Alliance One's 10Q (December 31, 2007)




 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

 

_______________________________

FORM 10-Q

_______________________________

 

 

[X]  

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION
PERIOD FROM _______ TO _______.

 

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Alliance One International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Virginia

001-13684

54-1746567

 

________________

_____________________________

____________________

 

(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

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

 

 

8001 Aerial Center Parkway
Morrisville, NC 27560-8417
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(919) 379-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of Each Class

Name of Exchange On Which Registered

Common Stock (no par value)

New York Stock Exchange

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [  ]                                           Accelerated Filer [X]                                             Non-accelerated filer [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
                                               Yes [  ]                                                                              No [X]

 

As of February 1, 2008, the registrant had 96,835,000 shares outstanding of Common Stock (no par value), including 7,853,000 shares owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary.

 




 

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Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I. 

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006

3

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2007 and 2006

 

 

and March 31, 2007

4

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006

5

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6 - 27

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

28 - 37

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

38

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

38 - 40

 

 

Part II. 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

40 - 41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

41

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. 

Exhibits

42

 

Signature

43

 

 

Index of Exhibits

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended   

 

Nine Months Ended         

 

 

December 31,       

 

December 31,           

 

 

2007    

 

2006    

 

2007     

 

2006      

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and other operating revenues

$560,059 

 

$458,759 

 

$1,608,379 

 

$1,545,874 

 

Cost of goods and services sold

485,716 

 

398,023 

 

1,378,391 

 

1,303,797 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

74,343 

 

60,736 

 

229,988 

 

242,077 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

37,798 

 

38,671 

 

113,801 

 

118,903 

 

Other income (expense)

(166)

 

1,461 

 

4,001 

 

4,982 

 

Restructuring and asset impairment costs

6,172 

 

5,545 

 

15,873 

 

28,099 

 

Operating income

30,207 

 

17,981 

 

104,315 

 

100,057 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt retirement expense

1,614 

 

 

4,801 

 

 

Interest expense (includes debt amortization of $822
      and $1,850 for the three months and $2,746 and $4,759
      for the nine months in 2007 and 2006, respectively)

22,078 

 

26,543 

 

72,126 

 

81,687 

 

Interest income

2,720 

 

1,586 

 

6,993 

 

4,433 

 

Derivative financial instruments income

-  

 

-  

 

 

290 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and other items

9,235 

 

(6,976)

 

34,381 

 

23,093 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

(5,636)

 

9,910 

 

2,765 

 

22,754 

 

Equity in net income (loss) of investee companies

 

(63)

 

294 

 

165 

 

Minority interests

147 

 

463 

 

153 

 

116 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

14,724 

 

(17,412)

 

31,757 

 

388 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

973 

 

(10,926)

 

1,377 

 

(15,553)

 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of income taxes

-  

 

 

 

(252)

 

Net income (loss)

$  15,697 

 

$  (28,338)

 

$     33,134 

 

$     (15,417)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income (loss) from continuing operations

$  .17 

 

$  (.21)

 

$ .36 

 

$      - 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

.01 

 

(.12)

 

.02 

 

(.18)

 

    Net income (loss)

$  .18 

 

$  (.33)

 

$ .38 

 

$ (.18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income (loss) from continuing operations

$  .17 

 

$  (.21)

 

$ .35 

 

$      - 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

.01 

 

(.12)

 

.01 

 

(.18)

 

    Net income (loss)

$  .18 

 

$  (.33)

 

$ .36 

 

$ (.18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Basic

88,217 

 

86,515 

 

88,065 

 

86,311 

 

    Diluted

89,235 

 

86,515 

 

89,591 

 

86,311 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 








Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(in thousands)

December 31, 
2007       

 

December 31, 
2006       

 

March 31, 
2007      

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$   158,181 

 

$     25,816 

 

$     80,258 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

195,305 

 

230,708 

 

217,761 

 

   Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Tobacco

429,132 

 

547,651 

 

619,468 

 

      Other

31,095 

 

35,215 

 

31,623 

 

   Advances on purchases of tobacco

79,900 

 

85,782 

 

79,249 

 

   Current deferred and recoverable income taxes

35,575 

 

36,954 

 

33,254 

 

   Prepaid expenses

53,322 

 

55,073 

 

48,600 

 

   Assets held for sale

25,928 

 

9,775 

 

2,793 

 

   Other current assets

5,296 

 

3,854 

 

5,793 

 

   Assets of discontinued operations

4,210 

 

24,355 

 

12,835 

 

         Total current assets

1,017,944 

 

1,055,183 

 

1,131,634 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

20,047 

 

20,273 

 

21,302 

 

   Goodwill and intangible assets

32,143 

 

35,777 

 

35,109 

 

   Deferred tax assets

76,357 

 

49,351 

 

69,002 

 

   Other deferred charges

12,384 

 

16,771 

 

18,136 

 

   Other noncurrent assets

123,111 

 

100,809 

 

116,621 

 

 

264,042 

 

222,981 

 

260,170 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Land

21,547 

 

25,817 

 

25,802 

 

   Buildings

161,827 

 

183,737 

 

182,389 

 

   Machinery and equipment

173,607 

 

203,827 

 

197,565 

 

   Allowances for depreciation

(137,296)

 

(149,940)

 

(143,688)

 

 

219,685 

 

263,441 

 

262,068 

 

 

$1,501,671 

 

$1,541,605 

 

$1,653,872 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Notes payable to banks

$   251,356 

 

$   189,044 

 

$   179,097 

 

   Accounts payable

114,751 

 

85,197 

 

188,003 

 

   Advances from customers

110,570 

 

128,385 

 

125,403 

 

   Accrued expenses

52,757 

 

45,818 

 

65,077 

 

   Income taxes

10,935 

 

24,529 

 

26,461 

 

   Long-term debt current

18,103 

 

100,728 

 

5,231 

 

   Liabilities of discontinued operations

84 

 

9,263 

 

10,379 

 

         Total current liabilities

558,556 

 

582,964 

 

599,651 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Long-term debt

549,477 

 

629,894 

 

726,625 

 

   Deferred income taxes

10,307 

 

6,007 

 

10,895 

 

   Liability for unrecognized tax benefits

51,426 

 

 

 

   Pension, postretirement and other long-term liabilities

95,586 

 

106,313 

 

87,730 

 

         Total noncurrent liabilities

706,796 

 

742,214 

 

825,250 

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

3,407 

 

2,887 

 

3,425 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

-  

 

-  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

Dec. 31,
2007   

 

Dec. 31,
2006   

 

March 31,
2007   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Common Stock—no par value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Authorized shares

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Issued shares

96,835 

 

95,622 

 

96,467 

 

462,365 

 

452,821 

 

459,563 

 

   Retained deficit

(242,122)

 

(235,353)

 

(241,534)

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

12,669 

 

(3,928)

 

7,517 

 

 

232,912 

 

213,540 

 

225,546 

 

 

$1,501,671 

 

$1,541,605 

 

$1,653,872 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements







Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
(Unaudited)

 

 

 (in thousands)

 

December 31, 
2007        

 

December 31, 
2006       

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

   Net income (loss)

 

$   33,134 

 

$   (15,417)

   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

      Net (income) loss from discontinued operations

 

(1,377)

 

15,553 

      Decrease in accounts receivable

 

18,877 

 

104,118 

      Decrease in inventories and advances to suppliers

 

172,945 

 

200,147 

      Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(90,635)

 

(144,369)

      Decrease in advances (liabilities)

 

(16,276)

 

(100,238)

      Depreciation and amortization

 

26,457 

 

27,663 

      Debt amortization/interest

 

6,341 

 

4,759 

      Restructuring and asset impairment charges

 

12,413 

 

15,888 

      Deferred items

 

(11,055)

 

4,440 

      Loss on foreign currency transactions

 

1,050 

 

5,033 

      Stock option expense

 

1,827 

 

3,401 

      (Gain) on sale of fixed assets

 

(4,673)

 

(2,872)

      Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

 

9,397 

 

17,269 

   Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

158,425 

 

135,375 

   Net cash provided (used) by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(2,327)

 

6,658 

   Net cash provided by operating activities

 

156,098 

 

142,033 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

   Purchases of property and equipment

 

(13,871)

 

(6,744)

   Proceeds on sale of property and equipment

 

8,671 

 

14,978 

   Cash received (distributed) in disposition of business

 

15,033 

 

(5,204)

   Return of capital on investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

9,520 

 

10,276 

   Increase in restricted cash

 

(497)

 

   Changes in other assets

 

4,294 

 

9,932 

   Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations

 

23,150 

 

23,238 

   Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations

 

27 

 

227 

   Net cash provided by investing activities

 

23,177 

 

23,465 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

   Net change in short-term borrowings

 

64,551 

 

(124,350)

   Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

13,994 

 

144,552 

   Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

(180,128)

 

(185,381)

   Debt issuance cost

 

(1,793)

 

(1,388)

   Proceeds from sale of stock

 

1,631 

 

642 

   Net cash used by financing activities of continuing operations

 

(101,745)

 

(165,925)

   Net cash used by financing activities of discontinued operations

 

 

   Net cash used by financing activities

 

(101,745)

 

(165,925)

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

393 

 

258 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

77,923 

 

(169)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

80,258 

 

25,985 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$ 158,181 

 

$ 25,816 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 





Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands)



1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Description of Business

The Company is principally engaged in purchasing, processing, storing, and selling leaf tobacco in North America, Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.


Basis of Presentation

The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.  The Company uses the cost or equity method of accounting for its investments in affiliates; all of which are owned 50% or less, except for the Zimbabwe operations which are more fully discussed below.  Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year.  All adjustments necessary to state fairly the results for the period have been included and were of a normal recurring nature.  This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.  The year ended March 31, 2007 is sometimes referred to herein as fiscal year 2007.

          The Company is accounting for its investment in the Zimbabwe operations on the cost method and has been reporting it in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates in the condensed consolidated balance sheet since March 31, 2006.  During fiscal year 2007, the Company wrote its investment in the Zimbabwe operations down to zero.


Accounting Pronouncements

The Company will be adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” as of April 1, 2008. Issued in September 2006 by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), SFAS No. 157 enhances existing guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value. SFAS No. 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its financial condition and results of operations.

          In June 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which seeks to reduce diversity in practice associated with accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.   In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The Company adopted FIN 48 effective April 1, 2007 which resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $33,723 increasing its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties and reducing the balance of retained earnings.  See Note 2 “Income Taxes” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion regarding the impact of the Company’s adoption of FIN 48.

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces SFAS No. 141.  SFAS 141(R) requires assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, contingent consideration and certain acquired contingencies to be measured at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. SFAS 141(R) also requires that acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs be recognized separately from the business combination.  SFAS 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, the Company’s fiscal year 2010.  The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS 141(R) on its financial condition and results of operations.

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 clarifies the accounting for noncontrolling interests and establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, including classification as a component of equity.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, the Company’s fiscal year 2010.  The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS 160 on its financial condition and results of operations.


Equity and Cost Method Investments

The Company’s equity method investments and its cost method investments, which include its Zimbabwe operations, are in non-marketable securities. The Company reviews such investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recovered.  In assessing the recoverability of equity or cost method investments, the Company uses discounted cash flow models. If the fair value of an equity investee is determined to be lower than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized.  Preparing discounted future operating cash flow analysis requires that Company management make significant judgments with respect to future operating earnings growth rates and selecting an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease estimated future operating cash flows, and the corresponding discounted value of those cash flows, and therefore could increase or decrease any impairment charge.


Taxes Collected from Customers

In June 2006, the FASB reached consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 06-3, “ How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement”. The scope of EITF No. 06-3 includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, and excise taxes. The EITF affirmed its conclusion that entities should present these taxes in the income statement on either a gross or a net basis, based on their accounting policy, which should be disclosed pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 22, “Disclosure of Accounting Policies.” Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to value added taxes on local sales.  These amounts have been included in sales and were $2,665 and $956 for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $16,659 and $20,005 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


2.  INCOME TAXES


FIN 48 Adoption

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on April 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $33,723 increasing its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties and reducing the balance of retained earnings. As of April 1, 2007, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled $24,064, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.

         The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  As of April 1, 2007, accrued interest and penalties totaled $19,187 and $10,885, respectively.  

         The Company expects to continue accruing interest expenses related to the unrecognized tax benefits described above.  Additionally, the Company may be subject to fluctuations in the unrecognized tax liability due to currency exchange rate movements.

         Other than the estimated final settlement payment of $2,944 with regard to the Florimex settlement, the Company does not foresee any reasonably possible changes in the unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months but must acknowledge circumstances can change due to unexpected developments in the law.

