Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended February 28, 2009

Commission File Number: 1-9852

 

CHASE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Massachusetts

 

11-1797126

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
of organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

26 Summer Street, Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02324

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

 

(508) 279-1789

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company  o

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES  o     NO  x

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2009 was 8,544,372.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

For the Quarter Ended February 28, 2009

 

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1 – Unaudited Financial Statements

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2009 and August 31, 2008

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008

4

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended February 28, 2009

5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008

6

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

14

 

 

Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

21

 

 

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

21

 

 

Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

22

 

 

Item 1A – Risk Factors

22

 

 

Item 4 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

22

 

 

Item 6 – Exhibits

23

 

 

SIGNATURES

24

 

2



Table of Contents

 

Part 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 — Unaudited Financial Statements

 

CHASE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

February 28,
2009

 

August 31,
2008

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash & cash equivalents

 

$

2,571,573

 

$

3,917,018

 

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $354,965 and $446,840

 

12,681,270

 

18,968,989

 

Inventories

 

15,945,015

 

16,460,923

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,140,120

 

767,187

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,309,801

 

1,309,801

 

Total current assets

 

33,647,779

 

41,423,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

23,774,385

 

21,904,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

14,014,746

 

15,131,187

 

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $4,168,042 and $4,112,600

 

4,490,086

 

5,874,505

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

5,190,698

 

5,111,099

 

Restricted investments

 

519,626

 

825,282

 

Other assets

 

25,005

 

26,009

 

 

 

$

81,662,325

 

$

90,296,742

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

4,545,228

 

$

7,695,539

 

Accrued payroll and other compensation

 

1,053,558

 

3,649,271

 

Accrued stock based compensation

 

2,057,595

 

1,676,076

 

Accrued expenses - current

 

2,691,609

 

4,843,295

 

Total current liabilities

 

10,347,990

 

17,864,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

655,422

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

1,542,916

 

2,259,617

 

Accrued pension obligation

 

3,683,002

 

3,350,998

 

Accrued expenses

 

183,842

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

323,835

 

635,842

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

First Serial Preferred Stock,  $1.00 par value: Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued Common stock, $.10 par value: Authorized 20,000,000 shares; 8,544,372 at February 28, 2009 and 8,396,162 at August 31, 2008 issued and outstanding

 

854,437

 

839,616

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

5,434,232

 

4,276,872

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

(3,109,420

)

(1,132,129

)

Retained earnings

 

61,746,069

 

62,201,745

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

64,925,318

 

66,186,104

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

81,662,325

 

$

90,296,742

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

22,751,118

 

$

27,871,519

 

$

53,357,764

 

$

62,095,397

 

Royalty and commissions

 

252,929

 

375,058

 

714,788

 

787,018

 

 

 

23,004,047

 

28,246,577

 

54,072,552

 

62,882,415

 

Costs and Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products and services sold

 

17,639,696

 

19,708,382

 

39,199,050

 

42,672,334

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

4,847,097

 

5,660,308

 

10,880,642

 

11,863,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

517,254

 

2,877,887

 

3,992,860

 

8,346,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(5,046

)

(62,751

)

(10,335

)

(145,703

)

Other income, net

 

209,168

 

144,808

 

326,011

 

273,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

721,376

 

2,959,944

 

4,308,536

 

8,474,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

266,909

 

1,095,179

 

1,594,158

 

3,135,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

454,467

 

$

1,864,765

 

$

2,714,378

 

$

5,339,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common and common equivalent share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.65

 

Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

8,402,995

 

8,280,098

 

8,401,041

 

8,226,315

 

Diluted

 

8,729,540

 

8,633,253

 

8,715,448

 

8,570,050

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

4



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

SIX MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Other

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Comprehensive

 

Retained

 

Stockholders’

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Income

 

Earnings

 

Equity

 

Income

 

Balance at August 31, 2008

 

8,396,162

 

$

839,616

 

$

4,276,872

 

$

(1,132,129

)

$

62,201,745

 

$

66,186,104

 

 

 

Change in accounting for split dollar life insurance arrangement pursuant to adoption of EITF 06-04 and 06-10 (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(183,842

)

(183,842

)

 

 

Restricted stock grants

 

145,210

 

14,521

 

(14,521

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of restricted stock grants

 

 

 

 

 

582,607

 

 

 

 

 

582,607

 

 

 

Amortization of stock option grants

 

 

 

 

 

124,333

 

 

 

 

 

124,333

 

 

 

Reclass of previously accrued stock based compensation related to restricted stock and stock options from accrued liabilities to equity

 

 

 

 

 

443,263

 

 

 

 

