UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from        to        

Commission File No. 1-14187

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware

02-0642224

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

P.O. Box 777, 2628 Pearl Road, Medina, Ohio

44258

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(330) 273-5090

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

 

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01

New York Stock Exchange

Rights to Purchase Shares of Common Stock

New York Stock Exchange

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

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes       No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes       No  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes       No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

 

 

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

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

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates (based upon the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on November 30, 2017, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $6,972,779,525.  For purposes of this information, the 2,030,090 outstanding shares of Common Stock which were owned beneficially as of November 30, 2017 by executive officers and Directors of the Registrant were deemed to be the shares of Common Stock held by affiliates.

As of July 19, 2018, 133,482,764 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report to Stockholders”) are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be used in connection with the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 4, 2018 (the “2018 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of May 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

9

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

16

Item 2.

Properties

16

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

18

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

18

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

18

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

19

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

19

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

19

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

19

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

19

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

20

Item 9B.

Other Information

20

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

21

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

22

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

22

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

22

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

22

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

23

Exhibit Index

24

SIGNATURES

29

Schedule II

S-1

 

 

 

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PART  I

 

 

Item 1.   Business.

THE COMPANY

RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation, succeeded to the reporting obligations of RPM, Inc., an Ohio corporation, following a 2002 reincorporation transaction. RPM, Inc. was originally incorporated in 1947 under the name Republic Powdered Metals, Inc. and changed its name to RPM, Inc. in 1971.

As used herein, the terms “RPM,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to RPM International Inc. and all of our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. Our principal executive offices are located at 2628 Pearl Road, P.O. Box 777, Medina, Ohio 44258, and our telephone number is (330) 273-5090.

BUSINESS

Our subsidiaries manufacture, market and sell various specialty chemical product lines, including high-quality specialty paints, infrastructure rehab and repair products, protective coatings, roofing systems, sealants and adhesives, focusing on the maintenance and improvement needs of the industrial, specialty and consumer markets. Our family of products includes those marketed under brand names such as API, Betumat, Carboline, CAVE, DAP, Day-Glo, Dri-Eaz, Dryvit, Ekspan, Euclid, EUCO, Fibergrate, Fibregrid, Fibrecrete, Flecto, Flowcrete, Grupo PV, Hummervoll, illbruck, Key Resin, Mohawk, Prime Resins, Rust-Oleum, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Stonhard, TCI, Toxement, Tremco, Tuf-Strand, Universal Sealants, Viapol, Watco and Zinsser.  As of May 31, 2018, our subsidiaries marketed products in approximately 166 countries and territories and operated manufacturing facilities in approximately 145 locations in the United States, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Approximately 37% of our sales are generated in international markets through a combination of exports to and direct sales in foreign countries. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, we recorded net sales of $5.3 billion.

Available Information

Our Internet website address is www.rpminc.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Segment Information

Our business is divided into three reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment (“industrial segment”), the specialty reportable segment (“specialty segment”) and the consumer reportable segment (“consumer segment”). Within each reportable segment, we aggregate several operating segments which comprise individual companies or groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, utilize similar technologies and are able to share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. The industrial segment (Tremco Group, tremco illbruck Group, and Performance Coatings Group), which comprises approximately 53% of our total net sales, includes maintenance and protection products for roofing and waterproofing systems, flooring, industrial coatings, passive fire protection, corrosion control, high-performance sealing and bonding solutions, infrastructure rehabilitation and repair and other construction chemicals.  The consumer segment (Rust-Oleum Group, DAP Group and SPG-Consumer Group) comprises approximately 33% of our total net sales and includes rust-preventative, special purpose and decorative paints, caulks, sealants, primers, nail enamels, cement, cleaners, floor sealers and woodcare coatings and other branded consumer products. The specialty segment (Specialty Products Group (“SPG”) – Industrial Group) comprises approximately 14% of our total net sales, and includes industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, exterior finishes, edible coatings and other specialty original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) coatings. See Note Q, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which appears in the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference, for financial information relating to our three reportable segments and financial information by geographic area.

Industrial Segment

Our industrial segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as owners of industrial manufacturing

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facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. Our industrial segment generated $2.8 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 and includes the following major product lines and bran d names:

Tremco Group:

 

Waterproofing, coatings and institutional roofing systems used in building protection, maintenance and weatherproofing applications marketed under our Tremco, AlphaGuard, OneSeal, PowerPly, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem and TREMproof brand names;

 

sealants, air barriers, tapes and foams that seal and insulate joints in various construction assemblies and glazing assemblies marketed under our Tremco, Dymonic, ExoAir and Spectrem brand names;

 

new residential home weatherization systems marketed under our TUFF-N-DRI, Watchdog Waterproofing and Enviro-Dri brand names; and

 

specialized roofing and building maintenance and related services marketed by our Weatherproofing Technologies subsidiary.

tremco illbruck Group:

 

sealing and bonding solutions for windows and doors, facades, interiors and exteriors under our illbruck brand name;

 

flooring, waterproofing and in-plant glazing solutions under our Tremco brand name;

 

solutions for fire stopping and intumescent steel coating under our Nullifire and Firetherm brand names; and

 

solutions for the manufacturing industry under our Pactan brand name.

Performance Coatings Group:

 

high-performance polymer flooring systems for industrial, institutional and commercial facilities, as well as offshore and marine structures and cruise, ferry and navy ships marketed under our Stonhard, Flowcrete, Key Resin, RPM Belgium, Hummervoll and API brand names;

 

commercial, decorative flooring for architectural and design applications under the Flowcrete, Key Resin, Liquid Elements, Expanko, and Fritztile brand names;

 

fiberglass reinforced plastic gratings and shapes used for industrial platforms, staircases and walkways marketed under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid and Safe-T-Span brand names;

 

high-performance, heavy-duty corrosion-control coatings, containment linings, fireproofing and soundproofing products and heat and cryogenic insulation products for a wide variety of industrial infrastructure and oil and gas-related applications marketed under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Nullifire, Charflame, Firefilm, A/D Fire, Thermo-Lag, Plasite and Perlifoc brand names;

 

rolled asphalt roofing materials, waterproofing products, and chemical admixtures marketed under our Viapol, Vandex and Betumat brand names; 

 

concrete and masonry admixtures, concrete fibers, curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts and mortars, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, polyurethane foams, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials marketed under the Euclid, CAVE, Toxement, Viapol, Dural, EUCO, Eucon, Fiberstrand, Increte Systems, Plastol, Sentinel, Speed Crete, Tuf-Strand, Prime Gel, Prime Bond, Prime Coat, Prime Guard, Prime Rez and Prime Flex brand names;

 

specialty construction products including bridge expansion joints, structural bearings, bridge deck and parking deck membranes, curb and channel drains, highway markings, protective coatings and asphalt and concrete repair products marketed under our Universal Sealants, BridgeCare, StructureCare, Pitchmastic, Nufins, Visul, EnviroKerb, EnviroChannel, EnviroDeck, EnviroGrate, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed and Epoplex brand names; and

 

amine curing agents, reactive diluents, specialty epoxy resins and other intermediates under our Arnette Polymers brand name.

Consumer Segment

Our consumer segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing

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and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe, Australia, South Africa and South America.  Consumer segment products are sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops, cosmetic companies and to other smaller customers through distributors. Our consumer segmen t generated $1.8 billion in net sales in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 and is composed of the following major product lines and brand names:

Rust-Oleum Group:

 

a broad line of coating products to protect and decorate a wide variety of surfaces for the DIY and professional markets which are sold under several key Rust-Oleum brand names, including Stops Rust, American Accents, Painter’s Touch, Specialty, Professional, Universal, Varathane, NeverWet, Watco, Epoxy Shield, Restore, Rock Solid, Whink, Miracle Sealants, SPS, Spraymate, Krud Kutter, Zinsser, XIM, Industrial Choice, Road Warrior, Sierra Performance, Hard Hat, Mathys, CombiColor, Noxyde, Blackfriar, HiChem and MultiSpec. In addition, Rust-Oleum branded products in Canada are marketed under the Rust-Oleum, Tremclad, Varathane and Zinsser brand names;

 

a broad line of specialty products targeted to solve problems for the paint contractor and the DIYer for applications that include surface preparation, mold and mildew prevention, wallpaper removal and application, and waterproofing, under our Zinsser, B-I-N, Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Cover Stain, DIF, FastPrime, Sealcoat, Jomax, Gardz, Perma-White, Shieldz, Watertite, Okon and Parks brand names;

 

cleaners sold under the Whink brand name and floor sealers sold under the Miracle Sealants and 511 brand names;

 

deck and fence restoration products under the Wolman brand name;

 

metallic and faux finish coatings marketed under our Modern Masters brand name;

 

exterior wood deck and concrete restoration systems, and flooring finishes marketed under our Restore and RockSolid brand names; and

 

an assortment of other products, including hobby paints and cements marketed under our Testors brand name.

DAP Group:

 

a complete line of caulks, sealants, adhesives, insulating foam, spackling, glazing, and other general patch and repair products for home improvement and construction marketed through a wide assortment of DAP branded products, including ‘33’, ‘53’, ‘1012’, 4000, 7000, Alex, Alex Fast Dry, Alex Plus, Alex Ultra, Alex Flex, Beats The Nail, Blend-Stick, Blockade, Butyl-Flex, Caulk-Be-Gone, Crack Shot, Custom-Patch, DAP 3.0, DAP CAP, DAPtex, DryDex, Dynaflex 230, Dynaflex Ultra, Dynagrip, Elastopatch, Fast ‘N Final, FastPatch, Kwik Foam, Kwik Seal, Kwik Seal Plus, Kwik Seal Ultra, Mono, Patch Stick, Patch-N-Paint, Plastic Wood, Platinum Patch, Presto Patch, Quick Plug, Rapid Fuse, Rely-On, Seal ‘N Peel, SIDE Winder, Silicone Plus, Simple Seal, SMARTBOND, StrongStik, Touch’N Foam, Touch’N Seal, Weldwood and Phenoseal, which is a brand of Gloucester Company Inc., which is a subsidiary of DAP Products Inc.

SPG-Consumer Group:

 

nail enamel, polish and coating components for the personal care industry.

Specialty Segment

Our specialty segment products are sold throughout North America and a few international locations, primarily in Europe.  Our specialty product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The specialty segment generated $0.8 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 and includes the following major product lines and brand names:

 

fluorescent colorants and pigments marketed under our Day-Glo, Radiant and Dane Color brand names;

 

shellac-based-specialty coatings for industrial and pharmaceutical uses, edible glazes, food coatings and ingredients marketed under our Mantrose-Haeuser, NatureSeal and Holton Food Products brand names;

 

highly insulated building cladding materials (Exterior Insulating and Finishing Systems, “EIFS”) principally marketed in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Poland under the Dryvit brand name;

 

fire and water damage restoration products marketed under the Dri-Eaz, Unsmoke and ODORx brand names;

 

professional carpet cleaning and disinfecting products marketed under the Sapphire Scientific, Chemspec and Prochem brand names;

 

fuel additives marketed under our Valvtect brand name;

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wood treatments marketed under our Kop-Coat and Tru-Core brand names;

 

pleasure marine coatings marketed under our Pettit, Woolsey and Z-Spar brand names;

 

wood furniture finishes and touch-up products marketed under our CCI/Finishworks, Mohawk, Chemical Coatings, Behlen, Westfield Coatings and Morrells brand names; and

 

a variety of products for specialized applications, including powder coatings for exterior and interior applications marketed under our TCI brand name.

Foreign Operations

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, our foreign operations accounted for approximately 35.5% of our total net sales, excluding any direct exports from the United States. Our direct exports from the United States were approximately 1.5% of our total net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. In addition, we receive license fees and royalty income from numerous international license agreements, and we also have several joint ventures, which are accounted for under the equity method, operating in various foreign countries. We have manufacturing facilities in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. We also have sales offices or warehouse facilities in Austria, The Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Portugal, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Vietnam and several other countries. Information concerning our foreign operations is set forth in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition, which appears in the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Competition

We conduct our business in highly competitive markets, and all of our major products face competition from local, regional, national and multi-national firms. Our markets, however, are fragmented, and we do not face competition across all of our products from any one competitor in particular. Several of our competitors have access to greater financial resources and larger sales organizations than we do. While third-party figures are not necessarily available with respect to the size of our position in the market for each of our products, we believe that we are a major producer of caulks, sealants, insulating foams, patch-and-repair products for the general consumer as well as for the residential building trade; roofing systems; urethane sealants and waterproofing materials; aluminum coatings; cement-based coatings; hobby paints; small project paints; industrial-corrosion-control products; fireproofing; consumer rust-preventative coatings; polymer floorings; fluorescent coatings and pigments; fiberglass-reinforced-plastic gratings; nail polish; water and fire damage restoration products; carpet cleaning systems and shellac-based coatings. However, we do not believe that we have a significant share of the total protective coatings market (on a world-wide basis). The following is a summary of the competition that our key products face in the various markets in which we compete:

Paints, Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants Products

The market for paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants has experienced significant consolidation over the past several decades. However, the market remains fragmented, which creates further consolidation opportunities for industry participants. Many leading suppliers tend to focus on coatings, while other companies focus on adhesives and sealants. Barriers to market entry are relatively high for new market entrants due to the lengthy intervals between product development and market acceptance, the importance of brand identity and the difficulty in establishing a reputation as a reliable supplier of these products. Most of the suppliers, including us, who provide these items have a portfolio of products that span across a wide variety of applications.

Consumer Home Improvement Products.   Within the consumer segment, we generally serve the home improvement market with products designed for niche architectural, rust-preventative, decorative and special purpose paint and caulking and sealing applications. The products we sell for home improvement include those sold under our DAP, Phenoseal, Rust-Oleum, Watco and Zinsser brand names. Leading manufacturers of home improvement-related coatings, adhesives and sealants market their products to DIY users and contractors through a wide range of distribution channels. These distribution channels include direct sales to home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware and paint stores, and sales through distributors and sales representative organizations. Competitors in this market generally compete for market share by marketing and building upon brand recognition, providing customer service and developing new products based on customer needs.

Industrial Protective Coatings Products.   Anti-corrosion protective coatings and fireproofing must withstand the destructive elements of nature and operating processes under harsh environments and conditions. Some of the larger consumers of high-performance protective and corrosion control coatings, fireproofing and intumescent steel coatings are the oil and gas, pulp and paper, petrochemical, shipbuilding, high-rise building construction, public utility and bridge and highway industries, and water and wastewater treatment plants. These markets are highly fragmented. We and our competitors compete for market share by supplying a

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wide variety of high-quality products and by offering customized solutions. Our pr otective industrial coating products are marketed primarily under our Carboline, Specialty Polymer Coatings, Plasite, Nullifire, Firefilm, Charflame, A/D Fire, Thermo-lag, Perlifoc and Epoplex brand names.

Roofing Systems Products

In the roofing industry, re-roofing applications have historically accounted for three-quarters of U.S. demand, with the remaining quarter generated by new roofing applications. The largest manufacturers of roofing systems products focus primarily on residential roofing as well as single-ply systems for low-end, commercial and institutional applications, competing mainly on price and, to a lesser degree, service. In contrast, we compete primarily for the higher-end, multi-ply and modified bitumen applications in the built-up and low-slope roofing industry. This specialty niche within the larger market tends to exhibit fewer commodity-market characteristics, with customers valuing the greater protection and longer life provided by these roofing systems, as well as ongoing maintenance, inspection and technical services. Our roofing systems are primarily marketed under our Tremco and Viapol brands. Historically, our typical roofing systems customers have included governmental facilities, universities, schools, hospitals, museums and certain manufacturing facilities. However, we are also very active in the growing market of sustainable roofing systems, and our Tremco Roofing fluid applied and restoration coating systems continue to represent our fastest growing product segment.  Our restoration systems meet sustainable objectives including energy efficiency through reflectivity and emissivity, and eliminate environmentally and economically costly landfill waste.

Construction Chemical Products

Flooring Systems Products.   Polymer flooring systems are used in industrial, commercial and, to a lesser extent, residential applications to provide a smooth, seamless surface that is impervious to penetration by water and other substances while being easy to clean and maintain. These systems are particularly well-suited for clean environments such as pharmaceutical, food and beverage and healthcare facilities. In addition, the fast installation time and long-term durability of these systems and products make them ideal for industrial floor repair and restoration. Polymer flooring systems are based on epoxy, polyurethane and methylmethacrylate resins. Most of these flooring systems are applied during new construction, but there is also a significant repair and renovation market. Key performance attributes in polymer flooring systems that distinguish competitors for these applications include static control, chemical resistance, contamination control, durability and aesthetics. We market our flooring systems under the Stonhard, Flowcrete, Key Resin, RPM Belgium, Expanko, Fritztile, Hummervoll and API brand names.

FRP Grating and Structural Composites.   Fiberglass reinforced plastic grating, or FRP, is used primarily in industrial and, to a lesser extent, commercial applications. FRP grating exhibits many specialized features, which make it a beneficial alternative to traditional steel or aluminum grating. These include a high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal non-conductivity, and molded-in color, which eliminates the need for repainting. FRP grating is used for platforms, walkways, stairs and structures for a variety of applications, including those in the food and beverage, chemical processing, water-wastewater, pulp and paper, and offshore oil and gas industries. Other structural composites include trench drains, channel drains, curbing and structural members.  Key attributes that differentiate competitors in these markets include product quality, depth of product line, and design-and-fabrication services. Our products for these applications are sold under our Fibergrate, Chemgrate, Corgrate, Fibregrid, Safe-T-Span, EnviroKerb, EnviroChannel, EnviroDeck and EnviroGrate brand names.

Sealants, Waterproofing, Concrete and Masonry Products.   Sealants, which are used primarily for commercial buildings, include urethane, silicone, latex, butyl and hybrid technology products, and are designed to be installed in construction joints for the purpose of providing a flexible and air and water-tight seal. Waterproof coatings, usually urethane or asphalt based, are installed in exposed and buried applications to waterproof and protect concrete. Structural and traffic tolerant membranes, expansion joints and bearings are used in a variety of applications for bridge deck construction and restoration and the protection and preservation of balconies, pedestrian walkways and parking structures.  In the concrete and masonry additives market, a variety of chemicals and fibers can be added to concrete and masonry to improve the processability, performance, or appearance of these products. Chemical admixtures for concrete are typically grouped according to their functional characteristics, such as water-reducers, set controllers, superplasticizers and air-entraining agents. Curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and a comprehensive selection of restoration materials are used to protect, repair or improve new or existing concrete structures used in the construction industry, and rehabilitation and repair of roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure. The key attributes that differentiate competitors for these applications include quality assurance, on-the-job consultation and value-added, highly engineered products. We primarily offer products marketed under our Tremco, EUCO, Toxement, Viapol, Betumat, CAVE, Vandex, illbruck, Tamms, AlphaGuard, OneSeal, PowerPly, TremPly, TremLock, Vulkem, TREMproof, Dymonic, Increte, TUFF-N-DRI, Universal Sealants, Nufins, StructureCare, BridgeCare, Pitchmastic, Visul, Fibrecrete, Texacrete, Fibrejoint, Samiscreed, Prime Rez, Prime Gel, Prime Guard, Prime Coat, Prime Bond, Prime Flex, Watchdog Waterproofing, PSI, Tuf-Strand and Enviro-Dri brand names for this line of business.

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Intellectual Property

Our intellectual property portfolios include valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks, trade and brand names. In addition, through our subsidiaries, we continue to conduct significant research and technology development activities. Among our most significant intangibles are our Rust-Oleum ® , Carboline ® , DAP ® , illbruck ® and Tremco ® trademarks.

Rust-Oleum Corporation and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 1,000 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the trademark “Rust-Oleum ® ” and other trademarks covering a variety of rust-preventative, decorative, general purpose, specialty, industrial and professional products sold by Rust-Oleum Corporation and related companies.

Carboline Company and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 390 other trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries covering the products sold by the Carboline Company and related companies, including two United States trademark registrations for the trademark “Carboline ® ”.

DAP Products, Inc. and other subsidiaries of the Company own more than 410 trademark registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries for the “DAP ® ” trademark, the “Putty Knife design” trademark and other trademarks covering products sold under the DAP brand and related brands.

Tremco Incorporated and some of our other subsidiaries own more than 85 registrations for the trademark “Tremco ® ” in the United States and numerous countries covering a variety of roofing, sealants and coating products. There are also many other trademarks of Tremco Incorporated and some of our other subsidiaries that are the subject of registrations or applications in the United States and numerous other countries, bringing the total number of registrations and applications covering products sold under the Tremco brand and related brands to more than 525.

Our other principal product trademarks include: 2X Ultra Cover ® , AlphaGuard ® , Alumanation ® , Betumat™, B-I-N ® , Bitumastic ® , Bulls Eye 1-2-3 ® , Chemgrate ® , Dri-Eaz, Dymonic ® , EnerEDGE ® , Enviro-Dri ® , EUCO ® , ExoAir ® , Expanko ® , Flecto™, Fibergrate ® , Floquil ® , Fritztile ® , Paraseal ® , Permaroof ® , Plasite ® , Proglaze ® , Sanitile ® , Solargard ® , Spectrem ® , Stonblend ® , Stonclad ® , Stonhard ® , Stonlux ® , Stonshield®, Testors ® , TREMproof ® , TUFF-N-DRI ® , Varathane ® , Viapol™, Vulkem ® , Watchdog Waterproofing ® , Woolsey ® , Zinsser ® and Z-Spar ® ; and, in Europe, API™, Perlifoc ® , Hummervoll ® , USL ® , Nufins ® , Pitchmastic ® , Visul ® , Flowcrete™, Nullifire , Radglo and Martin Mathys™. Our trademark registrations are valid for a variety of different terms of up to 15 years, and may be renewable as long as the trademarks continue to be used and all other local conditions for renewal are met.  Our trademark registrations are maintained and renewed on a regular basis as required.

Raw Materials

The cost and availability of raw materials materially impact our financial results.  We obtain raw materials from a number of suppliers.  Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals.  The cost of raw materials has in the past experienced, and likely will continue to experience, periods of volatility which could increase the cost of manufacturing our products.  Under normal market conditions, these materials are generally available on the open market from a variety of producers; however, shortages are a possibility.  Interruptions in the supply of raw materials could have a significant impact on our ability to produce products. Recently, some raw material costs have increased significantly and we have experienced some tightening in supply.  Adequate supply of critical raw materials is managed by establishing contracts, procuring from multiple sources, and identifying alternative materials or technology; however, the unavailability of raw materials or increased prices of raw materials that we are unable to pass along to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Additionally, changes in international trade duties and other aspects of international trade policy, both in the U.S. and abroad, could materially impact the cost of raw materials. For example, in March 2018, the U.S. imposed a 10% tariff on all aluminum imports into the United States, with initial exemptions for aluminum imported from certain U.S. trading partners. We expect these types of actions to increase aluminum costs and decrease supply availability. Any increase in aluminum prices that is not offset by an increase in our prices could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Seasonal Factors

Our business is dependent, to a significant extent, on external weather factors. We historically experience stronger sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters, which are the three month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, while we have experienced weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter.

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Customers

Ten large consumer segment customers, such as DIY home centers, on a combined basis represented approximately 22%, 23% and 23% of our total net sales for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Except for sales to these customers, our business is not dependent upon any one customer or small group of customers, but is largely dispersed over a substantial number of customers.

Backlog

We historically have not had a significant backlog of orders, and we did not have a significant backlog at May 31, 2018.

Research and Development

Our research and development work is performed at various laboratory locations. During fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, approximately $69.7 million, $64.9 million and $61.5 million, respectively, was charged to expense for research and development activities. In addition to this laboratory work, we view our field technical service as being integral to the success of our research activities. Our research and development activities and our field technical service costs are both included as part of our selling, general and administrative expenses.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to a broad range of laws and regulations dealing with environmental, health and safety issues for the various locations around the world in which we conduct our business. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following major areas:

 

the sale, export, generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials;

 

the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the soil, water and air; and

 

the health and safety of our employees.

For information regarding environmental accruals, see Note P, “Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses,” of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which appears in the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference. For more information concerning certain environmental matters affecting us, see “Item 3 — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Proceedings” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Employees

As of May 31, 2018, we employed 14,540 persons, of whom approximately 823 were represented by unions under contracts which expire at varying times in the future.  We believe that all relations with employees and their unions are good.

 

 

Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in evaluating us, our business and your investment in us because these factors could cause our actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements.

We are the subject of an ongoing SEC investigation, which could divert management’s focus, result in substantial investigation expenses and have an adverse impact on our reputation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We were notified by the SEC on June 24, 2014 that we are the subject of a formal investigation pertaining to the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves in fiscal 2013 with respect to the previously disclosed Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and General Services Administration (“GSA”) investigation into compliance issues relating to Tremco Roofing Division’s GSA contracts.  As previously disclosed, our audit committee completed an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves with respect to the GSA and DOJ investigations, and determined to restate our financial results for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013.  The restatement shifted accrual amounts among the three quarters, which had the effect of reducing net income by $7.2 million and $10.8 million for the quarterly periods ended August 31, 2012 and November 30, 2012, respectively, and increasing net income for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2013 by $18.0 million. These restatements had no impact on our audited financial results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2013. The audit committee’s investigation concluded that there was no intentional misconduct on the part of any of our officers.

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In connection with the foregoing, on September 9, 2016, the SEC filed an enforcement action against us and our General Counsel.  We have cooperated with the SEC’s investigation and believe the allegations in the complaint mischaracterize both our and our General Counsel’s actions in connection with the matters related to our quarterly results in fiscal 2013 and are without merit.  Both we and our General Counsel fil ed motions to dismiss the complaint on February 24, 2017.  Those motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the Court on September 29, 2017.  We and our General Counsel filed answers to the complaint on October 16, 2017.  Formal discovery commenced in January 2018.  We intend to continue to contest the allegations in the complaint vigorously.

The action by the SEC could result in sanctions against us and/or our General Counsel and could impose substantial additional costs and distractions, regardless of its outcome. We have determined that it is probable that we will incur a loss relating to this matter and have estimated a range of potential loss. We have accrued at the low end of the range of loss, as no amount within the range is more likely to occur, and no amount within the estimated range of loss would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We have incurred significant legal and accounting expenditures in connection with the SEC’s investigation.  We are unable to predict how long the SEC’s investigation will continue or whether, at the conclusion of its investigation, the SEC will seek to impose fines or file an enforcement action against us.  Any action by the SEC could result in sanctions against us and/or certain of our officers. A protracted enforcement action could impose substantial additional costs and distractions, regardless of its outcome.  Furthermore, publicity surrounding an enforcement action, even if ultimately resolved favorably for us, could have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Activist investors and ongoing operating improvement initiatives could cause us to incur significant expenses and impact the trading value of our common stock.

We are implementing certain operating improvement initiatives, as described in a cooperation agreement with activist investors, that we expect will result in changes in our organizational and operational structure that will impact most of our operating companies.  We expect to continue implementation of these initiatives over the course of the next year, and may take additional actions in furtherance of these objectives during future periods.  We may incur significant expenses as a result of these actions, and we also may experience disruptions in our operations, decreased productivity and unanticipated employee turnover.  The occurrence of any of these events associated with our operating improvement initiatives could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.  

The use of accounting estimates involves judgment and could impact our financial results.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Our most critical accounting estimates are described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in RPM’s 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, under, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”  Additionally, as discussed in Note P, “Contingencies and Other Accrued Losses,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference, we make certain estimates, including decisions related to legal proceedings and various loss reserves.  These estimates and assumptions involve the use of judgment, and therefore, actual financial results may differ.  

Our operations have been and could continue to be adversely affected by global market and economic conditions in ways we may not be able to predict or control.

Global economic uncertainty continues to exist, including uncertainty relating to the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union (“Brexit”). Our operations could be adversely affected by global economic conditions if global markets were to decline in the future, whether related to Brexit, recession and political unrest in Brazil, or otherwise. Any future economic declines may result in decreased revenue, gross margin, earnings or growth rates and difficulty in managing inventory levels and collection of customer receivables. We also have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, increased competitive pricing pressure. In addition, customer difficulties in the future could result from economic declines or issues arising from the cyclical nature of their business and, in turn, result in decreases in product demand, increases in bad debt write-offs, decreases in timely collection of accounts receivable and adjustments to our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, resulting in material reductions to our revenues and net earnings.

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Global economic and capital market conditions may cause our access to capital to be more difficult in the future and/or costs to secure such capital more expensive.

We may need new or additional financing in the future to provide liquidity to conduct our operations, expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. Any sustained weakness in general economic conditions and/or U.S. or global capital markets could adversely affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all. From time to time we have relied, and we may also rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to that facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others. Longer term volatility and continued disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our businesses in the longer term. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged.

Volatility in the equity markets or interest rates could substantially increase our pension costs and required pension contributions.

We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding; (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost; and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant decrease in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.

The results of our annual testing and as-required interim testing of goodwill and other intangible assets have required, and in the future may require that we incur impairment charges.

As of May 31, 2018, we had approximately $1.8 billion in goodwill and other intangible assets. The Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) section 350 requires that goodwill be tested at least on an annual basis, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, using either a qualitative assessment or a fair-value approach at the reporting unit level. We perform our annual required impairment tests, which involve the use of estimates related to the fair market values of the reporting units with which goodwill is associated, as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. The evaluation of our long-lived assets for impairment includes determining whether indicators of impairment exist, which is a subjective process that takes into account both internal and external factors. Impairment assessment requires the use of significant judgment with regard to estimates and assumptions surrounding future results of operations and cash flows. During fiscal 2017, we identified certain factors that we considered important in assessing the requirement to perform an interim goodwill and intangible asset impairment evaluation for our Kirker reporting unit and our Restore indefinite tradename asset.  As a result of those interim impairment assessments, we recorded losses for goodwill and other intangible assets of $188.3 million relating to our Kirker reporting unit and $4.9 million relating to our Restore tradename, respectively. Our required annual impairment testing for goodwill and other intangible assets, which we performed during the fourth quarter of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, did not result in any impairment loss.  In the future, if global economic conditions were to decline significantly, or if our reporting units experienced significant declines in business, we may incur additional, substantial goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges. The amount of any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our significant amount of indebtedness could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Our total debt levels were approximately $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion at May 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which compares with $1.6 billion in stockholders’ equity at May 31, 2018. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences.  For example, it could:

 

require us to dedicate a material portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the cash flow available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividend payments, stock repurchases or other general corporate requirements;

 

result in a downgrade of our credit rating, which would increase our borrowing costs, adversely affect our financial results, and make it more difficult for us to raise capital;

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restrict our operational flexibility and reduce our ability to conduct certain transactions, since our credit facility contains certain restrictive financial and operating covenants;

 

limit our flexibility to adjust to changing business and market conditions, which would make us more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions; and

 

have a material adverse effect on our short-term liquidity if large debt maturities occur in close succession.

We cannot assure you that our business always will be able to make timely or sufficient payments of our debt.  Should we fail to comply with covenants in our debt instruments, such failure could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, would have a material adverse effect on us.

Fluctuations in the supply and prices of raw materials may negatively impact our financial results.

We obtain raw materials from a number of suppliers.  Many of our raw materials are petroleum-based derivatives, minerals and metals.  The cost of raw materials has in the past experienced, and likely will continue to experience, periods of volatility which could increase the cost of manufacturing our products.  Under normal market conditions, these materials are generally available on the open market from a variety of producers; however, unexpected shortages are a possibility.  Interruptions in the supply of raw materials could have a significant impact on our ability to produce products. Recently, some raw material costs have increased significantly and we have experienced some tightening in supply.  Adequate supply of critical raw materials is managed by establishing contracts, procuring from multiple sources, and identifying alternative materials or technology; however, the unavailability of raw materials or increased prices of raw materials that we are unable to pass along to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and some of our competitors are much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do.

The markets in which we operate are fragmented, and we do not face competition from any one company across all of our product lines. However, any significant increase in competition, as a result of the consolidation of competitors, including the merger of Sherwin-Williams and Valspar, or otherwise, may cause us to lose market share or compel us to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could result in reduced gross profit margins. Increased competition may also impair our ability to grow or to maintain our current levels of revenues and earnings. Companies that compete in our markets include Akzo Nobel, Axalta, Ferro, GCP Applied Technologies, H.B. Fuller, Masco, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams. Several of these companies are much larger than we are and may have greater financial resources than we do. Increased competition with these companies could prevent the institution of price increases or could require price reductions or increased spending to maintain our market share, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain key employees and the succession of senior management.

Our success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key employees. If we are unable to attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior management and other key people, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the succession of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition may be adversely affected. While we follow a disciplined, ongoing succession planning process and have succession plans in place for senior management and other key executives, these do not guarantee that the services of qualified senior executives will continue to be available to us at particular moments in time.

We depend on a number of large customers for a significant portion of our net sales and, therefore, significant declines in the level of purchases by any of these key customers could harm our business.

Some of our operating companies, particularly in the consumer segment, face a substantial amount of customer concentration. Our key consumer segment customers include Ace Hardware, Cotter & Company, Do It Best, The Home Depot, Inc., Intergamma, Lowe’s, Menards, Orgill, Wal-Mart and W.W. Grainger. Sales to our ten largest consumer segment customers accounted for approximately 21%, 23% and 23% of our total net sales for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, and 65%, 67% and 68%, respectively, of the consumer segment’s net sales for those same fiscal years. Sales to The Home Depot, Inc. represented less than 10% of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, and 28% of our consumer segment net sales for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.  If we were to lose one or more of our key customers, or experience a delay or cancellation of a significant order, or incur a significant decrease in the level of purchases from any of our key customers, or experience difficulty in

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collecting amounts due from a key customer, our net revenues could decline materially and our operating results could be reduced materially.

Our business and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to protect our material trademarks and other proprietary information or there is a loss in the actual or perceived value of our brands.

