10-Q 1 iff9302016-10q.htm 10-Q Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
OR
¨

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 1-4858
 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS &
FRAGRANCES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
New York
 
13-1432060
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
521 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019-2960
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 765-5500
 
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  þ    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No   ¨
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
 
þ
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes   ¨ No  þ
Number of shares outstanding as of October 24, 2016: 79,423,806


 
1
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
498,730

 
$
181,988

Trade receivables (net of allowances of $9,424 and $8,229, respectively)
 
587,074

 
537,896

Inventories: Raw materials
 
279,928

 
265,209

Work in process
 
16,140

 
17,450

Finished goods
 
289,117

 
289,388

Total Inventories
 
585,185

 
572,047

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
186,046

 
145,178

Total Current Assets
 
1,857,035

 
1,437,109

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
 
1,876,926

 
1,812,283

Accumulated depreciation
 
(1,131,685
)
 
(1,079,489
)
 
 
745,241

 
732,794

Goodwill
 
941,511

 
941,389

Other intangible assets, net
 
284,608

 
306,004

Deferred income taxes
 
148,621

 
166,323

Other assets
 
120,113

 
118,391

Total Assets
 
$
4,097,129

 
$
3,702,010

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Bank borrowings and overdrafts and current portion of long-term debt
 
$
257,675

 
$
132,349

Accounts payable
 
259,208

 
285,501

Accrued payroll and bonus
 
59,807

 
48,843

Dividends payable
 
50,871

 
44,824

Other current liabilities
 
228,363

 
213,639

Total Current Liabilities
 
855,924

 
725,156

Long-term debt
 
1,110,201

 
935,373

Deferred gains
 
40,856

 
43,260

Retirement liabilities
 
244,288

 
242,383

Other liabilities
 
147,662

 
160,849

Total Other Liabilities
 
1,543,007

 
1,381,865

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock 12 1/2¢ par value; authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 115,858,190 shares as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and outstanding 79,476,755 and 80,022,291 shares as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
14,470

 
14,470

Capital in excess of par value
 
146,551

 
140,802

Retained earnings
 
3,789,271

 
3,604,254

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(611,647
)
 
(613,440
)
Treasury stock, at cost - 36,381,435 shares as of September 30, 2016 and 35,835,899 shares as of December 31, 2015
 
(1,644,869
)
 
(1,555,769
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
1,693,776

 
1,590,317

Noncontrolling interest
 
4,422

 
4,672

Total Shareholders’ Equity including noncontrolling interest
 
1,698,198

 
1,594,989

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
4,097,129

 
$
3,702,010


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
2
 



INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(AMOUNT IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales
$
777,001

 
$
765,092

 
$
2,353,790

 
$
2,307,540

Cost of goods sold
430,733

 
417,966

 
1,281,673

 
1,269,097

Gross profit
346,268

 
347,126

 
1,072,117

 
1,038,443

Research and development expenses
64,415

 
62,750

 
191,052

 
188,725

Selling and administrative expenses
152,046

 
122,249

 
408,372

 
372,267

Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
5,468

 
5,414

 
16,659

 
10,293

Restructuring and other charges, net

 

 

 
(170
)
Operating profit
124,339

 
156,713

 
456,034

 
467,328

Interest expense
13,111

 
11,855

 
40,649

 
34,357

Other (income) expense, net
(2,162
)
 
1,959

 
(4,952
)
 
(3,315
)
Income before taxes
113,390

 
142,899

 
420,337

 
436,286

Taxes on income
23,613

 
36,452

 
95,223

 
96,206

Net income
89,777

 
106,447

 
325,114

 
340,080

Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(6,191
)
 
(48,368
)
 
3,198

 
(81,326
)
(Losses) gains on derivatives qualifying as hedges
268

 
(12,498
)
 
(9,124
)
 
(6,381
)
Pension and postretirement net liability
2,586

 
5,478

 
7,719

 
16,501

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(3,337
)
 
(55,388
)
 
1,793

 
(71,206
)
Total comprehensive income
$
86,440

 
$
51,059

 
$
326,907

 
$
268,874

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share - basic
$
1.13

 
$
1.32

 
$
4.07

 
$
4.20

Net income per share - diluted
$
1.12

 
$
1.31

 
$
4.05

 
$
4.18

Average number of shares outstanding - basic
79,580

 
80,330

 
79,727

 
80,602

Average number of shares outstanding - diluted
79,935

 
80,737

 
80,067

 
81,052

Dividends declared per share
$
0.64

 
$
0.56

 
$
1.76

 
$
1.50

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
3
 



INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
325,114

 
$
340,080

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
75,109

 
65,099

Deferred income taxes
 
8,323

 
13,134

Gain on disposal of assets
 
(2,998
)
 
(341
)
Stock-based compensation
 
19,471

 
18,355

Pension contributions
 
(44,356
)
 
(61,125
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
Trade receivables
 
(36,070
)
 
(108,563
)
Inventories
 
(160
)
 
(31,655
)
Accounts payable
 
(29,523
)
 
54,482

Accruals for incentive compensation
 
3,012

 
(13,781
)
Other current payables and accrued expenses
 
30,663

 
34,585

Other assets
 
(10,155
)
 
(30,098
)
Other liabilities
 
(9,077
)
 
14,523

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
329,353

 
294,695

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received
 

 
(493,469
)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(70,179
)
 
(66,632
)
Proceeds from life insurance contracts
 
292

 
868

Maturity of net investment hedges
 
(12
)
 
9,735

Proceeds from disposal of assets
 
3,664

 
3,431

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(66,235
)
 
(546,067
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(134,051
)
 
(113,875
)
Increase (decrease) in revolving credit facility borrowings and overdrafts
 
(133,687
)
 
249,998

Deferred financing costs
 
(4,780
)
 

Repayments of debt
 
(125,000
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
555,559

 

Loss on pre-issuance hedges
 
(3,244
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of stock under stock plans
 
594

 
288

Excess tax benefits on stock-based payments
 
4,532

 
11,704

Purchase of treasury stock
 
(94,148
)
 
(81,237
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
65,775

 
66,878

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(12,151
)
 
(21,803
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
316,742

 
(206,297
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
181,988

 
478,573

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
498,730

 
$
272,276

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
 
$
45,008

 
$
42,871

Income taxes paid
 
$
80,050

 
$
71,167

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
4
 



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Basis of Presentation
These interim statements and related management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations, liquidity and capital resources included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2015 Form 10-K”). These interim statements are unaudited. The year-end balance sheet data included in this Form 10-Q was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. We have historically operated and continue to operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to the last day of the quarter. For ease of presentation, September 30 and December 31 are used consistently throughout this Form 10-Q and these interim financial statements and related notes to represent the period-end dates. For the 2016 and 2015 quarters, the actual closing dates were September 30, and October 2, respectively. The unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) and accruals necessary in the judgment of management for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. When used herein, the terms “IFF,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Reclassifications and Revisions
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified and revised to conform with current year presentation.
The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, has been revised to properly reflect in-bound goods in transit. Accordingly, Inventory and Accounts payable decreased by $17.0 million. This adjustment was not material to the previously issued financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance which requires changes to the classification of certain activities within the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. The Company does not expect this adoption will have a significant impact on its statement of cash flows.
In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires changes to several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the treatment of income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of certain items on the statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. Among other changes, the standard requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares be presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as a financing activity instead of an operating activity. The Company expects to adopt this change retroactively and that the impact of this aspect of the standard on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows will be approximately $20-$25 million on an annual basis. The Company is currently evaluating the other changes required by the standard.
In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires changes to the accounting for leases. The new guidance establishes a new lease accounting model, that requires entities to record assets and liabilities related to leases on the balance sheet for certain types of leases. The guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2018. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will result in significant increases to assets and liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet and is still evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
In September 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance relating to the adjustments made during the measurement period for items in a business combination. Specifically, the new guidance requires adjustments related to the finalization of estimates to be recorded in the period when they are determined and to provide certain additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted this guidance during 2016 and the adoption did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively in 2016 and accordingly has reclassified all debt issuance costs on long-term debt as a direct deduction from the

 
5
 



carrying amount of the debt liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to clarify the principles to be used to recognize revenue and made subsequent clarifications under the new requirements during May 2016. The guidance is applicable to all entities and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Adoption as of the original effective date is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounts Receivable
The Company sells certain accounts receivable on a non-recourse basis to unrelated financial institutions under “factoring” agreements that are sponsored, solely and individually, by certain customers. The Company accounts for these transactions as sales of receivables, removes the receivables sold from its financial statements, and records cash proceeds when received by the Company. The beneficial impact on cash provided by operations from participating in these programs increased approximately $25.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to an increase of approximately $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The cost of participating in these programs was immaterial to our results in all periods.

