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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 DECEMBER 31, 2004

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9875

 


 

LOGO

 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 


 

Incorporated under the laws of

North Carolina

 

I.R.S. Employer

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) has 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 February 4, 2005, the registrant had outstanding 13,741,732 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)

 

     December 31

   

March 31

2004*


 
     2004

    2003*

   
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

                        

Cash

   $ 39,609     $ 22,025     $ 27,673  

Receivables

     231,873       178,303       182,317  

Inventories

     267,510       241,838       241,330  

Assets of discontinued operations

     123,431       177,505       178,504  

Prepaid expenses

     8,829       6,621       4,901  

Marketable securities

     1,883       1,179       1,334  
    


 


 


Current assets

     673,135       627,471       636,059  

Property, plant and equipment

     161,647       147,704       151,510  

Investment in affiliates

     10,181       8,094       9,480  

Goodwill

     9,003       9,003       9,003  

Other assets

     45,487       36,073       33,962  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 899,453     $ 828,345     $ 840,014  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES

                        

Short-term borrowings

   $ 242,064     $ 271,575     $ 253,847  

Current portion of long-term debt

     19,975       8,508       8,476  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     174,550       106,724       132,233  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     46,899       30,302       45,292  

Taxes accrued

     4,464       15,167       11,698  
    


 


 


Current liabilities

     487,952       432,276       451,546  

Long-term debt

     175,026       83,154       91,814  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     —         45,051       45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     21,639       15,536       20,105  

Deferred income taxes

     1,473       4,316       434  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     686,090       580,333       608,950  
    


 


 


MINORITY INTERESTS

     2,023       2,008       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 16,358,774 (December 03 – 16,256,022; Mar 04 – 16,298,557)

     3,272       3,251       3,260  

Additional paid-in capital

     112,701       111,001       111,796  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (3,067 )     (3,628 )     (3,176 )

Treasury shares, 2,617,707 (December 03 – 2,617,707; Mar 04 – 2,617,707)

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

Retained earnings

     127,242       160,194       149,428  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (24,558 )     (20,564 )     (27,994 )
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     211,340       246,004       229,064  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 899,453     $ 828,345     $ 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 Italian tobacco operations.


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data; unaudited)

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


    Nine months ended
December 31


 
     2004

    2003*

    2004

    2003*

 

Sales

   $ 244,746     $ 184,268     $ 650,614     $ 536,612  

Cost of sales - materials, services and supplies

     201,725       152,647       548,355       432,445  

                      - interest

     3,232       3,080       9,040       7,926  
    


 


 


 


Gross Profit

     39,789       28,541       93,219       96,241  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     22,703       18,900       68,081       56,211  

Other interest expense

     3,200       581       9,383       2,910  

Other income (expense) – net

     (48 )     1,233       740       2,230  
    


 


 


 


Income before taxes

     13,838       10,293       16,495       39,350  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (2,557 )     (3,279 )     (3,015 )     (12,468 )
    


 


 


 


Income after taxes

     11,281       7,014       13,480       26,882  

Minority interests

     (516 )     (192 )     (185 )     (53 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     300       105       700       672  
    


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     11,065       6,927       13,995       27,501  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit (charge) of $(77) and $1,879 three months to Dec 31, 2004 and 2003; $(119) and $2,844 nine months to Dec 31, 2004 and 2003

     (4,664 )     (3,296 )     (32,582 )     (31,567 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     6,401       3,631       (18,587 )     (4,066 )

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     122,043       157,755       149,428       167,495  

Common stock dividends

     (1,202 )     (1,192 )     (3,599 )     (3,235 )
    


 


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 127,242     $ 160,194     $ 127,242     $ 160,194  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per common share

                                

Basic:

                                

From continuing operations

   $ 0.81     $ 0.51     $ 1.02     $ 2.03  

From discontinued operations

     (0.34 )     (0.24 )     (2.38 )     (2.32 )
    


 


 


 


Net

   $ 0.47     $ 0.27     $ (1.36 )   $ (0.29 )
    


 


 


 


Average shares outstanding

     13,738       13,631       13,708       13,595  

Diluted:

                                

From continuing operations

   $ 0.81     $ 0.49     $ 1.02     $ 1.92  

From discontinued operations

     (0.34 )     (0.22 )     (2.37 )     (2.08 )
    


 


 


 


Net

   $ 0.47     $ 0.27     $ (1.35 )   $ (0.16 )
    


 


 


 


Average shares outstanding

     13,762       15,246       13,732       15,188  

Dividend declared per common share

   $ 0.0875     $ 0.0875     $ 0.2625     $ 0.2375  

 

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 Italian tobacco operations.

 

-3-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended
December 31


 
     2004

    2003*

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net loss

   $ (18,587 )   $ (4,066 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     32,582       31,567  

Depreciation and amortization

     15,351       12,158  

Minority interest

     185       53  

Deferred income taxes

     1,040       (436 )

Undistributed earnings of affiliates net of dividends received

     (700 )     (672 )

Redemption premium on repayment of debt

     964       —    

(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets

     (175 )     44  

Other

     (8,671 )     (8,628 )
    


 


       21,989       30,020  

Net changes in working capital other than cash

                

Receivables and prepaid expenses

     (51,669 )     (21,321 )

Inventories

     (23,706 )     (51,309 )

Current liabilities

     34,980       (26,389 )
    


 


Cash used in continuing operations

     (18,406 )     (68,999 )

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     7,105       (3,221 )
    