We have numerous valuable patents, trade secrets and know-how, domain names, trademarks and trade names, including certain marks that are significant to our business, which are identified under Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Despite our efforts to protect our trademarks and other proprietary rights from unauthorized use or disclosure, other parties may attempt to disclose, obtain or use our proprietary information or marks without our authorization. Unauthorized use of our trademarks, or disclosure, as the case may be, could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

Similarly, the reputations of our branded products depend on numerous factors, including the successful advertising and marketing of our brand names, consumer acceptance, continued trademark validity, the availability of similar products from our competitors, and our ability to maintain our products’ quality and technological advantages and claims of superior performance. A loss of a brand or in the actual or perceived value of our brands could limit or reduce the demand for our products, and could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

The chemical and construction products industries in which we operate expose us to inherent risks of legal and warranty claims and other litigation-related costs, which could adversely impact our business.

As a participant in the chemical and construction products industries, we face an inherent risk of legal claims in the event that the exposure to or failure, use or misuse of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. In the course of our business we are subject to a variety of inquiries and investigations by regulators, as well as claims and lawsuits by private parties including those related to product liability, product claims regarding the use of asbestos or other chemicals or materials of concern, product warranty, environmental, contracts, intellectual property and commercial matters, which due to their uncertain nature may result in losses, some of which may be material.  We are defending claims, and could be subject to future claims, in which significant financial damages are alleged.  These claims could consume material financial resources to defend and be a distraction to management.  Some, but not all, of such claims are insured.  We offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long term warranty programs at certain of our businesses and, as a result, from time to time we may experience higher levels of warranty expense, which is typically reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. The nature and extent to which we use hazardous or flammable materials in our manufacturing processes creates risk of damage to persons and property that, if realized, could be material.

Compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations could subject us to unforeseen future expenditures or liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to numerous, complicated and often increasingly stringent environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we conduct business. Governmental and regulatory authorities impose various laws and regulations on us that relate to environmental protection, the use, sale and export of certain chemicals or hazardous materials, and various health and safety matters, including the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the handling, use, treatment, storage and clean-up of solid and hazardous wastes, the use of certain chemicals in product formulations, and the investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater affected by hazardous substances. These laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, and various other federal, state, provincial, local and international statutes. These laws and regulations often impose strict, retroactive and joint and several liability for the costs of, and damages resulting from, cleaning up our or our predecessors’ past or present facilities and third party disposal sites. We could be subject to future liability as yet unknown and we are currently undertaking remedial activities at a number of properties.

We have not always been and may not always be in full compliance with all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in every jurisdiction in which we conduct our business. In addition, if we violate or fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws (including related to permitting), we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators, including enjoining or curtailing operations, remedial or corrective measures, installations of pollution control equipment, or other actions. We also could be liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to hazardous substances relating to our products or operations. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that we will not be required to make additional expenditures to remain in or to achieve compliance with environmental, health or safety laws in the future or that any such additional expenditures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If regulatory permits or registrations are delayed, restricted, or rejected, subsequent operations at our businesses could be delayed or restricted, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

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Our businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.

Our businesses are subject to varying domestic and foreign laws and regulations that may restrict or adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.  These include securities, environmental, health, safety, tax, competition and anti-trust, trade controls, data security, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, employment and privacy laws and regulations.  These laws and regulations change from time to time and thus may result in increased costs to us related to our compliance therewith.  From time to time regulators review our compliance with applicable laws. We have not always been, and may not always be, in full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to our business and, thus enforcement actions, fines and private litigation claims and damages, which could be material may occur, notwithstanding our belief that we have in place appropriate risk management and compliance programs to mitigate these risks.

If our efforts in acquiring and integrating other companies or product lines or establishing joint ventures fail, our business may not grow.

As an important part of our growth strategy, we intend to continue pursuing acquisitions of complementary businesses or products and creating joint ventures. Our ability to continue to grow in this manner depends upon our ability to identify, negotiate and finance suitable acquisitions or joint venture arrangements. Execution of our acquisition strategy with respect to some companies or product lines could fail or could result in unanticipated costs to us that were not apparent despite our due diligence efforts, either of which could hinder our growth or adversely impact our results of operations.  In addition, acquisitions and their subsequent integration involve a number of risks, including, but not limited to:

 

inaccurate assessments of disclosed liabilities and the potentially adverse effects of undisclosed liabilities;

 

unforeseen difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, their products, and their culture into our existing business;

 

unforeseen delays in realizing the benefits from acquired companies or product lines, including projected efficiencies, cost savings, revenue synergies and profit margins;

 

unforeseen diversion of our management’s time and attention from other business matters;

 

unforeseen difficulties resulting from insufficient prior experience in any new markets we may enter;

 

unforeseen difficulties in retaining key employees and customers of acquired businesses; and

 

increases in our indebtedness and contingent liabilities, which could in turn restrict our ability to raise additional capital when needed or to pursue other important elements of our business strategy.

We derive a significant amount of our revenues from foreign markets, which subjects us to additional business risks that could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our foreign manufacturing operations accounted for approximately 35.5% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, not including exports directly from the U.S. which accounted for approximately 1.5% of our net sales for fiscal 2018. We plan to continue to grow our international operations and the growth and maintenance of such operations could be adversely affected by Brexit, changes in political and economic conditions, inflation rates, trade protection measures, restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of earnings, changing intellectual property rights, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations and changes in regulatory requirements that restrict the sales of our products or increase our costs. Our ability to effectively manage our foreign operations may pose significant risks that could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow, liquidity or financial condition.  

Significant foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may harm our financial results.

We conduct business in various regions throughout the world and are therefore subject to market risk due to changes in the exchange rates of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.  Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could materially adversely affect our net revenues, operating income and the carrying values of our assets located outside the U.S.  For example, Brexit caused significant volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rate fluctuations that resulted in the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in which we conduct business.  Such strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our operating results.

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We could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries, as well as trade sanctions adm inistered by the office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of Commerce.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (‘‘FCPA’’) and similar anti-bribery laws of other countries generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to governmental officials or others for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or for other unfair advantage. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.

We are required to comply with U.S. regulations on trade sanctions and embargoes administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the Commerce Department and similar multi-national bodies and governmental agencies worldwide, which are complex and constantly changing.  A violation thereof could subject us to regulatory enforcement actions, including a loss of export privileges and significant civil and criminal penalties and fines.

Although we have internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will prevent a violation of these laws.

Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to the effect of global tax law changes, some of which have been, and may be in the future, retroactive in application.

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations which govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. Any potential tax law changes may, for example, increase applicable tax rates, have retroactive application, or impose stricter compliance requirements in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could reduce our consolidated net earnings.

In response to, for instance, an economic crisis or recession, governments may revise tax laws, regulations or official interpretations in ways that could have a significant impact on us, including modifications that could, for example, reduce the profits that we can effectively realize from our non-U.S. operations, or that could require costly changes to those operations, or the way in which they are structured. If changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations were to significantly increase the tax rates on non-U.S. income, our effective tax rate could increase, our profits could be reduced, and if such increases were a result of our status as a U.S. company, could place us at a disadvantage to our non-U.S. competitors if those competitors remain subject to lower local tax rates.

On December 22, 2017, U.S. tax reform legislation, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act makes substantial changes to U.S. tax law, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate, a limitation on deductibility of interest expense, the allowance of immediate expensing of capital expenditures, deemed repatriation of foreign earnings and significant changes to the taxation of foreign earnings post the enactment date. The Act contains numerous, complex provisions impacting U.S. multinational companies, and we continue to review and assess the legislative language and its potential impact on us. The full extent of the impact remains uncertain at this time, and our current interpretations of, and assumptions regarding, the Act are subject to additional regulatory or administrative developments, including any regulations or other guidance promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. As a result, the Act, including any regulations or other guidance promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, and other tax laws could have significant effects on us, some of which may be adverse and could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We could be adversely affected by failure to comply with federal, state and local government procurement regulations and requirements.

We have contracts with and supply product to federal, state and local governmental entities and their contractors, and are required to comply with specific procurement regulations and other requirements relating to those contracts and sales.  Requirements in our contracts and those requirements flowed down to us in our capacity as a subcontractor or supplier, although customary in government contracts, may impact our performance and compliance costs.  Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements or to make required disclosures under contract could result in reductions of the value of contracts, contract modifications or termination for cause, adverse past performance ratings, actions under a federal or state false claims statute, suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time and the assessment of penalties and fines, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition and could have a negative impact on our reputation and ability to procure other government contracts in the future.

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Terrorist activities and other acts of violence or war, natural disasters and other disruptions have n egatively impacted in the past and could negatively impact in the future the U.S. and foreign countries, the financial markets, the industries in which we compete, our operations and profitability.

Terrorist activities and natural disasters have contributed to economic instability in the U.S. and elsewhere, and further acts of terrorism, cyber-terrorism, violence, war or natural disasters could affect the industries in which we compete, our ability to purchase raw materials or make, sell or distribute products, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Data privacy and data security considerations could impact our business.

The interpretation and application of data protection laws in the U.S., Europe, including but not limited to the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), and elsewhere are uncertain and evolving. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data practices.  Complying with these various laws is difficult and could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business.  Further, although we are implementing internal controls and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the GDPR and other privacy-related laws, rules and regulations (collectively, the “Data Protection Laws”), there can be no assurance that our controls and procedures will enable us to be fully compliant with all Data Protection Laws.

Despite our efforts to protect sensitive information and confidential and personal data, comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and implement data security measures, our facilities, and systems may be vulnerable to security breaches and other data loss, including cyber-attacks and, in fact, we have experienced data security incidents that have not had a material impact on our financial results.  In addition, it is not possible to predict the impact on our business of the future loss, alteration or misappropriation of information in our possession related to us, our employees, former employees, customers, suppliers or others. This could lead to negative publicity, legal claims, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information or key information, damage to or inaccessibility of critical systems, manufacture of defective products, production downtimes, operational disruptions and other significant costs, which could adversely affect our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Although we have insurance, it may not cover every potential risk associated with our operations.

Although we maintain insurance of various types to cover many of the risks and hazards that apply to our operations, our insurance may not cover every potential risk associated with our operations. The occurrence of a significant adverse event, the risks of which are not fully covered by insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable.

Adverse weather conditions may reduce the demand for some of our products and could have a negative effect on our sales.

From time to time, adverse weather conditions in certain parts of the U.S. and other countries in which we do business have had an adverse effect on our sales of paint, coatings, roofing, construction products and related products. For example, unusually cold and rainy weather, especially during the general construction and exterior painting season, could have an adverse effect on sales of such products. As a result, we have historically experienced weaker sales and net income in our third fiscal quarter (December through February) in comparison to our performance during our other fiscal quarters.

 

 

Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not Applicable.

 

 

Item 2.   Properties.

Our corporate headquarters and a plant and offices for one subsidiary are located on a 119-acre site, which we own in Medina, Ohio. As of May 31, 2018, our operations occupied a total of approximately 16.6 million square feet, with the majority, approximately 13.9 million square feet, devoted to manufacturing, assembly and storage. Of the approximately 16.6 million square feet occupied, approximately 8.5 million square feet are owned and approximately 8.1 million square feet are occupied under operating leases.

16


 

Set forth below is a description, as of May 31, 2018, of our principal facilities which we believe ar e material to our operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square Feet Of

 

 

Leased or

Location

 

Business/Segment

 

Floor Space

 

 

Owned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

507,400

 

 

Owned

Capacava, Brazil

 

Euclid (Industrial)

 

 

325,000

 

 

Owned

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

303,200

 

 

Owned

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Day-Glo (Specialty)

 

 

224,624

 

 

Owned

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Tremco (Industrial)

 

 

207,160

 

 

Owned

LaFayette, Georgia

 

Euclid (Industrial)

 

 

201,109

 

 

Owned

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Euclid (Industrial)

 

 

230,591

 

 

Owned

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Tremco (Industrial)

 

 

160,300

 

 

Owned

Bodenwoehr, Germany

 

illbruck (Industrial)

 

 

151,171

 

 

Owned

Baltimore, Maryland

 

DAP (Consumer)

 

 

144,200

 

 

Owned

Hagerstown, Maryland

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

143,000

 

 

Owned

Arkel, Netherlands

 

illbruck (Industrial)

 

 

140,067

 

 

Owned

Tipp City, Ohio

 

DAP (Consumer)

 

 

140,000

 

 

Owned

Zelem, Belgium

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

136,150

 

 

Owned

Attelboro, Massachusetts

 

Mantrose (Specialty)

 

 

133,650

 

 

Owned

Hudson, North Carolina

 

Wood Finishes Group (Specialty)

 

 

129,300

 

 

Owned

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

 

Stonhard (Industrial)

 

 

121,790

 

 

Owned

Lier, Norway

 

Carboline (Industrial)

 

 

116,953

 

 

Owned

Lake Charles, Louisiana

 

Carboline (Industrial)

 

 

114,287

 

 

Owned

Birtley, United Kingdom

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

112,354

 

 

Owned

Somerset, New Jersey

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

110,000

 

 

Owned

Wigan, Lanc, United Kingdom

 

illbruck (Industrial)

 

 

106,020

 

 

Owned

Maple Shade, New Jersey

 

Stonhard (Industrial)

 

 

77,500

 

 

Owned

Dallas, Texas

 

DAP (Consumer)

 

 

74,000

 

 

Owned

Ellaville, Georgia

 

TCI (Specialty)

 

 

55,000

 

 

Owned

Kenosha, Wisconsin

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

850,243

 

 

Leased

Martinsburg, West Virginia

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

742,938

 

 

Leased

Riverside, California

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

309,535

 

 

Leased

Cleveland, Ohio

 

Tremco (Industrial)

 

 

298,175

 

 

Leased

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

 

Rust-Oleum (Consumer)

 

 

213,847

 

 

Leased

Baltimore, Maryland

 

DAP (Consumer)

 

 

244,495

 

 

Leased

Garland, Texas

 

DAP (Consumer)

 

 

130,900

 

 

Leased

Burlington, Washington

 

Legend Brands (Specialty)

 

 

113,875

 

 

Leased

Lake Charles, Louisiana

 

Carboline (Industrial)

 

 

100,035

 

 

Leased

Bodenwoehr, Germany

 

illbruck (Industrial)

 

 

100,000

 

 

Leased

 

We lease certain of our properties under long-term leases. Some of these leases provide for increased rent based on an increase in the cost-of-living index. For information concerning our rental obligations, see Note M, “Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which appears in the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. Under many of our leases, we are obligated to pay certain varying insurance costs, utilities, real property taxes and other costs and expenses.

We believe that our manufacturing plants and office facilities are well maintained and suitable for our operations.

 

 

17


 

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings.

Environmental Proceedings

Following an audit of Rust-Oleum Corporation’s Annual Quantity and Emissions Reports, the State of California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (the “AQMD”) issued a Notice of Violation to Rust-Oleum alleging violations of AQMD’s Rule 314 (relating to fees for architectural coatings) and Rule 1113 (relating to limits on volatile organic compound content in architectural coatings).  Regarding the foregoing allegations, Rust-Oleum entered into a Settlement Agreement with AQMD dated March 16, 2018 in the amount of $454,829, which amount included monetary penalties and investigative costs.

As previously reported, several of our subsidiaries are, from time to time, identified as a “potentially responsible party” under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar local environmental statutes. In some cases, our subsidiaries are participating in the cost of certain clean-up efforts or other remedial actions. Our share of such costs to date, however, has not been material and management believes that these environmental proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 1 — Business — Environmental Matters,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The information set forth at page 72 of the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders under the heading, “Quarterly Stock Price and Dividend Information” is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table presents information about repurchases of RPM International Inc. Common Stock made by us during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018:

 

Period

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased (1)

 

 

Average

Price Paid

Per Share

 

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced

Plans or

Programs

 

 

Maximum

Number of

Shares that

May Yet be

Purchased

Under the

Plans or

Programs (2)

 

March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2018

 

 

28,316

 

 

$

48.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1, 2018 through May 31, 2018

 

 

14,477

 

 

$

49.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total - Fourth Quarter

 

 

42,793

 

 

$

48.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

All of the shares of common stock reported as purchased are attributable to shares of common stock that were disposed of back to us in satisfaction of tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock which was granted under RPM International Inc.'s Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan and 2007 Restricted Stock Plan.

(2)

Refer to Note I of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our stock repurchase program.

 

 

18


 

Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years during the period ended May 31, 2018.

 

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share and

   percentage data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

5,321,643

 

 

$

4,958,175

 

 

$

4,813,649

 

 

$

4,594,550

 

 

$

4,376,353

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

417,048

 

 

 

244,333

 

 

 

483,466

 

 

 

453,253

 

 

 

424,487

 

Net income

 

 

339,257

 

 

 

184,671

 

 

 

357,458

 

 

 

228,328

 

 

 

305,984

 

Return on sales %

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

3.7

%

 

 

7.4

%

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

7.0

%

Basic earnings per share attributable to RPM International Inc.

   Stockholders

 

$

2.55

 

 

$

1.37

 

 

$

2.70

 

 

$

1.81

 

 

$

2.20

 

Diluted earnings per share attributable to RPM International Inc.

   Stockholders

 

 

2.50

 

 

 

1.36

 

 

 

2.63

 

 

 

1.78

 

 

 

2.18

 

Total RPM International Inc. stockholders’ equity

 

 

1,630,773

 

 

 

1,436,061

 

 

 

1,372,335

 

 

 

1,291,392

 

 

 

1,382,844

 

Total RPM International Inc. stockholders' equity per share

 

 

12.43

 

 

 

10.99

 

 

 

10.61

 

 

 

9.94

 

 

 

10.68

 

Return on total RPM International Inc. stockholders’ equity %

 

 

22.1

%

 

 

13.2

%

 

 

26.8

%

 

 

17.1

%

 

 

23.7

%

Average shares outstanding

 

 

131,179

 

 

 

130,662

 

 

 

129,383

 

 

 

129,933

 

 

 

129,438

 

Cash dividends paid

 

$

167,476

 

 

$

156,752

 

 

$

144,350

 

 

$

136,179

 

 

$

125,743

 

Cash dividends declared per share

 

 

1.260

 

 

 

1.175

 

 

 

1.085

 

 

 

1.020

 

 

 

0.945

 

Retained earnings

 

 

1,342,736

 

 

 

1,172,442

 

 

 

1,147,371

 

 

 

936,996

 

 

 

833,691

 

Working capital

 

 

1,464,205

 

 

 

1,162,042

 

 

 

1,133,157

 

 

 

1,193,612

 

 

 

1,122,386

 

Total assets

 

 

5,271,822

 

 

 

5,090,449

 

 

 

4,764,969

 

 

 

4,680,062

 

 

 

4,365,657

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,170,643

 

 

 

1,836,437

 

 

 

1,635,260

 

 

 

1,639,859

 

 

 

1,333,257

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

128,499

 

 

 

116,773

 

 

 

111,039

 

 

 

99,176

 

 

 

90,069

 

Cash from operating activities

 

 

390,383

 

 

 

386,127

 

 

 

474,706

 

 

 

330,448

 

 

 

278,149

 

Cash (used for) investing activities

 

 

(261,193

)

 

 

(339,665

)

 

 

(165,866

)

 

 

(559,453

)

 

 

(149,711

)

Cash (used for) from financing activities

 

 

(239,376

)

 

 

35,971

 

 

 

(206,105

)

 

 

110,193

 

 

 

(137,243

)

 

Note:

Acquisitions made by us during each of the periods presented and the reconsolidation of SPHC, which occurred on January 1, 2015, may impact comparability from year to year. (See Note A, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

 

Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The information required by this item is set forth at pages 22 through 34 of the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information required by this item is set forth at page 34 of the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information required by this item is set forth at pages 35 through 71 and 74 of the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

 

19


 

Item 9A.   Control s and Procedures.

(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15) as of May 31, 2018 (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the attestation report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, are set forth at pages 73 and 75, respectively, of the 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders, which reports are incorporated herein by reference.

(c)  Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Item 9B.   Other Information.

On July 17, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors elected Frank C. Sullivan as the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Sullivan, age 57, was previously serving as the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  For information regarding Mr. Sullivan’s prior business experience, see Part III, Item 10, “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There are no arrangements or undertakings between Mr. Sullivan and any other persons pursuant to which he was selected to serve as the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, nor are there any family relationships between Mr. Sullivan and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers.  Other than as set forth under the heading “Related Person Transactions” at page 56 of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, dated August 24, 2017, Mr. Sullivan has no material interest in any transactions, relationships or arrangements with the Company that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

20


 

PART  III

 

 

Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Information required by this item as to our Directors appearing under the caption “Election of Directors” in our 2018 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by Items 406, 407(c)(3), 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the heading “Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

The Charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee and the Corporate Governance Guidelines and “The Values & Expectations of 168” (our code of business conduct and ethics) are available on our website at www.rpminc.com and in print to any stockholder who requests a copy. Requests for copies should be directed to Manager of Investor Relations, RPM International Inc., P.O. Box 777, Medina, Ohio 44258. We intend to disclose any amendments to our code of business conduct and ethics, and any waiver of our code of business conduct and ethics granted to any of our Directors or Executive Officers on our website.

The name, age and positions of each of our Executive Officers as of July 23, 2018 are as follows:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position and Offices Held

Frank C. Sullivan

 

57

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Russell L. Gordon

 

52

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Edward W. Moore

 

61

 

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Chief Compliance Officer

Janeen B. Kastner

 

51

 

Vice President – Corporate Benefits and Risk Management

Matthew T. Ratajczak

 

50

 

Vice President – Global Tax and Treasurer

Barry M. Slifstein

 

58

 

Vice President – Investor Relations

Keith R. Smiley

 

56

 

Vice President – Finance and Controller

 

Frank C. Sullivan was elected Chairman of the Board in 2008 and Chief Executive Officer in 2002. From 1999 to 2008, Mr. Sullivan served as our President, and again was elected President in 2018, and was Chief Operating Officer from 2001 to 2002. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Sullivan served as Executive Vice President, and was Chief Financial Officer from 1993 to 1999. Mr. Sullivan served as a Vice President from 1991 to 1995. Prior thereto, he served as our Director of Corporate Development from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Sullivan served as Regional Sales Manager from 1987 to 1989 of AGR Company, an Ohio General Partnership formerly owned by us. Prior thereto, Mr. Sullivan was employed by First Union National Bank from 1985 to 1987 and Harris Bank from 1983 to 1985.

Russell L. Gordon was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2012.  Prior to that time, Mr. Gordon was the Company’s Vice President – Corporate Planning from 2007 to 2012.  Mr. Gordon joined the Company as Director of Corporate Development in 1995.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gordon held various financial positions in corporate treasury and control as well as in the Specialty Chemicals Division of Goodrich Corporation.  He previously was an industrial engineer at VLSI Technology Inc.

Edward W. Moore was elected Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary in 2013.  He had been the Company’s Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 2007, adding the title of Chief Compliance Officer in 2011.  From 1982 to 1989, Mr. Moore was an associate attorney, and from 1990 to 2006, a partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP.  While at Calfee, Mr. Moore served in various capacities, including as a member of the Executive Committee, Chair of the Associates Committee, and Co-Chair of the Securities and Capital Markets Group.

Janeen B. Kastner was elected Vice President ― Corporate Benefits and Risk Management in 2007.  Ms. Kastner had been our Director of Human Resources and Administration since 2000.  Ms. Kastner joined the Company in 1997 as Manager of Benefits and Insurance.  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Kastner was a pension plan consultant with Watson Wyatt & Co.

Matthew T. Ratajczak was elected Vice President – Global Tax and Treasurer in 2012.  Mr. Ratajczak joined the Company as director of taxes in 2004 and was elected Vice President – Global Taxes in 2005.  Prior to joining the Company, he was Director of Global Tax for Noveon, Inc., a specialty chemicals company, and began his career with Ernst & Young LLP.

21


 

Barry M. Sl ifstein was elected Vice President – Investor Relations in 2012.  Mr. Slifstein was Vice President and Controller from 2008 to 2012.  Previously, Mr. Slifstein was Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of our DAP Products Inc. op erating group, where he was employed from 1999 to 2008.  Mr. Slifstein was Finance Director of Alpharma USPD Inc., a global specialty pharmaceutical company from 1998 to 1999, and Corporate Controller for Luitpold Pharmaceuticals Inc., a manufacturer and d istributor of various drugs and medical devices from 1995 to 1998.

Keith R. Smiley was elected Vice President – Finance and Controller in 2012.  Prior to that time, Mr. Smiley was the Company’s Vice President – Treasurer and Assistant Secretary since 1999, and served as Treasurer of the Company since 1997.  From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Smiley was the Company’s Controller.  Prior to joining the Company, he was associated with Ciulla, Smith and Dale, LLP., an accounting firm.

 

 

Item 11.   Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the headings “Stock Ownership of Principal Holders and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the headings “Related Person Transactions” and “Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is set forth in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Services and Related Fee Arrangements,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

22


 

PART  IV

 

 

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1.  Financial Statements .  The following consolidated financial statements of RPM and the reports of our independent registered public accounting firms thereon, included in our 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders on pages 35 through 71 and 74, are incorporated by reference in Item 8:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets —

May 31, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Income —

fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income —

fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows —

fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity —

fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (including Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information)

2.  Financial Statement Schedules .  The following consolidated financial statement schedule of RPM and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm thereon are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in our 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders:

 

Schedule

 

Page or Exhibit No.

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

 

S-1

 

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

3.  Exhibits .  See the Index to Exhibits at page 24 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

23


 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference herein

Number

 

Description

 

Form

 

Date

   3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company

 

Registration Statement on

Form S-8 (File No. 333-101501)

 

November 27, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 27, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.1

 

Specimen Certificate of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company

 

Registration Statement on

Form S-8 (File No. 333-101501)

 

November 27, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.2

 

Rights Agreement, dated April 21, 2009, by and between the Company and National City Bank, as Rights Agent

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 27, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.3

 

Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2008, between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, as trustee

 

Registration Statement on

Form S-3 (File No. 333-173395)

 

April 8, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.3.1

 

Form of 6.50% Senior Note Due 2018

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

February 20, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.4

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated October 9, 2009 for the 6.125% Notes due 2019 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2008, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.5

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated May 27, 2011 for the 6.125% Notes due 2019 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2008, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 27, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.6

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated October 23, 2012 for the 3.450% Notes due 2022 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2008, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 23, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.7

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated December 9, 2013, for the 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (which includes the form of Note), to the Indenture dated as of February 14, 2008, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

December 11, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.8

 

Indenture, dated as of April 8, 2014, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

Registration Statement on Form

S-3 (File No. 333-195132)

 

April 8, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24


 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference herein

Number

 

Description

 

Form

 

Date

   4.9

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated May 29, 2015 for the 5.250% Notes due 2045 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of April 8, 2014, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 29, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.10

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated March 2, 2017 for the 5.250% Notes due 2045 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of April 8, 2014, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

March 3, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.11

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated March 2, 2017 for the 3.750% Notes due 2027 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of April 8, 2014, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

March 3, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   4.12

 

Officers’ Certificate and Authentication Order dated December 20, 2017 for the 4.250% Notes due 2048 (which includes the form of Note) issued pursuant to the Indenture dated as of April 8, 2014, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

December 20, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.1

 

Credit Agreement among RPM International Inc., the Borrowers party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, date December 5, 2014

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

December 11, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.2

 

Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sales Agreement dated May 9, 2014

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 15, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.2.1

 

Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of August 29, 2014

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 6, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.2.2

 

Amendment No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2015

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 6, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.2.3

 

Amendment No. 3 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2016

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 6, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.3

 

Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated May 9, 2014

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 15, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.3.1

 

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2015

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 8, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.3.2

 

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2017

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 8, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.4

 

Amended and Restated Fee Letter, dated May 9, 2014

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

May 15, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.5

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, by and between the Company and Frank C. Sullivan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.6

 

Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Ronald A. Rice, President and Chief Operating Officer

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25


 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference herein

Number

 

Description

 

Form

 

Date

*10.7

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Edward W. Moore, Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 7, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.8

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by and between the Company and each of its Directors and Executive Officers

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.9

 

RPM International Inc. Benefit Restoration Plan

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 29, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.9.1

 

Amendment No. 1 to the RPM International Inc. Benefit Restoration Plan

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 14, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.9.2

 

Amendment No. 2 to RPM International Inc. Benefit Restoration Plan

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.10

 

RPM International Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as Amended and Restated Generally, effective January 1, 2005

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.10.1

 

Master Trust Agreement for RPM International Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 29, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.11

 

Second Amendment and Restated Collection Account Agreement, dated July 29, 2010

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 6, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12

 

RPM, Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan, and Form of Acceptance and Escrow Agreement to be used in connection therewith

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.1

 

First Amendment to the RPM, Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan, effective as of October 1, 1998

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 29, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.2

 

Second Amendment to the RPM, Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 29, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.3

 

Third Amendment to the RPM, Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 13, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.4

 

Fourth Amendment to the RPM International Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 14, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.5

 

Fifth Amendment to the RPM International Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 16, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.6

 

Sixth Amendment to the RPM International Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

July 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.12.7

 

Seventh Amendment to the RPM International Inc. 1997 Restricted Stock Plan, effective December 31, 2008

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.13

 

RPM International Inc. 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 14, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.13.1

 

Amendment No. 1 to the RPM International Inc. 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

July 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.13.2

 

Amendment No. 2 to the RPM International Inc. 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors, effective December 31, 2008

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.14

 

RPM International Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan, effective July 21, 2009

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 27, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26


 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference herein

Number

 

Description

 

Form

 

Date

*10.14.1

 

Form of Performance-Earned Restricted Stock (PERS) and Escrow Agreement (for grants prior to October 10, 2008)

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 15, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.14.2

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (for grants prior to October 10, 2008)

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 6, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.14.3

 

Form of Performance-Contingent Restricted Stock (PCRS) and Escrow Agreement

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 7, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.14.4

 

Form of Performance-Earned Restricted Stock (PERS) and Escrow Agreement

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 8, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.14.5

 

Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

January 8, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.15

 

RPM International Inc. 2007 Restricted Stock Plan

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 12, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.15.1

 

Amendment No. 1 to the RPM International Inc. 2007 Restricted Stock Plan, effective December 31, 2008

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

April 9, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.16

 

RPM International Inc. Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan

 

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 9, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.17

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, by and between the Company and Russell L. Gordon, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

July 24, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.18

 

Settlement Term Sheet, dated July 26, 2014, by and among the Company, Bondex, SPHC, Republic, the Asbestos Claimants’ Committee, counsel for each member of the Asbestos Claimant’s Committee in its individual capacity and on behalf of such member, and Eric Green, in his capacity as the Future Claimants’ Representative

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

July 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.19

 

RPM International Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan, effective October 10, 2014

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

(File No. 001-14187)

 

August 26, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  10.20

 

Plan of Reorganization

 

Current Report on Form 8-K

(File No. 001-14187)

 

December 23, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*10.21

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective December 31, 2008, by and between the Company and Janeen B. Kastner, Vice President – Corporate Benefits and Risk Management

 

Annual Report on Form 10-Q

(File No. 001-14187)

 

October 7, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.22

 

Cooperation Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2018, by and among the Company, Elliott Associates, L.P., Elliott International, L.P., and Elliott International Capital Advisors Inc.

 

Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-14187)

 

 

June 28, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.23

 

Separation Agreement and Release and Waiver of Claims, dated as of July 6, 2018, by and between the Company and Ronald A. Rice (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 12

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 13.1

 

Portions of RPM International Inc.’s 2018 Annual Report to Stockholders (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Company (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27


 

Exhibit

 

 

 

Incorporated by reference herein

Number

 

Description

 

Form

 

Date

 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (x)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 32.1

 

Section 1350 Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (xx)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 32.2

 

Section 1350 Certification of the Company Chief Financial Officer (xx)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

 

 

*

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(x)

Filed herewith.

(xx)

Furnished herewith.

 

28


 

SIGNAT URES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

 

By:

 

/s/  Frank C. Sullivan

 

 

Frank C. Sullivan

 

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: July 23, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated this 23rd day of July, 2018.

 

Signature

 

Title

/s/  Frank C. Sullivan

 

Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director

Frank C. Sullivan

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

/s/  Russell L. Gordon

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Russell L. Gordon

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

/s/  Keith R. Smiley

 

Vice President-Finance and Controller

Keith R. Smiley

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

/s/  John P. Abizaid

 

Director

John P. Abizaid

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Kirkland B. Andrews

 

Director

Kirkland B. Andrews

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  John M. Ballbach

 

Director

John M. Ballbach

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Bruce A. Carbonari

 

Director

Bruce A. Carbonari

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  David A. Daberko

 

Director

David A. Daberko

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Jenniffer D. Deckard

 

Director

Jenniffer D. Deckard

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Salvatore D. Fazzolari

 

Director

Salvatore D. Fazzolari

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Thomas S. Gross

 

Director

Thomas S. Gross

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Julie A. Lagacy

 

Director

Julie A. Lagacy

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Robert A. Livingston

 

Director

Robert A. Livingston

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Craig S. Morford

 

Director

Craig S. Morford

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Frederick R. Nance

 

Director

Frederick R. Nance

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  William B. Summers, Jr.