 

443,263

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

3,000

 

300

 

15,450

 

 

 

 

 

15,750

 

 

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

6,228

 

 

 

 

 

6,228

 

 

 

Cash dividend paid, $0.35 per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,986,212

)

(2,986,212

)

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,944,533

)

 

 

(1,944,533

)

$

(1,944,533

)

Net unrealized loss on restricted investments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32,758

)

 

 

(32,758

)

(32,758

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,714,378

 

2,714,378

 

2,714,378

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

737,087

 

Balance at February 28, 2009

 

8,544,372

 

$

854,437

 

$

5,434,232

 

$

(3,109,420

)

$

61,746,069

 

$

64,925,318

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

5



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,714,378

 

$

5,339,161

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

1,416,212

 

1,342,836

 

Amortization

 

468,546

 

587,484

 

Provision for losses on trade receivables

 

(76,991

)

28,039

 

Stock based compensation

 

1,120,677

 

925,590

 

Realized loss (gain) on restricted investments

 

190,213

 

(63,242

)

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

(6,228

)

(308,759

)

Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

5,948,666

 

1,418,424

 

Inventories

 

255,091

 

(3,290,128

)

Prepaid expenses & other assets

 

(407,091

)

(178,182

)

Accounts payable

 

(3,125,163

)

284,944

 

Accrued expenses

 

(3,457,741

)

(125,630

)

Accrued income taxes

 

1,414,779

 

(234,754

)

Deferred compensation

 

(716,701

)

(823,531

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

5,738,647

 

4,902,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(3,606,880

)

(1,497,078

)

Contingent purchase price for acquisition

 

 

(5,277

)

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(334,507

)

(1,489,769

)

Withdrawals from restricted investments, net of contributions

 

60,846

 

148,066

 

Distributions from cost based investment

 

1,004

 

20,619

 

Payments for cash surrender value life insurance, net of valuation decrease

 

(79,599

)

(61,599

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,959,136

)

(2,885,038

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings on long-term debt

 

12,290,479

 

14,719,810

 

Payments of principal on debt

 

(11,635,057

)

(16,336,601

)

Dividend paid

 

(2,986,212

)

(2,067,715

)

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 

15,750

 

127,437

 

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

6,228

 

308,759

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(2,308,812

)

(3,248,310

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECREASE IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(529,301

)

(1,231,096

)

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash

 

(816,144

)

(73,358

)

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

3,917,018

 

2,443,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

2,571,573

 

$

1,139,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of stock based compensation previously accrued for

 

$

105,000

 

$

105,000

 

Common stock received for payment of stock option exercises

 

$

 

$

21,000

 

Property, plant & equipment additions included in accounts payable

 

$

132,052

 

$

 

Acquisition holdback payments, previously accrued for

 

$

302,869

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

6



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Therefore, they do not include all information and footnote disclosure necessary for a complete presentation of Chase Corporation’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Chase Corporation (“Chase” or the “Company”) filed audited financial statements which included all information and notes necessary for such presentation for the three years ended August 31, 2008 in conjunction with the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of February 28, 2009, the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, and changes in stockholders’ equity for the interim period ended February 28, 2009.

 

The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company uses the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency for financial reporting.  Foreign currency translation gains and losses are determined using current exchange rates for monetary items and historical exchange rates for other balance sheet items and are recorded as a change in other comprehensive income.

 

Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to be consistent with the current year presentation.  In the quarter ended November 30, 2008, the Company reclassed $443,263 of stock based compensation awards from accrued liabilities to stockholders’ equity.  The Company determined that the stock based compensation previously recorded in fiscal 2008 as a liability should be recorded in stockholder’s equity due to the fact that these awards were going to be settled in equity shares.  This reclassification entry had no impact on the statement of operations or cash flows.

 

The results of operations for the interim period ended February 28, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period or the entire fiscal year.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2008, which are contained in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Note 2 — Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following as of February 28, 2009 and August 31, 2008:

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

August 31, 2008

 

Raw materials

 

$

9,297,574

 

$

8,984,695

 

Finished and in process

 

6,647,441

 

7,476,228

 

Total Inventories

 

$

15,945,015

 

$

16,460,923

 

 

7



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 3 — Net Income Per Share

 

Net income per share is calculated as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

Net income

 

$

454,467

 

$

1,864,765

 

$

2,714,378

 

$

5,339,161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

8,402,995

 

8,280,098

 

8,401,041

 

8,226,315

 

Additional dilutive common stock equivalents

 

326,545

 

353,155

 

314,407

 

343,735

 

Diluted shares outstanding

 

8,729,540

 

8,633,253

 

8,715,448

 

8,570,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share - Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.65

 

Net income per share - Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.62

 

 

For the three and six months ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008, stock options to purchase 250,000 and 0 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted income per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common stock and thus would be anti-dilutive.

