10-Q 1 ssd630201510q.htm 10-Q SSD 6.30.2015 10Q

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:  June 30, 2015
 
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 June 30, 2015:   49,119,299





PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2014
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

Current assets
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
248,612

 
$
221,196

 
$
260,307

Trade accounts receivable, net
140,945

 
137,803

 
92,015

Inventories
212,293

 
219,036

 
216,545

Deferred income taxes
13,556

 
13,625

 
14,662

Other current assets
13,632

 
12,503

 
20,789

Total current assets
629,038

 
604,163

 
604,318

 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
206,837

 
206,563

 
207,027

Goodwill
124,827

 
129,231

 
123,881

Intangible assets, net
30,743

 
38,056

 
32,587

Other noncurrent assets
4,412

 
5,321

 
5,252

Total assets
$
995,857

 
$
983,334

 
$
973,065

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 

 
 

 
 

Line of credit and notes payable
$

 
$
62

 
$
18

Trade accounts payable
26,915

 
27,119

 
22,860

Accrued liabilities
56,305

 
56,490

 
56,078

Income taxes payable
3,198

 
1,734

 

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions
3,173

 
3,416

 
5,384

Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions
13,695

 
12,205

 
6,039

Accrued workers’ compensation
4,458

 
4,429

 
4,101

Total current liabilities
107,744

 
105,455

 
94,480

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities
16,773

 
12,603

 
15,120

Total liabilities
124,517

 
118,058

 
109,600

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)


 


 


Stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock, at par value
493

 
489

 
489

Additional paid-in capital
229,279

 
213,037

 
220,982

Retained earnings
665,914

 
634,858

 
649,174

Treasury stock
(8,464
)
 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(15,882
)
 
16,892

 
(7,180
)
Total stockholders’ equity
871,340

 
865,276

 
863,465

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
995,857

 
$
983,334

 
$
973,065



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
2


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net sales
$
216,665

 
$
207,910

 
$
393,156

 
$
376,198

Cost of sales
118,347

 
111,993

 
217,340

 
202,518

Gross profit
98,318

 
95,917

 
175,816

 
173,680

Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Research and development and other engineering
10,517

 
10,094

 
20,713

 
19,794

Selling
23,013

 
24,213

 
45,620

 
46,032

General and administrative
29,794

 
29,511

 
58,227

 
56,435

Gain on sale of assets
(15
)
 
(34
)
 
(30
)
 
(319
)
 
63,309

 
63,784

 
124,530

 
121,942

Income from operations
35,009

 
32,133

 
51,286

 
51,738

Interest (expense) income, net
(54
)
 
(15
)
 
(89
)
 
71

Income before taxes
34,955

 
32,118

 
51,197

 
51,809

Provision for income taxes
13,446

 
11,667

 
19,637

 
19,271

Net income
$
21,509

 
$
20,451

 
$
31,560

 
$
32,538

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.44

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.66

Diluted
$
0.43

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares outstanding
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
49,254

 
49,011

 
49,236

 
48,955

Diluted
49,473

 
49,227

 
49,445

 
49,146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.160

 
$
0.140

 
$
0.300

 
$
0.265

 


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


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
21,509

 
$
20,451

 
$
31,560

 
$
32,538

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $75 and $33, and $3 and $44, respectively
7,626

 
(1
)
 
(8,702
)
 
(1,194
)
Comprehensive income
$
29,135

 
$
20,450

 
$
22,858

 
$
31,344

 


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


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2015, and for the six months ended December 31, 2014
(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, 2014
48,712

 
$
486

 
$
207,418

 
$
615,289

 
$
18,086

 
$

 
$
841,279

Net income

 

 

 
32,538

 

 

 
32,538

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(1,194
)
 

 
(1,194
)
Stock options exercised
92

 
1

 
2,625

 

 

 

 
2,626

Stock-based compensation

 

 
5,691

 

 

 

 
5,691

Tax effect of options exercised

 

 
(186
)
 

 

 

 
(186
)
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
158

 
2

 
(2,913
)
 

 

 

 
(2,911
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.265 per share

 

 

 
(12,969
)
 

 

 
(12,969
)
Common stock issued at $35.87 per share for stock bonus
11

 

 
402

 

 

 

 
402

Balance, at June 30, 2014
48,973

 
489

 
213,037

 
634,858

 
16,892

 

 
865,276

Net income

 

 

 
30,993

 

 
 

 
30,993

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 


 
(23,702
)
 

 
(23,702
)
Pension adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(370
)
 

 
(370
)
Stock options exercised
69

 
1

 
1,955

 

 

 

 
1,956

Stock-based compensation

 

 
6,663

 

 

 

 
6,663

Tax effect of options exercised

 

 
(82
)
 

 

 

 
(82
)
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
19

 

 
(591
)
 

 

 

 
(591
)
Repurchase of common stock
(95
)
 

 

 


 

 
(2,981
)
 
(2,981
)
Retirement of common stock

 
(1
)
 

 
(2,980
)
 

 
2,981

 

Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.28 per share

 

 

 
(13,697
)
 

 

 
(13,697
)
Balance, December 31, 2014
48,966

 
489

 
220,982

 
649,174

 
(7,180
)
 

 
863,465

Net income

 

 

 
31,560

 

 

 
31,560

Translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(8,702
)
 

 
(8,702
)
Stock options exercised
190

 
2

 
5,574

 

 

 

 
5,576

Stock-based compensation

 

 
5,995

 

 

 

 
5,995

Tax effect of options exercised

 

 
(186
)
 

 

 

 
(186
)
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units
204

 
2

 
(3,638
)
 

 

 

 
(3,636
)
Repurchase of common stock
(255
)
 

 

 

 

 
(8,464
)
 
(8,464
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.30 per share

 

 

 
(14,820
)
 

 

 
(14,820
)
Common stock issued at $34.32 per share for stock bonus
16

 

 
552

 

 

 

 
552

Balance, June 30, 2015
49,121

 
$
493

 
$
229,279

 
$
665,914

 
$
(15,882
)
 
$
(8,464
)
 
$871,340


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


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities
 

 
 

Net income
$
31,560

 
$
32,538

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by and used in operating activities:
 

 
 

Gain on sale of assets
(31
)
 
(319
)
Depreciation and amortization
14,716

 
14,785

Gain on contingent consideration adjustment
(245
)
 

Deferred income taxes
2,286

 
43

Noncash compensation related to stock plans
6,588

 
6,201

Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested
(60
)
 
(14
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
17

 
141

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 

 
 

Trade accounts receivable
(50,480
)
 
(47,732
)
Inventories
2,092

 
(21,597
)
Trade accounts payable
4,651

 
(7,138
)
Income taxes payable
9,363

 
8,170

Accrued profit sharing trust contributions
(2,211
)
 
(2,367
)
Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions
7,705

 
6,157

Other current assets
1,009

 
(2,294
)
Accrued liabilities
(3,499
)
 
1,800

Long-term liabilities
(269
)
 
2,608

Accrued workers’ compensation
356

 
(162
)
Other noncurrent assets
1,204

 
(318
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
24,752

 
(9,498
)
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(13,534
)
 
(9,298
)
Asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(779
)
 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
113

 
565

Loan made to customer

 
(281
)
Loan repayment by customer
243

 
4

Net cash used in investing activities
(13,957
)

(9,010
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Deferred and contingent consideration paid for asset acquisition
(1,177
)
 
(1,293
)
Repurchase of common stock
(8,464
)
 

Repayment of debt and line of credit borrowings
(17
)
 
(41
)
Issuance of common stock
5,576

 
2,626

Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested
60

 
14

Dividends paid
(13,768
)
 
(12,207
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(17,790
)
 
(10,901
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(4,700
)
 
(603
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(11,695
)
 
(30,012
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
260,307

 
251,208

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
248,612

 
$
221,196

Noncash activity during the period
 

 
 

Noncash capital expenditures
$

 
$
672

Dividends declared but not paid
7,896

 
6,853

Issuance of Company’s common stock for compensation
552

 
402

 
 
 
 

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

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 (the “Company”). There were no investments in affiliates that would 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, 2014.
 
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 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 the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

Out-of-Period Adjustment

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment, which increased gross profit, income from operations and net income by $2.3 million, $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The adjustment resulted from an over-statement of prior periods' workers compensation expense, net of cash profit sharing expense, and was not material to the first quarter of 2014 or any prior period's financial statements. While the adjustment was not material to the first quarter of 2014 or any period’s financial statements prior to the first quarter of 2014, such adjustment does affect certain line items for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.

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 1% of 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.
 

7



The following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per common share to diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income available to common stockholders
$
21,509

 
$
20,451

 
$
31,560

 
$
32,538

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
49,254

 
49,011

 
49,236

 
48,955

Dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents — stock options and
   restricted stock units
219

 
216

 
209

 
191

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
49,473

 
49,227

 
49,445

 
49,146

Earnings per common share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.44

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.66

Diluted
$
0.43

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.64

 
$
0.66

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”). The Company's stockholders approved on April 21, 2015, and 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, both the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”), which was principally for the Company’s employees, and the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1995 Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), which was for the Company's directors who are not employees. Options 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 continue to be governed by the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan, respectively.
 
Under the 1994 Plan, the Company could grant incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options. The Company, however, granted only non-qualified stock options under both the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan. The Company generally granted options under each of the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan once each year. The exercise price per share of each option granted under the 1994 Plan equaled the closing market price per share of the Company’s common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on the day preceding the day that the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors met to approve the grant of the options. The exercise price per share under each option granted under the 1995 Plan was at the fair market value on the date specified in the 1995 Plan. Options vest and expire according to terms established at the grant date. Options granted under the 1994 Plan typically vest evenly over the requisite service period of four years and have a term of seven years. The vesting of options granted under the 1994 Plan will be accelerated if the grantee ceases to be employed by the Company after reaching age 60 or if there is a change in control of the Company. Options granted under the 1995 Plan were fully vested on the date of grant. Shares of common stock issued on exercise of stock options under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan are registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
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. The Company has not awarded, and does not currently intend to award, incentive stock options or restricted stock. 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 2011 Plan are registered under the Securities Act of 1933.


8



The following table represents the Company’s stock option and restricted stock unit activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in operating expenses
$
2,991

 
$
3,264

 
$
6,075

 
$
5,740

Less: Tax benefit of stock-based compensation expense in provision for
          income taxes
1,082

 
1,163

 
2,139

 
2,073

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
$
1,909

 
$
2,101

 
$
3,936

 
$
3,667

Fair value of shares vested
$
3,211

 
$
3,312

 
$
5,995

 
$
5,691

Proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock-based compensation
$
92

 
$
857

 
$
5,576

 
$
2,626

Tax effect from the exercise of stock-based compensation, including shortfall
         tax benefits
$
(2
)
 
$
(51
)
 
$
(186
)
 
$
(186
)
 
 
At June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory
$
500

 
$
508

 
The amounts included in cost of sales, research and development and other engineering, selling, or general and administrative expense depend on the job functions performed by the employees to whom the stock options and restricted stock units were awarded.
 
The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options granted or restricted stock units awarded 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 were as follows:
 
 
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Financial instruments
$
92,875

 
$
96,996

 
$
99,024

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

9



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 higher in the second quarter and first half of 2015 than in the second quarter and first half of 2014, primarily due to $2.0 million in 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 and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except percentages)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Effective tax rate
38.5
%
 
36.3
%
 
38.4
%
 
37.2
%
Provision for income taxes
$
13,446

 
$
11,667

 
$
19,637

 
$
19,271

 
Acquisitions
 
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company paid $0.7 million in deferred consideration and $0.3 million in contingent consideration related to the Company's 2012 acquisition of S&P Clever Reinforcement Company AG and S&P Clever International AG (collectively, “S&P Clever”) and paid $0.2 million in contingent consideration related to the Company's 2013 acquisition of Bierbach GmbH & Co. KG.

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 based on Level 3 inputs.
 
Sales Office Closing

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company committed to a plan to close its sales offices located in China, Thailand and Dubai, as well as to reduce its selling activities in Hong Kong, due to continued losses in the region. The closures are expected to be substantially completed by December 2015. As a result, the Company recorded employee severance obligation expenses of $1.4 million, with most of the amount paid by the Company in April 2015 and June 2015. Most of the severance obligation expense was charged to operating expenses, with less than $0.1 million recorded to cost of sales. The following table provides a rollforward of the liability balance for these costs incurred as of June 30, 2015:

In thousands
Employee Severance Obligation
 
 Other Associated Costs
 
 Total
 Balance at March 31, 2015
$
796

 
$
85

 
$
881

Charges
562

 
461

 
1,023

Cash payments
(1,123
)
 
(70
)
 
(1,193
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
$
235

 
$
476

 
$
711


Until the office closings are finalized, estimated additional severance expense, retention bonuses and professional fees of $1.1 million will be recorded as commitment requirements are met or services are received. The estimated costs disclosed are based on a number of assumptions, and actual results could materially differ.

All of the office locations that are being closed are leased, with remaining future minimum lease obligations of $1.0 million, and will continue to be occupied while the Company considers options for early termination of the leases. If the Company terminates a lease early with no sub-lease or concessions received from the landlord and the location is no longer in use, the remaining obligation will be determined and expensed at that time. As of June 30, 2015, remaining long-lived assets were $0.1 million,

10



consisting mostly of office equipment and vehicles, which will either be sold or depreciated on an accelerated basis to their salvage value. Total accelerated depreciation expense of $0.2 million was recorded in the first half of 2015, nearly all as operating expenses.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, from those disclosed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following:

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. The Company is currently assessing the effect (if any) that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosure.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05 (Subtopic 340-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05"). The guidance in this Subtopic applies only to internal-use software that a customer obtains access to in a hosting arrangement. The amendments provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. With an election to adopt prospectively or retrospectively, this ASU will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not believe ASU 2015-11 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

Other recent authoritative guidance issued by the FASB (including technical corrections to the ASC), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


2.    Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
 
Trade accounts receivable consisted of the following: 
 
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Trade accounts receivable
$
144,935

 
$
141,565

 
$
95,033

Allowance for doubtful accounts
(829
)
 
(936
)
 
(929
)
Allowance for sales discounts and returns
(3,161
)
 
(2,826
)
 
(2,089
)
 
$
140,945

 
$
137,803

 
$
92,015

 


11


3.    Inventories
 
Inventories consisted of the following: 
 
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Raw materials
$
92,101

 
$
90,541

 
$
97,732

In-process products
20,606

 
20,810

 
19,496

Finished products
99,586

 
107,685

 
99,317

 
$
212,293

 
$
219,036

 
$
216,545

 


4.    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, consisted of the following: 
 
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Land
$
29,097

 
$
30,242

 
$
29,390

Buildings and site improvements
173,070

 
177,604

 
175,058

Leasehold improvements
5,616

 
5,531

 
5,602

Machinery, equipment, and software
228,813

 
232,479

 
228,440

 
436,596

 
445,856

 
438,490

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(252,479
)
 
(245,806
)
 
(245,383
)
 
184,117

 
200,050

 
193,107

Capital projects in progress
22,720

 
6,513

 
13,920

 
$
206,837

 
$
206,563

 
$
207,027

 

5.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
 
Goodwill was as follows: 
 
At June 30,
 
At December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
North America
$
84,311

 
$
84,806

 
$
84,526

Europe
39,049

 
42,632

 
37,788

Asia/Pacific
1,467

 
1,793

 
1,567

Total
$
124,827

 
$
129,231

 
$
123,881

 
Amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, net, were as follows: 
 
At June 30, 2015
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
(in thousands)
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
North America
$
29,426

 
$
(16,351
)
 
$
13,075

Europe
30,701

 
(13,033
)
 
17,668

Total
$
60,127

 
$
(29,384
)
 
$
30,743

 

12


 
At June 30, 2014
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America
$
34,514

 
$
(17,929
)
 
$
16,585

Europe
33,202

 
(11,731
)
 
21,471

Total
$
67,716

 
$
(29,660
)
 
$
38,056

 
 
At December 31, 2014
 
Gross
 
 
 
Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America
$
29,455

 
$
(14,719
)
 
$
14,736

Europe
29,419

 
(11,568
)
 
17,851

Total
$
58,874

 
$
(26,287
)
 
$
32,587

 
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 June 30, 2015 and 2014, totaled $1.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, totaled $3.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets include an in-process research and development asset and a trade name totaling $2.2 million, $2.3 million and $2.1 million at June 30, 2015, June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

At June 30, 2015, estimated future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was as follows: 
(in thousands)
 
Remaining six months of 2015
$
3,070

2016
5,957

2017
4,263

2018
3,315

2019
3,286

2020
3,257

Thereafter
5,365

 
$
28,513

 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets for the six months ended June 30, 2015, were as follows: 
 
 
 
Intangible
(in thousands)
Goodwill
 
Assets
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
123,881

 
$
32,587

Acquisitions
556

 
653

Amortization

 
(3,096
)
Foreign exchange
390

 
599

Balance at June 30, 2015
$
124,827

 
$
30,743






13


6.    Debt
 
The Company has revolving lines of credit with various banks in the United States and Europe. Total available credit at June 30, 2015, was $304.4 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 $300.0 million in available credit. This credit facility will expire in July 2017. 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 June 30, 2015, the LIBOR Rate was 0.19%), 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 LIBOR Rate plus 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 agreement, regardless of usage, with the applicable fee determined on a quarterly basis based on the Company’s leverage ratio.
 
The Company’s unused borrowing capacity under other revolving credit lines and a term note totaled $4.4 million at June 30, 2015. The other revolving credit lines and term note charge interest ranging from 0.79% to 7.25%, have maturity dates from December 2015 to July 2017, and had outstanding balances of $62 thousand and $18 thousand at June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively, and no outstanding balances at June 30, 2015. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at June 30, 2015.


7.    Commitments and Contingencies
 
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business.  The resolution of claims and litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
 

Pending Claims
 
The following lawsuits, which all alleged premature corrosion of the Company’s strap tie holdown products in a housing development known as Ocean Pointe in Honolulu, Hawaii, have been resolved by means of a written settlement agreement (the “Settlement”): Alvarez v. Haseko Homes, Inc. and Simpson Manufacturing, Inc., Civil No. 09-1-2697-11 (“Case 1”); Ke Noho Kai Development, LLC v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., and Honolulu Wood Treating Co., LTD., Case No. 09-1-1491-06 SSM (“Case 2”); North American Specialty Ins. Co. v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. and K.C. Metal Products, Inc., Case No. 09-1-1490-06 VSM (“Case 3”); and Charles et al. v. Haseko Homes, Inc. et al. and Third Party Plaintiffs Haseko Homes, Inc. et al. v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., et al., Civil No. 09-1-1932-08 (“Case 4,” and collectively, the “Cases”). Cases 1 and 4 were homeowner class actions consolidated for all purposes. The Hawaii First District Circuit Court had previously granted the Company summary judgment on all claims asserted by the plaintiff homeowners against the Company in Cases 1 and 4. The Court further granted the Company summary judgment on various claims and cross-claims asserted by the housing developer and sub-contractor defendants against the Company. The only claim remaining against the Company in any of the Cases, which was asserted by the developer and sub-contractor defendants for alleged negligent misrepresentation, was resolved pursuant to the Settlement without adjudication or any admission of liability by the Company. The Settlement may not be used as evidence of liability against any party. The Court granted final approval of the Settlement on June 19, 2015, and the Cases will be dismissed in due course. The Company incurred no uninsured liability to the homeowner plaintiffs, or to the developer or sub-contractor defendants, in connection with the Cases or the Settlement.

The following insurance coverage lawsuits related to the above-referenced Cases have also been resolved through settlement: National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA v. Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc., et al., Civil No. 11-00254 ACK (the "National Union Action"); Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company v. Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Civil No. 11 1789 SBA (the “Fireman’s Fund Action”); and Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc, et al. v. National Union Fire Insurance Company, et al., Case No. CGC-11-516046 (collectively the “Insurance Coverage Cases”). These Insurance Coverage Cases will be dismissed

14


in due course after the Company’s insurance companies make agreed contributions to the above-referenced Settlement. The Company incurred no liability in connection with the Insurance Coverage Cases.

Nishimura v. Gentry Homes, Ltd; Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.; and Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., Civil no. 11-1-1522-7, was filed in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit of Hawaii on July 20, 2011.  The Nishimura case alleges premature corrosion of the Company’s strap tie holdown products in a housing development at Ewa Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.  In February 2012, the Court dismissed three of the five claims the plaintiffs had asserted against the Company. In December 2013, the Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment on the remaining claims. The Plaintiffs continue to prosecute their claims against the developer of their properties, and on April 1, 2015, filed a motion to seek certification to proceed on behalf of a class of homeowner plaintiffs. As a result of the Court's prior rulings, there are currently no claims pending against the Company.
 
The Company is not engaged in any other legal proceedings as of the date hereof, 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. The resolution of claims and 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, 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.  On occasion, some of the products that the Company sells have failed, although the Company has not incurred any material liability resulting from those failures.  The Company attempts to avoid such failures by establishing and monitoring appropriate product specifications, manufacturing quality control procedures, inspection procedures and information on appropriate installation methods and conditions.  The Company subjects its products to extensive testing, with results and conclusions published in Company catalogues and on its websites. Based on test results to date, the Company believes that, generally, if its products are appropriately selected, installed and used in accordance with the Company’s guidance, they may be reliably used in appropriate applications.


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 or profit-center operating goals, or both, established by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, 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 date of the award, based on the closing market price of the underlying stock on the day preceding the date of the award. On February 2, 2015, 330,497 restricted stock units were awarded to employees and 8,550 were awarded to the Company’s non-employee directors, at an estimated value of $32.64 per share, based on the closing price on January 30, 2015. The restrictions on these awards 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. On April 21, 2015, 1,950 restricted stock units were awarded to each of the Company’s six non-employee directors at an estimated value of $36.33 per share based on the closing price on April 20, 2015. Restrictions on 100% of such restricted stock units lapsed on the award date.

 

15


The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Unvested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
 
504

 
$
31.67

 
 

Awarded
 
351

 
 

 
 

Vested
 
(315
)
 
 

 
 

Forfeited
 
(3
)
 
 

 
 

Outstanding at June 30, 2015
 
537

 
$
31.56

 
$
18,252

Outstanding and expected to vest at June 30, 2015
 
525

 
$
31.56

 
$
17,840

             
*
The intrinsic value is calculated using the closing price per share of $34.00 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2015.
 
Based on the market value on the award date, the total intrinsic value of vested restricted stock units during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, was $10.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
 
No stock options were granted in 2014 or in the first six months of 2015. As of June 30, 2015, there were no options outstanding and expected to vest stock. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2015
 
 
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, 2015
 
855

 
$
29.48

 
 
 
 

Exercised
 
(189
)
 
 

 
 
 
 

Forfeited
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
 
 

Outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2015
 
664

 
$
29.50

 
2.6
 
$
2,987

            
*
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 $34.00 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2015.
 
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, was $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

As of January 1, 2015, there were 99 thousand unvested stock options with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $10.33 per share. These stock options vested in the first quarter of 2015 and, as of June 30, 2015, the Company had no unvested stock options.

As of June 30, 2015, $20.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost was related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements under the 2011 Incentive Plan for awards made through February 2015 and those expected to be made through February 2016. The portions of this cost related to restricted stock units awarded through February 2015 are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 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

16


Kingdom, and the Asia/Pacific segment, comprising the Company’s operations in China, Hong Kong, the South Pacific and the Middle East. These 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 income, which is primarily attributed to Administrative and All Other.

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

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net Sales
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
183,381

 
$
168,600

 
$
333,705

 
$
305,482

Europe
30,627

 
35,041

 
53,414

 
62,688

Asia/Pacific
2,657

 
4,269

 
6,037

 
8,028

Total
$
216,665

 
$
207,910

 
$
393,156

 
$
376,198

Sales to Other Segments*
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
720

 
$
963

 
$
1,604

 
$
2,093

Europe
92

 
160

 
391

 
626

Asia/Pacific
5,820

 
4,256

 
10,664

 
7,328

Total
$
6,632

 
$
5,379

 
$
12,659

 
$
10,047

Income (Loss) from Operations
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
35,249

 
$
30,123

 
$
55,715

 
$
52,685

Europe
3,328

 
3,755

 
1,696

 
2,836

Asia/Pacific
(1,371
)
 
(484
)
 
(2,174
)
 
(1,636
)
Administrative and all other
(2,197
)
 
(1,261
)
 
(3,951
)
 
(2,147
)
Total
$
35,009

 
$
32,133

 
$
51,286

 
$
51,738

            
* The sales to other segments are eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
At
 
At June 30,
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2014
Total Assets
 

 
 

 
 

North America
$
716,222

 
$
659,307

 
$
679,844

Europe
177,227

 
205,570

 
180,005

Asia/Pacific
27,517

 
29,868

 
29,552

Administrative and all other
74,891

 
88,589

 
83,664

Total
$
995,857

 
$
983,334

 
$
973,065

 
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 $165.0 million, $131.6 million, and $167.4 million, as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and December 31, 2014, respectively.


17


The following table illustrates the distribution of the Company’s net sales by product group for the following periods:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wood Construction Products
$
184,133

 
$
176,363

 
$
335,512

 
$
321,042

Concrete Construction Products
32,375

 
31,493

 
57,385

 
55,031

Other
157

 
54

 
259

 
125

Total
$
216,665

 
$
207,910

 
$
393,156

 
$
376,198

 
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 July 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.16 per share, estimated to total $7.9 million, to be paid on October 22, 2015, to stockholders of record on October 1, 2015.
 





18


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
This document contains forward-looking statements, based on numerous assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties, such as statements below regarding sales, sales trends, profits (including as to the Europe segment), losses, gross profit margins, effective tax rate, capital spending and steel prices for any future period. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it does not and cannot give any assurance that its beliefs and expectations will prove to be correct. Many factors could significantly affect the Company’s operations and cause the Company’s actual results to be substantially different from the Company’s expectations. Those factors include, but are not limited to: (i) general economic and construction business conditions; (ii) customer acceptance of the Company's products; (iii) relationships with key customers; (iv) materials and manufacturing costs; (v) the financial condition of customers, competitors and suppliers; (vi) technological developments; (vii) increased competition; (viii) changes in capital and credit market conditions; (ix) governmental and business conditions in countries where the Company's products are manufactured and sold; (x) changes in trade regulations; (xi) the effect of acquisition activity; (xii) changes in the Company's plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions; (xiii) material weaknesses, if any, in the Company's disclosure controls and procedures; and (xiv) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors.” Actual results might differ materially from results suggested by any forward-looking statements in this report. The Company does not have an obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The following should be read in conjunction with the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes appearing elsewhere herein.
 
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 North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific segments all sell both wood construction products and concrete construction products. The Company’s stated goals are to strengthen its core wood construction products, expand its global footprint to be less dependent on housing starts in the United States and continue 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 North America segment sells more wood construction product than concrete construction product. Due to improved economic conditions, including an increase in housing starts, net sales in most regions of the segment have been trending up, primarily due to increases in unit sales volumes. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company expects this sales trend to continue in the third quarter of 2015. In the second quarter, the Company signed a contract to acquire a facility in the United States for the purposes of consolidating into one location its two leased United States chemical manufacturing operations and its concrete products research and development activities.

The Europe segment sells more wood construction product than concrete construction product. While net sales decreased in U.S. dollar terms, net sales reported in local currencies increased moderately in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014. Given the number of factors influencing the Europe segment, the Company cannot predict whether this is a trend that will continue into the third quarter or second half of 2015. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that the Europe segment will report an operating profit in 2015.

Due to the planned closure of the Asia sales offices, the Asia/Pacific segment will incur additional expenses in 2015. Based on this and other factors, the Company expects the Asia/Pacific segment to report an operating loss for 2015. See Note 1 - Sales Office Closing.
 
The Admin and all other segment 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. 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.
 
The Company has continued to benefit from steady housing starts, primarily in the North American segment, with increased sales volumes in the second quarter of 2015. Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to housing starts, however, the Company’s products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind

19


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 second quarter of 2015 increased slightly compared to the same period in 2014.

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 June 30, 2015, Compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Net sales increased 4.2% to $216.7 million in the second quarter of 2015 from $207.9 million in the second quarter of 2014. The Company had net income of $21.5 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $20.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. Diluted net income per common share was $0.43 for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $0.42 for the second quarter of 2014.


The following table illustrates the differences in the Company’s operating results in the three months ended June 30, 2015, from the three months ended June 30, 2014 and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment
 
 
June 30,
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
2015
Net sales
$
207,910

 
$
14,781

 
$
(4,414
)
 
$
(1,612
)
 
$

 
$
216,665

Cost of sales
111,993

 
8,735

 
(2,191
)
 
(456
)
 
266

 
118,347

Gross profit
95,917

 
6,046

 
(2,223
)
 
(1,156
)
 
(266
)
 
98,318

Research and development and other engineering expense
10,094

 
694

 
(153
)
 
(118
)
 

 
10,517

Selling expense
24,213

 
(276
)
 
(398
)
 
(516
)
 
(10
)
 
23,013

General and administrative expense
29,511

 
507

 
(1,240
)
 
336

 
680

 
29,794

Gain on sale of assets
(34
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
29

 

 
(15
)
Income from operations
32,133


5,126


(427
)

(887
)

(936
)
 
35,009

Interest expense, net
(15
)
 
51

 
(61
)
 
4

 
(33
)
 
(54
)
Income before income taxes
32,118

 
5,177

 
(488
)
 
(883
)
 
(969
)
 
34,955

Provision for income taxes
11,667

 
1,694

 
(88
)
 
256

 
(83
)
 
13,446

Net income
$
20,451

 
$
3,483

 
$
(400
)
 
$
(1,139
)
 
$
(886
)
 
$
21,509

 

20


Net sales
 
The following table represents net sales by segment for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
Total
Three Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
168,600

 
35,041

 
4,269

 
$
207,910

June 30, 2015
183,381

 
30,627

 
2,657

 
216,665

Increase (decrease)
$
14,781

 
$
(4,414
)
 
$
(1,612
)
 
$
8,755

Percentage increase (decrease)
8.8
%
 
(12.6
)%
 
(37.8
)%
 
4.2
%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Total
Percentage of total 2014 net sales
81.1
%
 
16.9
%
 
2.1
%
 
100.0
%
Percentage of total 2015 net sales
84.6
%
 
14.1
%
 
1.3
%
 
100.0
%
 

The Company's net sales increased in the North America segment and decreased in the Europe segment in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 8.8% in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014, due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity. Canadian net sales decreased mostly due to the effects of foreign currency translations, partly offset by increased unit sales volumes. The Company calculated that Canada's second quarter 2015 net sales were negatively affected by approximately $1.5 million due to the Canadian dollar weakening against the United States dollar. In Canadian dollars, Canada's overall net sales increased in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter 2014.
Europe - Net sales decreased 12.6% in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014, mostly due to the effects of foreign currency translations. Net sales were also affected by an increase in unit sales volume and a slight decrease in average sales prices. The Company calculated that Europe's second quarter 2015 net sales were negatively affected by approximately $6.0 million due to European currencies weakening against the United States dollar. In local currencies, Europe's overall net sales increased in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter 2014.

Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to contractor distributors, lumber dealers, dealer distributors and home centers increased in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014, due to increased home construction activity.
Wood construction product net sales, including connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85% of total Company net sales in the second quarters of both 2015 and 2014.
Concrete construction product sales, including adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 15% of total Company net sales in the second quarters of both 2015 and 2014.

21



Gross profit
 
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
Total
Three Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
$
80,698

 
14,207

 
850

 
162

 
$
95,917

June 30, 2015
86,744

 
11,984

 
(306
)
 
(104
)
 
98,318

Increase (decrease)
$
6,046

 
$
(2,223
)
 
$
(1,156
)
 
$
(266
)
 
$
2,401

Percentage increase (decrease)
7.5
%
 
(15.6
)%
 
(136.0
)%
 
*

 
2.5
%
                         
* 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 June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
(in thousand)
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 
Total
2014 gross profit percentage
47.9
%
 
40.5
%
 
19.9
 %
 
*
 
46.1
%
2015 gross profit percentage
47.3
%
 
39.1
%
 
(11.5
)%
 
*
 
45.4
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
Gross profit increased to $98.3 million in the second quarter of 2015 from $95.9 million in the second quarter of 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 45.4% in the second quarter of 2015 from 46.1% in the second quarter of 2014.

North America - Gross profit margin decreased to 47.3% in the second quarter of 2015 from 47.9% in the second quarter of 2014, primarily as a result of increases in material, labor and warehousing costs, each as a percentage of net sales, partly offset by a decrease in factory overhead, as a percentage of net sales.
Europe - Gross profit margin decreased to 39.1% in the second quarter of 2015 from 40.5% in the second quarter of 2014, as a result of increases in material costs and labor, each as a percentage of sales, partly offset by a decrease in factory overhead, on increased production volumes, as a percentage of sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, which have lower gross profit margins, was 15% and 13% in the second quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increased gross profit differential between the two product groups, coupled with increased concrete construction product sales in 2015, also negatively affected the gross profit margin.

Research and development and engineering expense

Research and development and engineering expense increased 4.2% to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2015 from $10.1 million in the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to an increase of $0.3 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015 and $0.3 million in professional fees, partly offset by a decrease of $0.2 million in stock-based compensation, all of which occurred in the North America segment.

Selling expense

Selling expense decreased 5.0% to $23.0 million in the second quarter of 2015 from $24.2 million in the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to decreases of $0.8 million in professional fees, $0.4 million in personnel costs and $0.4 million in advertising and promotional costs, partly offset by an increase of $0.4 million in commissions and cash profit sharing expense.

North America - Selling expense decreased $0.3 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.8 million in professional fees and $0.3 million in advertising and promotional costs for new product catalogues, partly offset by increases of $0.6 million in commissions and cash profit sharing expense and $0.3 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015.

22



Europe - Selling expense decreased $0.4 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.5 million in personnel costs related to the effects of foreign currency translations.
Asia/Pacific - Selling expense decreased $0.5 million, primarily due to decreases of $0.2 million in personnel costs and $0.2 million in commissions and cash profit sharing expense, both related to the closing of three sales offices and downsizing one sales office.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense increased 1.0% to $29.8 million in the second quarter of 2015 from $29.5 million in the second quarter of 2014, primarily due to increases of $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense, $0.2 million in facility maintenance expense and $0.2 million in personnel costs, partly offset by a net increase of $0.7 million in foreign currency gains.

North America - General and administrative expense increased $0.5 million, primarily due to increases of $0.3 million in facility maintenance expense and $0.2 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015, partly offset by a net increase of $0.2 million in foreign currency gains.
Europe - General and administrative expense decreased by $1.2 million, primarily due to the translation of local currencies into the United States dollar. The decreases in general and administrative expenses were partly offset by net increase of $0.5 million in foreign currency gains.
Administrative and Other - General and administrative expense increased by $0.7 million, primarily due to a net increase of $0.4 million in stock-based compensation expense.

Income taxes

The effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2015 was 38.5% as compared to 36.3% for the second quarter of 2014. The effective income tax rate was higher, primarily due to $2.0 million in operating losses, mostly occurring in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded.



23



Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Net sales increased 4.5% to $393.2 million in the first half of 2015 from $376.2 million in the first half of 2014. The Company had net income of $31.6 million in the first half of 2015 compared to $32.5 million in the first half of 2014. Diluted net income per common share was $0.64 for the first half of 2015 compared to $0.66 for the first half of 2014. An out of period adjustment recorded in the first half of 2014 relating to a non-reoccurring correction had the effect of increasing that period's net income by $1.3 million, or the equivalent of $0.026 per share.

The following table illustrates the differences in the Company’s operating results in the six months ended June 30, 2015, from the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment
 
 
 
June 30,
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
June 30,
(in thousands)
2014
 
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
2015
Net sales
376,198

 
$
28,223

 
$
(9,274
)
 
$
(1,991
)
 
$

 
$
393,156

Cost of sales
202,518

 
20,761

 
(5,984
)
 
(588
)
 
633

 
217,340

Gross profit
173,680

 
7,462

 
(3,290
)
 
(1,403
)
 
(633
)
 
175,816

Research and development and other engineering expense
19,794

 
1,254

 
(228
)
 
(107
)
 

 
20,713

Selling expense
46,032

 
786

 
(865
)
 
(354
)
 
21

 
45,620

General and administrative expense
56,435

 
2,063

 
(988
)
 
(433
)
 
1,150

 
58,227

Gain on sale of assets
(319
)
 
329

 
(69
)
 
29

 

 
(30
)
Income from operations
51,738

 
3,030

 
(1,140
)
 
(538
)
 
(1,804
)
 
51,286

Interest income (expense), net
71

 
23

 
(140
)
 
(1
)
 
(42
)
 
(89
)
Income before income taxes
51,809

 
3,053

 
(1,280
)
 
(539
)
 
(1,846
)
 
51,197

Provision for income taxes
19,271

 
877

 
(384
)
 
422

 
(549
)
 
19,637

Net income
$
32,538

 
$
2,176

 
$
(896
)
 
$
(961
)
 
$
(1,297
)
 
$
31,560

 
Net sales
 
The following table represents net sales by segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
Total
Six Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
$
305,482

 
$
62,688

 
$
8,028

 
$
376,198

June 30, 2015
333,705

 
53,414

 
6,037

 
393,156

Increase (decrease)
$
28,223

 
$
(9,274
)
 
$
(1,991
)
 
$
16,958

Percentage increase (decrease)
9.2
%
 
(14.8
)%
 
(24.8
)%
 
4.5
%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Total
Percentage of total 2014 net sales
81.2
%
 
16.7
%
 
2.1
%
 
100.0
%
Percentage of total 2015 net sales
84.9
%
 
13.6
%
 
1.5
%
 
100.0
%
 


24



The Company's net sales increased in the North America segment and decreased in the Europe and Asia/Pacific segments in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 9.2% in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014, due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity. Canadian net sales decreased mostly due to the effects of foreign currency translations, partly offset by an increase in unit sales volumes. The Company calculated that Canada's first half 2015 net sales were negatively affected by approximately $2.5 million due to the Canadian dollar weakening against the United States dollar. In Canadian dollars, Canada's overall net sales increased slightly in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014.
Europe - Net sales decreased 14.8% in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014, mostly due to the effects of foreign currency translations. The Company calculated that Europe's first half 2015 net sales were negatively affected by approximately $10.0 million due to European currencies weakening against the United States dollar. In local currencies, Europe's overall net sales increased in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014 due to an increase in unit sales volume.

Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to contractor distributors, dealer distributors, lumber dealers and home centers increased in the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014, due to increased home construction activity.
Wood construction product net sales, including connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85% of total Company net sales in the first half of both 2015 and 2014.
Concrete construction product sales, including adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 15% of total Company net sales in the first half of both 2015 and 2014.

Gross profit
 
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
 
North
 
 
 
Asia/
 
Admin &
 
 
(in thousands)
America
 
Europe
 
Pacific
 
All Other
 
Total
Six Months Ended
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

June 30, 2014
$
147,990

 
$
23,971

 
$
1,606

 
$
113

 
$
173,680

June 30, 2015
155,452

 
20,681

 
203

 
(520
)
 
175,816

Increase (decrease)
$
7,462

 
$
(3,290
)
 
$
(1,403
)
 
$
(633
)
 
$
2,136

Percentage increase (decrease)
5.0
%
 
(13.7
)%
 
(87.4
)%
 
*

 
1.2
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
The following table represents gross profit as a percentage of sales by segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2015:
 
(in thousand)
North
America
 
Europe
 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 
Total
2014 gross profit percentage
48.4
%
 
38.2
%
 
20.0
%
 
*
 
46.2
%
2015 gross profit percentage
46.6
%
 
38.7
%
 
3.4
%
 
*
 
44.7
%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
Gross profit increased to $175.8 million in the first half of 2015 from $173.7 million in the first half of 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 44.7% in the first half of 2015 from 46.2% in the first half of 2014, partly due to a non-reoccurring $2.3 million correction to workers' compensation expense in the North America segment that increased the Company's first half of 2014 gross profit by 0.6% of net sales and increases in material costs. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its 2015 full year gross margin will be between 44% and 46%.


25



North America - Gross profit margin decreased to 46.6% in the first half of 2015 from 48.4% in the first half of 2014, primarily as a result of increases in all costs, each as a percentage of net sales. The increase in factory overhead cost as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to a non-reoccurring $2.3 million correction to workers' compensation expense that increased the first half of 2014 gross profit margin by 0.8%.
Europe - Gross profit margin increased slightly to 38.7% in the first half of 2015 from 38.2% in the first half of 2014, as a result of decreases in factory overhead (on increased production volumes), material costs, and warehousing costs, each as a percentage of sales, partly offset by increases in the costs of labor and shipping, as a percentage of sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, which have lower gross profit margins, was 16% and 14% in the first half of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increased gross profit differential between the two product groups, coupled with increased concrete construction product sales in 2015, also negatively affected the gross profit margin.
Steel prices - Given current conditions, including anti-dumping and countervailing duty trade cases filed by United States steel producers, steel prices are expected to increase during the third quarter of 2015 but there remains a great deal of uncertainty.

Research and development and engineering expense

Research and development and engineering expense increased 4.6% to $20.7 million in the first half of 2015 from $19.8 million in the first half of 2014, primarily due to an increase of $1.1 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015 in the North America segment, partly offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in stock-based compensation costs, mostly in the North America segment.

Selling expense

Selling expense decreased 0.9% to $45.6 million in the first half of 2015 from $46.0 million in the first half of 2014, primarily due to a decrease of $0.5 million in professional fees, mostly in the North America segment.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense increased 3.2% to $58.2 million in the first half of 2015 from $56.4 million in the first half of 2014, primarily due to increases of $1.3 million in personnel costs and $0.9 million in stock-based compensation expense, a net increase of $0.6 million in foreign currency losses, and partly offset by decreases of $0.6 million in amortization expense and $0.3 million in professional fees.

North America - General and administrative expense increased $2.1 million, primarily due to increases of $1.2 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015, $0.5 million in professional fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation costs, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in amortization expense.
Europe - General and administrative expense decreased by $1.0 million, primarily due to the translation of local currencies into the United States dollar, which resulted in decreased expenses compared to prior years. The decreases in general and administrative expenses were partly offset by net increase of $0.5 million in foreign currency losses.
Administrative and Other - General and administrative expense increased by $1.2 million primarily due to increases of $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expense and $0.4 million in personnel costs related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted in January 2015 and a net increase of $0.4 million in foreign currency losses, partly offset by a decrease of $0.9 million in professional fees.

Income taxes

The effective income tax rate for the first half of 2015 was 38.4% as compared to 37.2% for the first half of 2014. The effective income tax rate was higher due to increased operating losses in the first half of 2015, primarily due to $2.0 million in operating losses, mostly occurring in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its 2015 effective tax rate will be between 37% and 39%.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
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

26



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. The Company is currently assessing the effect (if any) that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosure.

In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-05 (Subtopic 340-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05"). The guidance in this Subtopic applies only to internal-use software that a customer obtains access to in a hosting arrangement. The amendments provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. With an election to adopt prospectively or retrospectively, ASU 2015-05 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not believe ASU 2015-11 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.


Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities
 
As of June 30, 2015, working capital was $521.3 million compared to $498.7 million at June 30, 2014, and $509.8 million at December 31, 2014. The increase in working capital from December 31, 2014, was primarily due to an increase of $48.9 million in trade accounts receivable from seasonal increases in net sales during the second quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014 and a decrease of $2.2 million in accrued profit sharing trust, due to the 2014 contribution paid in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset by higher accrued contributions through the first six months of 2015. The increase in working capital from December 31, 2014, was partly offset by decreases of $11.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $7.2 million in other current assets, $4.3 million in inventory and $1.1 million in deferred income taxes, and increases of $7.7 million in accrued cash profit sharing, $4.1 million in trade accounts payable and $3.2 million in income taxes payable. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to $13.5 million in capital expenditures and payment of accrued profit sharing trust contributions in the first half of 2015, partly offset by the increase of $3.0 from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options. The decrease in other current assets is primarily due to a decrease in income tax refunds receivable. The decrease in inventory is primarily due to increased raw material utilization in support of increased net sales in the first half of 2015, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, and the decrease in deferred income taxes is primarily due to the tax effect of vesting and services inception charges on stock-based compensation. The increase in accrued in cash profit sharing and commissions was due to higher qualifying operating profits in the second quarter of 2015, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. The increase in trade accounts payable was due to increased raw material purchases in the second quarter of 2015 in support of increased net sales, and the increase in income taxes payable was primarily due to the timing of the second quarter 2015 estimated income tax payments, which will occur in the third quarter of 2015. The working capital change and changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities, combined with net income of $31.6 million and noncash expenses, primarily charges for depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation totaling $21.1 million, resulted in net cash provided by operating activities of $24.8 million. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its 2015 full year depreciation and amortization expense will be between $29.0 to $31.0 million, of which $23.0 million to $25.0 million will be depreciation. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had unused credit available of $304.4 million, including a $300.0 million credit facility.

As of June 30, 2014, working capital was $498.7 million compared to $414.6 million at June 30, 2013, and $464.9 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in working capital from December 31, 2013, was primarily due to increases of $47.8 million in trade accounts receivable, net, and $21.3 million in inventory, and decreases of $7.8 million in trade accounts payable and $2.4 million in accrued profit sharing trust contributions. The increase in trade accounts receivable, net, was primarily due to seasonal increases in net sales during the second quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. Raw material inventories increased 11.3% as compared to December 31, 2013, while in-process and finished goods inventories increased 10.4% as compared to December 31, 2013, in anticipation of increased construction activity during the summer building season. The decrease in trade accounts payable was primarily due to decreased material purchases in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The decrease in accrued profit sharing trust was due to the 2013 contribution paid in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in working capital from December 31, 2013, was partly offset by decreases of $30.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $4.0 million in other current assets and increases of $6.2 million in accrued cash profit sharing and commissions, $4.7 million in other

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accrued liabilities and $1.7 million in income taxes payable. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to an increase in inventory purchases and the payment of trade accounts payable and accrued profit sharing trust contributions. The decrease in other current assets was primarily due to the decrease in income taxes receivable. The increase in accrued cash profit sharing and commissions was due to higher net sales and operating profits in the second quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company’s investing activities used cash of $14.0 million, including $13.5 million in capital expenditures. The Company’s capital expenditures were primarily to develop software in North America and to improve information technology support systems. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year capital spending will be $30 million to $33 million in 2015 excluding software development and a real estate project in the United States to begin later this year. The project will combine the operations of two rented chemical facilities into one owned facility. The Company estimates costs related to the real estate project and improvements will be $12.0 to $15.0 million in 2015 and $7.0 to $10.0 million in 2016.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s investing activities used cash of $9.0 million, including $9.3 million in capital expenditures, partly offset by proceeds from the sale of assets of $0.6 million. The Company’s capital expenditures were primarily to increase manufacturing capacity in North America and to improve information technology support systems.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company’s financing activities used net cash of $17.8 million, including $13.8 million in dividend payments, $8.5 million for the repurchase of common stock, $0.7 million in deferred purchase price payments and $0.5 million in contingent consideration related to prior years acquisitions, partly offset by $5.6 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options. In July 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.16 per share, estimated to total $7.9 million, to be paid on October 22, 2015, to stockholders of record on October 1, 2015. The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized up to $50.0 million, for the repurchase of common stock in 2015, $41.5 million of which remained available at June 30, 2015.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s financing activities used net cash of $10.9 million, including $12.2 million in dividend payments, $1.1 million in deferred purchase price payments and $0.2 million in contingent consideration related to the 2012 S&P Clever acquisition, partly offset by $2.6 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options.

The Company believes that cash generated by operations and borrowings available under its credit facility will be sufficient for the Company’s working capital needs and planned capital expenditures for the next 12 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. The $300.0 million unsecured credit agreement will expire in July 2017.
 
A significant portion of the cash and cash equivalents held by the Company is in foreign currencies. Cash and cash equivalents of $84.2 million held in foreign countries could be subject to additional taxation if it were repatriated to the United States. The Company has no 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 on the Company 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.
 


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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
The Company has foreign exchange rate risk in its international operations, primarily Europe and Canada, and through purchases from foreign vendors. The Company does not currently hedge this risk. If the exchange rate were to change by 10% in any one country or currency where the Company has operations, the change in net income would not be material to the Company’s operations as a whole. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulted in an increase in comprehensive income of $7.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015. The translation adjustment increase was primarily due to the weakening United States dollar in relation to nearly all other currencies. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulted in a decrease in comprehensive income of $8.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The translation adjustment decrease was primarily due to the strengthening United States dollar in relation to most other currencies, partly offset by the weakening of the United States dollar in relation to the British pound, Swiss franc and Chinese Yuan.
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of June 30, 2015, 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.

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 necessarily 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 June 30, 2015, 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
 
The following lawsuits, which all alleged premature corrosion of the Company’s strap tie holdown products in a housing development known as Ocean Pointe in Honolulu, Hawaii, have been resolved by means of a written settlement agreement (the “Settlement”): Alvarez v. Haseko Homes, Inc. and Simpson Manufacturing, Inc., Civil No. 09-1-2697-11 (“Case 1”); Ke Noho Kai Development, LLC v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., and Honolulu Wood Treating Co., LTD., Case No. 09-1-1491-06 SSM (“Case 2”); North American Specialty Ins. Co. v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. and K.C. Metal Products, Inc., Case No. 09-1-1490-06 VSM (“Case 3”); and Charles et al. v. Haseko Homes, Inc. et al. and Third Party Plaintiffs Haseko Homes, Inc. et al. v. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., et al., Civil No. 09-1-1932-08 (“Case 4,” and collectively, the “Cases”). Cases 1 and 4 were homeowner class actions consolidated for all purposes. The Hawaii First District Circuit Court had previously granted the Company summary judgment on all claims asserted by the plaintiff homeowners against the Company in Cases 1 and 4. The Court further granted the Company summary judgment on various claims and cross-claims asserted by the housing developer and

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sub-contractor defendants against the Company. The only claim remaining against the Company in any of the Cases, which was asserted by the developer and sub-contractor defendants for alleged negligent misrepresentation, was resolved pursuant to the Settlement without adjudication or any admission of liability by the Company. The Settlement may not be used as evidence of liability against any party. The Court granted final approval of the Settlement on June 19, 2015, and the Cases will be dismissed in due course. The Company incurred no uninsured liability to the homeowner plaintiffs, or to the developer or sub-contractor defendants, in connection with the Cases or the Settlement.

The following insurance coverage lawsuits related to the above-referenced Cases have also been resolved through settlement: National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA v. Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc., et al., Civil No. 11-00254 ACK (the "National Union Action"); Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company v. Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Civil No. 11 1789 SBA (the “Fireman’s Fund Action”); and Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc, et al. v. National Union Fire Insurance Company, et al., Case No. CGC-11-516046 (collectively the “Insurance Coverage Cases”). These Insurance Coverage Cases will be dismissed in due course after the Company’s insurance companies make agreed contributions to the above-referenced Settlement. The Company incurred no liability in connection with the Insurance Coverage Cases.

Nishimura v. Gentry Homes, Ltd; Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.; and Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc., Civil no. 11-1-1522-7, was filed in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit of Hawaii on July 20, 2011.  The Nishimura case alleges premature corrosion of the Company’s strap tie holdown products in a housing development at Ewa Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.  In February 2012, the Court dismissed three of the five claims the plaintiffs had asserted against the Company. In December 2013, the Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment on the remaining claims. Currently, the case is closed, though it remains subject to appeal.
 
The Company is not engaged in any other legal proceedings as of the date hereof, 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. The resolution of claims and 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, 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.  On occasion, some of the products that the Company sells have failed, although the Company has not incurred any material liability resulting from those failures.  The Company attempts to avoid such failures by establishing and monitoring appropriate product specifications, manufacturing quality control procedures, inspection procedures and information on appropriate installation methods and conditions.  The Company subjects its products to extensive testing, with results and conclusions published in Company catalogues and on its websites. Based on test results to date, the Company believes that, generally, if its products are appropriately selected, installed and used in accordance with the Company’s guidance, they may be reliably used in appropriate applications.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
We are affected by risks specific to us, as well as risks that generally affect businesses operating in global markets. Some of the significant factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results appear in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (available at www.simpsonmfg.com/docs/10K-2014.pdf or www.sec.gov).

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
In February 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This replaced the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2014. The authorization will remain in effect through the end of 2015. The following table presents the monthly repurchases by the Company during the three months ended June 30, 2015:

 
 
(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
April 2015
 
60,975

 
$
32.96

 
60,975

 
$48.0 million
May 2015
 
193,644

 
$
33.33

 
254,619

 
$41.5 million
     Total
 
254,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Item 6. Exhibits.
 
The following exhibits are either incorporated by reference into this report or filed 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 February 3, 2014, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of its Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 3, 2014.

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.
 
4.3
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for Salaried Employees is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File Number 333-173811, dated April 29, 2011.
 
4.4
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan for Hourly Employees is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File Number 333-173811, dated April 29, 2011.
 
10.1
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan, as amended through February 13, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
10.2
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1995 Independent Director Stock Option Plan, as amended through November 18, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
10.3
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. Executive Officer Cash Profit Sharing Plan, as amended through February 25, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement dated March 8, 2013.

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10.4
Credit Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2012, among Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, 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 August 1, 2012.
 
10.5
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and its directors and executive officers, as well as the officers of Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
10.6
Compensation of Named Executive Officers is incorporated by reference to Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement dated March 9, 2015.
 
10.7
Compensation of Named Executive Officers is incorporated by reference to Item 5.02 and Exhibit 10 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 2, 2015.
 
10.8
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (as amended and restated on April 21, 2015) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement dated March 9, 2015.
 
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Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications are filed herewith.
 
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Section 1350 Certifications are filed herewith.
 
99.1
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Bonus Plan, as amended through November 18, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
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Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, 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:
August 7, 2015
 
 
By /s/Brian J. Magstadt
 
 
Brian J. Magstadt
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal accounting and financial officer)
 
 
 
 
 


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