 

Director

William B. Summers, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

29


 

RPM International In c. and Subsidiaries

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Schedule II)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charged to

 

 

(Disposals)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

Selling,

 

 

of Businesses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

Beginning

 

 

General and

 

 

and

 

 

 

(Deductions)

 

 

 

End

 

(In thousands)

 

of Period

 

 

Administrative

 

 

Reclassifications

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

of Period

 

Year Ended May 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

44,138

 

 

$

4,487

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(2,281

)

(1)

 

$

46,344

 

Accrued product liability reserves

 

$

14,932

 

 

$

6,169

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(8,201

)

(2)

 

$

12,900

 

Accrued loss reserves

 

$

1,102

 

 

$

413

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(371

)

(2)

 

$

1,144

 

Noncurrent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued product liability

 

$

28,222

 

 

$

16,581

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(14,901

)

(2)

 

$

29,902

 

Environmental reserves

 

$

1,747

 

 

$

5,350

 

(4)

$

 

 

 

$

(3,526

)

 

 

$

3,571

 

Year Ended May 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

24,600

 

 

$

13,747

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

5,791

 

(1)

 

$

44,138

 

Accrued product liability reserves

 

$

25,100

 

 

$

5,262

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(15,430

)

(2)

 

$

14,932

 

Accrued loss reserves

 

$

1,053

 

 

$

636

 

 

$

(322)

 

(3)

 

$

(265

)

(2)

 

$

1,102

 

Noncurrent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued product liability

 

$

29,045

 

 

$

15,005

 

 

$

281

 

 

 

$

(16,109

)

(2)

 

$

28,222

 

Environmental reserves

 

$

1,676

 

 

$

404

 

 

$

328

 

(3)

 

$

(661

)

 

 

$

1,747

 

Year Ended May 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

$

24,526

 

 

$

8,692

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(8,618

)

(1)

 

$

24,600

 

Accrued product liability reserves

 

$

11,916

 

 

$

13,848

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(664

)

(2)

 

$

25,100

 

Accrued loss reserves

 

$

1,383

 

 

$

230

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(560

)

(2)

 

$

1,053

 

Noncurrent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued product liability

 

$

29,768

 

 

$

9,637

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

(10,360

)

(2)

 

$

29,045

 

Environmental reserves

 

$

3,498

 

 

$

730

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(2,552

)

 

 

$

1,676

 

 

(1)

Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries

(2)

Primarily claims paid during the year, net of insurance contributions

(3)

Primarily transfers between current and noncurrent

(4)

Approximately $1.7 million of the additions is reflected in the line item entitled, “Restructuring Expense,” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

 

S-1

Exhibit 10.23

 

EXECUTION COPY

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS

 

THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Ronald A. Rice ("Executive"), with an Effective Date as defined herein.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS , pursuant to an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive dated December 31, 2008, as amended by that certain Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated December 20, 2012 (the “Employment Agreement”), Executive has been serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS , the Company has decided to terminate Executive’s employment, in the manner provided by and consistent with the Employment Agreement, effective July 6, 2018, on the terms set forth herein; and

 

WHEREAS , the Company and Executive wish to resolve all matters and issues between them arising from or relating to Executive's employment by the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, Executive and the Company hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I -- CONSIDERATION

 

Section 1.1. Termination of Employment .  The Company hereby terminates Executive’s employment effective as of July 6, 2018 (the “Termination Date”).  The parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s Termination of Employment is a termination without Cause pursuant to §5(a)(vi) of the Employment Agreement.  Executive, by his signature below, hereby waives any written notice of Termination of Employment under the Employment Agreement.  Executive  voluntarily resigns as an employee, director, officer, manager, or from other service in any role for each Affiliate of the Company by executing the document attached as Schedule 1, effective as of the Termination Date.  

Section 1.2. Lump-Sum Payment .  No later than 30 calendar days following the Termination Date, and after the Effective Date of this Agreement as defined in Section 4.12 hereof, Executive will be entitled to receive a lump-sum payment (the “Payment”) in an amount equal to $4,000,000, calculated in the manner provided by §5(b)(iii) of the Employment Agreement, and representing 200% times the sum of $730,000 (Executive’s Base Salary) plus $995,000 (Executive’s Annual Incentive Compensation for Fiscal Year 2014), plus Fiscal Year 2018 unpaid cash incentive compensation equal to $550,000, less any applicable payroll taxes and withholdings.

 


 

Section 1.3. Continuing Benefit Plans .   Upon the Effective Date of this Agreement, and for the time periods described below, Executive will be entitled to continue to participate in the Continuing Benefit Plans, as described in, and defined by, §5(c)(i) and Exhibit A of the Employment Agreement:

 

1.

The RPM International Inc. Welfare Plan.   For a period of 53 months following the Termination Date, Executive will be entitled to continue to participate in the RPM International Inc. Welfare Plan, on the same basis and at the same level of benefits as he participated immediately prior to the Termination Date.  Executive’s participation in said plan shall be on the terms and conditions described in  §5(c)(i) of the Employment Agreement, and as otherwise dictated by the governing plan documents of the RPM International Inc. Welfare Plan, except that the Company will have the right to suspend such benefits if Executive becomes covered by another employer providing any health and welfare benefits, without regard to whether such benefits are comparable to the benefits provided under the RPM International Inc. Welfare Plan; and

 

2.

Estate/Financial Planning Benefits .Executive will be entitled to the Estate/Financial Planning Benefits described in §5(c)(i) of the Employment Agreement for a period of 18 months following the Termination Date, with Executive to forward bills received for such services to Janeen B. Kastner, Vice President – Corporate Benefits and Risk Management, RPM International Inc., 2628 Pearl Road, P. O Box 777, Medina, Ohio 44258.

Section 1.4. Limited Benefit Plans .   Upon the Effective Date of this Agreement, Executive will be entitled only to the following Limited Benefit Plans as described in §5(c)(ii) of the Employment Agreement:

 

1.

Executive Life Insurance .  A lump sum payment in the amount of $193,254 representing the next two scheduled annual premium payments with respect to Executive for the executive life insurance program maintained by the Company as of the Termination Date;

 

2.

SERP Restricted Stock Plan .  A lump sum payment in the amount of $773,592.12 representing the cash value of the benefits Executive would have received had he continued to participate in and receive annual awards under the SERP Restricted Stock Plan on a basis consistent with his past practice for a period of two years after the Termination Date, with such payment to be paid no later than 2 ½ months following the later of the end of Executive’s taxable year or the end of the Company’s taxable year in which the Termination Date occurs, which payment includes the 2018 award which would have been made to Executive on July 16, 2018; and

 

3.

Lapse of Restrictions .  The lapse of all restrictions on transfer and forfeiture provisions to which Executive’s awards under the SERP

2

 


 

 

Restricted Stock Plan are subject, so that any restricted shares previously awarded to Executive under such plan shall be nonforfeitable and freely transferable thereafter, all on the terms of the SERP Restricted Stock Plan or the agreements thereunder.

 

4.

Vesting .  The parties acknowledge and agree that upon the Effective Date of this Agreement, Executive will be fully vested in the Performance Earned Restricted Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights grants made under the Company’s 2004 and 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plans, and that for purposes of any Performance Earned Restricted Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights grants only, Executive will be deemed to have retired as of the Effective Date of this Agreement.

Section 1.5. Outplacement Assistance .  In addition to the payments and benefits described in the Employment Agreement, and as further consideration for Executive’s execution of this Agreement, upon the Effective Date of this Agreement and continuing for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Company shall provide to Executive outplacement assistance through the firm with which the Company customarily contracts for such services, in an amount not to exceed $8,250.

Section 1.6. Automobile . In addition to the payments and benefits described in the Employment Agreement, and as further consideration for Executive’s execution of this Agreement, following the Effective Date of this Agreement, the Company will pay-off the residual value of the automobile leased by the Company for Executive’s benefit, and the Company will transfer the title for said automobile to Executive, and Executive will thereafter be responsible for all insurance related to such automobile.  Executive will be responsible for all other operating expenses as of the Effective Date of this Agreement.

Section 1.7. Adequacy of Consideration .  Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that the payments and benefits described in Article I of this Agreement are over and above any entitlements, severance or otherwise, that he may have by reason of his termination from employment with the Company, and that such payments and amounts constitute adequate consideration for all of Executive’s covenants and obligations set forth herein, including, but not limited to, the General Release of Claims set forth in Article II of this Agreement and the other obligations of Executive set forth in Article III of this Agreement.  

ARTICLE II -- GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

Section 2.1. Executive’s Release .  For consideration in the form of the payments and benefits set forth herein, Executive does hereby for himself and for his heirs, executors, successors and assigns, release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, Affiliates, and affiliated businesses, direct or indirect, if any, together with its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, management, representatives, agents, employees, successors, assigns, and attorneys, both known and unknown, in both their personal and agency capacities (collectively, “the Company Entities”) of and from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions or causes of action, suits, claims, charges, complaints, contracts, whether oral or written, express or implied and promises, at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind or nature,

3

 


 

including but not limited to any alleged violation of any state or federal anti-discrimination or anti-retaliation statutes or regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, ERISA, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, Title VIII of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the False Claims Act, breach of any express or implied contract or promise, wrongful discharge, violation of public policy, or tort, all demands for attorney's fees, back pay, holiday pay, vacation pay, bonus, group insurance, any claims for reinstatement, all employee benefits and claims for money, out of pocket expenses, any claims for emotional distress, degradation or humiliation, that Executive might now have or may subsequently have, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, by reason of any matter or thing, arising out of or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions of the Company or any of its directors, officers, shareholders, employees and/or agents arising out of Executive's employment and separation from employment which have occurred prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement as defined in Section 4.12 hereof, except those matters specifically set forth herein, and except for any health, welfare, pension or retirement benefits, if any, which may have vested on Executive's behalf prior to his termination under the generally applicable terms of such programs, and except for any claims arising solely out of Executive’s status as a shareholder of the Company, and except for any rights Executive has under any applicable policies of Directors and Officers liability insurance, and except for any rights Executive has under the Indemnity Agreement.  

Employee may file a charge with, testify, assist, or participate in an investigation, hearing or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or state fair employment practices agency as to the employment laws enforced by such agencies; provided, however, that Employee understands and agrees that he is waiving and releasing his rights to monetary damages under such laws by reason of his agreement to the general release language stated above.

 

Section 2.2. Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”) .  Executive recognizes and understands that, by executing this Agreement, he shall be releasing the Company Entities from any claims that he now has, may have, or subsequently may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §§621, et seq., as amended, by reason of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions which have occurred prior to and including the Effective Date of this Agreement.  In other words, Executive will have none of the legal rights against the aforementioned that he would otherwise have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §§621, et seq., as amended, by his signing this Agreement.

Section 2.3. Consideration Period .  The Company hereby notifies Executive of his right to consult with his chosen legal counsel before signing this Agreement.  Through his signature below, Executive represents that he has consulted with, and been represented by, competent legal counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement.  The Company shall afford, and Executive acknowledges receiving, not less than twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider this Agreement to ensure that Executive’s execution of it is knowing and voluntary.  In signing below, Executive expressly acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to

4

 


 

take at least twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement and that his execution of same is with full knowledge of the consequences thereof and is of his own free will.  

Notwithstanding the fact that the Company has allowed Executive twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement, Executive may elect to execute this Agreement prior to the end of such 21-day period.  If Executive elects to execute this Agreement prior to the end of such 21-day period, then by his signature below, Executive represents that he has consulted with, and been represented by, his chosen legal counsel, and his decision to accept this shortening of the time was knowing and voluntary, and was not induced by fraud, misrepresentation, or any threat to withdraw or alter the benefits provided by the Company herein, or by the Company providing different terms to any similarly-situated Executive executing this Agreement prior to end of such 21-day consideration period.  The parties agree that changes, whether material or immaterial, to this Agreement shall not restart the running of the twenty-one (21) day time period.

Section 2.4. Revocation Period .  Both the Company and Executive agree and recognize that, for a period of seven (7) calendar days following Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive may revoke this Agreement by providing written notice revoking the same, within this seven (7) day period, delivered by hand or by certified mail, addressed to Janeen B. Kastner, Vice President – Corporate Benefits and Risk Management, RPM International Inc., 2628 Pearl Road, P. O Box 777, Medina, Ohio 44258, delivered or postmarked within such seven (7) day period.  In the event Executive so revokes this Agreement, each party will receive only those entitlements and/or benefits that he/it would have received regardless of this Agreement.  

Section 2.5. Release by Company Entities .  The Company Entities do hereby release and forever discharge Executive, his heirs, executors, successors, and assigns, from any and all claims, demands, actions or causes of action, damages or suits at law or equity, of whatsoever kind or nature, both known or unknown, that the Company Entities have or may have by reason of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any act or omission that has occurred prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement.  This Release does not apply to the Company’s rights and entitlements under this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III  OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF EXECUTIVE

 

Section 3.1. Restrictive Covenants .  Executive hereby acknowledges and reaffirms all of Executive’s obligations and the Company’s rights under the Restrictive Covenants of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Confidentiality set forth in §9 of the Employment Agreement, all of which obligations shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment and are incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

 

Section 3.2. Return of Company Property .  Executive agrees that prior to receiving any benefits under this Agreement, he will return to the Company any and all Company property, equipment or information (including but not limited to keys, security or access cards, computers, Company issued credit cards, files, computer stored data, catalogs, samples, documents or other such Company property which came into Executive’s possession, or which Executive prepared or helped prepare, in connection with or during Executive’s employment with the Company.  Executive agrees not to retain any copies of such property or information and will not use any such property or information to the detriment of the Company.   

5

 


 

 

Section 3.3. Assistance to Company .  Executive agrees to make himself available to answer questions concerning business concerns, operations, pending legal concerns and/or litigation, and other special assistance as reasonably may be requested by the Company during the two calendar years following the Termination Date; provided that Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred by him in his performance of his obligations under this §3.3.

Section 3.4. Nondisparagement .  Executive agrees not to make any disparaging or generally negative comments regarding the Company Entities or otherwise to communicate with any person in a manner tending to damage the reputation of the Company Entities.  Neither the Company, nor any of those employees of the Company who constitute its “named executive officers” (under SEC regulations) for purposes of the Company’s 2018 proxy statement, will make or issue any public release or other public statement containing disparaging or generally negative comments regarding Executive.  Nothing contained in this Agreement will preclude any party or other person from (a) providing truthful information in any court, regulatory, or governmental proceeding, investigation, or inquiry, or (b) reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, or (c) making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state regulation.

Section 3.5. Permitted Disclosure .   Notwithstanding the provisions of §9(c) of the Employment Agreement, as affirmed and acknowledged in §3.1 of this Agreement, Executive may disclose to such persons, without limitation of any kind, who have a need to know, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of his termination from employment or other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this §3.5 shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.  The Company will be permitted to disclose a summary of, and copy of, this Agreement in a Form 8-K and other public disclosures to be filed with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission.

Section 3.6. Remedy for Breach of Article III .  Executive agrees that each of his obligations set forth in Article III of this Agreement are material provisions of this Agreement, without which the Company would not enter into this Agreement, the violation of which by Executive will cause substantial harm to the Company, and that the actual damages resulting from a violation of any section of this Article III by Executive will be difficult or impossible to ascertain.  Accordingly, in the event of any violation by Executive of any section of this Article III, and in addition to all legal or equitable remedies available to the Company to remedy such violation, Executive agrees that (i) the Company may terminate all payments and benefits owed to Executive under this Agreement and retain any remaining payments and benefits not as of then paid to Executive as liquidated damages; and (ii) Executive will repay to the Company, upon demand, all amounts paid to him pursuant to Article I of this Agreement prior to the date the Company learns of such violation by Executive, along with any other relief the Court deems to be appropriate and just; provided, however, it is agreed that the payments and benefits made or owed to

6

 


 

Executive under any of the plans, programs or agreements referred to Sections 1.9 and 1.10 are not subject to termination or repayment by reason of clauses (i) or (ii) of this sentence.

ARTICLE IV -- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 4.1. Entire Agreement .  Except as provided in §3.1 and 4.2 of this Agreement, and except for Executive’s continuing rights under the plans, programs and agreements as specified in Article I, this Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto and replaces any prior agreements, contracts and/or promises, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matters included herein, including any offer or other letter agreements, any proxy statement description, or any other such agreement or document.  This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in writing, signed by each of the parties hereto.

Section 4.2. Survival of Agreements .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the parties agree that (i) §§ 5(b), 5(c), 7, 14, 15, and Exhibit A of the Employment Agreement, and (ii) the Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Executive dated January 13, 2003 (the “Indemnification Agreement”), shall survive Executive’s termination and his execution of this Agreement.  The parties further agree that nothing in this Agreement is intended to modify their respective rights and obligations under the Employment Agreement.  

Section 4.3. Acknowledgments .  Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement, that Executive has not relied on any representations of the Company or any of its representatives, directors, officers, executives and/or agents to induce Executive to enter into this Agreement, other than as specifically set forth herein, and that Executive is fully competent to enter into this Agreement and has not been pressured, coerced or otherwise unduly influenced to enter into this Agreement and that Executive has voluntarily entered into this Agreement of Executive's own free will.  Executive further acknowledges that he has consulted with, and been represented by, competent legal counsel in the negotiation of this Agreement.  The parties agree that any capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the Employment Agreement.

Section 4.4. Warranty/Representation .  Executive and the Company each warrant and represent that, prior to and including the Effective Date of this Agreement as defined in Section 4.12, no claim, demand, cause of action, or obligation which is subject to this Agreement has been assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, and no other person or entity has or has had any interest in any such claims, demands, causes of action or obligations, and that each has the sole right to execute this Agreement.

 

Section 4.5. Invalidity .  The parties to this Agreement agree that the invalidity or unenforceability of any one (1) provision or part of this Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) or part(s) hereof invalid or unenforceable and that such other provision(s) or part(s) shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Section 4.6. No Assignment .  This Agreement is personal in nature and shall not be assigned by Executive.  All payments and benefits provided Executive herein shall be made to his estate in the event of his death prior to his receipt thereof.

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Section 4.7. Originals .  Two (2) copies of this Agreement shall be executed as “originals” so that both Executive and the Company may possess an “original” fully executed document.  The parties hereto expressly agree and recognize that each of these fully executed “originals,” which may be signed in counterparts, shall be binding and enforceable as an original document representing the agreements set forth herein.

 

Section 4.8. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Venue .  This Agreement shall be governed under the laws of the State of Ohio.  The Company and Executive each consent to venue and personal jurisdiction over them in any state or federal court with jurisdiction over the State of Ohio, for the purpose of construction and enforcement of this Agreement.

 

Section 4.9. Withholding .  The Company shall have the right to withhold from any payments and benefits under this Agreement any and all amounts necessary for payroll taxes and other withholdings.  

Section 4.10. Further Assurances .  In case at any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement as defined in Section 4.12, any further actions are necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of any of the provisions of this Agreement, each party shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable, execute and deliver all such documents, and take all such other actions, in order to give full effect to the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 4.11. Compliance with Section 409A; Taxes .  It is the intention and purpose of the Company that this Agreement and all benefits provided hereunder or in connection herewith shall be, at all relevant times, in compliance with (or exempt from) Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and related regulations (the “ Code ”), and this Agreement and such benefits shall be so interpreted and administered. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the Termination Date Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Code, and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of Executive’s termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent the imposition of any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following the Termination Date (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code), (ii) any reimbursements provided under this Agreement shall be made no later than the end of Executive’s taxable year following Executive’s taxable year in which such expense was incurred; in addition, the amounts eligible for reimbursement during any one taxable year under this Agreement may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year under this Agreement, (iii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Company, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax or result in an additional cost to the Company, and (iv) each payment hereunder (including without limitation each monthly payment or payment made on a payroll period basis, even if it might otherwise be part of a series of installment payments) shall

8

 


 

constitute a separate payment hereunder for purposes of Section 409A of the Code.  The Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this §4.11; provided that notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement or otherwise, neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive or any beneficiary or dependent with respect thereto or with respect to the tax consequences or effects to them of any of the provisions of, or benefits or payments provided under, pursuant to or in connection with, this Agreement (including under the plans and programs referred to herein).

Section 4.12. Effective Date of this Agreement .  This Agreement shall become effective only upon (a) execution of this Agreement by Executive after the expiration of the twenty-one (21) day consideration period described in §2.3 of this Agreement, unless such consideration period is voluntarily shortened as provided by law; and (b) the expiration of the seven (7) day period for revocation of this Agreement by Employee described in §2.4 of this Agreement.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company agree as set forth above:

 

DATE OF EXECUTION BY EXECUTIVE:

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

 

 

 

7-6-18

 

/s/ Ronald A. Rice

 

 

RONALD A. RICE

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ W. Rice

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF EXECUTION BY COMPANY:

 

AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY

 

 

RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

 

 

 

July 6, 2018

 

BY:

 

/s/ Frank C. Sullivan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE:

 

Chairman and CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Edward W. Moore

 

9

 

 

Exhibit 12

RPM

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

Periods Ended May 31, 2013 through May 31, 2018

 

 

 

Year Ended May 31,

 

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 1

 

4.31 

 

3.08 

 

5.36 

 

5.29 

 

5.34 

 

2.86 

 

1  Calculated as follows

 

 

(income before income taxes)

+ (fixed charges)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(fixed charges)

 

 

 

 

Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortized expenses related to debt and an estimate of the interest portion of rental expense.

 

 

 

Year Ended May 31,

(All numbers in thousands)

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

Income before income tax

 

417,048

 

244,333

 

483,466 

 

453,253 

 

424,487 

 

176,891 

Fixed charges

 

125,979

 

117,387

 

110,851 

 

105,549 

 

97,918 

 

95,346 

Total

 

543,027

 

361,720

 

594,317 

 

558,802 

 

522,405 

 

272,237 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 13.1

 

 

 

LOGO


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates, including those related to our allowances for doubtful accounts; inventories; allowances for recoverable taxes; uncertain tax positions; useful lives of property, plant and equipment; goodwill and other intangible assets; environmental, warranties and other contingent liabilities; income tax valuation allowances; pension plans; and the fair value of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience, our most recent facts and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities. Actual results, which are shaped by actual market conditions, may differ materially from our estimates.

We have identified below the accounting policies and estimates that are the most critical to our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when realized or realizable, and when earned. In general, this is when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Further, revenues are realizable when we have persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement, the product has been shipped or the services have been provided to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We reduce our revenues for estimated customer returns and allowances, certain rebates, sales incentives and promotions in the same period the related sales are recorded.

We also record revenues generated under long-term construction contracts, mainly in connection with the installation of specialized roofing and flooring systems, and related services. In general, we account for long-term construction contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, and therefore record contract revenues and related costs as our contracts progress. This method recognizes the economic results of contract performance on a timelier basis than does the completed-contract method; however, application of this method requires reasonably dependable estimates of progress toward completion, as well as other dependable estimates. When reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made, or if other factors make estimates doubtful, the completed-contract method is applied. Under the completed-contract method, billings and costs are accumulated in the balance sheet as the contract progresses, but no revenue is recognized until the contract is complete or substantially complete.

Translation of Foreign Currency Financial Statements and Foreign Currency Transactions

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. However, the functional currency for each of our foreign subsidiaries is its principal operating currency. We translate the amounts included in our Consolidated Statements of Income from our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates, which we believe are representative of the actual exchange rates on the dates of the transactions. Our foreign subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars from local currency at the actual exchange rates as of the end of each reporting period, and we record the resulting foreign exchange translation adjustments in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If the U.S. dollar strengthens, we reflect the resulting losses as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Conversely, if the U.S. dollar weakens, foreign exchange translation gains result, which favorably impact accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Translation adjustments may be included in net earnings in the event of a sale or liquidation of certain of our underlying foreign investments. If we determine that the functional currency of any of our foreign subsidiaries should be the U.S. dollar, our financial statements will be affected. Should this occur, we will adjust our reporting to appropriately account for any such changes.

As appropriate, we use permanently invested intercompany loans as a source of capital to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations at our foreign subsidiaries. These loans, on a consolidated basis, are treated as being analogous to equity for accounting purposes. Therefore, foreign exchange gains or losses on these intercompany loans are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Goodwill

We test our goodwill balances at least annually, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise, at the reporting unit level. Our annual impairment assessment date has been designated as the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is the operating segment level or one level below our operating segments.

We follow the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance found in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350 that simplifies how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.

We assess qualitative factors in each of our reporting units that carry goodwill. Among other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of our reporting units, we assess individual factors such as:

 

  a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate;

 

  an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;

 

  unanticipated competition;

 

  a loss of key personnel; and

 

  a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of.
 

 

22     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


We assess these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The traditional two-step quantitative process is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. However, we have an unconditional option to bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the traditional two-step quantitative analysis.

In applying the first step of the quantitative test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires our use of estimates and assumptions. We use significant judgment in determining the most appropriate method to establish the fair value of a reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit by employing various valuation techniques, depending on the availability and reliability of comparable market value indicators, and employ methods and assumptions that include the application of third-party market value indicators and the computation of discounted future cash flows for a reporting unit’s annual projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).

We evaluate discounted future cash flows for a reporting unit’s projected EBITDA. Under this approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired. An indication that goodwill may be impaired results when the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. At that point, the second step of the impairment test is performed, which requires a fair value estimate of each tangible and intangible asset in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we record an impairment loss equal to the difference.

In applying the discounted cash flow methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including future business plans, actual and forecasted operating results, and market data. The significant assumptions employed under this method include discount rates; revenue growth rates, including assumed terminal growth rates; and operating margins used to project future cash flows for a reporting unit. The discount rates utilized reflect market-based estimates of capital costs and discount rates adjusted for management’s assessment of a market participant’s view with respect to other risks associated with the projected cash flows of the individual reporting unit. Our estimates are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. We believe we incorporate ample sensitivity ranges into our analysis of goodwill impairment testing for a reporting unit, such that actual experience would need to be materially out of the range of expected assumptions in order for an impairment to remain undetected.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we performed an interim impairment test for goodwill and, accordingly, we recorded a loss totaling $188.3 million for the impairment of goodwill and intangibles at our Kirker reporting unit. Refer to Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for further discussion.

Our required annual goodwill impairment analysis for fiscal 2018 and 2017, performed as of March 1st each year, did not result in any indicators of impairment. Should the future earnings and cash flows at our reporting units decline and/or discount rates increase, future impairment charges to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

Other Long-Lived Assets

We assess identifiable, amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in facts and circumstances indicate the possibility that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. Factors considered important in our assessment, which might trigger an impairment evaluation, include the following:

 

  significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

 

  significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets;

 

  significant changes in the strategy for our overall business; and

 

  significant negative industry or economic trends.

Measuring a potential impairment of amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. If we determine that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above-described indicators or other factors, any impairment amounts would be measured based on the projected net cash flows expected from these assets, including any net cash flows related to eventual disposition activities. The determination of any impairment losses would be based on the best information available, including internal estimates of discounted cash flows; market participant assumptions; quoted market prices, when available; and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair values. Cash flow estimates would be based on our historical experience and our internal business plans, with appropriate discount rates applied.

Additionally, we test all indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during our fiscal fourth quarter. We follow the guidance provided by ASC 350 that simplifies how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. It provides an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. As described further in Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we performed an interim impairment test for our Restore tradename during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, which resulted in a loss totaling $4.9 million. Our required annual impairment tests of each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets performed during fiscal 2018 and 2017 did not result in any additional impairment loss.

Derivatives and Hedging

We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, from time to time, we enter into various derivative transactions. We use various types of derivative instruments, including forward contracts and swaps. We formally assess, designate and document, as a hedge of an underlying exposure, each qualifying derivative instrument that will be accounted for as an accounting hedge at inception. Additionally, we assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in the hedging transaction are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures. The effective portion of the derivative’s net gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, and upon occurrence of the forecasted transaction, is subsequently reclassified to the line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income to which the hedged transaction relates.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     23


We also use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain balance sheet exposures. These forward contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and any net gain or loss associated with these derivatives is reported in other (income) expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and certain changes in valuation allowances. We provide valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

In determining the adequacy of valuation allowances, we consider cumulative and anticipated amounts of domestic and international earnings or losses of the appropriate character, anticipated amounts of foreign source income, as well as the anticipated taxable income resulting from the reversal of future taxable temporary differences. We intend to maintain any recorded valuation allowances until sufficient positive evidence (for example, cumulative positive foreign earnings or capital gain income) exists to support a reversal of the tax valuation allowances.

Further, at each interim reporting period, we estimate an effective income tax rate that is expected to be applicable for the full year. Significant judgment is involved regarding the application of global income tax laws and regulations and when projecting the jurisdictional mix of income. Additionally, interpretation of tax laws, court decisions or other guidance provided by taxing authorities influences our estimate of the effective income tax rates. As a result, our actual effective income tax rates and related income tax liabilities may differ materially from our estimated effective tax rates and related income tax liabilities. Any resulting differences are recorded in the period they become known.

Contingencies

We are party to various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. Although we cannot precisely predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, we record provisions when we consider the liability probable and estimable. Our provisions are based on historical experience and legal advice, reviewed quarterly and adjusted according to developments. In general, our accruals, including our accruals for environmental, warranty and tax liabilities, discussed further below, represent the best estimate of a range of probable losses. Estimating probable losses requires the analysis of multiple factors that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as regulators, courts, and state and federal legislatures. Changes in the amounts of our loss provisions, which can be material, affect our Consolidated Statements of Income. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that potential losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, we believe that the amount of any such additional loss would be immaterial to our results of operations, liquidity and consolidated financial position. We evaluate our accruals at the end of each quarter, or sometimes more frequently, based on available facts, and may revise our estimates in the future based on any new information that becomes available.

Our environmental-related accruals are similarly established and/or adjusted as more information becomes available upon which costs can be reasonably estimated. Actual costs may vary from these estimates because of the inherent uncertainties involved, including the identification of new sites and the development of new information about contamination. Certain sites are still being investigated; therefore, we have been unable to fully evaluate the ultimate costs for those sites. As a result, accruals have not been estimated for certain of these sites and costs may ultimately exceed existing estimated accruals for other sites. We have received indemnities for potential environmental issues from purchasers of certain of our properties and businesses and from sellers of some of the properties or businesses we have acquired. If the indemnifying party fails to, or becomes unable to, fulfill its obligations under those agreements, we may incur environmental costs in addition to any amounts accrued, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long-term warranty programs at certain of our businesses, and thus have established corresponding warranty liabilities. Warranty expense is impacted by variations in local construction practices, installation conditions, and geographic and climate differences. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our warranty expense, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

Additionally, our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign tax laws and regulations that govern, among other things, taxes on worldwide income. The calculation of our income tax expense is based on the best information available, including the application of currently enacted income tax laws and regulations, and involves our significant judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can ultimately be determined, in some instances, several years after the financial statements have been published.

We also maintain accruals for estimated income tax exposures for many different jurisdictions. Tax exposures are settled primarily through the resolution of audits within each tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Tax exposures and actual income tax liabilities can also be affected by changes in applicable tax laws, retroactive tax law changes or other factors, which may cause us to believe revisions of past estimates are appropriate. Although we believe that appropriate liabilities have been recorded for our income tax expense and income tax exposures, actual results may differ materially from our estimates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility and past experience, but are primarily made up of individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility. Actual collections of trade receivables could differ from our estimates due to changes in future economic or industry conditions or specific customer’s financial conditions.

 

 

24     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and net realizable value being determined on the basis of replacement cost. Inventory costs include raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We review the net realizable value of our inventory in detail on an on-going basis, with consideration given to various factors, which include our estimated reserves for excess, obsolete, slow-moving or distressed inventories. If actual market conditions differ from our projections, and our estimates prove to be inaccurate, write-downs of inventory values and adjustments to cost of sales may be required. Historically, our inventory reserves have approximated actual experience.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets, are composed of available-for-sale and trading securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in investment income, net in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, the duration of the decline in

value and our ability to hold the investment to recovery are considered in conjunction with an evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

We sponsor qualified defined benefit pension plans and various other nonqualified postretirement plans. The qualified defined benefit pension plans are funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of debt and equity securities and other investments. Among other factors, changes in interest rates, investment returns and the market value of plan assets can (i) affect the level of plan funding, (ii) cause volatility in the net periodic pension cost, and (iii) increase our future contribution requirements. A significant decrease in investment returns or the market value of plan assets or a significant decrease in interest rates could increase our net periodic pension costs and adversely affect our results of operations. A significant increase in our contribution requirements with respect to our qualified defined benefit pension plans could have an adverse impact on our cash flow.

Changes in our key plan assumptions would impact net periodic benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation for our defined benefit and various postretirement benefit plans. Based upon May 31, 2018 information, the following tables reflect the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and internationally:

 

 

     U.S.            International  
(In millions)    1%
Increase
    1%
Decrease
            1%
Increase
    1%
Decrease
 

Discount Rate

           

Increase (decrease) in expense in FY 2018

   $ (4.5   $ 5.5        $ (1.4   $ 1.8  

Increase (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2018

   $ (51.0   $ 60.7        $ (27.5   $ 35.3  

Expected Return on Plan Assets

           

Increase (decrease) in expense in FY 2018

   $ (4.1   $ 4.1        $ (1.9   $ 1.9  

Increase (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2018

     N/A       N/A          N/A       N/A  

Compensation Increase

           

Increase (decrease) in expense in FY 2018

   $ 5.4     $ (4.8      $ 1.2     $ (1.1

Increase (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2018

   $ 26.4     $ (23.6            $ 5.8     $ (5.0

Based upon May 31, 2018 information, the following table reflects the impact of a 1% change in the key assumptions applied to our various postretirement health care plans:

 

     U.S.            International  
(In millions)    1%
Increase
    1%
Decrease
            1%
Increase
    1%
Decrease
 

Discount Rate

           

Increase (decrease) in expense in FY 2018

   $ -     $ -        $ (0.5   $ 0.7  

Increase (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2018

   $ (0.4   $ 0.5        $ (5.5   $ 7.2  

Healthcare Cost Trend Rate

           

Increase (decrease) in expense in FY 2018

   $ -     $ -        $ 0.7     $ (0.5

Increase (decrease) in obligation as of May 31, 2018

   $ 0.2     $ (0.2            $ 7.0     $ (5.4

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     25


BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into three reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment, the specialty reportable segment and the consumer reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate operating segments or product lines that consist of individual companies or groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our seven operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These seven operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on income before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The industrial reportable segment comprises three separate operating segments: Tremco Group, tremco illbruck Group and Performance Coatings Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals, roofing systems, weatherproofing and other sealants, and polymer flooring.

Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe and other parts of the world. Our consumer reportable segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops, cosmetic companies and through distributors. This reportable segment comprises three operating segments: Rust-Oleum Group, DAP Group and SPG-Consumer Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; nail enamels; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants; cleaners; floor sealers and wood stains.

Our specialty reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and a few international locations, primarily in Europe. Our specialty product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The specialty reportable segment is a single operating segment, which offers products that include industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty OEM coatings.

In addition to our three reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets, and other expenses not directly associated with any reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes, interest expense and earnings before interest and taxes.

We reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method and receive royalties from our licensees.