 

Note 4 — Stock Based Compensation

 

In August 2007, the Board of Directors of Chase Corporation approved a plan for issuing a performance and service based restricted stock grant of 48,600 shares to key members of management with an issue date of September 1, 2007 and a vesting date of August 31, 2010.  Based on the fiscal year 2008 financial results, 82,214 additional shares of restricted stock (total of 130,814 shares) were granted in the quarter ended November 30, 2008 in accordance with the performance measurement criteria.  Subsequent to fiscal year 2008, no further performance-based measurements apply to this award.  Compensation expense is being recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.

 

In August 2008, the Board of Directors of Chase Corporation approved a plan for issuing a performance and service based restricted stock grant of 50,657 shares to key members of management with an issue date of September 1, 2008 and a vesting date of August 31, 2011.  These shares are subject to a performance measurement based upon the results of fiscal year 2009 which will determine the final calculation of the number of shares that will be issued (which may be greater than or less than 50,657 shares). Compensation expense is being recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period based on quarterly probability assessments.

 

As part of their annual retainer, non-employee members of the Board of Directors receive a combined total of $135,000 of Chase Corporation common stock, in the form of Restricted Stock valued at the closing price of the day preceding the first day of the new year of Board service which generally coincides with the Company’s annual shareholder meeting.  The stock award vests one year from the date of grant.  In January 2009, non-employee members of the Board received a total grant of 12,339 shares of restricted stock for service for the period from February 1, 2009 through February 1, 2010.  The shares of restricted stock will vest at the conclusion of this service period.  Compensation is being recognized on a ratable basis over the twelve month vesting period.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 5 — Segment Information

 

The Company operates in two business segments, a Specialized Manufacturing segment and an Electronic Manufacturing Services segment.  Specialized Manufacturing products include insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, protective coatings for pipeline applications and moisture protective coatings for electronics and printing services.  Electronic Manufacturing Services include printed circuit board and electromechanical assembly services for the electronics industry.  The Company evaluates segment performance based upon income before income taxes.

 

The following table summarizes information about the Company’s reportable segments:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

$

18,963,495

 

$

24,205,162

 

$

45,671,197

 

$

53,795,869

 

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

4,040,552

 

4,041,415

 

8,401,355

 

9,086,546

 

Total

 

$

23,004,047

 

$

28,246,577

 

$

54,072,552

 

$

62,882,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

$

1,429,121

 

$

3,752,907

 

$

6,351,704

 

$

10,200,770

 

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

397,153

 

470,253

 

722,603

 

1,046,220

 

Total for reportable segments

 

1,826,274

 

4,223,160

 

7,074,307

 

11,246,990

 

Corporate and Common Costs

 

(1,104,898

)

(1,263,216

)

(2,765,771

)

(2,772,132

)

Total

 

$

721,376

 

$

2,959,944

 

$

4,308,536

 

$

8,474,858

 

 

The Company’s products are sold world-wide with no foreign geographic area accounting for more than 10% of revenues for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008.

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

August 31, 2008

 

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

$

59,257,523

 

$

63,242,063

 

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

12,742,861

 

13,819,114

 

Total for reportable segments

 

72,000,384

 

77,061,177

 

Corporate and Common Assets

 

9,771,941

 

13,235,565

 

Total

 

$

81,772,325

 

$

90,296,742

 

 

As of February 28, 2009 and August 31, 2008, the Company had long-lived assets (defined as providing the company with a future economic benefit beyond the current year or operating period, including buildings, equipment, goodwill and other intangibles) of $8,161,524 and $10,793,325, respectively, located in the United Kingdom.  The decrease in gross carrying value of these long-lived assets for the six months ended February 28, 2009 is primarily due to foreign currency translation loss.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 6 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by reportable segment, are as follows:

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

Electronic
Manufacturing
Services

 

Consolidated

 

Balance at August 31, 2008

 

$

9,132,299

 

$

5,998,888

 

$

15,131,187

 

Acquisition of Capital Services - working capital adjustment

 

31,638

 

 

31,638

 

FX translation adjustment

 

(1,148,079

)

 

(1,148,079

)

Balance at February 28, 2009

 

$

8,015,858

 

$

5,998,888

 

$

14,014,746

 

 

The Company evaluates the possible impairment of goodwill annually each fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following at February 28, 2009 and August 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Net Carrying

 

 

 

Amortization Period

 

Value

 

