tax of $4,841,000) and $9,189,000 (net of federal tax of $4,948,000), respectively, from state deferred tax assets and state net operating loss carryforwards that expire in various years through 2036. At March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company provided valuation allowances of $8,468,000 and $8,625,000, respectively. The valuation allowance reflects management’s assessment of the portion of the deferred tax asset that more likely than not will not be realized through future taxable earnings or implementation of tax planning strategies.
As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company reduced its deferred income tax asset related to share-based compensation by $117,000 and $24,000, respectively, due to the expiration of certain stock options during fiscal 2016 and 2015.
The Company recognizes in its consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if it is more likely than not that such position will be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at April 1
$
1,607

 
$
1,438

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
157

 
169

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at March 31
$
1,764

 
$
1,607

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2016 of $1,764,000 was classified in long-term obligations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the amount that would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods, if recognized, is $1,147,000. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.
The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Approximately $804,000 of interest and penalties are accrued at March 31, 2016, $136,000 of which was recorded during the current year.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s federal tax return for the year ended March 31, 2009 was examined by the Internal Revenue Service and settled with no adjustments. State and foreign income tax returns remain open back to March 31, 2010 in major jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

41


(8) REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

On March 24, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to extend the expiration date of its revolving credit facility with two banks from March 17, 2016 to March 16, 2020. The facility provides for a revolving line of credit under which the maximum credit available to the Company at any one time automatically adjusts upwards and downwards on a periodic basis among “low”, “medium” and “high” levels (each a “Commitment Level”), as follows:
 
Commitment Period Description
 
Commitment Period Time Frame
 
Commitment Level
Low
 
February 1 to June 30 (5 months)
 
$50,000,000
Medium
 
July 1 to October 31 (4 months)
 
$100,000,000
High
 
November 1 to January 31 (3 months)
 
$150,000,000
The Company has the option to increase the Commitment Level during part of any Low Commitment Period from $50,000,000 to an amount not less than $62,500,000 and not in excess of $125,000,000; provided, however, that the Commitment Level must remain at $50,000,000 for at least three consecutive months during each Low Commitment Period. The Company has the option to increase the Commitment Level during all or part of any Medium Commitment Period from $100,000,000 to an amount not in excess $125,000,000. Fifteen days prior written notice is required for the Company to exercise an option to increase the Commitment Level with respect to a particular Low Commitment Period or Medium Commitment Period. The Company may exercise an option to increase the Commitment Level no more than three times each calendar year. The Company may issue up to $20,000,000 of letters of credit under the facility.
Interest on the facility accrues at per annum rates equal to, at the Company’s option, either one-, two-, or three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.95%, or the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 0.95%. In addition to interest, the Company is required to pay “unused” fees equal to 0.275% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the Commitment Level that is then applicable. Prior to amending the facility on March 24, 2015, the Company was required to pay unused fees equal to 0.25% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the Commitment Level that was then applicable. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no amounts outstanding under the facility and there were no borrowings under the facility during fiscal 2016 and 2015. Outstanding letters of credit under the facility were $1,570,000 and $1,485,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These letters of credit guarantee funding of workers compensation claims and guarantee the funding of obligations to a certain vendor.
The agreement governing the facility contains financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain as of the last day of each fiscal quarter: (i) a tangible net worth of not less than $170,000,000, and (ii) an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.50 to 1.00.  The facility also contains covenants that address, among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; grant liens on their assets; engage in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and/or sale–leaseback transactions; pay dividends and make other distributions in respect of their capital stock; make investments and capital expenditures; and enter into “negative pledge” agreements with respect to their assets. The restriction on the payment of dividends applies only upon the occurrence and continuance of a Company default under the facility, or when a dividend payment would give rise to such a default. The Company is in compliance with all financial debt covenants as of March 31, 2016.
(9) OPERATING LEASES

The Company maintains various lease arrangements for property and equipment. The future minimum rental payments associated with all non-cancelable lease obligations are as follows (in thousands):
 
2017
$
5,401

2018
4,946

2019
3,870

2020
3,234

2021
1,979

Thereafter
1,996

Total
$
21,426


42


The Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term in accordance with ASC 840-20-25. Rent expense was $5,910,000, $5,609,000 and $5,312,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sublease income was $152,000, $253,000 and $165,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(10) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments as part of its risk management strategy to reduce foreign currency risk. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value based on quotes obtained from financial institutions. There were no foreign currency contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The Company maintains a Nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for highly compensated employees and invests assets to mirror the obligations under this Plan. The invested funds are maintained at a third party financial institution in the name of CSS and are invested in publicly traded mutual funds. The Company maintains separate accounts for each participant to reflect deferred contribution amounts and the related gains or losses on such deferred amounts. The investments are included in other current assets and the related liability is recorded in long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2015, the liability of $552,000 is included in accrued other expenses and $286,000 is included in long-term obligations in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the investments is based on the market price of the mutual funds as of March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The Company maintains two life insurance policies in connection with deferred compensation arrangements with two former executives. The cash surrender value of the policies is recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets and is based on quotes obtained from the insurance company as of March 31, 2016 and 2015.
To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the FASB established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial assets and liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

The Company’s recurring assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheet are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1 – Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2 – Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Examples of Level 2 inputs included quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets and pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The following table presents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in its consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and 2015.
 

