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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2004

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9875

 


 

LOGO

 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 


 

Incorporated under the laws of   I.R.S. Employer
North Carolina   Identification No. 13-1337610

 

2201 MILLER ROAD, WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA 27893

 

Telephone Number 252-291-5507

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) had been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

On August 4, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 13,664,274 shares of common stock ($0.20 par value per share).

 



PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     June 30 (unaudited)

   

March 31

2004


 
     2004

    2003*

   

ASSETS

                        

Cash

   $ 58,466     $ 16,306     $ 27,675  

Receivables

     172,373       183,972       196,681  

Inventories

     361,021       265,451       292,334  

Assets of discontinued operations

     77,695       135,438       95,128  

Prepaid expenses

     5,459       5,270       4,998  

Marketable securities

     1,682       1,237       1,334  
    


 


 


Current assets

     676,696       607,674       618,150  

Property, plant and equipment

     170,741       152,796       169,285  

Investment in affiliates

     9,730       7,621       9,480  

Goodwill

     9,003       9,003       9,003  

Other assets

     45,365       37,292       34,096  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 911,535     $ 814,386     $ 840,014  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES

                        

Short-term borrowings

   $ 287,525     $ 223,520     $ 253,847  

Current portion of long-term debt

     8,305       6,734       8,476  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     160,662       148,274       145,894  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     25,730       23,737       31,383  

Taxes accrued

     5,809       12,202       11,698  
    


 


 


Current liabilities

     488,031       414,467       451,298  

Long-term debt

     177,132       80,689       91,814  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     —         45,051       45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     20,492       14,436       20,353  

Deferred income taxes

     1,893       4,463       434  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     687,548       559,106       608,950  
    


 


 


MINORITY INTERESTS

     1,564       1,918       2,000  
    


 


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                        

Preferred stock, $1.65 par value; authorized shares 1,000,000, Issued none

     —         —         —    

Common stock, $0.20 par value; authorized shares 100,000,000, Issued 16,284,287 (June 03 – 16,236,170; Mar 04 – 16,298,557)

     3,257       3,247       3,260  

Additional paid-in capital

     111,554       110,597       111,796  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (2,750 )     (4,885 )     (3,176 )

Treasury shares, 2,617,707

     (4,250 )     (4,250 )     (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     143,383       173,256       149,428  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (28,771 )     (24,603 )     (27,994 )
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     222,423       253,362       229,064  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 911,535     $ 814,386     $ 840,014  
    


 


 


 

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


* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-2-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data; unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
June 30


 
     2004

    2003*

 

Sales

   $ 185,619     $ 174,088  

Cost of sales - materials, services and supplies

     161,854       138,371  

                        - interest

     3,554       2,575  
    


 


Gross Profit

     20,211       33,142  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     22,767       18,448  

Other interest expense

     3,690       1,138  

Other income (expense) – net

     472       417  
    


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (5,774 )     13,973  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     1,451       (5,356 )
    


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (4,323 )     8,617  

Minority interests

     267       67  

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     250       200  
    


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (3,806 )     8,884  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax of $37 and $697 at June 30, 2004 and 2003

     (1,043 )     (2,272 )
    


 


Net income (loss)

     (4,849 )     6,612  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     149,428       167,495  

Common stock dividends

     (1,196 )     (851 )
    


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 143,383     $ 173,256  
    


 


Earnings (loss) per common share

                

Basic:

                

From continuing operations

   $ (0.28 )   $ 0.66  

From discontinued operations

     (0.07 )     (0.17 )
    


 


Net

   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.49  
    


 


Average shares outstanding

     13,677       13,537  

Diluted:

                

From continuing operations

   $ (0.28 )   $ 0.62  

From discontinued operations

     (0.07 )     (0.15 )
    


 


Net

   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.47  
    


 


Average shares outstanding

     13,703       15,131  

Dividend declared per common share

   $ 0.0875     $ 0.0625  

 

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


* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-3-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
June 30


 
     2004

    2003*

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (4,849 )   $ 6,612  

Loss from discontinued operations

     1,043       2,272  

Depreciation and amortization

     6,078       4,310  

Minority interest

     (267 )     (67 )

Deferred income taxes

     1,459       (290 )

Undistributed earnings of affiliates net of dividends received

     (250 )     (200 )

Redemption premium on repayment of debt

     964       —    

(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets

     (337 )     (16 )

Other

     (1,139 )     533  
    


 


       2,702       13,154  

Net changes in working capital other than cash

                

Receivables

     16,221       (27,086 )

Inventories

     (69,622 )     (46,153 )

Current payables

     8,842       13,456  
    


 


Cash used for continuing operations

     (41,857 )     (46,629 )

Cash from (used for) discontinued operations

     10,714       (1,207 )
    


 


CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (31,143 )     (47,836 )
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Property, plant and equipment - additions

     (7,056 )     (8,497 )

                                                  - dispositions

     658       64  
    


 


Cash used for continuing operations

     (6,398 )     (8,433 )

Cash from discontinued operations

     23       1,052  
    


 


CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (6,375 )     (7,381 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Net change in short-term borrowings

     33,678       41,418  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     155,652       6,836  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (9,515 )     (3,650 )