Amortization

 

Value

 

February 28, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents and agreements

 

12.7 years

 

$

2,226,571

 

$

1,974,994

 

$

251,577

 

Formulas

 

9.5 years

 

1,117,627

 

455,302

 

662,325

 

Trade names

 

3.7 years

 

269,277

 

226,274

 

43,003

 

Customer lists and relationships

 

10.3 years

 

5,033,038

 

1,511,472

 

3,521,566

 

 

 

 

 

$

8,646,513

 

$

4,168,042

 

$

4,478,471

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents and agreements

 

12.5 years

 

$

2,280,827

 

$

1,893,566

 

$

387,261

 

Formulas

 

9.2 years

 

1,261,235

 

431,204

 

830,031

 

Trade names

 

3.8 years

 

281,294

 

204,269

 

77,025

 

Customer lists and relationships

 

10.4 years

 

6,152,134

 

1,583,561

 

4,568,573

 

 

 

 

 

$

9,975,490

 

$

4,112,600

 

$

5,862,890

 

 

In addition to the intangible assets summarized above, the Company also has corporate trademarks with an indefinite life and a carrying value of $11,615 at February 28, 2009 and August 31, 2008.

 

The decrease in gross carrying value of intangible assets for the six months ended February 28, 2009 is due to a foreign currency translation loss of $1,328,977 related to the intangible assets associated with the Company’s European operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the six months ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 was $468,546 and $587,484, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year 2009 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

 

Years ending August 31,

 

 

 

2009 (remaining six months)

 

$

 503,206

 

2010

 

915,309

 

2011

 

775,566

 

2012

 

754,988

 

2013

 

638,099

 

2014

 

581,595

 

 

 

$

4,168,763

 

 

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in management’s opinion, is likely to seriously harm the Company’s business, results of operations, financial conditions or cash flows.

 

The Company is one of over 100 defendants in a personal injury lawsuit, pending in Ohio, which alleges personal injury from exposure to asbestos contained in certain Chase products.  The plaintiff in the case issued discovery requests to Chase in August 2005, to which Chase timely responded in September 2005.  The trial had initially been scheduled to begin on April 30, 2007.  However, that date was postponed and no new trial date has been set.  As of March 31, 2009, there have been no new developments as this Ohio lawsuit has been inactive with respect to Chase.

 

Note 8 - Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

Service cost

 

$

107,990

 

$

103,313

 

$

215,980

 

$

206,626

 

Interest cost

 

136,705

 

125,913

 

273,410

 

251,826

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(112,034

)

(101,714

)

(224,068

)

(203,428

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

22,855

 

21,996

 

45,710

 

43,992

 

Amortization of unrecognized loss

 

13,518

 

10,122

 

27,036

 

20,244

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

169,034

 

$

159,630

 

$

338,068

 

$

319,260

 

 

When funding is required, the Company’s policy is to contribute amounts that are deductible for federal income tax purposes.  As of February 28, 2009, the Company had not made any contributions in the current fiscal year to fund its obligations under the pension plan.  However, the Company plans to contribute $250,000 to fund pension plan obligations in the fiscal year ending August 31, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 9 – Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements

 

In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a final consensus on Issue 06-04, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.  In March 2007, the EITF reached a final conclusion on Issue 06–10, Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.  Both of these Issues stipulate that an agreement by an employer to make life insurance premium payments and/or share a portion of the proceeds of a life insurance policy with an employee during the postretirement period is a postretirement benefit arrangement required to be accounted for by the employer.  The Issues conclude that the purchase of a split-dollar life insurance policy does not constitute a settlement and, therefore, a liability for the postretirement obligation must be recognized.  EITF Issues 06-04 and 06-10 allow the Company to record the initial recognition of the liability through stockholders’ equity.

 

The Company adopted EITF Issues 06-04 and 06-10 on September 1, 2008.  The net liability related to these postretirement benefits was calculated as the difference between the present value of future premiums to be paid by the Company reduced by the present value of the expected proceeds to be returned to the Company upon the insured’s death.  The Company prepared its calculation by using mortality assumptions which were based on the 2008 Combined Static Mortality Table, and an appropriate discount rate.  Upon the adoption of EITF Issues 06-04 and 06-10, the Company recorded a decrease of $183,842 to stockholders’ equity which represents the Company’s net liability related to these postretirement obligations.  Ongoing expenses in future years will be recognized through operations.