43


 
March 31, 2016
 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
$
278

 
$
278

 
$

 
$

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
1,153

 

 
1,153

 

Total assets
$
1,431

 
$
278

 
$
1,153

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plans
$
278

 
$
278

 
$

 
$

Total liabilities
$
278

 
$
278

 
$

 
$

 
 
March 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
$
838

 
$
838

 
$

 
$

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
1,116

 

 
1,116

 

Total assets
$
1,954

 
$
838

 
$
1,116

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plans
$
838

 
$
838

 
$

 
$

Total liabilities
$
838

 
$
838

 
$

 
$

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected at carrying value in the consolidated balance sheets as such amounts are a reasonable estimate of their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Short-term investments include held-to-maturity securities that are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value (Level 2), because their short-term maturity results in the interest rates on these securities approximating current market interest rates.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company’s nonfinancial assets which are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and certain other assets. These assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that impairment may exist. In making the assessment of impairment, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to future net cash flows estimated by the Company to be generated by such assets. If such asset group is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.
As discussed in Note 2, during fiscal 2015, the Company acquired substantially all of the business and assets of Carson & Gebel on May 19, 2014 and determined that the aggregate fair value of acquired intangible assets, consisting of trademarks, customer relationships and a covenant not to compete, was $1,620,000. Additionally, the Company acquired substantially all of the business and assets of Hollywood Ribbon on February 19, 2015 and determined that the aggregate fair value of the acquired intangible assets, consisting of customer lists and a covenant not to compete, was $6,970,000. In fiscal 2016, Company acquired substantially all of the business and assets of Blumenthal on February 2, 2016 and determined that the aggregate preliminary fair value of the acquired intangible assets, consisting of customer lists and tradenames, was $11,800,000. The Company estimated the fair value of the acquired intangible assets using discounted cash flow techniques which included an estimate of future cash flows discounted to present value with an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate (Level 3).

44


Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or sooner if circumstances indicate a condition of impairment may exist. Impairment testing is conducted through valuation methods that are based on assumptions for matters such as interest and discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. These valuation methods require a significant degree of management judgment concerning the use of internal and external data. In the event these methods indicate that fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is recorded at fair value as determined by the valuation models. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company believes that no impairments exist.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

CSS and its subsidiaries are involved in ordinary, routine legal proceedings that are not considered by management to be material. In the opinion of Company counsel and management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such legal proceedings will not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Company or its results of operations or cash flows.
(12) SEGMENT DISCLOSURE

The Company operates in a single reporting segment, the design, manufacture, procurement, distribution and sale of non-durable all occasion and seasonal social expression products, primarily to mass market retailers in the United States and Canada. The majority of the Company’s assets are maintained in the United States.
The Company’s detail of revenues from its various products is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
For the Years Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
All occasion
$
194,633

 
$
195,300

 
$
195,147

Christmas
96,106

 
93,050

 
100,533

Other seasonal
26,278

 
24,694

 
24,779

Total
$
317,017

 
$
313,044

 
$
320,459


One customer accounted for sales of $95,095,000, or 30% of total sales in fiscal 2016, $88,550,000, or 28% of total sales in fiscal 2015, and $87,925,000, or 27% of total sales in fiscal 2014. One other customer accounted for sales of $31,504,000, or 10% of total sales in fiscal 2016, $37,473,000, or 12% of total sales in fiscal 2015, and $38,348,000, or 12% of total sales in fiscal 2014.
(13) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either liability or equity, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The standard also requires certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" ("ASU 2015-17"), which requires entities to present all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent on the