 

 

26     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table reflects the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represents the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of product lines. Information for all periods presented has been recast to reflect the current-year change in the composition of our reportable segments.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(In thousands)

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017     2016  

Net Sales

      

Industrial

   $     2,814,755     $     2,564,202     $ 2,491,647       

Consumer

     1,754,339       1,680,384       1,637,438       

Specialty

     752,549       713,589       684,564       

Total

   $ 5,321,643     $ 4,958,175     $     4,813,649       

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

      

Industrial Segment

      

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 270,792     $ 243,335     $ 257,180       

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (10,507     (7,985     (6,071)      

EBIT (c)

   $ 281,299     $ 251,320     $ 263,251       

Consumer Segment

      

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 171,874     $ 58,726     $ 268,218       

Interest Income (Expense), Net (b)

     (713     (323     40       

EBIT (c)

   $ 172,587     $ 59,049     $ 268,178       

Specialty Segment

      

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 123,307     $ 107,904     $ 107,546       

Interest Income (Expense), Net (b)

     876       526       814       

EBIT (c)

   $ 122,431     $ 107,378     $ 106,732       

Corporate/Other

      

(Expense) Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ (148,925   $ (165,632   $ (149,478)      

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (73,761     (75,188     (76,101)      

EBIT (c)

   $ (75,164   $ (90,444   $ (73,377)      

Consolidated

      

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 417,048     $ 244,333     $ 483,466       

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (84,105     (82,970     (81,318)      

EBIT (c)

   $ 501,153     $ 327,303     $ 564,784       

 

(a)

The presentation includes a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, a measure defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the U.S., to EBIT.

 

(b)

Interest (expense), net includes the combination of interest expense and investment expense (income), net.

 

(c)

EBIT is a non-GAAP measure, and is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments based on income before income taxes, but also look to EBIT as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations. We believe EBIT is useful to investors for this purpose as well, using EBIT as a metric in their investment decisions. EBIT should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income before income taxes as determined in accordance with GAAP, since EBIT omits the impact of interest in determining operating performance, which represents items necessary to our continued operations, given our level of indebtedness. Nonetheless, EBIT is a key measure expected by and useful to our fixed income investors, rating agencies and the banking community, all of whom believe, and we concur, that this measure is critical to the capital markets’ analysis of our segments’ core operating performance. We also evaluate EBIT because it is clear that movements in EBIT impact our ability to attract financing. Our underwriters and bankers consistently require inclusion of this measure in offering memoranda in conjunction with any debt underwriting or bank financing. EBIT may not be indicative of our historical operating results, nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2018 Compared with Fiscal 2017

Net Sales Consolidated net sales of $5.32 billion for fiscal 2018 grew by approximately 7.3% from net sales of $4.96 billion for fiscal 2017. Acquisitions added 3.6%, while organic sales, which include the impact of price and volume, improved by 2.0%. Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018 also reflect a favorable foreign exchange impact of 1.7%.

Industrial segment net sales for fiscal 2018 grew by 9.8% to $2.81 billion, from net sales of $2.56 billion during fiscal 2017. The improvement was primarily due to organic growth of 4.4% during fiscal 2018 resulting from improved performance by our roofing and flooring businesses. This performance was slightly offset by a continued downturn in our businesses, which continue to be impacted by recession and political unrest in Brazil, as well as overall flat performance for our companies serving oil and gas markets. Recent acquisitions contributed 3.0% to net sales during fiscal 2018. Favorable foreign exchange impacted net sales by 2.4% during fiscal 2018.

Consumer segment net sales for fiscal 2018 grew by 4.4% to $1.75 billion, primarily due to growth in net sales from recent acquisitions of 5.2%. This segment had a 1.7% decline in organic sales during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, due to poor spring weather as well as the timing of shipments, inventory adjustments and softer consumer takeaway at our larger retail customers, which continued to impact this segment throughout fiscal 2018. Slightly favorable foreign currency impacted net sales in the consumer segment by 0.9% during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017.

Specialty segment net sales for fiscal 2018 grew by 5.5% to $752.5 million. Recent acquisitions provided 2.6% of the growth in net sales, while organic growth provided 2.0% during fiscal 2018, in spite of the loss of sales associated with the fiscal 2017 closure of an unprofitable European manufacturing facility and reduced revenue associated with a patent expiration. Organic growth in net sales was driven by our businesses serving the water damage restoration and equipment markets, as well as increases in specialty OEM industrial coatings. Foreign currency had a slightly favorable impact on specialty segment net sales during fiscal 2018 by 0.9%.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     27


Gross Profit Margin Our consolidated gross profit margin of 41.0% of net sales for fiscal 2018 compares to a consolidated gross profit margin of 43.7% for the comparable period a year ago. This gross profit decline of approximately 2.7% of net sales primarily reflects current-year margins that were burdened by the impact of overall higher raw material costs for approximately 150 basis points (“bps”). Additionally, in relation to our restructuring initiatives undertaken during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, as further described in Note B, “Restructuring,” inventory-related charges totaling 70 bps impacted the current-year gross profit margin, which included product line and SKU rationalization and related obsolete inventory identification at our consumer segment and inventory write-offs in connection with restructuring activities at our industrial segment. The remainder of the decline in gross profit margin resulted from an unfavorable mix of product sold this year versus last year. We anticipate that rising raw material prices will continue to trend upward due to higher petrochemical costs and rising global demand.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expense Our consolidated SG&A expense increased by approximately $19.6 million during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, but improved to 31.3% of net sales for fiscal 2018 from 33.1% of net sales for fiscal 2017, resulting primarily from the 7.3% increase in net sales during fiscal 2018, combined with tighter cost controls during fiscal 2018 and the benefit from severance actions taken during fiscal 2017 across each of our segments. During fiscal 2017, we made a decision to exit our Flowcrete polymer flooring business located in the Middle East and, in connection with that decision, we performed an additional review of the collectibility of accounts receivable, which resulted in a loss of $11.4 million for increased bad debt reserves during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2018, we made a decision to exit our Flowcrete business located in China and, in connection with that decision, we incurred a loss of $4.2 million. Also during fiscal 2018, we incurred approximately $1.5 million of professional fees in connection with the negotiation of an activist shareholder cooperation agreement. Additional SG&A expense incurred from companies acquired during the last 12 months approximated $43.6 million during fiscal 2018. There was also higher distribution and commission expense on higher sales volume during fiscal 2018 versus last year, which was partially offset by lower professional services and bad debt expense. Lastly, warranty expense for fiscal 2018 decreased by approximately $5.9 million from the amount recorded during fiscal 2017, and it is typical that warranty expense will fluctuate from period to period.

Our industrial segment SG&A was approximately $37.7 million higher for fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, due to higher distribution and commission expense, $5.3 million of additional unfavorable transactional foreign exchange expense and recent acquisitions, which increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $21.8 million. SG&A decreased as a percentage of net sales, which reflects the industrial segment’s solid 9.8% growth in net sales combined with overall tighter cost controls during fiscal 2018, reduced warranty and bad debt expense, and the benefit from severance actions taken during fiscal 2017. We will continue to focus on improving operating leverage throughout the industrial segment. As previously discussed, in connection with the decision to exit the Flowcrete China and Flowcrete Middle East businesses, we incurred losses of $4.2 million and $11.4 million during fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Our consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $7.0 million during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, due to recent acquisitions and higher advertising and promotional expenses, which increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $19.0 million. SG&A decreased as a percentage of net sales, reflecting overall tighter cost controls during fiscal 2018 and the benefit from severance actions taken during fiscal 2017.

Our specialty segment SG&A was approximately $7.6 million lower during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, and decreased as a percentage of net sales, which reflects this segment’s 5.5% growth in net sales combined with overall tighter cost controls during fiscal 2018 and the benefit from severance actions taken during fiscal 2017. This segment also benefited from lower SG&A in connection with the fiscal 2017 closure of an unprofitable European manufacturing facility. During fiscal 2018, recent acquisitions increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $2.7 million.

SG&A expenses in our corporate/other category of $73.0 million during fiscal 2018 decreased by $17.4 million from $90.4 million recorded during fiscal 2017, resulting primarily from lower incentive compensation and pension expense, as well as lower legal and acquisition-related professional fees.

We recorded total net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs of $43.4 million and $59.1 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. The $15.7 million decrease in pension expense resulted from an approximate $8.0 million decline in net actuarial losses recognized during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, principally from a change in estimate for lump sum valuations, which were updated to incorporate future expectations of interest rates. There was also a higher expected return on increased plan assets during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017 for approximately $8.5 million, which was partially offset by higher service costs of $1.0 million during fiscal 2018.

We expect that pension and postretirement expenses will fluctuate on a year-to-year basis, depending primarily upon the investment performance of plan assets and potential changes in interest rates, which may have a material impact on our consolidated financial results in the future. A decrease of 1% in the discount rate or the expected return on plan assets assumptions would result in $8.0 million and $6.0 million higher expense, respectively. The assumptions and estimates used to determine the discount rate and expected return on plan assets are more fully described in Note N, “Pension Plans,” and Note O, “Postretirement Benefits,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Further discussion and analysis of the sensitivity surrounding our most critical assumptions under our pension and postretirement plans is discussed on page 25 of this report under, “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Pension and Postretirement Plans.”

Restructuring Expense As described in Note B, “Restructuring,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded restructuring charges of $17.5 million, which were the result of our implementation of the first phase of a multi-year restructuring plan, the 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan (“2020 MAP to Growth”), which initially focused upon strategic shifts in operations at our consumer and industrial segments. These charges were associated with the closure of certain facilities as well as the elimination of duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with certain of our businesses. For additional information, refer to Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairments As described in Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded impairment charges related to a reduction of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets totaling $193.2 million during fiscal 2017. For additional information, refer to Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Expense Interest expense was $104.5 million for fiscal 2018 versus $97.0 million for fiscal 2017. Higher average borrowings, related to recent acquisitions, increased interest expense during fiscal 2018 by approximately $3.6 million versus fiscal 2017. Excluding acquisition-related borrowings, which carried lower average interest financing costs, higher

 

 

28     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


average borrowings year-over-year increased interest expense by approximately $4.0 million during fiscal 2018 compared with fiscal 2017.

Investment (Income), Net Net investment income of approximately $20.4 million for fiscal 2018 compares to net investment income of $14.0 million during fiscal 2017. Dividend and interest income totaled $8.7 million and $6.2 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net realized gains on the sales of investments totaled $11.7 million during fiscal 2018, while those gains were $8.2 million during fiscal 2017. Impairments recognized on securities that management has determined are other-than-temporary declines in value approximated $0.4 million during fiscal 2017, while there were no such losses for fiscal 2018.

Income Before Income Taxes (“IBT”) Our consolidated pretax income for fiscal 2018 of $417.0 million compares with pretax income of $244.3 million for fiscal 2017.

Our industrial segment had pretax income of $270.8 million, or 9.6% of net sales, for fiscal 2018, versus pretax income of $243.3 million, or 9.5% of net sales, for fiscal 2017. Our industrial segment results reflect the impact of 9.8% growth in net sales during fiscal 2018, offset primarily by the impact from higher raw material costs, distribution expense and disappointing results in Latin America. Our consumer segment pretax income approximated $171.9 million, or 9.8% of net sales for fiscal 2018, compared to a pretax income for fiscal 2017 of $58.7 million. During fiscal 2017, this segment recorded goodwill and other intangible asset impairment losses of $193.2 million. Our specialty segment had pretax income of $123.3 million, or 16.4% of net sales for fiscal 2018, versus pretax income of $107.9 million, or 15.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2017, reflecting leverage on 5.5% growth in net sales during fiscal 2018, combined with the benefit from the closure of an unprofitable European manufacturing facility and severance actions taken during fiscal 2017. As previously reported, an edible coatings patent expired in the U.S. during August 2017 and, as a result, the unfavorable impact of the patent expiration on fiscal 2018 pretax income approximated $8.0 million. The impact was less than anticipated due to higher customer retention.

Income Tax Rate On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period when enacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates. Provisions of the Act that impact fiscal 2018 include reducing the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory transition tax on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries), and a provision allowing for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property. The corporate tax rate reduction was effective for RPM as of January 1, 2018 and, accordingly, reduced our current fiscal year federal statutory rate to a blended rate of approximately 29.2%.

Subsequent to the enactment of the Act, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118 and based on the information available as of May 31, 2018, we recorded a net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million as a result of the Act being enacted during this fiscal year. The net provisional income tax expense is comprised of a benefit of $15.7 million related to the provisional remeasurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities at the reduced U.S. corporate tax rates, a provisional expense of $67.9 million for the transition tax on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries, and a provisional benefit of $44.9 million for the partial reversal of

previously recorded deferred tax liability for the estimated tax cost associated with unremitted foreign earnings not considered indefinitely reinvested.

The effective income tax rate was 18.7% for fiscal 2018 compared to an effective income tax rate of 24.4% for fiscal 2017. The reduction in the effective tax rate is primarily attributable to the U.S. statutory income tax rate reduction included in the Act, a reduction to our deferred tax liability for foreign unremitted earnings, and the reversal of valuation allowances in fiscal 2018 associated with capital loss carryforwards. The year-over-year reduction in our effective income tax rate was partially offset by a decrease in excess tax benefits associated with equity compensation for this fiscal year, as well as for the provisional expense recorded in fiscal 2018 for the transition tax on previously deferred foreign earnings. Certain of these favorable adjustments are non-recurring and, as a result, we expect the effective income tax rate to increase in fiscal 2019.

Refer to Note H, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures and discussion regarding the Act.

Net Income Net income of $339.3 million for fiscal 2018 compares to net income of $184.7 million for fiscal 2017. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests approximated $1.5 million and $2.9 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders for fiscal 2018 was $337.8 million, or 6.3% of consolidated net sales, which compares to net income of $181.8 million, or 3.7% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2017.

Diluted earnings per share of common stock for fiscal 2018 of $2.50 compares with diluted earnings per share of common stock of $1.36 for fiscal 2017.

Fiscal 2017 Compared with Fiscal 2016

Net Sales Consolidated net sales of $4.96 billion for fiscal 2017 grew by approximately 3.0% from net sales of $4.81 billion for fiscal 2016. Organic sales improved 1.6%, while acquisitions added 3.1%. Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2017 were offset by an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 1.7%, primarily due to the devaluation of the British Pound.

Industrial segment net sales grew by 2.9% to $2.56 billion during fiscal 2017 versus net sales of $2.49 billion during fiscal 2016. Growth in this segment was primarily the result of acquisitions completed during fiscal 2017, which contributed 2.9% to net sales. Organic growth in sales was 2.0%, which was entirely offset by unfavorable foreign exchange, which impacted net sales by 2.0% during fiscal 2017.

Specialty segment net sales for fiscal 2017 grew by 4.2% to $713.6 million, from $684.6 million during fiscal 2016, primarily due to acquisition growth of 3.1% and organic growth of 2.8%. Foreign currency negatively impacted specialty segment net sales for fiscal 2017 by 1.7%.

Consumer segment net sales for fiscal 2017 grew by 2.6% to $1.68 billion, from $1.64 billion during fiscal 2016, due to acquisition growth of 3.4% and organic growth of 0.6%. Unfavorable foreign currency impacted net sales in the consumer segment by 1.4% during fiscal 2017 versus the same period a year ago.

Gross Profit Margin Our consolidated gross profit margin improved slightly to 43.7% of net sales for fiscal 2017 from a consolidated gross profit margin of 43.4% for fiscal 2016. Items that favorably impacted our fiscal 2017 gross profit margin versus fiscal 2016 included overall lower manufacturing costs for 0.3% and an approximate impact of 0.4% from price increases recently implemented, particularly in certain international markets where margins had been unfavorably impacted by

 

 

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the strengthening U.S. dollar. Items that unfavorably impacted our fiscal 2017 gross profit margin versus fiscal 2016 included the impact of fiscal 2017 acquisitions and associated inventory step-up expense for 0.3%, with the remaining 0.1% impact resulting from unfavorable foreign exchange.

SG&A Expense Our consolidated SG&A expense increased by approximately $122.6 million during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, and increased to 33.1% of net sales from 31.6% of net sales for fiscal 2016. The main source of the increase was the number of companies acquired during fiscal 2017, which added approximately $36.2 million to SG&A expense. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we made the decision to exit the Flowcrete polymer flooring business located in the Middle East. In connection with the decision to exit that business, we determined it was appropriate to reassess the collectibility of accounts receivable and, accordingly, we incurred a loss of $11.4 million for increased bad debt reserves. We also incurred higher severance expense versus fiscal 2016 for approximately $23.1 million, which includes $3.6 million in relation to the closing of a European manufacturing facility. Additionally, during fiscal 2017, SG&A increased due to higher compensation, commissions, distribution expense and professional services expense. Warranty expense for the year ended May 31, 2017 increased by approximately $4.2 million from the amount recorded during fiscal 2016, and it is typical that warranty expense will fluctuate from period to period. Partially offsetting those increased expenses was the impact of approximately $0.3 million of unfavorable transactional foreign exchange during fiscal 2017 versus approximately $7.5 million of expense during fiscal 2016. Additionally, SG&A expense during fiscal 2016 was reduced by a $14.5 million reversal of a contingent consideration obligation.

Our industrial segment SG&A increased by approximately $43.8 million for fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, and increased as a percentage of net sales as well. Acquisitions completed during fiscal 2017 increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $19.5 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we made the decision to exit the Flowcrete polymer flooring business located in the Middle East. In connection with the decision to exit that business, we reassessed the collectibility of accounts receivable and, accordingly, we incurred a loss of $11.4 million for increased bad debt reserves. Additionally, during fiscal 2017, there were increases in compensation, professional services expense and warranty expense. We incurred approximately $16.1 million of higher severance expense during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Partially offsetting these increased expenses was the impact of approximately $0.9 million of favorable transactional foreign exchange during fiscal 2017 versus the unfavorable impact of $3.0 million during fiscal 2016.

Our specialty segment SG&A was approximately $7.7 million higher during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, and was slightly lower as a percentage of net sales. Reflected in the increased expense was higher employee compensation and benefits expense versus fiscal 2016, partially offset by a favorable impact from translational foreign exchange. Acquisitions completed during fiscal 2017 increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $5.6 million. Additionally, we incurred severance expense for approximately $3.6 million in relation to the closing of a European manufacturing facility.

Our consumer segment SG&A increased by approximately $54.0 million during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, and was higher as a percentage of net sales, reflecting higher distribution expense. Acquisitions completed during fiscal 2017 increased SG&A expense in this segment by approximately $11.1 million. Additionally, during fiscal 2017, there was higher compensation and employee benefits expense, higher freight expense, as well as increased professional services expense, some of which related to acquisitions, versus fiscal 2016. Additionally,

severance expense was approximately $5.0 million higher in fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Lastly, SG&A expense during fiscal 2016 was reduced by a $14.5 million reversal of a contingent consideration obligation.

SG&A expenses in our corporate/other category of $90.4 million during fiscal 2017 increased by $17.0 million from $73.4 million recorded during fiscal 2016, resulting principally from higher pension expense and acquisition costs incurred during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016.

We recorded total net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs of $59.1 million and $47.6 million for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The $11.5 million increase in pension expense resulted from higher service and interest cost of $3.7 million during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Additionally, there was an unfavorable impact of approximately $5.8 million and $0.8 million resulting from larger actuarial losses and plan settlements, respectively, recognized during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Lastly, during fiscal 2017, the expected return on plan assets was approximately $1.2 million lower than during fiscal 2016.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairments As described in Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the consolidated financial statements, we recorded impairment charges related to a reduction of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets totaling $193.2 million during the year ended May 31, 2017. For additional information, refer to Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Critical Accounting Policies discussed herein.

Interest Expense Interest expense was $97.0 million for fiscal 2017 versus $91.7 million for fiscal 2016. Higher average borrowings, related to acquisitions completed during fiscal 2017, increased interest expense during fiscal 2017 by approximately $3.2 million versus fiscal 2016. Excluding acquisition-related borrowings, lower average borrowings year-over-year decreased interest expense by approximately $5.0 million. Higher interest rates, which averaged 4.27% overall for fiscal 2017 compared with 4.11% for fiscal 2016, increased interest expense by approximately $7.1 million during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016.

Investment (Income), Net Net investment income of approximately $14.0 million for fiscal 2017 compares to net investment income of $10.4 million during fiscal 2016. Dividend and interest income totaled $6.2 million and $7.7 million for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net realized gains on the sales of investments totaled $8.2 million during fiscal 2017, while those gains were $6.5 million during fiscal 2016. Impairments recognized on securities that management has determined are other-than-temporary declines in value approximated $0.4 million and $3.8 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Other Expense (Income), Net Other expense of $1.7 million for fiscal 2017 compared with other income of $1.3 million for fiscal 2016. Other expense (income), net includes net royalty expense of approximately $2.7 million for fiscal 2017, while fiscal 2016 net royalty expense was $2.0 million. Also included in this balance is our equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates totaling approximately $1.0 million and $2.1 million for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we incurred a legal settlement charge of approximately $9.3 million, which was in relation to certain deck coating products. Lastly, during fiscal 2016 we acquired the remaining 51% interest in our Chinese joint venture, Carboline Dalian Paint Production Co., Ltd. (“Carboline Dalian”), which increased our ownership to 100%. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we retained an independent, third-party valuation firm to assist us in determining the fair value of Carboline Dalian and, as proscribed by ASC 805, we recorded a remeasurement gain for approximately $8.0 million during fiscal 2016.

 

 

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IBT Our consolidated pretax income for fiscal 2017 of $244.3 million compares with $483.5 million for fiscal 2016.

Our industrial segment had pretax income of $243.3 million, or 9.5% of net sales, for fiscal 2017, versus pretax income of $257.2 million, or 10.3% of net sales, for fiscal 2016. Our specialty segment had pretax income of $107.9 million, or 15.1% of net sales, for fiscal 2017, versus pretax income of $107.5 million, or 15.7% of net sales, for fiscal 2016. During the first half of fiscal 2018, an edible coatings patent expired in the U.S. and, as a result, we anticipated the impact of the patent expiration on fiscal 2018 IBT to approximate at least $10.0 million. Our consumer segment pretax income of $58.7 million for fiscal 2017 compares with fiscal 2016 pretax income of $268.2 million, primarily as a result of fiscal 2017 goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges totaling $193.2 million, as discussed previously.

Income Tax Rate The effective income tax rate was 24.4% for fiscal 2017 compared to an effective income tax rate of 26.1% for fiscal 2016. The decrease in the effective income tax rate is primarily due to a discrete benefit resulting from the adoption of ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. This benefit was partially offset by a decrease in the domestic manufacturing deduction and the unfavorable impact due to increases in valuation allowances, as compared to fiscal 2016.

Net Income Net income of $184.7 million for the year ended May 31, 2017 compares to net income of $357.5 million for the year ended May 31, 2016. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, we had net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2.9 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders for fiscal 2017 was $181.8 million, or 3.7% of consolidated net sales, which compared to net income of $354.7 million, or 7.4% of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2016.

Diluted earnings per share of common stock for the year ended May 31, 2017 of $1.36 compares with diluted earnings per share of common stock of $2.63 for year ended May 31, 2016.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Operating Activities

Fiscal 2018 Compared with Fiscal 2017

Approximately $390.4 million of cash was provided by operating activities during fiscal 2018, compared with $386.1 million of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2017.

The net change in cash from operations includes the change in net income, which increased by $154.6 million during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2018, we recorded $17.5 million of restructuring expense, $36.5 million in charges related to product line and SKU rationalization and related obsolete inventory at our consumer segment and $1.2 million of inventory charges related to restructuring activities at our industrial segment. Also during fiscal 2018, we incurred a loss of $4.2 million in connection with the decision to exit Flowcrete China. During fiscal 2017, we recorded goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of $193.2 million, $12.3 million in charges related to the decision to exit the Flowcrete Middle East polymer flooring business and $4.2 million in charges related to the closure of a European manufacturing facility. Changes in working capital accounts and all other accruals provided approximately $62.6 million more cash flow during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017.

The change in accounts receivable during fiscal 2018 used approximately $100.5 million more cash than fiscal 2017. Days sales outstanding (“DSO”) at May 31, 2018 increased to 60.8 days from 56.6 days at May 31, 2017, reflecting the change in mix toward our industrial segment.

During fiscal 2018, we spent approximately $36.6 million less cash for inventory compared to our spending during fiscal 2017. This resulted from the combination of timing of purchases by retail customers and a strategic redirection at certain businesses in our consumer segment, which resulted in product rationalization. Days inventory outstanding (“DIO”) at May 31, 2018 decreased to 79.9 days from 85.5 days at May 31, 2017.

The change in accounts payable during fiscal 2018 provided approximately $35.4 million more cash than during fiscal 2017, resulting principally from the timing of certain payments. Other accruals and prepaids, including those for other short-term and long-term items and changes in accrued loss reserves, provided $92.2 million more cash during fiscal 2018 versus fiscal 2017, primarily from the higher pension contributions during fiscal 2017 and the timing of upfront funds used for certain customer contracts.

Fiscal 2017 Compared with Fiscal 2016

Approximately $386.1 million of cash was provided by operating activities during fiscal 2017, compared with $474.7 million during fiscal 2016.

The net change in cash from operations includes the change in net income, which decreased by $172.8 million during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Current-year net income included the goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges of $193.2 million ($132.2 million after tax), as well as $12.3 million in charges related to the decision to exit the Flowcrete polymer flooring business in the Middle East and $4.2 million in charges related to the closure of a European manufacturing facility. Changes in working capital accounts and all other accruals used approximately $147.1 million more cash flow during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016.

The change in accounts receivable during fiscal 2017 used approximately $18.9 million less cash than during fiscal 2016. DSO at May 31, 2017 decreased to 56.6 days from 57.7 days at May 31, 2016.

During fiscal 2017, we spent approximately $53.0 million more cash for inventory purchases compared to our spending during fiscal 2016. This resulted from the combination of timing of purchases by retail customers, the building of additional inventory to service customers’ needs and also geographic expansion. DIO at May 31, 2017 increased to 85.5 days from 79.2 days at May 31, 2016.

The change in accounts payable during fiscal 2017 provided approximately $22.2 million more cash than fiscal 2016, resulting principally from the timing of certain payments. Accrued compensation and benefits used approximately $22.3 million more cash during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, due to higher bonus payouts made during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016. Other accruals and prepaids, including those for other short-term and long-term items and changes in accrued loss reserves, used $101.8 million more cash during fiscal 2017 versus fiscal 2016, primarily from the timing of pension plan contributions and upfront funds used for long-term customer contracts.

Cash provided from operations, along with the use of available credit lines, as required, remain our primary sources of liquidity.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures, other than for ordinary repairs and replacements, are made to accommodate our continued growth to achieve production and distribution efficiencies, expand capacity, introduce new technology, improve environmental health and safety capabilities, improve information systems and enhance our administration capabilities. During fiscal 2018, we paid $112.4 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, versus $254.2 million during fiscal 2017 and $52.0 million during fiscal 2016. Capital expenditures of $114.6 million during fiscal

 

 

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2018 compared with depreciation of $82.0 million. During fiscal 2017, capital expenditures of $126.1 million compared with depreciation of $71.9 million. During fiscal 2016, capital expenditures of $117.2 million compared with depreciation of $66.7 million. During fiscal 2017, we increased our production capacity in our consumer segment, specifically with regard to our DAP operating segment, to meet our needs based on anticipated growth rates. During fiscal 2018, we adjusted our capital spending downward slightly from fiscal 2017, and continued our efforts to more aggressively invest in our internal growth initiatives, especially in overseas markets. We anticipate that additional shifts at our production facilities, coupled with the capacity added through ongoing acquisition activity and our planned increase in future capital spending levels, will enable us to meet increased demand into fiscal 2019 and beyond.

Our captive insurance companies invest their excess cash in marketable securities in the ordinary course of conducting their operations, and this activity will continue. Differences in the amounts related to these activities on a year-over-year basis are primarily attributable to differences in the timing and performance of their investments balanced against amounts required to satisfy claims. At May 31, 2018, the fair value of our investments in marketable securities totaled $168.1 million, of which investments with a fair value of $106.3 million were in an unrealized loss position. At May 31, 2017, the fair value of our investments in marketable securities totaled $164.5 million, of which investments with a fair value of $60.0 million were in an unrealized loss position. The fair value of our portfolio of marketable securities is based on quoted market prices for identical, or similar, instruments in active or non-active markets or model-derived-valuations with observable inputs. We have no marketable securities whose fair value is subject to unobservable inputs. Total pretax unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at May 31, 2018 and May 31, 2017 were $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

We regularly review our marketable securities in unrealized loss positions in order to determine whether or not we have the ability and intent to hold these investments. That determination is based upon the severity and duration of the decline, in addition to our evaluation of the cash flow requirements of our businesses. Unrealized losses at May 31, 2018 were generally related to the normal volatility in valuations over the past several months for a portion of our portfolio of investments in marketable securities. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at May 31, 2018 were less than 15% below their original cost or that have been in a loss position for less than six consecutive months. From time to time, we may experience significant volatility in general economic and market conditions. If we were to experience unrealized losses that were to continue for longer periods of time, or arise to more significant levels of unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. Such potential losses could have a material impact on our results of operations in any given reporting period. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.

As of May 31, 2018, approximately $214.1 million of our consolidated cash and cash equivalents were held at various foreign subsidiaries, compared with approximately $278.8 million as of May 31, 2017. Undistributed earnings held at our foreign subsidiaries that are considered permanently reinvested will be used, for instance, to expand operations organically or for acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions. Further, our operations in the U.S. generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy U.S. operating requirements. Refer to Note H, “Income Taxes,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding unremitted foreign earnings.

Financing Activities

Our available liquidity, including our cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our committed credit facilities, stood at $1.01 billion at May 31, 2018, compared with $1.15 billion at May 31, 2017. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 57.1% at May 31, 2018, compared with 59.3% at May 31, 2017.

4.250% Notes due 2048

On December 20, 2017, we closed an offering for $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Notes due 2048 (the “2048 Notes”). The proceeds from the 2048 Notes were used to repay $250.0 million in principal amount of unsecured 6.50% senior notes due February 15, 2018, and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2048 Notes accrues from December 20, 2017 and is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning July 15, 2018, at a rate of 4.250% per year. The 2048 Notes mature on January 15, 2048. The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

5.250% Notes due 2045 and 3.750% Notes due 2027

On March 2, 2017, we issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 (the “2045 Notes”) and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2045 Notes are a further issuance of the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 initially issued by us on May 29, 2015. Interest on the 2045 Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on June 1st and December 1st of each year at a rate of 5.250% per year. The 2045 Notes mature on June 1, 2045. Interest on the 2027 Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, at a rate of 3.750% per year. The 2027 Notes mature on March 15, 2027. The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

Revolving Credit Agreement

During fiscal 2015, we entered into an $800.0 million unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which expires on December 5, 2019. The Revolving Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans, which are comparatively short-term loans used for working capital purposes and letters of credit. The aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be expanded upon our request, subject to certain conditions, up to $1.0 billion. The Revolving Credit Facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness, to finance working capital and capital expenditures, to satisfy all or a portion of our obligations relating to the plan of reorganization for our SPHC subsidiary, and for general corporate purposes.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with various customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a leverage covenant and interest coverage ratio, which are calculated in accordance with the terms as defined by the credit agreement. Under the terms of the leverage covenant, we may not permit our consolidated indebtedness as of any fiscal quarter end to exceed 65% of the sum of such indebtedness and our consolidated shareholders’ equity on such date. The minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio for EBITDA to interest expense is 3.50 to 1. The interest coverage ratio is calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended using an EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement.

 

 

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As of May 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Facility, including the leverage and interest coverage ratio covenants. At that date, our leverage ratio was 56.9%, while our interest coverage ratio was 7.4 to 1. Our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility stood at $562.4 million at May 31, 2018.

Our access to funds under our Revolving Credit Facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the Revolving Credit Facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our Revolving Credit Facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.

As previously reported, during fiscal 2015, a plan of reorganization was confirmed (the “Bankruptcy Plan”) and, effective as of December 23, 2014, Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL emerged from bankruptcy. Accordingly, trusts were established under Section 524(g) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (together, the “Trust”) and were funded with first installments. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility were used to fund the initial trust payment of $450 million, which is classified as long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Trust was funded with $450 million in cash and a promissory note, bearing no interest and maturing on or before December 23, 2018 (the “Bankruptcy Note”). We prepaid the remaining trust payment for $123.6 million in May 2018 and, therefore, there are no remaining outstanding trust payments as of May 31, 2018.

All of our past contributions to the Trust are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

On May 9, 2017, we entered into a three-year, $200.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the “AR Program”). The maximum availability under the AR Program is $200.0 million. Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration levels or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain times, we may not be able to fully access the $200.0 million of funding available under the AR Program.

As of May 31, 2018, there was no outstanding balance under the AR Program, which compares with the maximum availability on that date of $200.0 million. The interest rate under the Purchase Agreement is based on the Alternate Base Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate, one-month LIBOR or LIBOR for a specified tranche period, as selected by us, plus in each case, a margin of 0.70%. In addition, we are obligated to pay a monthly unused commitment fee based on the daily amount of unused commitments under the Agreement, which ranges from 0.30% to 0.50% based on

usage. The AR Program contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary default and termination provisions.

Our failure to comply with the covenants described above and other covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility could result in an event of default under that agreement, entitling the lenders to, among other things, declare the entire amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to be due and payable immediately. The instruments governing our other outstanding indebtedness generally include cross-default provisions that provide that, under certain circumstances, an event of default that results in acceleration of our indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility will entitle the holders of such other indebtedness to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On December 9, 2013, we issued $205 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Convertible Notes”). We pay interest on the Convertible Notes semi-annually on June 15th and December 15th of each year.

The Convertible Notes will be convertible under certain circumstances and during certain periods at an initial conversion rate of 18.8905 shares of RPM common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (representing an initial conversion price of approximately $52.94 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. In April 2018, we declared a dividend in excess of $0.24 per share and, consequently, the adjusted conversion rate at May 31, 2018 was 19.159777. The initial conversion price represents a conversion premium of approximately 37% over the last reported sale price of RPM common stock of $38.64 on December 3, 2013. Prior to June 15, 2020, the Convertible Notes may be converted only upon specified events and, thereafter, at any time. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes may be settled, at RPM’s election, in cash, shares of RPM common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of RPM common stock.