 

Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). The provisions of FAS 157 define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements.   FAS 157 is effective for financial assets and financial liabilities for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  FSP 157-2 “Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of Statement 157,” deferred the effective date of FAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities except for those that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

 

The implementation of FAS 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities, effective September 1, 2008 for the Company, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of FAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

FAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  FAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

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Table of Contents

 

CHASE CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The Company has determined that it does not have any financial liabilities measured at fair value and that its financial assets are currently all classified within Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value measurements at February 28, 2009 using:

 

 

 

Balance at 02/28/09

 

Quoted prices
in active markets
(Level 1)

 

Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
unobservable inputs
(Level 3)

 

Restricted investments

 

$

519,626

 

$

519,626

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

$

519,626

 

$

519,626

 

$

 

$

 

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — including an amendment of FAS No. 115”, (“FAS 159”).  FAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis (the fair value option). Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are to be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. Upon adoption of FAS 159 as of September 1, 2008, the Company elected to not apply the provisions of FAS 159 to its eligible assets and liabilities.   As such, the adoption of FAS 159 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 11 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS 141.  FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; expensing acquisition related costs as incurred; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  FAS 141R is to be applied prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company expects that FAS 141R will have an impact on accounting for future business combinations once adopted, but the effect is dependent upon acquisitions at that time.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion provides an analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008.

 

Overview

 

The Company continues to face challenges in the current economic environment as both sales and profits across most of the Company’s product lines remain down from the prior year.  While the Company’s second quarter ending in February is traditionally a slower time of year for many of its product offerings, this year has also been influenced by the global recession that has led to decreased demand and uncertainty for consumer and industrial products.   As discussed in the prior quarter, the financial results of the Company’s European Operations continue to be negatively impacted by the weakening pound sterling and euro whose values against the dollar have decreased 28% and 16%, respectively, from February 2008 to February 2009.  In spite of the decreased demand that has impacted sales volumes, management continues to be focused on maximizing production efficiencies across all product lines to maintain profit margins.

 

Revenues for the Chase Electronic Manufacturing Services business remained relatively flat in the second quarter as compared to the prior year period, as the focus on expanding this segment’s customer base has helped offset reduced demand for products and services from many of this segment’s key customers as they continue to assess inventory levels and their own customer demand.  We expect this segment’s operating results to continue to be profitable, but not at the same level observed in the prior fiscal year.  For the remainder of fiscal 2009, management’s attention will be on maintaining a healthy backlog of customer orders and proactively managing overhead costs.

 

Given the current economy, the Company has placed added importance on its supply chain management, consolidation goals and continuous improvement programs.  Cost control efforts have been intensified but are balanced with strategic investment to increase capabilities and productivity.  As part of this effort, the Company has acquired property (land and building) in Oxford, MA to reduce off-site storage expenses and provide capacity for future growth.   The Company has a strong balance sheet with substantial borrowing capacity for acquisition opportunities and facility reorganization needs.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The Company has two reportable segments summarized below:

 

Segment

 

Product Lines

 

Manufacturing Focus and Products

Specialized Manufacturing

 

·   Wire and Cable

·   Electronic Coatings

·   Transportation

·   Pipeline

·   Construction

·   Packaging and Industrial

·   Digital and Print Media

 

Produces protective coatings and tape products including insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, protective coatings for pipeline applications, moisture protective coatings for electronics, high performance polymeric asphalt additives, expansion and control joint systems for use in the transportation and architectural markets, and custom pressure sensitive labels.

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

·   Contract Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

Provides assembly and turnkey contract manufacturing services including printed circuit board and electromechanical assembly services to the electronics industry operating principally in the United States.

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues and Operating Profit by Segment are as follows (dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

Revenues from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

$

18,963

 

82

%

$

24,205

 

86

%

$

45,671

 

84

%

$

53,796

 

86

%

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

4,041

 

18

%

4,042

 

14

%

8,402

 

16

%

9,086

 

14

%

Total

 

$

23,004

 

 

 

$

28,247

 

 

 

$

54,073

 

 

 

$

62,882

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

$

1,429

 

8

%

$

3,753

 

16

%

$

6,352

 

14

%

$

10,201

 

19

%

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

397

 

10

%

470

 

12

%

722

 

9

%

1,046

 

12

%

Total for reportable segments

 

1,826

 

8

%

4,223

 

15

%

7,074

 

13

%

11,247

 

18

%

Corporate and Common Costs

 

(1,105

)

 

 

(1,263

)

 

 

(2,765

)

 

 

(2,772

)

 

 

Total

 

$

721

 

3

%

$

2,960

 

10

%

$

4,309

 

8

%

$

8,475

 

13

%

 

Note:  Percentages listed represent % of Revenues from External Customers (for each respective segment and period)

 

Total Revenues

 

Total revenues decreased $5,243,000 or 19% to $23,004,000 for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $28,247,000 in the same quarter of the prior year.  Total revenues decreased $8,809,000 or 14% to $54,073,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $62,882,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.