Repayment of debt

     (111,192 )     —    

Other

     (244 )     113  
    


 


CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     68,379       44,717  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (70 )     236  
    


 


Increase (decrease) in cash for period

     30,791       (10,264 )

Cash at beginning of period

     27,675       26,570  
    


 


CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 58,466     $ 16,306  
    


 


Cash payments for - interest

   $ 6,372     $ 1,814  

                                - income taxes

   $ 2,855     $ 6,158  

 

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


* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-4-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The interim statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The interim period consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company without audit and contain all of the adjustments which are, in the opinion of the management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition and results of operations. All such adjustments are of normal, recurring nature and there were no material changes in accounting policies during the period ended June 30, 2004. Because of the nature of the Company’s business, fluctuations in results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of business trends or results to be expected for other interim periods or a full year.

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company decided to focus on the core tobacco operations and close all its wool operations located in the UK, Chile, France, Germany and Australia. As a result of this decision to dispose of these operations, they have been classified as available for sale and qualify for held for disposal treatment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The unit in Australia was sold in fiscal 2004. The operations of the processing mill in France was shutdown in April 2004 and its assets, along with the remaining trading operations in France and Germany, and the trading and processing operations in the UK and Chile, are expected to be sold or terminated by September 30, 2004. The fair value of the remaining operations was determined based on current negotiations with prospective purchasers and comparisons with other industry transactions.

 

These wool units are expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition. Once disposed, the Company will not retain a financial interest and it has not identified any significant contingent liabilities that would delay or significantly alter the plan of disposition. The Company will continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units until disposition, at which time it does not expect to provide any guarantees for the obligations or commitments of the wool units.

 

The Company has accounted for the sale of the wool units as discontinued operations, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No 144. The results for all periods presented are included in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. As noted above, because the existing debt of the wool units is guaranteed by the Company, it has not included any such debt in liabilities of discontinued operations.

 

The wool operating loss, which primarily relates to overhead incurred, for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was $1.0 million, versus $2.3 million in the prior year period. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the quarter was $0.07, versus a loss of $0.17 in the prior year period.

 

Revenues and the assets and liabilities for these units were as follows:

 

     Three months ended
June 30


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Revenues

   $ 35,295    $ 42,582

 

     June 30

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Inventory

   $ 37,982    $ 68,699    $ 50,827

Receivables

     36,616      40,978      40,826

Other assets

     3,097      25,761      3,475
    

  

  

Assets

     77,695      135,438      95,128

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     25,730      23,737      31,383
    

  

  

Net assets available for sale

   $ 51,965    $ 111,701    $ 63,745
    

  

  

 

-5-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS continued

 

Wool debt guaranteed by the Company not included in discontinued operations was as follows:

 

     June 30

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Bank borrowings

   $ 34,613    $ 68,092    $ 44,974

Current portion of long-term debt

     21      763      305
    

  

  

Total current

     34,634      68,855      45,279

Long-term portion of long-term debt

     167      —        190
    

  

  

Total debt guaranteed

   $ 34,801    $ 68,855    $ 45,469
    

  

  

 

3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

     Three months ended
June 30


 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (4,849 )   $ 6,612  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                

Translation adjustment

     (778 )     5,397  

Derivative financial instruments

     1       (196 )
    


 


Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (5,626 )   $ 11,813  
    


 


 

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share has been presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128. The diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2003 include the effect of the convertible subordinated debentures, which if converted would have increased the weighted number of shares and net income applicable to common stock. The weighted number of shares were increased by shares subject to employee stock options. Employee stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of common shares were not included in computation of diluted earnings per share.

 

5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company’s derivative usage is principally foreign currency forwards. These contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. As a matter of policy, the Company does not use derivative instruments unless there is an underlying exposure. The Company’s foreign currency forwards have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria of SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 133 requires that the effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges be recognized in other comprehensive income, while the ineffective portion be recognized immediately in earnings. The fair value of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts at June 30, 2004 was $2.2 million with a notional value of $2.2 million.

 

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has adopted SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company accounts for stock options under the intrinsic value method of recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss) because all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. As required by SFAS No. 148, the following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, as amended

 

-6-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Continued

 

by SFAS No. 148, to stock-based employee compensation:

 

     Three months ended
June 30


 
     2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss) (in thousands):

                

As reported

   $ (4,849 )   $ 6,612  

Deduct –Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method of all awards, net of tax

     (45 )     (50 )
    


 


Pro forma

   $ (4,894 )   $ 6,562  
    


 


Diluted

   $ (4,849 )   $ 7,151  

Deduct –Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method of all awards, net of tax

     (45 )     (50 )
    


 


Pro forma

   $ (4,894 )   $ 7,101  
    


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.49  

Pro forma

     (0.36 )   $ 0.48  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.47  

Pro forma

     (0.36 )   $ 0.47  

 

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and broadens the criteria for recording intangible assets separate from goodwill. SFAS No. 142 uses a non-amortization approach to account for purchased goodwill and certain intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and also requires at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. Intangible assets with finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

 

SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill be tested for impairment annually at the same time each year and on an interim basis when events or circumstances change. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, and any subsequent impairment losses, if any, will be reflected in operating income in the statements of income.

