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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.exhibit31109302016.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.exhibit32009302016.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.exhibit31209302016.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended:  September 30, 2016
 
OR 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                           to                           
 
Commission file number:  1-13429
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Delaware
 
94-3196943
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
 
(I.R.S. Employer
or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
5956 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton, CA 94588
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code):  (925) 560-9000
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
ý
 
 
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No ý
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2016:   47,546,822





NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on numerous assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control), such as statements below regarding future plans, sales, sales trends, product price changes, revenues, profits, costs, expenses, cost savings, factory utilization rates, results of operations, tax liabilities, losses, capital spending, prices or inflation (including raw material (such as steel) prices), profit margins, effective tax rates, depreciation or amortization expenses, amortization periods, stock repurchases, dividends or awards of stock-based compensation, record dates, values of stock repurchases, dividends or stock-based compensation, unrecognized costs with respect to unvested stock-based compensation, repatriation of funds, effects of changes in accounting standards, effects of acquisitions, and effects of changes in foreign exchange rates or interest rates. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” "could potentially," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions of the forward-looking statements we furnish will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Although we believe that the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not and cannot give any assurance that our beliefs and expectations will prove to be correct, and our actual results might differ materially from results suggested by any forward-looking statement in this document. Many factors could significantly affect our operations and cause our actual results to differ substantially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to: (i) general business cycles and construction business conditions; (ii) customer acceptance of the Company's products; (iii) product liability claims, contractual liability, engineering and design liability and similar liabilities or claims, (iv) relationships with key customers; (v) materials and manufacturing costs; (vi) the financial condition of customers, competitors and suppliers; (vii) technological developments including software development; (viii) increased competition; (ix) changes in industry practices or regulations; (x) litigation risks, (xi) changes in capital and credit market conditions; (xii) governmental and business conditions in countries where the Company's products are manufactured and sold; (xiii) changes in trade regulations; (xiv) the effect of acquisition activity; (xv) changes in the Company's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Item 1A - Risk Factors." See below “Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors.” Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged not to rely on our forward-looking statements in making an investment decision about our securities. We further do not accept any responsibility for any projections or reports published by analysts, investors or other third parties.

Each of the terms the “Company,” “we,” “our,” "us" and similar terms used herein refer collectively to Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., unless otherwise stated.

“Strong-Tie” and our other trademarks appearing in this report are our property. This report contains additional trade names and trademarks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of us by such companies, or any relationship with any of these companies


2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

Current assets
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
218,720

 
$
242,795

 
$
258,825

Trade accounts receivable, net
141,716

 
132,727

 
106,011

Inventories
220,207

 
200,282

 
195,757

Deferred income taxes

 
14,782

 
16,203

Other current assets
12,321

 
10,302

 
12,476

Total current assets
592,964

 
600,888

 
589,272

 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
229,670

 
202,885

 
213,716

Goodwill
126,845

 
123,277

 
123,950

Intangible assets, net
24,629

 
28,570

 
27,675

Other noncurrent assets
10,195

 
4,426

 
6,696

Total assets
$
984,303

 
$
960,046

 
$
961,309

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

Trade accounts payable
$
24,777

 
$
24,934

 
$
21,309

Accrued liabilities
62,714

 
52,881

 
54,761

Income taxes payable
3,420

 
2,000

 

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions
5,157

 
4,383

 
5,799

Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions
17,153

 
12,566

 
8,502

Accrued workers’ compensation
4,161

 
4,486

 
4,593

Total current liabilities
117,382

 
101,250

 
94,964

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities
5,817

 
14,415

 
16,521

Total liabilities
123,199

 
115,665

 
111,485

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)


 


 


Stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock, at par value
486

 
493

 
481

Additional paid-in capital
243,900

 
225,788

 
238,212

Retained earnings
687,052

 
679,673

 
639,707

Treasury stock
(47,002
)
 
(39,529
)
 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(23,332
)
 
(22,044
)
 
(28,576
)
Total stockholders’ equity
861,104

 
844,381

 
849,824

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
984,303

 
$
960,046

 
$
961,309



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
3


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales
$
230,974

 
$
216,139

 
$
660,470

 
$
609,295

Cost of sales
117,499

 
115,798

 
342,985

 
333,138

Gross profit
113,475

 
100,341

 
317,485

 
276,157

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development and other engineering
10,932

 
13,935

 
33,807

 
34,648

Selling
24,304

 
22,535

 
74,313

 
68,156

General and administrative
32,543

 
28,648

 
96,786

 
86,875

Net gain on disposal of assets
(81
)
 
(26
)
 
(763
)
 
(57
)
 
67,698

 
65,092

 
204,143

 
189,622

Income from operations
45,777

 
35,249

 
113,342

 
86,535

  Interest expense, net
(82
)
 
(175
)
 
(400
)
 
(264
)
Income before taxes
45,695

 
35,074

 
112,942

 
86,271

Provision for income taxes
15,898

 
13,479

 
40,601

 
33,115

Net income
$
29,797

 
$
21,595

 
$
72,341

 
$
53,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.62

 
$
0.44

 
$
1.50

 
$
1.08

Diluted
0.62

 
0.44

 
1.49

 
1.08

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares outstanding
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
48,119

 
48,998

 
48,231

 
49,157

Diluted
48,352

 
49,239

 
48,429

 
49,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.18

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.52

 
$
0.46

 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
4


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
29,797

 
$
21,595

 
$
72,341

 
$
53,156

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Translation adjustment, net of tax (expense) of ($37), ($36), ($166) and ($33), respectively, for each period on the right
232

 
(6,162
)
 
5,244

 
(14,864
)
Comprehensive income
$
30,029

 
$
15,433

 
$
77,585

 
$
38,292

 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
5


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, and December 31, 2015
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
 
 
Shares
 
Par Value
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Stock
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2015
48,966

 
$
489

 
$
220,982

 
$
649,174

 
$
(7,180
)
 
$

 
$
863,465

Net income

 

 

 
53,156

 

 

 
53,156

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(14,864
)
 

 
(14,864
)
Options exercised
239

 
2

 
7,017

 

 

 

 
7,019

Stock-based compensation

 

 
8,744

 

 

 

 
8,744

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 
(244
)
 

 

 

 
(244
)
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
205

 
2

 
(3,648
)
 

 

 

 
(3,646
)
Repurchase of common stock
(1,149
)
 

 
(7,615
)
 

 

 
(39,529
)
 
(47,144
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.46 per share

 

 

 
(22,657
)
 

 

 
(22,657
)
Common stock issued at $34.32 per share for stock bonus
16

 

 
552

 

 

 

 
552

Balance, at September 30, 2015
48,277

 
493

 
225,788

 
679,673

 
(22,044
)
 
(39,529
)
 
844,381

Net income

 

 

 
14,732

 

 
 

 
14,732

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(6,075
)
 

 
(6,075
)
Pension adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(457
)
 

 
(457
)
Options exercised
92

 
1

 
2,700

 

 

 

 
2,701

Stock-based compensation

 

 
2,253

 

 

 

 
2,253

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 
(74
)
 

 

 

 
(74
)
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
5

 

 
(70
)
 

 

 

 
(70
)
Repurchase of common stock
(190
)
 

 
7,615

 

 

 
(7,615
)
 

Retirement of common stock

 
(13
)
 

 
(47,131
)
 

 
47,144

 

Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.16 per share

 

 

 
(7,567
)
 

 

 
(7,567
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
48,184

 
481

 
238,212

 
639,707

 
(28,576
)
 

 
849,824

Net income

 

 

 
72,341

 

 

 
72,341

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
5,244

 