         The Company is subject to taxation in the United States, various states within the United States, and foreign jurisdictions. There are tax filings in major jurisdictions that are open to investigation by tax authorities; in the United States from 2004, in Turkey from 2003, in Brazil from 2002, in Malawi from 2001, in Argentina from 2002, in Tanzania from 2002, and in Switzerland from 2002.


Florimex

On October 31, 2002, the Company received an assessment from the tax authorities in Germany regarding the taxable gain from the sale of its former flower operations, Florimex, in September 1998.  The report concluded that the value of the real estate located in Germany was greater than the value assigned to such real estate in the sale of Florimex.  On January 2, 2007, the Company received notice that the local Fiscal Tax Court of Baden-Wurttemberg decided in favor of the German tax authorities and also denied the Company’s request for appeal.  The Company appealed this decision.

         On October 2, 2007, the Company received notice that it was successful in its appeal with the highest German Fiscal Tax Court against the decision of the local Fiscal Tax Court of Baden-Wurttemberg. Therefore, the case was remanded back to the local Fiscal Tax Court.  Per the highest German Fiscal Tax Court’s decision, the local Fiscal Tax Court failed to fulfill its duty to clarify and review all relevant facts pertaining to this case and as such, had to determine and attempt to prove, after further analysis, that the value assigned to the real estate in question in the sale of Florimex was in fact an abuse of law. As of September 30, 2007, the FIN 48 liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to this assessment was $11,313, which included $3,132 of interest.

         During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company reached a favorable settlement with the German taxing authorities concerning the Florimex case. Therefore, the Company has reduced its liability for unrecognized tax benefits by $8,388, which includes $2,337 of interest. As a result, an income tax benefit of $8,388 is being recognized as a credit to income tax expense during the third quarter. There remain additional audit adjustments relative to Germany that were reflected in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of which we estimate a final assessment of $2,944, including $795 of interest expense, within the next twelve months.


Provision for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007

The effective tax rate used for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 was an expense of 8.0% compared to an expense of 98.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results including the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  The Company forecasts the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 8.2% after absorption of discrete items.

         For the nine months ended December 31, 2007, the company recorded a specific event adjustment benefit of $2,219 bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the nine months of 14.5% to 8.0%.  This specific event adjustment benefit relates primarily to the reversal of the FIN 48 liability for the successful conclusion of the Company’s appeal in Germany against the tax assessment regarding the sale of its former flower operations, Florimex, interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2006, net expense adjustments of $5,676, primarily related to additional income tax expense accrued for the tax audit in Germany and to a reduction of tax rates in Turkey, were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2006 from an expense of 74.0% to 98.5%.  The significant difference from the statutory rate is primarily due to the inability to recognize the benefit of losses in certain jurisdictions.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2007, the Company accrued an additional $7,434 of interest expense and exchange losses related to unrecognized tax benefits.




3.  RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES


The Company continues to execute the merger integration plan which began in fiscal 2006 and is expected to continue throughout fiscal 2008.  In addition, the Company records other restructuring and impairment charges as they occur in the normal course of business in accordance with SFAS No. 144 and SFAS No. 146.  The following table summarizes the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Company’s reporting segments during the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended    

 

December 31,

 

December 31,        

 

2007    

 

2006    

 

2007    

 

2006    

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee separation and other cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Beginning balance

$     2,038 

 

$   6,390 

 

$  2,747 

 

$  13,644 

   Period charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Severance charges

3,450 

 

3,266 

 

5,478 

 

7,738 

      Spain operation sale

13 

 

409 

 

13 

 

493 

      CdF operation sale

74 

 

 

74 

 

      Other cash charges

 

807 

 

163 

 

1,136 

   Total period charges

3,537 

 

4,482 

 

5,728 

 

9,367 

   Payments through December 31

(2,719)

 

(6,033)

 

(5,619)

 

(18,172)

   Ending balance December 31

$     2,856 

 

$   4,839 

 

$  2,856 

 

$    4,839 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Assets impairments and other non-cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   SFAS No. 144 assets impairment – tobacco operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Greece machinery and equipment impairment

$          61 

 

$          - 

 

$  1,035 

 

$    3,166 

      CdF operation sale

 

 

6,127 

 

      Thailand assets impairment

 

 

 

1,333 

      Turkey impairment

2,625 

 

 

2,625 

 

   Other non-cash charges (recoveries)

(51)

 

1,063 

 

358 

 

987 

   Deconsolidated Zimbabwe cost investment

 

 

 

13,246 

   Total asset impairments and other non-cash charges

$     2,635 

 

$   1,063 

 

$  10,145 

 

$  18,732 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total restructuring and asset impairment charges for the period

$     6,172 

 

$   5,545 

 

$15,873 

 

$  28,099 


         The following table summarizes the employee separation and other cash charges recorded in the Company’s South America and Other Regions segments during the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

Employee Separation and Other Cash Charges

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance:

$ 2,038 

 

$ 6,390 

 

$ 2,747 

 

$ 13,644 

   South America

240 

 

30 

 

30 

 

83 

   Other regions

1,798 

 

6,360 

 

2,717 

 

13,561 

Period charges:

$ 3,537 

 

$  4,482 

 

$ 5,728 

 

$   9,367 

   South America

148 

 

42 

 

1,326 

 

1,088 

   Other regions

3,389 

 

4,440 

 

4,402 

 

8,279 

Payments through December 31:

$(2,719)

 

$ (6,033)

 

$(5,619)

 

$(18,172)

   South America

(148)

 

(41)

 

(1,116)

 

(1,140)

   Other regions

(2,571)

 

(5,992)

 

(4,503)

 

(17,032)

Ending balance December 31:

$ 2,856 

 

$  4,839 

 

$ 2,856 

 

$   4,839 

   South America

240 

 

30 

 

240 

 

30 

   Other regions

2,616 

 

4,809 

 

2,616 

 

4,809 


         All asset impairment charges were related to the Other Regions segment during the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.



         All costs of integration actions are recorded in earnings as restructuring and asset impairment costs only when they are incurred or meet the criteria for recording in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” or SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”.


Zimbabwe – Investment Impairment   

As of March 31, 2006, the Company deconsolidated its operations in Zimbabwe in accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements (“ARB 51”).  ARB 51 provides that when a parent does not have control over a subsidiary due to severe foreign exchange restrictions or governmentally imposed uncertainties, the subsidiary should not be consolidated.  A non-cash impairment charge of $47,899 was recorded to reduce the net investment in Zimbabwe operations to estimated fair value at March 31, 2006.

         Governmental authorization is required before any dividends can be paid from a Zimbabwe operation.  The Company’s Zimbabwe operations had attempted to pay dividends prior to fiscal 2007 but were unsuccessful because it did not satisfy certain criteria set by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the government refused to grant the necessary authorizations.  During the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company received a $10,000 dividend payment from one of its Zimbabwe subsidiaries that had been negotiated with the Zimbabwe authorities.  The $10,000 was permitted as a result of a negotiated prepayment of $20,000 of export funds due into Zimbabwe at a later date.  The dividend was recorded as a reduction in the investment in the Zimbabwe subsidiary.

         Economic and political conditions in Zimbabwe continued to decline in the first six months ended September 30, 2006 as inflation, lending rates and investment rates deteriorated.  General farming operations were negatively impacted by the lack of foreign exchange to buy crop inputs and fuel.  The crop size in Zimbabwe also continued to decline.  Due to the continually declining conditions, the Company reevaluated the Zimbabwe operational structure during the quarter ended September 30, 2006 and made several significant operational changes.  These changes include closing the Zimbabwe processing factory and outsourcing the 2006 crop tobacco processing as well as significantly reducing permanent personnel.

         Based on events discussed above, the Company evaluated the fair value of the Zimbabwe operations and determined that the net investment in the Zimbabwe operations exceeded the estimated fair value.  The Company recorded an additional non-cash impairment charge of $13,246 during the quarter ended September 30, 2006 to write down the net investment in the Zimbabwe operations to zero.

         The economic and political conditions in Zimbabwe continued to decline during the nine months ended December 31, 2007, which was evidenced by continued devaluation of Zimbabwe currency and certain large, multi-national companies withdrawing and terminating operations in Zimbabwe.

         During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company received a $7,000 dividend payment from one of its Zimbabwe subsidiaries after negotiations with the Zimbabwe authorities similar to those of the prior year. The $7,000 was permitted as a result of a negotiated prepayment of $14,000 of export funds that were originally due into Zimbabwe at a later date.  During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company received an additional $363 dividend payment from one of its Zimbabwe subsidiaries.

         Due to the economic and political risk associated with the operations in Zimbabwe, the dividends were recorded as a return against current Zimbabwe advances.  The Company continues to provide advances to Zimbabwe for the purchase of tobacco.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company has $6,698 of net tobacco purchase advances outstanding to its Zimbabwe subsidiary.


Sale of Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A.  – Dark Air-Cured Operations

As a consequence of the overcapacity within certain markets of the industry, the Company decided to dispose of its dark air-cured operations. On January 23, 2006, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell its ownership interest in Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. ("CdF") the owner of the Company’s dark air-cured tobacco business.  As the Company completed the sale of CdF on October 2, 2007, a restructuring and asset impairment analysis was performed as of September 30, 2007. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded restructuring and asset impairment charges of $6,918 at September 30, 2007. These charges include a $6,127 impairment charge on the sale of CdF which considers the $3,878 currency translation account debit that was included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2007 and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining charges of $791 are for employee severance.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, additional restructuring costs of the sale of $74 were incurred.




Thailand – Asset Impairment

In fiscal 2006, concurrent with the closure of the former DIMON Thailand processing facilities, assets of $5,736 were reclassified in the Company’s balance sheet to assets held for sale. These assets were primarily land and production facilities that had become redundant as a result of the merger.

         As a result, the Company conducted a review of the fair value of the Thai assets held for sale.  An asset impairment charge of $1,333 related to land and buildings was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The sale of the land and buildings was completed in December 2006.  Additional costs of $229 were incurred to complete the transaction during the quarter ended December 31, 2006.


Greece – Asset Impairment

As a result of the partial and pending full closure of Greek operations, the Company tested the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded asset impairment charges of $1,035 and $3,166 related to machinery and equipment during the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company intends to conclude the sale of this machinery and equipment in fiscal 2008.


Turkey – Asset Impairment

As a result of significant reductions in future Turkish flue cured and burley tobacco volumes from customer information received in the current quarter, the Company tested certain related long-lived assets for impairment and recorded impairment charges of $2,625 in the quarter ended December 31, 2007, which is net of an expected customer exit fee of $1,700.


Sale of Spanish Tobacco Operations

On February 1, 2006, the Company entered into agreement to sell 100% of the stock of Agroexpansion, S.A., its former DIMON operation, and World Wide Tobacco España,, S.A. (WWTE), its former Standard operation. In connection with the decision to close the operations, the Company reviewed its fixed assets for impairment.  In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded asset impairment and restructuring costs of $10,576.  Of this amount, the Company recognized $3,241 in earnings and an adjustment related to the former Standard operations of $7,335 as an adjustment to the purchase price of the merger at March 31, 2006 in connection with the pending sale. The Company completed the sale of Agroexpansion and WWTE on August 1, 2006. Additional restructuring charges of $493 were recorded during the nine months ended December 31, 2006, to complete the transaction.  In the nine months ended December 31, 2007, $13 was incurred in finalizing the severance that was accrued at the end of March 31, 2007.


Assets Held for Sale

As of December 31, 2007, assets of $25,928 were actively marketed and classified in the Company’s balance sheet as assets held for sale.  The Company evaluated the criteria of SFAS No. 144 and concluded that these assets qualify as assets held for sale.  The assets are primarily production and administrative facilities in Brazil, Malawi and Greece that had become redundant.


4.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES


Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is not subject to systematic amortization, but rather is tested for impairment annually or whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred.  The Company has chosen the first day of the last quarter of its fiscal year as the date to perform its annual goodwill impairment test.

          The Company has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.  It does have other intangible assets which are being amortized.  The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill and other intangibles for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.