 

Revenues from the Company’s Specialized Manufacturing segment decreased $5,242,000 and $8,125,000, in the current quarter and year to date periods, respectively.    The decrease in revenues as compared to the prior year periods is primarily due to the following for the current quarter and year to date periods, respectively: (a) decreased sales of $1,699,000 and $2,546,000 in the Electronic Coatings product lines due to decreased demand in the electronic and automotive markets; (b) decreased sales of $1,058,000 and $2,435,000 in the Pipeline and Construction product lines; (c) decreased sales of $26,000 and $1,258,000 in the Transportation product line (primarily a result of the strike at Boeing which negatively impacted sales of our Insulfab product); (d) decreased sales of $358,000 and $958,000 in the Digital & Print Media product line; and (e) decreased sales of $1,445,000 and $1,559,000 in the Wire & Cable market primarily due to decreased demand in the energy and communications markets.  These decreases in revenues were partially offset by increased year to date sales of $815,000 from Chase Protective Coatings Ltd., which was formed by the Company in September 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Compared to the prior year periods, revenues from the Company’s Electronic Manufacturing Services segment decreased $1,000 and $685,000 in the current quarter and year to date periods, respectively.  Although this business is facing softness in some key market segments, revenues remained relatively flat in the current quarter compared to the prior year period.  Sales from new customers and increased orders received from several existing customers offset reduced demand due to the economic recession. This segment’s decrease in year to date sales compared to the prior year period is primarily a result of decreased customer orders as many of the Company’s key customers continue to assess their inventory levels and closely monitor their own customers’ demand during this economic downturn.

 

Cost of Products and Services Sold

 

Cost of products and services sold decreased $2,068,000 or 10% to $17,640,000 for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $19,708,000 in the prior year quarter.  Cost of products and services sold decreased $3,473,000 or 8% to $39,199,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $42,672,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.

 

Cost of products and services sold in the Company’s Specialized Manufacturing segment were $14,279,000 and $32,117,000 in the current quarter and year to date periods compared to $16,436,000 and $35,242,000 in the comparable periods in the prior year.  Cost of products and services sold in the Company’s Electronic Manufacturing Services segment were $3,361,000 and $7,082,000 in the current quarter and year to date periods compared to $3,272,000 and $7,430,000 in the comparable periods in the prior year.

 

The following table summarizes the relative percentages of revenues for costs of products and services sold for both of the Company’s reporting segments:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

February 28, 2009

 

February 29, 2008

 

Specialized Manufacturing

 

75

%

68

%

70

%

66

%

Electronic Manufacturing Services

 

83

%

81

%

84

%

82

%

Total

 

77

%

70

%

72

%

68

%

 

As a percentage of revenues, cost of products and services sold in the Specialized Manufacturing segment was higher primarily due to decreased sales of higher margin products and the increased share of total sales that were made up of lower margin products, coupled with the impact of fixed manufacturing overhead costs on a lower revenue base.  Additionally, margin pressures across many of the Company’s key product lines remain a challenge as management works to hold selling prices firm in light of the decrease in the cost of petroleum based raw materials compared to last year.

 

The increase in dollar value of cost of products and services sold for the current quarter as compared to the prior year period for the Electronic Manufacturing Services segment is primarily due to additional costs related to facility and production improvements which were incurred as a result of this segment’s focus on new customer business.  As a percentage of revenues, cost of products and services sold in this segment increased due to continued competitive pricing pressures and the previously mentioned additional facility and production improvement costs.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $813,000 or 14% to $4,847,000 for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $5,660,000 in the prior year quarter.    Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $982,000 or 8% to $10,881,000 in the fiscal year to date period compared to $11,863,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.

 

The decrease in the current quarter and year to date period over the prior year periods is primarily attributable to the Company’s continued emphasis on cost control with selling and administrative expenses, including reduced annual incentive compensation and external consulting costs.  Additionally, lower revenues for the current quarter and year to date periods as compared to the prior year periods have led to decreased sales commissions and other selling related expenses.  The year to date decrease was partially offset by increased stock based compensation of $195,000 in fiscal 2009 primarily related to additional shares of restricted stock issued in September 2008 based on the Company’s financial results for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008.  In accordance with the Company’s long term incentive plan, compensation expense related to these shares is being recognized on a ratable basis over the three year vesting period ending August 31, 2010.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense decreased $58,000 or 92% to $5,000 for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $63,000 in the prior year quarter.  Interest expense decreased $136,000 or 93% to $10,000 for the fiscal year to date period ended February 28, 2009 compared to $146,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.  The decrease in interest expense in both the current quarter and year to date period is a direct result of a reduction in the Company’s overall debt balances through principal payments from operating cash flow and an overall decrease in interest rates.