We account for the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes separately, and in a manner that will reflect our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 3.92%. Contractual interest was $4.6 million for both fiscal 2018 and 2017, and amortization of the debt discount was $3.0 million and $2.9 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. At May 31, 2018, the remaining period over which the debt discount will be amortized was 2.5 years, the unamortized debt discount was $8.1 million, and the carrying amount of the equity component was $20.7 million.

The following table summarizes our financial obligations and their expected maturities at May 31, 2018, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in the periods indicated.

 

 

Contractual Obligations

 

     Total Contractual      Payments Due In  
(In thousands)    Payment Stream      2019      2020-21      2022-23      After 2023  

Long-term debt obligations

   $ 2,174,144          $ 3,501      $ 884,079      $ 295,596      $ 990,968  

Capital lease obligations

     911            227        288        163        233  

Operating lease obligations

     209,632            57,019        66,667        33,708        52,238  

Other long-term liabilities (1) :

              

Interest payments on long-term debt obligations

     1,052,771            86,415        130,706        102,525        733,125  

Contributions to pension and postretirement plans (2)

     387,800            10,600        23,500        139,700        214,000  

Total

   $   3,825,258          $   157,762      $   1,105,240      $   571,692      $   1,990,564  

 

(1)

Excluded from other long-term liabilities are our gross long-term liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, which totaled $17.4 million at May 31, 2018. Currently, we cannot predict with reasonable reliability the timing of cash settlements to the respective taxing authorities related to these liabilities.

 

(2)

These amounts represent our estimated cash contributions to be made in the periods indicated for our pension and postretirement plans, assuming no actuarial gains or losses, assumption changes or plan changes occur in any period. The projection results assume the required minimum contribution will be contributed.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     33


The U.S. dollar fluctuated throughout the year, and was stronger against other major currencies where we conduct operations at the fiscal year end versus the previous year end, causing an favorable change in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (refer to Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements) component of stockholders’ equity of $8.4 million this year versus an unfavorable change of $(17.2) million last year. The change in fiscal 2018 was in addition to favorable net changes of $9.2 million related to adjustments required for minimum pension and other postretirement liabilities and unfavorable changes of $(1.3) million related to unrealized gains on securities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet financings, other than the minimum operating lease commitments included in the above Contractual Obligations table and further described in Note M, “Leases,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have no subsidiaries that are not included in our financial statements, nor do we have any interests in, or relationships with, any special purpose entities that are not reflected in our financial statements.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates because we fund our operations through long- and short-term borrowings and denominate our business transactions in a variety of foreign currencies. We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential loss in earnings based on a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates and a 10% change in foreign currency rates. A summary of our primary market risk exposures follows.

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary interest rate risk exposure results from our floating rate debt, including various revolving and other lines of credit (refer to Note G, “Borrowings,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements). At May 31, 2018, approximately 15.7% of our debt was subject to floating interest rates.

If interest rates were to increase 100 bps from May 31, 2018 and, assuming no changes in debt from the May 31, 2018 levels, the additional annual interest expense would amount to approximately $3.4 million on a pretax basis. A similar increase in interest rates in fiscal 2017 would have resulted in approximately $2.0 million in additional interest expense.

All derivative instruments are recognized on the balance sheet and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges and/ or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized as a gain or loss in our Consolidated Statement of Income in the current period. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used effectively as fair value hedges are recognized in earnings, along with the change in the value of the hedged item. Such derivative transactions are accounted for in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Refer to Note F, “Derivatives and Hedging,” for additional information.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our foreign sales and results of operations are subject to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations (refer to Note A, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Because our Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in U.S. dollars, increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in which we transact business could materially adversely affect our net revenues, net income and the carrying values of our assets located outside the U.S. Global economic uncertainty continues to exist. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our operating results. However, our foreign debt is denominated in the respective foreign currency, thereby eliminating any related translation impact on earnings.

If the U.S. dollar were to strengthen, our foreign results of operations would be unfavorably impacted, but the effect is not expected to be material. A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would not have resulted in a material impact to net income for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017. We do not currently use financial derivative instruments for trading purposes, nor do we engage in foreign currency, commodity or interest rate speculation.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing discussion includes forward-looking statements relating to our business. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by us, are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including those specified below), which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. As a result, our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) global markets and general economic conditions, including uncertainties surrounding the volatility in financial markets, the availability of capital and the effect of changes in interest rates, and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; (b) the prices, supply and capacity of raw materials, including assorted pigments, resins, solvents, and other natural gas- and oil-based materials; packaging, including plastic containers; and transportation services, including fuel surcharges; (c) continued growth in demand for our products; (d) legal, environmental and litigation risks inherent in our construction and chemicals businesses and risks related to the adequacy of our insurance coverage for such matters; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f) the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon our foreign operations; (g) the effect of non-currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (h) risks and uncertainties associated with our ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities; (i) risks related to the adequacy of our contingent liability reserves; and (j) other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2018, as the same may be updated from time to time. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the filing date of this document.

 

 

34     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


Consolidated Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

May 31,    2018     2017  

Assets

    

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 244,422     $ 350,497  

Trade accounts receivable (less allowances of $46,344 and $44,138, respectively)

     1,113,818       995,330  

Inventories

     834,461       788,197  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     278,230       263,412  

Total current assets

     2,470,931       2,397,436  

Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost

     1,575,875       1,484,579  

Allowance for depreciation

     (795,569     (741,893

Property, plant and equipment, net

     780,306       742,686  

Other Assets

    

Goodwill

     1,192,174       1,143,913  

Other intangible assets, net of amortization

     584,272       573,092  

Deferred income taxes

     21,897       19,793  

Other

     222,242       213,529  

Total other assets

     2,020,585       1,950,327  

Total Assets

   $ 5,271,822     $ 5,090,449  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 592,281     $ 534,718  

Current portion of long-term debt

     3,501       253,645  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     177,106       181,084  

Accrued losses

     22,132       31,735  

Other accrued liabilities

     211,706       234,212  

Total current liabilities

     1,006,726       1,235,394  

Long-Term Liabilities

    

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     2,170,643       1,836,437  

Other long-term liabilities

     356,892       482,491  

Deferred income taxes

     104,023       97,427  

Total long-term liabilities

     2,631,558       2,416,355  

Commitments and contingencies (Note P)

    

Stockholders’ Equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.01; authorized 50,000 shares; none issued

    

Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 300,000 shares;
issued 141,716 and outstanding 133,647 as of May 2018;
issued 141,242 and outstanding 133,563 as of May 2017

     1,336       1,336  

Paid-in capital

     982,067       954,491  

Treasury stock, at cost

     (236,318     (218,222

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

     (459,048     (473,986

Retained earnings

     1,342,736       1,172,442  

Total RPM International Inc. stockholders’ equity

     1,630,773       1,436,061  

Noncontrolling Interest

     2,765       2,639  

Total equity

     1,633,538       1,438,700  

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $     5,271,822     $     5,090,449  

 

 

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The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     35


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018        2017        2016    

Net Sales

   $ 5,321,643        $ 4,958,175        $ 4,813,649    

Cost of Sales

     3,140,431          2,792,487          2,726,601    

Gross Profit

     2,181,212          2,165,688          2,087,048    

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     1,663,143          1,643,520          1,520,977    

Restructuring Expense

     17,514          -          -    

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairments

     -          193,198          -    

Interest Expense

     104,547          96,954          91,683    

Investment (Income), Net

     (20,442)         (13,984)         (10,365)   

Other (Income) Expense, Net

     (598)         1,667          1,287    

Income Before Income Taxes

     417,048          244,333          483,466    

Provision for Income Taxes

     77,791          59,662          126,008    

Net Income

     339,257          184,671          357,458    

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

     1,487          2,848          2,733    

Net Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders

   $ 337,770        $ 181,823        $ 354,725    

Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:

        

Basic

     131,179          130,662          129,383    

Diluted

     137,171          135,165          136,716    

Earnings per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:

        

Basic

   $ 2.55        $ 1.37        $ 2.70    

Diluted

   $ 2.50        $ 1.36        $ 2.63    

Cash Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock

   $ 1.260        $ 1.175        $ 1.085    

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(In thousands)

 

        
Year Ended May 31,    2018        2017        2016    

Net Income

   $ 339,257        $ 184,671        $ 357,458    

Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax:

        

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

     10,857          (20,402)         (65,607)   

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Liabilities

        

Net (Loss) Gain Arising During the Period

     (3,489)         38,679          (83,770)   

Prior Service Cost Arising During the Period

     61          196          349    

Less: Amortization of Prior Service Cost Included in Net Periodic Pension Cost

     (121)         (41)         (6)   

Less: Amortization of Net Loss and Settlement Recognition

     16,738          25,444          18,898    

Effect of Exchange Rates on Amounts Included for Pensions

     (1,814)         1,986          2,009    

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Liability Adjustments

     11,375          66,264          (62,520)   

Unrealized Gains on Available-For-Sale Securities

        

Unrealized Holding (Losses) Gains During the Period

     (1,459)         8,250          (9,049)   

Less: Reclassification Adjustments for (Gains) Included in Net Income

     (1,835)         (2,248)         (2,793)   

Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Securities

     (3,294)         6,002          (11,842)   

Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Derivatives

     (359)         16          -    

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

     18,579          51,880          (139,969)   

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Related to Components of Other Comprehensive Income

     (3,773)         (23,863)         32,030    

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), After Tax

     14,806          28,017          (107,939)   

Comprehensive Income

     354,063          212,688          249,519    

Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

     1,354          2,804          2,706    

Comprehensive Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders

   $ 352,709        $ 209,884        $ 246,813    

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

36     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017     2016    

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

      

Net income

   $ 339,257     $ 184,671     $ 357,458    

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

      

Depreciation

     81,976       71,870       66,732    

Amortization

     46,523       44,903       44,307    

Restructuring

     17,514      

Goodwill, intangible and other asset impairments

       193,198       4,471    

Adjustments to contingent consideration obligations

     3,400       3,000       (14,500)   

Other-than-temporary impairments on marketable securities

       420       3,811    

Deferred income taxes

     (10,690     24,049       9,399    

Stock-based compensation expense

     25,440       32,541       31,287    

Other non-cash interest expense

     6,187       9,986       9,750    

Gain on remeasurement of joint venture ownership

         (7,972)   

Realized (gains) on sales of marketable securities

     (10,076     (8,174     (6,457)   

Other

     (1,141     280       (15)   

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect from purchases and sales of businesses:

      

(Increase) in receivables

     (106,179     (5,690     (24,582)   

(Increase) in inventory

     (34,102     (70,726     (17,733)   

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets

     3,348       (38,130     (25,617)   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     51,641       16,247       (5,958)   

(Decrease) increase in accrued compensation and benefits

     (5,010     (4,577     17,681    

(Decrease) increase in accrued loss reserves

     (10,387     (3,422     13,514    

(Decrease) increase in other accrued liabilities

     (6,612     (64,322     8,011    

Other

     (706)       3       11,119    

Cash Provided By Operating Activities

     390,383       386,127       474,706    

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (114,619     (126,109     (117,183 )  

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (112,442     (254,200     (51,992 )  

Purchase of marketable securities

     (181,953     (38,062     (32,280 )  

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

     138,803       76,588       32,631    

Proceeds from sales of assets and businesses

         866    

Other

     9,018       2,118       2,092    

Cash (Used For) Investing Activities

     (261,193     (339,665     (165,866)   

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

      

Additions to long-term and short-term debt

     351,082       597,633       142,130    

Reductions of long-term and short-term debt

     (276,406     (154,348     (147,155 )  

Cash dividends

     (167,476     (156,752     (144,350 )  

Shares of common stock repurchased and returned for taxes

     (17,152     (21,948     (71,346 )  

Payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration

     (3,945     (4,284     (2,088 )  

Exercise of stock options and awards, including tax benefit

         18,540    

Payments for 524(g) trust

     (123,567     (221,638  

Other

     (1,912     (2,692     (1,836 )  

Cash (Used For) Provided By Financing Activities

     (239,376)       35,971       (206,105)   

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

     4,111       2,912       (12,294)   

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (106,075)       85,345       90,441    

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     350,497       265,152       174,711    

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 244,422     $ 350,497     $ 265,152    

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows Information:

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest

   $ 97,295     $ 78,685     $ 73,087    

Income taxes

   $ 83,460     $ 71,236     $ 63,208    

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     37


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

 

     Common Stock         
      Number of   
Shares   
     Par/Stated
Value
    

Paid-In                               

Capital                               

 

Balance at June 1, 2015

     133,203         $     1,332                 $     872,127                                

Net income

     -           -                   -                                

Other comprehensive income

     -           -                   -                                

Dividends paid

     -           -                   -                                

Other noncontrolling interest activity

     -           -                   -                                

Shares repurchased

     (800)          (8)                  8                                

Stock option exercises

     -           -                   18,540                                

Stock compensation expense, shares granted less shares returned for taxes

     541           5                   31,281                                 

Balance at May 31, 2016

     132,944           1,329                   921,956                                

Net income

     -           -                   -                                

Other comprehensive income

     -           -                   -                                

Dividends paid

     -           -                   -                                

Other noncontrolling interest activity

     -           -                   -                                

Stock compensation expense, shares granted less shares returned for taxes

     619           7                   32,535                                 

Balance at May 31, 2017

     133,563           1,336                   954,491                                

Net income

     -           -                   -                                

Other comprehensive income

     -           -                   -                                

Dividends paid

     -           -                   -                                

Other noncontrolling interest activity

     -           -                   -                                

Stock compensation expense and other deferred compensation, shares granted less shares returned for taxes

     84           -                   27,576                                 

Balance at May 31, 2018

     133,647         $ 1,336                 $ 982,067                                 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

38     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


 

                    Treasury

                    Stock

    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Retained
Earnings
    Total RPM
International
Inc. Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity  
 
                        $ (124,928)     $ (394,135)             $ 936,996      $ 1,291,392      $ 2,073      $ 1,293,465    
    -                 354,725        354,725        2,733        357,458    
        (107,912)                     (107,912)       (27)       (107,939)   
        -                 (144,350)       (144,350)             (144,350)   
        -                             (2,366)       (2,366)   
  (35,098)       -                       (35,098)              (35,098)   
        -                       18,540              18,540    
  (36,248)       -                       (4,962)             (4,962)   
  (196,274)       (502,047)               1,147,371       1,372,335        2,413        1,374,748    
        -                 181,823       181,823        2,848        184,671    
        28,061                     28,061        (44)       28,017    
        -                 (156,752)       (156,752)             (156,752)   
        -                             (2,578)       (2,578)   
  (21,948)       -                       10,594              10,594    
  (218,222)       (473,986)               1,172,442       1,436,061        2,639        1,438,700    
        -                 337,770       337,770        1,487        339,257    
        14,938                     14,938        (132)       14,806    
        -                 (167,476)       (167,476)             (167,476)   
        -                             (1,229)       (1,229)   
 
    
(18,096)

 
    -                       9,480              9,480    
                        $     (236,318)     $     (459,048)             $     1,342,736      $     1,630,773      $     2,765      $     1,633,538    

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     39


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

May 31, 2018, 2017, 2016

 

NOTE A — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1) Consolidation, Noncontrolling Interests and Basis of Presentation

Our financial statements include all of our majority-owned subsidiaries. We account for our investments in less-than-majority-owned joint ventures, for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence, under the equity method. Effects of transactions between related companies are eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests are presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements as if parent company investors (controlling interests) and other minority investors (noncontrolling interests) in partially owned subsidiaries have similar economic interests in a single entity. As a result, investments in noncontrolling interests are reported as equity in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, our Consolidated Financial Statements include 100% of a controlled subsidiary’s earnings, rather than only our share. Transactions between the parent company and noncontrolling interests are reported in equity as transactions between stockholders, provided that these transactions do not create a change in control.

Our business is dependent on external weather factors. Historically, we have experienced strong sales and net income in our first, second and fourth fiscal quarters comprising the three-month periods ending August 31, November 30 and May 31, respectively, with weaker performance in our third fiscal quarter (December through February).

2) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3) Acquisitions/Divestitures

We account for business combinations and asset acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

Subsequent to the end of the current fiscal year, on July 11, 2018, we acquired the stock of Kemtile Limited, which is a hygienic flooring solutions provider for the U.K. food and beverage industry, and is headquartered in the U.K. This fiscal 2019 acquisition will report through our industrial reportable segment.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, we completed a total of seven acquisitions among our three reportable segments. During fiscal 2018, our industrial reportable segment completed three acquisitions, which include the following: a manufacturer of high-performance spray applied polyurea waterproofing systems, as well as a range of polymer flooring systems located in Norway; a manufacturer and marketer of terrazzo and resinous flooring, wall coating systems and other concrete repair and maintenance materials headquartered in Batavia, Ohio; and a manufacturer and installer of a range of specialty bridge bearings and expansion joints, as well as custom engineered solutions for bridges, wind turbines and other structures located in the U.K. Within our consumer reportable segment, we acquired a manufacturer of sealers, cleaners, polishes and related products primarily for tile and natural stone based in Arcadia, California; and a manufacturer and marketer of specialty cleaners for rust stain removal based in Eldora, Iowa. Lastly, we acquired the assets of a manufacturer of adjuvants, which are used to enhance the productivity of herbicides for farming and forest protection programs located in Australia; and the assets of a distributor of high-performance wood finishes located in the U.K., both of which report through our specialty reportable segment.

During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, we completed acquisitions within each of our three reportable segments. Two of the fiscal 2017 acquisitions report through our consumer reportable segment, which include the following: the foam division of a corporation based in St. Louis, Missouri, which sells consumer polyurethane foam in the consumer do-it-yourself market as well as the professional industrial market; and a decorative and specialty coatings company located in the Netherlands. There were also several acquisitions during fiscal 2017 that report through our industrial reportable segment, which include the following: a manufacturer of commercial waterproofing products based in Australia; a specialist civil engineering and construction organization focusing on bridges, roads and major structures based in Mount Airy, North Carolina; a manufacturer of specialty high-performance coatings serving the global oil and gas pipeline market headquartered in Langley, British Columbia, Canada; a manufacturer of foam tapes used in construction and industrial applications based in the U.K.; a company based in Richmond, Missouri, which manufactures resins, intermediates, hardeners and curing agents for use in epoxy and polyurethane materials; and a manufacturer of specialty chemicals and equipment for infrastructure construction and repair headquartered in Conyers, Georgia. Lastly, we acquired a product line that reports through our specialty reportable segment, which was a manufacturer of professional equipment and chemicals for cleaning and restoring carpet, upholstery and hard flooring surfaces based in Chandler, Arizona.

 

 

40     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The purchase price for each acquisition has been allocated to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition. While the valuations of consideration transferred and total assets acquired and liabilities assumed are substantially complete, the primary areas that remain preliminary relate to the fair values of other current assets and deferred income taxes for acquisitions completed during fiscal 2018. Acquisitions are aggregated by year of purchase in the following table:

 

     Fiscal 2018 Acquisitions            Fiscal 2017 Acquisitions  
(In thousands)    Weighted-Average
Intangible Asset
Amortization Life
(In Years)
   Total             Weighted-Average
Intangible Asset
Amortization Life
(In Years)
   Total  

Current assets

      $ 28,939           $ 78,565  

Property, plant and equipment

        10,875             59,630  

Goodwill

   N/A      43,656        N/A      75,361  

Tradenames - indefinite lives

   N/A      15,096        N/A      12,251  

Other intangible assets

   12      36,450        14      83,447  

Other long-term assets

          81                     460  

Total Assets Acquired

        $   135,097                   $   309,714  

Liabilities assumed

          (19,369                   (51,344

Net Assets Acquired

        $ 115,728 (1)                    $ 258,370 (2)   

(1) Figure includes cash acquired of $3.3 million.

(2) Figure includes cash acquired of $4.2 million.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the results of operations of acquired businesses as of their respective dates of acquisition. Pro-forma results of operations for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 were not materially different from reported results and, consequently, are not presented.

 

4) Foreign Currency

The functional currency for each of our foreign subsidiaries is its principal operating currency. Accordingly, for the periods presented, assets and liabilities have been translated using exchange rates at year end, while income and expense for the periods have been translated using a weighted-average exchange rate.

The resulting translation adjustments have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity, and will be included in net earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign investment, neither of which is contemplated at this time. Transaction gains and losses increased during the last three fiscal years due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, resulting in net transactional foreign exchange losses for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 of approximately $12.3 million, $6.4 million and $24.4 million, respectively.

5) Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value.

6) Property, Plant & Equipment

 

May 31,   2018     2017  
(In thousands)            

Land

  $ 85,007     $ 82,184  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

    445,017       427,304  

Machinery and equipment

    1,045,851       975,091  

Total property, plant and equipment, at cost

    1,575,875       1,484,579  

Less: allowance for depreciation and amortization

    795,569       741,893  

Property, plant and equipment, net

  $ 780,306     $ 742,686  

We review long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying values of these assets may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, an impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets are less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows, internal appraisals or external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the following ranges of useful lives:

 

Land improvements

     1 to 50 years  

Buildings and improvements

     1 to 50 years  

Machinery and equipment

     1 to 30 years  

Total depreciation expense for each fiscal period includes the charges to income that result from the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases.

 

 

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7) Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when realized or realizable, and when earned. In general, this is when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Further, revenues are realizable when we have persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement, the product has been shipped or the services have been provided to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We reduce our revenues for estimated customer returns and allowances, certain rebates, sales incentives, and promotions in the same period the related sales are recorded.

We also record revenues generated under long-term construction contracts, mainly in connection with the installation of specialized roofing and flooring systems, and related services. Certain long-term construction contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, and therefore we record contract revenues and related costs as our contracts progress. This method recognizes the economic results of contract performance on a timelier basis than does the completed-contract method; however, application of this method requires reasonably dependable estimates of progress toward completion, as well as other dependable estimates. When reasonably dependable estimates cannot be made, or if other factors make estimates doubtful, the completed-contract method is applied. Under the completed-contract method, billings and costs are accumulated on the balance sheet as the contract progresses, but no revenue is recognized until the contract is complete or substantially complete. Refer to Note A(19) for further information regarding the new revenue recognition standard.

8) Shipping Costs

Shipping costs paid to third-party shippers for transporting products to customers are included in SG&A expenses. For the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, shipping costs were $164.7 million, $148.9 million and $145.3 million, respectively.

9) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility and past experience, but are primarily made up of individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility. Actual collections of trade receivables could differ from our estimates due to changes in future economic or industry conditions or specific customer’s financial conditions. For the periods ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, bad debt expense approximated $9.1 million, $16.0 million and $8.7 million, respectively. The increase in bad debt expense during fiscal 2017 was primarily the result of our reassessment of the collectibility of accounts receivable, particularly in emerging markets.

10) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and net realizable value being determined on the basis of replacement cost. Inventory costs include raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We review the net realizable value of our inventory in detail on an on-going basis, with consideration given to various factors, which include our estimated reserves for excess, obsolete, slow-moving or distressed inventories. If actual market conditions differ from our projections, and our estimates prove to be inaccurate, write-downs of inventory values and adjustments to cost of sales may be required. Historically, our inventory reserves have approximated actual experience. During fiscal 2018, our consumer reportable segment businesses were impacted by tighter inventory

management at many of their top customers and, starting in mid-April, we made the determination to consolidate several divisions within certain consumer segment businesses, close two manufacturing facilities and eliminate approximately 154 positions. These actions were taken by new leadership in place at our Rust-Oleum business in order to streamline processes, reduce overhead, improve margins and reduce working capital. In relation to these initiatives, our consumer segment recognized $36.5 million of charges related to product line and SKU rationalization and related obsolete inventory identification during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we incurred $1.2 million in inventory write-offs in connection with restructuring activities at our industrial reportable segment.

Inventories were composed of the following major classes:

 

May 31,    2018      2017  
(In thousands)              

Raw material and supplies

   $ 288,201      $ 248,426  

Finished goods

     546,260        539,771  

Total Inventory

   $   834,461      $   788,197  

11) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350 and account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the entities acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets.

We performed the required annual goodwill impairment assessments as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units have been identified at the component level, which is the operating segment level or one level below. First, we assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The traditional two-step quantitative process is required only if we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. However, we have an unconditional option to bypass a qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the traditional two-step quantitative analysis. We applied both the qualitative and traditional two-step quantitative processes during our annual goodwill impairment assessment performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.

The traditional two-step quantitative goodwill impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of a reporting unit and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, additional steps are followed to determine and recognize, if appropriate, an impairment loss. Calculating the fair value of the reporting units requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units by applying a combination of third-party market-value indicators, when observable market data is available, and discounted future cash flows to each of our reporting unit’s projected EBITDA. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted operating results and market data.

As a result of the annual impairment assessments performed for fiscal 2018 and 2016, there were no goodwill impairments, including no reporting units that were at risk of failing step one of the traditional two-step quantitative analysis, except for our Kirker reporting unit, which had an estimated fair value that exceeded its carrying value by approximately 8% at May 31, 2016.

 

 

42     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


 

As described further in Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” during the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we recorded a loss totaling $188.3 million for the impairment of goodwill and intangibles at our Kirker reporting unit. After recording the goodwill impairment loss, no goodwill remained at the Kirker reporting unit at November 30, 2016. After performing the required annual impairment assessments during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, there were no additional goodwill impairments, including no other reporting units that were at risk of failing step one of the traditional two-step quantitative analysis.

Additionally, we test all indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually. We perform the required annual impairment assessments as of the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. We may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying traditional quantitative tests. We applied both qualitative and quantitative processes during our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessments performed during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.

The annual impairment assessment involves estimating the fair value of each indefinite-lived asset and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference. Calculating the fair value of the indefinite-lived assets requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimate the fair values of our intangible assets by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which includes discounted future cash flows related to each of our intangible asset’s projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues and market data. As a result of the assessments performed for fiscal 2018 and 2016, there were no impairments. Results of intangible asset impairment assessments performed during fiscal 2017 are outlined below.

As further described in Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” during the quarter ended February 28, 2017, we recorded a loss totaling $4.9 million for the impairment of the Restore tradename. After performing the required annual assessments of indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, there were no additional impairments.

Should the future earnings and cash flows at our reporting units decline and/or discount rates increase, future impairment charges to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

12) Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. For the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, advertising costs were $58.0 million, $52.3 million and $49.7 million, respectively.

13) Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in SG&A expenses. The amounts charged to expense for the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $69.7 million, $64.9 million and $61.5 million, respectively.

14) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to our employees and directors, which may include restricted stock and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). We measure stock-based compensation cost at the date of grant, based on the estimated fair value of the award. We recognize the cost as expense on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the related vesting period. Refer to Note J, “Stock-Based Compensation,” for further information.

15) Investment (Income), Net

Investment (income), net, consists of the following components:

 

Year Ended May 31,   2018     2017     2016  
(In thousands)                  

Interest (income)

  $ (5,003   $ (4,620   $ (5,975

(Gain) on sale of marketable securities

      (11,704     (8,174     (6,457

Other-than-temporary impairment on securities

      420       3,811  

Dividend (income)

    (3,735     (1,610     (1,744

Investment (income), net

  $ (20,442   $   (13,984   $   (10,365

16) Other Expense (Income), Net

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following components:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017     2016  
(In thousands)                   

Royalty expense (income), net

   $ 404     $ 2,680     $ 2,039  

Loss on litigation settlement

         9,300  

(Gain) on remeasurement of joint venture ownership

           (7,972

(Income) loss related to unconsolidated equity affiliates

       (1,002       (1,013     (2,080

Other expense (income), net

   $ (598   $ 1,667     $ 1,287  

Loss on Litigation Settlement

A consolidated class-action complaint against Rust-Oleum Corporation (“Rust-Oleum”) sought to have a class certified and alleged breach of warranty, breach of contract and other claims regarding certain deck coating products of Rust-Oleum. In May 2016, the parties executed a term sheet outlining the agreed-upon terms of settlement. During fiscal 2017, the court granted final approval of the settlement, and Rust-Oleum deposited $9.3 million into a settlement fund in satisfaction of the claims.

Gain on Remeasurement of Joint Venture Ownership

In May 2016, we acquired the remaining 51% interest in our Chinese joint venture, Carboline Dalian Paint Production Co., Ltd. (“Carboline Dalian”), which increased our ownership to 100%. Based on the step up from our 49% to a 100% interest in Carboline Dalian, we recorded a remeasurement gain for approximately $8.0 million during fiscal 2016.

17) Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and the amounts used for income tax purposes and for certain changes in valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce certain deferred tax assets when, in our estimation, it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

 

 

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18) Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Earnings per share (EPS) is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends and dividend equivalents and their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings. Our unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. Basic EPS of common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS of common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock, plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential shares of common stock include outstanding SARS, restricted stock awards and convertible notes. See Note L, “Earnings Per Share of Common Stock,” for additional information.

19) Other Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, which will require significant judgment in its application. This revised guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contract(s), which includes (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The new standard also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract.

We will adopt the new revenue recognition standard as of June 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method upon transition. We have established our accounting policy, trained our business units, completed certain enhancements to key information systems and finalized our internal controls under the new standard. As a result of our adoption procedures, we determined that revenue recognition for our broad portfolio of products and services will remain largely unchanged. Accordingly, our adoption of the new standard will not have a material impact on our overall Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which increases lease transparency and comparability among organizations. Under the new standard, lessees will be required to recognize all assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet, with the exception of leases with a term of 12 months or less, which permits a lessee to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. In March 2018, the FASB approved an alternative transition method to the modified retrospective approach, which eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements and requires the cumulative effect of the retrospective allocation to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings at the date of adoption.

We are currently evaluating which transition method we will adopt on June 1, 2019 and the impact this guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. At a minimum, total assets and total liabilities will increase in the period the ASU is adopted. At May 31, 2018, our total undiscounted future minimum payments outstanding for operating lease obligations approximated $209.6 million.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which makes a number of changes meant to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, entities must apply the guidance retrospectively to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business,” with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (disposals) of assets or of businesses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently reviewing the impact this revised guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” to eliminate step two from the goodwill impairment test in order to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” which requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently reviewing the impact this guidance will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” which simplifies hedge accounting through changes to both designation and measurement requirements. For hedges that qualify as highly effective, the new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and record hedge ineffectiveness, resulting in better alignment between the presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the update. Our early adoption of this pronouncement during fiscal 2018 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note F, “Derivatives and Hedging,” for further information.

 

 

44     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


NOTE B — RESTRUCTURING

We record restructuring charges associated with management-approved restructuring plans to either reorganize one or more of our business segments, or to remove duplicative headcount and infrastructure associated with our businesses. Restructuring charges can include severance costs to eliminate a specified number of employees, infrastructure charges to vacate facilities and consolidate operations, and contract cancellation costs. Restructuring charges are recorded based upon planned employee termination dates and site closure and consolidation plans. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent upon the type of restructuring charge and can extend over a multi-year period. We record the short-term portion of our restructuring liability in Other Accrued Liabilities and the long-term portion, if any, in Other Long-Term Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

2020 MAP to Growth – Fiscal 2018 Phases

In May 2018, we approved and implemented the first phases of a multi-year restructuring plan, the 2020 Margin Acceleration Plan (“2020 MAP to Growth”). The first phases of our plan were focused within the consumer and industrial segments. The restructuring plan within the consumer segment, led by new senior leadership, is designed to improve margins by simplifying business processes, reducing inventory categories

and rationalizing SKUs, reducing headcount and working capital, and improving operating efficiency. This restructuring plan allows us to streamline management and focus our attention on faster growing and better performing brands and products within the consumer segment businesses. Payments associated with this initial phase of restructuring activities are expected to be completed during the first seven months of fiscal 2019.

The restructuring plan within the industrial segment is designed to simplify processes, reduce headcount, eliminate underperforming businesses, and deliver better results for customers, employees and stockholders. Payments related to this initial phase of restructuring activities are expected to be completed during the first five months of fiscal 2019.

In addition to the two segment-specific restructuring activities outlined above, we adopted a restructuring plan for the legal function to streamline litigation management. Payments related to this initial phase of restructuring activities are expected to be completed during the first four months of fiscal 2019.

In connection with the 2020 MAP to Growth plan, we are currently in the midst of finalizing a broader, comprehensive, company-wide restructuring plan that is expected to be formalized within the first half of fiscal 2019 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of calendar 2020.

 

 

A summary of the charges recorded in connection with restructuring by reportable segment during fiscal 2018 is as follows:

 

    Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2018  
(In thousands)   Current Year
Charges
    Cumulative Costs
to Date
    Total Expected
Costs
 

Consumer Segment:

     

Severance and benefit costs (a)

  $ 5,652     $ 5,652     $ 10,552  

Facility closure and other related costs

    5,139       5,139       7,439  

Total Charges

  $ 10,791     $ 10,791     $ 17,991  

Industrial Segment:

     

Severance and benefit costs (b)

  $ 2,169     $ 2,169     $ 14,251  

Facility closure and other related costs

    1,045       1,045       12,859  

Other asset write-offs

    1,373       1,373       10,499  

Total Charges

  $ 4,587     $ 4,587     $ 37,609  

Corporate/Other Segment:

     

Severance and benefit costs (c)

  $ 2,136     $ 2,136     $ 10,329  

Total Charges

  $ 2,136     $ 2,136     $ 10,329  

 

a)

Includes current year charges of $5.5 million associated with the elimination of 154 positions at the operating company and $0.2 million related to allocated charges associated with the elimination of one position within the legal function.

 

b)

Includes current year charges of $1.5 million associated with the elimination of 24 positions at the operating company and $0.7 million related to allocated charges associated with the elimination of four positions within the legal function.

 

c)

Reflects current year charges related to the accelerated vesting of equity awards for a consumer segment executive in connection with the aforementioned restructuring activities.