          Goodwill and Intangible Asset Rollforward:


 

 

Goodwill

 

Amortizable Intangibles

 

 

 

Other Regions Segment

 

Customer Relationship Intangible

 

Production and Supply Contract Intangibles

 

Total

Weighted average remaining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   useful life in years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   as of March 31, 2007

 

 

 

18 

 

1      

 

 

March 31, 2006 balance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross carrying amount

 

$ 4,186    

 

$33,700 

 

$ 10,815      

 

$ 48,701 

     Accumulated amortization

 

            -    

 

(1,474)

 

(9,285)     

 

(10,759)

Net March 31, 2006

 

4,186    

 

32,226 

 

1,530      

 

37,942 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(421)

 

(399)     

 

(820)

Net June 30, 2006

 

4,186    

 

31,805 

 

1,131      

 

37,122 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(422)

 

(264)     

 

(686)

Net September 30, 2006

 

4,186    

 

31,383 

 

867      

 

36,436 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(421)

 

(238)     

 

(659)

Net December 31, 2006

 

4,186    

 

30,962 

 

629      

 

35,777 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(421)

 

(247)     

 

(668)

Net March 31, 2007

 

4,186    

 

30,541 

 

382      

 

35,109 

     Amortization expense and tax adjustments

 

(1,392)   

 

(421)

 

(217)     

 

(2,030)

Net June 30, 2007

 

2,794    

 

30,120 

 

165      

 

33,079 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(422)

 

(42)     

 

(464)

Net September 30, 2007

 

2,794    

 

29,698 

 

123      

 

32,615 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(421)

 

(51)     

 

(472)

Net December 31, 2007

 

$ 2,794    

 

$29,277 

 

$        72      

 

$ 32,143 


          Estimated Intangible Asset Amortization Expense:


 

 

Customer Relationship Intangible

 

Production and Supply Contract Intangibles

 

Total

 

 

 

For year ended 2008

 

 $      1,685        

 

 $   382       

 

 $      2,067     

 

 

 

For year ended 2009

 

      1,685        

 

      -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2010

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2011

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2012

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

Later years

 

    22,116        

 

           -       

 

    22,116     

 

 

 

 

 

 $    30,541        

 

$   382       

 

 $    30,923     

 

 

 


5.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


The Company continually evaluates its component operations to assure they are consistent with its business plan.  Results of operations and the assets and liabilities of our business reported as discontinued operations were as follows:


Summary of Results of Operations


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment       

Three Months Ended December 31, 2007

Italy    

Mozambique

Wool     

Non-Tobacco

Total     

Sales and other revenues

$          - 

$       84 

$       - 

$        - 

$          84 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$      731 

$     139 

$        - 

$         - 

$        870 

Income tax (benefit)

(81)

(22)

(103)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$      812 

$     161 

$        - 

$         - 

$        973 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

 

Sales and other revenues

$   1,001 

$  3,527 

$        - 

$          - 

$     4,528 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax

$(10,891)

$   (207)

$       3 

$          - 

$  (11,095)

  Income tax (benefit)

(150)

(19)

(169)

 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$(10,741)

$   (188)

$       3 

$          - 

$  (10,926)

 

 

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007

 

Sales and other revenues

$   5,710 

$  1,429 

$        - 

$           - 

$     7,139 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$   1,059 

$     320 

$        - 

$           - 

$     1,379 

Income tax expense (benefit)

13 

(11)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$     1,046 

$     331 

$        - 

$           - 

$     1,377 

 

 

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2006

 

Sales and other revenues

$   3,978 

$  6,062 

$        - 

$           5 

$   10,045 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax

$(13,460)

$     664 

$  (734)

$         42 

$  (13,488)

  Income tax expense (benefit)

(60)

(19)

2,144 

2,065 

 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$(13,400)

$     683 

$  (734)

$   (2,102)

$  (15,553)




Summary of Assets and Liabilities


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment *   

December 31, 2007

Italy  

Mozambique

Wool    

Total     

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

$            - 

$         136 

$         - 

$      136 

   Inventory and advances

175 

175 

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

3,899 

3,899 

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$            - 

$         311 

$ 3,899 

$   4,210 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$             - 

$           34 

$         - 

$        34 

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

50 

50 

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$             - 

$           84 

$         - 

$        84 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Cash

$             - 

$              - 

$         - 

$           - 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

1,572 

59 

1,631 

   Inventory and advances

11,880 

5,663 

17,543 

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

195 

687 

4,299 

5,181 

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$    13,647 

$      6,409 

$ 4,299 

$ 24,355 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$      1,721 

$         293 

$         - 

$    2,014 

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

1,155 

6,094 

7,249 

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$      2,876 

$      6,387 

$         - 

$    9,263 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

  Trade receivables , net of allowances

$         917 

$         820 

$         - 

$    1,737 

   Inventory and advances

5,294 

1,853 

7,147 

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

39 

13 

3,899 

3,951 

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$      6,250 

$      2,686 

$ 3,899 

$  12,835 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$      7,316 

$         532 

$         - 

$    7,848 

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

542 

1,989 

2,531 

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$      7,858 

$      2,521 

$         - 

$  10,379 

 

 

 

 

 

*  The Non-Tobacco operations did not have any assets or liabilities of discontinued operations for all periods presented.




Discontinued Italy Operations, Other Regions Segment

On September 30, 2004, concurrent with the sale of the Italian processing facility, the Company made a decision to discontinue all of its Italian operations as part of its ongoing plans to realign its operations to more closely reflect worldwide changes in the sourcing of tobacco.  The Company has completed the sale of the Italian operations.  


Discontinued Mozambique Operations, Other Regions Segment

On March 16, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company made a decision to discontinue operations in Mozambique after the procurement of the 2006 crop due to its determination that it was not in the Company’s economic interest to remain in Mozambique after losing a concession for the 2007 crop year. In connection with this decision, the Company evaluated the criteria of SFAS No. 144 and concluded that the Mozambique operations qualified to be presented as assets held for sale and accordingly, the assets were written down to their fair value less any selling costs.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company sold all assets except for inventory and accounts receivable.  The Company anticipates completing the disposition of inventory and collecting related accounts receivable in fiscal 2008.


Discontinued Wool Operations, Other Regions Segment

The remaining wool operation assets are primarily in France and are the subjects of separate sales agreements pending governmental approval.  Due to unexpected delays in obtaining approval from the French government, the sale of these operations has been delayed.  The Company anticipates completing the disposition of the assets in 2008.


Discontinued Non-Tobacco Operations, Other Regions Segment

Discontinued non-tobacco operations reflect transactions related to the 2006 sale of the non-tobacco entity acquired in January 2004. Due to production expectations and the development of emerging markets not meeting management’s expectations, the Company reevaluated the criteria for classifying the assets as held for sale and reporting the results of operations as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and concluded that the Company now met all the criteria prescribed by SFAS No. 144. The assets of the non-tobacco operations were reclassified as held for sale and the results of operations, including the impairment charge, were presented as discontinued operations.  The Company completed the sale of assets of the non-tobacco entity on April 13, 2006.


6.  SEGMENT INFORMATION


The Company purchases, processes, sells and stores leaf tobacco.  Tobacco is purchased in more than 45 countries and shipped to more than 90 countries.  The sales, logistics and billing functions of the Company are primarily concentrated in service centers outside of the producing areas to facilitate access to our major customers.  Within certain quality and grade constraints, tobacco is fungible and, subject to these constraints, customers may choose to fulfill their needs from any of the areas where the Company purchases tobacco.

          Selling, logistics, billing, and administrative overhead, including depreciation, which originates primarily from the Company’s corporate and sales offices are allocated to the segments based upon segment operating income.  The Company reviews performance data from purchase through sale based on the source of the product and all intercompany transactions are allocated to the region that either purchases or processes the tobacco.   



          The following table presents the summary segment information for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

Sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$   155,468 

 

$     69,886 

 

$    773,482 

 

$    663,942 

 

 

    Other regions

404,591 

 

388,873 

 

834,897 

 

881,932 

 

 

    Total revenue

$   560,059 

 

$   458,759 

 

$ 1,608,379 

 

$ 1,545,874 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$       2,997 

 

$      (5,389)

 

$      73,191 

 

$      75,128 

 

 

    Other regions

27,210 

 

23,370 

 

31,124 

 

24,929 

 

 

Total operating income

30,207 

 

17,981 

 

104,315 

 

100,057 

 

 

    Debt retirement expense

1,614 

 

 

4,801 

 

 

 

    Interest expense

22,078 

 

26,543 

 

72,126 

 

81,687 

 

 

    Interest income

2,720 

 

1,586 

 

6,993 

 

4,433 

 

 

    Derivative financial instruments income

 

 

 

290 

 

 

Income before income taxes and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          other items

$      9,235 

 

$      (6,976)

 

$     34,381 

 

$     23,093 

 


Analysis of Segment Assets

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2006

March 31, 2007

Segment assets:

 

 

 

 

South America

$   631,052 

$   543,808 

$   757,861 

 

Other regions

870,619 

997,797 

896,011 

 

Total assets

$1,501,671 

$1,541,605 

$1,653,872 


7.  EARNINGS PER SHARE


Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding is reported as the weighted average of the total shares of common stock outstanding net of shares of common stock held by a wholly-owned subsidiary.  Shares of common stock owned by the subsidiary were 7,853 at December 31, 2007 and 2006.  This subsidiary does not receive dividends on these shares and it does not have the right to vote.

          For the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by a total of 1,018 shares and 1,526 shares, respectively of common stock equivalents for employee stock options and restricted shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share.  Certain potentially dilutive options were not included in the computation of earnings per diluted share because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the shares of common stock during the period and their effect would be antidilutive.  At December 31, 2007, these shares totaled 2,251 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.21 per share for the quarter and 187 at a weighted average exercise price of $9.24 per share for the nine months.

          For the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2006, all outstanding restricted stock and stock options were excluded because the effect of their inclusion would have been antidilutive.


8.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The components of comprehensive income were as follows:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

Net income (loss)

$   15,697 

 

$ (28,338)

 

$33,134

 

$ (15,417)

 

 

Equity currency conversion adjustment

3,707 

 

3,736 

 

5,152

 

10,202 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$   19,404 

 

$ (24,602)

 

$38,286

 

$   (5,215)

 







9.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


On April 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.”  This statement required the Company to expense the fair value of grants of various stock-based compensation programs at fair value over the vesting period of the awards.  The Company elected to adopt the statement using the “Modified Prospective Application” (MPA) transition method which did not result in the restatement of previously issued financial statements.  Application of the MPA transition method required compensation costs to be recognized beginning on the effective date for the estimated fair value at date of grant in accordance with the original provision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” for all stock-based compensation awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of April 1, 2006.  Awards granted after April 1, 2006 are recognized as compensation expense based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).  The MPA transition method also required that any unearned or deferred compensation recorded in “contra-equity” accounts be eliminated against the equity accounts that will be affected by the on-going recognition of stock based compensation.  Accordingly, the Company reclassified $3,134 from Unearned Compensation – Restricted Stock to Common Stock in the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

          For the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, compensation expense for stock-based compensation plans was $614 and $1,158.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, compensation expense for stock-based compensation plans was $1,827 and $3,401.  The corresponding income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation plans was $19 and $246 for the three months and $332 and $854 for the nine months ended December 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

          The Company’s shareholders approved the 2007 Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 16, 2007.  As with the Company’s prior equity compensation plans, the 2007 Plan is an omnibus plan that provides the flexibility to grant a variety of equity awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance awards and incentive awards to officers, directors and employees of the Company.  A maximum of 5,000 shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2007 Plan.  All prior equity compensation plans have been superseded, and no new equity awards can be granted from them.  As of December 31, 2007, 1,428 equity awards have been granted under the 2007 Plan, leaving 3,572 shares available for future awards under the 2007 Plan.  Total equity awards outstanding are 4,054 inclusive of the 1,428 awards granted under the 2007 plan and 2,626 awards granted under prior plans.  Shares issued under both the 2007 plan and earlier plans are new shares which have been authorized and designated for award under the plans.  Individual types of awards are discussed in greater detail below.


Stock Option Awards

Stock options allow for the purchase of common stock at a price determined at the time the option is granted.  This price has historically been the stock price on the date of grant.  Stock options generally vest at the end of three years or ratably over four years and generally expire after ten years.  The fair value of these options is determined at grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model and includes estimates of forfeiture based on historical experience.  The fair value is then recognized as compensation expense ratably over the vesting term of the options.  There were 1,166 stock options and 477 stock options granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

          Assumptions used to determine the fair value of options issued in 2007 and 2006 include the following:

 

 

2007

2006

 

 

Grant Date Price

$7.48

$3.94

 

 

Exercise Price

$7.48

$3.94

 

 

Expected Life in Years

7.00

6.25

 

 

Annualized Volatility

47%

47%

 

 

Annual Dividend Rate

0%

0%

 

 

Discount Rate

4.39%

4.83%

 


          A summary of option activity for stock options follows:


 

Options

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

 

2,800

 

6.94

 

6.00

 

$   6,417     

 

 

    Granted

 

1,166

 

7.48

 

10.00

 

$          -      

 

 

    Exercised

 

(266)

 

5.91

 

5.64

 

$ (  915)     

 

 

    Forfeited

 

(209)

 

7.33

 

2.42

 

$     506      

 

 

    Expired

 

(191)

 

22.35

 

-

 

$(2,778)     

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

3,300

 

6.30

 

7.14

 

$(7,346)     

 

 

Vested and expected to vest

 

3,218

 

6.29

 

7.09

 

$(7,149)     

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

1,607

 

6.23

 

4.99

 

$(3,468)     

 








          The intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value which is the difference between the Company’s closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options.  The closing price will be subject to the share price on the last trading day of the respective period ending dates, thus the amounts are not additive.  The expense related to stock option awards was $400 and $225 for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Stock option expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $795 and $658, respectively.  Cash received from the exercise of options was $1,631 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007.  

          The table below shows the movement in unvested shares from March 31, 2007 to December 31, 2007.


 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

Unvested March 31, 2007

 

1,175

 

$1.79          

 

$  2,103       

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

1,166

 

4.08          

 

4,756       

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(103)

 

2.18          

 

(223)      

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(546)

 

1.77          

 

(965)      

 

 

 

 

Unvested December 31, 2007

 

1,692

 

$3.35          

 

$  5,671       

 

 

 


          As of December 31, 2007, there is $4,839 of unearned compensation related to stock option awards which will vest over a weighted average remaining life of 3.19 years.


Stock Options with Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock appreciation rights (SARs) have historically been granted in tandem with certain option grants under which the employee may choose to receive in cash the excess of the market price of the share on the exercise date over the market price on the grant date (the intrinsic value of the share) rather than purchase the shares.  The choice to receive cash is limited to five years after grant.  After the fifth year and up to the tenth year after grant, the employee will continue to be able to purchase shares under the award but no longer has the choice of receiving the intrinsic value of the shares.  Compensation expense for Stock Options with Stock Appreciation Rights is treated as a liability due to the express ability of the employee to make the choice of whether to receive cash or purchase shares.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the intrinsic value of SARs outstanding was multiplied by the cumulative vesting in each SAR award to determine the liability at each balance sheet date.  Amounts charged to compensation expense resulted from the change in the vested intrinsic value between balance sheet dates.  Following adoption of SFAS 123(R), the fair value of SARs are determined at each balance sheet date using a Black-Scholes valuation model multiplied by the cumulative vesting of each SAR award.  After consideration for estimated forfeitures, this change in accounting resulted in a cumulative effect of accounting change adjustment of $252 on April 1, 2006.  SARs awards have historically been given to non-U.S. recipients and the Company did not realize a tax benefit.  


Options with Attached SARs

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

SAR Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

Aggregate Fair
Value

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

328

$6.54

1.84

$    881         

$1,208          

Forfeited

(76)

$6.53

1.14

$    263         

$   314          

Exercised

(38)

$6.58

0.76

$    115         

$   130          

Expired

(48)

$6.25

-

$      73         

$        -          

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

166

$6.62

1.45

$  (422)        

$     42          

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

166

$6.62

1.45

$  (422)        

$     42          

Vested and Expected to Vest

166

$6.62

1.45

$  (422)        

$     42          


          All stock options with attached SARs became vested as of October 2007.  However, since actual compensation expense will be determined by the change in fair value of the SARs from period to period, actual compensation expense related to these awards may be different from this amount.  The Company recognized income of $201 and expense of $325 for the three months and income of $829 and expense of $227 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to stock options with attached SARs.

          The table below shows the movement in unvested SARs from March 31, 2007 to December 31, 2007.


 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

Unvested March 31, 2007

 

132

 

$1.81          

 

$  239       

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(109)

 

1.81          

 

(197)      

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(23)

 

1.81          

 

(42)      

 

 

 

 

Unvested December 31, 2007

 

-

 

$1.81          

 

$       -       

 

 

 







          Assumptions used to determine the fair value of SARs as of December 31 included the following:


 

 

2007

2006

 

 

Stock Price

$4.07

$7.06

 

 

Exercise Price

$6.62

$6.54

 

 

Expected Life in Years

1.5

1.9

 

 

Annualized Volatility

40%

47%

 

 

Annual Dividend Rate

0%

0%

 

 

Discount Rate

3.08%

4.88%

 


          Because the exercise price of these SARs is above the current stock price, the expected life has been determined to be the maximum time period the SARs may be exercised.  The discount rate used is the risk free treasury bill rate consistent with the expected life.  Volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock price.


Restricted Stock

Restricted stock is common stock that is both nontransferable and forfeitable unless and until certain conditions are satisfied.  The fair value of restricted shares is determined on grant date and is amortized over the vesting period which is generally three years.  

 

Restricted Stock

Shares

Weighted
Average Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

Restricted at March 31, 2007

854              

4.84

 

 

Granted

262              

7.48

 

 

Vested

(341)             

5.47

 

 

Forfeited

(21)             

5.09

 

 

Restricted at December 31, 2007

754              

5.57

 


          As of December 31, 2007, there was $1,621 of remaining unamortized deferred compensation associated with restricted stock awards that will be expensed over the remaining service period through July 2011.  Expense recognized due to the vesting of restricted stock awards was $416 and $608 for the three months and $1,861 and $2,419 for the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


10.  CONTINGENCIES


Non-Income Tax

In September 2006, the Company’s Serbian operations were assessed for VAT and government pension liability for payments to farmers.  The Company has appealed the assessment from the tax authorities based upon favorable discussions with the Ministry of Finance and is awaiting the final decision from the Supreme Court.  As of December 2007, the balance of the reserve is $236 and payments of $273 have been made.

          The government in the Brazilian State of Parana (“Parana”) issued a tax assessment on October 26, 2007 with respect to local intrastate trade tax credits that result primarily from tobacco transferred between states within Brazil.  The assessment for intrastate trade tax credits taken is $7,452 and the total assessment including penalties and interest through December 31, 2007 is $12,601.  The Company believes it has properly complied with Brazilian law and will contest any assessment through the judicial process.  Should the Company lose in the judicial process, the loss of the intrastate trade tax credits would have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

          The assessment of $7,452 represents intrastate trade tax credit amounts which were offset against intrastate trade tax receivables. At December 31, 2007 the Company also has intrastate trade tax receivables from Parana of $10,925.  An impairment charge of $7,039 was recorded in the current quarter against the asset.  The impairment charge is based upon the estimated fair value of the asset taking into consideration the time it will take to appeal, market interest rates and uncertainty as to the outcome.  As the impairment charge pertains to procurement of raw materials, $5,772 has been charged to cost of goods and services sold and $1,267 has been capitalized into inventory and will be charged to cost of goods and services sold as the inventory is sold.

          The Company is investigating potential alternatives to minimize any future impact from new intrastate trade tax credits receivable from the State of Parana related to  tobacco transferred between states within Brazil.


Other

Since October 2001, the Directorate General for Competition (“DGCOMP”) of the European Commission (EC) has been conducting an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Greece and potentially other countries.  The Company and its subsidiaries in Spain, Italy and Greece have been subject to these investigations. In respect of the investigation into practices in Spain, in 2004, the EC fined the Company and its Spanish subsidiaries €4,415 (US$5,641).  In respect of the investigation into practices in Italy, in October 2005, the EC announced that the Company and its Italian subsidiaries have been assessed a fine in the aggregate amount of €24,000 (US$28,800).  With respect to both the Spanish and Italian investigations, the fines imposed on the Company and its predecessors and subsidiaries were part of fines assessed on several participants in the applicable industry.  With respect to the investigation relating to Greece, the EC informed the Company in March 2005 it had closed its investigation in relation to the Greek leaf tobacco industry buying and selling practices.  The Company, along with its applicable subsidiaries, has appealed the decisions of the Commission with respect to Spain and Italy to the Court of First Instance of the European Commission for the annulment or modification of the decision, but the outcome of the appeals process as to both timing and results is uncertain.  The Company has fully recognized the impact of each of the fines set forth above, and actually paid all of such fines as part of the appeal process.

           The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June, 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim seeks the recovery of €7,377 (US$10,858) plus interest and costs and allegedly arises from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.

           In March 2004, the Company discovered potential irregularities with respect to certain bank accounts in southern Europe and central Asia.  The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation of activity relating to these accounts.  That investigation revealed that, although the amounts involved were not material and had no material impact on the Company’s historical financial statements, there were payments from these accounts that may have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”).  In May 2004, the Company voluntarily reported the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice.  Soon thereafter, the Company closed the accounts in question, implemented personnel changes and other measures designed to prevent similar situations in the future, including the addition of new finance and internal audit staff and enhancement of existing training programs, and disclosed these circumstances in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  In August 2006, the Company learned that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation of the Company and others to determine if these or other actions may have violated certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder.  Conclusions reached at the completion of the Company’s internal investigation and initial disclosure have not changed.  The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC with respect to the investigation.

           If the U.S. authorities determine that there have been violations of federal laws, they may seek to impose sanctions on the Company that may include, among other things, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties and modifications to business practices.  It is not possible to predict at this time whether the authorities will determine that violations have occurred, and if they do, what sanctions they might seek to impose.  It is also not possible to predict how the government’s investigation or any resulting sanctions may impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial performance, although any monetary penalty assessed may be material to the Company’s results of operations in the quarter in which it is imposed.

           On October 16, 2007, the Supreme Court of Malawi issued a ruling that changed the legal interpretation of compensation to be considered in determining severance payments. Total compensation in determining severance payments is to include not only paid compensation but also benefits.  During the review of the effects of this change on the Company’s liability to exiting employees, the Company discovered that it could have to pay qualified departing employees both pension and severance payments. The accepted practice within Malawi and followed by the Company has been to pay the higher of the pension liability or the severance liability to qualified departing employees. This liability arose from the passage of the Malawi Employment Act of 19th May 2000 that legislated severance pay.  The Company believes it is reasonably possible that it may be exposed to paying both the pension liability and the severance liability, based on total compensation to qualified employees. The Company estimates exposure to qualified employees will not exceed $2,000 and believes that payment of this liability is not probable.

           On January 10, 2008, one of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries, Alliance One Brasil Exportadora de Tobaccos Ltda., received notice that the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the State of Santa Catarina had filed a lawsuit against the Company and other tobacco processors in the area on behalf of all tobacco farmers.  The lawsuit primarily asserts that there exists an employment relationship between tobacco processors and tobacco farmers. At the initial hearing, held on January 29, 2008, the judge appointed to hear the claim announced that during the coming weeks he will decide the merits of the action and if the claim, due to its complexity, should be forwarded to a Superior Court. The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.

           The Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries guarantee bank loans to growers to finance their crop.  Under longer-term arrangements, the Company may also guarantee financing on growers’ construction of curing barns or other tobacco production assets.  The Company also guarantees bank loans to certain tobacco cooperatives to assist with the financing of their growers’ crops.  Guaranteed loans are generally repaid concurrent with the delivery of tobacco to the Company.  The Company is obligated to repay any guaranteed loan should the grower or tobacco cooperative default.  If default occurs, the Company has recourse against the grower or cooperative.  At December 31, 2007, the Company was guarantor of an amount not to exceed $327,555 with $322,178 outstanding under these guarantees.  Of these guarantees, $285,642 relates to Brazilian farmers.  FASB Interpretation 45 (FIN 45) requires recognition of a liability for the fair value of guarantees of this nature.  The Company estimates the fair value of these guarantees is $16,816.  See also Note 14 “Advances on Purchases of Tobacco” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


11.  DEBT ARRANGMENTS


Senior Secured Credit Facility


On March 30, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with a syndicate of banks that amends and restates the Company’s prior credit agreement and provides for a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that consists of:


·

a three and one-half year $240,000 revolver (the “Revolver”) which initially accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%; and

·

a four-year $145,000 term loan B (the “Term Loan B”) which accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%.


         The interest rate for the Revolver may increase or decrease according to a consolidated interest coverage ratio pricing matrix as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Effective May 25, 2007, the Company increased the Revolver by $10,000 to $250,000 by adding additional Lenders thereto.  As of September 30, 2007, the entire $145,000 term loan B had $0 outstanding.


Borrowers and Guarantors.  One of the Company’s primary foreign holding companies, Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), is co-borrower under the Revolver, and the Company’s portion of the borrowings under the Revolver is limited to $150,000 outstanding at any one time.  One of the Company’s primary foreign trading companies, Alliance One International AG (“AOIAG”), is a guarantor of Intabex’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Such obligations are also currently guaranteed by the Company and must be guaranteed by any of its material direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries.


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

100% of the capital stock of any material domestic subsidiaries;

·

65% of the capital stock of any material first tier foreign subsidiaries;

·

U.S. accounts receivable and U.S. inventory owned by the Company or its material domestic subsidiaries (other than inventory the title of which has passed to a customer and inventory financed through customer advances); and

·

Intercompany notes evidencing loans or advances the Company makes to subsidiaries that are not guarantors.