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

Other income increased $64,000 or 44% to $209,000 for the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $145,000 in the prior year quarter.  Other income increased $52,000 or 19% to $326,000 for the fiscal year to date period ended February 28, 2009 compared to $274,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008. Other income includes bank interest earned by the Company’s Humiseal Europe division and monthly rental income of $14,875 on property (building and land) owned by the Company and leased to Sunburst Electronic Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. under a thirty-six month rental agreement commencing on December 1, 2006 and expiring on November 30, 2009.

 

Net Income

 

Net income decreased $1,411,000 or 76% to $454,000 in the quarter ended February 28, 2009 compared to $1,865,000 in the prior year quarter.  Net income decreased $2,625,000 or 49% to $2,714,000 for the fiscal year to date period ended February 28, 2009 compared to $5,339,000 in the same period in fiscal 2008.   The decrease in net income in both the current quarter and year to date periods compared to the prior year periods is a direct result of decreased revenue across the Company’s core product lines as discussed previously.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

The Company’s cash balance decreased $1,345,000 to $2,572,000 at February 28, 2009 from $3,917,000 at August 31, 2008.  Generally, the Company manages its borrowings and payments under its revolving line of credit in order to utilize cash flows to pay down outstanding bank debt.  The increased cash balance at August 31, 2008 was a result of cash flow generated during the year, after repaying all outstanding balances on the Company’s existing debt.  Management continues to review its current cash balances denominated in foreign currency in light of current tax guidelines and potential acquisitions.

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $5,739,000 in the first six months of fiscal year 2009 compared to $4,902,000 in the prior year period.  Cash provided by operations during the first half of fiscal 2009 was primarily due to operating income and increased collection of accounts receivable offset by decreased accounts payable and accrued expenses.

 

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 3.3 as of February 28, 2009 compared to 2.3 as of August 31, 2008.  The increase in the Company’s current ratio at February 28, 2009 was primarily attributable to decreases in accounts payable, accrued payroll and accrued expenses which were partially offset by decreases in cash and accounts receivable coupled with an increase in accrued stock based compensation.

 

Cash flow used in investing activities of $3,959,000 was primarily due to $2,351,000  paid for the purchase of real property in Oxford, MA, $605,000 paid for purchases related to the build out of the Company’s manufacturing facility in greater Pittsburgh, PA, and cash paid for purchases of machinery and equipment at the Company’s other manufacturing locations.

 

Cash flow used in financing activities of $2,309,000  reflects the $2,986,000 paid for the Company’s annual dividend payment offset by increased borrowings under the existing line of credit.

 

On October 14, 2008, the Company announced a cash dividend of $0.35 per share (totaling $2,986,212) to shareholders of record on October 31, 2008, which was paid on December 3, 2008.

 

The Company continues to have long-term unsecured credit available up to $10 million at the bank’s base lending rate or, at the option of the Company, at the effective 30-Day London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.25 percent.  The outstanding balance and weighted average interest rate on this credit facility was $0.7 million and 1.66%, respectively, at February 28, 2009.  Accordingly, the Company had $9.3 million in unused credit under this facility and plans to utilize this to help finance its cash needs, including acquisitions, in fiscal 2009 and future periods.

 

As of March 31, 2009, the Company had $9.6 million in unused credit under this facility.

 

Under the terms of the Company’s credit facility, the Company must comply with certain debt covenants related to (a) the ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth and (b) the ratio of operating cash flow to debt service on a rolling twelve month basis.  The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of February 28, 2009.  The credit facility currently has a maturity date of March 31, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

The Company currently has an ongoing capital project that is related to the build out of its manufacturing facility in greater Pittsburgh, PA.  It also plans to add machinery and equipment as needed to increase capacity or to enhance operating efficiencies in its other manufacturing plants.  Furthermore, the Company may consider the acquisitions of companies or other assets in fiscal 2009 which are complementary to its business.  The Company believes that its existing resources, including its primary credit facility, together with cash generated from operations and additional bank borrowings, will be sufficient to fund its cash flow requirements through at least the next twelve months.  However, there can be no assurances that additional financing will be available at favorable terms, if at all.

 

To the extent that interest rates increase in future periods, the Company will assess the impact of these higher interest rates on the financial and cash flow projections of its potential acquisitions.