 

The carrying value of intangible assets other than goodwill as of June 30, 2004 represents deferred long-term debt financing fees. These intangible assets were determined by management to meet the criterion for recognition apart from goodwill and to have finite lives. The Company did not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill. In conjunction with the debt refinancing discussed in Note 11, the Company wrote-off $1.4 million of deferred financing fees during the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Based on management’s analysis of all pertinent factors, no adjustments were necessary to the remaining useful lives of these assets, which will continue to be amortized on a straight-line basis through 2012.

 

INTANGIBLES


   Total

 

(In thousands)


      

At April 1, 2004

   $ 1,368  

Additions

     5,770  

Less amortized

     (1,626 )
    


Balance as of June 30, 2004

   $ 5,512  
    


 

-7-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

8. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

Net Periodic Benefit Cost for All Significant Plans

 

    

Defined Benefit Pension

Plans


   

Other Post-retirement

Benefits


 
    

Three months ended

June 30


   

Three months ended

June 30


 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Service cost

   $ 959     $ 779     $ 114     $ 93  

Interest cost

     1,052       936       176       174  

Expected return on plan assets

     (943 )     (731 )     —         —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     37       36       (35 )     (35 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     262       251       26       9  
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,367     $ 1,271     $ 281     $ 241  
    


 


 


 


 

Employer Contributions

 

Pension Plans

 

The Company has defined benefit pension plans which cover employees in the United States and a number of other countries. Benefits are based on length of service and eligible compensation.

 

The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to those plans when pension laws and economies either require or encourage funding. As previously disclosed in the Company’s financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2004, the Company expects to contribute $1.5 million to its U.S. qualified pension plan trust in fiscal 2005. No contributions were made to this plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. The Company also has a non-qualified supplemental pension plan to which it made $58,000 of benefit payments in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Other Post-retirement Benefits

 

The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all of its retired salaried employees in the U.S. These benefits are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, which requires the accrual of the estimated cost of retiree benefit payments during the years the employee provides services. The Company expects the ongoing impact of SFAS No. 106 as it relates to employees of foreign subsidiaries to be immaterial. The Company expenses the costs of these benefits as incurred. In fiscal 2005, the Company does not expect to contribute assets to its other post retirement benefit plan trust. Benefit payments to retirees under the plan are expected to be approximately $600,000 for this year. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we made benefit payments of $125,000 to the plan.

 

9. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“the Act”) was signed into law. In accordance with guidance issued by the FASB in FASB Staff Position 106-1, the Company has elected to defer the effects of the Act due to uncertainties regarding the effects of the implementation of the Act and the accounting for certain provisions of the Act. Therefore, Other Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) information presented in the financial statements does not reflect the effects of the Act. The FASB recently issued definitive accounting guidance for the Act in FASB Staff Position 106-2, which is effective for the Company in the quarter ended September 30, 2004. FASB Staff Position 106-2 will result in the recognition of lower OPEB costs to reflect prescription drug-related federal subsidies to be received under the Act. The Company expects that it will benefit from the new legislation, and that it will not have to amend its current post-retirement benefit plan in order to do so. However, the Company has not yet determined the amount of subsidy that will be received as a result of the new legislation.

 

-8-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 26, 2001, the Company was served with a Third Amended Complaint, naming it and other leaf merchants as defendants in Deloach, et al. V. Philip Morris Inc., et al., a suit originally filed against U.S. cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and subsequently moved to the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Greensboro Division (Case No. 00-CV-1235). The Deloach suit was a class action claim brought on behalf of U.S. tobacco growers and quota holders alleging that defendants violated antitrust laws by bid-rigging at tobacco auctions and by conspiring to undermine the tobacco quota and price support program administered by the federal government. Plaintiffs sought injunctive relief, trebled damages in an unspecified amount, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees and costs of litigation. On April 3, 2002, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class action certification. In May 2003, the Company, along with all but one of the other defendants, entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs which received final approval, and which accorded the Company a full release from all the claims in exchange for a payment of $7.0 million towards a larger total settlement agreement. On April 22, 2004, the case was settled and the settlement approved by the Court as to the remaining defendant.

 

In October 2001, the Directorate General—Competition of the European Commission, or DG Comp, began conducting an administrative investigation of certain selling and buying practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy and Greece. The Company, through its local subsidiaries, is cooperating fully with the investigation and has discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tends to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including its subsidiaries, have jointly agreed with respect to green tobacco prices and purchase quantities. In respect of the Spanish investigation, on December 15, 2003, the DG Comp served on 20 entities within the Spanish leaf tobacco industry, including the Company and three of its subsidiaries, a Statement of Objections alleging certain infringements of the antitrust laws of the European Union. On March 1, 2004, the DG Comp served a similar Statement of Objections on 11 entities within the Italian leaf tobacco industry, including the Company and one of its subsidiaries. The Company has responded to the Statement regarding the Spanish investigation and to the Statement regarding the Italian investigation and will continue to cooperate in the investigations. Through the Statements, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably late in 2004, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC anti-competition laws. The Company expects to be assessed penalties in the cases and expects that the penalties could be material to its earnings. DG Comp has, however, indicated that there may be mitigating circumstances in both investigations, including our cooperation with the DG Comp. The Company is currently unable to assess the amount of such penalties, but expects that the mitigating factors could result in a reduction in any penalties imposed.