A summary of the activity in the restructuring reserves related to the 2020 MAP to Growth plan is as follows:

 

(In thousands)   Severance and
Benefits Costs
    Facility Closure and
Other Related Costs
    Other Asset
Write-Offs
     Total  

Balance at June 1, 2017

  $ -     $ -     $ -      $ -  

Additions charged to expense

    9,957       6,184       1,373        17,514  

Balance at May 31, 2018

  $ 9,957     $ 6,184     $ 1,373      $ 17,514  

Total Expected Costs

  $ 41,878     $ 22,203     $ 10,499      $   74,580  

In connection with the 2020 MAP to Growth plan, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we incurred approximately $36.5 million of inventory-related charges at our consumer segment and approximately $1.2 million at our industrial segment, all of which were recorded in cost of sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income. These inventory charges were the result of product line and SKU rationalization that was initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 by new leadership within the consumer segment. Refer to Note A(10) for additional information. Additionally, while our specialty reportable segment did not incur any restructuring charges during fiscal 2018, we currently expect to incur approximately $8.7 million in costs in this segment in relation to the 2020 MAP to Growth plan, which are included in the total expected costs presented in the table above.

 

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NOTE C — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017, are as follows:

 

(In thousands)    Industrial
Segment
     Specialty
Segment
     Consumer
Segment
     Total  

Balance as of June 1, 2016

   $ 475,409       $ 171,714        $ 572,507         $ 1,219,630    

Acquisitions

     41,268         3,273          30,820           75,361    

Impairments

           (141,394)          (141,394)   

Translation adjustments

     (342)        (1,009)         (8,333)          (9,684)   

Balance as of May 31, 2017

     516,335         173,978          453,600           1,143,913    

Acquisitions

     19,736         2,643          21,277           43,656    

Translation adjustments

     1,247         517          2,841           4,605    

Balance as of May 31, 2018

   $   537,318       $   177,138        $   477,718         $   1,192,174    

Total accumulated impairment losses were $156.3 million and $14.9 million at May 31, 2017 and 2016. Of the accumulated balance, $141.4 million was recorded during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017 by our consumer segment, and $14.9 million was recorded during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 by our industrial reportable segment. There were no impairment losses recorded during fiscal 2018.

Other intangible assets consist of the following major classes:

 

(In thousands)    Amortization
Period (In Years)
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Other
Intangible
Assets
 

As of May 31, 2018

           

Amortized intangible assets

           

Formulae

     10 to 33             $ 221,812        $ (140,160)           $ 81,652        

Customer-related intangibles

     5 to 33               369,687        (147,831)             221,856        

Trademarks/names

     5 to 40               36,671        (17,998)             18,673        

Other

     2 to 30               37,589        (24,946)             12,643        

Total Amortized Intangibles

        665,759        (330,935)             334,824        

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

           

Trademarks/names

              249,448                 249,448        

Total Other Intangible Assets

            $ 915,207        $ (330,935)           $ 584,272        

As of May 31, 2017

           

Amortized intangible assets

           

Formulae

     5 to 33             $ 214,677        $ (128,825)           $ 85,852        

Customer-related intangibles

     5 to 33               339,892        (122,772)             217,120        

Trademarks/names

     5 to 40               36,461        (15,480)             20,981        

Other

     2 to 20               37,545        (21,288)             16,257        

Total Amortized Intangibles

        628,575        (288,365)             340,210        

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

           

Trademarks/names

              232,882                 232,882        

Total Other Intangible Assets

            $  861,457        $ (288,365)           $  573,092        

 

The aggregate intangible asset amortization expense for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $43.2 million, $41.9 million and $40.5 million, respectively. For the next five fiscal years, we estimate annual intangible asset amortization expense related to our existing intangible assets to approximate the following: 2019 — $41.5 million, 2020 — $39.1 million, 2021 — $36.1 million, 2022 — $34.8 million and 2023 — $31.8 million.

The gross amount of other intangible asset accumulated impairment losses at May 31, 2016 totaled $0.6 million, all of which was recorded during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 by our industrial reportable segment. For the year ended May 31, 2017, we recorded other intangible asset impairment losses of approximately $53.0 million, all of which was recorded by our consumer reportable segment, and included impairment losses on formulas for approximately $15.5 million, customer-related intangibles for approximately $30.4 million, indefinite tradenames for approximately $6.9 million and other intangibles for approximately $0.2 million. There were no impairment losses recorded during fiscal 2018.

As previously reported, we had monitored the performance of our Kirker nail enamel business throughout fiscal 2016. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we reported that performance

shortfalls for Kirker were attributable to a delay in new business. We performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, which resulted in an excess of fair value over carrying value of 8% for our Kirker reporting unit. During our first quarter ended August 31, 2016, we reported that while Kirker’s first-quarter results were below the comparable prior year period, their performance was in line with expectations, and our assessment of the Kirker business did not indicate the presence of any goodwill impairment triggering events.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we identified certain factors that we considered important in assessing the requirement to perform an interim impairment evaluation for our Kirker reporting unit. First, Kirker’s operating results for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 were significantly below historical and expected operating results and downward adjustments were made regarding our expectations for Kirker’s performance at that time. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Kirker experienced market share losses at several key customers, including the loss of its largest customer, which accounted for over 15% of Kirker’s fiscal 2016 sales. In addition, some problematic customer relationship issues surfaced during that time, which resulted in a personnel change in a key leadership position at Kirker. After considering the totality of these recent

 

 

46     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


events, we determined that an interim step-one goodwill impairment assessment was required, as well as an impairment assessment for our intangible and other long-lived assets. Our testing resulted in the preliminary impairment charges reflected above for goodwill and other intangible assets.

Our goodwill impairment assessment included estimating the fair value of our Kirker reporting unit and comparing it with its carrying amount at November 30, 2016. Since the carrying amount of Kirker exceeded its fair value, additional steps were required to determine and recognize a preliminary impairment loss. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires our significant use of estimates and assumptions, which are generally considered Level 3 inputs based on our review of the fair value hierarchy. We estimated the fair value of our Kirker reporting unit by applying a discounted future cash flow calculation to Kirker’s projected EBITDA. In applying this methodology, we relied on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted operating results and market data for the nail enamel industry. In the terminal year, we assumed a long-term earnings growth rate of 3.0%, that we believed was appropriate given the industry specific expectations at that time. As of the valuation date, we utilized a weighted-average cost of capital of 8.0%, which we believed was appropriate as it reflected the relative risk, the time value of money, and was consistent with Kirker’s peer group. After recording the goodwill impairment charge of $140.5 million, no goodwill remained on the Kirker balance sheets as of November 30, 2016.

Our other intangible asset impairment assessment involved estimating the fair value of each of Kirker’s amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets, as well as the indefinite-lived tradename asset, and comparing it with its carrying amount. Measuring a potential impairment of amortizable intangibles and other long-lived assets requires the use of various estimates and assumptions, including the determination of which cash flows are directly related to the assets being evaluated, the respective useful lives over which those cash flows will occur and potential residual values, if any. As the results of our testing indicated that the carrying values of certain of these assets would not be recoverable, we recorded other intangible asset impairments of approximately $46.0 million during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017.

Calculating the fair value of the Kirker indefinite-lived tradename required our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimated the fair value of Kirker’s indefinite-lived tradename by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which included discounted future cash flows related to its projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we relied on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues and market data for the nail enamel industry. As the carrying amount of the

tradename exceeded its fair value, we recorded an impairment loss of approximately $2.1 million during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017.

Certain assets and liabilities are subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements, which typically are remeasured at fair value as a result of impairment charges. As a result of the impairment testing described above, the fair value of Kirker’s identifiable intangible assets and indefinite-lived tradename were recalculated, and the resulting fair value approximated $5.8 million. Based upon our review of the fair value hierarchy, the inputs used in these fair value measurements were considered Level 3 inputs.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we identified certain factors that we considered important in assessing the requirement to perform an interim impairment evaluation for our Restore indefinite tradename asset. First, sales of our Restore product line during the third quarter of fiscal 2017 were below historical and expected operating results and significant downward adjustments were made to sales projections for Restore products. Also at that time, we became aware that it was highly likely that Restore’s largest customer would discontinue sales of the Restore product line in its retail stores, which was evidenced by this customer’s significant reduction in future orders based on its historical order pattern. We determined that this was significant to consider for the purposes of impairment testing, as sales of Restore products to this customer accounted for over 60% of total sales of Restore products for fiscal 2016. After considering the magnitude of the loss in sales volume from this key customer, we determined that it was necessary to perform an interim assessment for the other intangible assets and indefinite-lived tradename related to the Restore product line.

Our impairment assessment involved estimating the fair value of the indefinite-lived tradename and comparing it with its carrying amount. Calculating the fair value of the Restore indefinite-lived tradename required our significant use of estimates and assumptions. We estimated the fair value of the Restore indefinite-lived tradename by applying a relief-from-royalty calculation, which included discounted future cash flows related to its projected revenues. In applying this methodology, we relied on a number of factors, including actual and forecasted revenues for sales of the Restore product line. As the carrying amount of the tradename exceeded its fair value, we recorded an impairment charge of $4.9 million during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017. Additionally, a further assessment of the remaining useful life of the Restore tradename was performed, which resulted in a change to its remaining economic useful life, from an indefinite-life to a 10-year amortizable life.

 

 

NOTE D — MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The following tables summarize marketable securities held at May 31, 2018 and 2017 by asset type:

 

     Available-For-Sale Securities  
(In thousands)   

Amortized

Cost

     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value
(Net Carrying
Amount)
 

May 31, 2018

           

Equity securities:

           

Mutual funds - foreign

   $ 46,123          $ 1,839          $ (1,197)          $ 46,765      

Mutual funds - domestic

     99,833            727            (2,770)            97,790      

Total equity securities

     145,956            2,566            (3,967)            144,555      

Fixed maturity:

           

U.S. treasury and other government

     23,562            39            (552)            23,049      

Corporate bonds

     432            43            (8)            467      

Total fixed maturity securities

     23,994            82            (560)            23,516      

Total

   $   169,950          $     2,648          $   (4,527)          $   168,071      

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     47


     Available-For-Sale Securities  
(In thousands)    Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value
(Net Carrying
Amount)
 

May 31, 2017

           

Equity securities:

           

Stocks - domestic

   $ 2,391          $ 76          $ -            $ 2,467      

Mutual funds - foreign

     35,169            2,470            (204)            37,435      

Mutual funds - domestic

     102,671            2,084            (3,118)            101,637      

Total equity securities

     140,231            4,630            (3,322)            141,539      

Fixed maturity:

           

U.S. treasury and other government

     22,176            120            (177)            22,119      

Corporate bonds

     706            97            (6)            797      

Total fixed maturity securities

     22,882            217            (183)            22,916      

Total

   $   163,113          $       4,847          $   (3,505)          $     164,455      

 

Marketable securities, included in other current and long-term assets totaling $97.4 million and $70.7 million at May 31, 2018, respectively, and included in other current and long-term assets totaling $89.5 million and $75.0 million at May 31, 2017, respectively, are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. We carry a portion of our marketable securities portfolio in long-term assets since they are generally held for the settlement of our general and product liability insurance claims processed through our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries.

Marketable securities are composed of available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are recognized in net income on the specific identification basis. Changes in the fair values of securities that are considered temporary are recorded as unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in market value from original cost are reflected in investment income, net in the period in which the unrealized losses are deemed other than temporary. In order to determine whether other-than-temporary declines in market value have occurred, the duration of the decline in value and our ability to hold the investment are

considered in conjunction with an evaluation of the strength of the underlying collateral and the extent to which the investment’s amortized cost or cost, as appropriate, exceeds its related market value. During May 2017, we made the decision to shift a portion of our investments away from active equity portfolio management and into index funds and, from time to time, we may make additional changes to our investment portfolio and its management. In addition to the $168.1 million in available-for-sale securities presented in the table above, as of May 31, 2018, we held approximately $9.9 million in trading securities in relation to our deferred compensation plan. At May 31, 2017, the fair value of trading securities approximated $7.8 million.

Gross gains realized on sales of investments were $11.9 million, $12.6 million and $6.9 million for the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recognized gross realized losses on sales of investments of $1.8 million, $4.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, we recognized losses of approximately $0.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for securities deemed to have other-than-temporary impairments. During fiscal 2018, there were no such losses. These amounts are included in investment (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

 

Summarized below are the available-for-sale securities we held at May 31, 2018 and May 31, 2017 that were in an unrealized loss position and that were included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), aggregated by the length of time the investments had been in that position:

 

     May 31, 2018             May 31, 2017  
(In thousands)    Fair Value      Gross
Unrealized
Losses
            Fair
Value
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

Total investments with unrealized losses

   $   106,253      $   (4,527)         $   59,987      $   (3,505)  

Unrealized losses with a loss position for less than 12 months

     68,376        (1,570)           40,854        (2,983)  

Unrealized losses with a loss position for more than 12 months

     37,877        (2,957)           19,133        (522)  

 

We have reviewed all of the securities included in the table above and have concluded that we have the ability and intent to hold these investments until their cost can be recovered, based upon the severity and duration of the decline. Therefore, we did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairment losses on these investments. The unrealized losses generally relate to investments whose fair values at May 31, 2018 were less than 15% below their original cost. From time to time, we may experience significant volatility in general economic and market conditions. If we were to experience unrealized losses that were to continue for longer periods of time, or arise to more significant levels of unrealized losses within our portfolio of investments in marketable securities in the future, we may recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses. Such potential losses could have a material impact on our results of operations in any given reporting period. As such, we continue to closely evaluate the status of our investments and our ability and intent to hold these investments.

 

The net carrying values of debt securities at May 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.

 

(In thousands)    Amortized Cost      Fair Value  

Due:

     

Less than one year

   $ 7,374      $ 7,275  

One year through five years

     12,520        12,244  

Six years through ten years

     3,024        2,883  

After ten years

     1,076        1,114  
     $ 23,994      $ 23,516  
 

 

48     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


NOTE E — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial instruments recorded in the balance sheet include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities, notes and accounts payable, and debt.

An allowance for anticipated uncollectible trade receivable amounts is established using a combination of specifically identified accounts to be reserved, and a reserve covering trends in collectibility. These estimates are based on an analysis of trends in collectibility and past experience, but are primarily made up of individual account balances identified as doubtful based on specific facts and conditions. Receivable losses are charged against the allowance when we confirm uncollectibility.

All derivative instruments are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges and/or any ineffective portion of hedges are recognized as a gain or (loss) in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the current period. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments used effectively as cash flow hedges are recognized

in other comprehensive income (loss), along with the change in the value of the hedged item. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

The valuation techniques utilized for establishing the fair values of assets and liabilities are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect management’s market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value, as follows:

Level 1 Inputs — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 Inputs — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 Inputs — Instruments with primarily unobservable value drivers.

 

 

The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.

 

(In thousands)    Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
     Fair Value at
May 31, 2018
 

U.S. Treasury and other government

   $ -            $ 23,049            $ -            $ 23,049    

Corporate bonds

        467                 467    

Mutual funds - foreign

        47,410                 47,410    

Mutual funds - domestic

        107,017                 107,017    

Contingent consideration

                       (17,998)            (17,998)   

Total

   $ -            $   177,943            $   (17,998)          $   159,945    
(In thousands)    Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
     Fair Value at
May 31, 2017
 

U.S. Treasury and other government

   $ -            $ 22,119            $ -            $ 22,119    

Corporate bonds

        797                 797    

Stocks - domestic

     2,467                  2,467    

Mutual funds - foreign

        37,435                 37,435    

Mutual funds - domestic

        101,637                 101,637    

Contingent consideration

                       (17,979)            (17,979)   

Total

   $   2,467          $   161,988            $   (17,979)          $   146,476    

 

Our marketable securities are primarily composed of available-for-sale securities, and are valued using a market approach. The availability of inputs observable in the market varies from instrument to instrument and depends on a variety of factors including the type of instrument, whether the instrument is actively traded and other characteristics particular to the transaction. For most of our financial instruments, pricing inputs are readily observable in the market, the valuation methodology used is widely accepted by market participants, and the valuation does not require significant management discretion. For other financial instruments, pricing inputs are less observable in the market and may require management judgment.

The contingent consideration represents the estimated fair value of the additional variable cash consideration payable in connection with recent acquisitions that is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance milestones. We estimated the fair value using expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and

applied a discount rate that appropriately captures a market participant’s view of the risk associated with the obligation, which are considered to be Level 3 inputs. During fiscal 2018, we paid approximately $3.9 million for settlements of contingent consideration obligations relating to certain performance milestones that were established in prior periods and achieved during the current period, and we increased our accrual by $3.4 million related to acquisitions completed during the current period and $0.5 million related to fair value adjustments. During fiscal 2017, we accrued approximately $7.4 million for additional contingent payments related to fiscal 2017 acquisitions, which included the estimated amount for the mandatory purchase of a step-acquisition, and $3.0 million for fair value adjustments to existing accruals. Additionally during fiscal 2017, we paid approximately $4.2 million for settlements of contingent consideration obligations relating to certain performance milestones that were established in prior periods and achieved during fiscal 2017. These amounts are reported in payments of acquisition-related contingent consideration in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     49


The carrying value of our current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. At May 31, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using active market quotes, based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of our financial instruments and long-term debt as of May 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

     At May 31, 2018  
(In thousands)    Carrying Value      Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 244,422      $ 244,422  

Marketable equity securities

     144,555        144,555  

Marketable debt securities

     23,516        23,516  

Long-term debt, including current portion

     2,174,144        2,215,458  
     At May 31, 2017  
(In thousands)    Carrying Value      Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 350,497      $ 350,497  

Marketable equity securities

     141,539        141,539  

Marketable debt securities

     22,916        22,916  

Long-term debt, including current portion

     2,090,082        2,243,167  

NOTE F — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We are exposed to market risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, from time to time, we enter into various derivative transactions. We use various types of derivative instruments, including forward contracts and swaps. We formally assess, designate and document, as a hedge of an underlying exposure, each qualifying derivative instrument that will be accounted for as an accounting hedge at inception. Additionally, we assess, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments used in the hedging transaction are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair values or cash flows of the underlying exposures.

Net Investment Hedge

In October 2017, as a means of mitigating the impact of currency fluctuations on our Euro investments in foreign entities, we executed a fair value hedge and two cross currency swaps, in which we will pay variable rate interest in Euros and receive fixed-rate interest in U.S. dollars with a combined notional

amount of approximately 85.25 million ($100 million U.S. dollar equivalent), and which have a maturity date of November 2022. This effectively converts a portion of our U.S. dollar denominated fixed-rate debt to Euro denominated variable rate debt. The fair value hedge is recognized at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, while changes in the fair value of the hedge are recognized in interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We designated the swaps as net investment hedges of our net investment in our European operations under ASU 2017-12 and applied the spot method to these hedges. The changes in fair value of the derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in foreign operations are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to offset the changes in the values of the net investments being hedged. Amounts released from AOCI and reclassified into interest expense did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

We have designated certain forward contracts as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC No. 815 (“ASC 815”), “Derivatives and Hedging.” Changes in the fair value of these highly effective hedges are recorded as a component of AOCI. During the period in which a forecasted transaction affects earnings, amounts previously recorded as a component of AOCI are reclassified into earnings as a component of cost of sales. Amounts released from AOCI and reclassified into earnings did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented. As of May 31, 2018 and May 31, 2017, the notional amount of the forward contracts held to sell international currencies was $8.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

At May 31, 2018, we held four foreign currency forward contracts designed to reduce our exposure to changes in the cash flows of intercompany foreign-currency-denominated loans related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates by fixing the functional currency cash flows. These contracts have not been designated as hedges; therefore, the changes in fair value of these derivatives are recognized in earnings as a component of other (income) expense. Amounts recognized in earnings did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements for any period presented. As of May 31, 2018 and May 31, 2017, the notional amounts of the forward contracts held to purchase foreign currencies was $147.4 million and $49.4 million, respectively.

Disclosure About Derivative Instruments

All of our derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. We determine the fair value of our derivatives based on valuation methods, which project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to present value using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign currency rates, as well as future and basis point spreads, as applicable.

 

 

50     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The fair values of qualifying and non-qualifying instruments used in hedging transactions as of May 31, 2018 and May 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

              Fair Value  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments       Balance Sheet Location       May 31, 2018       May 31, 2017  

Assets:

           

Foreign Currency Exchange (Cash Flow)

    Other Current Assets        133       15    

Cross Currency Swap (Net Investment)

    Other Current Assets     2,580        

Cross Currency Swap (Net Investment)

    Other Assets (Long-Term)     1,986        

Liabilities:

           

Interest Rate Swap (Fair Value)

    Other Accrued Liabilities        441        

Cross Currency Swap (Net Investment)

    Other Long-Term Liabilities     5,293        

Interest Rate Swap (Fair Value)

    Other Long-Term Liabilities     2,634        

(In thousands)

 

              Fair Value  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments       Balance Sheet Location       May 31, 2018       May 31, 2017  

Assets:

           

Foreign Currency Exchange

    Other Current Assets            7       24    

Liabilities:

           

Foreign Currency Exchange

    Other Accrued Liabilities     2,985        

NOTE G — BORROWINGS

A description of long-term debt follows:

 

May 31,

 

   2018      2017       
(In thousands)              

Revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks, through December 5, 2019 (1)

   $ 235,774      $ 198,280       

Unsecured 6.50% senior notes due February 14, 2018 (2)

        249,555       

Unsecured 6.125% senior notes due October 15, 2019 (3)

     451,658        452,778       

Unsecured $205,000 face value at maturity 2.25% senior convertible notes due December 15, 2020

     196,865        193,260       

Unsecured 3.45% senior notes due November 15, 2022

     295,596        298,370       

Unsecured 5.25% notes due June 1, 2045 (4)

     298,514        298,433       

Unsecured 3.75% notes due March 15, 2027 (5)

     396,110        395,638       

Unsecured 4.25% notes due January 15, 2048 (6)

     296,344     

Other obligations, including capital leases and unsecured notes payable at various rates of interest due in installments through 2021

     3,283        3,768       
     2,174,144        2,090,082       

Less: current portion

     3,501        253,645       

Total Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities

   $ 2,170,643      $   1,836,437       

 

(1)

Interest was tied to AUD LIBOR at May 31, 2018, and averaged 2.925% for AUD denominated debt ($23,309) and 0.675% on EUR denominated debt ($213,708). Interest was tied to AUD LIBOR at May 31, 2017, and averaged 2.705% for AUD denominated debt ($17,311), 1.075% on EUR denominated debt ($183,012). At May 31, 2018 and 2017, the revolving credit facility is adjusted for debt issuance costs, net of amortization, for approximately $1.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

 

(2)

The $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the notes due 2018 is adjusted for the amortization of the original issue discount, which approximated $0.3 million at May 31, 2017. The original issue discount effectively reduced the ultimate proceeds from the financing. The effective interest rate on the notes, including the amortization of the discount, was 6.704%. At May 31, 2017, the notes were adjusted for debt issuance costs, net of amortization, for approximately $0.2 million. The notes were redeemed on February 14, 2018.

 

(3)

Includes the combination of the October 2009 initial issuance of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount and the May 2011 issuance of an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of these notes. The $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the notes due 2019 from the initial issuance is adjusted for the amortization of the original issue discount, which approximated $0.1 million at May 31, 2017. The original issue discount effectively reduced the ultimate proceeds from the October 2009 financing. The effective interest rate on the notes issued in October 2009, including the amortization of the discount, is 6.139%. The additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the notes due 2019 issued in May 2011 is adjusted for the unamortized premium received at issuance, which approximated $2.3 million and $3.9 million at May 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The premium effectively increased the proceeds from the financing. The effective interest rate on the $150.0 million notes issued in May 2011 is 4.934%. At May 31, 2018 and 2017, the notes are adjusted for debt issuance costs, net of amortization, for approximately $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

 

(4)

The $250.0 million face amount of the notes due 2045 is adjusted for the amortization of the original issue discount, which approximated $1.4 million and $1.5 million at May 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The original issue discount effectively reduced the ultimate proceeds from the financing. The effective interest rate on the notes, including the amortization of the discount, is 5.29%. In March 2017, as a further issuance of the 5.25% notes due 2045, we closed an offering of $50.0 million aggregate principal, which is adjusted for the unamortized premium received at issuance, which approximated $3.0 million and $3.1 million at May 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The premium effectively increased the proceeds from the financing. The effective interest rate on the $50.0 million notes issued March 2017 is 4.839%. At May 31, 2018 and 2017, the notes are adjusted for debt issuance costs, net of amortization, for approximately $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

 

(5)

The $400.0 million face amount of the notes due 2027 is adjusted for the amortization of the original issue discount, which approximated $0.5 million at May 31, 2018 and 2017. The original issue discount effectively reduced the ultimate proceeds from the financing. The effective interest rate on the notes, including the amortization of the discount, is 3.767%. At May 31, 2018 and 2017, the notes are adjusted for debt issuance costs, net of amortization, for approximately $3.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

 

(6)

The $300.0 million face amount of the notes due 2048 is adjusted for the debt issuance cost, net of amortization, which approximated $3.6 million at May 31, 2018. The effective interest rate on the notes is 4.25%.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     51


The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to May 31, 2018 are as follows: 2019 — $3.5 million; 2020 — $689.3 million; 2021 — $196.9 million; 2022 — none; 2023 — $296.9 million and thereafter $1,011.1 million. Additionally, at May 31, 2018, we had unused lines of credit totaling $762.4 million.

Our available liquidity, including our cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our committed credit facilities, stood at $1.01 billion at May 31, 2018. Our debt-to-capital ratio was 57.1% at May 31, 2018, compared with 59.3% at May 31, 2017.

4.250% Notes due 2048

On December 20, 2017, we closed an offering for $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Notes due 2048 (the “2048 Notes”). The proceeds from the 2048 Notes were used to repay $250.0 million in principal amount of unsecured 6.50% senior notes due February 15, 2018, and for general corporate purposes. Interest on the 2048 Notes accrues from December 20, 2017 and is payable semiannually in arrears on January 15th and July 15th of each year, beginning July 15, 2018, at a rate of 4.250% per year. The 2048 Notes mature on January 15, 2048. The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

5.250% Notes due 2045 and 3.750% Notes due 2027

On March 2, 2017, we issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 (the “2045 Notes”) and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2045 Notes are a further issuance of the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Notes due 2045 initially issued by us on May 29, 2015. Interest on the 2045 Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on June 1st and December 1st of each year at a rate of 5.250% per year. The 2045 Notes mature on June 1, 2045. Interest on the 2027 Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year, at a rate of 3.750% per year. The 2027 Notes mature on March 15, 2027. The indenture governing this indebtedness includes cross-acceleration provisions. Under certain circumstances, where an event of default under our other instruments results in acceleration of the indebtedness under such instruments, holders of the indebtedness under the indenture are entitled to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

Revolving Credit Agreement

During fiscal 2015, we entered into an $800.0 million unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which expires on December 5, 2019. The Revolving Credit Facility includes sublimits for the issuance of swingline loans, which are comparatively short-term loans used for working capital purposes and letters of credit. The aggregate maximum principal amount of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be expanded upon our request, subject to certain conditions, up to $1.0 billion. The Revolving Credit Facility is available to refinance existing indebtedness, to finance working capital and capital expenditures, to satisfy all or a portion of our obligations relating to the plan of reorganization for our SPHC subsidiary, and for general corporate purposes.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires us to comply with various customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a leverage covenant and interest coverage ratio, which are calculated in accordance with the terms as defined by the credit agreement. Under the terms of the leverage covenant, we may not permit our consolidated indebtedness as of any fiscal quarter end to exceed 65% of the sum of such indebtedness and our consolidated shareholders’ equity on such date. The minimum required consolidated interest coverage ratio for EBITDA to interest expense is 3.50 to 1. The interest coverage ratio is calculated at the end of each fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended using an EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement.

As of May 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Facility, including the leverage and interest coverage ratio covenants. At that date, our leverage ratio was 56.9%, while our interest coverage ratio was 7.4 to 1. Our available liquidity under our Revolving Credit Facility stood at $562.4 million at May 31, 2018.

Our access to funds under our Revolving Credit Facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the Revolving Credit Facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our Revolving Credit Facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.

As previously reported, during fiscal 2015, a plan of reorganization was confirmed (the “Bankruptcy Plan”) and, effective as of December 23, 2014, Bondex, SPHC, Republic and NMBFiL emerged from bankruptcy. Accordingly, trusts were established under Section 524(g) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (together, the “Trust”) and were funded with first installments. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility were used to fund the initial trust payment of $450 million, which is classified as long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Trust was funded with $450 million in cash and a promissory note, bearing no interest and maturing on or before December 23, 2018 (the “Bankruptcy Note”). We prepaid the remaining trust payment for $123.6 million in May 2018 and, therefore, there are no remaining outstanding trust payments as of May 31, 2018.

All of our past contributions to the Trust are deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.

Accounts Receivable Securitization Program

On May 9, 2017, we entered into a three-year, $200.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the “AR Program”). The maximum availability under the AR Program is $200.0 million. Availability is further subject to changes in the credit ratings of our customers, customer concentration levels or certain characteristics of the accounts receivable being transferred and, therefore, at certain times, we may not be able to fully access the $200.0 million of funding available under the AR Program.

 

 

52     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


As of May 31, 2018, there was no outstanding balance under the AR Program, which compares with the maximum availability on that date of $200.0 million. The interest rate under the Purchase Agreement is based on the Alternate Base Rate, LIBOR Market Index Rate, one-month LIBOR or LIBOR for a specified tranche period, as selected by us, plus in each case, a margin of 0.70%. In addition, we are obligated to pay a monthly unused commitment fee based on the daily amount of unused commitments under the Agreement, which ranges from 0.30% to 0.50% based on usage. The AR Program contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains customary default and termination provisions.

Our failure to comply with the covenants described above and other covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility could result in an event of default under that agreement, entitling the lenders to, among other things, declare the entire amount outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to be due and payable. The instruments governing our other outstanding indebtedness generally include cross-default provisions that provide that, under certain circumstances, an event of default that results in acceleration of our indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility will entitle the holders of such other indebtedness to declare amounts outstanding immediately due and payable.

2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On December 9, 2013, we issued $205 million of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Convertible Notes”). We pay interest on the Convertible Notes semi-annually on June 15th and December 15th of each year.

The Convertible Notes will be convertible under certain circumstances and during certain periods at an initial conversion rate of 18.8905 shares of RPM common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (representing an initial conversion price of approximately $52.94 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. In April 2018, we declared a dividend in excess of $0.24 per share and, consequently, the adjusted conversion rate at May 31, 2018 was 19.159777. The initial conversion price represents a conversion premium of approximately 37% over the last reported sale price of RPM common stock of $38.64 on December 3, 2013. Prior to June 15, 2020, the Convertible Notes may be converted only upon specified events, and, thereafter, at any time. Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes may be settled, at RPM’s election, in cash, shares of RPM common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of RPM common stock.

We account for the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes separately, and in a manner that will reflect our nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The effective interest rate on the liability component is 3.92%. Contractual interest was $4.6 million for both fiscal 2018 and 2017, and amortization of the debt discount was $3.0 million and $2.9 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. At May 31, 2018, the remaining period over which the debt discount will be amortized was 2.5 years, the unamortized debt discount was $8.1 million, and the carrying amount of the equity component was $20.7 million.

NOTE H — INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”). The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period when enacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates. Generally, the more significant provisions of the Act that impacted us for the year ended May 31, 2018 include the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the creation of a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory tax on previously unremitted foreign earnings) and allowing for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property. The corporate tax rate reduction was effective for RPM as of January 1, 2018 and, accordingly, reduced our current fiscal year federal statutory tax rate to a blended rate of approximately 29.2%.

Subsequent to the enactment of the Act, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date for companies to complete the applicable accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118 and because all detailed information was not available to complete the necessary calculations as of May 31, 2018, we recorded a net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million as a result of the Act being enacted during this fiscal year. The net provisional income tax expense is comprised of a benefit of $15.7 million related to the provisional re-measurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities at the reduced U.S. corporate tax rates, a provisional expense of $67.9 million for the transition tax on unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries, and a provisional benefit of $44.9 million for the partial reversal of a previously recorded deferred tax liability recorded for the estimated tax cost associated with unremitted foreign earnings not considered indefinitely reinvested.

The net provisional income tax expense of $7.3 million is based on estimates as of May 31, 2018 and includes estimates of certain U.S. and foreign tax attributes and tax adjustments that will not be finalized until our fiscal 2018 U.S. and foreign income tax returns are finalized. Further, we expect additional guidance and/or interpretations of the Act to be issued. Any further technical or administrative releases related to the Act, as well as potential updates to our interpretations of the Act, may impact the net provisional income tax expense currently recorded. Any adjustments to the net provisional income tax expense will be recorded in future periods.

As a result of the change to U.S. taxation of unremitted foreign earnings under the Act, we are in the process of evaluating our indefinite reinvestment assertions with respect to unremitted foreign earnings. The above noted provisional deferred tax liability adjustment of $44.9 million includes our preliminary estimate, as of May 31, 2018, of our position with respect to foreign earnings not considered to be indefinitely reinvested.

Certain provisions of the Act will first impact us starting in our fiscal 2019 year. These provisions include, but are not limited to, the base erosion anti-abuse tax, the provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income, limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation and the repeal of the domestic production activities deduction. We are evaluating the impact of these provisions on future fiscal years.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     53


For the year ended May 31, 2018, the provision for income taxes is calculated in accordance with ASC 740, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes using the asset and liability method.

Income (loss) before income taxes as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income is summarized below for the periods indicated.