 


CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (11,301 )     (72,220 )
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Property, plant and equipment - additions

     (23,287 )     (23,437 )

                                                  - dispositions

     893       179  
    


 


Cash used in continuing operations

     (22,394 )     (23,258 )

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     12       (2,735 )
    


 


CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (22,382 )     (25,993 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Net change in short-term borrowings **

     5,197       89,472  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     168,008       13,596  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (13,173 )     (6,961 )

Repayment of debt

     (111,192 )     —    

Dividends paid

     (3,599 )     (3,235 )

Other

     917       147  
    


 


CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     46,158       93,019  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (539 )     650  
    


 


Increase (decrease) in cash for period

     11,936       (4,544 )

Cash at beginning of period

     27,673       26,569  
    


 


CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 39,609     $ 22,025  
    


 


Cash payments for - interest

   $ 17,774     $ 10,976  

                               - income taxes

   $ 7,490     $ 7,886  

** Includes UK Wool operation short-term borrowings transferred to discontinued liabilities

   $ 16,980     $ —    

 

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 Italian tobacco 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 December 31, 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

 

Tobacco Operation

 

During the second quarter of the current fiscal year, the Company decided to discontinue its tobacco processing operations in Italy due to the leaf tobacco market conditions and the continuing strengthening of Euro currency which have had significant adverse impact on its results. As a result of this decision, the Company has accounted for the Italian operation as a discontinued operation in accordance with the provisions of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The assets and associated liabilities of this Italian operation have been classified as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company ceased processing tobacco and has notified the Italian authorities in accordance with Italian law. The Company also reached a termination agreement with a majority of its employees. The facility is expected to be sold before the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Italian operation is expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition.

 

The Italian trading loss for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2004, excluding the loss to discontinue the operation, was $3.7 million and $13.7 million respectively versus a loss of $0.5 million and income of $2.1 million in the prior year periods.

 

The write-down of long-lived assets recorded in the nine months ended December 31, 2004 to discontinue the operation was $10.7 million. The fair value of the buildings was based on external appraisals and is the difference between the carrying value of the net assets and their fair value, less estimated selling costs. The fair value of the equipment and other assets has been determined based on negotiations with prospective purchasers and comparison with other industry transactions. In addition, the Company incurred and recorded costs of $4.1 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2004. No tax benefit on the losses to discontinue the Italian operation was recorded due to the uncertainty of the Company’s ability to ultimately receive a tax benefit.

 

Revenues and the assets and liabilities for the Italian operation were as follows:

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


   Nine months ended
December 31


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

Revenues

   $ 4,011    $ 7,307    $ 32,777    $ 39,132
    

  

  

  

 

     December 31

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Inventory

   $ 32,746    $ 38,316    $ 51,004

Receivables

     13,412      16,067      14,364

Other assets

     10,988      18,493      18,008
    

  

  

Assets

     57,146      72,876      83,376

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     7,213      7,886      13,909
    

  

  

Net assets of discontinued operation

   $ 49,933    $ 64,990    $ 69,467
    

  

  

 

-5-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Tobacco debt guaranteed by the Company not included in discontinued operation was as follows:

 

     December 31

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Bank borrowings

   $ —      $ 1,885    $ 2,396

Current portion of long-term debt

     999      905      884
    

  

  

Total current

     999      2,790      3,280

Long-term portion of long-term debt

     5,092      5,516      5,281
    

  

  

Total debt guaranteed

   $ 6,091    $ 8,306    $ 8,561
    

  

  

 

Wool Operations

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company decided to focus on the core tobacco operations and close all its wool operations which were 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 held for sale, under SFAS No. 144, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The unit in Australia was sold in fiscal 2004. The operations of the processing mill in France were shutdown in April 2004. The operations in the UK and Chile were sold in January 2005. The remaining French assets, along with the remaining trading operations in France and Germany, are the subjects of separate sales negotiations. These negotiations were expected to be finalized by September 30, 2004; however, as a result of delays caused by governmental intervention in France, the sale or termination of the remaining units is expected to be substantially complete by March 31, 2005.

 

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 quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $0.9 and $4.1 million respectively versus $2.8 and $7.0 million in the prior year periods. The estimated loss to discontinue wool operations of $26.6 million was recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

 

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

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


   Nine months ended
December 31


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

Revenues

   $ 28,545    $ 55,196    $ 91,839    $ 136,497
    

  

  

  

 

     December 31

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Inventory

   $ 30,267    $ 65,190    $ 50,827

Receivables

     32,412      38,605      40,826

Other assets

     3,606      834      3,475
    

  

  

Assets

     66,285      104,629      95,128

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     39,686      22,416      31,383
    

  

  

Net assets of discontinued operations

   $ 26,599    $ 82,213    $ 63,745
    

  

  

 

-6-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)

 

Included in the net assets of discontinued operations for sale at December 31, 2004 are assets of $29.4 million and liabilities of $22.9 million related to the operations in the UK and Chile that were disposed of in January 2005.

 

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

 

     December 31

  

March 31

2004


(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

  

Bank borrowings

   $ 5,842    $ 57,718    $ 44,974

Current portion of long-term debt

     —        313      305
    

  

  

Total current

     5,842      58,031      45,279

Long-term portion of long-term debt

     210      195      190
    

  

  

Total debt guaranteed

   $ 6,052    $ 58,226    $ 45,469
    

  

  

 

3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

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

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


   Nine months ended
December 31


 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

   2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 6,401     $ 3,631    $ (18,587 )   $ (4,066 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                               

Reclassification for translation adjustment recognized in net income (loss)

     —         —        1,708       2,772  

Translation adjustment

     1,780       4,543      1,778       7,014  

Derivative financial instruments

     (282 )     110      (50 )     (546 )
    


 

  


 


Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 7,899     $ 8,284    $ (15,151 )   $ 5,174  
    


 

  


 


 

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share has been presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128. The diluted earnings per share for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2003 include the effect of the convertible subordinated debentures which were redeemed in April 2004, 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 December 31, 2004 was $2.7 million with a notional value of $2.7 million.

 

-7-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

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

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


    Nine months ended
December 31


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss) (in thousands):

                                

As reported

   $ 6,401     $ 3,631     $ (18,587 )   $ (4,066 )

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

     (57 )     (69 )     (57 )     (195 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma

   $ 6,344     $ 3,562     $ (18,644 )   $ (4,261 )
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ 6,401     $ 4,170     $ (18,587 )   $ (2,449 )

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

     (57 )     (69 )     (57 )     (195 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma

   $ 6,344     $ 4,101     $ (18,644 )   $ (2,644 )
    


 


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.47     $ 0.27     $ (1.36 )   $ (0.29 )

Pro forma

   $ 0.46     $ 0.26     $ (1.36 )   $ (0.31 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.47     $ 0.27     $ (1.35 )   $ (0.16 )

Pro forma

   $ 0.46     $ 0.26     $ (1.36 )   $ (0.17 )

 

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 Company completed its impairment test and there was no impairment identified at September 30, 2004, nor any events or changes in circumstances which would indicate an impairment as of December 31, 2004.

 

-8-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)

 

The carrying value of intangible assets other than goodwill as of December 31, 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 12, the Company wrote-off $1.4 million of deferred financing fees during the nine months ended December 31, 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

(In thousands)


   Total

 

At April 1, 2004

   $ 1,368  

Additions – deferred financing fees

     6,223  

Less amortization

     (2,590 )
    


Balance as of December 31, 2004

   $ 5,001  
    


 

8. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

 

    

Defined Benefit Pension

Plans

Nine months ended

December 31


   

Other Post-retirement
Benefits

Nine months ended

December 31


 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

 

Service cost

   $ 2,912     $ 2,333     $ 344    $ 280  

Interest cost

     3,240       2,808       575      522  

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,805 )     (2,191 )     —        —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     109       46       —        (104 )

Recognized net actuarial loss

     880       815       125      27  
    


 


 

  


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 4,336     $ 3,811     $ 1,044    $ 725  
    


 


 

  


 

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 $2.4 million to its U.S. qualified pension plan trust in fiscal 2005. No contributions were made to this plan in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The Company also has a non-qualified supplemental pension plan to which it made $44,000 of benefit payments in the first nine months 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. 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 $700,000 for this year. In the first nine months of fiscal 2005, the Company made benefit payments of $511,000 to the plan.

 

-9-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

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. The FASB recently issued definitive accounting guidance for the Act in FASB Staff Position 106-2, which became effective for the Company in the quarter ended December 31, 2004. The Company believes there will be no impact on its benefit cost from the new legislation.

 

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). SFAS No. 151 is the result of a broader effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to improve financial reporting by eliminating certain narrow differences between their existing accounting standards. One such difference was the accounting for abnormal inventory costs. Both the FASB and the IASB agree that abnormal expenses should be recognized in the period in which they are incurred; however, the wording of International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) No. 2, Inventories, and Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 43, Chapter 4, Inventory Pricing, led to inconsistent application of that principle. The FASB agreed that the wording in IAS No. 2 was less ambiguous and decided to incorporate portions of that language in ARB No. 43. As such, SFAS No. 151 requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the “so abnormal” criterion outlined in ARB No. 43. SFAS No. 151 also introduces the concept of “normal capacity” and requires the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Unallocated overheads must be recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Based on current evaluations, the Company does not believe there will be a material impact on its consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 151.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of non-monetary assets and amendment of APB Opinion No.29. This statement was a result of a joint effort by the FASB and the IASB to improve financial reporting by eliminating certain narrow differences between their existing accounting standards. One such difference was the exception from fair value measurement in APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Non-monetary Transactions, for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets. SFAS No. 153 replaces this exception with a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A non-monetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS No. 153 shall be applied prospectively and is effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which establishes standards for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. SFAS 123R requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options and similar awards. Share-based payments will be measured at fair value on the grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. SFAS 123R applies to all unvested share-based awards outstanding at the company’s adoption date. SFAS 123R eliminates the exception to account for such awards using the intrinsic method previously allowable under APB No. 25. The effective date for public entities that file as small business issuers is the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005. For all other public companies, including the Company, it is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this pronouncement.

 

-10-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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, cooperated fully with the investigation and discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tended to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including its subsidiaries, 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 October 20, 2004, the European Commission announced that as a result of its Spanish investigation it had imposed on the Company, its Spanish subsidiary and two other of the Company’s subsidiaries, a fine of Euros 1,822,500. A number of other tobacco processors, growers and agricultural associations were assessed fines in various amounts which, including the amount assessed against the Company, totaled Euros 20,000,000. The Company, along with its Spanish and other involved subsidiaries, have appealed the decision of the Commission to the Court of First Instance of the European Commission for the annulment or modification of the decision; but the outcome of the appeals process as to both timing and results is uncertain. The Company accrued a charge for the full amount of the fine in the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

On March 1, 2004, the DG Comp served a Statement of Objections on 11 entities within the Italian leaf tobacco industry, including the Company and one of its subsidiaries. The Company responded to the Statement and has cooperated in the investigations. Through the Statement, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably in 2005, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC Competition law. The Company expects to be assessed penalties in the Italian case and expects that the penalties could be material to its earnings, but believes that there may be mitigating circumstances in the investigation, including the Company’s cooperation with the DG Comp. The Company is unable to assess the amount of any penalties which might be 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. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On January 14, 2005, the Company completed the sale of its wool investments in the UK and Chile.

 

12. 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 was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 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 ¼% convertible subordinated debentures and to retire the $65.2 million 87/8% senior notes due 2005. The new notes are guaranteed by the Company’s U.S. tobacco subsidiary on a senior unsecured basis. The indenture governing these senior notes contains 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.

 

-11-


 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

13. 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., its wholly owned U.S. tobacco subsidiary, on a senior unsecured fully and unconditionally 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.

 

-12-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2004

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Non-

Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                               

Cash

   $ 302     $ 24,254     $ —      $ 15,053     $ —       $ 39,609  

Receivables

     2       17,667       —        214,204       —         231,873  

Intercompany receivables

     176,492       168,661       —        95,319       (440,472 )     —    

Inventories

     —         81,348       —        186,162       —         267,510  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        123,431       —         123,431  

Prepaid expenses

     151       309       —        8,369       —         8,829  

Marketable securities

     1       —         —        1,882       —         1,883  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current assets

     176,948       292,239       —        644,420       (440,472 )     673,135  

Property, plant and equipment

     —         44,655       —        116,992       —         161,647  

Investment in subsidiaries

     246,802       186,820       —        150,063       (583,685 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —        10,181       —         10,181  

Other noncurrent assets

     18,369       538       —        35,583       —         54,490  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total assets

   $ 442,119     $ 524,252     $ —      $ 957,239     $ (1,024,157 )   $ 899,453  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Liabilities

                                               

Short-term borrowings

   $ —       $ 37,843     $ —      $ 204,221     $ —       $ 242,064  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —        19,975       —         19,975  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     13,645       30,596       —        130,309       —         174,550  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     4,063       —         —        42,836       —         46,899  

Intercompany accounts payable

     72,516       191,875       —        176,081       (440,472 )     —    

Taxes accrued

     (11,909 )     2,003       —        14,370       —         4,464  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current liabilities

     78,315       262,317       —        587,792       (440,472 )     487,952  

Long-term debt

     150,000       —         —        25,026       —         175,026  

Retirement and other benefits

     1,219       10,451       —        9,969       —         21,639  

Deferred income taxes

     (950 )     (221 )     —        2,644       —         1,473  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities

     228,584       272,547       —        625,431       (440,472 )     686,090  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —        2,023       —         2,023  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                               

Common stock

     3,272       993       —        138,253       (139,246 )     3,272  

Additional paid-in capital

     112,701       130,860       —        60,564       (191,424 )     112,701  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (872 )     (688 )     —        (1,507 )     —         (3,067 )

Treasury stock at cost

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

Retained earnings

     127,242       129,100       —        157,033       (286,133 )     127,242  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (24,558 )     (8,560 )     —        (24,558 )     33,118       (24,558 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     213,535       251,705       —        329,785       (583,685 )     211,340  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities and equity

   $ 442,119     $ 524,252     $ —      $ 957,239     $ (1,024,157 )   $ 899,453  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

 

-13-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Third quarter ended December 31, 2004

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Non-

Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 60,211     $ —      $ 236,697     $ (52,162 )   $ 244,746  

Cost of sales:

                                               

Materials services and supplies

     —         52,291       —        201,596       (52,162 )     201,725  

Interest

     —         123       —        3,109       —         3,232  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Gross profit

     —         7,797       —        31,992       —         39,789  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     3,298       4,508       —        14,897       —         22,703  

Other interest expense

     3,335       125       —        (260 )     —         3,200  

Other income (expense) net

     2,104       (1,451 )     —        (701 )     —         (48 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (4,529 )     1,713       —        16,654       —         13,838  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (1,340 )     609       —        3,288       —         2,557  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (3,189 )     1,104       —        13,366       —         11,281  

Minority interests

     —         —         —        (516 )     —         (516 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —        300       —         300  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     14,254       13,150       —        —         (27,404 )     —    
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     11,065       14,254       —        13,150       (27,404 )     11,065  

Discontinued operations

     (4,664 )     (3,756 )     —        (4,514 )     8,270       (4,664 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Net income (loss)

     6,401       10,498       —        8,636       (19,134 )     6,401  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     122,043       118,602       —        148,397       (266,999 )     122,043  

Common stock dividends

     (1,202 )     —         —        —         —         (1,202 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 127,242     $ 129,100     $ —      $ 157,033     $ (286,133 )   $ 127,242  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-14-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Nine months ended December 31, 2004

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Non-

Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 151,071     $ —      $ 730,607     $ (231,064 )   $ 650,614  

Cost of sales:

                                               

Materials services and supplies

     —         130,128       —        649,291       (231,064 )     548,355  

Interest

     —         237       —        8,803       —         9,040  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Gross profit

     —         20,706       —        72,513       —         93,219  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     7,972       14,885       —        45,224       —         68,081  

Other interest expense

     9,653       1,511       —        (1,781 )     —         9,383  

Other income (expense) net

     5,871       (3,629 )     —        (1,502 )     —         740  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (11,754 )     681       —        27,568       —         16,495  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (4,086 )     216       —        6,885       —         3,015  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (7,668 )     465       —        20,683       —         13,480  

Minority interests

     —         —         —        (185 )     —         (185 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —        700       —         700  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     21,663       21,198       —        —         (42,861 )     —    
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) from continuing operations

     13,995       21,663       —        21,198       (42,861 )     13,995  

Discontinued operations

     (32,582 )     (28,519 )     —        (20,471 )     48,990       (32,582 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Net income (loss)

     (18,587 )     (6,856 )     —        727       6,129       (18,587 )

Retained earnings at beginning of period

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

Common stock dividends

     (3,599 )     —         —        —         —         (3,599 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 127,242     $ 129,100     $ —      $ 157,033     $ (286,133 )   $ 127,242  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-15-


SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine months ended December 31, 2004

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

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 in) operating activities

   $ (96,793 )   $ 80,034     $ —      $ 5,458     $ —      $ (11,301 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                                              

Property, plant and equipment

                                              

—additions

     —         (7,046 )     —        (16,241 )     —        (23,287 )

—disposals

     —         412       —        481       —        893  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used in continuing activities

     —         (6,634 )     —        (15,760 )     —        (22,394 )

Cash provided by discontinued activities

     —         —         —        12       —        12  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used in investing activities

     —         (6,634 )     —        (15,748 )     —        (22,382 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     145,651       —         —        22,357       —        168,008  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (13,173 )     —        (13,173 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     —         15,014       —        (9,817 )     —        5,197  

Dividends received / (paid)

     (3,599 )     —         —        —         —        (3,599 )

Repayment of debt

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

Other

     —         917       —        —         —        917  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     97,001       (50,210 )     —        (633 )     —        46,158  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        (539 )     —        (539 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for period

     208       23,190       —        (11,462 )     —        11,936  

Cash at beginning of period

     94       1,064       —        26,515       —        27,673  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 302     $ 24,254     $ —      $ 15,053     $ —      $ 39,609  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ 7,052     $ 3,514     $ —      $ 7,208            $ 17,774  

Income taxes

     —         3,318       —        4,172              7,490  

 

-16-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Non-

Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                               

Cash

   $ 255     $ 883     $ —      $ 20,887     $ —       $ 22,025  

Receivables

     18       26,505       —        151,780       —         178,303  

Intercompany receivables

     21,414       106,325       —        59,651       (187,390 )     —    

Inventories

     —         69,265       —        172,573       —         241,838  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        177,505       —         177,505  

Prepaid expenses

     (456 )     3,883       —        3,194       —         6,621  

Marketable securities

     1       —         —        1,178       —         1,179  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current assets

     21,232       206,861       —        586,768       (187,390 )     627,471  

Property, plant and equipment

     —         39,996       —        107,708       —         147,704  

Investment in subsidiaries

     254,458       189,577       —        160,660       (604,695 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —        8,094       —         8,094  

Other noncurrent assets

     13,590       (1,157 )     —        32,643       —         45,076  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total assets

   $ 289,280     $ 435,277     $ —      $ 895,873     $ (792,085 )   $ 828,345  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Liabilities

                                               

Short-term borrowings

   $ —       $ 39,798     $ —      $ 231,777     $ —       $ 271,575  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —        8,508       —         8,508  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,540       17,752       —        87,432       —         106,724  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        30,302       —         30,302  

Intercompany accounts payable

     3,436       31,609       —        152,345       (187,390 )     —    

Taxes accrued

     (10,343 )     10,349       —        15,161       —         15,167  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current liabilities

     (5,367 )     99,508       —        525,525       (187,390 )     432,276  

Long-term debt

     —         65,177       —        17,977       —         83,154  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     45,051       —         —        —         —         45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     1,047       9,612       —        4,877       —         15,536  

Deferred income taxes

     (428 )     (1,480 )     —        6,224       —         4,316  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities

     40,303       172,817       —        554,603       (187,390 )     580,333  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —        2,008       —         2,008  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                               

Common stock

     3,251       993       —        148,765       (149,758 )     3,251  

Additional paid-in capital

     111,001       130,860       —        60,564       (191,424 )     111,001  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (655 )     (882 )     —        (2,091 )     —         (3,628 )

Treasury stock at cost

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

Retained earnings

     160,194       135,577       —        152,342       (287,919 )     160,194  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (20,564 )     (4,088 )     —        (20,318 )     24,406       (20,564 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     248,977       262,460       —        339,262       (604,695 )     246,004  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities and equity

   $ 289,280     $ 435,277     $ —      $ 895,873     $ (792,085 )   $ 828,345  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

 

-17-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Third quarter ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Non-
Guarantor)


  

Other
Subsidiaries
(Non -

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 69,510     $  —      $ 151,102     $ (36,344 )   $ 184,268  

Cost of sales:

                                               

Materials services and supplies

     —         57,974       —        131,017       (36,344 )     152,647  

Interest

     —         583       —        2,497       —         3,080  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Gross profit

     —         10,953       —        17,588       —         28,541  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     (5,732 )     11,632       —        13,000       —         18,900  

Other interest expense

     544       1,110       —        (1,073 )     —         581  

Other income (expense) net

     (169 )     1,083       —        319       —         1,233  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     5,019       (706 )     —        5,980       —         10,293  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     1,907       (307 )     —        1,679       —         3,279  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     3,112       (399 )     —        4,301       —         7,014  

Minority interests

     —         —         —        (192 )     —         (192 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —        105       —         105  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     3,815       4,214       —        —         (8,029 )     —    
    


 


 

  


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     6,927       3,815       —        4,214       (8,029 )     6,927  

Discontinued operations

     (3,296 )     2,884       —        2,884       (5,768 )     (3,296 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Net income (loss)

     3,631       6,699       —        7,098       (13,797 )     3,631  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     157,755       128,878       —        145,244       (274,122 )     157,755  

Common stock dividends

     (1,192 )     —         —        —         —         (1,192 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 160,194     $ 135,577     $    $ 152,342     $ (287,919 )   $ 160,194  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-18-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Nine months ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


   

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Non-
Guarantor)


   

Other
Subsidiaries
(Non -

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ —       $ 153,454     $ —       $ 534,774     $ (151,616 )   $ 536,612  

Cost of sales:

                                                

Materials services and supplies

     —         127,300       —         456,761       (151,616 )     432,445  

Interest

     —         969       —         6,957       —         7,926  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     —         25,185       —         71,056       —         96,241  

Selling, general & administrative expenses

     (2,757 )     18,350       —         40,618       —         56,211  

Other interest expense

     2,431       3,708       —         (3,229 )     —         2,910  

Other income (expense) net

     (350 )     3,544       —         (964 )     —         2,230  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (24 )     6,671       —         32,703       —         39,350  

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (9 )     2,496       —         9,981       —         12,468  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (15 )     4,175       —         22,722       —         26,882  

Minority interests

     —         —         —         (53 )     —         (53 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —         672       —         672  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     27,516       23,341       —         —         (50,857 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     27,501       27,516       —         23,341       (50,857 )     27,501  

Discontinued operations

     (31,567 )     (7,934 )     16,551       (7,934 )     (683 )     (31,567 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     (4,066 )     19,582       16,551       15,407       (51,540 )     (4,066 )

Retained earnings at beginning of period

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

Common stock dividends

     (3,235 )     (7,500 )     —         —         7,500       (3,235 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 160,194     $ 135,577     $ —       $ 152,342     $ (287,919 )   $ 160,194  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-19-


SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine months ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.
Inc. (Issuer)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Non-
Guarantor)


  

Other
Subsidiaries
(Non -

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

   Total

 

Cash used in operating activities

   $ (4,211 )   $ (2,597 )   $  —      $ (65,412 )   $  —      $ (72,220 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                                              

Property, plant and equipment

                                              

—additions

     —         (7,504 )     —        (15,933 )     —        (23,437 )

—disposals

     —         —         —        179       —        179  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used in continuing activities

     —         (7,504 )     —        (15,754 )     —        (23,258 )

Cash used in discontinued activities

     —         —         —        (2,735 )     —        (2,735 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used in investing activities

     —         (7,504 )     —        (18,489 )     —        (25,993 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        13,596       —        13,596  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (6,961 )     —        (6,961 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     —         18,021       —        71,451       —        89,472  

Dividends received / (paid)

     4,265       (7,500 )     —        —         —        (3,235 )

Other

     147       —         —        —         —        147  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by financing activities

     4,412       10,521       —        78,086       —        93,019  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        650       —        650  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for period

     201       420       —        (5,165 )     —        (4,544 )

Cash at beginning of period

     54       463       —        26,052       —        26,569  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 255     $ 883     $ —      $ 20,887     $ —      $ 22,025  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ 1,615     $ 3,318     $ —      $ 6,043            $ 10,976  

Income taxes

     1,180       —         —        6,706              7,886  

 

-20-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Executive Summary

 

On a global basis, supply and demand for flue-cured tobacco remained relatively balanced as a large crop in Brazil has offset smaller crops in Zimbabwe and the United States. There was a slight oversupply in burley due to the large crops in Malawi and Brazil and a balanced position of oriental styles. Inventory balances at December 31, 2004 were $25.7 million higher than the December 31, 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 U.S. Dollar remained weak. 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 tobaccos in certain areas from the prior year that are currently being sold.

 

During the nine months ended December 31, 2004, we issued $150 million of 8% senior notes due 2012, redeemed $45.1 million of 7 1/4% convertible debentures and retired $65.2 million of 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.

 

On November 7, 2004, we and DIMON Incorporated, a Virginia corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization which is subject to shareholder approval. Under the terms of the agreement, the common shareholders of our company will be entitled to receive three shares of DIMON common stock in exchange for each share of our common stock. The transaction is intended to be treated as a “reorganization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Quarter ended December 31, 2004 to the Quarter ended December 31, 2003

 

     Third quarter ended
December 31


    Increase /
(Decrease)


 
     (in thousands)    
     2004

    2003

   

Sales

   $ 244,746     $ 184,268     $ 60,478  

Gross profit

     39,789       28,541       11,248  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     22,703       18,900       3,803  

Interest expense

     3,200       581       2,619  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (2,557 )     (3,279 )     (722 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     11,065       6,927       4,138  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (4,664 )     (3,296 )     (1,368 )

Net income (loss)

     6,401       3,631       2,770  

 

Sales. Sales for the three months ended December 31, 2004 increased by 32.8% to $244.7 million from $184.3 million in the prior year period. The volume of tobacco sold during the current quarter increased by 27.4% over the prior year quarter. This was mainly due to increased shipments from Brazil, Thailand, Turkey and Argentina. Shipments from Zimbabwe and the USA were lower during the quarter primarily due to smaller crops and lower shipments from Malawi were due to a shortage of shipping containers. In addition, we exited the Greek and Honduran markets during the prior year quarter.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was $39.8 million versus $28.5 million in the prior year period. Gross margins as a percentage of sales increased from 15.5% to 16.3% primarily due to increases in Malawi, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Brazil. These increases were partially offset by decreases of margins in China, USA and Argentina.

 

-21-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses for the quarter were higher by $3.8 million. This was due to an increase in legal and professional expenses of $2.0 million, relating to the proposed merger with Dimon Incorporated and to Sarbanes-Oxley expenses, compensation of $0.8 million, insurance of $0.6 million and communication costs and rent expenses of $0.4 million.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the current quarter was higher by $2.6 million due to both increased average borrowings and higher average rates.

 

Income taxes. Income tax expense as a percentage of pretax income can vary due to differences in the projected levels of pre-tax income for the year in tax jurisdictions with higher or lower tax rates and adjustments due to the resolution of reviews of certain taxing authorities. We favorably resolved certain outstanding items with certain tax authorities which resulted in an effective tax rate for the quarter of 18.5%. The effective tax rate for the prior year quarter was 31.9%.

 

Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations was $11.1 million for the current quarter versus $6.9 million in the prior year quarter.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations. The tobacco operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2004 was $3.7 million versus $0.5 million in the prior year quarter. The wool operating loss for the quarter was $0.9 million versus $2.8 million in the prior year period. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the quarter was $0.34 versus $0.24 as the prior year period.

 

Net Income. The consolidated net income for the quarter was $6.4 million versus $3.6 million in the prior year period.

 

Comparison of the Nine Months ended December 31, 2004 to the Nine Months ended December 31, 2003

 

     Nine months ended
December 31


    Increase /
(Decrease)


 
     (in thousands)    
     2004

    2003

   

Sales

   $ 650,614     $ 536,612     $ 114,002  

Gross profit

     93,219       96,241       (3,022 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     68,081       56,211       11,870  

Interest expense

     9,383       2,910       6,473  

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (3,015 )     (12,468 )     (9,453 )

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     13,995       27,501       (13,506 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (32,582 )     (31,567 )     (1,015 )

Net income (loss)

     (18,587 )     (4,066 )     (14,521 )

 

Sales. Sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 increased by 21.2% to $650.6 million from $536.6 million in the prior year period. The volume of tobacco sold during the current nine months increased by 17.3% over the prior year period. This was mainly due to increased shipments from Brazil, India, Thailand, Russia, Turkey and Spain. Shipments from Kenya, Congo and Argentina were lower during the current nine months due to delayed customer delivery schedules. Shipments from Zimbabwe and the USA were lower primarily due to smaller crops. Lower shipments from Malawi were due to a shortage of containers. As previously stated, we exited Greece and Honduras in the prior year.

 

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $93.2 million versus $96.2 million in the prior year period. Gross margins were down from 17.9% to 14.3% primarily due to higher tobacco and operating costs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, China, India, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Argentina and Brazil. These decreases in percentages are offset by increases in Indonesia and Malawi.

 

-22-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses for the current nine months were higher by $11.9 million. This was mainly due to a charge of $2.4 million accrued for fines relating to the European Commission investigation in Spain, increase in legal and professional expenses of $3.5 million, relating to the European Commission investigation in Spain, Sarbanes-Oxley and expenses related to the proposed merger with Dimon Incorporated, increases in compensation of $5.4 million, higher communication costs and rental expense of $1.2 million and other normal inflationary increases.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the current nine months was higher by $6.5 million due to both increased average borrowings and higher interest rates, as well as payment of $1.0 million for the May 2004 early retirement of the 8 7/8% senior notes.

 

Income taxes. Income tax expense as a percentage of pretax income can vary due to differences in the projected levels of pre-tax income for the year in tax jurisdictions with higher or lower tax rates and adjustments due to the resolution of reviews of certain taxing authorities. We favorably resolved certain outstanding items with certain tax authorities which resulted in an effective tax rate for the nine months of 18.3%. The effective tax rate for the prior year nine months was 31.7%.

 

Income from Continuing Operations. For the current nine months income from continuing operations was $14.0 million versus $27.5 million in the prior year period.

 

Loss from Discontinued Operations. The operating loss for the discontinued tobacco operation for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $13.7 million versus a profit of $2.1 million in the prior year period. The charge recorded in the current nine months for the discontinued tobacco operation was $14.8 million. No tax benefit on the losses to discontinue the Italian operation was recorded due to the uncertainty of our ability to ultimately receive a tax benefit. The wool operating loss for the current nine months was $4.1 million versus $7.0 million in the prior year period. The charge recorded in the prior year period to discontinue the wool operation was $26.6 million. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the current nine months was $2.38 versus $2.32 in the prior year period.

 

Net Loss. The consolidated net loss for the current nine months was $18.6 million versus a loss of $4.1 million in the prior year period.

 

Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of business trends or results to be expected for the full year.

 

Discontinued operations

 

Tobacco Operation

 

During the second quarter of the current fiscal year, we decided to discontinue our tobacco processing operations in Italy due to the leaf tobacco market conditions and the continuing strengthening of Euro currency, which have had significant adverse impact on our results. As a result of this decision, we have accounted for the Italian tobacco operation as a discontinued operation in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The assets and associated liabilities have been reclassified as for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We ceased processing tobacco and notified the Italian authorities in accordance with Italian law. We also reached a termination agreement with a majority of our employees. The facility is expected to be sold before the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Italian operation is expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition.

 

The Italian trading loss for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2004, excluding the loss to discontinue the operation, was $3.7 million and $13.7 million respectively versus a loss of $0.5 million and income of $2.1 million in the prior year periods.

 

The write-down of long-lived assets recorded in the nine months ended December 31, 2004 to discontinue the operation was $10.7 million. The fair value of the buildings was based on external appraisals and is the difference between the carrying value of the net assets and their fair value, less estimated selling costs. The fair value of the equipment and other assets has been determined based on negotiations with prospective

 

-23-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

purchasers and comparison with other industry transactions. In addition, we incurred and recorded costs of $4.1 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2004. No tax benefit on the losses to discontinue the Italian operation was recorded due to the uncertainty of our ability to ultimately receive a tax benefit.

 

Wool Operations

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, we decided to focus on our core tobacco operations and close all our wool operations which were 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 held for sale, under SFAS No. 144, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unit in Australia was sold in fiscal 2004. The operations of the processing mill in France were shutdown in April 2004. The operations in the UK and Chile were sold in January 2005. The remaining French assets, along with the remaining trading operations in France and Germany, are the subjects of separate sales negotiations. These negotiations were expected to be finalized by September 30, 2004; however, as a result of delays caused by governmental intervention in France, the sale or termination of the remaining units is expected to be substantially complete by March 31, 2005.

 

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 our 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 overheads incurred, for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $0.9 and $4.1 million respectively versus $2.8 and $7.0 million in the prior year periods. The estimated loss to discontinue wool operations of $26.6 million was recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2003.

 

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).

 

     December 31

  

March 31

2004


     2004

   2003

  
     (unaudited)    (unaudited)     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 39,609    $ 22,025    $ 27,673

Receivables

     231,873      178,303      182,317

Inventories

     267,510      241,838      241,330

Total current assets

     673,135      627,471      636,059

Working capital

     185,183      195,195      184,513

Short-term borrowings

     242,064      271,575      253,847

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     174,550      106,724      132,233

Total current liabilities

     487,952      432,276      451,546

Current ratio

     1.38:1      1.45:1      1.41:1

Total long-term debt

     175,026      128,205      136,865

Shareholders’ equity

     211,340      246,004      229,064

Capital expenditures

     23,287      23,437      16,800

Depreciation and amortization expense

     15,351      12,158      32,742

 

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Working capital at December 31, 2004 was $185.2 million, down from the $195.2 million at December 31, 2003. The net contributions from financing activity of $46.2 million was partially offset by $22.4 million used for investing activity.

 

Cash used in operating activities at December 31, 2004 totaled $11.3 million, primarily due to increases in inventory of $23.7 million and $51.7 million in receivables. This was offset by the increase in current liabilities of $35.0 million and net cash provided by discontinued operations of $7.1 million. The increase in the value of inventories was largely due to larger growing projects and shipping delays in Africa. We continue to monitor our inventories, which fluctuate depending on seasonal factors and timing of deliveries to customers.

 

Cash used in investing activities of $22.4 million at December 31, 2004 related to capital expenditures in our facilities in the U.S., Turkey, Brazil, Indonesia and Malawi.

 

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 were in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 31, 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 of outstanding 7 1/4% convertible subordinated debentures and to retire the $65.2 million of 8 7/8% senior notes due 2005. The new notes are guaranteed by our U.S. tobacco subsidiary on a senior unsecured basis. The indenture governing these senior notes contains 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.

 

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 $23.4 million of retained earnings available for distribution as dividends at December 31, 2004.

 

We continue to guarantee the debts of the discontinued Italian tobacco operation and wool units up to their actual disposition and accordingly have not included the debts of these operations in the liabilities of discontinued operations. At December 31, 2004, this amounted to $12.1 million. We believe that the disposition of the Italian tobacco operation and wool units 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 may 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.

 

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Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

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 December 31, 2004, we had contractual obligations with tobacco growers to purchase tobacco for approximately $207 million. Payments due under these obligations within a year total $161 million and the remaining payments are due between one and three 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, changes in accounting regulations, 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 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

 

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, cooperated fully with the investigation and discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tended to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including our subsidiaries, 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 October 20, 2004, the European Commission announced that as a result of its Spanish investigation it had imposed on us, our Spanish subsidiary and two other of our subsidiaries, a fine of Euros 1,822,500. A number of other tobacco processors, growers and agricultural associations were assessed fines in various amounts which, including the amount assessed against us, totaled Euros 20,000,000. We, along with our Spanish and other involved subsidiaries, have appealed the decision of the Commission to the Court of First Instance of the European Commission for the annulment or modification of the decision; but the outcome of the appeals process as to both timing and results is uncertain. We accrued a charge for the full amount of the fine in the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

 

On March 1, 2004, the DG Comp served a Statement of Objections on 11 entities within the Italian leaf tobacco industry, including our company and one of our subsidiaries. We responded to the Statement and have cooperated in the investigations. Through the Statement, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably in 2005, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC Competition law. We expect to be assessed penalties in the Italian case and expect that the penalties could be material to our earnings, but believe that there may be mitigating circumstances in the investigation, including our cooperation with the DG Comp. We are unable to assess the amount of any penalties which might be 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.

 

Item 6. 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

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

   

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

Date: February 8, 2005

 

                              (Registrant)

   

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