 

Except for the above, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries are currently involved in any litigation that it believes would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity nor, to its knowledge, is any such litigation currently threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

11. DEBT

 

On April 2, 2004, the Company’s major tobacco subsidiaries entered into a new three year unsecured revolving bank facility to replace the existing revolving bank credit facility. The new facility provides for borrowings of $150.0 million for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and the interest rate on borrowings under the facility is variable. The rate is currently LIBOR plus 2.0%. The borrowings under the facility are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its tobacco subsidiaries. The new facility includes certain financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain tangible net worth, current ratio, interest cover ratio and also includes certain borrowing base restrictions. The Company is in compliance with all financial covenants as of June 30, 2004.

 

On April 2, 2004, the Company issued $150.0 million of 8% senior notes due 2012. The proceeds were used to redeem the $45.1 million outstanding 7 1/4% convertible subordinated debentures and to

 

-9-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

11. DEBT Continued

 

retire the $65.2 million 8 7/8% senior notes due 2005. The new notes are guaranteed by its U.S. tobacco subsidiary on a senior unsecured basis. The indentures governing these senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to (1) pay dividends, (2) incur additional indebtedness, (3) transfer or issue shares of capital stock of subsidiaries to third parties, (4) sell assets, (5) issue preferred stock, (6) incur or assume any liens that secures obligations under any indebtedness on any asset or property, or (7) merge with or into any entity.

 

12. SENIOR NOTES

 

On April 2, 2004, $150 million of 8 % Senior Notes due 2012 were issued by the Company and guaranteed by Standard Commercial Tobacco Co., Inc., a wholly owned U.S. tobacco subsidiary, on a senior unsecured basis. Management has determined that full financial statements of the Guarantor would not be material to investors and such financial statements are not provided. The following supplemental combining financial statements present information regarding the Company and the Guarantor.

 

-10-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2004

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Issuer)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc.
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Non-
Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                               

Cash

   $ 64     $ 10,629     $ —      $ 47,773     $ —       $ 58,466  

Receivables

     13       15,860       —        156,500       —         172,373  

Intercompany receivables

     177,064       164,834       —        67,182       (409,080 )     —    

Inventories

     —         63,957       —        297,064       —         361,021  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        77,695       —         77,695  

Prepaid expenses

     (153 )     1,044       —        4,568       —         5,459  

Marketable securities

     1       —         —        1,681       —         1,682  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current assets

     176,989       256,324       —        652,463       (409,080 )     676,696  

Property, plant and equipment

     —         43,174       —        127,567       —         170,741  

Investment in subsidiaries

     247,878       189,284       —        156,438       (593,600 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —        9,730       —         9,730  

Other noncurrent assets

     19,692       (2,304 )     —        36,980       —         54,368  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total assets

   $ 444,559     $ 486,478     $ —      $ 983,178     $ (1,002,680 )   $ 911,535  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Liabilities

                                               

Short-term borrowings

   $ —       $ 21,778     $ —      $ 265,747     $ —       $ 287,525  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —        8,305       —         8,305  

Accounts payable

     15,605       14,988       —        130,069       —         160,662  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        25,730       —         25,730  

Intercompany accounts payable

     59,594       188,265       —        161,221       (409,080 )     —    

Taxed accrued

     (5,913 )     828       —        10,894       —         5,809  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current liabilities

     69,286       225,859       —        601,966       (409,080 )     488,031  

Long-term debt

     150,000       —         —        27,132       —         177,132  

Retirement and other benefits

     1,070       10,048       —        9,374       —         20,492  

Deferred taxes

     (486 )     (546 )     —        2,925       —         1,893  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities

     219,870       235,361       —        641,397       (409,080 )     687,548  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —        1,564       —         1,564  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                               

Common stock

     3,257       993       —        152,571       (153,564 )     3,257  

Additional paid-in capital

     111,554       130,860       —        60,564       (191,424 )     111,554  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (484 )     (654 )     —        (1,612 )     —         (2,750 )

Treasury stock at cost

     (4,250 )     —         —        —         —         (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     143,383       134,389       —        156,744       (291,133 )     143,383  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (28,771 )     (14,471 )     —        (28,050 )     42,521       (28,771 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     224,689       251,117       —        340,217       (593,600 )     222,423  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities and equity

   $ 444,559     $ 486,478     $  —      $ 983,178     $ (1,002,680 )   $ 911,535  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-11-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Three months ended June 30, 2004

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Issuer)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc.
(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Non-
Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 39,015     $ —      $ 253,227     $ (106,623 )   $ 185,619  

Cost of sales:

                                               

Materials services and supplies

     —         34,053       —        234,424       (106,623 )     161,854  

Interest

     —         23       —        3,531       —         3,554  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Gross profit

     —         4,939       —        15,272       —         20,211  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     2,027       5,573       —        15,167       —         22,767  