          In addition, Intabex’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of Intabex, AOIAG, and certain of the Company’s and Intabex’s material foreign subsidiaries.


Financial Covenants.  The Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants and required financial ratios, including:


·

a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.55 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 6.25 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated total senior debt to borrowing base ratio of not more than 0.90 to 1.00; and

·

a maximum amount of annual capital expenditures of $40,000 during any fiscal year of the Company.



          Certain of these financial covenants and required financial ratios adjust over time in accordance with schedules in the Credit Agreement.

          The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on additional indebtedness, guarantees, liens and asset sales.

          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or nine months ended December 31, 2007.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315,000 of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150,000 of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company purchased $22,967 of its $315,000 11% Senior Note due May 2012 on the open market. All purchased securities were canceled leaving $292,033 of the 11% Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2007.  Associated cash premiums paid were $1,206 and non-cash deferred financing costs of $408 were accelerated. From time to time in the future the Company may purchase more of its debt securities in the open market or through a tender process.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or nine months ended December 31, 2007.


Senior Subordinated Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $100,000 of 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 at a 10% original issue discount to reflect a 15% yield to maturity.  The indenture governing the senior subordinated notes contains covenants substantially identical to those contained in the indentures governing the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes.   


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $251,356 drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $536,371. Additionally against these lines there was $16,142 available in unused letter of credit capacity with $23,581 issued but unfunded.



         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of December 31, 2007:


 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4) (5)

 

2007    

2007       

Available

Rate

 

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Revolver

$            -

$             - 

$250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Term loan B

145,000

-

 

 

 

145,000

250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    11% senior notes due 2012

315,000

292,033 

-

11.0%

 

292,033 

    8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149,270

149,359 

-

8.5%

 

(30)

(131)

(142)

(155)

(169)

149,986 

    Other (1)

10,157

10,157 

-

 

 

3,437 

6,720 

 

474,427

451,549 

-

 

 

(30)

(131)

(142)

(155)

3,268 

448,739 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
    notes due 2012

91,608

92,373 

-

12.8%

 

(275)

(1,206)

(1,400)

(1,625)

(1,885)

98,764 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term debt

20,821

23,659 

20,956

8.2%

(2)

4,361 

16,187 

1,903 

889 

29 

290 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

179,097

251,356 

245,292

6.7%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total debt

$ 910,953

$   818,937 

516,248

 

 

$4,056 

$14,850 

$   361 

$  (891)

$1,412 

$547,793 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$ 179,097

$   251,356 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Long term debt current

$     5,231

$      18,103 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Long term debt

  726,625

549,477 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 731,856

$   567,580 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$   17,842

$     23,581 

16,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total credit available

 

 

$532,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Balance consists of legacy DIMON and Standard Senior Notes with balances and maturities as follows:
      $ 3,437    9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011
            435    7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013
         6,285    8% Senior Notes due 2012
     $10,157

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2007

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  The repayment schedule provides a breakdown by fiscal year for the long term debt outstanding at December 31, 2007.  Short term
       notes payable to banks to be repaid in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 have not been included in the repayment schedule.

 

(5)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       repayments have been adjusted for payments made through December 31, 2007.


12.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


Floating to Fixed Rate Interest Swaps

As of June 30, 2006, all floating to fixed rate interest swaps had been terminated.  For the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2006, the Company recognized non-cash income before income taxes of $0 and $290, respectively from the change in fair value of these derivative financial instruments.  With the recognition of each income or expense relating to these instruments, a corresponding amount is recognized in Pension, Postretirement and Other Long-Term Liabilities.


Forward Currency Contracts

The Company periodically enters into forward currency contracts to protect against volatility associated with certain non-U.S. dollar denominated forecasted transactions.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, when these derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment, they are accounted for as cash flow hedges and are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes.  

          The Company has entered into forward currency contracts to hedge cash outflows in foreign currencies around the world for green tobacco purchases and processing costs as well as selling, administrative and general costs.  Some of these contracts do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, and as such, are reported in income. For the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, a loss of $1,183 and income of $1,628, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, income of $8,419 and $6,124, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, a loss of $43 and $0 respectively, has been recorded in selling, administrative and general expenses.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, a loss of $25 and $0, respectively, has been recorded in selling, administrative and general expenses.


Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swap contracts and foreign exchange contracts, at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument.  Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge.  Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are recorded in income along with the portions of the changes in the fair values of the hedged items that relate to the hedged risk(s).  Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income net of deferred taxes.  Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in income.  Fair value estimates are based on quoted market prices.  


13.  PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS


The Company has a defined benefit plan that provides retirement benefits for substantially all U.S. salaried personnel based on years of service rendered, age and compensation.  The Company also maintains various other Excess Benefit and Supplemental Plans that provide additional benefits to (1) certain individuals whose compensation and the resulting benefits that would have actually been paid are limited by regulations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and (2) certain individuals in key positions.  The Company funds these plans in amounts consistent with the funding requirements of Federal Law and Regulations.

          Additional non-U.S. defined benefit plans sponsored by certain subsidiaries cover certain full-time employees located in Germany, Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom.


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic pension cost for continuing operations consisted of the following:


 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007  

 

2006  

 

2007 

 

2006 

     Service cost

$   700 

 

$   873 

 

$2,099 

 

$2,618 

     Interest expense

1,947 

 

1,984 

 

5,841 

 

5,952 

     Expected return on plan assets

(1,706)

 

(1,630)

 

(5,117)

 

(4,890)

     Amortization of prior service cost

(36)

 

491 

 

(108)

 

1,473 

     Effect of settlement/curtailment costs

 

318 

 

 

318 

     Actuarial loss

162 

 

148 

 

487 

 

445 

     Net periodic pension cost

$1,067 

 

$2,184 

 

$3,202 

 

$5,916 







Employer Contributions

The Company’s investment objectives are to generate consistent total investment return to pay anticipated plan benefits, while minimizing long-term costs.  Financial objectives underlying this policy include maintaining plan contributions at a reasonable level relative to benefits provided and assuring that unfunded obligations do not grow to a level to adversely affect the Company’s financial health.  As of December 31, 2007, contributions of $4,649 were made to pension plans for fiscal 2008.  Additional contributions to pension plans of approximately $1,129 are expected during the remainder of fiscal 2008.  However, this amount is subject to change, due primarily to potential plan combinations, asset performance significantly above or below the assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets and significant changes in interest rates.


Postretirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company also provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired U.S. employees, and their eligible dependents, who meet specified age and service requirements. The Company has amended the plan effective September 1, 2005 to limit benefits paid to retirees under the age of 65 to a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars per year.  Employees joining after August 31, 2005 will not be eligible for any retiree medical benefits.  As of December 31, 2007, contributions of $615 were made to the plan for fiscal 2008.  Additional contributions of $326 to the plan are expected during the rest of fiscal 2008.  The Company retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate the medical benefits.


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit cost for postretirement health and life insurance benefit plans consisted of the following:


 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Nine Months Ended
December 31,

 

2007 

 

2006  

 

2007  

 

2006   

     Service cost

$   18 

 

$   22 

 

$   55 

 

$   66 

     Interest expense

141 

 

132 

 

423 

 

396 

     Expected return on plan assets

 

 

 

     Amortization of prior service cost

(405)

 

(406)

 

(1,217)

 

(1,217)

     Actuarial loss

105 

 

87 

 

316 

 

261 

     Net periodic pension cost

$(141)

 

$(165)

 

$(423)

 

$(494)


14.  ADVANCES ON PURCHASES OF TOBACCO


The Company provides seasonal crop advances of, or for, seed, fertilizer, and other supplies. These advances are short term in nature, repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and reported in Advances on Purchases of Tobacco in the consolidated balance sheet. Primarily in Brazil and certain African countries, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In addition, due to low crop yields and other factors, in some years individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. Current advances of $79,900 at December 31, 2007, and $85,782 at December 31, 2006 are presented as Advances on Purchases of Tobacco, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  The long-term portion of advances of $45,800 at December 31, 2007, and $37,703 at December 31, 2006 are included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Both the current and the long-term portion of advances on purchases of tobacco are reported net of allowances.  Allowances are recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Total allowances were $60,780 at December 31, 2007, and $48,124 at December 31, 2006, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances for the nine months ended December 31, were increased by provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $21,736 in 2007 and $32,628 in 2006 net of recoveries of $3,559 and $1,714 for the same respective periods.  Farmer bad debt provisions are capitalized into inventory and the expense is realized when the inventory is sold.  Write-downs of $11,417 were charged against the allowance in the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and $29,628 was charged against the allowance during the comparable prior year period.

          In Brazil, farmers obtain government subsidized rural credit financing which is guaranteed by the Company. The farmers borrow these funds from local banks.  Collection of both Company advances and rural credit financing occur upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and the Company remits the rural credit financing funds to the bank when due on behalf of the farmer.  Additionally, terms of rural credit financing have been such that repayment is due only after tobacco deliveries are complete.

          The Company has collected farmer balances due to rural credit of $59,182 and $23,736 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are included in Accounts Payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company was guarantor for Brazilian loans of $285,642 and $273,489, respectively with outstanding amounts of $280,267 and $243,713.  In those respective periods, the fair values of guarantees for rural credit were $16,816 and $14,623 and are included in the allowances for bad debt.




15.  SALE OF RECEIVABLES


Alliance One International, A.G., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is engaged in a revolving trade accounts receivable securitization agreement to sell receivables to a third party limited liability company.  The agreement, which matures September 25, 2009, is funded through loans from a bank-sponsored commercial paper conduit which is committed up to a maximum of $55,000 in funding at any time.  To the extent that the balance of the receivables sold into the pool is less than $55,000 the Company is subject to a 0.5% fee on the unused amount.  The Company retains servicing responsibilities and subordinated interests in the receivables sold.  The Company receives annual service fees of 0.5% of the outstanding balance which approximates the fair value of services to be rendered at current funding levels.  Historically, credit loss and prepayments of customer receivables have been negligible.  Losses on sale of receivables are recorded as a component of other income (expense) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

          The following table summarizes the Company’s accounts receivable securitization information as of December 31:


 

 

2007        

 

2006        

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables outstanding in facility:

 

 

 

 

   As of April 1

 

$   31,282   

 

$           -   

   Sold

 

144,985   

 

24,199   

   Collected

 

(132,391)  

 

-   

   As of December 31

 

$   43,876   

 

$ 24,199   

 

 

 

 

 

Retained interest as of December 31

 

$     5,595   

 

$   1,031   

 

 

 

 

 

Decreases in retained Interest resulting from changes in discount rate:

 

 

 

 

   10%

 

$          59   

 

$        30   

   20%

 

$        118   

 

$        61   

 

 

 

 

 

Criteria to determine retained interest as of December 31:

 

 

 

 

   Weighted average life in days

 

54   

 

48   

   Discount rate (inclusive of 0.5% servicing fee)

 

9.4%

 

9.2%

   Unused balance fee

 

0.5%

 

0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

Cash proceeds for the nine months ended December 31:

 

 

 

 

   Current purchase price

 

$   71,583   

 

$22,865   

   Deferred purchase price

 

41,816   

 

-   

   Service fees

 

218   

 

17   

      Total

 

$ 113,617   

 

$22,882   

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on sale of receivables:

 

 

 

 

   Three months ended December 31

 

$        591   

 

$     404   

   Nine months ended December 31

 

$     2,172   

 

$     788   


16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Amendment to Senior Secured Credit Facility


Subsequent to the period end, on February 8, 2008, the Company closed the Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 30, 2007.  The Third Amendment provides that through March 31, 2009, purchases by the Company of its outstanding senior notes and senior subordinated notes will be permitted without reference to availability under the current restricted payments basket.  Additionally, the Third Amendment provides the Company flexibility to collapse multiple classes of stock ownership in Intabex Netherlands B.V., one of its wholly owned subsidiaries and a borrower under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, into one class of stock.


Sale of Brazilian Assets


On February 1, 2008, the Company completed the sale to an independent third party of Brazilian non-core assets for total cash received of $18,000.





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


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW


The following executive overview is intended to provide significant highlights of the discussion and analysis that follows.  


Results of operations

We are experiencing a challenging operating year, due principally to the materially reduced Malawi crop and other crop shortages.  The crop shortages have resulted in significant tobacco purchase price increases which have combined with currency pressures, farmer bad debts and ICMS charges in Brazil to continue pressure on margins.

          We continue to successfully monetize non-core assets, as demonstrated by the sale of the CdF operations in October which provided cash of $16.2 million and the sale of our surplus Brazilian factory in February which netted additional cash of $18.0 million.

          As a consequence of the continued market pressures and short crops in certain areas, as well as intentional crop reductions in South America, we have now measurably reduced both our uncommitted inventory stocks and our total tobacco inventories. Our focus on working capital management, combined with the benefits of our continued focus on debt reduction, is readily evident when reviewing our financial statements. Working capital has decreased $95.1 million since year end.  As of September 30, 2007, we had completely retired the $145.0 million Term Loan B notes.  In addition, we purchased and retired $23.0 million of Senior Notes during the quarter. Accordingly, our total debt less cash and cash equivalents has been reduced from $893.9 million at December 31, 2006 to $660.8 million, reflecting a $233.1 million reduction. Consequently, our interest expense, net of interest income and debt amortization, was reduced from $72.5 million in the prior year to $62.4 million this year, for a $10.1 million improvement in pre-tax income, including a $4.6 million benefit during the quarter.

          As compared to the prior year, sales, operating income, net income and other financial metrics for the three months and nine months were ahead or improved, driven by our operating plan execution in conjunction with strong commitment from our employees and customer base. We feel this evidences the continued successful execution of our strategy.


Liquidity and debt refinancing

Throughout the year we maintain seasonally adjusted liquidity levels through a combination of cash from operations, short term credit lines around the world, advances from customers, the sale of accounts receivable, active working capital management and our $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which continued to be undrawn as of December 31, 2007.  At December 31, 2007, there was $818.9 million of total debt outstanding and $23.6 million in issued but unfunded letters of credit. Available liquidity was comprised of $158.2 million of cash on hand and $516.3 million of available credit lines including the $250.0 million revolver and $16.1 million exclusive to letters of credit. These various sources of liquidity are continuously evaluated and modified as needed to match our business requirements in the most cost effective manner possible, while providing enterprise flexibility.


Outlook

Global demand for cigarettes and therefore our products remains solid and we are well positioned globally to meet our customers’ supply needs. We continue to challenge all of our operations to achieve appropriate return targets and to effect actions which will positively improve future performance.  Further, our focus on cost savings and operating efficiencies over the last two years has better positioned us to serve and grow with our customers as they respond to global industry conditions.

          Our focus remains on improving our strategic performance and particularly upon debt reduction.  We are demonstrating success in the combination of cost reductions, efficiency improvements and improved pricing.  However, the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar, market pricing pressures and adverse weather conditions are producing crop reductions, particularly in Malawi, Asia and Southern Europe, which will effect not only 2008, but the 2009 marketing of these crops as well.  Our aggressive working capital management, and consequent reduction in the operating cycle, combined with cash sourced from continued disposition of non-core assets, will enable continued deleveraging of our balance sheet.

          With our customer-focused emphasis, we are confident that this will position us to leverage our already strong customer relationships and allow us to grow with our customers. As such, we will continue to focus our attention and resources on those origins that are growing in market importance, on delivering outstanding customer service, exercising expense discipline, and above all, delivering shareholder value.




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions)

2007  

$     

%    

2006  

 

2007   

$     

%    

2006   

Sales and other operating revenues

$560.1   

$101.3   

22.1 

$458.8   

 

$1,608.4   

$  62.5   

4.0 

$1,545.9   

Gross profit

74.3   

13.6   

22.4 

60.7   

 

230.0   

(12.1)  

(5.0)

242.1   

Selling, administrative and general expenses

37.8   

(0.9)  

(2.3)

38.7   

 

113.8   

(5.1)  

(4.3)

118.9   

Other income (expense)

(0.2)  

(1.7)  

 

1.5   

 

4.0   

(1.0)  

 

5.0   

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

6.2   

0.7   

 

5.5   

 

15.9   

(12.2)  

 

28.1   

Debt retirement expense

1.6   

1.6   

 

-   

 

4.8   

4.8   

 

-   

Interest expense

22.1   

(4.4)  

 

26.5   

 

72.1   

(9.6)  

 

81.7   

Interest income

2.7   

1.1   

 

1.6   

 

7.0   

2.6   

 

4.4   

Derivative financial instruments income

-   

-   

 

-   

 

-   

(0.3)  

 

0.3   

Income tax expense (benefit)

(5.6)  

(15.5)  

 

9.9   

 

2.8   

(20.0)  

 

22.8   

Equity in net income of investee companies

-   

0.1   

 

(0.1)  

 

0.3   

0.1   

 

0.2   

Minority interests (income)

0.1   

(0.4)  

 

0.5   

 

0.2   

0.1   

 

0.1   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

1.0   

11.9   

 

(10.9)  

 

1.4   

17.0   

 

(15.6)  

Cumulative effect of accounting changes,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      net of income tax

-   

-   

 

-   

 

-   

0.3   

 

(0.3)  

Net income (loss)

$  15.7* 

$  44.0* 

 

$(28.3)  

 

$     33.1   

$  48.5* 

 

$   (15.4)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*  Amounts do not equal column totals due to rounding.

 

Sales and Other Operating Revenue Supplemental Information

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions, except per kilo amounts)

2007 

$     

%    

2006

 

2007   

$     

%    

2006   

Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Sales and other operating revenues

$518.8   

$  95.7 

22.6 

$423.1   

 

$1,556.1 

$57.4   

3.8 

$1,498.7 

     Kilos

145.8   

12.7 

9.5 

133.1   

 

452.5 

(3.7)  

(0.8)

456.2 

     Average price per kilo

$  3.56   

$  0.38 

11.9 

$  3.18   

 

$     3.44 

$  0.15   

4.6 

$     3.29 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Processing and other revenues

$  41.3   

$    5.6 

15.7 

$  35.7   

 

$     52.3 

$  5.1   

10.8 

$     47.2 

Total sales and other operating revenues

$560.1   

$101.3 

22.1 

$458.8   

 

$1,608.4 

$  62.5   

4.0 

$1,545.9 


Three Months Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2006


Sales and other operating revenues.  The increase of 22.1% from $458.8 million in 2006 to $560.1 million in 2007 is primarily the result of a 9.5% or 12.7 million kilo increase in quantities sold combined with an 11.9% or $0.38 per kilo increase in average sales prices.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America operating segment increased $85.3 million or 122.4% resulting from an increase of $0.89 per kilo in average sales prices combined with an increase in volumes of 18.3 million kilos.  The increase in volumes and average sales prices were primarily a result of the return of certain customers to the region as well as increased demand for Brazilian tobacco.


Other Region.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment increased 2.9% primarily as a result of an increase of $0.31 per kilo in average sales prices partially offset by a decrease in volumes of 5.6 million kilos.  Average sales prices increased across all regions with the most significant price impact being attributable to Europe and Asia.  However, decreased volumes substantially offset the impact of increased average sales prices.  The decrease in volumes is primarily a result of opportunistic sales in the prior year in the United States and Turkey.  Also contributing to the decrease in volumes is the timing of shipments that were delayed to the current quarter in the prior year or accelerated into earlier quarters in the current year as well as significantly reduced Malawi sales due to the smaller 2007 crop.  Partially offsetting these decreases was a substantial increase in Asian volumes and revenues due to the increased demand for these tobaccos as well as the timing of shipments that had been delayed from last quarter.  Processing and other revenues increased 15.7% or $5.6 million from $35.7 million in 2006 to $41.3 million in 2007 primarily as a result of increased processing volumes and prices in the United States.


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit increased 22.4% from $60.7 million in 2006 to $74.3 million in 2007 and gross profit as a percentage of sales increased from 13.2% in 2006 to 13.3% in 2007.  


South America Region.  Gross profit in the South America operating segment increased $9.1 million primarily as a result of increased tobacco sales but was negatively impacted by higher costs.  The higher costs are related to the  increased 2007 and 2006 crop grower bad debt provisions, higher processing costs as a result of a smaller 2007 crop as well as the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real which substantially increased both green and tobacco processing costs for the 2006 and 2007 crops.  Management considers the 2007 crop to be of improved quality.  However, as a result of the poor quality of the 2006 crop and the resulting surplus quantities on hand, 2007 crop production and purchases declined as planned.  The decline in market conditions has again increased the estimated grower bad debt provision for the 2007 crop.  During the current quarter, a provision of $5.8 million related to interstate trade taxes receivable from the State of Parana was recorded which also negatively impacted Brazilian gross profits.  See Note 10 “Contingencies - Non-Income Tax” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.  These increases have negatively impacted the current quarter gross profit and will continue to impact gross profit in future quarters relative to 2007 and 2006 crop sales.  


Other Region.  The increase in gross profit of $4.5 million is primarily attributable to the Asia region as a result of increased volumes and average sales prices along with the diminished impact of foreign currency denominated costs, primarily in Europe, that eroded gross profits in the prior year.  Substantially offsetting the increase in gross profit is the higher costs of the 2007 burley crop in Malawi.  The 2007 Malawi crop size was reduced as a result of weather conditions.  The decreased crop size, coupled with an increase of competition within the Malawi market, has dramatically increased the purchase price of the 2007 burley crop. As a result of the above factors, the average auction prices for the 2007 crop tobacco in Malawi have almost doubled in comparison with the prior year. In addition, the reduced crop purchases also increased the per kilo processing and overhead costs allocated to the 2007 crop.  Sales price increases negotiated have not been sufficient to cover these cost escalations or compensate for lost volumes, thereby resulting in decreased current year margins.  These factors will have a material negative impact on Other Region gross profit as the 2007 Malawi burley crop is sold in future quarters.


Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased 2.3% from $38.7 million in 2006 to $37.8 million in 2007.  The decrease is primarily due to decreased insurance costs and depreciation expense partially offset by increased compensation costs.


Other income (expense) was an expense of $0.2 million in 2007 and income of $1.5 million in 2006.  The income of $1.5 million in 2006 relates primarily to fixed asset sales.


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $6.2 million in 2007 compared to $5.5 million in 2006.  The 2007 costs relate to a net charge of $2.6 million in Turkey related to impairment for long-lived assets as a result of significant reductions in future Turkish flue cured and burley tobacco volumes. The remaining restructuring charges of $3.6 million are substantially employee severance charges primarily in Malawi due to the impending sale of one of the Malawi factories as previously disclosed.  The 2006 costs relate to additional employee severance and other integration related charges of $4.5 million, primarily in Turkey as a result of the merger integration.  The remaining $1.0 million in 2006 relates to additional asset impairment charges on assets held for sale, primarily in the United States.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Debt retirement expense of $1.6 million in 2007 relates to one time costs of retiring $23.0 million of senior notes during the quarter.  These costs include tender premiums paid of $1.2 million for the redemption of the senior notes, the accelerated expense recognition of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million associated with these debt instruments and other debt related fees. See Note 11 “Debt Arrangements – Senior Notes” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Interest expense decreased $4.4 million from $26.5 million in 2006 to $22.1 million in 2007 primarily due to lower average borrowings during the quarter.


Interest income increased from $1.6 million in 2006 to $2.7 million in 2007 primarily due to higher average cash balances.


Effective tax rates were a benefit of 61.0% in 2007 and an expense of 142.1% in 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 8.2% after absorption of discrete items.  For the three months ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a specific event adjustment benefit of $7.0 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the quarter from an expense of 14.9% to a benefit of 61.0%.  This specific event adjustment benefit relates primarily to exchange gains on income tax accounts and reversal of FIN 48 liability for the favorable resolution of the tax case in Germany.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, expense adjustments of $6.2 million, primarily related to the tax audit in Germany, were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2006 from an expense of 53.3% to 142.1%.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in income of $1.0 million in 2007 compared to a loss of $10.9 million in 2006.  The income of $1.0 million in 2007 is primarily a result of our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  The loss of $10.9 million in 2006 is primarily related to a $9.3 million charge related to finalizing our exit from the Italian market and a $1.1 million fair value adjustment to inventory in Mozambique.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended December 31, 2006

 

Sales and other operating revenues.  The increase of 4.0% from $1,545.9 million in 2006 to $1,608.4 million in 2007 is primarily the result of a 4.6% or $0.15 per kilo increase in average sales prices partially offset by a 0.8% or 3.7 million kilo decrease in quantities sold.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America operating segment increased $109.4 million or 16.5% resulting from an increase in volumes of 26.6 million kilos and an increase of $0.09 per kilo in average sales prices.  The return of certain customer sales in the current year as well as increased demand for Brazilian tobacco are the primary reasons for the South America operating segment increases in revenue.  


Other Region.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment decreased 6.2% resulting from a decrease in volumes of 30.3 million kilos partially offset by an increase in average sales prices of $0.19 per kilo. The decrease in volumes is primarily as a result of opportunistic sales of U.S. inventories that occurred in the prior year.  The decrease in sales also reflected the exit from the European markets in Greece and Spain and decreased volumes available in Zimbabwe and reduced Malawi sales due to the smaller 2007 crop. These decreases were partially offset by the timing of Malawi sales into the current year due to the resolution of shipping delays that existed in the prior year and Asian sales due to increased demand for these tobaccos. Processing and other revenues increased 10.8% from $47.2 million in 2006 to $52.3 million in 2007 primarily as a result of increased processing volumes and prices in the United States.


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit decreased 5.0% from $242.1 million in 2006 to $230.0 million in 2007 and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 15.7% in 2006 to 14.3% in 2007.  


South America Region.  While increased volumes in the current year were able to substantially offset the prior year positive reversal of interstate trade taxes, gross profit in the South America operating segment declined $5.0 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  This decline is primarily attributable to the cumulative impact of increased 2007 and 2006 crop grower bad debt provisions as well as the continued impact of the strengthening Brazilian real which substantially increased both green and tobacco processing costs for the 2006 and 2007 crops.  Management considers the 2007 crop to be of improved quality.  However, as a result of the poor quality of the 2006 crop and the resulting surplus quantities on hand, 2007 crop production and purchases declined as planned.  The decline in market conditions has again increased the estimated grower bad debt provision for the 2007 crop.  During the current quarter, a provision of $5.8 million related to interstate trade taxes receivable from the State of Parana was recorded which also negatively impacted Brazilian gross profits.  See Note 10 “Contingencies - Non-Income Tax” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.  These increases have negatively impacted the current year gross profit and will continue to impact gross profit in future quarters relative to 2007 and 2006 crop sales.  


Other Region.  The decrease in gross profit of $7.1 million is primarily attributable to two factors within the Other Region operating segment.  First are the prior year non-recurring opportunistic sales of U.S. inventories.  Second is the increased cost of the 2007 burley crop in Malawi that is being sold.  A smaller crop size due to weather, coupled with an increase of competition within the Malawi market, almost doubled the average auction prices for the 2007 crop in Malawi. In addition, the reduced crop purchases also increased the per kilo processing and overhead costs allocated to the 2007 crop.  Sales price increases negotiated have not been sufficient to cover these cost escalations or compensate for lost volumes thereby resulting in decreased current year margins. These factors will have a material negative impact on Other Region gross profit as the 2007 Malawi burley crop is sold in future quarters.


Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased 4.3% from $118.9 million in 2006 to $113.8 million in 2007.  The decrease is primarily due to decreased compensation costs and professional fees partially offset by increased travel expenses.


Other income was $4.0 million in 2007 that relates primarily to gains on sales of fixed assets while the $5.0 million in 2006 is primarily related to the final collection of pre-1991 Gulf War Iraqi receivables written off in prior years and gains on sales of fixed assets.


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $15.9 million in 2007 compared to $28.1 million in 2006.  The costs of $15.9 million in 2007 relate to asset impairment charges of $10.1 million which are primarily the result of a $6.1 million charge from the October 2007 sale of CdF which considers the $3.9 million currency translation account debit previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  In addition, there was a net charge of $2.6 million in Turkey related to impairment for long-lived assets as a result of significant reductions in future Turkish flue cured and burley tobacco volumes. The remaining restructuring charges of $5.8 million are substantially employee severance charges primarily in Malawi due to the impending sale of one of the Malawi factories as previously disclosed and other employee severance charges as we continue the execution of our merger integration plan.  The 2006 costs relate to additional impairment charges of $13.2 million to write down our Zimbabwe operations to zero as a result of the continuing political and economic strife as well as the further decline in crop size.  Other asset impairment charges of $5.5 million related to assets in the United States, Thailand and Greece, primarily machinery and equipment.  The remaining $9.4 million in 2006 relates primarily to employee severance and other integration related charges as a result of the merger.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Debt retirement expense of $4.8 million in 2007 relates to accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs as a result of debt prepayment and retirement as well as other one time costs associated with the retirement of senior notes during the three months ended December 31, 2007 including tender premiums paid for the redemption of the senior notes and other debt related fees. See Note 11 “Debt Arrangements – Senior Notes” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Interest expense decreased $9.6 million from $81.7 million in 2006 to $72.1 million in 2007 due to lower average borrowings.


Interest income increased from $4.4 million in 2006 to $7.0 million in 2007 due to higher average cash balances.


Effective tax rates were an expense of 8.0% in 2007 and 98.5% in 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 8.2% after absorption of discrete items.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a specific event adjustment benefit of $2.2 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the nine months of 14.5% to 8.0%.  This specific event adjustment benefit relates to reversal of FIN 48 liability for the favorable resolution of the tax case in Germany, interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2006, net expense adjustments of $5.7 million, primarily related to additional income tax expense accrued for the tax audit in Germany and to a reduction of tax rates in Turkey, were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2006 from an expense of 74.0% to 98.5%.  The significant difference from the statutory rate is primarily due to the inability to recognize the benefit of losses in certain jurisdictions.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in income of $1.4 million in 2007 compared to a loss of $15.6 million in 2006.  This increase of $16.9 million primarily related to 2006 charges of $9.3 million related to finalizing our exit from the Italian market and a $1.1 million fair value adjustment to inventory in Mozambique.  The remaining increase of $6.5 million is due to our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:


Overview

We utilize capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance accounts receivable,  inventory and advances to farmers for pre-financing tobacco crops in foreign countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Malawi, Tanzania, Turkey and Zambia.  Our business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on hand and outstanding indebtedness may be significantly greater or less than at fiscal year-end.  In addition, from time to time in the future, we may elect to purchase, redeem, repay, retire or cancel indebtedness prior to stated maturity under our senior secured credit agreement or indentures, as permitted therein.

         As of December 31, 2007, we are near the seasonally adjusted low for our Brazilian crop lines following significant customer shipments and payments during the period.  Fluctuations in the Brazilian real continue to have an impact on our working capital requirements and are anticipated to continue in the future.  In Asia the Thailand crop is fully shipped and customer payments are nearly complete.  The market has concluded for the Indian Mysore crop and we are processing and shipping these tobaccos. In Indonesia we are completing 2007 shipments and collecting payment from customers.  Chinese shipments and payments due to prolonged pricing negotiations are later than normal. Africa has shipped the majority of its crop and invoicing and customer payments are over their peak.  Europe has completed delivery of the 2007 crop and preparations are under way for purchases of the 2008, which will begin before fiscal year end.  North America has completed Flue Cured processing and is in the middle of Burley, while reaching the end of their working capital needs. For new crops we anticipate earlier than normal purchasing seasons for Turkish Oriental, Zambian and Malawi Burley, and Indian Traditional crops


Working Capital

Our working capital decreased from $531.9 million at March 31, 2007 to $459.4 million at December 31, 2007.  Our current ratio was 1.8 to 1 at December 31, 2007 compared to 1.9 to 1 at March 31, 2007.  The decrease in working capital is primarily related to decreases in inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco, decrease in trade receivables and increases in notes payable to banks, accounts payable partially offset by increases in cash and other current assets and decreases in long-term debt current and income taxes.  These changes are attributable to the purchasing and processing of tobacco in Africa and North America as well as the financing of crops in South America and Europe.   

         The following table is a summary of items from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


 

As of                             

 

 

 

 

December 31,            

 

March 31,

(in millions except for current ratio)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006 

 

2007   

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

$    158.2 

 

$    25.8 

 

$     80.3

Net trade receivables

 

 

 

195.3 

 

230.7 

 

217.8

Inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco

 

 

 

540.1 

 

668.6 

 

730.3

Total current assets

 

 

 

1,018.0 

 

1,055.2 

 

1,131.6

Notes payable to banks

 

 

 

251.4 

 

189.0 

 

179.1

Accounts payable

 

 

 

114.8 

 

85.2 

 

188.0

Advances from customer

 

 

 

110.6 

 

128.4 

 

125.4

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

558.6 

 

583.0 

 

599.7

Current ratio

 

 

 

1.8 to 1 

 

1.8 to 1 

 

1.9 to 1

Working capital

 

 

 

459.4 

 

472.2 

 

531.9

Total long term debt

 

 

 

549.5 

 

629.9 

 

726.6

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

232.9 

 

213.5 

 

225.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Operating activities

 

 

 

156.1 

 

142.0 

 

 

      Investing activities

 

 

 

23.2 

 

23.5 

 

 

      Financing activities

 

 

 

(101.7)

 

(165.9)

 

 


Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $14.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  The increase in cash provided was primarily due to an increase of $23.1 million resulting from net income and changes in operating assets and liabilities of continuing operations partially offset by decreases in the operating activities of discontinued operations of $9.0 million.


Investing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by investing cash flows remained relatively constant in 2007 compared to 2006.  However, there were notable changes within the category.  Cash received on sale of subsidiaries increased $20.2 million resulting from a receipt of $15.0 million on the sale of CdF, S.A. in 2007 opposed to the distribution of cash of $5.2 million in 2006 in the disposition of our Spanish subsidiaries.  The primary offsets to this increase were $7.1 million more cash used in the acquisition of property and equipment as well as $6.3 million less cash provided by the sale of property and equipment.


Financing Cash Flows

Net cash used by financing activities decreased $64.2 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  This decrease is primarily due to a $188.9 million increase in short term borrowings partially offset by a $130.6 million change in long term borrowings.


Debt Financing

We have historically financed our operations through a combination of short-term lines of credit, revolving credit arrangements, long-term debt securities, customer advances and cash from operations.  At December 31, 2007, although we have no material capital expenditure commitments, we expect to incur approximately $10.0 million in capital expenditures through the remainder of the fiscal year and an additional $2.0 million in expenditures which we expect to incur in the next fiscal year.  We believe that these sources of funds will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for fiscal year 2008.  No cash dividends were paid to stockholders during the nine months ended December 31, 2007.  Our Board has approved up to $200.0 million in repurchases of our senior notes, of which $23.0 million were repurchased and cancelled during the quarter ended December 31, 2007, and up to $30.0 million of our senior subordinated notes, none of which have been repurchased.  Our repurchase of senior notes and senior subordinated notes is subject to compliance with the covenants contained in our senior secured credit agreement and various notes indentures, of which some covenants may prohibit repurchases of subordinated notes unless certain financial ratios are maintained.



         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of December 31, 2007:


 

 

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4) (5)

(in millions except for interest rates)

2007    

2007       

Available

Rate

 

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Revolver

$        -

$         -

$250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Term loan B

145.0

-

-

 

 

 

145.0

-

250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     11% senior notes due 2012

315.0

292.0

-

11.0%

 

292.0 

     8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149.3

149.4

-

8.5%

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

(.2)

150.0 

     Other (1)

10.2

10.2

-

 

 

3.5 

6.7 

 

474.5

451.5

-

 

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

3.3 

448.7 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
       notes due 2012

91.6

92.4

-

12.8%

 

(.3)

(1.2)

(1.4)

(1.6)

(1.9)

98.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term debt

20.8

23.7

21.0

8.2%

(2)

4.4 

16.2 

1.9 

0.9 

0.3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

179.1

251.4

245.3

6.7%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total debt

$ 911.0

$  818.9

516.2

 

 

$4.1 

$14.9 

$0.4 

$(0.9)

$1.4 

$547.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$ 179.1

$  251.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt current

$     5.2

$     18.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt

  726.7

549.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 731.9

$  567.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$   17.8

$    23.6

16.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total credit available

 

 

$532.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Balance consists of legacy DIMON and Standard Senior Notes with balances and maturities as follows:
      $ 3.5    9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011
         0.4    7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013
         6.3    8% Senior Notes due 2012
     $10.2

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the nine months ended December 31, 2007

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  The repayment schedule provides a breakdown by fiscal year for the long term debt outstanding at December 31, 2007.  Short term
       notes payable to banks to be repaid in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 have not been included in the repayment schedule.

 

(5)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       repayments have been adjusted for payments made through December 31, 2007.


The following summarizes the material terms of each significant component of our debt financing.


Senior Secured Credit Facility


On March 30, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with a syndicate of banks that amends and restates the Company’s prior credit agreement and provides for a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that consists of:


·

a three and one-half year $240.0 million revolver (the “Revolver”) which initially accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%; and

·

a four-year $145.0 million term loan B (the “Term Loan B”) which accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%.


         The interest rate for the Revolver may increase or decrease according to a consolidated interest coverage ratio pricing matrix as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Effective May 25, 2007, the Company increased the Revolver by $10.0 million to $250.0 million by adding additional Lenders thereto.  As of September 30, 2007, the entire $145.0 million term loan B had $0 outstanding.


Borrowers and Guarantors.  One of the Company’s primary foreign holding companies, Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), is co-borrower under the Revolver, and the Company’s portion of the borrowings under the Revolver is limited to $150.0 million outstanding at any one time.  One of the Company’s primary foreign trading companies, Alliance One International AG (“AOIAG”), is a guarantor of Intabex’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Such obligations are also currently guaranteed by the Company and must be guaranteed by any of its material direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries.


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

100% of the capital stock of any material domestic subsidiaries;

·

65% of the capital stock of any material first tier foreign subsidiaries;

·

U.S. accounts receivable and U.S. inventory owned by the Company or its material domestic subsidiaries (other than inventory the title of which has passed to a customer and inventory financed through customer advances); and

·

Intercompany notes evidencing loans or advances the Company makes to subsidiaries that are not guarantors.


          In addition, Intabex’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of Intabex, AOIAG, and certain of the Company’s and Intabex’s material foreign subsidiaries.


Financial Covenants.  The Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants and required financial ratios, including:


·

a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.55 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 6.25 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated total senior debt to borrowing base ratio of not more than 0.90 to 1.00; and

·

a maximum amount of annual capital expenditures of $40.0 million during any fiscal year of the Company.


          Certain of these financial covenants and required financial ratios adjust over time in accordance with schedules in the Credit Agreement.

          The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on additional indebtedness, guarantees, liens and asset sales.

          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or nine months ended December 31, 2007.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315.0 million of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150.0 million of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  During the three months ended December 31, 2007, the Company purchased $23.0 million of its $315 million 11% Senior Note due May 2012 on the open market. All purchased securities were canceled leaving $292.0 million of the 11% Senior Notes outstanding at December 31, 2007. Associated cash premiums paid were $1.2 million and non-cash deferred financing costs of $0.4 million were accelerated. From time to time in the future the Company may purchase more of its debt securities in the open market or through a tender process.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or nine months ended December 31, 2007.


Senior Subordinated Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $100.0 million of 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 at a 10% original issue discount to reflect a 15% yield to maturity.  The indenture governing the senior subordinated notes contains covenants substantially identical to those contained in the indentures governing the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes.


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $251.4 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $536.4 million.  Additionally against these lines there was $16.1 million available in unused letter of credit capacity with $23.6 million issued but unfunded.


FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS:


Readers are cautioned that the statements contained herein regarding expectations for our performance are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include changes in the timing of anticipated shipments, changes in anticipated geographic product sourcing, political instability in sourcing locations, currency and interest rate fluctuations, shifts in the global supply and demand position for our tobacco products, and the impact of regulation and litigation on our customers.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.




Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.


Derivatives policies: Hedging interest rate exposure using swaps and hedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in keeping with management’s policies. We may use derivative instruments, such as swaps or forwards, which are based directly or indirectly upon interest rates and currencies to manage and reduce the risks inherent in interest rate and currency fluctuations.  

          We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes, and we do not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Derivatives are transaction specific so that a specific debt instrument, contract, or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge.


Foreign exchange rates: Our business is generally conducted in U.S. dollars, as is the business of the tobacco industry as a whole.  However, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the U.S. dollar.  We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown.  Also, in some cases, our sales pricing arrangements with our customers allow adjustments for the effect of currency exchange fluctuations on local purchasing and processing costs.  Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.  We have recognized exchange gains (losses) in our cost of goods and services sold of $0.9 million and $(4.9) million for the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we have recognized exchange gains (losses) of $0.1 million and $(5.0) million, respectively in our cost of goods and services sold. We have recognized exchange gains (losses) related to tax balances in our tax expense of $1.1 million and $(1.8) million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2007, respectively.

          Our consolidated selling, administrative and general expenses denominated in foreign currencies are subject to translation risks from currency exchange fluctuations.  These foreign denominated expenses are primarily denominated in the euro, sterling and Brazilian real.  The weakening U.S. dollar against the real may continue to significantly impact translated results.


Interest rates: We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate and variable rate debt in our total debt portfolio.  A 1% change in interest rates would increase or decrease our reported interest cost by approximately $2.1 million and $7.3 million for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2007, respectively.  A substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.


Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.


Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of other members of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), as of the end of the period covered by the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that existed at the end of the third quarter with respect to accounting for income taxes, account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges.

          The Company has concluded that as of December 31, 2007, it had the following three deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting:

·

one related to the accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis, as disclosed in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007

·

one related to account reconciliations; and

·

one related to accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges.


          Management has concluded that each of these control deficiencies constitutes a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  A material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting is defined as “a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.”  In light of these material weaknesses, the Company performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures to ensure the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly represent in all material respects the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.


Accounting for Income Taxes on a Quarterly Basis

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, management identified certain misstatements which related to current and prior periods.  Management evaluated these errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements, individually or in the aggregate need.  However, the Company has concluded that there is a material weakness related to the accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis because there was a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.




Account Reconciliations

As of December 31, 2007, the Company identified certain errors related to account reconciliations in current and prior periods.  The errors were identified by the Company’s procedure to monitor the account reconciliation process.  The error was caused by not timely reconciling general ledger accounts to the underlying records.  Management evaluated these errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements, individually or in the aggregate.  However, management found that there was a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.


Accounting for Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

At September 30, 2007, the Company performed a restructuring and asset impairment analysis related to the sale of CdF and deemed it appropriate to defer application of this analysis until the quarter ending December 31, 2007, as reflected in Note 16 included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 (the “Second Quarter 10-Q”).  During the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, management of the Company determined that the financial statements included in the Second Quarter 10-Q should have reflected restructuring and asset impairment charges related to the sale of Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. and its worldwide operating subsidiaries (“CdF”) in the amount of $6.9 million.  The impact of this error was to understate restructuring and asset impairment costs by $6.9 million and to overstate net income by $6.5 million (after a related $0.4 million tax benefit) for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007.  These impairment charges should have been recorded in the second quarter financial statements.  Upon making such determination, management of the Company promptly informed the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.  The Audit Committee, in consultation with the Company’s management, concluded that it was necessary to restate the Second Quarter Financial Statements to include the impairment charges.  


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

          As noted above management identified a material weakness related to accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis during the second quarter and additional material weaknesses related to account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges during the third quarter.  In response to these material weaknesses, the Company has implemented (or, where noted, intends to implement) the remedial measures described below.  Other than these remedial measures, there were no other changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report.


Accounting for Income Taxes

In connection with the material weaknesses in relating to accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis, the Company has implemented the following controls as of December 31, 2007:

·

The calculation of income tax assets and liabilities relating to our foreign operations will be computed by the foreign operations financial management for future periods to allow the Corporate Foreign Tax Manager to perform an initial level of  review of the calculations;

·

An additional layer of review of the tax calculation will be completed at the Corporate level;

·

Enhancements have been made to the detailed instructions provided to the subsidiary employees to respond to the issues identified in the income tax process; and

·

The Company is also reviewing staffing levels, job assignments, and processes to identify other process weaknesses, if any, in order to mitigate the risk of reporting errors within the tax process for future periods.


          The Company has also initiated a thorough review of the design of the internal controls related to the preparation of income taxes on a quarterly basis.  This review will incorporate an analysis of the current staffing levels, job assignments and the design of all internal controls processes for the accounting for income taxes.  As part of that evaluation the Company plans to implement the following additional controls:

·

The Company will engage a third party to perform a detailed review of the quarterly income tax calculations used to determine the quarterly income tax expense; and

·

The Company will put in place an additional review of the income tax calculations.


Account Reconciliations

In connection with the material weaknesses relating to account reconciliation, the Company plans to take the following remedial measures subsequent to December 31, 2007:

·

The Company will review staffing levels, job assignments, and processes in order to mitigate the risk of non-compliance with the Company’s global account reconciliation policy in future periods; and

·

The Company will provide education about the importance of account reconciliation and provide oversight through the internal audit function.


Accounting for Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

In connection with the material weaknesses relating to restructuring and asset impairment charges, the Company plans to take the following remedial measures subsequent to December 31, 2007:

·

The Company will train additional personnel to ensure the adequate preparation and review of restructuring and asset impairment analyses; and

·

The Company will also review staffing levels, job assignments, and processes to identify other process weaknesses, if any, in order to mitigate the risk of reporting errors within the restructuring and asset impairment review for future periods.


Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

In March 2004, the Company discovered potential irregularities with respect to certain bank accounts in southern Europe and central Asia.  The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation of activity relating to these accounts.  That investigation revealed that, although the amounts involved were not material and had no material impact on the Company’s historical financial statements, there were payments from these accounts that may have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”).  In May 2004, the Company voluntarily reported the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice.  Soon thereafter, the Company closed the accounts in question, implemented personnel changes and other measures designed to prevent similar situations in the future, including the addition of new finance and internal audit staff and enhancement of existing training programs, and disclosed these circumstances in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  In August 2006, the Company learned that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation of the Company and others to determine if these or other actions may have violated certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder.  Conclusions reached at the completion of the Company’s internal investigation and initial disclosure have not changed.  The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC with respect to the investigation.

          If the U.S. authorities determine that there have been violations of federal laws, they may seek to impose sanctions on the Company that may include, among other things, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties and modifications to business practices.  It is not possible to predict at this time whether the authorities will determine that violations have occurred, and if they do, what sanctions they might seek to impose.  It is also not possible to predict how the government’s investigation or any resulting sanctions may impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial performance, although any monetary penalty assessed may be material to the Company’s results of operations in the quarter in which it is imposed.

         The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June, 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim seeks the recovery of €7,377 (US$10,858) plus interest and costs and allegedly arises from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.

           On January 10, 2008, one of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiaries, Alliance One Brasil Exportadora de Tobaccos Ltda., received notice that the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the State of Santa Catarina had filed a lawsuit against the Company and other tobacco processors in the area, on behalf of all tobacco farmers.  The lawsuit primarily asserts that there exists an employment relationship between tobacco processors and tobacco farmers. At the initial hearing, held on January 29, 2008, the judge appointed to hear the claim announced that during the coming weeks he will decide the merits of the action and if the claim, due to its complexity, should be forwarded to a Superior Court. The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.




Item 1A.    Risk Factors.


We have determined that we have material weaknesses related to our internal control over financial reporting.

In connection with our assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the quarter ended December 31, 2007, management identified certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting related to accounting for quarterly income tax accounting entries, account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment entries which are described herein.  In response to the material weaknesses identified by the Company, the Company has taken certain remedial measures that the Company believes will correct the design and operational effectiveness of such internal controls; however, we cannot guarantee that such remedial measures will actually correct the design and operational effectiveness of such internal controls and that in the future we will not discover additional material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.


Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

None.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.


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


None.


Item 5.    Other Information.


Resignation from the Board of Directors


Mr. Gilbert L. Klemann, II, has resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of February 7, 2008.  Mr. Klemann recently resigned from his position at Avon Products, Inc., and accepted the position of Executive Vice President, Worldwide General Counsel and Secretary of Sotheby’s.  In connection with that change, Mr. Klemann tendered his resignation in accordance with the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provide that directors who experience a significant change in principal occupation or business association should volunteer to resign from the Board.  The Board of Directors accepted Mr. Klemann’s resignation due to the fact that another director, Mr. William S. Sheridan, is also an executive officer of Sotheby’s.  The Company expresses its thanks to Mr. Klemann for his service to the Company and its predecessors.


Amendments to Bylaws


Effective February 7, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved amendments to the Company’s Bylaws to (i) reduce the number of directors from eleven to ten and (ii) revise the statement of the President’s and Vice President’s authority to execute documents on behalf of the Corporation.  


Amendment to Corporate Governance Guidelines


The Board of Directors of the Company has approved amendments to the Alliance One Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Guidelines”) requiring an incumbent director who is not reelected by a majority of the votes cast for his or her election to promptly tender his or her resignation following certification of the shareholder vote.  Pursuant to the Guidelines, the Board, acting on the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, must determine, within 90 days after the certification of the shareholder vote, whether to accept the resignation.  A copy of the amended Guidelines is available on Alliance One’s website at www.aointl.com.  Information on Alliance One’s website or that may be accessed through Alliance One’s website does not constitute part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Item 6.    Exhibits.

 

3.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alliance One International, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 8, 2008, by and among the Alliance One International, Inc.and Intabex Netherlands B.V., Alliance One International AG, the Lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and Societe Generale, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Alliance One International, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines (amended and restated as of February 7, 2008), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.

 











 

SIGNATURE

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Alliance One International, Inc.

 

 

 

/s/  Thomas G. Reynolds                                           

Date: February 15, 2008

 

Thomas G. Reynolds
Vice President - Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

 







INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alliance One International, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 8, 2008, by and among the Alliance One International, Inc.and Intabex Netherlands B.V., Alliance One International AG, the Lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and Societe Generale, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Alliance One International, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines (amended and restated as of February 7, 2008), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 11, 2008.