Note 2. Net Income Per Share:
Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Basic
79,580

 
80,330

 
79,727

 
80,602

Assumed dilution under stock plans
355

 
407

 
340

 
450

Diluted
79,935

 
80,737

 
80,067

 
81,052

An immaterial amount of stock-settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”) were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. There were no stock options or SSARs excluded from the 2015 periods.
The Company has issued shares of purchased restricted common stock and purchase restricted common stock units (collectively “PRSUs”) which contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends while these shares are outstanding and thus are considered participating securities. Such securities are required to be included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company did not present the two-class method since the difference between basic and diluted net income per share for both unrestricted common shareholders and PRSU shareholders was less than $0.01 per share for each period presented, and the number of PRSUs outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 was immaterial. Net income allocated to such PRSUs was $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $0.8 million and $1.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 3. Acquisitions:
2016 Activity
David Michael
On October 7, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of David Michael & Company, Inc. ("David Michael") for approximately $242 million. The purchase price was funded from existing resources. David Michael was acquired to strengthen the North American flavors business. The acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2016.
2015 Activity
Lucas Meyer
During the third quarter of 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a business of Unipex Group. The total shares acquired include shares effectively acquired pursuant to put and call option agreements. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method. Total consideration was approximately Euro 284.0 million ($312.1 million), including approximately $4.8 million of cash acquired. The Company paid

 
6
 



Euro 282.1 million (approximately $309.9 million) for the acquisition, which was funded from existing resources, and recorded a liability of approximately Euro 2.0 million (approximately $2.2 million) for shares to be purchased under the put and call option agreements. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of existing net assets by approximately $290.1 million. The excess was allocated principally to identifiable intangible assets (approximately $156.4 million), goodwill (approximately $179.5 million) and approximately $38.1 million to deferred taxes. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Separately identifiable intangible assets are principally related to customer relationships, proprietary technology and patents. The intangible assets are being amortized over the following estimated useful lives: trade names and proprietary technology, 28 years; customer relationships, 23 years; patents, 11 years; and non-solicitation agreements, 3 years.
No pro forma financial information for 2015 is presented as the impact of the acquisition was immaterial to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The purchase price allocation was completed during the second quarter of 2016.
Ottens Flavors
During the second quarter of 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Henry H. Ottens Manufacturing Co., Inc. ("Ottens Flavors"). The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method. The Company paid $198.9 million (including $10.4 million of cash acquired) for this acquisition, which was funded from existing resources. The purchase price allocation was completed during the fourth quarter of 2015. No pro forma financial information for 2015 is presented as the impact of the acquisition was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Note 4. Restructuring and Other Charges, Net:
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company established a series of initiatives intended to streamline its management structure, simplify decision-making and accountability, better leverage and align its capabilities across the organization and improve efficiency of its global manufacturing and operations network. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $7.6 million, included in restructuring and other charges, net, related to severance and related costs pertaining to approximately 150 positions that will be affected. During 2016, the Company made payments of $1.8 million and recorded accelerated depreciation expense of $0.5 million. The total cost of the plan is expected to be approximately $10.5 million with the remaining charges relating principally to accelerated depreciation. The Company expects the plan to be fully implemented in the second half of 2017.
Changes in employee-related restructuring liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, were as follows:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Employee-Related Costs
 
Accelerated Depreciation
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
7,882

 
$

 
$
7,882

Additional charges (reversals), net

 
473

 
473

Non-cash charges

 
(473
)
 
(473
)
Payments and other costs
(1,801
)
 

 
(1,801
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
$
6,081

 
$

 
$
6,081

Note 5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net:
Goodwill
Movements in goodwill during 2016 were as follows:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
941,389

Foreign exchange
4,777

Other
(4,655
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
$
941,511

The decrease reflected in Other above is the impact of finalizing the purchase price allocation of Lucas Meyer as disclosed in Note 3.



 
7
 



Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets, net consist of the following amounts: 
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
Cost
 
 
 
Customer relationships
$
290,838

 
$
293,799

Trade names & patents
31,718

 
34,182

Technological know-how
111,842

 
112,393

Other
24,088

 
22,711

    Total carrying value
458,486

 
463,085

Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 
Customer relationships
(77,935
)
 
(66,324
)
Trade names & patents
(11,743
)
 
(10,282
)
Technological know-how
(67,279
)
 
(65,258
)
Other
(16,921
)
 
(15,217
)
    Total accumulated amortization
(173,878
)
 
(157,081
)
 
 
 
 
    Other intangible assets, net
$
284,608

 
$
306,004

 
Amortization
Amortization expense was $5.5 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $16.7 million and $10.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Annual amortization is expected to be $21.9 million for the full year 2016, $21.5 million for the year 2017, $21.2 million for the year 2018, $20.1 million for the year 2019, $19.4 million for the year 2020 and $15.2 million for the year 2021.
Note 6. Borrowings:
Debt consists of the following:
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Rate
 
Maturities
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Senior notes - 2006 (1)
6.14
%
 
2016
 
$

 
$
124,964

Senior notes - 2007 (1)
6.40
%
 
2017-27
 
499,638

 
499,618

Senior notes - 2013 (1)
3.20
%
 
2023
 
297,916

 
297,683

Euro Senior notes - 2016 (1)
1.75
%
 
2024
 
555,381

 

Credit facility
2.67
%
 
2019
 

 
131,196

Bank overdrafts and other
 
 
 
 
13,112

 
10,982

Deferred realized gains on interest rate swaps
 
 
 
 
1,829

 
3,279

 
 
 
 
 
1,367,876

 
1,067,722

Less: Current portion of long-term debt
 
 
 
 
(257,675
)
 
(132,349
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,110,201

 
$
935,373

(1) Amount is net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs.
Senior Notes
On March 14, 2016, the Company issued Euro 500.0 million face amount of 1.75% Senior Notes ("Euro Senior Notes - 2016") due 2024 at a discount of Euro 0.9 million. The Company received proceeds related to the issuance of these Euro Senior Notes - 2016 of Euro 496.0 million which was net of the Euro 0.9 million discount and Euro 3.1 million underwriting discount (recorded as deferred financing costs). In addition, the Company incurred $1.3 million of other deferred financing costs in connection with the debt issuance. In connection with the debt issuance, the Company entered into pre-issuance hedging transactions that were settled upon issuance of the debt and resulted in a loss of approximately $3.2 million. The discount, deferred financing costs and pre-issuance hedge loss are being amortized as interest expense over the eight year term of the debt. The Euro Senior Notes - 2016 bear interest at a rate of 1.75% per annum, with interest payable on March 14 of each year, commencing on March 14, 2017. The Euro Senior Notes - 2016 will mature on March 14, 2024.