Other interest expense

     3,199       1,493       —        (1,002 )     —         3,690  

Other income (expense) net

     1,614       (1,111 )     —        (31 )     —         472  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (3,612 )     (3,238 )     —        1,076       —         (5,774 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (1,373 )     (1,233 )     —        1,155       —         (1,451 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (2,239 )     (2,005 )     —        (79 )     —         (4,323 )

Minority interests

     —         —         —        267       —         267  

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —        250       —         250  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (1,567 )     438       —        —         1,129       —    
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (3,806 )     (1,567 )     —        438       1,129       (3,806 )

Discontinued operations

     (1,043 )     —         —        —         —         (1,043 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Net income (loss)

     (4,849 )     (1,567 )     —        438       1,129       (4,849 )

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     149,428       135,956       —        156,306       (292,262 )     149,428  

Common stock dividends

     (1,196 )     —         —        —         —         (1,196 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 143,383     $ 134,389     $ —      $ 156,744     $ (291,133 )   $ 143,383  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-12-


SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three months ended June 30, 2004

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Issuer)


    Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.
Inc. (Guarantor)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Non-
Guarantor)


  

Other
Subsidiaries
(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

   Total

 

Cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ (100,457 )   $ 79,371     $ —      $ (10,057 )   $ —      $ (31,143 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                                              

Property, plant and equipment

                                              

—additions

     —         (3,052 )     —        (4,004 )     —        (7,056 )

—disposals

     —         437       —        221       —        658  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used for) continuing activities

     —         (2,615 )     —        (3,783 )     —        (6,398 )

Cash provided by (used for) discontinued activities

     —         —         —        23       —        23  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     —         (2,615 )     —        (3,760 )     —        (6,375 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     145,722       —         —        9,930       —        155,652  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (9,515 )     —        (9,515 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     —         (1,050 )     —        34,728       —        33,678  

Repayment of debt

     (45,051 )     (66,141 )     —        —         —        (111,192 )

Other

     (244 )     —         —        —         —        (244 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     100,427       (67,191 )     —        35,143       —        68,379  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        (70 )     —        (70 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for year

     (30 )     9,565       —        21,256       —        30,791  

Cash at beginning of year

     94       1,064       —        26,517       —        27,675  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 64     $ 10,629     $ —      $ 47,773     $ —      $ 58,466  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ 299     $ 1,434     $ —      $ 4,639            $ 6,372  

Income taxes

     19       —         —        2,836              2,855  

 

-13-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2003

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Guarantor)


   

Other

Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                                

Cash

   $ 52     $ 2,098     $ —       $ 14,156     $ —       $ 16,306  

Receivables

     —         18,211       —         165,761       —         183,972  

Intercompany receivables

     18,228       101,339       —         37,570       (157,137 )     —    

Inventories

     —         58,258       —         207,193       —         265,451  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —         135,438       —         135,438  

Prepaid expenses

     —         1,740       —         3,530       —         5,270  

Marketable securities

     1       —         —         1,236       —         1,237  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Current assets

     18,281       181,646       —         564,884       (157,137 )     607,674  

Property, plant and equipment

     —         37,730       —         115,066       —         152,796  

Investment in subsidiaries

     269,964       174,817       14,045       154,840       (613,666 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —         7,621       —         7,621  

Other noncurrent assets

     13,694       918       —         31,683       —         46,295  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 301,939     $ 395,111     $ 14,045     $ 874,094     $ (770,803 )   $ 814,386  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities

                                                

Short-term borrowings

   $ —       $ 17,384     $ —       $ 206,136     $ —       $ 223,520  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —         6,734       —         6,734  

Accounts payable

     9,113       12,237       —         126,924       —         148,274  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —         —         —         23,737       —         23,737  

Intercompany accounts payable

     1,032       29,701       903       125,501       (157,137 )     —    

Taxed accrued

     (11,362 )     8,498       —         15,066       —         12,202  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Current liabilities

     (1,217 )     67,820       903       504,098       (157,137 )     414,467  

Long-term debt

     —         65,177       —         15,512       —         80,689  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     45,051       —         —         —         —         45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     994       9,616       —         3,826       —         14,436  

Deferred taxes

     (428 )     (1,480 )     —         6,371       —         4,463  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities

     44,400       141,133       903       529,807       (157,137 )     559,106  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —         1,918       —         1,918  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                                

Common stock

     3,247       993       32,404       166,365       (199,762 )     3,247  

Additional paid-in capital

     110,597       130,860       —         60,564       (191,424 )     110,597  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (708 )     (1,120 )     —         (3,057 )     —         (4,885 )

Treasury stock at cost

     (4,250 )     —         —         —         —         (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     173,256       133,760       (18,823 )     143,957       (258,894 )     173,256  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (24,603 )     (10,515 )     (439 )     (25,460 )     36,414       (24,603 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     257,539       253,978       13,142       342,369       (613,666 )     253,362  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and equity

   $ 301,939     $ 395,111     $ 14,045     $ 874,094     $ (770,803 )   $ 814,386  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-14-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Three months ended June 30, 2003

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


  

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Other

Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 33,503    $ —       $ 212,929     $ (72,344 )   $ 174,088  

Cost of sales:

                                               

Materials services and supplies

     —         27,663      —         183,052       (72,344 )     138,371  

Interest

     —         95      —         2,480       —         2,575  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Gross profit