45


balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted. The standard can be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 on a retrospective basis in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, and the adoption resulted in deferred tax assets and liabilities being presented as noncurrent on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 resulted in a $4,375,000 reduction in current deferred tax assets and a $4,375,000 increase in noncurrent deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2015.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early adoption is permitted. Since this standard is prospective, the impact of ASU 2015-16 on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will depend upon the nature of any measurement period adjustments, if any, identified in future periods.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, "Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” ("ASU 2015-11"). ASU 2015-11 amends the guidelines for the measurement of inventory from lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value (NRV). NRV is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Under existing standards, inventory is measured at lower of cost or market, which requires the consideration of replacement cost, NRV and NRV less an amount that approximates a normal profit margin. This ASU eliminates the requirement to determine and consider replacement cost or NRV less a normal profit margin for inventory measurement. The new standard is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2015-11 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 provides a single model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. The new standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding the qualitative and quantitative information about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. The Company is evaluating the method by which it will adopt ASU 2014-09 and the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

(14) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
2016
Quarters
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
$
44,228

 
$
111,477

 
$
104,568

 
$
56,744

Gross profit
$
12,442

 
$
37,791

 
$
35,188

 
$
16,850

Net (loss) income
$
(3,068
)
 
$
11,229

 
$
9,664

 
$
(589
)
Net (loss) income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (1) 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
1.23

 
$
1.07

 
$
(0.06
)
Diluted (1)
$
(0.33
)
 
$
1.22

 
$
1.06

 
$
(0.06
)
 

46


2015
Quarters
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales
$
48,257

 
$
106,092

 
$
104,993

 
$
53,702

Gross profit
$
14,599

 
$
35,397

 
$
36,323

 
$
15,383

Net (loss) income
$
(1,325
)
 
$
9,847

 
$
9,768

 
$
(1,336
)
Net (loss) income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (1)
$
(0.14
)
 
$
1.06

 
$
1.05

 
$
(0.14
)
Diluted (1) 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
1.05

 
$
1.04

 
$
(0.14
)
 
(1)
Net (loss) income per common share amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and, when aggregated, may not equal the amount computed for the total year.
The seasonal nature of CSS’ business has historically resulted in comparatively lower sales and operating losses in the first and fourth quarters and comparatively higher sales levels and operating profits in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year, thereby causing significant fluctuations in the quarterly results of operations of the Company.

47


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report as required by paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and procedures.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting of the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2016. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CSS Industries, Inc.:
We have audited CSS Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). CSS Industries, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal

48


control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, CSS Industries, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of CSS Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2016, and our report dated May 25, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
May 25, 2016
Philadelphia, PA
Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

49


PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

See “Election of Directors,” “Our Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Code of Ethics and Internal Disclosure Procedures (Employees) and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Board of Directors),” “Board Committees; Committee Membership; Committee Meetings” and “Audit Committee” in the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.

See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation,” “Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Director Compensation” and “Human Resources Committee Report” in the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

See “Ownership of CSS Common Stock” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under CSS’ Equity Compensation Plans” in the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

See “Board Independence” and “Related Party Transactions” in the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

See “Audit Committee” and “Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Their Fees and Their Attendance at the Annual Meeting” in the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, which is incorporated herein by reference.

50


PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)
Following is a list of documents filed as part of this report:
1.
Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income—for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity—for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
3.
Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, Including Those Incorporated by Reference (all of which are filed under Commission file number 1-2661)
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed December 5, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).
3.2
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed May 8, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).
3.3
Certificate eliminating Class 2, Series A, $1.35 Preferred stock filed September 27, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).
3.4
Certificate eliminating Class 1, Series B, Convertible Preferred Stock filed January 28, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).
3.5
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed August 4, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 8, 2004).
3.6
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date (as last amended August 4, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 8, 2004).
3.7
Bylaws of CSS Industries, Inc., as amended to date (as last amended July 28, 2015) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated October 27, 2015).
Material Contracts
10.1
Credit Agreement dated March 17, 2011 among CSS Industries, Inc., as borrower, certain subsidiaries of CSS Industries, Inc., as guarantors, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender, and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 23, 2011).
10.2
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 28, 2014).

51


10.3
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated March 17, 2011 among CSS Industries, Inc., as borrower, certain subsidiaries of CSS Industries, Inc., as guarantors, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender, and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as a lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 2014).
Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements
10.4
Employment Agreement dated as of May 12, 2006 between CSS Industries, Inc. and Christopher J. Munyan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 9, 2006).
10.5
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of September 5, 2008 between CSS Industries, Inc. and Christopher J. Munyan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated October 30, 2008).
10.6
Amendment dated December 26, 2008 to Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. and Christopher J. Munyan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated February 5, 2009).
10.7
Amendment dated March 19, 2013 to Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. and Christopher J. Munyan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 2013).
10.8
2004 Equity Compensation Plan (as amended through July 31, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2008).
10.9
Amendment 2011-1 to the CSS Industries, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2011).
10.10
Form of Grant Instrument for Performance-Based Non-Qualified Stock Options issued under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2011).
10.11
Form of Grant Instrument for Performance-Based Stock Bonus Awards of Restricted Stock Units issued under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2011).
10.12
Nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Covering Officer-Employees of CSS Industries, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (Amended and Restated, Effective as of January 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated February 5, 2009).
10.13
CSS Industries, Inc. Change of Control Severance Pay Plan for Executive Management effective May 27, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2009).
10.14
Amendment 2012-1 to CSS Industries, Inc. Change of Control Severance Pay Plan for Executive Management (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2012).
10.15
Amendment 2015-1 to CSS Industries, Inc. Change of Control Severance Pay Plan for Executive Management (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015).
10.16
CSS Industries, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2011).
10.17
Form of Stock Option Agreement for grants under the CSS Industries, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 8, 2012).