 
8
 



Upon 30 days’ notice to holders of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 , the Company may redeem the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 for cash in whole, at any time, or in part, from time to time, prior to maturity, at redemption prices that include accrued and unpaid interest and a make-whole premium, as specified in the indenture governing the Euro Senior Notes - 2016. However, no make-whole premium will be paid for redemptions of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 on or after December 14, 2023. The indenture provides for customary events of default and contains certain negative covenants that limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to grant liens on assets, or to enter into sale-leaseback transactions. In addition, subject to certain limitations, in the event of the occurrence of both (1) a change of control of the Company and (2) a downgrade of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 below investment grade rating by both Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services within a specified time period, the Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
As discussed in Note 11, the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 have been designated as a hedge of the Company's net investment in certain subsidiaries.
During the third quarter of 2016, the Company made a final payment of $125.0 million on the Senior Notes - 2006.
Commercial Paper
During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company issued $50 million face value of commercial paper.
Note 7. Income Taxes:
Uncertain Tax Positions
At September 30, 2016, the Company had $19.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in Other liabilities and $4.9 million in Other current liabilities. If these unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the effective tax rate would be affected.
At September 30, 2016, the Company had accrued interest and penalties of $0.7 million classified in Other liabilities and $0.2 million in Other current liabilities.
As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s aggregate provisions for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $25.4 million associated with various tax positions asserted in foreign jurisdictions, none of which is individually material.
The Company regularly repatriates a portion of current year earnings from select non–U.S. subsidiaries. No provision is made for additional taxes on undistributed earnings of subsidiary companies that are intended and planned to be indefinitely invested in such subsidiaries. We intend to, and have plans to, reinvest these earnings indefinitely in our foreign subsidiaries to fund local operations and/or capital projects.
The Company has ongoing income tax audits and legal proceedings which are at various stages of administrative or judicial review. In addition, the Company has open tax years with various taxing jurisdictions that range primarily from 2006 to 2015. Based on currently available information, we do not believe the ultimate outcome of any of these tax audits and other tax positions related to open tax years, when finalized, will have a material impact on our financial position.
The Company also has other ongoing tax audits and legal proceedings that relate to indirect taxes, such as value-added taxes, sales and use taxes and property taxes, which are discussed in Note 13.
Effective Tax Rate
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was 20.8% compared with 25.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was largely due to a favorable mix of earnings and lower costs of repatriation, partially offset by higher loss provisions. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 22.7% compared with 22.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to a benefit of $10.5 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015, as a result of favorable tax rulings in Spain and another jurisdiction for which reserves were previously recorded and higher loss provisions in 2016, partially offset by lower cost of repatriation in the 2016 period.

 
9
 



Note 8. Stock Compensation Plans:
The Company has various plans under which its officers, senior management, other key employees and directors may be granted equity-based awards. Equity awards outstanding under the plans include PRSUs, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), stock options, SSARs and Long-Term Incentive Plan awards; liability-based awards outstanding under the plans are cash-settled RSUs.
Stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefits were as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Equity-based awards
$
5,697

 
$
5,495

 
$
19,471

 
$
18,355

Liability-based awards
1,836

 
782

 
4,168

 
3,355

Total stock-based compensation expense
7,533

 
6,277

 
23,639

 
21,710

Less: tax benefit
(2,174
)
 
(1,914
)
 
(6,963
)
 
(6,326
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, after tax
$
5,359

 
$
4,363

 
$
16,676

 
$
15,384

Note 9. Segment Information:
The Company is organized into two operating segments: Flavors and Fragrances. These segments align with the internal structure of the Company used to manage these businesses. Performance of these operating segments is evaluated based on segment profit which is defined as operating profit before Restructuring and other charges, net, Global expenses (as discussed below) and certain non-recurring items, Interest expense, Other income (expense), net and Taxes on income.
The Global expenses caption below represent corporate and headquarters-related expenses which include legal, finance, human resources, certain incentive compensation expenses and other R&D and administrative expenses that are not allocated to individual operating segments.
Reportable segment information is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flavors
$
366,857

 
$
359,103

 
$
1,118,869

 
$
1,108,689

Fragrances
410,144

 
405,989

 
1,234,921

 
1,198,851

Consolidated
$
777,001

 
$
765,092

 
$
2,353,790

 
$
2,307,540

Segment profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flavors
$
77,512

 
$
79,803

 
$
259,662

 
$
256,546

Fragrances
85,010

 
90,893

 
261,843

 
252,416

Global expenses
(11,405
)
 
(6,874
)
 
(37,544
)
 
(27,067
)
Restructuring and other charges, net (1)
(190
)
 

 
(473
)
 
170

Acquisition and related costs (2)
(786
)
 
(6,830
)
 
(2,035
)
 
(13,896
)
Operational improvement initiative costs (3)
(802
)
 
(279
)
 
(1,901
)
 
(841
)
Spanish capital tax settlement (4)

 

 
1,482

 

Legal charge (5)
(25,000
)
 

 
(25,000
)
 

Operating profit
124,339

 
156,713

 
456,034

 
467,328

Interest expense
(13,111
)
 
(11,855
)
 
(40,649
)
 
(34,357
)
Other income (expense)
2,162

 
(1,959
)
 
4,952

 
3,315

Income before taxes
$
113,390

 
$
142,899

 
$
420,337

 
$
436,286

 
(1)
Restructuring and other charges, net in 2016 relate to accelerated depreciation costs in Europe recorded in Cost of goods sold.
(2)
Acquisition and related costs are associated with the 2015 acquisitions of Ottens Flavors and Lucas Meyer as discussed in Note 3, including inventory step-up charges related to the inventory acquired for Lucas Meyer as well as transaction costs related to the acquisition of David Michael in 2016.

 
10
 



(3)
Operational improvement initiative costs relate to accelerated depreciation, dismantling and severance costs in Asia in the 2016 period and accelerated depreciation in the 2015 period.
(4)
The Spanish capital tax settlement represents interest received from the Spanish government related to the reversal of the unfavorable ruling the Spanish capital tax case from 2002, which was reversed during the year ended December 31, 2015.
(5)
The legal charge relates to the reserve recorded for the ZoomEssence case as discussed in Note 13.
Net sales are attributed to individual regions based upon the destination of product delivery. Net sales related to the U.S. for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $190 million and $182 million, respectively and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $555 million and $520 million, respectively. Net sales attributed to all foreign countries in total for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $587 million and $583 million, respectively and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $1,799 million and $1,788 million, respectively. No country other than the U.S. had net sales in any period presented greater than 10% of total consolidated net sales.

Note 10. Employee Benefits:

Pension and other defined contribution retirement plan expenses included the following components:
U.S. Plans
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost for benefits earned
$
771

 
$
984

 
$
2,314

 
$
2,952

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
6,007

 
5,954

 
18,020

 
17,860

Expected return on plan assets
(8,069
)
 
(8,083
)
 
(24,208
)
 
(24,248
)
Net amortization and deferrals
1,387

 
5,203

 
4,159

 
15,607

Net periodic benefit cost
96

 
4,058

 
285

 
12,171

Defined contribution and other retirement plans
1,211

 
1,847

 
5,823

 
6,075

Total expense
$
1,307

 
$
5,905

 
$
6,108

 
$
18,246

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. Plans
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost for benefits earned
$
3,863

 
$
4,220

 
$
11,443

 
$
12,659

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
6,372

 
6,283

 
18,890

 
18,848

Expected return on plan assets
(11,985
)
 
(12,712
)
 
(35,526
)
 
(38,137
)
Net amortization and deferrals
3,286

 
3,397

 
9,738

 
10,189

Net periodic benefit cost
1,536

 
1,188

 
4,545

 
3,559

Defined contribution and other retirement plans
1,705

 
1,923

 
5,175

 
5,211

Total expense
$
3,241

 
$
3,111

 
$
9,720

 
$
8,770

The Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $30 million to its non-U.S. pension plans and $20 million to its U.S. pension plans during 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $20.0 million of contributions were made to the qualified U.S. pension plans, $21.1 million of contributions were made to the non-U.S. pension plans and $3.7 million of benefit payments were made with respect to the Company's non-qualified U.S. pension plan.
Expense recognized for postretirement benefits other than pensions included the following components: 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost for benefits earned
$
214

 
$
301

 
$
644

 
$
901

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
787

 
1,082

 
2,360

 
3,246

Net amortization and deferrals
(1,355
)
 
(712
)
 
(4,065
)
 
(2,134
)
Total postretirement benefit (income) expense
$
(354
)
 
$
671

 
$
(1,061
)
 
$
2,013

The Company expects to contribute approximately $5 million to its postretirement benefits other than pension plans during 2016. In the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $3.7 million of contributions were made.


 
11
 



Note 11. Financial Instruments:
Fair Value
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1–Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2–Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3–Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
This hierarchy requires us to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. We determine the fair value of structured liabilities (where performance is linked to structured interest rates, inflation or currency risks) using the LIBOR swap curve and forward interest and exchange rates at period end. Such instruments are classified as Level 2 based on the observability of significant inputs to the model. We do not have any instruments classified as Level 1 or Level 3, other than those included in pension asset trusts as discussed in Note 13 of our 2015 Form 10-K.
These valuations take into consideration our credit risk and our counterparties’ credit risk. The estimated change in the fair value of these instruments due to such changes in our own credit risk (or instrument-specific credit risk) was immaterial as of September 30, 2016.

The amounts recorded in the balance sheet (carrying amount) and the estimated fair values of financial instruments at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 consisted of the following: 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$
498,730

 
$
498,730

 
$
181,988

 
$
181,988

Credit facilities and bank overdrafts (2)
13,112

 
13,112

 
142,178

 
142,178

Long-term debt: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes - 2006

 

 
124,964

 
127,717

Senior notes - 2007
499,638

 
577,132

 
499,618

 
563,855

Senior notes - 2013
297,916

 
316,742

 
297,683

 
290,830

Euro Senior notes - 2016
555,381

 
604,035

 

 

 
(1)
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
(2)
The carrying amount of our credit facilities and bank overdrafts approximates fair value as the interest rate is reset frequently based on current market rates as well as the short maturity of those instruments.
(3)
The fair value of our long-term debt was calculated using discounted cash flows applying current interest rates and current credit spreads based on our own credit risk.
Derivatives
The Company periodically enters into foreign currency forward contracts with the objective of reducing exposure to cash flow volatility associated with our intercompany loans, foreign currency receivables and payables, and anticipated purchases of certain raw materials used in operations. These contracts generally involve the exchange of one currency for a second currency at a future date, have maturities not exceeding twelve months and are with counterparties which are major international financial institutions.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into several forward currency contracts which qualified as net investment hedges, in order to mitigate a portion of our net European investments from foreign currency risk. The effective portions of net investment hedges are recorded in Other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as a component of Foreign currency translation adjustments in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of

 
12
 



Comprehensive Income. Realized gains (losses) are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") where they will remain until the net investments in our European subsidiaries are divested. The outstanding forward currency contracts have remaining maturities of approximately one year. Twelve of these forward currency contracts matured during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Subsequent to the issuance of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 during the first quarter of 2016, the Company designated the debt as a hedge of a portion of its net European investments. Accordingly, the change in the value of the debt that is attributable to foreign exchange movements is recorded in OCI as a component of Foreign currency translation adjustments in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into several forward currency contracts which qualified as cash flow hedges. The objective of these hedges is to protect against the currency risk associated with forecasted U.S. dollar (USD) denominated raw material purchases made by Euro (EUR) functional currency entities which result from changes in the EUR/USD exchange rate. The effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded in OCI as a component of gains/(losses) on derivatives qualifying as hedges in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Realized gains/(losses) in AOCI related to cash flow hedges of raw material purchases are recognized as a component of Cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the related costs are recognized.
During 2015 and 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted the fixed rate on a portion of our long-term borrowings to a variable short-term rate based on the LIBOR plus an interest markup. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges. Amounts recognized in Interest expense were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
During the first quarter of 2016, the Company entered into and terminated two Euro interest rate swap agreements to hedge the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt. These swaps were designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portions of cash flow hedges are recorded in OCI as a component of Losses on derivatives qualifying as hedges in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company incurred a loss of Euro 2.9 million ($3.2 million) due to the termination of these swaps. The loss is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the Euro Senior Notes - 2016 as discussed in Note 6.
The following table shows the notional amount of the Company’s derivative instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Foreign currency contracts
$
881,600

 
$
573,200

Interest rate swaps
$
350,000

 
$
475,000


The following tables show the Company’s derivative instruments measured at fair value (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy), as reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 
 
September 30, 2016
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Fair Value of
Derivatives
Designated as
Hedging
Instruments
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging
Instruments
 
Total Fair
Value
Derivative assets (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
2,411

 
$
4,210

 
$
6,621

Interest rate swaps
2,326

 

 
2,326

 
$
4,737

 
$
4,210

 
$
8,947

Derivative liabilities (b)
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
1,588

 
$
5,851

 
$
7,439

 
$
1,588

 
$
5,851

 
$
7,439


 
13
 



 
December 31, 2015
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Fair Value of
Derivatives
Designated as
Hedging
Instruments
 
Fair Value of
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging
Instruments
 
Total Fair
Value
Derivative assets (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
6,560

 
$
3,700

 
$
10,260

Interest rate swaps
1,210

 

 
1,210

 
$
7,770

 
$
3,700

 
$
11,470

Derivative liabilities (b)
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
2,106

 
$
3,022

 
$
5,128

 
(a)
Derivative assets are recorded to Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(b)
Derivative liabilities are recorded as Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table shows the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments which were not designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
(3,313
)
 
$
(1,979
)
 
Other (income) expense, net
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
(6,860
)
 
$
8,097

 
Other (income) expense, net
Most of these net gains (losses) offset any recognized gains (losses) arising from the revaluation of the related intercompany loans during the same respective periods.
The following table shows the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 

 
14
 



 
Amount of (Loss) Gain
Recognized in OCI on
Derivative (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of (Loss) Gain
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective Portion)
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
98

 
$
(7,794
)
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
(544
)
 
$
6,956

Interest rate swaps (1)
171

 
(4,703
)
 
Interest expense
 
(171
)
 
(69
)
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
(224
)
 
(547
)
 
N/A
 

 

Euro Senior notes - 2016
(2,856
)
 

 
N/A
 

 

Total
$
(2,811
)
 
$
(13,044
)
 
 
 
$
(715
)
 
$
6,887

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain
Recognized in OCI on
Derivative (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of (Loss) Gain
Reclassified from AOCI into
Income (Effective Portion)
 
Amount of (Loss) Gain
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
(6,293
)
 
$
(1,815
)
 
Cost of goods sold
 
$
4,808

 
$
11,540

Interest rate swaps (1)
(2,830
)
 
(4,565
)
 
Interest expense
 
(428
)
 
(207
)
 


 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
(694
)
 
2,984

 
N/A
 

 

Euro Senior notes - 2016
6,793

 

 
N/A
 

 

Total
$
(3,024
)
 
$
(3,396
)
 
 
 
$
4,380

 
$
11,333

 
(1) Interest rate swaps were entered into as pre-issuance hedges.

No ineffectiveness was experienced in the above noted cash flow or net investment hedges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
The Company expects that approximately $0.6 million (net of tax) of derivative gains included in AOCI at September 30, 2016, based on current market rates, will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. The majority of this amount will vary due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 
15
 



Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
The following tables present changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income, including current period other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
(Losses) Gains on
Derivatives
Qualifying as
Hedges
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Liability
Adjustment
 
Total
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, as of December 31, 2015
$
(297,499
)
 
$
9,401

 
$
(325,342
)
 
$
(613,440
)
OCI before reclassifications
3,198

 
(4,744
)
 

 
(1,546
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 
(4,380
)
 
7,719

 
3,339

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
3,198

 
(9,124
)
 
7,719

 
1,793

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, as of September 30, 2016
$
(294,301
)
 
$
277

 
$
(317,623
)
 
$
(611,647
)
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
(Losses) Gains on
Derivatives
Qualifying as
Hedges
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Liability
Adjustment
 
Total
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, as of December 31, 2014
$
(173,342
)
 
$
12,371

 
$
(379,459
)
 
$
(540,430
)
OCI before reclassifications
(81,326
)
 
4,952

 

 
(76,374
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 
(11,333
)
 
16,501

 
5,168

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(81,326
)
 
(6,381
)
 
16,501

 
(71,206
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, as of September 30, 2015
$
(254,668
)
 
$
5,990

 
$
(362,958
)
 
$
(611,636
)

The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income: 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive  Income
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on derivatives qualifying as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$
5,495

 
$
13,189

 
Cost of goods sold
Interest rate swaps
(428
)
 
(207
)
 
Interest expense
 
(687
)
 
(1,649
)
 
Provision for income taxes
 
$
4,380

 
$
11,333

 
Total, net of income taxes
(Losses) gains on pension and postretirement liability adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service cost
$
5,602

 
$
3,472

 
(a) 
Actuarial losses
(15,434
)
 
(27,134
)
 
(a) 
 
2,113

 
7,161

 
Provision for income taxes
 
$
(7,719
)
 
$
(16,501
)
 
Total, net of income taxes
 
(a)
The amortization of prior service cost and actuarial loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 14 of our 2015 Form 10-K for additional information regarding net periodic benefit cost.


 
16
 



Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies:
Guarantees and Letters of Credit
The Company has various bank guarantees and letters of credit which are available for use to support its ongoing business operations and to satisfy governmental requirements associated with pending litigation in various jurisdictions.
At September 30, 2016, we had total bank guarantees and standby letters of credit of approximately $39.2 million with various financial institutions. Included in the above aggregate amount is a total of $16.2 million in bank guarantees which the Company has posted for certain assessments in Brazil for other diverse income tax and indirect tax disputes related to fiscal years 1998-2011. There were no material amounts utilized under the standby letters of credit as of September 30, 2016.
In order to challenge the assessments in these cases in Brazil, the Company has been required to, and has separately pledged assets, principally property, plant and equipment, to cover assessments in the amount of approximately $13.5 million as of September 30, 2016.
Lines of Credit
The Company has various lines of credit which are available to support its ongoing business operations. At September 30, 2016, we had available lines of credit (in addition to the $950 million of capacity under the Credit Facility discussed in Note 8 of our 2015 Form 10-K) of approximately $76.9 million with various financial institutions. There were no significant amounts drawn down pursuant to these lines of credit as of September 30, 2016.
Litigation
The Company assesses contingencies related to litigation and/or other matters to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss. A loss contingency is accrued in the Company’s consolidated financial statements if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur, assessing contingencies is highly sensitive and requires judgments about future events. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews contingencies related to litigation to determine the adequacy of accruals. The amount of ultimate loss may differ from these estimates and further events may require the Company to increase or decrease the amounts it has accrued on any matter.
Periodically, we assess our insurance coverage for all known claims, where applicable, taking into account aggregate coverage by occurrence, limits of coverage, self-insured retentions and deductibles, historical claims experience and claims experience with our insurance carriers. The liabilities are recorded at management’s best estimate of the probable outcome of the lawsuits and claims, taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the individual matters as well as past experience on similar matters. At each balance sheet date, the key issues that management assesses are whether it is probable that a loss as to asserted or unasserted claims has been incurred and if so, whether the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record the expected liability with respect to claims in Other liabilities and expected recoveries from our insurance carriers in Other assets. We recognize a receivable when we believe that realization of the insurance receivable is probable under the terms of the insurance policies and our payment experience to date.
Environmental
Over the past 20 years, various federal and state authorities and private parties have claimed that we are a Potentially Responsible Party (“PRP”) as a generator of waste materials for alleged pollution at a number of waste sites operated by third parties located principally in New Jersey and have sought to recover costs incurred and to be incurred to clean up the sites.
We have been identified as a PRP at eight facilities operated by third parties at which investigation and/or remediation activities may be ongoing. We analyze our potential liability on at least a quarterly basis. We accrue for environmental liabilities when they are probable and estimable. We estimate our share of the total future cost for these sites to be less than $5 million.

While joint and several liability is authorized under federal and state environmental laws, we believe the amounts we have paid and anticipate paying in the future for clean-up costs and damages at all sites are not material and will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. This assessment is based upon, among other things, the involvement of other PRPs at most of the sites, the status of the proceedings, including various settlement agreements and consent decrees, and the extended time period over which payments will likely be made. There can be no assurance, however, that future events will not require us to materially increase the amounts we anticipate paying for clean-up costs and damages at these sites, and that such increased amounts will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


 
17
 



China Facilities
Guangzhou Flavors plant
During 2015, the Company was notified by Chinese authorities of compliance issues pertaining to the emission of odors from several of its plants in China. As a result, the Company's Flavors facility in China was temporarily idled. Accordingly, the Company invested approximately $6.5 in odor-abatement equipment at these facilities to address these issues and is in the process of building a second Flavors site in China, which is expected to be completed during 2018. The net book value of the existing site approximates $73 million.
Zhejiang Ingredients plant
The Company has received a request from the Chinese government to relocate its Fragrance Ingredients plant in Zhejiang, China. The Company is in discussions with the government regarding the timing of the requested relocation and the amount and nature of government compensation to be provided to the Company. The net book value of the current site approximates $27 million. Depending upon the ultimate outcome of these discussions with the Chinese government, between $0-27 million of the remaining net book value may be subject to accelerated depreciation.
Total China Operations
The total carrying value of our five facilities in China (one of which is currently under construction) was approximately $130 million as of September 30, 2016.
If the Company is required to close a plant, or operate one at significantly reduced production levels on a permanent basis, the Company may be required to record charges that could have a material impact on its consolidated financial results of operations, financial position and cash flows in future periods.
Other Contingencies
The Company has contingencies involving third parties (such as labor, contract, technology or product-related claims or litigation) as well as government-related items in various jurisdictions in which we operate pertaining to such items as value-added taxes, other indirect taxes, customs and duties and sales and use taxes. It is possible that cash flows or results of operations, in any period, could be materially affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these contingencies.
The most significant government-related contingencies exist in Brazil. With regard to the Brazilian matters, we believe we have valid defenses for the underlying positions under dispute; however, in order to pursue these defenses, we are required to, and have provided, bank guarantees and pledged assets in the aggregate amount of $29.7 million. The Brazilian matters take an extended period of time to proceed through the judicial process and there are a limited number of rulings to date.
In March 2012, ZoomEssence, Inc. filed a complaint against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract and unjust enrichment in connection with certain spray dry technology disclosed to the Company. ZoomEssence is seeking an injunction and monetary damages. ZoomEssence initially sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, but the Court denied these applications in an order entered on September 27, 2013, finding that ZoomEssence had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of its claims. On November 3, 2014, ZoomEssence amended its complaint against the Company to include allegations of breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, fraud in the inducement, and misappropriation of confidential and proprietary information. On November 13, 2014, the Company filed a counterclaim against ZoomEssence alleging trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, misappropriation of confidential and proprietary information, common law unfair competition, tortious interference with contractual relations, and conversion. During the third quarter of 2016, the Court stayed the case and directed the parties to engage in mediation. The mediation, which took place in October 2016, did not result in a resolution of the litigation; we cannot reliably predict the timing of a trial, but it is expected that it would take place in 2017. Based on information available and expert assessment of potential exposure, the Company recorded an additional reserve of $25 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016.
The Company determines estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses in excess of related accrued liabilities, if any, when it has determined that either a loss is reasonably possible or a loss in excess of accrued amounts is reasonably possible and the amount of losses or range of losses is determinable. For all third party contingencies (including labor, contract, technology, tax, product-related claims and business litigation), the Company currently estimates that the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of any accrued liabilities is $0 to approximately $53 million. The estimates included in this amount are based on the Company’s analysis of currently available information and, as new information is obtained, these estimates may change. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and the unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not represent

 
18
 



the ultimate loss to the Company from the matters in question. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher or lower, and possibly significantly so, than the amounts accrued or the range disclosed above.
Separately, the Spanish tax authorities alleged claims for a capital tax and the Appellate Court rejected one of the two bases upon which we based our capital tax position. On January 22, 2014, we filed an appeal and in order to avoid future interest costs in the event our appeal was unsuccessful, we paid Euro 9.8 million ($11.2 million, representing the principal amount) during the first quarter of 2014. On February 24, 2016, we received a favorable ruling on our appeal from the Spanish Supreme Court which overruled a lower court ruling. As a result of this decision, we reversed the previously recorded provision of Euro 9.8 million ($10.5 million) for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2016, we recorded additional income of $2.3 million related to the finalization of amounts received from the authorities. This amount has principally been reflected as a reduction of administrative expense.

Note 14. Subsequent Events:

On November 3, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Fragrance Resources, a privately-held fragrance company with facilities in Germany, North America, France, and China. The transaction is expected to close in 2017.
 


 
19
 



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Company background
We create, manufacture and supply flavors and fragrances (including cosmetic active ingredients) that are used in the food, beverage, personal care and household products industries either in the form of compounds or individual ingredients, including cosmetic active ingredients. Our flavors and fragrance compounds combine a number of ingredients that are blended, mixed or reacted together to produce proprietary formulas created by our flavorists and perfumers.
Flavors are the key building blocks that impart taste experiences in food and beverage products and, as such, play a significant role in determining consumer preference of the end products in which they are used. As a leading creator of flavors, we help our customers deliver on the promise of delicious and healthy foods and drinks that appeal to consumers. While we are a global leader, our flavors business is more regional in nature, with different formulas that reflect local taste preferences. Our flavors compounds are ultimately used by our customers in four end-use categories: (1) Savory, (2) Beverages, (3) Sweet and (4) Dairy.
We are a global leader in the creation of fragrance compounds that are integral elements in the world’s finest perfumes and best-known consumer products, within fabric care, home care, personal wash, hair care and toiletries products. Our Fragrances business consists of Fragrance Compounds and Fragrance Ingredients. Our Fragrance Compounds are defined into two broad categories, (1) Fine Fragrances and (2) Consumer Fragrances. Consumer Fragrances consists of five end-use categories of products: (1) Fabric Care, (2) Home Care, (3) Personal Wash, (4) Hair Care and (5) Toiletries. In addition, Fragrance Ingredients, which are included in the Fragrances business unit, consist of active and functional ingredients that are used internally and sold to third parties, including customers and competitors, for use in preparation of compounds, and cosmetic active ingredients.
The flavors and fragrances market is part of a larger market which supplies a wide variety of ingredients and compounds that are used in consumer products. The broader market includes large multinational companies or smaller regional and local participants which supply products such as seasonings, texturizers, spices, enzymes, certain food-related commodities, fortified products and cosmetic active ingredients. The global market for flavors and fragrances has expanded consistently, primarily as a result of an increase in demand for, as well as an increase in the variety of, consumer products containing flavors and fragrances. In 2014, the flavors and fragrances market, in which we compete, was estimated by management to be at least $18 billion and is forecasted to grow to approximately $21.6 billion by 2019, primarily driven by expected growth in emerging markets; however the exact size of the global market is not available due to fragmentation of data. We estimate the market size for cosmetic active ingredients to be approximately $1.5 billion as of 2015. We, together with the other top three companies, are estimated to represent approximately two-thirds of the total estimated sales in the global flavors and fragrances sub-segment of the broader market.
On October 7, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of David Michael & Company, Inc. ("David Michael") for approximately $242 million. The purchase price was funded from existing resources. David Michael was acquired to strengthen the North American flavors business. This acquisition will be accounted for as a business combination and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2016.
During the second quarter of 2015, we completed the acquisition of Ottens Flavors, and in the third quarter of 2015, we completed the acquisition of Lucas Meyer. The acquisitions did not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of comprehensive income either individually or in aggregate.
2016 Overview
Net sales during the third quarter of 2016 increased 2% on a reported basis and 3% on a currency neutral basis (which excludes the effects of changes in currency), with the effect of the Lucas Meyer acquisition contributing approximately 1% to both reported and currency neutral basis growth rates. The currency neutral growth of 3% reflects new win performance (net of losses) in Flavors and Fragrance Compounds in addition to strong growth driven by the impact of acquisitions in Fragrance Ingredients and lower volume erosion on existing business in Flavors.
Exchange rate fluctuations had a 100 basis point (bps) unfavorable impact on net sales for the third quarter, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. The effect of exchange rates can vary by business and region, depending upon the mix of sales by destination country as well as the relative percentage of local sales priced in U.S. dollars versus local currencies.
Gross margins decreased year-over-year to 44.6% in the third quarter of 2016 from 45.4% in the 2015 period driven primarily by unfavorable mix, manufacturing performance and input costs which were only partially offset by cost savings and

 
20
 



productivity initiatives. Included in the third quarter of 2016 was $1.0 million of restructuring costs and operational improvement initiative costs, compared to $2.7 million of costs associated with acquisition-related and operational improvement initiative costs included in the third quarter of 2015. Excluding these items, gross margin decreased 100 bps compared to the prior year period. The overall raw material cost base continues to be essentially benign. We believe that we will continue to see higher prices on certain categories (such as naturals including vanilla) that will be largely offset by benefits associated with oil-based derivatives that are expected to continue in 2016. We continue to seek improvements in our margins through operational performance, cost reduction efforts and mix enhancement.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
Sales
Reported sales in the third quarter of 2016 increased approximately 2%. In currency neutral terms, sales increased 3%, reflecting new win performance in both Flavors and Fragrance Compounds, lower volume erosion on existing business in Flavors and the effect of the Lucas Meyer acquisition (which added approximately 1% to both reported and currency neutral basis amounts) in Fragrance Ingredients. We continue to benefit from our diverse portfolio of end-use product categories and geographies and had currency neutral growth in three of our four regions and all four of our end-use product categories. Flavors realized currency neutral growth of 3% for the third quarter of 2016, which was driven by new win performance and lower volume erosion on existing business. Our Fragrance business achieved currency neutral growth of 2%, driven primarily by strong growth within Fragrance Ingredients, which was driven entirely by the inclusion of acquisitions. Overall, our third quarter 2016 results include 5% growth from emerging markets and 2% growth from developed markets which represented 49% and 51% of currency neutral sales, respectively. From a geographic perspective, for the third quarter, North America (NOAM), Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME) and Greater Asia (GA) all delivered currency neutral growth in 2016, led by GA with 7%. Latin America (LA) sales declined 4% on a currency neutral basis.
Operating profit
Operating profit decreased $32.3 million to $124.3 million (16.0% of sales) in the 2016 third quarter compared to $156.7 million (20.5% of sales) in the comparable 2015 period. The third quarter of 2016 included $26.8 million of legal charges, acquisition-related, operational improvement initiative and restructuring costs compared to $7.1 million of acquisition-related and operational improvement initiative costs in the prior year period. Excluding these charges, adjusted operating profit was $151.1 million (19.4% of sales) for the third quarter of 2016, a decrease from $163.8 million (21.4% of sales) for the third quarter of 2015. Foreign currency changes had a 4% unfavorable impact on operating profit in the 2016 period compared to an unfavorable impact on operating profit of approximately 3% in the 2015 period versus the 2014 period.
Other (income) expense, net
Other (income) expense, net increased $4.2 million to $2.2 million of income in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $2.0 million of expense in the third quarter of 2015. The year-over-year increase is primarily driven by favorable year-over-year foreign exchange gains in 2016.
Net income
Net income decreased by $16.7 million quarter-over-quarter to $89.8 million for the third quarter of 2016, driven by the factors discussed above.
Cash flows
Cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $329.4 million or 14.0% of sales, compared to cash inflow from operations of $294.7 million or 12.8% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in cash flows from operations in 2016 was principally driven by lower pension contributions and lower core working capital requirements (trade receivables, inventories and accounts payable) for the 2016 period as compared to the 2015 period.






 
21
 



Results of Operations  
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
Net sales
$
777,001

 
$
765,092

 
2
 %
 
$
2,353,790

 
$
2,307,540

 
2
 %
Cost of goods sold
430,733

 
417,966

 
3
 %
 
1,281,673

 
1,269,097

 
1
 %
Gross profit
346,268

 
347,126

 
 
 
1,072,117

 
1,038,443

 
 
Research and development (R&D) expenses
64,415

 
62,750

 
3
 %
 
191,052

 
188,725

 
1
 %
Selling and administrative (S&A) expenses
152,046

 
122,249

 
24
 %
 
408,372

 
372,267

 
10
 %
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles
5,468

 
5,414

 
1
 %
 
16,659

 
10,293

 
62
 %
Restructuring and other charges, net

 

 
 %
 

 
(170
)
 
(100
)%
Operating profit
124,339

 
156,713

 
 
 
456,034

 
467,328

 
 
Interest expense
13,111

 
11,855

 
11
 %
 
40,649

 
34,357

 
18
 %
Other (income) expense
(2,162
)
 
1,959

 
(210
)%
 
(4,952
)
 
(3,315
)
 
49
 %
Income before taxes
113,390

 
142,899

 
 
 
420,337

 
436,286

 
 
Taxes on income
23,613

 
36,452

 
(35
)%
 
95,223

 
96,206

 
(1
)%
Net income
$
89,777

 
$
106,447

 
(16
)%
 
$
325,114

 
$
340,080

 
(4
)%
Diluted EPS
$
1.12

 
$
1.31

 
(15
)%
 
$
4.05

 
$
4.18

 
(3
)%
Gross margin
44.6
%
 
45.4
%
 
(80
)
 
45.5
%
 
45.0
%
 
50

R&D as a percentage of sales
8.3
%
 
8.2
%
 
10

 
8.1
%
 
8.2
%
 
(10
)
S&A as a percentage of sales
19.6
%
 
16.0
%
 
360

 
17.3
%
 
16.1
%
 
120

Operating margin
16.0
%
 
20.5
%
 
(450
)
 
19.4
%
 
20.3
%
 
(90
)
Adjusted operating margin (1)
19.4
%
 
21.4
%
 
(200
)
 
20.6
%
 
20.9
%
 
(30
)
Effective tax rate
20.8
%
 
25.5
%
 
(470
)
 
22.7
%
 
22.1
%
 
60

Segment net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flavors
$
366,857

 
$
359,103

 
2
 %
 
$
1,118,869

 
$
1,108,689

 
1
 %
Fragrances
410,144

 
405,989

 
1
 %
 
1,234,921

 
1,198,851

 
3
 %
Consolidated
$
777,001

 
$
765,092

 
 
 
$
2,353,790

 
$
2,307,540

 
 
 
(1)
Adjusted operating margin excludes $26.8 million consisting of legal charges, acquisition-related, operational improvement initiative and restructuring costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and excludes $7.1 million acquisition-related and operational improvement initiative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, adjusted operating margin excludes $27.9 million of legal charges, acquisition-related, operational improvement initiative and restructuring costs which were partially offset by the benefit of the Spanish capital tax settlement compared to the exclusion of $14.6 million of acquisition-related, restructuring and other charges, net and operational improvement initiative costs during the comparable 2015 period.
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials and manufacturing expenses. R&D expenses relate to the development of new and improved products, technical product support and compliance with governmental regulations. S&A expenses include expenses necessary to support our commercial activities and administrative expenses supporting our overall operating activities.

THIRD QUARTER 2016 IN COMPARISON TO THIRD QUARTER 2015
Sales
Sales for the third quarter of 2016 totaled $777.0 million, an increase of 2% from the prior year quarter. On a currency neutral basis sales increased 3%, as a result of new win performance in both Flavors and Fragrance Compounds, in addition to strong growth in Fragrance Ingredients (driven by the impact of acquisitions) and lower volume erosion on existing business in Flavors. On both a reported and currency neutral basis, the effect of the Lucas Meyer acquisition was approximately 1% to net sales amounts.


 
22
 



Flavors Business Unit
Flavors reported sales increased 2% from the prior year period while currency neutral sales increased 3% during the third quarter of 2016 compared to the 2015 period, which reflects new win performance and lower volume erosion on existing business. The currency neutral increase was due to mid single-digit growth in three of four end-use categories. The Flavors business delivered currency neutral growth in EAME and LA and GA, led by LA. Sales in LA were led by double-digit gains in Savory, Sweet and Dairy. EAME sales were driven by double-digit gains in Savory and Sweet, which were only partially offset by high single-digit declines in Beverage. Sales in GA were driven by double-digit gains in Beverage and low single-digit gains in Savory. NOAM sales declines were driven by high single-digit declines in Beverage.
Fragrances Business Unit
The Fragrances business sales increased of 1% on a reported basis and 2% on a currency neutral basis for the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015. Acquisitions accounted for substantially all of the growth on a reported basis and accounted for approximately half of the growth on a currency neutral basis. The overall currency neutral increase was primarily driven by high single-digit growth in Fragrance Ingredients, which is driven substantially by the inclusion of acquisitions, in addition to mid single-digit growth in Fabric Care and Personal Wash. Excluding the effects of acquisitions, Fragrance Ingredients sales increased low single-digits on a currency neutral basis.
Sales Performance by Region and Category
 
 
 
% Change in Sales - Third Quarter 2016 vs. Third Quarter 2015
 
 
Fine Fragrances
 
Consumer Fragrances
 
Ingredients
 
Total Frag.
 
Flavors
 
Total
NOAM
Reported
1
 %
 
5
 %
 
10
 %
 
6
 %
 
-1
 %
 
2
 %
EAME
Reported
-5
 %
 
0
 %
 
11
 %
 
1
 %
 
2
 %
 
1
 %
 
Currency Neutral (1)
-5
 %
 
0
 %
 
11
 %
 
1
 %
 
5
 %
 
3
 %
LA
Reported
-6
 %
 
-12
 %
 
-26
 %
 
-12
 %
 
4
 %
 
-6
 %
 
Currency Neutral (1)
-3
 %
 
-9
 %
 
-24
 %
 
-9
 %
 
7
 %
 
-4
 %
GA
Reported
15
 %
 
8
 %
 
22
 %
 
10
 %
 
4
 %
 
7
 %
 
Currency Neutral (1)
15
 %
 
8
 %
 
18
 %
 
10
 %
 
5
 %
 
7
 %
Total
Reported
-3
 %
 
0
 %
 
9
 %
 
1
 %
 
2
 %
 
2
 %
 
Currency Neutral (1)
-3
 %
 
1
 %
 
8
 %
 
2
 %
 
3
 %
 
3
 %
(1)
Currency neutral sales growth is calculated by translating prior year sales at the exchange rates for the corresponding 2016 period.

NOAM Flavors sales decreased 1% primarily due to high single-digit declines in Beverage that were only partially offset by low single-digit growth in Sweet. NOAM Fragrance sales increased 6% principally due to double-digit gains in Fragrance Ingredients (which included the impact of acquisitions) and Fabric Care as well as low single-digit growth in Fine Fragrances, which was partially offset by double-digit declines in Hair Care.
EAME Flavors currency neutral sales increased 5% primarily due to double-digit gains in Savory and Sweet, which were only partially offset by high single-digit declines in Beverage. EAME Fragrance currency neutral sales increased 1% overall, driven mainly by double-digit growth in Fragrance Ingredients (which included the impact of acquisitions) and Hair Care, which more than offset mid to low single-digit declines in Fine Fragrances, Fabric Care and Personal Wash.
LA Flavors currency neutral sales increased 7% driven by double-digit gains in Savory, Sweet and Dairy. LA Fragrances currency neutral sales decreased 9% overall, principally driven by double-digit declines in Fragrance Ingredients, Toiletries and Hair Care as well as mid to high single-digit declines in Fabric Care and Home Care.
GA Flavors currency neutral sales increased 5% from the prior year period driven by double-digit growth in Beverage and Dairy and low single-digit growth in Savory. GA Fragrances currency neutral sales growth of 10% was principally driven by double-digit gains in Fragrance Ingredients (which included the impact of acquisitions) Personal Wash and Home Care as well as high single-digit gains in Fabric Care.

Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold, as a percentage of sales, increased 80 bps to 55.4% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 54.6% in the third quarter of 2015, principally driven by unfavorable mix, manufacturing performance and input costs which were only partially offset by cost savings and productivity initiatives. Included in cost of goods sold was $1.0 million of restructuring and

 
23
 



operational improvement costs in 2016 compared to $2.7 million of acquisition-related and operational improvement initiative costs in 2015.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
Overall R&D expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased slightly compared to the prior year period at 8.3% in the third quarter of 2016 versus 8.2% in the third quarter of 2015.
Selling and Administrative (S&A) Expenses
S&A expenses increased $29.8 million to $152.0 million or 19.6%, as a percentage of sales, in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 16.0% in the third quarter of 2015. The $29.8 million increase was principally due to costs associated with S&A expenses of acquired entities as well as strategic investments, compliance and litigation-related costs that are expected to continue in the fourth quarter and approximately $25.8 million of legal charges and acquisition-related costs in 2016. Excluding the $25.8 million of legal charges and acquisition-related costs included in 2016 and the $4.4 million of acquisition-related costs in 2015, adjusted S&A expenses increased by $8.4 million and was 16.2% of sales in 2016 compared to 15.4% in 2015.
Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangibles
Amortization expenses remained consistent at $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2015.
Operating Results by Business Unit
We evaluate the performance of business units based on segment profit which is defined as operating profit before Restructuring and other charges, net, Global expenses (as discussed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and certain non-recurring items, net, Interest expense, Other (expense) income, net and Taxes on income. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the reconciliation to Income before taxes. 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2016
 
2015
Segment profit:
 
 
 
Flavors
$
77,512

 
$
79,803

Fragrances
85,010

 
90,893

Global expenses
(11,405
)
 
(6,874
)
Restructuring and other charges, net
(190
)
 

Acquisition and related costs
(786
)
 
(6,830
)
Operational improvement initiative costs
(802
)
 
(279
)
Legal charge
(25,000
)
 

Operating profit
$
124,339

 
$
156,713

Profit margin:
 
 
 
Flavors
21.1
%
 
22.2
%
Fragrances
20.7
%
 
22.4
%
Consolidated
16.0
%
 
20.5
%

Flavors Segment Profit
Flavors segment profit decreased to $77.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, or 21.1% as a percentage of sales, compared to $79.8 million, or 22.2% as a percentage of sales, in the comparable 2015 period. The decrease principally reflects unfavorable mix, input costs and increased S&A which were only partially offset by cost savings and productivity initiatives.
Fragrances Segment Profit
Fragrances segment profit decreased approximately 6.5% to $85.0 million in the third quarter of 2016, or 20.7% as a percentage of sales, compared to $90.9 million, or 22.4% as a percentage of sales, in the comparable 2015 period. The decrease in segment profit and profit margin was primarily due to unfavorable mix, manufacturing performance and increased S&A which were only partially offset by cost savings and productivity initiatives.


 
24
 



Global Expenses
Global expenses represent corporate and headquarters-related expenses which include legal, finance, human resources and R&D and other administrative expenses that are not allocated to an individual business unit. In the third quarter of 2016, Global expenses were $11.4 million compared to $6.9 million during the third quarter of 2015. The increase was principally driven by lower favorable impact from the cash flow hedging program in the current year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $1.2 million to $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $11.9 million in the 2015 period reflecting the impact of borrowings under the Euro Senior Notes - 2016. Average cost of debt was 3.7% for the 2016 period compared to 4.3% for the 2015 period.
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (income) expense, net increased by approximately $4.2 million to $2.2 million of income in the third quarter of 2016 versus $2.0 million of expense in the comparable 2015 period. The year-over-year increase is primarily driven by higher foreign exchange gains in 2016.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was 20.8% compared with 25.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The quarter-over-quarter decrease is largely due to favorable mix of earnings and a lower cost of repatriation, partially offset by higher loss provisions in 2016. Excluding the $9.3 million tax benefit associated with the pretax legal charge, acquisition-related, operational improvement initiatives and restructuring costs included in the current quarter, the third quarter 2016 adjusted effective tax rate was 23.5%, or 140 bps lower than the third quarter 2015 adjusted effective tax rate of 24.9%. The 2015 adjusted effective tax rate excluded $0.9 million of tax benefit associated with the pretax acquisition-related and operational improvement initiative costs.

FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2016 IN COMPARISON TO FIRST NINE MONTHS 2015
Sales
Sales for the first nine months of 2016 totaled $2.4 billion, an increase of 2% from the prior year period. On a currency neutral basis sales increased 4%, as a result of new win performance in both Flavors and Fragrance Compounds, in addition to strong growth in Fragrance Ingredients, driven by the impact of acquisitions and lower volume erosion on existing business in Flavors. On both a reported and currency neutral basis, the effect of acquisitions was approximately 2% to net sales amounts. Overall currency neutral growth included 4% growth from both developed and emerging markets.
Flavors Business Unit
Flavors reported sales increased 1% against the prior year period while currency neutral sales increased 4% during the first nine months of 2016 compared to the 2015 period, with approximately half of the growth driven by the inclusion of acquisitions in both reported and currency neutral basis amounts. In addition, the overall performance reflects new win performance and lower volume erosion. The currency neutral increase was due to low to mid single-digit growth in all four end-use categories. The Flavors business delivered currency neutral growth in all four regions, led by NOAM and GA. Sales in NOAM were led by high single-digit gains in Sweet and low single-digit gains in Beverage. Sales in GA were driven by high single-digit gains in Dairy as well as mid single-digit gains in Sweet and Beverage. LA sales were driven by double-digit gains in Savory and Dairy. EAME sales were driven by mid to high single-digit gains in Sweet and Dairy.
Fragrances Business Unit
The Fragrances business experienced an increase of 3% in reported sales and a 5% increase in currency neutral sales for the first nine months of 2016 compared to the 2015 period. Acquisitions accounted for primarily all of the growth on a reported basis and approximately two-thirds of the growth on a currency neutral basis. The overall currency neutral increase was primarily driven by double-digit growth in Fragrance Ingredients, which is driven entirely by the inclusion of acquisitions, as well as mid single-digit growth in Fabric Care and high single-digit growth in Personal Wash. Excluding the effects of acquisitions, Fragrance Ingredients sales declined low single-digits on a currency neutral basis.



 
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Sales Performance by Region and Category
 
 
 
% Change in Sales - First Nine Months 2016 vs. First Nine Months 2015
 
 
Fine Fragrances
 
Consumer Fragrances
 
Ingredients
 
Total Frag.
 
Flavors
 
Total
NOAM
Reported
3
 %
 
7
 %
 
18
 %
 
9