     —         5,745      —         27,397       —         33,142  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     1,334       4,100      —         13,014       —         18,448  

Other interest expense

     814       1,396      —         (1,072 )     —         1,138  

Other income (expense) net

     (79 )     1,317      —         (821 )     —         417  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (2,227 )     1,566      —         14,634       —         13,973  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (846 )     595      —         5,607       —         5,356  
    


 

  


 


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (1,381 )     971      —         9,027       —         8,617  

Minority interests

     —         —        —         67       —         67  

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —        —         200       —         200  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     10,265       9,294      —         —         (19,559 )     —    
    


 

  


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     8,884       10,265      —         9,294       (19,559 )     8,884  

Discontinued operations

     (2,272 )     —        (2,272 )     (2,272 )     4,544       (2,272 )
    


 

  


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     6,612       10,265      (2,272 )     7,022       (15,015 )     6,612  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     167,495       123,495      (16,551 )     136,935       (243,879 )     167,495  

Common stock dividends

     (851 )     —        —         —         —         (851 )
    


 

  


 


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 173,256     $ 133,760    $ (18,823 )   $ 143,957     $ (258,894 )   $ 173,256  
    


 

  


 


 


 


 

-15-


SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Three months ended June 30, 2003

(In thousands)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.
Inc. (Issuer)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Guarantor)


  

Other
Subsidiaries
(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

   Total

 

Cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ (2 )   $ 9,070     $ —      $ (56,904 )   $ —      $ (47,836 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                                              

Property, plant and equipment

                                              

—additions

     —         (3,155 )     —        (5,342 )     —        (8,497 )

—disposals

     —         —         —        64       —        64  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used for) continuing activities

     —         (3,155 )     —        (5,278 )     —        (8,433 )

Cash provided by (used for) discontinued activities

     —         —         —        1,052       —        1,052  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     —         (3,155 )     —        (4,226 )     —        (7,381 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        6,836       —        6,836  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (3,650 )     —        (3,650 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     —         (4,393 )     —        45,811       —        41,418  

Other

     —         113       —              —        113  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     —         (4,280 )     —        48,997       —        44,717  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        236       —        236  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for year

     (2 )     1,635       —        (11,897 )     —        (10,264 )

Cash at beginning of year

     54       463       —        26,053       —        26,570  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 52     $ 2,098     $ —      $ 14,156     $ —      $ 16,306  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ —       $ 137     $ —      $ 1,677            $ 1,814  

Income taxes

     1,300       —         —        4,858              6,158  

 

-16-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Executive Summary

 

On a global basis, supply and demand remain relatively balanced as a large crop in Brazil has offset smaller crops in Zimbabwe. There is still an oversupply condition for the oriental styles. Inventory balances at June 30, 2004 are $95.6 million higher than the June 30, 2003 level. The level of inventory fluctuates based on customer shipment schedules and availability of shipping containers. The increase also reflects the additions to inventory that result from new operations that are becoming fully operational such as our new growing projects in Africa.

 

The Euro remains strong against the U.S. Dollar. While most of the sales are denominated in dollars, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are incurred in local currency. This has increased the costs of European tobaccos from the prior year that are currently being sold.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we issued $150 million of 8% senior notes due 2012, redeemed $45.1 million 7 1/4% convertible debentures and retired $65.2 million 8 7/8% senior notes due 2005. Early in April 2004, our major tobacco subsidiaries entered into a new $150 million three year unsecured revolving facility.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations (in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30


       
     2004

    2003

   

Increase /

(Decrease)


 

Sales

   $ 185,619     $ 174,088     $ 11,531  

Gross profit

     20,211       33,142       (12,931 )

Selling general and administrative expenses

     22,767       18,448       4,319  

Interest expense

     3,690       1,138       2,552  

Income tax (benefit) expense

     (1,451 )     5,356       (6,807 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (3,806 )     8,884       (12,690 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (1,043 )     (2,272 )     1,229  

Net income (loss)

     (4,849 )     6,612       (11,461 )

 

Sales. Sales for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased by 6.6% to $185.6 million from $174.1 million in the prior year period. The volume of tobacco sold during the current quarter increased by 5.3% over the prior year quarter. This was mainly due to increased shipments from Brazil, Turkey, Italy and India. Sales were lower for Kenya/Congo, Argentina, Thailand and Malawi than the prior year period primarily due to delays in shipments.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three months ending June 30, 2004 decreased $12.9 million from the prior year’s period. The main reason for the decline was higher product costs related to higher farmer prices in South America coupled with lower shipments from Malawi and Zimbabwe. In the case of Malawi, shipments were unfavorably impacted by reduced factory efficiencies caused by foreign material in tobacco received at auction. This caused delays in our planned packing schedules which were further impacted by a shortage of containers. We are also still feeling the impact of last year’s currency inflated European crop that is shipping in this fiscal year. Gross margin was also negatively affected by increased interest cost due to higher operating assets.

 

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses were higher by $4.3 million or 23.4% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was mainly due to higher expenses related to compensation increases of $2.4 million, legal $0.4 million, communication and rent $0.4 million and other normal inflationary increases.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense was higher by $2.6 million due to increased borrowings, higher interest on the new $150 million senior notes issued in April 2004 and the early redemption fee of $1.0 million on the May 2004 early retirement of the 8 7/8% senior notes issue.