52


10.18
Employment Agreement between Jack Farber and CSS Industries, Inc. dated December 5, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2012).
10.19
Amendment dated March 18, 2014 to Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. and Jack Farber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 24, 2014).
10.20
CSS Industries, Inc. Management Incentive Program (as amended and restated effective as of March 19, 2013) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 25, 2013).
10.21
CSS Industries, Inc. FY 2016 Management Incentive Program Criteria (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 28, 2015).
*10.22
CSS Industries, Inc. FY 2017 Management Incentive Program Criteria.
*10.23
CSS Industries, Inc. Severance Pay Plan for Senior Management and Summary Plan Description (as amended through March 23, 2016).
10.24
CSS Industries, Inc. 2013 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2013).
10.25
Form of Grant Instrument for Performance-Based Non-Qualified Stock Options issued under the 2013 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
10.26
Form of Grant Instrument for Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units issued under the 2013 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2014).
10.27
Form of Grant Instrument for Service-Based Non-Qualified Stock Options issued under the 2013 Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2015).
*10.28
Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. (as successor in interest to Lion Ribbon Company, LLC) and Carey Edwards dated as of April 1, 2012.
*10.29
Amendment dated as of March 18, 2014 to Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. (as successor in interest to Lion Ribbon Company, LLC) and Carey Edwards.
*10.30
Amendment dated as of March 23, 2016 to Employment Agreement between CSS Industries, Inc. (as successor in interest to Lion Ribbon Company, LLC) and Carey Edwards.
10.31
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated August 11, 2015 between CSS Industries, Inc. and Rebecca Matthias (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q filed on October 27, 2015).
Other
21.
List of Significant Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013).
*23.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

53


*31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. required by Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
*32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
*32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of CSS Industries, Inc. required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
*101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
*101.SCH XBRL Schema Document.
*101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
*101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
*101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
*101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
*
Filed or furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


54



CSS INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
 
 
Balance
 
Charged
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
at
 
to Costs
 
 
 
Balance
 
 
 
 
Beginning
 
and
 
 
 
At End of
 
 
 
 
of Period
 
Expenses
 
Deductions
 
Period
 
 
Year ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances
 
$
1,059

 
$
2,712

 
$
2,408

 
$
1,363

 
  
Accrued customer programs
 
4,042

 
6,423

 
7,190

 
3,275

 
  
Accrued restructuring expenses
 
32

 

 
32

 

 
 
Year ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances
 
$
1,669

 
$
2,143

 
$
2,753

 
$
1,059

 
  
Accrued customer programs
 
4,820

 
9,030

 
9,808

 
4,042

 
  
Accrued restructuring expenses
 
224

 

 
192

 
32

 
(a)
Year ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances
 
$
2,009

 
$
2,862

 
$
3,202

 
$
1,669

 
  
Accrued customer programs
 
4,015

 
9,424

 
8,619

 
4,820

 
 
Accrued restructuring expenses
 
1,900

 

 
1,676

 
224

 
(a)

Notes:
 
(a)
Classified in accrued other expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and 2014.


55


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on behalf of the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CSS INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
 
 
 
Registrant
 
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
By
/s/ Christopher J. Munyan
 
 
 
 
Christopher J. Munyan, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
(principal executive officer)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Christopher J. Munyan
 
 
 
 
Christopher J. Munyan, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
(principal executive officer and a director)
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Vincent A. Paccapaniccia
 
 
 
 
Vincent A. Paccapaniccia, Executive Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(principal financial and accounting officer)
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Scott A. Beaumont
 
 
 
 
Scott A. Beaumont, Director
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Robert Chappell
 
 
 
 
Robert Chappell, Director
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Elam M. Hitchner, III
 
 
 
 
Elam M. Hitchner, III, Director
 
 
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Rebecca C. Matthias
 
 
 
 
Rebecca C. Matthias, Director
 
Dated: May 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ William Rulon-Miller
 
 
 
 
William Rulon-Miller, Director


56