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018      2017      2016  
(In thousands)                     

United States

   $ 228,976      $ 133,356      $ 310,695  

Foreign

     188,072        110,977        172,771  

Income Before Income Taxes

   $   417,048      $   244,333      $   483,466  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the periods indicated:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017      2016  
(In thousands)                    

Current:

       

U.S. federal

   $ 27,206     $ 3,024      $ 75,200  

State and local

     8,617       5,115        6,230  

Foreign

     52,658       27,474        35,179  

Total Current

     88,481       35,613        116,609  

Deferred:

       

U.S. federal

     (8,054     15,553        17,625  

State and local

     4,832       1,928        1,907  

Foreign

     (7,468     6,568        (10,133

Total Deferred

       (10,690     24,049        9,399  

Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 77,791     $   59,662      $   126,008  
 

 

The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of May 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

(In thousands)    2018      2017  

Deferred income tax assets related to:

     

Inventories

   $ 12,491      $ 14,207  

Allowance for losses

     5,349        9,148  

Bankruptcy note liability

     -        37,850  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     14,812        26,277  

Accrued other expenses

     14,427        21,935  

Other long-term liabilities

     15,921        19,947  

Net operating loss and credit carryforwards

     52,687        89,977  

Net unrealized loss on securities

     10,236        24,300  

Pension and other postretirement benefits

     39,863        68,352  

Total Deferred Income Tax Assets

     165,786        311,993  

Less: valuation allowances

     (51,540      (63,686

Net Deferred Income Tax Assets

     114,246        248,307  

Deferred income tax (liabilities) related to:

     

Depreciation

     (62,202      (81,965

Amortization of intangibles

     (114,284      (149,546

Unremitted foreign earnings

     (19,886      (94,430

Total Deferred Income Tax (Liabilities)

     (196,372      (325,941

Deferred Income Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net

   $ (82,126    $ (77,634

 

At May 31, 2018, we had U.S. capital loss carryforwards of approximately $43.4 million, which, if not used by the end of our fiscal 2022 year, expire. Additionally, at May 31, 2018, we had approximately $2.2 million of tax benefit associated with state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credit carryforwards of $2.2 million, both of which expire at various dates beginning in 2019. Also, as of May 31, 2018, we had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $166.5 million, of which approximately $25.5 million will expire at various dates beginning in 2019 and approximately $141.0 million that have an indefinite carryforward period. Additionally, as of May 31, 2018, we had foreign capital loss carryforwards of approximately $21.5 million that can be carried forward indefinitely.

When evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, we consider, among other items, whether a jurisdiction has experienced cumulative pretax losses and whether a jurisdiction will generate the appropriate character of income to recognize a deferred income tax asset. More specifically, if a jurisdiction experiences cumulative pretax losses for a period of three years, including the current fiscal year, or if a jurisdiction does not have sufficient income of the appropriate character in the relevant carryback or projected carryforward periods, we generally conclude that it is more likely than not that the respective deferred tax asset will not be realized unless factors such as expected operational changes, availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, reversal of taxable temporary differences or other information exists that would lead us to conclude otherwise. If, after we have evaluated these factors, the deferred income tax assets are not expected to be realized within the carryforward or carryback periods allowed for that jurisdiction, we would conclude that a valuation allowance is required.

 

 

54     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


 

Total valuation allowances of approximately $51.5 million and $63.7 million have been recorded as of May 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These recorded valuation allowances relate to foreign and U.S. capital loss carryforwards, certain foreign net operating losses and net foreign deferred tax assets. The year-over-year change in valuation allowances of $12.2 million

is comprised of reductions of approximately $7.4 million and $6.5 million related to the utilization of capital loss carryforwards and the impact of the corporate tax rate reduction included in the Act, respectively, partially offset by additions to valuation allowances for other foreign deferred tax assets.

 

 

The following table reconciles income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate against income (loss) before income taxes to the provision (benefit) for income taxes:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017     2016  
(In thousands)                   

Income tax expense at the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate

   $ 121,812     $ 85,517     $   169,213  

Impact of foreign operations

     (16,276     (20,156     (29,969

State and local income taxes, net

     9,520       4,734       4,310  

Domestic manufacturing deduction

     (4,839     (2,537     (8,030

Nondeductible business expense

     2,473       2,394       2,224  

Valuation allowance

     (5,235     933       (3,357

Deferred tax liability for unremitted foreign earnings

       (77,970     (621     (3,712

Non-taxable gain from joint venture

     -       -       (2,790

Other

     737       1,476       (1,881

Equity-based compensation

     (4,652       (12,078  

Transition tax liability

     67,899      

Remeasurement of U.S. deferred income taxes

     (15,678                

Provision for Income Tax Expense

   $ 77,791     $ 59,662     $ 126,008  

Effective Income Tax Rate

     18.7%       24.4%       26.1%  

 

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740. The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits:

 

(In millions)    2018     2017     2016  

Balance at June 1

   $ 13.2     $ 13.7     $ 12.9  

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

     5.1       0.2       0.3  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     -       2.9       2.6  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (4.5     (3.2     (1.4

Foreign currency translation

     0.3       (0.4     (0.7

Balance at May 31

   $ 14.1     $ 13.2     $ 13.7  

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $13.6 million at May 31, 2018, $4.6 million at May 31, 2017 and $2.5 million at May 31, 2016.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. At May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the accrual for interest and penalties was $2.8 million, $3.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, have been classified as other long-term liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year.

We, or our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service has substantially completed an examination of our 2015 federal income tax return and the statutory audit period has expired for all years through 2013. The 2015 examination has thus far resulted in an inconsequential reduction to our 2015 federal income tax liability, and no further proposed adjustments are expected. Further, with limited exceptions, we, or our subsidiaries, are generally subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years 2011 through 2017.

We are currently under examination, or have been notified of an upcoming tax examination, for various non-U.S. and domestic state and local jurisdictions. Although it is possible that certain tax examinations could be resolved during the next 12 months, the timing and outcomes are uncertain.

At May 31, 2017, we determined that it was possible that we could repatriate approximately $324.1 million of unremitted foreign earnings in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, as of May 31, 2017, we recorded a deferred income tax liability of $94.4 million, which represented our estimate of the U.S. income and foreign withholding tax associated with the $324.1 million of unremitted foreign earnings not considered permanently reinvested. As of May 31, 2018, we have provisionally identified $549.8 million of unremitted foreign earnings that are not considered indefinitely reinvested, which may be repatriated. The corresponding deferred tax liability related to unremitted foreign earnings has been reduced from $94.4 million to $19.9 million. The reduction to the deferred tax liability was recorded as a $78.0 million benefit through income tax expense and a $3.5 million charge to Other Comprehensive Income. As noted above, with the change in U.S. taxation of foreign earnings, we are evaluating our position with respect to permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings based on various factors, including future liquidity needs, our global capital structure and the foreign tax implications of future earnings repatriations.

We have not provided for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the remaining $1.1 billion of foreign unremitted earnings because such earnings have been retained and reinvested by the foreign subsidiaries as of May 31, 2018. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes, which may become payable if the remaining unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries were distributed to the U.S. Due to the uncertainties and complexities involved in the various options for repatriation of foreign earnings, it is not practical to calculate the deferred taxes associated with the remaining foreign earnings.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     55


NOTE I — COMMON STOCK

On January 8, 2008, we announced our authorization of a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase shares of RPM International Inc. common stock at management’s discretion for general corporate purposes. Our current intent is to limit our repurchases to approximately one to two million shares per year, which would include amounts required to offset dilution created by stock issued in connection with our equity-based compensation plans and other repurchases. As a result of this authorization, we may repurchase shares from time to time in the open market or in private transactions at various times and in amounts and for prices that our management deems appropriate, subject to insider trading rules and other securities law restrictions. The timing of our purchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors. We may limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time. During the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under this program. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016, we repurchased 800,000 shares of our common stock at a cost of approximately $35.1 million, or an average cost of $43.88 per share, under this program.

 

NOTE J — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to our employees and directors; these awards include restricted stock, restricted stock units and SARs. We grant stock-based incentive awards to our employees and/ or our directors under various share-based compensation plans. Plans that are active or provide for stock option grants or share-based payment awards include the Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2004 Omnibus Plan”) and the 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2014 Omnibus Plan”), which includes provisions for grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance stock units and SARs. Other plans, which provide for restricted stock grants only, include the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors (the “2003 Plan”) and the 2007 Restricted Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”).

We measure stock-based compensation cost at the date of grant, based on the estimated fair value of the award. We recognize the cost as expense on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the related vesting period.

 

 

The following table represents total stock-based compensation expense included in our Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018      2017      2016  
(In thousands)                     

Stock-based compensation expense, included in SG&A

   $   25,440      $ 32,541      $ 31,287  

Stock-based compensation expense, included in restructuring expense

     2,136        -        -  

Total stock-based compensation cost

     27,576        32,541        31,287  

Income tax (benefit)

     (7,178        (10,159      (9,184

Total stock-based compensation cost, net of tax

   $ 20,398      $ 22,382      $   22,103  

 

SARs

SARs are awards that allow our employees to receive shares of our common stock at a fixed price. We grant SARs at an exercise price equal to the stock price on the date of the grant. The fair value of SARs granted is estimated as of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life of options granted is derived from the input of the option-pricing model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility rates are based on historical volatility of shares of our common stock.

The following is a summary of our weighted-average assumptions related to SARs grants made during the last three fiscal years:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018      2017      2016  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.2%        1.5%        2.2%  

Expected life of option

     7.0 yrs        7.0 yrs        7.0 yrs  

Expected dividend yield

     2.2%        2.2%        2.2%  

Expected volatility rate

     26.2%        25.7%        25.6%  

The 2014 Omnibus Plan was approved by our stockholders on October 9, 2014. The 2014 Omnibus Plan provides us with the flexibility to grant a wide variety of stock and stock-based awards, as well as dollar-denominated performance-based awards, and is intended to be the primary stock-based award program for covered employees. This plan replaces the 2004 Omnibus Plan, which expired under its own terms on October 7, 2014. A wide variety of stock and stock-based awards, as well as dollar-denominated performance-based awards, may be granted under these plans. SARs are issued at fair value at the date of grant, have up to ten-year terms and have graded-vesting terms over four years. Compensation cost for these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the related vesting period. Currently all SARs outstanding are to be settled with stock. As of May 31, 2018, there were 3,207,500 SARs outstanding.

 

 

56     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table summarizes option and share-based payment activity (including SARs) under these plans during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018:

 

   

2018

 

     

Share-Based Payments

 

 

        Weighted Average            
         Exercise Price            

 

       

    Number of Shares
    Under Option    

 

     
(Shares in thousands)                  

Balance at June 1, 2017

    $   38.77                          3,055         

Options granted

      55.19              540         

Options exercised

      23.65              (388)         
            

 

 

      

Balance at May 31, 2018

      43.36              3,207         
            

 

 

      

Exercisable at May 31, 2018

 

    $

 

37.74

 

 

 

                

 

1,865    

 

 

          

 

SARs

 

    

        2018          

 

    

    2017

 

    

2016        

 

(In millions, except per share amounts)                     

Weighted-average grant-date fair value per SAR

       $   12.90        $ 10.90        $   10.73    

Intrinsic value of options exercised

       $ 11.10        $   26.50        $ 22.30    

Tax benefit from options exercised

       $ 3.40        $ 9.70        $ 8.10    

Fair value of SARS vested

       $ 6.50        $ 4.60        $ 4.00    

 

At May 31, 2018, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding was $23.6 million and 6.5 years, respectively, while the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted-average remaining contractual life of options exercisable was $22.4 million and 5.3 years, respectively.

At May 31, 2018, the total unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to SARs that were previously granted was $10.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over 3.25 years. We anticipate that approximately 1.3 million shares at a weighted-average exercise price of $51.17 and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 8.1 years will ultimately vest under these plans.

Restricted Stock Plans

We also grant stock-based awards, which may be made in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and performance stock units. These awards are granted to eligible employees or directors, and entitle the holder to shares of our common stock as the award vests. The fair value of the awards is determined and fixed based on the stock price at the date of grant. A description of our restricted stock plans follows.

Under the 2004 Omnibus Plan, a total of 12,000,000 shares of our common stock were subject to awards. Of the 12,000,000 shares of common stock issuable under the 2004 Omnibus Plan, up to 6,000,000 shares were subject to “full-value” awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance stock and performance stock unit awards.

Under the 2014 Omnibus Plan, a total of 6,000,000 shares of our common stock may be subject to awards. Of those issuable shares, up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock may be subject to “full-value” awards similar to those issued under the 2014 Omnibus Plan.

The following table summarizes the share-based performance- earned restricted stock (“PERS”) activity during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018:

 

     Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
    

(Shares in thousands)

 

  

Fair Value

 

  

2018   

 

Balance at June 1, 2017

     $   47.02                1,414   

Shares granted

       52.26                201   

Shares forfeited

       48.39                (28)  

Shares vested

       45.13                (540)  
         

 

 

 

Balance at May 31, 2018

     $ 48.97                        1,047   

The weighted-average grant-date fair value was $ 52.26, $50.84 and $45.79 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The restricted stock cliff vest after three years. Nonvested restricted shares of common stock under the 2004 Omnibus Plan are eligible for dividend payments. At May 31, 2018, remaining unamortized deferred compensation expense totaled $16.4 million, all of which is associated with the 2014 Plan. The remaining amount is being amortized over the applicable vesting period for each participant.

On July 31, 2015, our Compensation Committee approved contingent awards of PCRS, (the “2015 PCRS”), for certain executives. During July 2015, 329,000 shares were granted at a weighted-average grant-date price of $ 46.87. The awards are contingent upon the level of attainment of performance goals for the three-year performance period from June 1, 2015 ending May 31, 2018. Vesting of 67% of the 2015 PCRS relates to an increase in EBIT for the period, and vesting of the remaining 33% relates to an increase in EBIT margin for the period. Compensation cost for these awards has been recognized on a straight-line basis over the related performance period, with consideration given to the probability of attaining the performance goals. Although there were 301,000 2015 PCRS shares outstanding as of May 31, 2018, the contingent performance goals were not met and, therefore, these awards will not vest. There is no unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to these awards as of May 31, 2018.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     57


The 2003 Plan was approved on October 10, 2003 by our stockholders, and was established primarily for the purpose of recruiting and retaining directors, and to align the interests of directors with the interests of our stockholders. Only directors who are not our employees are eligible to participate. Under the 2003 Plan, up to 500,000 shares of our common stock may be awarded, with awards cliff vesting over a three-year period. The following table summarizes the share-based activity under the 2003 Plan during fiscal 2018:

 

 (Shares in thousands)   

Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value

     2018       

 Balance at June 1, 2017

           $   45.92                70       

 Shares granted to directors

     51.63                24       

 Shares vested

     44.41                (27)      

 Balance at May 31, 2018

           $ 48.56                67       

The weighted-average grant-date fair value was $51.63, $50.61 and $43.71 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Unamortized deferred compensation expense relating to restricted stock grants for directors of $1.6 million at May 31, 2018, is being amortized over the applicable remaining vesting period for each director. Nonvested restricted shares of common stock under the 2003 Plan are eligible for dividend payments. As of May 31, 2018, there were 53,700 shares available for future grant.

During fiscal 2018, a total of 36,984 shares were awarded under the 2014 Omnibus Plan to certain employees as supplemental retirement benefits, generally subject to forfeiture. The shares vest upon the latter of attainment of age 55 and the fifth anniversary of the May 31st immediately preceding the date of the grant. The following table sets forth such awards for the year ended May 31, 2018:

 

 (Shares in thousands)   

Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value

     2018       

 Balance at June 1, 2017

           $   25.04                802       

 Shares granted

     55.19                37       

 Shares forfeited

     24.79                (11)      

 Shares exercised

     26.22                (126)      

 Balance at May 31, 2018

           $ 26.42                702       

The weighted-average grant-date fair value was $55.19, $50.99 and $46.63 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of May 31, 2018, no shares remain available for future grant under the 2007 Plan, and future issuances of shares as supplemental retirement benefits are intended to be made under the 2014 Omnibus Plan. At May 31, 2018, unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $2.9 million, $0.3 million and $1.2 million relating to the 2007 Plan, the Restricted Stock Units and the 2014 Omnibus Plan, respectively, are being amortized over the applicable vesting period associated with each participant.

The following table summarizes the activity for all nonvested restricted shares during the year ended May 31, 2018:

 

 (Shares in thousands)   

Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair

Value

     Number of  
Shares     
 

 Balance at June 1, 2017

           $   43.32                2,300       

 Granted

     52.62                262       

 Vested

     40.21                (745)      

 Forfeited

     43.71                (62)      

 Balance at May 31, 2018

           $ 45.85                1,755       

The remaining weighted-average contractual term of nonvested restricted shares at May 31, 2018 is the same as the period over which the remaining cost of the awards will be recognized, which is approximately 2.9 years. The fair value of the nonvested restricted share awards have been calculated using the market value of the shares on the date of issuance. For the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the weighted-average grant-date fair value for restricted share grants was $52.62, $50.84 and $46.17, respectively. The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $29.9 million, $20.3 million and $34.2 million, respectively. We anticipate that approximately 1.8 million shares at a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $45.85 and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 2.9 years will ultimately vest, based upon the unique terms and participants of each plan. Approximately 360,762 shares of restricted stock were vested at May 31, 2018, with 263,857 restricted shares vested as of May 31, 2017. The total intrinsic value of restricted shares converted during the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $7.6 million, $9.0 million and $32.3 million, respectively.

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards of restricted shares of common stock was $22.2 million as of May 31, 2018. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. We did not receive any cash from employees as a result of employee vesting and release of restricted shares for the year ended May 31, 2018.

 

 

58     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


NOTE K — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following components:

 

(In thousands)    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  Pension And
Other
Postretirement
Benefit
Liability
Adjustments,
Net of Tax
  Unrealized
Gain
(Loss) On
Derivatives,
Net of Tax
  Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
On
Securities,
Net of Tax
  Total

Balance at June 1, 2015

     $ (231,650 )     $ (168,332 )     $ -     $ 5,847     $ (394,135)    

Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $946

               -       (1,847 )       (1,847)    

Other comprehensive income

       (65,580 )       (62,520 )       -       (9,995 )       (138,095)    

Deferred taxes

       5,997         22,646       -       3,387       32,030     

Balance at May 31, 2016

       (291,233 )       (208,206 )       -       (2,608 )       (502,047)    

Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $401

               -       (1,847 )       (1,847)    

Other comprehensive income

       (20,358 )       66,264       16          7,849       53,771     

Deferred taxes

       3,176       (24,782 )       -       (2,257 )       (23,863)    

Balance at May 31, 2017

       (308,415 )       (166,724 )       16       1,137       (473,986)    

Reclassification adjustments for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $591

               -       (1,244 )       (1,244)    

Other comprehensive income

       10,989       11,375       (359 )       (2,050 )       19,955     

Deferred taxes

       (2,587 )       (2,146 )           212       748       (3,773)    

Balance at May 31, 2018

     $ (300,013 )     $ (157,495 )     $ (131 )     $ (1,409)       $ (459,048)    

NOTE L — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018     2017     2016       
(In thousands, except per share amounts)                   

Numerator for earnings per share:

      

Net income attributable to RPM International Inc. stockholders

   $ 337,770     $ 181,823     $ 354,725       

Less: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities

     (3,858     (2,795     (5,770)      

Net income available to common shareholders - basic

     333,912       179,028       348,955       

Add: Undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shareholders

       2    

Reverse: Allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities

     3,858         5,770       

Add: Income effect of contingently issuable shares

     5,673       5,457       5,430       

Net income available to common shareholders - diluted

   $   343,443     $   184,487     $   360,155       

Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

      

Basic weighted average common shares (1)

     131,179       130,662       129,383       

Average diluted options

     2,064       598       3,445       

Net issuable common share equivalents (2)

     3,928       3,905       3,888       

Total shares for diluted earnings per share (1), (3)

     137,171       135,165       136,716       

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders:

      

Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

   $ 2.55     $ 1.37     $ 2.70       

Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

   $ 2.50     $ 1.36     $ 2.63       
(1)

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated using the two-class method for the year ended May 31, 2017. For the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2016, basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated under the two-class method and the treasury method, respectively, as those methods resulted in the most dilutive earnings per share.

 

(2)

Represents the number of shares that would be issued if our contingently convertible notes were converted. We include these shares in the calculation of diluted EPS as the conversion of the notes may be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock.

 

(3)

For the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 799,362 and 606,048 shares of stock, respectively, granted under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     59


NOTE M — LEASES

We lease certain property, plant and equipment under long-term operating lease agreements, some of which provide for increased rental payments based upon increases in the cost-of-living index. The following table illustrates our future minimum lease commitments under all non-cancelable lease agreements, for each of the next five years and in the aggregate, as of May 31, 2018:

 

May 31,        

(In thousands)

  

2019

   $ 57,246  

2020

     38,902  

2021

     28,053  

2022

     18,835  

2023

     15,036  

Thereafter

     52,471  

Total Minimum Lease Commitments

   $   210,543  

Total rental expense for all operating leases amounted to $64.3 million, $61.3 million and $57.5 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

NOTE N — PENSION PLANS

We sponsor several pension plans for our employees, including our principal plan (the “Retirement Plan”), which is a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all domestic non-union employees. Pension benefits are provided for certain domestic union employees through separate plans. Employees of our foreign subsidiaries receive pension coverage, to the extent deemed appropriate, through plans that are governed by local statutory requirements.

The Retirement Plan provides benefits that are based upon years of service and average compensation with accrued benefits vesting after five years. Benefits for union employees are generally based upon years of service, or a combination of years of service and average compensation. Our pension funding policy considers contributions in an amount on an annual basis that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes, using a different actuarial cost method and different assumptions from those used for financial reporting. For the fiscal year ending May 31, 2019, we expect to contribute approximately $1.3 million to the retirement plans in the U.S. and approximately $8.1 million to our foreign plans. We elected to accelerate our fiscal 2019 planned contribution to the RPM International Inc. Retirement Plan, and therefore contributed $52.8 million to the plan in February 2018.

 

 

Net periodic pension cost consisted of the following for the year ended May 31:

 

        U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)       2018      2017        2016            2018        2017        2016       

Service cost

    $ 37,859      $ 37,603        $ 32,808          $ 4,620        $ 4,070        $ 4,061       

Interest cost

      17,518        17,323          17,995            5,025          4,614          5,070       

Expected return on plan assets

      (32,342      (25,007        (25,749)            (8,270        (7,109        (7,571)      

Amortization of:

                            

Prior service cost

      117        217          234            (31        (24        (2 )     

Net actuarial losses recognized

      14,470        22,160          16,759            1,758          2,150          1,739       

Curtailment/settlement losses

              87            128          904          57       

Net Pension Cost

    $ 37,622      $ 52,296        $ 42,134          $ 3,230        $ 4,605        $ 3,354       

 

60     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, as well as the funded status of our pension plans at May 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

 

          U.S. Plans          Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)         2018        2017          2018        2017  

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

      $ 591,948        $ 589,046        $   195,884        $   187,064  

Service cost

        37,859          37,603          4,620          4,070  

Interest cost

        17,518          17,323          5,025          4,614  

Benefits paid

        (34,368        (28,587        (6,545        (4,977

Participant contributions

                  980          933  

Plan amendments

                  (61        (196

Plan settlements/curtailments

                  (2,984        (4,546

Actuarial (gains)/losses

        4,298          (23,437        (9,523        16,697  

Premiums paid

                  (106        (109

Currency exchange rate changes

                  6,859          (7,666

Benefit Obligation at End of Year

      $   617,255        $ 591,948        $ 194,149        $ 195,884  

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

      $ 437,481        $   314,216        $ 179,928        $ 169,464  

Actual return on plan assets

        30,291          44,924          3,166          21,216  

Employer contributions

        53,829          106,928          7,460          5,753  

Participant contributions

                  980          933  

Benefits paid

        (34,368        (28,587        (6,545        (4,977

Premiums paid

                  (106        (109

Plan settlements/curtailments

                  (2,267        (4,471

Currency exchange rate changes

                  6,344          (7,881

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

      $ 487,233        $ 437,481        $ 188,960        $ 179,928  

(Deficit) of plan assets versus benefit obligations at end of year

      $ (130,022      $ (154,467      $ (5,189      $ (15,956

Net Amount Recognized

      $ (130,022      $ (154,467      $ (5,189      $ (15,956

Accumulated Benefit Obligation

      $ 510,984        $ 489,918        $ 181,462        $ 183,038  

The fair value of the assets held by our pension plans has increased at May 31, 2018 since our previous measurement date at May 31, 2017, due primarily to gains in the stock market and our plan contributions. Total plan liabilities have increased due to increased benefit accruals. We have decreased our recorded liability for the net underfunded status of our pension plans. The assumptions to value lump sums were updated to incorporate future expectations of the IRS mortality and interest rates. Due

to slightly higher discount rates and increased asset values offset by higher interest cost and lump sum mortality rates, we expect pension expense in fiscal 2019 to be comparable to our fiscal 2018 expense level. Any future declines in the value of our pension plan assets or increases in our plan liabilities could require us to increase our recorded liability for the net underfunded status of our pension plans and could also require accelerated and higher cash contributions to our pension plans.

 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

          U.S. Plans          Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)         2018        2017          2018        2017  

Noncurrent assets

      $ -        $ -        $     10,483        $ 998  

Current liabilities

        (7        (7        (421        (512

Noncurrent liabilities

        (130,015        (154,460        (15,251        (16,442

Net Amount Recognized

      $ (130,022      $ (154,467      $ (5,189      $ (15,956

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     61


The following table summarizes the relationship between our plans’ benefit obligations and assets:

 

    U.S. Plans  
         2018                 2017  
(In thousands)         Benefit
Obligation
     Plan Assets              Benefit
Obligation
     Plan Assets  

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

     $ 617,255      $ 487,233           $ 591,948      $ 437,481    

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

       510,984        487,233             489,918        437,481    

Plans with assets in excess of projected benefit obligations

       -        -             -        -    

Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligations

         -        -                   -        -    
   

 

Non-U.S. Plans

 
         2018                 2017  
(In thousands)         Benefit
Obligation
     Plan Assets              Benefit
Obligation
     Plan Assets  

Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

     $ 152,533      $ 136,861         $ 147,560      $ 130,605    

Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets

       43,054        29,855           44,797        31,653    

Plans with assets in excess of projected benefit obligations

       41,616        52,099           48,324        49,323    

Plans with assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligations

         138,408        159,105                 138,241        148,275    

The following table presents the pretax net actuarial loss and prior service (costs) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) not affecting retained earnings:

 

          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Net actuarial loss

     $   (197,821   $   (205,942      $   (35,668   $ (41,000 )   

Prior service (costs) credits

       (135     (252        224       185  

Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income not affecting retained earnings

     $ (197,956   $ (206,194      $ (35,444   $   (40,815 )   
The following table includes the changes recognized in other comprehensive income:

 

    
          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:

             

Prior service cost

     $ -     $ -        $ (61   $ (196 )   

Net loss (gain) arising during the year

       6,349       (43,353        (5,098     2,515  

Effect of exchange rates on amounts included in AOCI

              1,517       (1,736 )   

Amounts recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost:

             

Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service (cost)

       (117     (217        18       24  

Amortization or settlement recognition of net (loss)

       (14,470     (22,160        (1,912     (3,054 )   

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)

     $ (8,238   $ (65,730      $ (5,536   $   (2,447

The following table presents the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of May 31, 2018 that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost, but are expected to be recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2019:

 

(In thousands)    U.S. Plans     Non-U.S. Plans    

Net actuarial loss

   $ (13,279     $     (1,276

Prior service (cost) credit

   $ (117     $         31  

 

62     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


In measuring the projected benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost for our plans, we utilize actuarial valuations. These valuations include specific information pertaining to individual plan participants, such as salary, age and years of service, along with certain assumptions. The most significant assumptions applied include discount rates, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increases. We evaluate these assumptions, at a minimum, on an annual basis, and make required changes, as applicable. In developing our expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider    the current and expected target asset allocations of the pension portfolio, as well as historical returns and future expectations for returns on various categories of plan assets. Expected return on assets is determined by using the weighted-average return on asset classes based on expected return for the target asset allocations of the principal asset categories held by each plan. In determining expected return, we consider both historical performance and an estimate of future long-term rates of return. Actual experience is used to develop the assumption for compensation increases.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine our year-end benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost under the plans:

 

          U.S. Plans           Non-U.S. Plans    
Year-End Benefit Obligations        2018      2017           2018      2017    

Discount rate

       4.12%        3.81%           3.09%        2.79%    

Rate of compensation increase

       3.80%        3.80%           2.85%        3.00%    

 

          U.S. Plans         Non-U.S. Plans      
Net Periodic Pension Cost        2018    2017    2016         2018      2017      2016      

Discount rate

      3.81%     3.85%     4.25%          2.79%         3.13%         3.26%      

Expected return on plan assets

      7.89%     7.89%     7.90%          4.37%         4.50%         4.49%      

Rate of compensation increase

      3.80%     3.80%     3.80%          3.00%         2.81%         2.81%      

The following tables illustrate the weighted-average actual and target allocation of plan assets:

 

U.S. Plans  
     Target Allocation      Actual Asset        
Allocation        
 
(Dollars in millions)    as of May 31, 2018      2018      2017          

Equity securities

     55%      $ 309.3      $ 295.2          

Fixed income securities

     25%        76.5        82.4          

Multi-class

     20%        72.8     

Cash (1)

        28.4        59.7          

Other

              0.2        0.2          

Total assets

     100%      $   487.2      $   437.5          
Non-U.S. Plans  
     Target Allocation      Actual Asset        
Allocation        
 
(Dollars in millions)    as of May 31, 2018      2018      2017          

Equity securities

     41%      $ 90.0      $ 83.8          

Fixed income securities

     42%        70.2        65.9          

Cash

        0.5     

Property and other

     17%        28.3        30.2          

Total assets

     100%      $   189.0      $   179.9          
 

 

(1) The cash position at May 31, 2018 results from our acceleration of the planned fiscal 2019 contribution, which was deposited into the RPM International Inc. Retirement Plan during February 2018. The cash position at May 31, 2017 results from our acceleration of the planned fiscal 2018 contribution, which was deposited into the RPM International Inc. Retirement Plan during May 2017.

The following tables present our pension plan assets as categorized using the fair value hierarchy at May 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

     U.S. Plans               
(In thousands)   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Fair Value at
May 31, 2018

U.S. Treasury and other government

      $                -         $    10,197       $           -         $      10,197    

State and municipal bonds

          605           605    

Foreign bonds

          1,748           1,748    

Mortgage-backed securities

          26,081           26,081    

Corporate bonds

          17,413           17,413    

Stocks - large cap

      1,927               1,927    

Stocks - mid cap

      11,748               11,748    

Stocks - small cap

      18,419               18,419    

Stocks - international

      3,333               3,333    

Mutual funds - equity

          273,893           273,893    

Mutual funds - multi-class

          72,802           72,802    

Mutual funds - fixed

          20,516           20,516    

Cash and cash equivalents

      28,371               28,371    

Limited partnerships

                          180       180    

Total

      $     63,798         $  423,255       $        180       $    487,233    

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     63


          Non-U.S. Plans
(In thousands)    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   Fair Value at
May 31, 2018

Pooled equities

     $ -      $ 88,540      $ -      $ 88,540

Pooled fixed income

            70,180             70,180

Foreign bonds

            182             182

Insurance contracts

                 28,268        28,268

Mutual funds

            1,334             1,334

Cash and cash equivalents

       456                              456

Total

     $     456      $  160,236      $   28,268      $   188,960

 

              U.S. Plans
(In thousands)    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   Fair Value at
May 31, 2017

U.S. Treasury and other government

     $ -      $ 7,923      $ -      $ 7,923

State and municipal bonds

            628             628

Foreign bonds

            1,623             1,623

Mortgage-backed securities

            20,211             20,211

Corporate bonds

            17,976             17,976

Stocks - large cap

       20,999                  20,999

Stocks - mid cap

       8,128                  8,128

Stocks - small cap

       16,423                  16,423

Stocks - international

       2,639                  2,639

Mutual funds - equity

            247,037             247,037

Mutual funds - fixed

            34,014             34,014

Cash and cash equivalents

       59,674                  59,674

Limited partnerships

                             206        206

Total

     $   107,863      $   329,412      $       206      $     437,481

 

          Non-U.S. Plans
(In thousands)    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   Fair Value at
May 31, 2017

Pooled equities

     $ -      $ 82,626      $ -      $ 82,626

Pooled fixed income

            65,649             65,649

Foreign bonds

            252             252

Insurance contracts

                 30,181        30,181

Mutual funds

            1,181             1,181

Cash and cash equivalents

       39                              39

Total

     $       39      $   149,708      $   30,181      $     179,928

The following table includes the activity that occurred during the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 for our Level 3 assets:

 

          Actual Return on Plan Assets For:             
(In thousands)    Balance at
Beginning of Period
   Assets Still Held
at Reporting Date
  Assets Sold
During Year
   Purchases, Sales and
Settlements, net (1)
  Balance at
End of Period

Year ended May 31, 2018

   $  30,387        (65 )       -        (1,874 )     $       28,448

Year ended May 31, 2017

       30,673        1,096       -        (1,382 )       30,387

 

(1)

Includes the impact of exchange rate changes during the year.

 

64     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


The primary objective for the investments of the Retirement Plan is to provide for long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to risk. This objective is accomplished by utilizing a strategy of equities, fixed income securities and cash equivalents in a mix that is conducive to participation in a rising market, while allowing for adequate protection in a falling market. Our Investment Committee oversees the investment allocation process, which includes the selection and evaluation of investment managers, the determination of investment objectives and risk guidelines, and the monitoring of actual investment performance. In order to manage investment risk properly, Plan policy prohibits short selling, securities lending, financial futures, options and other specialized investments except for certain alternative investments specifically approved by the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee reviews, on a quarterly basis, reports of actual Plan investment performance provided by independent third parties, in addition to its review of the Plan investment policy on an annual basis. The investment objectives are similar for our plans outside of the U.S., subject to local regulations.

The goals of the investment strategy for pension assets include: the total return of the funds shall, over an extended period of time, surpass an index composed of the MSCI World Stock Index (equity), the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index (fixed income), and 30-day Treasury Bills (cash), weighted appropriately to match the asset allocation of the plans. The equity portion of the funds shall surpass the MSCI World Stock Index over a full market

cycle, while the fixed income portion shall surpass Barclays Aggregate Bond Index over a full market cycle. The purpose of the core fixed income fund is to increase return in the form of cash flow, provide a hedge against inflation and to reduce the volatility of the fund overall. Therefore, the primary objective of the core fixed income portion is to match the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index. The purpose of including opportunistic fixed income assets such as, but not limited to, global and high-yield securities in the portfolio is to enhance the overall risk-return characteristics of the Fund.

In addition to the defined benefit pension plans discussed above, we also sponsor employee savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which cover most of our employees in the U.S. We record expense for defined contribution plans for any employer-matching contributions made in conjunction with services rendered by employees. The majority of our plans provide for matching contributions made in conjunction with services rendered by employees. Matching contributions are invested in the same manner that the participants invest their own contributions. Matching contributions charged to income were $18.7 million, $17.4 million and $16.3 million for the years ending May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

We expect to pay the following estimated pension benefit payments in the next five years (in millions): $54.0 in 2019, $58.4 in 2020, $56.2 in 2021, $59.1 in 2022 and $60.4 in 2023. In the five years thereafter (2024-2028), we expect to pay $318.0 million.

 

 

NOTE O — POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We sponsor several unfunded-healthcare-benefit plans for certain of our retired employees, as well as postretirement life insurance for certain key former employees. Eligibility for these benefits is based upon various requirements. The following table illustrates the effect on operations of these plans for the three years ended May 31, 2018:

 

             U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)           2018     2017     2016            2018      2017      2016  

Service cost - benefits earned during the period

      $ -     $ -     $ -        $ 1,307      $ 1,097      $ 1,061      

Interest cost on the accumulated obligation

        173           229           235          939        854        832      

Amortization of:

                    

Prior service (credit)

        (220     (235     (247           

Net actuarial (gains) losses

                24                          332        230        229      

Net Postretirement Benefit (Income) Cost

      $ (23   $ (6   $ (12      $   2,578      $   2,181      $   2,122      

The changes in benefit obligations of the plans at May 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

             U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)           2018     2017            2018     2017  

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year

      $ 5,892     $ 7,653        $ 27,868     $ 25,420      

Service cost

               1,307       1,097      

Interest cost

        173       229          939       854      

Benefit payments

        (297       (2,383        (604     (529)     

Actuarial (gains) losses

        (400     393          2,638       1,766      

Currency exchange rate changes

                           1,133       (740)     

Accumulated and accrued postretirement benefit obligation at end of year

      $   5,368     $ 5,892        $   33,281     $   27,868      

In determining the postretirement benefit amounts outlined above, measurement dates as of May 31 for each period were applied.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     65


Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

 

          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Current liabilities

     $ (427)     $ (411      $ (696)     $ (522)    

Noncurrent liabilities

       (4,941     (5,481        (32,585     (27,346)    

Net Amount Recognized

     $ (5,368   $ (5,892      $ (33,281   $ (27,868)    

 

The following table presents the pretax net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credits recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) not affecting retained earnings:

 

 

          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Net actuarial gain (loss)

     $ 124     $ (299)        $   (9,951)     $  (7,354)  

Prior service credits

       887       1,107                       

Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income not affecting retained earnings

     $   1,011     $ 808          $   (9,951)     $ (7,354)  

 

The following table includes the changes recognized in other comprehensive income:

 

 

          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
(In thousands)        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:

             

Prior service cost

     $     $ -        $     $  

Net loss (gain) arising during the year

         (400)       393            2,638         1,766   

Effect of exchange rates on amounts included in AOCI

              291       (168)  

Amounts recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost:

             

Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service credit (cost)

       220       234         

Amortization or settlement recognition of net gain (loss)

       (24     -          (332     (230)  

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)

     $ (204   $ 627        $ 2,597     $ 1,368   

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine our year-end benefit obligations and net periodic postretirement benefit costs under the plans:

 

 

          U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
Year-End Benefit Obligations        2018     2017            2018     2017  

Discount rate

       4.03%       3.61%          3.70%       3.61%  

Current healthcare cost trend rate

       7.86%       14.75%          6.02%       5.85%  

Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

       4.36%       4.36%          4.20%       4.20%  

Year ultimate healthcare cost trend rate will be realized

       2037       2037          2032       2030  

 

             U.S. Plans            Non-U.S. Plans  
Net Periodic Postretirement Cost           2018      2017      2016            2018      2017      2016  

Discount rate

        3.61%        3.76%        3.95%          3.61%        3.92%        4.00%  

Healthcare cost trend rate

        14.75%        10.37%        11.34%          5.85%        5.98%        6.06%  

Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate

        4.36%        4.36%        4.50%          4.20%        4.20%        4.20%  

Year ultimate healthcare cost trend rate will be realized

        2037        2037        2029          2030        2030        2030  

 

 

66     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


We utilize a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential impact of changes in our healthcare cost trend rate on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Increasing or decreasing current healthcare cost trend rates by 1% would affect our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net postretirement expense by the following amounts for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

         U.S. Plans        Non-U.S. Plans

 

(In thousands)

 

     2018             2017          2018             2017    

1% Increase in Healthcare Cost Trend Rate

                     

Accumulated benefit obligation

     $    185           $    229          $    6,978           $  6,410    

Postretirement cost

     7             9          673             547    

1% Decrease in Healthcare Cost Trend Rate

                     

Accumulated benefit obligation

     $  (163)          $  (201)         $  (5,391)          $ (5,016)   

Postretirement cost

     (6)            (8)         (493)            (406)   

We expect to pay approximately $1.1 million to $1.5 million in estimated postretirement benefits in each of the next five years. In the five years thereafter (2024-2028) we expect to pay a cumulative total of $8.8 million.

NOTE P — CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER ACCRUED LOSSES

Accrued loss reserves consist of the following:

 

May 31,

 

     2018        2017  

 

(In thousands)

     

Accrued product liability reserves

   $ 12,900      $ 14,932  

Accrued warranty reserves

     8,088        15,701  

Accrued environmental reserves

     1,144        1,102  

Total Accrued Loss Reserves - Current

   $     22,132      $     31,735  

Accrued product liability reserves - noncurrent

   $ 29,902      $ 28,222  

Accrued warranty liability - noncurrent

     3,633        3,448  

Accrued environmental reserves - noncurrent

     3,571        1,747  

Total Accrued Loss Reserves - Noncurrent

   $ 37,106      $ 33,417  

 

We provide, through our wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, certain insurance coverage, primarily product liability coverage, to our other subsidiaries. Excess coverage is provided by third-party insurers. Our product liability accruals provide for these potential losses as well as other uninsured claims. Product liability accruals are established based upon actuarial calculations of potential liability using industry experience, actual historical experience and actuarial assumptions developed for similar types of product liability claims, including development factors and lag times. To the extent there is a reasonable possibility that potential losses could exceed the amounts already accrued, we believe that the amount of any such additional loss would be immaterial to our results of operations, liquidity and consolidated financial position.

We also offer warranties on many of our products, as well as long-term warranty programs at certain of our businesses, and have established product warranty liabilities. We review these liabilities for adequacy on a quarterly basis and adjust them as necessary. The primary factors that could affect these liabilities may include changes in performance rates as well as costs of replacement. Provision for estimated warranty costs

is recorded at the time of sale and periodically adjusted, as required, to reflect actual experience. It is probable that we will incur future losses related to warranty claims we have received but that have not been fully investigated and related to claims not yet received. While our warranty liabilities represent our best estimates at May 31, 2018, we can provide no assurances that we will not experience material claims in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to resolve such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what we may recover from our suppliers. Product warranty expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expense.

Also, due to the nature of our businesses, the amount of claims paid can fluctuate from one period to the next. While our warranty liabilities represent our best estimates of our expected losses at any given time, from time to time we may revise our estimates based on our experience relating to factors such as weather conditions, specific circumstances surrounding product installations and other factors.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     67


The following table includes the changes in our accrued warranty balances:

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018      2017      2016      
(In thousands)                   

Beginning Balance

   $ 19,149     $ 13,314     $ 11,663     

Deductions (1)

     (26,199     (18,269     (18,061)    

Provision charged to SG&A expense

     17,924         23,862       19,653     

Acquisitions

     847       242       59     

Ending Balance

   $ 11,721     $ 19,149     $ 13,314     

 

(1) 

Primarily claims paid during the year.

In addition, like other companies participating in similar lines of business, some of our subsidiaries are involved in several proceedings relating to environmental matters. It is our policy to accrue remediation costs when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related costs can be reasonably estimated. During our fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, we recorded an environmental reserve for approximately $1.7 million related to our estimate of remediation costs that may be required in relation to one of our facilities identified for sale and closure in connection with our ongoing restructuring activities. In general, our environmental accruals are undiscounted liabilities, which are exclusive of claims against third parties, and are not material to our financial statements during any of the periods presented.

We were notified by the SEC on June 24, 2014, that we are the subject of a formal investigation pertaining to the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves in fiscal 2013 with respect to the previously disclosed U.S. Department Of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the U.S. General Services Administration (the “GSA”) Office of Inspector General investigation into compliance issues relating to Tremco Roofing Division’s GSA contracts. As previously disclosed, our Audit Committee completed an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the timing of our disclosure and accrual of loss reserves with respect to the GSA and DOJ investigation, and determined that it was appropriate to restate our financial results for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013. These restatements had no impact on our audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 or 2014. The Audit Committee’s investigation concluded that there was no intentional misconduct on the part of any of our officers.

In connection with the foregoing, on September 9, 2016, the SEC filed an enforcement action against us and our General Counsel. We have cooperated with the SEC’s investigation and believe the allegations in the complaint mischaracterize both our and our General Counsel’s actions in connection with the matters related to our quarterly results in fiscal 2013 and are without merit. Both we and our General Counsel filed motions to dismiss the complaint on February 24, 2017. Those motions to dismiss the complaint were denied by the Court on September 29, 2017. We and our General Counsel filed answers to the complaint on October 16, 2017. Formal discovery commenced in January 2018. We intend to continue to contest the allegations in the complaint vigorously.

The action by the SEC could result in sanctions against us and/ or our General Counsel and could impose substantial additional costs and distractions, regardless of its outcome. We have determined that it is probable that we will incur a loss relating to this matter and have estimated a range of potential loss. We have accrued at the low end of the range of loss, as no amount within the range is more likely to occur, and no amount within the estimated range of loss would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

With respect to a case pending against one of our subsidiaries in which there is alleged both trade secret and trademark infringement, during the quarter ended August 31, 2017, the court denied our motion for summary judgment. Based on our current understanding of the claim, we have determined that it is probable that we will incur a loss related to this claim and have estimated a range of potential loss. We have accrued at the low end of the range of loss, as no amount within the range is more likely to occur, and no amount within the estimated range of loss would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE Q — SEGMENT INFORMATION

We operate a portfolio of businesses and product lines that manufacture and sell a variety of specialty paints, protective coatings and roofing systems, sealants and adhesives. We manage our portfolio by organizing our businesses and product lines into three reportable segments: the industrial reportable segment, the specialty reportable segment and the consumer reportable segment. Within each reportable segment, we aggregate operating segments or product lines that consist of individual companies or groups of companies and product lines, which generally address common markets, share similar economic characteristics, utilize similar technologies and can share manufacturing or distribution capabilities. Our seven operating segments represent components of our business for which separate financial information is available that is utilized on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker in determining how to allocate the assets of the company and evaluate performance. These seven operating segments are each managed by an operating segment manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day operating decisions and performance evaluation of the operating segment’s underlying businesses. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments primarily based on income before income taxes, but also look to earnings (loss) before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations.

Our industrial reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and also account for the majority of our international sales. Our industrial product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The industrial reportable segment comprises three separate operating segments: Tremco Group, tremco illbruck Group and Performance Coatings Group. Products and services within this reportable segment include construction chemicals, roofing systems, weatherproofing and other sealants, and polymer flooring.

 

 

68     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


Our consumer reportable segment manufactures and markets professional use and do-it-yourself (“DIY”) products for a variety of mainly consumer applications, including home improvement and personal leisure activities. Our consumer segment’s major manufacturing and distribution operations are located primarily in North America, along with a few locations in Europe and other parts of the world. Our consumer reportable segment products are primarily sold directly to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, paint stores, craft shops, cosmetic companies and through distributors. This reportable segment comprises three operating segments: Rust-Oleum Group, DAP Group and SPG-Consumer Group. Products within this reportable segment include specialty, hobby and professional paints; nail enamels; caulks; adhesives; silicone sealants; cleaners; floor sealers and wood stains. Sales to The Home Depot, Inc. represented less than 10% of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, and 28% of our consumer segment net sales for each of the fiscal years ended May 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Our specialty reportable segment products are sold throughout North America and a few international locations, primarily in Europe. Our specialty product lines are sold directly to contractors, distributors and end-users, such as industrial

manufacturing facilities, public institutions and other commercial customers. The specialty reportable segment is a single operating segment, which offers products that include industrial cleaners, restoration services equipment, colorants, exterior finishes, edible coatings and specialty glazes for pharmaceutical and food industries, and other specialty OEM coatings.

In addition to our three reportable segments, there is a category of certain business activities and expenses, referred to as corporate/other, that does not constitute an operating segment. This category includes our corporate headquarters and related administrative expenses, results of our captive insurance companies, gains or losses on the sales of certain assets and other expenses not directly associated with any reportable segment. Assets related to the corporate/other category consist primarily of investments, prepaid expenses and headquarters’ property and equipment. These corporate and other assets and expenses reconcile reportable segment data to total consolidated income before income taxes, interest expense and earnings before interest and taxes; as well as identifiable assets, capital expenditures, and depreciation and amortization.

We reflect income from our joint ventures on the equity method, and receive royalties from our licensees.

 

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     69


The following tables reflect the results of our reportable segments consistent with our management philosophy, and represent the information we utilize, in conjunction with various strategic, operational and other financial performance criteria, in evaluating the performance of our portfolio of businesses. Information for all periods presented has been recast to reflect the current-year change in the composition of our reportable segments.

 

Year Ended May 31,    2018        2017        2016       
(In thousands)                         

Net Sales

            

Industrial

   $   2,814,755        $   2,564,202        $   2,491,647       

Consumer

     1,754,339          1,680,384          1,637,438       

Specialty

     752,549          713,589          684,564       

Total

   $ 5,321,643        $ 4,958,175        $ 4,813,649       

Income Before Income Taxes

            

Industrial

            

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 270,792        $ 243,335        $ 257,180       

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (10,507        (7,985        (6,071)       

EBIT (c)

   $ 281,299        $ 251,320        $ 263,251       

Consumer

            

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 171,874        $ 58,726        $ 268,218       

Interest (Expense) Income, Net (b)

     (713        (323        40       

EBIT (c)

   $ 172,587        $ 59,049        $ 268,178       

Specialty

            

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 123,307        $ 107,904        $ 107,546       

Interest Income, Net (b)

     876          526          814       

EBIT (c)

   $ 122,431        $ 107,378        $ 106,732       

Corporate/Other

            

(Expense) Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ (148,925      $ (165,632      $ (149,478)       

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (73,761        (75,188        (76,101)       

EBIT (c)

   $ (75,164      $ (90,444      $ (73,377)       

Consolidated

            

Income Before Income Taxes (a)

   $ 417,048        $ 244,333        $ 483,466       

Interest (Expense), Net (b)

     (84,105        (82,970        (81,318)       

EBIT (c)

   $ 501,153        $ 327,303        $ 564,784       

Identifiable Assets

            

Industrial

   $ 2,422,799        $ 2,382,784        $ 2,206,062       

Consumer

     1,859,381          1,821,190          1,734,600       

Specialty

     740,952          759,822          754,757       

Corporate/Other

     248,690          126,653          69,550       

Total

   $ 5,271,822        $ 5,090,449        $ 4,764,969       

Capital Expenditures

            

Industrial

   $ 60,145        $ 65,083        $ 78,002       

Consumer

     38,921          45,690          27,269       

Specialty

     14,958          14,104          10,238       

Corporate/Other

     595          1,232          1,674       

Total

   $ 114,619        $ 126,109        $ 117,183       

Depreciation and Amortization

            

Industrial

   $ 57,267        $ 51,529        $ 47,697       

Consumer

     38,037          33,374          31,445       

Specialty

     27,457          26,453          25,646       

Corporate/Other

     5,738          5,417          6,251       

Total

   $ 128,499        $ 116,773        $ 111,039       
(a)

The presentation includes a reconciliation of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, a measure defined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States, to EBIT.

 

(b)

Interest (expense), net includes the combination of interest expense and investment expense (income), net.

 

(c)

EBIT is a non-GAAP measure, and is defined as earnings (loss) before interest and taxes. We evaluate the profit performance of our segments based on income before income taxes, but also look to EBIT as a performance evaluation measure because interest expense is essentially related to acquisitions, as opposed to segment operations. We believe EBIT is useful to investors for this purpose as well, using EBIT as a metric in their investment decisions. EBIT should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, income before income taxes as determined in accordance with GAAP, since EBIT omits the impact of interest in determining operating performance, which represent items necessary to our continued operations, given our level of indebtedness. Nonetheless, EBIT is a key measure expected by and useful to our fixed income investors, rating agencies and the banking community, all of whom believe, and we concur, that this measure is critical to the capital markets’ analysis of our segments’ core operating performance. We also evaluate EBIT because it is clear that movements in EBIT impact our ability to attract financing. Our underwriters and bankers consistently require inclusion of this measure in offering memoranda in conjunction with any debt underwriting or bank financing. EBIT may not be indicative of our historical operating results, nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results.

 

70     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


Year Ended May 31,    2018        2017        2016      
(In thousands)                         

Net Sales (based on shipping location) (a)

            

United States

   $ 3,432,034        $ 3,269,400        $ 3,155,810      

Foreign

            

Canada

     365,349          321,696          310,817      

Europe

     1,040,418          908,799          928,519      

Other Foreign

     483,842          458,280          418,503      

Total Foreign

     1,889,609          1,688,775          1,657,839      

Total

   $   5,321,643        $   4,958,175        $   4,813,649      

Long-Lived Assets (b)

            

United States

   $ 1,807,046        $ 1,738,180        $ 1,756,012      

Foreign

            

Canada

     139,259          137,211          111,524      

Europe

     361,317          349,979          271,796      

United Kingdom

     230,071          199,415          257,935      

Other Foreign

     241,301          248,435          212,583      

Total Foreign

     971,948          935,040          853,838      

Total

   $ 2,778,994        $ 2,673,220        $ 2,609,850      

 

(a)

 It is not practicable to obtain the information needed to disclose revenues attributable to each of our product lines.

 

(b)

 Long-lived assets include all non-current assets, excluding non-current deferred income taxes.

NOTE R — QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended May 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

      For Quarter Ended  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)    August 31          November 30          February 28      May 31 (a)         

2018

           

Net Sales

       $   1,345,394          $   1,315,416          $   1,102,677          $   1,558,156      

Gross Profit

       $ 572,008          $ 551,015          $ 439,493          $ 618,696      

Net Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders

       $ 116,416          $ 95,463          $ 40,227          $ 85,664      

Basic Earnings Per Share

       $ 0.87          $ 0.72          $ 0.30          $ 0.65      

Diluted Earnings Per Share

       $ 0.86          $ 0.70          $ 0.30          $ 0.63      

Dividends Per Share

       $ 0.300          $ 0.320          $ 0.320          $ 0.320      
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   

 

August 31

     November 30  (b)      February 28     

 

May 31

 

2017

           

Net Sales

       $ 1,252,063          $ 1,190,770          $ 1,022,496          $ 1,492,846      

Gross Profit

       $ 552,042          $ 521,681          $ 428,573          $ 663,392      

Net Income Attributable to RPM International Inc. Stockholders

       $ 112,769          $ (70,926)          $ 11,928          $ 128,052      

Basic Earnings Per Share

       $ 0.85          $ (0.54)          $ 0.09          $ 0.96      

Diluted Earnings Per Share

       $ 0.83          $ (0.54)          $ 0.09          $ 0.94      

Dividends Per Share

       $ 0.275          $ 0.300          $ 0.300          $ 0.300      

 

(a)

Reflects inventory-related charges of $36.5 million in our consumer reportable segment for product line rationalization and related obsolete inventory identification and $1.2 million in inventory reductions related to restructuring activities in our industrial reportable segment. Additional restructuring charges totaling $17.5 million were incurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, as further described in Note B, “Restructuring.” We also incurred charges in our industrial segment totaling $4.2 million in connection with the decision to exit Flowcrete China.

 

(b)

Reflects the pretax goodwill and intangible asset impairment losses of $ 188.3 million related to our Kirker reporting unit. Refer to Note C, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for further information. Also reflects $ 12.3 million pretax charge relating to the Flowcrete decision to exit the Middle East and $15.0 million in severance expense across all three reportable segments.

Quarterly earnings per share may not total to the yearly earnings per share due to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in each quarter.

 

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RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     71


Quarterly Stock Price and Dividend Information

Shares of our common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RPM. The high and low sales prices for the shares of common stock, and the cash dividends paid on the common stock, for each quarter of the two most recent fiscal years are set forth in the table below.

Range of Sales Prices and Dividends Paid

 

  Fiscal 2018    High        Low       

Dividends paid    

per share    

      Fiscal 2017    High        Low        Dividends paid    
per share    

  First Quarter

   $ 56.48            $ 47.87            0.300     First Quarter    $ 55.71            $ 46.53            0.275

  Second Quarter

   $ 55.66            $ 48.52            0.320     Second Quarter    $ 55.92            $ 46.25            0.300

  Third Quarter

   $ 54.73            $ 46.80            0.320     Third Quarter    $ 55.33            $ 50.79            0.300

  Fourth Quarter

   $ 52.65            $ 46.36            0.320       Fourth Quarter    $ 56.39            $ 50.18            0.300

Source: New York Stock Exchange

Cash dividends are payable quarterly, upon authorization of the Board of Directors. Regular payment dates are approximately the last day of July, October, January and April.

The number of holders of record of our common stock as of June 1, 2018 was approximately 20,829, in addition to 117,020 beneficial holders.

 

72     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of RPM International Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. RPM’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of RPM’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of May 31, 2018, RPM’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

The independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP, has also audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018 and their report thereon is included on page 75 of this report.

 

LOGO    LOGO   

Frank C. Sullivan

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

  

Russell L. Gordon

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  

July 23, 2018

 

LOGO

 

 

RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     73


Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of May 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity, for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2018, and the related notes collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of May 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 23, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

Cleveland, Ohio

July 23, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

 

74     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries


TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF RPM INTERNATIONAL INC.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of May 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended May 31, 2018, of the Company and our report dated July 23, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

LOGO

Cleveland, Ohio

July 23, 2018

 

LOGO

 

 

RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries     75


Stockholder Information

 

World Headquarters

RPM International Inc.

2628 Pearl Road

P.O. Box 777

Medina, OH 44258

Telephone: 330-273-5090 or 800-776-4488

Fax:

330-225-8743

Website:

www.rpminc.com

E-mail:

info@rpminc.com

Annual Meeting Change of Venue

RPM stockholders are invited to attend RPM’s Annual Meeting, which will be held at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport Hotel, 7230 Engle Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Note: This is a new venue from previous years. Directions can be found on the RPM website.

Form 10-K and Other Financial Information

Investors may obtain, at no charge, a copy of the RPM Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, a corporate video and other investor information by contacting Kathie M. Rogers, Manager of Investor Relations, at RPM, 800-776-4488.

Form 10-K, other public financial reports and news releases may also be obtained electronically through the website, www.rpminc.com.

Corporate Governance

Copies of the RPM Board of Directors Corporate Governance Guidelines, as well as the Committee Charters and RPM’s Governance Documents, are available on the company’s website at www.rpminc.com, under “About RPM/Corporate Governance.” Copies of these materials are also available, without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of RPM.

Institutional Investor and Security Analyst Inquiries

Security analysts and investment professionals with questions regarding RPM should contact Barry M. Slifstein, Vice President - Investor Relations, at 330-273-5090 or bslifstein@rpminc.com.

Dividend Payments

Common stock cash dividends are payable quarterly, upon authorization of the Board of Directors. Regular payment dates are typically the 31st of July, October and January and the 30th of April. RPM has increased the cash dividend payments to its stockholders for 44 consecutive years.

Stock Exchange Listing

RPM International Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RPM.”

 

 

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Stock Transfer Agent, Registrar and Dividend Disbursing Agent

EQ maintains RPM’s stockholder records and is responsible for disbursing dividend checks. Questions concerning your account, change of address, transfer of ownership, lost certificates, safekeeping of stock certificates, dividend payments, direct deposit of dividends and other related items should be directed to:

EQ Shareowner Services

P.O. Box 64854

St. Paul, MN 55164-0854

Telephone: 800-988-5238 or

  

651-450-4064 (outside the United States)

Fax:

651-450-4085

Website:

www.shareowneronline.com

Certified/Overnight Mail:

EQ Shareowner Services

1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101

Mendota Heights, MN 55120-4100

Internet Account Access

Stockholders of record may access their accounts via the internet to view their account holdings, change address, complete certain transactions and get answers to other stock-related inquires through EQ Shareowner Online at www.shareowneronline.com.

Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan

RPM offers a direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan administered by EQ The plan allows new investors to purchase RPM common stock directly, and existing stockholders to increase their holdings. There is no commission cost for shares purchased. The minimum initial investment is $200. Additional cash investments must be at least $25 and not more than $5,000 per month. For more details on the plan or questions concerning existing Dividend Reinvestment accounts, please contact EQ Shareholder Services (see above).

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP, Cleveland, Ohio

Counsel

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, Cleveland, Ohio

The RPM App

For up-to-date investment information on RPM, download the RPM app for Apple and Android devices. Scan this QR code or visit your app market.

 

 

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The paper in this annual report is certified to the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ® ) standards. It was tracked through the FSC chain of custody, which means the forest, paper manufacturer, merchant and printer are all FSC certified. The FSC certification is indicative of the highest social and environmental standards for paper use. More information is available at www.us.fsc.org.      LOGO  

 

76     RPM International Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Exhibit 21.1

(5-31-2018)

 

Company Name

 

Place of Incorporation

AD Fire Protection Systems Inc.

 

Canada

Agpro (N.Z.) Limited

 

New Zealand

Alteco Technik GmbH

 

Germany

API S.p.A.

 

Italy

Arnette Polymers, LLC (80% JV)

 

Massachusetts (USA)

Bomat, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Carboline (Dalian) Paint Company Ltd.

 

China

Carboline (India) Private Limited

 

India

Carboline Company

 

Delaware (USA)

Carboline International Corporation

 

Delaware (USA)

Carboline Italia S.p.A.

 

Italy

Carboline Norge AS

 

Norway

CFM Consolidated, Inc.

 

Washington (USA)

Citadel Restoration and Repair, Inc.

 

Minnesota (USA)

Dane Color UK Limited

 

England & Wales

DAP Holdings, LLC

 

Delaware (USA)

DAP Products Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Day-Glo Color Corp.

 

Ohio (USA)

Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.

 

Washington (USA)

Dryvit Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Dryvit Systems Inc. w/Branches

 

Rhode Island (USA)

Dryvit Systems USA (Europe) Sp. zo.o.

 

Poland

Ekspan Holdings Limited

 

England & Wales

Ekspan Limited

 

England & Wales

Euclid Admixture Canada Inc.

 

Canada

F T Morrell and Company Limited

 

England & Wales

F.T. Morrell (Ireland) Limited

 

Ireland

Failsafe Metering International Limited

 

England & Wales

Fibergrate Composite Structures Incorporated

 

Delaware (USA)

Finishworks, Inc.

 

Ohio (USA)

Finishworks, L.L.C.

 

Indiana (USA)

First Continental Services Co.

 

Vermont (USA)

Flowcrete (Hong Kong) Limited

 

Hong Kong

Flowcrete Asia Sdn. Bhd. - w/Branches

 

Malaysia

Flowcrete Europe Limited

 

England & Wales

Flowcrete Group Limited

 

England & Wales

Flowcrete Norway AS

 

Norway

Flowcrete Sweden AB

 

Sweden

Flowcrete UK Ltd.

 

England & Wales

GJP Holdings Limited

 

England & Wales

Guardian Protection Products, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Holton Food Products Company

 

Illinois (USA)

 


 

Company Name

 

Place of Incorporation

Hummervoll Industribelegg AS

 

Norway

II Rep-Z, Inc.

 

Pennsylvania (USA)

Ja-Vi Beheer B.V.

 

Netherlands

Key Resin Company

 

Ohio (USA)

Kirker Enterprises, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Kirker Europe Limited

 

Scotland

Kop-Coat New Zealand Limited

 

New Zealand

Kop-Coat, Inc.

 

Ohio (USA)

LBG Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc.

 

Massachusetts (USA)

Martin Mathys NV

 

Belgium

Miracle Sealants Company, LLC

 

California (USA)

Morrells Woodfinishes Limited

 

England & Wales

NatureSeal, Inc. (83% JV)

 

Delaware (USA)

New Ventures (UK) Limited

 

England & Wales

New Ventures II (UK) Limited

 

England & Wales

NMBFil, Inc.

 

Ohio (USA)

Pipeline and Drainage Systems Limited

 

England & Wales

Pitchmastic PMB Limited

 

England & Wales

Radiant Color NV wo NCIA

 

Belgium

RPM Canada Company

 

Canada

RPM Canada Investment Company

 

Canada

RPM Canada, a General Partnership

 

Canada

RPM CH, G.P.

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Consumer Holding Company

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Enterprises, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Europe Holdco B.V.

 

Netherlands

RPM Funding Corporation

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Holdco Corp.

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Industrial Holding Company

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM International Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Ireland Finance Designated Activity

 

England & Wales

RPM Ireland Finance II dac

 

Ireland

RPM Ireland IP Limited

 

Ireland

RPM Lux Enterprises S.ar.l.

 

Luxembourg

RPM Lux Holdco S.ar.l.

 

Luxembourg

RPM New Horizons Belgium SCRL

 

Belgium

RPM New Horizons C.V.

 

Netherlands

RPM New Horizons Italy S.r.l.

 

Italy

RPM New Horizons Netherlands B.V.

 

Netherlands

RPM New Horizons Spain, S.L.U.

 

Spain

RPM Nova Scotia ULC

 

Canada

RPM NVUK Limited

 

England & Wales

RPM Performance Coatings Group, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

RPM Ventures C.V.

 

Netherlands

RPM Ventures Ireland Designated Activity Company

 

Ireland

RPM Ventures Netherlands B.V.

 

Netherlands

RPM WFG Finishworks Holdings, Inc.

 

Nevada (USA)

 


 

Company Name

 

Place of Incorporation

RPM Wood Finishes Group, Inc.

 

Nevada (USA)

RPOW France S.A.S.

 

France

RPOW UK Limited

 

England & Wales

Rust-Oleum Argentina S.A.

 

Argentina

Rust-Oleum Corporation

 

Delaware (USA)

Rust-Oleum International, LLC

 

Delaware (USA)

Rust-Oleum Netherlands BV

 

Netherlands

Skagit Northwest Holdings, Inc.

 

Washington (USA)

Specialty Polymer Coatings USA, Inc.

 

Texas (USA)

Specialty Polymer Coatings, Inc.

 

Canada

Specialty Products Holding Corp.

 

Ohio (USA)

SPS B.V.

 

Netherlands

Star Holding AS

 

Norway

StonCor Africa (Proprietary) Ltd.

 

South Africa

StonCor Corrosion Specialists Group Ltda.

 

Brazil

StonCor Deutschland GmbH

 

Germany

StonCor Group Inc. w/Branches

 

Delaware (USA)

StonCor South Cone S.A.

 

Argentina

TCI, Inc.

 

Georgia (USA)

Tevco Enterprises, Inc.

 

New Jersey (USA)

The Euclid Chemical Company

 

Ohio (USA)

Tor Coatings Limited

 

England & Wales

Toxement, S.A.

 

Colombia

Tremco Asia Pacific Pty. Limited

 

Australia

Tremco Barrier Solutions, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Tremco Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

tremco illbruck co., ltd.

 

South Korea

Tremco illbruck Dis, Ticaret A.S.

 

Turkey

Tremco illbruck Limited

 

England & Wales

Tremco illbruck Productie B.V.

 

Netherlands

Tremco illbruck Production SAS

 

France

Tremco illbruck Produktion GmbH

 

Germany

Tremco illbruck SAS

 

France

Tremco Incorporated

 

Ohio (USA)

Universal Sealants (U.K.) Limited

 

England & Wales

Vandex Holding AG

 

Switzerland

Viapol Ltda.

 

Brazil

Vi-Ja Beheer B.V.

 

Netherlands

Watco UK Limited

 

England & Wales

Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.

 

Delaware (USA)

Zinsser Holdings, LLC

 

Delaware (USA)

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM AND REPORT ON SCHEDULE

We consent to the incorporation by reference in:

 

Registration Statement No. 333-101512 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Deferred Compensation Plan;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-101501 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 401(k) Trust and Plan and the Union 401(k) Retirement Savings Trust and Plan;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-117581 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-120067 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-168437 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-139906 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 2007 Restricted Stock Plan;

 

Registration Statement No. 333-203406 on Form S-8 pertaining to the 2014 Omnibus Equity and Incentive Plan; and

 

Registration Statement No. 333-217291 on Form S-3 pertaining to the registration of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, purchase contracts and units and debt securities

of our reports dated July 23, 2018, relating to the consolidated financial statements of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K of RPM International Inc. for the year ended May 31, 2018.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our aforementioned report also included the financial statement schedule of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries listed in Item S-1. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of RPM International Inc. and subsidiaries’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Cleveland, Ohio

July 23, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit No. 31.1

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Frank C. Sullivan, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of RPM International Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/  Frank C. Sullivan

Frank C. Sullivan

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: July 23, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit No. 31.2

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Russell L. Gordon, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of RPM International Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/  Russell L. Gordon

Russell L. Gordon

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Dated: July 23, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

(1)

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 31, 2018 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in the Form 10-K.

Date: July 23, 2018

 

/s/ Frank C. Sullivan

Frank C. Sullivan

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing Certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

(1)

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 31, 2018 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2)

The information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in the Form 10-K.

Date: July 23, 2018

 

/s/ Russell L. Gordon

Russell L. Gordon

Vice President and Chief

Financial Officer

The foregoing Certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.