 

Income taxes. Income tax charges or credits as a percentage of pretax income can vary due to differences in tax rates and relief available in areas where profits are earned or losses are incurred. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 25% versus 38% for the prior year period.

 

Loss from Continuing Operations. Loss from continuing operations was $3.8 million versus profit of $8.9 million in the prior year period.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations. The wool operating loss for the three months to June 30, 2004 was $1.0 million versus a loss of $2.3 million in the prior year period. The reduction was due to the sale late in fiscal 2004 of units in Australia.

 

Net Income. The consolidated net loss was $4.8 million, primarily due to difficult trading conditions in tobacco business, versus the prior year period net income of $6.6 million.

 

Discontinued operations

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, we decided to focus on the core tobacco operations and close all our wool operations located in the UK, Chile, France, Germany and Australia. As a result of this decision to dispose of these operations, they have been classified as available for sale and qualify for held for disposal treatment under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The unit in Australia was sold in fiscal 2004. The operations of the processing mill in France was shutdown in April 2004 and its assets, along with the remaining trading operations in France and Germany, and the trading and processing operations in the UK and Chile, are expected to be sold or terminated by September 30, 2004. The fair value of the remaining operations was determined based on current negotiations with prospective purchasers and comparisons with other industry transactions.

 

These wool units are expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition. Once disposed, we will not retain a financial interest and we have not identified any significant contingent liabilities that would delay or significantly alter the plan of disposition. We will continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units until disposition, at which time we do not expect to provide any guarantees for the obligations or commitments of the wool units.

 

We have accounted for the sale of the wool units as discontinued operations, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No 144. The results for all periods presented are included in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. As noted above, because the existing debt of the wool units is guaranteed by us, we have not included any such debt in liabilities of discontinued operations.

 

The wool operating loss, which primarily relates to overhead incurred, for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was $1.0 million, versus $2.3 million in the prior year period. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the quarter was $0.07, versus a loss of $0.17 in the prior year period.

 

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following table is a summary of items from our consolidated balance sheet and our statement of consolidated cash flows at the dates or for the periods presented (in thousands, except for current ratio).

 

     June 30

  

March 31

2004


     2004

   2003

  
     (unaudited)     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 58,466    $ 16,306    $ 27,675

Receivables

     172,373      183,972      196,681

Inventories

     361,021      265,451      292,334

Total current assets

     676,696      607,674      618,150

Working capital

     188,665      193,207      166,852

Short-term borrowings

     287,525      223,520      253,847

Accounts payable

     160,662      148,274      145,894

Total current liabilities

     488,031      414,467      451,298

Current ratio

     1.39:1      1.47:1      1.37:1

Total long-term debt

     177,132      125,740      136,865

Shareholders’ equity

     222,423      253,362      229,064

Capital expenditures

     7,056      8,497      36,690

Depreciation and amortization expense

     6,078      4,310      18,025

 

Working capital at June 30, 2004 was $188.7 million, down from the $193.2 million at June 30, 2003. The net contributions from financing activity of $68.4 million was offset by $6.4 million used for investing activity and $69.6 million increase in inventories. The increase in the value of inventories was largely due to larger growing projects and shipping delays in Africa, crop size in South America and higher currency adjusted inventories in Europe. We continue to monitor our inventories, which fluctuate depending on seasonal factors and timing of deliveries to customers.

 

Cash used for operating activities at June 30, 2004 totaled $31.1 million, primarily due to the increase in inventory of $69.6 million, partly offset by net cash flows from the reduction in receivables, discontinued operations and increase in payables.

 

Cash used for investing activities of $6.4 million at June 30, 2004 related to capital expenditures in our facilities in the U.S., Turkey and Brazil.

 

The increase in cash and cash equivalents was largely due to timing of receipt of cash from customers against the timing of maturities of short-term borrowings.

 

Financing Arrangements. We incur short-term debt to finance our seasonal working capital needs, which typically peak in the third quarter, under secured lines of credit with several banks.

 

On April 2, 2004, our major tobacco subsidiaries entered into a new three year unsecured revolving bank facility to replace the existing revolving bank credit facility. The new facility provides for borrowings of $150.0 million for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and the interest rate on borrowings under the facility is variable. The rate is currently LIBOR plus 2.0%. The borrowings under the facility are guaranteed by us and certain of our tobacco subsidiaries. The new facility includes certain financial covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain tangible net worth, current ratio, interest cover ratio and also includes certain borrowing base restrictions. We are in compliance with all financial covenants as of June 30, 2004.

 

On April 2, 2004, we issued $150.0 million of 8% senior notes due 2012. The proceeds were used to redeem the $45.1 million outstanding 7 1/4% convertible subordinated debentures and to retire the $65.2 million 8 7/8% senior notes due 2005. The new notes are guaranteed by our U.S. tobacco subsidiary on a senior unsecured basis. The indentures governing these senior notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to (1) pay dividends, (2) incur additional indebtedness, (3) transfer or issue shares of capital stock of subsidiaries to third parties, (4) sell assets, (5) issue preferred stock, (6) incur or assume any liens that secures obligations under any indebtedness on any asset or property, or (7) merge with or into any entity.