 
5,244

Options exercised
227

 
3

 
6,692

 

 

 

 
6,695

Stock-based compensation

 

 
9,039

 

 

 

 
9,039

Tax benefit of options exercised

 

 
140

 

 

 

 
140

Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
216

 
2

 
(3,998
)
 

 

 

 
(3,996
)
Repurchase of common stock
(1,090
)
 

 
(6,500
)
 

 

 
(47,002
)
 
(53,502
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.52 per share

 

 

 
(24,996
)
 

 

 
(24,996
)
Common stock issued at $32.45 per share for stock bonus
10

 

 
315

 

 

 

 
315

Balance, September 30, 2016
47,547

 
$
486

 
$
243,900

 
$
687,052

 
$
(23,332
)
 
$
(47,002
)
 
$
861,104



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
6


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
72,341

 
$
53,156

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Gain on sale of assets
(763
)
 
(57
)
Depreciation and amortization
21,485

 
21,664

Write-off of software development project
153

 
3,140

Gain on contingent consideration adjustment

 
(245
)
Deferred income taxes
1,481

 
1,701

Noncash compensation related to stock plans
9,707

 
9,528

Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested
(162
)
 
(67
)
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts
(131
)
 
153




 


Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 

 
 

Trade accounts receivable
(35,463
)
 
(42,851
)
Inventories
(22,992
)
 
13,567

Trade accounts payable
2,806

 
3,026

Income taxes payable
6,745

 
8,151

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions
(637
)
 
(997
)
Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions
8,636

 
6,577

Other current assets
(2,751
)
 
4,293

Accrued liabilities
2,615

 
(6,716
)
Long-term liabilities
(1,222
)
 
(3,093
)
Accrued workers’ compensation
(432
)
 
385

Other noncurrent assets
1,471

 
954

Net cash provided by operating activities
62,887

 
72,269

Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(29,934
)
 
(19,163
)
Asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(5,361
)
 
(779
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
1,278

 
136

Loan repayment by customer

 
244

Net cash used in investing activities
(34,017
)

(19,562
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Deferred and contingent consideration paid for asset acquisition
(27
)
 
(1,177
)
Repurchase of common stock
(53,502
)
 
(47,144
)
Repayment of debt and line of credit borrowings

 
(18
)
Debt issuance costs
(1,125
)
 

Issuance of common stock
6,695

 
7,019

Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested
162

 
67

Dividends paid
(24,152
)
 
(21,628
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(71,949
)
 
(62,881
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
2,974

 
(7,338
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(40,105
)
 
(17,512
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
258,825

 
260,307

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
218,720

 
$
242,795

Noncash activity during the period
 

 
 

Noncash capital expenditures
$
726

 
$

Dividends declared but not paid
8,559

 
$
7,872

Issuance of Company’s common stock for compensation
315

 
552


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
7

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)




1.    Basis of Presentation
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). There were no investments in affiliates that would render such affiliates to be considered variable interest entities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Interim Period Reporting
 
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
 
The unaudited quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial information set forth therein, in accordance with GAAP. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data provided herein were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The Company’s quarterly results fluctuate. As a result, the Company believes the results of operations for this interim period presented are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.

Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue when the earnings process is complete, net of applicable provision for discounts, returns and incentives, whether actual or estimated, based on the Company’s experience. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the sales agreement or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. The Company’s general shipping terms are F.O.B. shipping point, and title is transferred and revenue is recognized when the products are shipped to customers. When the Company sells F.O.B. destination point, title is transferred and the Company recognizes revenue on delivery or customer acceptance, depending on terms of the sales agreement. Service sales, representing after-market repair and maintenance, engineering activities and software license sales and services, though significantly less than 0.1% net sales and not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements, are recognized as the services are completed or the software products and services are delivered. If actual costs of sales returns, incentives and discounts were to significantly exceed the recorded estimated allowance, the Company’s sales would be adversely affected.
 
Net Earnings Per Common Share
 
Basic earnings per common share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Potentially dilutive securities, using the treasury stock method, are included in the diluted per-share calculations for all periods when the effect of their inclusion is dilutive.
 

8


The following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per common share to diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income available to common stockholders
$
29,797

 
$
21,595

 
$
72,341

 
$
53,156

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
48,119

 
48,998

 
48,231

 
49,157

Dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents — stock options and restricted stock units
233

 
241

 
198

 
220

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
48,352

 
49,239

 
48,429

 
49,377

Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.62

 
$
0.44

 
$
1.50

 
$
1.08

Diluted
$
0.62

 
$
0.44

 
$
1.49

 
$
1.08

Potentially dilutive securities excluded from earnings per diluted share because their effect is anti-dilutive

 

 

 


Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
 
With the approval of the Company’s stockholders on April 26, 2011, the Company adopted the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (the “Original 2011 Plan”). With the approval of the Company's stockholders on April 21, 2015, the Company adopted the amended and restated Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan"), which amended and restated in its entirety, and incorporated and superseded, the Original 2011 Plan. The Original 2011 Plan amended and restated in their entirety, and incorporated and superseded, the 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”), which was principally for the Company’s employees, and 1995 Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), which was for its independent directors. Awards previously granted under the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan were not affected by the adoption of the Original 2011 Plan or the 2011 Plan and will continue to be governed by the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan, respectively.

Under the 1994 Plan and 1995 Plan, the Company could grant incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, although the Company only granted non-qualified stock options under both plans. As of September 30, 2016, there were no unvested stock options outstanding under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan.

Under the 2011 Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, although the Company currently intends to award primarily restricted stock units and to a lesser extent, if at all, non-qualified stock options. Under the 2011 Plan, no more than 16.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued (including shares already issued) pursuant to all awards under the 2011 Plan, including on exercise of options previously granted under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan.

Shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the 1994 Plan, the 1995 Plan and the 2011 Plan are registered under the Securities Act, as amended (the "Securities Act").


9


The following table represents the Company’s stock option and restricted stock unit activity for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in operating expenses
$
3,141

 
$
2,794

 
$
8,995

 
$
8,869

Less: Tax benefit of stock-based compensation expense in provision for income taxes
1,112

 
1,005

 
3,262

 
3,144

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
$
2,029

 
$
1,789

 
$
5,733

 
$
5,725

Fair value of shares vested
$
3,088

 
$
2,749

 
$
9,039

 
$
8,744

Proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock-based compensation
$
4,166

 
$
1,443

 
$
6,695

 
$
7,019

Tax effect from the exercise of stock-based compensation, including shortfall tax benefits
$
121

 
$
(58
)
 
$
140

 
$
(244
)
 
 
At September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory
$
463

 
$
464

 
The Company allocates stock-based compensation expenses among cost of sales, research and development and other engineering expense, selling expense, or general and administrative expense based on the job functions performed by the employees to whom the stock-based compensation is awarded.
 
The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company’s experience.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company’s investments consisted of only United States Treasury securities and money market funds, which are the Company’s primary financial instruments, maintained in cash equivalents and carried at cost, approximating fair value, based on Level 1 inputs. The balances of the Company’s primary financial instruments at the dates indicated were as follows:
 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
United States Treasury securities and money market funds
$
13,334

 
$
76,488

 
$
76,047

 
The carrying amounts of trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
 

10


Income Taxes
 
The Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the tax benefit or tax expense recognized in each interim period. The effective tax rate was lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 than in the third quarter and first nine
months of 2015, primarily due to lower quarter-to-date and year-to-date operating losses, mostly occurring in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded. The following table presents the Company’s effective tax rates and income tax expense for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Effective tax rate
34.8
%
 
38.4
%
 
35.9
%
 
38.4
%
Provision for income taxes
$
15,898

 
$
13,479

 
$
40,601

 
$
33,115

 
Acquisitions
 
Under the business combinations topic of the FASB ASC, the Company accounts for acquisitions as business combinations and ascribes acquisition-date fair values to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Provisional fair value measurements are made at the time of the acquisitions. Adjustments to those measurements may be made in subsequent periods, up to one year from the acquisition date, as information necessary to complete the analysis is obtained. Fair value of intangible assets are generally based on Level 3 inputs.
 
In December 2015, the Company purchased all of the business assets, including intellectual property rights, from Blue Heron Enterprises, LLC, and Fox Chase Enterprises, LLC, both New Jersey limited liability companies (collectively, "EBTY"), for $3.4 million in cash. EBTY manufactured and sold hidden deck clips and products and systems using a patented design. The Company believes that EBTY's patented design for hidden deck clips and products and systems complements the Company's hidden clips and fastener systems. The Company's provisional measurement of assets acquired included goodwill of $2.0 million which was assigned to the Company's North American segment, and intangible assets of $1.1 million, both of which are subject to tax-deductible amortization. Net assets consisting of inventory and equipment accounted for the balance of the purchase price. The estimated weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 7 years.

In August 2016, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of Multi Services Dêcoupe S.A. ("MSD"), for $6.9 million. MSD primarily manufactures and distributes wood construction, labeling, and wrapping products in Belgium and the Netherlands, including distributing the Company's products manufactured at the Company's production facility in France. With this acquisition, the Company could potentially offer the Belgium market a wider-range of its products, shorten delivery lead times, and expand the Company's sales presence into the Netherlands market. The Company's provisional measurement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed included cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 million, other current assets of $2.1 million, non-current assets of $5.0 million, current liabilities of $0.7 million and non-current deferred income tax liabilities of $1.0 million. Included in non-current assets was goodwill of $1.9 million, which was assigned to the Europe segment, and intangible assets of $1.2 million, both of which are not subject to tax-deductible amortization. The estimated weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 7 years.

The results of operations of the businesses acquired in 2015 through 2016 are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations since the date of the acquisition. They were not material to the Company on an individual or aggregate basis, and accordingly, pro forma results of operations have not been presented.

Sales Office Closing

The Company substantially completed the liquidation of its Asia sales offices as of December 31, 2015, and does not expect to recognize significant additional costs in future periods related to this event.

Additional compensation expenses of $0.2 million were incurred and paid during the third quarter of 2016. Estimated accrued closing costs, including additional compensation expense, retention bonuses and professional fees, were reduced by $0.2 million during the third quarter of 2016. Estimated closing costs of $0.1 million were accrued and not paid as of September 30, 2016.

11



Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). The objective is to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes; the amendments require that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified consolidated balance sheets.  ASU 2015-17 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The amendment may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2015-17 and applied the guidance prospectively with no change to prior period amounts disclosed in our consolidated balance sheets and related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Prospective adoption of ASU 2015-17, in the first quarter of 2016, resulted in the Company offsetting all of its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as of January 1, 2016, by taxing jurisdiction and classifying those balances as noncurrent. The result was a $4.1 million increase in "Other noncurrent assets," from $6.7 million to $10.8 million, and a $12.1 million decrease in "Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities," from $16.5 million to $4.4 million.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). The objective is to reduce the complexity related to inventory subsequent measurement and disclosure requirements. ASU 2015-11 amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. Inventory within the scope of the new guidance should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments more closely align with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2015-11 and applied the guidance prospectively. As of September 30, 2016, adoption of ASU 2015-11 has had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
 
Other than the following, there have been no new developments to those recently issued accounting standards disclosed in the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 (Topic 718), Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). The amendments simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, (Topic 842), Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 core requirement is to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases including those leases classified as operating leases. The amendments require a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lessor accounting application is largely unchanged from that applied under the previous GAAP. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in this Update is permitted for all entities.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The amendments provide a revenue recognition five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 provides alternative

12


methods of adoption of the guidance. In 2016, the FASB issued final amendments to clarify the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting for licenses of intellectual property. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

The Company is currently evaluating the effects of these new accounting standards described above on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, and has not yet selected a transition approach.

2.    Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
 
Trade accounts receivable at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Trade accounts receivable
$
145,966

 
$
136,748

 
$
109,859

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(945
)
 
(919
)
 
(1,142
)
Allowance for sales discounts and returns
(3,305
)
 
(3,102
)
 
(2,706
)
 
$
141,716

 
$
132,727

 
$
106,011

 

3.    Inventories
 
Inventories at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Raw materials
$
83,613

 
$
82,194

 
$
75,950

In-process products
20,313

 
19,485

 
18,828

Finished products
116,281

 
98,603

 
100,979

 
$
220,207

 
$
200,282

 
$
195,757

 


4.    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Land
$
30,217

 
$
28,899

 
$
28,698

Buildings and site improvements
176,430

 
172,300

 
171,890

Leasehold improvements
5,682

 
5,593

 
5,560

Machinery, equipment, and software
249,227

 
231,467

 
232,560

 
461,556

 
438,259

 
438,708

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(275,096
)
 
(255,431
)
 
(257,115
)
 
186,460

 
182,828

 
181,593

Capital projects in progress
43,210

 
20,057

 
32,123

 
$
229,670

 
$
202,885

 
$
213,716

 


13


5.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
 
Goodwill at the dates indicated was as follows: 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
North America
$
85,988

 
$
84,074

 
$
85,834

Europe
39,402

 
37,863

 
36,720

Asia/Pacific
1,455

 
1,340

 
1,396

Total
$
126,845

 
$
123,277

 
$
123,950

 
Amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, net, at the dates indicated were as follows: 
 
At September 30, 2016
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
(in thousands)
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
North America
$
27,488

 
$
(17,347
)
 
$
10,141

Europe
31,090

 
(16,602
)
 
14,488

Total
$
58,578

 
$
(33,949
)
 
$
24,629

 
 
At September 30, 2015
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America
$
29,402

 
$
(17,143
)
 
$
12,259

Europe
30,070

 
(13,759
)
 
16,311

Total
$
59,472

 
$
(30,902
)
 
$
28,570

 
 
At December 31, 2015
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America
$
27,475

 
$
(14,941
)
 
$
12,534

Europe
29,590

 
(14,449
)
 
15,141

Total
$
57,065

 
$
(29,390
)
 
$
27,675

 
Intangible assets consist of definite-lived and indefinite-lived assets. Definite-lived intangible assets include customer relationships, patents, unpatented technology and non-compete agreements. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, totaled $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, totaled $4.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2016, an approximately $1.5 million in-process research and development asset was transferred to definite-lived intangible assets from indefinite-lived intangible assets and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's useful life.

Indefinite-lived intangible asset, consisting of a trade name, totaled $0.6 million at September 30, 2016, and indefinite-lived assets, consisting of an in-process research and development asset and a trade name, totaled $2.2 million at September 30, 2015, and $2.1 million at December 31, 2015.


14


At September 30, 2016, estimated future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was as follows: 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Remaining three months of 2016
$
1,589

2017
4,626

2018
3,683

2019
3,654

2020
3,609

2021
3,063

Thereafter
3,789

 
$
24,013

 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, were as follows: 
 
 
 
Intangible
(in thousands)
Goodwill
 
Assets
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
123,950

 
$
27,675

Acquisitions
1,848

 
1,212

Amortization

 
(4,558
)
Foreign exchange
1,047

 
300

Balance at September 30, 2016
$
126,845

 
$
24,629



6.    Debt
 
The Company has revolving lines of credit with various banks in the United States and Europe. Total available credit at September 30, 2016, was $303.9 million including revolving credit lines and an irrevocable standby letter of credit in support of various insurance deductibles.
 
The Company’s primary credit facility is a revolving line of credit with $300 million in available credit. On July 25, 2016, the Company entered into a second amendment (the "Amendment") to the credit facility. For additional information about the Amendment, see the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016. As amended, this credit facility expires on July 23, 2021. Amounts borrowed under this credit facility will bear interest at an annual rate equal to either, at the Company’s option, (a) the rate for Eurocurrency deposits for the corresponding deposits of U.S. dollars appearing on Reuters LIBOR1screen page (the “LIBOR Rate”), adjusted for any reserve requirement in effect, plus a spread of 0.60% to 1.45%, determined quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio (at September 30, 2016, the LIBOR Rate was 0.53%), or (b) a base rate, plus a spread of 0.00% to 0.45%, determined quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The base rate is defined in a manner such that it will not be less than the LIBOR Rate. The Company will pay fees for standby letters of credit at an annual rate equal to the applicable spread described above, and will pay market-based fees for commercial letters of credit. The Company is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.15% to 0.30% of the available commitments under the credit facility, regardless of usage, with the applicable fee determined on a quarterly basis based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company was also required to pay customary fees as specified in a separate fee agreement to the agent under the credit facility.
 
The Company’s unused borrowing capacity under other revolving credit lines and a term note totaled $3.9 million at September 30, 2016. The other revolving credit lines and term note charge interest ranging from 0.50% to 7.50% have maturity dates from December 2016 to July 2017, and had no outstanding balances at September 30, 2016 and 2015 or December 31, 2015. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at September 30, 2016.



15


7.    Commitments and Contingencies

Pending Claims

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business.  At this time, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Other
 
Corrosion, hydrogen enbrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, misuse, design and assembly flaws, manufacturing defects, labeling defects, product formula defects, inaccurate chemical mixes, adulteration, environmental conditions, or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors, anchors, adhesives, specialty chemicals, such as fiber reinforced polymers, and tool products.  In addition, inaccuracies may occur in product information, descriptions and instructions found in catalogs, packaging, data sheets, and the Company’s website.  The Company has not incurred any material liability resulting from any such failures and/or inaccuracies.


8.    Stock-Based Incentive Plans
 
The Company currently has one stock-based incentive plan, which incorporates and supersedes its two previous plans (see Note 1 “Basis of Presentation — Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”). Participants are granted stock-based awards only if the applicable Company-wide and/or profit-center operating goals, established at the beginning of the year by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Company's Board of Directors are met. Certain participants may have additional goals based on strategic initiatives of the Company.
 
The fair value of each restricted stock unit award is estimated on the measurement date as determined in accordance with GAAP and is based on the closing market price of the underlying stock on the day preceding the measurement. The fair value excludes the present value of the dividends that the restricted stock units do not participate in. On February 1, 2016, 431,439 restricted stock units were awarded to the Company's employees, including officers, at an estimated value of $32.63 per share, based on the closing price on January 29, 2016. The restrictions on these awards will generally lapse one quarter on the date of the award and one quarter on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the award, except that restrictions on some of the awards made to each of the Company's named executive officers and certain members of the Company's senior management, where shares of the Company's common stock underlying such awards are subject to adjustment before becoming vested, will lapse fully on the third anniversary of the date of the award. On April 20, 2016, 1,800 restricted stock units were awarded to each of the Company’s six non-employee directors at an estimated value of $38.00 per share based on the closing price on April 19, 2016. There are no restrictions on the non-employee directors’ restricted stock units granted on April 20, 2016.

The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Unvested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
(in thousands)
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016
527

 
$
31.56

 
 

Awarded
442

 
 

 
 

Vested
(341
)
 
 

 
 

Forfeited
(11
)
 
 

 
 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016
617

 
$
31.81

 
$
27,108

Outstanding and expected to vest at September 30, 2016
602

 
$
31.81

 
$
26,470

             

16


*
The intrinsic value is calculated using the closing price per share of $43.95 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2016.
 
Based on the market value on the award date, the total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, was $10.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
 
No stock options were granted in 2015 or in the first nine months of 2016. As of September 30, 2016, there were no unvested options outstanding. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Non-Qualified Stock Options
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016
 
523

 
$
29.55

 
 
 
 

Exercised
 
(227
)
 
 

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 
 
 

Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2016
 
295

 
$
29.62

 
1.3
 
$
4,221

            
*
The intrinsic value represents the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of the underlying common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option, using the closing price per share of $43.95 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2016.
 
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, was $2.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2016, $25.4 million of unrecognized cost was related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements under the 2011 Plan for awards made through February 2016 and those expected to be made through January 2017. The portion of this cost related to restricted stock units awarded through February 2016 (as discussed above) is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
 

9.    Segment Information
 
The Company is organized into three reportable segments. The segments are defined by the regions where the Company’s products are manufactured, marketed and distributed to the Company’s customers. The three regional segments are the North America segment, comprising primarily the United States and Canada, the Europe segment, comprising continental Europe and the United Kingdom, and the Asia/Pacific segment, comprising the Company’s operations in China, Hong Kong, the South Pacific and the Middle East. China and Hong Kong operations are manufacturing and administrative support locations, respectively. These three reportable segments are similar in several ways, including the types of materials, the production processes, the distribution channels and the product applications.
 
The Company’s measure of profit or loss for its reportable segments is income (loss) from operations. The reconciling amount between consolidated income before tax and consolidated income from operations is interest expense, which is primarily attributed to Administrative and All Other.


17


The following tables illustrate certain measurements used by management to assess the performance as of or for the following periods: 

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net Sales
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
197,459

 
$
184,515

 
$
569,198

 
$
518,221

Europe
31,485

 
29,728

 
86,003

 
83,143

Asia/Pacific
2,030

 
1,896

 
5,269

 
7,931

Total
$
230,974

 
$
216,139

 
$
660,470

 
$
609,295

Sales to Other Segments*
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
732

 
$
680

 
$
1,994

 
$
2,284

Europe
157

 
250

 
338

 
641

Asia/Pacific
10,821

 
5,623

 
22,550

 
16,287

Total
$
11,710

 
$
6,553

 
$
24,882

 
$
19,212

Income (Loss) from Operations
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
42,356

 
$
33,432

 
$
112,924

 
$
89,148

Europe
3,899

 
3,563

 
4,180

 
5,259

Asia/Pacific
250

 
(945
)
 
1,257

 
(3,119
)
Administrative and all other
(728
)
 
(801
)
 
(5,019
)
 
(4,753
)
Total
$
45,777

 
$
35,249

 
$
113,342

 
$
86,535

            
* The sales to other segments are eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
At
 
At September 30,
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2015
Total Assets
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
795,339

 
$
730,333

 
$
748,241

Europe
178,428

 
176,208

 
168,305

Asia/Pacific
26,291

 
25,586

 
24,366

Administrative and all other
(15,755
)
 
27,919

 
20,397

Total
$
984,303

 
$
960,046

 
$
961,309

 
Cash collected by the Company’s United States subsidiaries is routinely transferred into the Company’s cash management accounts and, therefore, has been included in the total assets of “Administrative and all other.” Cash and cash equivalent balances in the “Administrative and all other” segment were $128.6 million, $153.8 million, and $164.1 million, as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Total "Administrative and all other" assets are net of inter-segment due to and from accounts which eliminate in consolidation.

The following table illustrates the distribution of the Company’s net sales by product group for the following periods:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wood Construction Products
$
193,513

 
$
182,869

 
$
562,025

 
$
518,381

Concrete Construction Products
37,461

 
33,229

 
98,445

 
90,614

Other

 
41

 

 
300

Total
$
230,974

 
$
216,139

 
$
660,470

 
$
609,295


18



Wood construction products include connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and pre-fabricated shearwalls and are used for connecting and strengthening wood-based construction primarily in the residential construction market. Concrete construction products include adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, carbide drill bits, powder actuated tools and fiber reinforcing materials and are used for restoration, protection or strengthening concrete, masonry and steel construction in residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction.


10.    Subsequent Events
 
In October 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, estimated to be $8.6 million in total, to be paid on January 26, 2017, to stockholders of record on January 5, 2017. The Board of Directors also scheduled the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders for Monday, April 24, 2017.

In November 2016, the Company repurchased 154,156 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the Company's $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program (the "ASR Program") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, which constituted the final delivery under the ASR Program. The Company so far has repurchased 1,244,003 shares of its common stock during 2016, which included 1,137,656 shares from the ASR Program, at a cost of $53.5 million.



19


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the Company for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Part I, Item 1, "Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs as discussed in the “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our actual results could differ materially from those plans, estimates, and beliefs. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
Overview
 
The Company designs, manufactures and sells building construction products that are of high quality and performance, easy to use and cost-effective for customers. It operates in three business segments determined by geographic region: North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. The Company’s current focus is on strengthening its core wood construction products, expanding its global footprint to be less dependent on housing starts in the United States and continuing to invest in strategic initiatives, such as expanding its offering of concrete construction products, particularly specialty chemicals, and wood construction products, particularly fasteners, truss plates and truss design software.
 
The Company benefited from above average sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016, primarily due to a mild winter, while sales growth moderated in the second and third quarters of 2016. Based on current information, the Company is uncertain as to whether the moderate sales growth will continue for the rest of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. Income from operations, as a percentage of net sales, has increased in both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, due to increased gross profit margins as a percentage of net sales, while the operating expenses for the first nine months of 2016 were lower than the operating expenses for the first nine months of 2015, as a percentage of net sales.

In July 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to replace the Company's current in-house enterprise resource planning ("ERP") and accounting platforms with a fully integrated ERP platform from SAP America, Inc. ("SAP"). Management currently plans to replace the current platforms in multiple phases over a period of three to four years, minimize project scope expansion and focus on configuring, instead of customizing, the standard SAP modules. Management anticipates the new platform to cost approximately $30 million, including capital expenditures, which will increase annual operating expenses during the implementation phase from 2017 to 2019. When fully implemented, however, the Company anticipates annual savings approximately equal to 1% of net sales from improved production scheduling and inventory management as well as lower labor, administrative and compliance costs.

The North America segment generates more revenues from wood construction products than concrete construction products. Due to improved economic conditions, including an increase in housing starts, net sales in most regions of the segment have trended up, primarily due to increases in unit sales volumes. Net sales in the third quarter of 2016 increased moderately, which was in line with net sales increases in the second quarter of 2016. The Company announced a sales price increase the third quarter of 2016, mostly due to increased steel prices, which is effective in the latter part of the fourth quarter of 2016. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, including the announced product sales price increases, the Company currently does not know if this sales trend will continue in the fourth quarter of 2016. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company initiated a multi-year plan to increase its North America factory production efficiency, aiming to achieve a 75% factory utilization rate on two full shifts by moving high-volume connector production from both its Riverside and Western Canada facilities to its other major manufacturing locations in North America. As of September 30, 2016, the Company has relocated 40% of the high-volume connector production, which is ahead of schedule. Once the transition is completed, based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates this will save approximately $3.0 million per year, mostly in production costs. Both the Riverside and Western Canada locations will continue as sales and distribution locations, and maintain the capability to manufacture custom orders to continue to meet the Company's service and product availability commitments to customers in the Southwestern region of the United States and Western region of Canada.

The Europe segment also generates more revenues from wood construction products than concrete construction products. Net sales reported in both the United States dollar and in local currencies increased in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015. Given the number of factors influencing the Europe segment, including the United Kingdom voting to exit the European Union, the Company cannot reasonably predict whether this is a trend that will continue in the fourth quarter

20


of 2016. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that the Europe segment will report an operating profit in 2016.

Due to the closure of the Asia sales offices in 2015, consolidated net sales in the Asia/Pacific segment decreased approximately $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015 and overhead expenses also decreased approximately $3.2 million mostly related to decreased personnel costs from staff reductions and additional closure expenses that occurred in 2015 but not in 2016. See Note 1 "Basis of Presentation - Sales Office Closing" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company expects the Asia/Pacific segment to break-even or report a small operating profit in 2016.
 
Admin and all other includes expenses such as stock compensation for certain members of management, interest expense, self-insured workers compensation claims, if any, for certain members of management, foreign exchange gains or losses and income tax expense related to its United States activity. It also includes revenues and expenses related to real estate activities, such as rental income and associated expenses on the Company’s facility in Vacaville, California, which the Company has leased to a third party for a term expiring in August 2020.
 
Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to housing starts, the Company’s products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. The Company’s products are used in a sequential process that follows the construction process. Residential and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and the installation of the Company’s products flow into a project or a house according to these schedules. Foundation product sales could be considered a leading indicator for the Company. Sales of these products in the third quarter of 2016 increased compared to the same period in 2015.

The Company’s sales also tend to be seasonal, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter. With some exceptions, the Company’s sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of the year, as customers purchase construction materials in the late spring and summer months for the construction season. In addition, weather conditions, such as extended cold or wet weather, which affect and sometimes delay installation of some of the Company’s products, could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations. Political and economic events can also affect the Company’s sales and profitability.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016, Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” "remained" or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016, against the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

To avoid fractional percentages, all percentages presented below were rounded to the nearest whole number.

Net sales increased 7% to $231.0 million from $216.1 million. The Company had net income of $29.8 million compared to $21.6 million. Diluted net income per common share was $0.62 compared to $0.44.


21


The following table illustrates the differences in the Company’s operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2016, from the three months ended September 30, 2015, and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment
 
 
September 30,
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
September 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
2016
Net sales
$
216,139

 
$
12,944

 
$
1,757

 
$
134

 
$

 
$
230,974

Cost of sales
115,798

 
1,293

 
603

 
(199
)
 
4

 
117,499

Gross profit
100,341

 
11,651

 
1,154

 
333

 
(4
)
 
113,475

Research and development and other engineering expense
13,935

 
(3,188
)
 
63

 
122

 

 
10,932

Selling expense
22,535

 
1,278

 
324

 
167

 

 
24,304

General and administrative expense
28,648

 
4,660

 
455

 
(1,143
)
 
(77
)
 
32,543

Gain on sale of assets
(26
)
 
(23
)
 
(24
)
 
(8
)
 

 
(81
)
Income from operations
35,249


8,924


336


1,195


73

 
45,777

Interest expense, net
(175
)
 
3

 
(10
)
 
(2
)
 
102

 
(82
)
Income before income taxes
35,074

 
8,927

 
326

 
1,193

 
175

 
45,695

Provision for income taxes
13,479

 
2,390

 
34

 
(23
)
 
18

 
15,898

Net income
$
21,595

 
$
6,537

 
$
292

 
$
1,216

 
$
157

 
$
29,797

 
Net sales
 
The following table represents net sales by segment for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
Total
Three months ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

September 30, 2015
$
184,515

 
$
29,728

 
$
1,896

 
$
216,139

September 30, 2016
197,459

 
31,485

 
2,030

 
230,974

Increase (decrease)
$
12,944

 
$
1,757

 
$
134

 
$
14,835

Percentage increase (decrease)
7
%
 
6
%
 
7
%
 
7
%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Total
Percentage of total 2015 net sales
85
%
 
14
%
 
1
%
 
100
%
Percentage of total 2016 net sales
85
%
 
14
%
 
1
%
 
100
%
 
The Company's net sales increased in all segments.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 7%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity as well as a slight increase in average net sales unit prices. Canada's net sales were not significantly affected by effects of foreign currency translation.
Europe - Net sales increased 6%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes, partly offset by a decrease in average net sales unit prices. Europe's net sales were negatively affected by approximately $1.0 million due to the weakening of the British pound against the United States dollar.



22



Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to dealer distributors, contractor distributors and home centers increased, primarily due to increased home construction activity, while net sales to lumber dealers decreased.
Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 84% and 85% of the Company's total net sales in the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 16% and 15% of the Company's total net sales in the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Gross profit
 
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
Total
Three months ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

September 30, 2015
$
87,873

 
$
12,346

 
$
178

 
$
(56
)
 
$
100,341

September 30, 2016
99,524

 
13,500

 
511

 
(60
)
 
113,475

Increase
$
11,651

 
$
1,154

 
$
333

 
$
(4
)
 
$
13,134

Percentage increase
13
%
 
9
%
 
*

 
*

 
13
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
The following table represents gross profit as a percentage of sales by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
(in thousand)
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 
Total
2015 gross profit percentage
48
%
 
42
%
 
9
%
 
*
 
46
%
2016 gross profit percentage
50
%
 
43
%
 
25
%
 
*
 
49
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.

Gross profit increased to $113.5 million from $100.3 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 49% from 46%.

North America - Gross profit margin increased to 50% from 48%, primarily due to decreases in material and labor costs as well as a slight increase in average net sales unit price, partly offset by increases in factory overhead, shipping and warehouse costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Europe - Gross profit margin increased to 43% from 42%, as a result of decreases in factory overhead and material costs, partly offset by increases in shipping costs and warehouse costs, each as a percentage of net sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, with concrete construction products having lower gross profit margins, increased to 16% from 15%, mostly due to the increase in gross profit margins for wood construction products exceeding the increase in gross profit margins for concrete construction products.
Steel prices - The market prices for steel have increased since the beginning of 2016. The Company currently anticipates that, subject to changing economic conditions, it is possible that steel prices will remain relatively stable during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 gross profit margin will be between approximately 47% and 48%.




23



Research and development and engineering expense

Research and development and engineering expense decreased 22% to $10.9 million from $13.9 million, primarily due to a non-recurring $4.1 million write-off of a software development project in the third quarter of 2015, partly offset by an increase of $0.8 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, all of which occurred in the North America segment.

Selling expense

Selling expense increased 8% to $24.3 million from $22.5 million, primarily due to increases of $1.2 million in personnel costs and $0.9 million in cash profit sharing and sales commission expenses on higher operating profits and net sales, partly offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in professional fees.

North America - Selling expense increased $1.3 million, primarily due to increases of $0.8 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016, and $0.8 million in cash profit sharing and sales commission expenses, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in professional fees.
Europe - Selling expense increased $0.3 million, primarily due to an increase of $0.2 million in personnel costs mostly related to the addition of staff.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense increased 14% to $32.5 million from $28.6 million, primarily due to increases of $1.8 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, $0.9 million in software subscription and licensing fees, $0.8 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016, $0.5 million in professional and legal fees primarily related to strategic initiatives and $0.4 million in stock-based compensation expenses, partly offset by a net decrease of $0.7 million in foreign currency losses.

North America - General and administrative expense increased $4.7 million, primarily due to increases of $1.7 million in cash profit sharing expense, $1.4 million in personnel costs, $0.9 million in software subscription and licensing fees, $0.2 million in professional and legal fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - General and administrative expense increased $0.5 million, primarily due to an increase of $0.2 million in cash profit sharing expense.
Asia/Pacific - General and administrative expense decreased $1.1 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million in personnel costs related to the sales office closures in 2015 and a net decrease of $0.2 million in foreign currency losses.

Income taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 35% from 38%, primarily due to reduced operating losses in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no income tax benefit was recorded. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 effective tax rate will be between 36% and 37%.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016, Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” "remained" or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, against the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

To avoid fractional percentages, all percentages presented below were rounded to the nearest whole number.

Net sales increased 8% to $660.5 million from $609.3 million. The Company had net income of $72.3 million compared to $53.2 million. Diluted net income per common share was $1.49 compared to $1.08.


24



The following table illustrates the differences in the Company’s operating results in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment
 
 
September 30,
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
September 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
2016
Net sales
609,295

 
$
50,977

 
$
2,860

 
$
(2,662
)
 
$

 
$
660,470

Cost of sales
333,138

 
13,362

 
1,140

 
(4,148
)
 
(507
)
 
342,985

Gross profit
276,157

 
37,615

 
1,720

 
1,486

 
507

 
317,485

Research and development and other engineering expense
34,648

 
(895
)
 
75

 
(21
)
 

 
33,807

Selling expense
68,156

 
5,175

 
1,662

 
(680
)
 

 
74,313

General and administrative expense
86,875

 
10,265

 
1,082

 
(2,209
)
 
773

 
96,786

Gain on sale of assets
(57
)
 
(706
)
 
(20
)
 
20

 

 
(763
)
Income from operations
86,535

 
23,776

 
(1,079
)
 
4,376

 
(266
)
 
113,342

Interest expense, net
(264
)
 
(65
)
 
(277
)
 
(7
)
 
213

 
(400
)
Income before income taxes
86,271

 
23,711

 
(1,356
)
 
4,369

 
(53
)
 
112,942

Provision for income taxes
33,115

 
7,276

 
(70
)
 
148

 
132

 
40,601

Net income
$
53,156

 
$
16,435

 
$
(1,286
)
 
$
4,221

 
$
(185
)
 
$
72,341

 
Net sales
 
The following table represents net sales by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
Total
Nine Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

September 30, 2015
$
518,221

 
$
83,143

 
$
7,931

 
$
609,295

September 30, 2016
569,198

 
86,003

 
5,269

 
660,470

Increase (decrease)
$
50,977

 
$
2,860

 
$
(2,662
)
 
$
51,175

Percentage increase (decrease)
10
%
 
3
%
 
(34
)%
 
8
%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Total
Percentage of total 2015 net sales
85
%
 
14
%
 
1
%
 
100
%
Percentage of total 2016 net sales
86
%
 
13
%
 
1
%
 
100
%
 

The Company's net sales increased in both North America and Europe segments.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 10%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity, partly offset by a slight decrease in average sales prices. Canada's net sales were negatively affected by the Canadian dollar weakening against the United States dollar. In the local currency, Canada's net sales increased.

25



Europe - Net sales increased 3%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes, partly offset by a decrease in average sales prices. Europe's net sales were negatively affected by the European currencies weakening against the United States dollar.
Asia/Pacific - Net sales decreased 34%, primarily due to the continued effects of the closing of sales offices in China, Thailand and Dubai late in the first quarter of 2015, which accounted for an approximately $4.0 million decrease in consolidated net sales.

Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to dealer distributors, lumber dealers, contractor distributors and home centers increased, primarily due to increased home construction activity.
Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85% of the Company's total net sales in the first nine months of both 2016 and 2015.
Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 15% of the Company's total net sales in the first nine months of both 2016 and 2015.

Gross profit
 
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
Total
Nine Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

September 30, 2015
$
243,325

 
$
33,026

 
$
381

 
$
(575
)
 
$
276,157

September 30, 2016
280,940

 
34,746

 
1,867

 
(68
)
 
317,485

Increase
$
37,615

 
$
1,720

 
$
1,486

 
$
507

 
$
41,328

Percentage increase
15
%
 
5
%
 
*

 
*

 
15
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
The following table represents gross profit as a percentage of sales by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
(in thousand)
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 
Total
2015 gross profit percentage
47
%
 
40
%
 
5
%
 
*
 
45
%
2016 gross profit percentage
49
%
 
40
%
 
35
%
 
*
 
48
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.

Gross profit increased to $317.5 million from $276.2 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 48% from 45%.


North America - Gross profit margin increased to 49% from 47%, primarily as a result of decreases in material costs, factory overhead (on increased production volumes) and labor, partly offset by an increase in warehouse costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Europe - Gross profit margin remained at 40%. Decreased material costs and factory overhead (on increased production costs) were offset by increased shipping labor costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, with concrete construction products having lower gross profit margins, decreased to 14% from 16%.


26



Research and development and engineering expense

Research and development and engineering expense decreased 2% to $33.8 million from $34.6 million, primarily due to a non-recurring $4.1 million write-off of a software development project in the third quarter of 2015, partly offset by increases of $1.9 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, $0.5 million in personnel costs and $0.3 million in computer costs, all of which occurred in the North America segment.

Selling expense

Selling expense increased 9% to $74.3 million from $68.2 million, primarily due to increases of $4.1 million in personnel costs and $2.3 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, partly offset by decreases of $0.2 million in professional fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.

North America - Selling expense increased $5.2 million, primarily due to increases of $3.7 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016, and $2.2 million in cash profit sharing expense, partly offset by decreases of $0.4 million in professional fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - Selling expense increased $1.7 million, primarily due to increases of $1.1 million in personnel costs mostly related to the addition of staff and $0.1 million in cash profit sharing expense.
Asia/Pacific - Selling expense decreased $0.7 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.7 million in personnel costs, related to closing three sales offices and downsizing one sales office in 2015.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense increased 11% to $96.8 million from $86.9 million, primarily due to increases of $4.7 million in cash profit sharing expense, $2.4 million in legal and professional fees primarily related to strategic initiatives, acquisition opportunities and shareholder engagement activities, $1.2 million in computer and information technology expense, $1.1 million in personnel costs and $0.7 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in facility rent and maintenance expenses.

North America - General and administrative expense increased $10.3 million, primarily due to increases of $4.2 million in cash profit sharing expense, $2.5 million in personnel costs, $1.8 million in legal and professional fees, $1.3 million in computer and information technology expense and $0.3 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - General and administrative expense increased $1.1 million, primarily due to increases of $0.6 million in legal and professional fees and $0.5 million in personnel costs.
Asia/Pacific - General and administrative expense decreased $2.2 million primarily due to decreases of $1.4 million in personnel costs and $0.3 million in facility rent and maintenance expense due to the sales office closures.
Administrative and All Other - General and administrative expense increased $0.8 million, primarily due to increases of $0.4 million in cash profit sharing expense and $0.6 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in personnel costs.

Income taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 36% from 38%, primarily due to reduced operating losses in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

See Note 1 “Basis of Presentation - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” and “Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted” to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and the Company’s operations. The Company also receives proceeds from the issuance of its common stock through the exercise of stock options by its employees. The Company's cash and cash equivalents consisted of United States Treasury securities and deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions.

The Company's principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with the Company's operations, continuing its capital allocation strategy, which includes growing its business by internal improvements or acquisitions, repurchasing the

27



Company’s common stock, paying cash dividends, and meeting other liquidity requirements for the next twelve months. Depending, however, on the Company’s future growth and possible acquisitions, it may become necessary to secure additional sources of financing, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all.

On July 25, 2016, the Company entered into a second amendment (the “Amendment”) to its $300.0 million credit facility. Among other things, the Amendment extends the term of the credit facility from July 27, 2017, to July 23, 2021. For additional information about the Amendment, see our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016.

Cash and cash equivalents of $88.2 million are held by the Company in the local currencies of its foreign operations and could be subject to additional taxation if it were repatriated to the United States. The Company has no current plans to repatriate cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States, as it is expected to be used to fund future international growth and acquisitions.

The Company believes that the effect of inflation has not been material in recent years, as general inflation rates have remained relatively low. The Company’s main raw material is steel; increases in steel prices may adversely affect the Company’s gross profit margin if it cannot recover the higher costs through price increases.

The following table presents selected financial information as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and December 31, 2015, respectively:
 
 
At September 30,
 
At December 31,
 
At September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
218,720

 
$
258,825

 
$
242,795

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
229,670

 
213,716

 
202,885

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
151,474

 
151,625

 
151,847

Working capital *
 
475,582

 
494,308

 
499,638

*
Due to the adoption of ASU 2015-17, $16.2 million of current deferred income taxes included in current assets and working capital, as of January 1, 2016, were reclassified to non-current assets and long-term liabilities, resulting in decreases in current assets from $589.3 million to $573.1 million and in working capital from $494.3 million to $478.1 million.

The following table provides cash flow indicators for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Net cash used in:
 
 
 
 
  Operating activities
 
$
62,887

 
$
72,269

  Investing activities
 
(34,017
)
 
(19,562
)
  Financing activities
 
(71,949
)
 
(62,881
)

Cash flows from operating activities result primarily from the Company earnings or losses, and are also affected by changes in operating assets and liabilities which consist primarily of working capital balances. As a building materials manufacturer, the Company's operating cash flows are subject to the seasonality and are cyclically associated with the volume and timing of construction project starts. For example, trade accounts receivable, net, is generally at its lowest at the end of the fourth quarter and increases during the first, second and third quarters.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, operating activities provided $62.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, as a result of $72.3 million from net income and $31.8 million from non-cash adjustments to net income which includes depreciation and amortization expenses, stock-based compensation expenses and changes in deferred income taxes, partly offset by a decrease of $41.2 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities, including net change decreases of $35.5 million in trade accounts receivable, net, and $23.0 million in inventory. Cash used in investing activities of $34.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, consisted primarily of $29.9 million for property, plant and equipment expenditures, related to real estate improvements, machinery and equipment purchases and software in development, and $5.4 million, net of acquired cash of $1.5 million, for the acquisition of Multi Services Dêcoupe S.A. ("MSD"), partly offset by $1.3 million in proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment. Cash used in financing activities of $71.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, consisted primarily of $24.2 million used to pay cash dividends and $53.5 million for the repurchase of the Company's

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common stock, including a $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program, partly offset by $6.7 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, operating activities provided $72.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, as a result of $53.2 million from net income and $35.9 million from non-cash adjustments to net income which includes depreciation and amortization expenses, stock-based compensation expenses, software development write-offs and changes in deferred income taxes, partly offset by a decrease of $16.7 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities, including a net change decrease of $42.9 million in trade accounts receivable, net, and net change increases of $8.2 million in income taxes payable and $6.6 million in cash profit sharing. Cash used in investing activities of $19.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, consisted primarily of $19.2 million for property, plant and equipment expenditures, primarily to increase manufacturing capacity in North America and to improve information technology support systems. Cash used in financing activities of $62.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, consisted primarily of $21.6 million used to pay cash dividends, $47.1 million for the repurchase of the Company's common stock and $1.2 million in contingent consideration mostly related to asset acquisitions, partly offset by $7.0 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options.

Capital Allocation Strategy

The Company has a strong cash position and remains committed to seeking growth opportunities in the building products range where it can leverage its expertise in engineering, testing, manufacturing and distribution to invest in and grow its business. Those opportunities include internal improvements or acquisitions that fit within the Company’s strategic growth plan. Additionally, the Company has financial flexibility and is committed to providing returns to its shareholders. Below are highlights of the Company’s capital allocation strategy since the beginning of 2015.

In December 2015, the Company acquired the assets of Blue Heron Enterprises, LLC, and Fox Chase Enterprises, LLC (collectively, "EBTY") for $3.4 million in cash. The Company believes EBTY's patented design for hidden deck clips and products and systems complements the Company's line of hidden clips and fastener systems. The Company's provisional measurement of EBTY assets acquired included goodwill and intangible assets of $3.1 million. In August 2016. the Company acquired all the shares of MSD, (a former customer of the Company) for a net cost of $5.4 million. The Company believes the acquisition of MSD could potentially increase its sales by expanding the available product line in Belgium as well as expanding into the Netherlands market. See Note 1 "Basis of Presentation - Acquisitions" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 capital spending will be approximately $42 million to $45 million, which includes expenditures for the build-out of our West Chicago chemical facility (for the relocation of our two existing chemical facilities anticipated in early 2017) and for the beginning of the expansion of our facility in Texas to increase warehouse, office and training center capacity (which expenditures are expected to continue into 2017) , as well as for the purchase of manufacturing equipment and development and licensing of software. Capital spending in 2015 was $34.2 million and was primarily for the purchase of the West Chicago chemical facility and manufacturing equipment and development of software.

Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 depreciation expense will be approximately $22 million to $23 million and that its full-year amortization expense will be approximately $6 million.

The following table presents the Company’s dividends paid and share repurchases for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 and the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2015, respectively, in aggregated amounts:

(in thousands)
Dividends Paid
 
Open Market Share Repurchases
 
Accelerated Share Repurchases
 
Total
January 1 - September 30, 2016
$
24,152

 
$
3,502

 
$
50,000

*
$
77,654

January 1 - December 31, 2015
29,352

 
22,144

 
25,000

 
76,496

Total
$
53,504

 
$
25,646

 
$
75,000

 
$
154,150


*
Including the $6.5 million delivered under the Company's $50 million accelerated share repurchase program after September 30, 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.


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In April 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors raised the quarterly cash dividend by 12.5% to $0.18 per share. In October 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, estimated to be $8.6 million in total, to be paid in dividends on January 26, 2017, to stockholders of record on January 5, 2017.

In August 2016, the Company's Board of Directors increased and extended the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016 by authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $125.0 million of the Company's common stock through December 2017 including from the public securities market and through one or more accelerated share repurchase programs. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company received the initial delivery of 983,500 shares of its common stock at an average price of $44.23 per share under the Company’s $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. As of September 30, 2016, $78.0 million remained available under such $125.0 million authorization. The final delivery under the accelerated share repurchase program was made in early November 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2016.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
We have operations both within the United States and internationally, and we are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course
of our business.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company has foreign exchange rate risk in its international operations, and through purchases from foreign vendors. Changes in the values of currencies of foreign countries affect our financial position, income statement and cash flows when translated into U.S. dollars. The Company does not currently hedge this risk. The Company estimates that if the exchange rate were to change by 10% in any one country where the Company has operations, the change in net income would not be material to the Company’s operations taken as a whole.

Foreign currency translation adjustment on the Company's underlying assets and liabilities resulted in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the effect of the strengthening of the United States dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar and the British pound, partly offset by the weakening of the United States dollar in relation to most of the other currencies. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulted in a $5.2 million other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the effect of the strengthening of the Unites States dollar in relation to the British pound and the Chinese yuan, partly offset by the weakening of the United States dollar in relation to most of the other currencies.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company has no variable interest-rate debt outstanding. The Company estimates that a hypothetical 100 basis point change in U.S. interest rates would not be material to the Company’s operations taken as a whole.

 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of September 30, 2016, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer (“CEO”) and the chief financial officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures designed reasonably to assure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed reasonably to assure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


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The Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, does not, however, expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or the Company’s internal control over financial reporting will prevent all fraud and material errors. Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the facts that there are resource constraints and that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The inherent limitations in internal control over financial reporting include the realities that judgments can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls also can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of controls. The design of any system of internal control is also based in part on assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential events and conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in circumstances, or the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company made no changes to its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
 
Pending Claims
 
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business.  At this time, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Other
 
Corrosion, hydrogen enbrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, misuse, design and assembly flaws, manufacturing defects, labeling defects, product formula defects, inaccurate chemical mixes, adulteration, environmental conditions, or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors, anchors, adhesives, specialty chemicals, such as fiber reinforced polymers, and tool products.  In addition, inaccuracies may occur in product information, descriptions and instructions found in catalogs, packaging, data sheets, and the Company’s website.  The Company has not incurred any material liability resulting from any such failures and/or inaccuracies.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
We are affected by risks specific to us, as well as risks that generally affect businesses operating in global markets. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (available at www.simpsonmfg.com/docs/10K-2015.pdf or www.sec.gov). The risks disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and information provided elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. While we believe there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
At its meeting in August 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $125.0 million of the Company’s common stock through 2017. This authorization increased and extended the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016 and will remain in effect through the end of 2017. In August 2016, the Company entered into a Supplemental Confirmation for a $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program (the “ASR Program”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Program, Wells Fargo made an initial delivery of 983,500 shares

31


of the Company’s common stock in September 2016 at an average price of $44.23 per share, which represented approximately 85% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the ASR Program.

The Company publicly announced the $125 million authorization on August 24, 2016. The following table presents the monthly repurchases made by the Company of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2016:

 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs
July 1 - July 31, 2016
 

 
N/A

 

 
$46.5 million *
August 1 - August 31, 2016
 
983,500

 
$
44.23

 
983,500

 
$78.0 million
September 1 - September 30, 2016
 

 
N/A

 

 
$78.0 million
     Total
 
983,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
            
*    Pursuant to the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016.


The Company recorded the $50.0 million payment as a reduction to stockholders’ equity, consisting of a $43.5 million increase in treasury stock and a $6.5 million reduction in additional paid-in capital. At the completion of the ASR Program, the Company may be entitled to receive additional shares of its common stock from Wells Fargo, or, under certain circumstances, may be required to make a cash payment or, at the Company’s option, deliver shares to Wells Fargo. The final settlement of the ASR Program was completed in early November 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Item 6. Exhibits.
 
The following exhibits are either incorporated by reference into this report or filed or furnished with this report, as indicated below.
 
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., as amended, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.
 
3.2
Bylaws of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., as amended through October 19, 2016, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of its Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 19, 2016.

4.1
Amended Rights Agreement dated as of June 15, 2009, between Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., which includes as Exhibit B the form of Rights Certificate, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated June 15, 2009.
 
4.2
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Participating Preferred Stock of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., dated July 30, 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of its Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated August 4, 1999.

10.1
Second amendment to the unsecured credit agreement, dated as of July 25, 2016, among the Company, as Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (f/k/a Union Bank, N.A.), HSBC Bank USA, N.A., and Bank of Montreal, as lenders, Wells Fargo in its separate capacities as Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer and as Administrative Agent, and Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., and Simpson Strong-Tie International, Inc. as Guarantors, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2016.

31.1
Chief Executive Officer's Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications is filed herewith.

31.2
Chief Financial Officer's Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications is filed herewith.
 
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Section 1350 Certifications are furnished herewith.

32


 
99.1
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Bonus Plan, as amended through December 7, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement dated March 10, 2016.
 
101
Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL, are filed herewith and include: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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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.
 

 
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATE:
November 7, 2016
 
 
By /s/Brian J. Magstadt
 
 
Brian J. Magstadt
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal accounting and financial officer)
 
 
 
 
 


34