 

The Company does not have any significant off balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Please refer to Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 for a complete discussion of the Company’s contractual obligations.  There were no material changes to the Company’s contractual obligations for the quarter ended February 28, 2009.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141R”), which replaces FAS 141.  FAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; expensing acquisition related costs as incurred; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  FAS 141R is to be applied prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company expects that FAS 141R will have an impact on accounting for future business combinations once adopted, but the effect is dependent upon acquisitions at that time.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FAS 157-2”), which provides a one-year deferral of the effective date of FAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. The implementation of FAS 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities, effective September 1, 2008, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of FAS 157-2 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. To apply these principles, management must make estimates and judgments that affect its reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In many instances, the Company reasonably could have used different accounting estimates and, in other instances, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from its estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company’s financial condition or results of operations will be affected. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable at the time and under the circumstances, and it evaluates these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. The Company refers to accounting estimates and judgments of this type as critical accounting policies, judgments, and estimates. Management believes there have been no material changes during the six months ended February 28, 2009 to the critical accounting policies reported in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008.

 

Forward Looking Information

 

The part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains certain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industries in which we operate, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Readers should refer to the discussions under “Forward Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 concerning certain factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These discussions and Risk Factors are hereby incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report.

 

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Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer.  At February 28, 2009, other than the Company’s restricted investments (which are restricted for use in a non qualified retirement savings plan for certain key employees and Directors), all of the Company’s funds were either in demand deposit accounts or investment instruments that meet high credit quality standards such as money market funds, government securities, or commercial paper.

 

The Company’s domestic operations have limited currency exposure since substantially all transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the Company’s European operations are subject to currency exchange fluctuations.  The Company continues to review its policies and procedures to reduce this exposure while maintaining the benefit from these operations and sales to other European customers.  As of February 28, 2009, the Company had cash balances in the United Kingdom for its Humiseal Europe Ltd and Chase Protective Coatings divisions denominated primarily in pounds sterling and equal to US $2,060,000 and cash balances in France for its HumiSeal Europe SARL division denominated primarily in euros and equal to US $503,000.   Management will continue to review its current cash balances denominated in foreign currency in light of current tax guidelines and potential acquisitions.

 

The Company incurred a foreign currency translation loss, net of tax, for the six months ended February 28, 2009 in the amount of $1,945,000 related to its European operations which is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) within the Company’s Statement of Stockholders’ Equity.  The Company does not have or utilize any derivative financial instruments.

 

Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

The Company carries out a variety of ongoing procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1 — Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in management’s opinion, is likely to seriously harm the Company’s business, results of operations, financial conditions or cash flows.

 

The Company is one of over 100 defendants in a personal injury lawsuit, pending in Ohio, which alleges personal injury from exposure to asbestos contained in certain Chase products.  The plaintiff in the case issued discovery requests to Chase in August 2005, to which Chase timely responded in September 2005.  The trial had initially been scheduled to begin on April 30, 2007.  However, that date was postponed and no new trial date has been set.  As of March 31, 2009, there have been no new developments as this Ohio lawsuit has been inactive with respect to Chase.

 

Item 1A — Risk Factors

 

Please refer to Item 1A in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2008 for a complete discussion of the risk factors which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results.

 

Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

The following matters were approved at the Company’s Annual Stockholders Meeting, which was held on January 30, 2009.

 

Proposal 1- For the election of nominees for the Board of Directors

 

Name of Director

 

In Favor

 

Authority Withheld

 

Peter R. Chase

 

7,039,988

 

60,325

 

Mary Claire Chase

 

7,039,819

 

60,494

 

J. Brooks Fenno

 

6,795,808

 

304,505

 

Lewis P. Gack

 

7,012,339

 

87,974

 

George M. Hughes

 

5,789,088

 

1,311,225

 

Ronald Levy

 

7,003,823

 

96,490

 

Thomas Wroe, Jr.

 

7,043,225

 

57,088

 

 

Proposal 2 — For the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2009

 

In Favor

 

Against

 

Abstained

 

7,036,424

 

55,759

 

8,131

 

 

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Item 6 - Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.1

 

Chase Corporation Non-Qualified Retirement Savings Plan for the Board of Directors, amended and restated effective January 1, 2009

10.2

 

Amendment, dated December 30, 2008, to the Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement between Chase Corporation and the Trustees of the Edward L. Chase Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust

31.1

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1

 

Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

 

Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

Chase Corporation

 

 

 

 

Dated: April 9, 2009

By:

/s/ Peter R. Chase

 

 

Peter R. Chase,

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Dated: April 9, 2009

By:

/s/ Kenneth L. Dumas

 

 

Kenneth L. Dumas

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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