 

-19-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Debt agreements to which our subsidiaries and we are parties contain financial covenants, which could restrict the payment of cash dividends. Under the most restrictive covenant, we had approximately $18.8 million of retained earnings available for distribution as dividends at June 30, 2004.

 

We continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units up to their actual disposition and accordingly have not included the wool debt in the liabilities of discontinued operations. At June 30, 2004, this amounted to $34.8 million. We believe that the disposition of the wool operations will not have a material impact on our overall liquidity needs.

 

A growing trend that has developed as a response to the market disruptions in Zimbabwe is the development of new growing projects in Zambia and Mozambique, and to some extent Malawi. These new growing projects generally involve growers with small individual farms rather than large commercial farms such as existed in Zimbabwe. As a result, we might need to provide additional pre-financing to these small individual farms to develop these new crops, which could increase the pressure on our short-term liquidity resources.

 

On June 9, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0875 per share on common shares payable on July 15, 2004.

 

Based on the outlook for the business for the next 12 months, we anticipate that we will be able to service the interest and principal on our indebtedness, maintain adequate working capital and provide for capital expenditures out of operating cash flow and available borrowings under our credit facilities. Our future operating performance will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, political, agricultural and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have tobacco purchase obligations that result from contracts with growers to buy either specified quantities of tobacco or the grower’s total tobacco production. This is a normal and routine practice in our industry in some areas, notably Brazil and Turkey. At June 30, 2004 we had contractual obligations with tobacco growers to purchase tobacco for approximately $103 million. Payments due under these obligations within a year total $53 million and the remainder are due between 1 and 3 years.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements in this report that are not purely statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions, and actual results could be affected in a material way by many factors, including ones over which we have little or no control. These include changes in timing of shipments, weather, demand for and supply of leaf tobacco and wool, tobacco litigation or legislation, customer consolidations, changes in general economic conditions, political risks and changes in government regulations or pricing or payment policies. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, copies of which are available upon request from us. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004, we are exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign exchange and interest rates. These exposures are actively monitored by management. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we enter into derivative financial instruments. The objective is to reduce, where we deem appropriate, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows

 

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. It is our policy and practice to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures. Our market risk has not changed substantially since March 31, 2004.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

  (b) No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On February 26, 2001, we were served with a Third Amended Complaint, naming us and other leaf merchants as defendants in Deloach, et al. V. Philip Morris Inc., et al., a suit originally filed against U.S. cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and subsequently moved to the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Greensboro Division (Case No. 00-CV-1235). The Deloach suit was a class action claim brought on behalf of U.S. tobacco growers and quota holders alleging that defendants violated antitrust laws by bid-rigging at tobacco auctions and by conspiring to undermine the tobacco quota and price support program administered by the federal government. Plaintiffs sought injunctive relief, trebled damages in an unspecified amount, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees and costs of litigation. On April 3, 2002, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class action certification. In May 2003, we along with all but one of the other defendants, entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs which received final approval, and which accorded us a full release from all the claims in exchange for a payment of $7.0 million towards a larger total settlement agreement. On April 22, 2004, the case was settled and the settlement approved by the Court as to the remaining defendant.

 

In October 2001, the Directorate General—Competition of the European Commission, or DG Comp, began conducting an administrative investigation of certain selling and buying practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy and Greece. We, through our local subsidiaries, are cooperating fully with the investigation and have discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tends to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including our subsidiaries, have jointly agreed with respect to green tobacco prices and purchase quantities. In respect of the Spanish investigation, on December 15, 2003, the DG Comp served on 20 entities within the Spanish leaf tobacco industry, including our company and three of our subsidiaries, a Statement of Objections alleging certain infringements of the antitrust laws of the European Union. On March 1, 2004, the DG Comp served a similar Statement of Objections on 11 entities within the Italian leaf tobacco industry, including our company and one of our subsidiaries. We have responded to the Statement regarding the Spanish investigation and to the Statement regarding the Italian investigation and will continue to cooperate in the investigations. Through the Statements, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably late in 2004, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC anti-competition laws. We expect to be assessed penalties in the cases and expect that the penalties could be material to our earnings. DG Comp has, however, indicated that there may be mitigating circumstances in both investigations, including our cooperation with the DG Comp. We are currently unable to assess the amount of such penalties, but expect that the mitigating factors could result in a reduction in any penalties imposed.

 

Except for the above, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are currently involved in any litigation that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity nor, to our knowledge, is any such litigation currently threatened against us or our subsidiaries.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit #

 

Description


11   Computation of earnings per common share
31.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32   Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

  June 3, 2004, as amended June 14, 2004, under Item 12 to report the year ended March 31, 2004 operating and financial results.

 

  June 10, 2004 under Item 5 to report that the Board of Directors had approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0875 per share on our common shares.

 

-23-


SIGNATURES

 

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

 

         STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
                                     (Registrant)
Date: August 5, 2004    By:  

/s/ Robert E. Harrison


        

Robert E. Harrison

President and Chief Executive Officer

     By:  

/s/ Robert A. Sheets


        

Robert A. Sheets

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer