UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10‑Q10-Q
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 20172019
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. 0‑091150-09115

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONCORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
PENNSYLVANIAPennsylvania25‑064432025-0644320
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporationincorporation or organization)Identification No.)
TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER, PITTSBURGH, Two Northshore Center,Pittsburgh,PA15212‑5851
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
  
(412)442-8200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
  
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par valueMATWNasdaq Global Select Market

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 ☐
Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ☒No ☐
Yes ý No o
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.
Large accelerated filer ☒
ý
 Smaller reporting company ☐
Accelerated filer ☐Emerging growth company
Non-accelerated filer ☐(Do not check if a smallerSmaller reporting company)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 ý
Yes ☐No ☒

As of December 31, 2017,2019, shares of common stock outstanding were: Class A Common Stock 32,291,571 shares31,290,095 shares.




PART I ‑ FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.   Financial Statements

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
Cash and cash equivalents  $60,142
  ��$57,515
  $39,384
   $35,302
Accounts receivable, net  320,115
   319,566
  312,903
   318,756
Inventories  179,336
   171,445
Inventories, net  185,608
   180,274
Other current assets  53,784
   46,533
  56,453
   49,384
              
Total current assets  613,377
   595,059
  594,348
   583,716
              
Investments  49,946
   37,667
  91,286
   85,501
Property, plant and equipment: Cost$596,107
  
 $570,879
  
Less accumulated depreciation(342,263)  
 (335,346)  
 
 253,844
  
 235,533
Property, plant and equipment, net 
 239,240
  
 237,442
Deferred income taxes 
 1,890
  
 2,456
 
 5,155
  
 5,032
Other assets 
 58,887
  
 51,758
 
 112,405
  
 31,455
Goodwill 
 948,687
  
 897,794
 
 856,989
  
 846,807
Other intangible assets, net 
 455,744
  
 424,382
 
 385,156
  
 400,650
              
Total assets 
 $2,382,375
  
 $2,244,649
 
 $2,284,579
  
 $2,190,603
              
LIABILITIES 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Current liabilities: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Long-term debt, current maturities 
 $31,390
  
 $29,528
 
 $25,532
  
 $42,503
Trade accounts payable 
 57,267
  
 66,607
 
 62,786
  
 74,558
Accrued compensation 
 45,471
  
 62,210
 
 33,450
  
 42,545
Accrued income taxes 
 31,211
  
 21,386
 
 1,164
  
 5,997
Other current liabilities 
 127,332
  
 105,401
 
 160,344
  
 114,276
              
Total current liabilities 
 292,671
  
 285,132
 
 283,276
  
 279,879
              
Long-term debt 
 994,255
  
 881,602
 
 941,395
  
 898,194
Accrued pension 
 104,341
  
 103,273
 
 135,790
  
 133,762
Postretirement benefits 
 19,366
  
 19,273
 
 19,986
  
 19,963
Deferred income taxes 
 101,449
  
 139,430
 
 105,710
  
 102,482
Other liabilities 
 39,664
  
 25,680
 
 82,717
  
 37,087
Total liabilities 
 1,551,746
  
 1,454,390
 
 1,568,874
  
 1,471,367
              
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Shareholders' equity-Matthews: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Common stock$36,334
  
 $36,334
  
$36,334
  
 $36,334
  
Additional paid-in capital120,294
  
 123,432
  
140,526
  
 137,774
  
Retained earnings977,939
  
 948,830
  
955,593
  
 972,594
  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(143,904)  
 (154,115)  
(215,232)  
 (228,361)  
Treasury stock, at cost(160,577)  
 (164,774)  
(202,801)  
 (200,235)  
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews 
 830,086
  
 789,707
 
 714,420
  
 718,106
Noncontrolling interests 
 543
  
 552
 
 1,285
  
 1,130
Total shareholders' equity 
 830,629
  
 790,259
 
 715,705
  
 719,236
              
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 
 $2,382,375
  
 $2,244,649
 
 $2,284,579
  
 $2,190,603


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



2





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Three Months Ended
December 31,
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2017 20162019 2018
      
Sales$369,454
 $348,998
$364,944
 $374,177
Cost of sales(238,755) (221,731)(249,217) (247,766)
      
Gross profit130,699
 127,267
115,727
 126,411
      
Selling and administrative expenses(112,775) (108,204)
Selling expense(32,263) (35,029)
Administrative expense(70,465) (67,103)
Intangible amortization(17,942) (8,113)
      
Operating profit17,924
 19,063
Operating (loss) profit(4,943) 16,166
      
Investment income467
 337
Investment income (loss)1,299
 (1,352)
Interest expense(7,801) (6,148)(9,240) (10,301)
Other income (deductions), net(659) (555)(2,819) (924)
      
Income before income taxes9,931
 12,697
(Loss) income before income taxes(15,703) 3,589
      
Income tax benefit (provision)25,227
 (2,489)5,397
 (605)
      
Net income35,158
 10,208
Net (loss) income(10,306) 2,984
      
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests22
 114
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(160) 113
      
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders$35,180
 $10,322
Net (loss) income attributable to Matthews shareholders$(10,466) $3,097
      
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders: 
  
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic
$1.11
 $0.32
$(0.34) $0.10
      
Diluted$1.10
 $0.32
$(0.34) $0.10


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



3





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)


 
Three Months Ended December 31,Three Months Ended December 31,
Matthews Noncontrolling Interest TotalMatthews Noncontrolling Interest Total
2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
                      
Net income (loss):$35,180
 $10,322
 $(22) $(114) $35,158
 $10,208
Net (loss) income:$(10,466) $3,097
 $160
 $(113) $(10,306) $2,984
Other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"), net of tax: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment7,598
 (31,342) 13
 59
 7,611
 (31,283)11,111
 (12,564) (5) (13) 11,106
 (12,577)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits1,018
 1,536
 
 
 1,018
 1,536
1,727
 729
 
 
 1,727
 729
Unrecognized gain on derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives: 
  
  
  
  
  
Net change from periodic revaluation1,633
 5,100
 
 
 1,633
 5,100
566
 (2,346) 
 
 566
 (2,346)
Net amount reclassified to earnings(38) 493
 
 
 (38) 493
(275) (555) 
 
 (275) (555)
Net change in unrecognized gain on derivatives1,595
 5,593
 
 
 1,595
 5,593
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives291
 (2,901) 
 
 291
 (2,901)
OCI, net of tax10,211
 (24,213) 13
 59
 10,224
 (24,154)13,129
 (14,736) (5) (13) 13,124
 (14,749)
Comprehensive income (loss)$45,391
 $(13,891) $(9) $(55) $45,382
 $(13,946)$2,663
 $(11,639) $155
 $(126) $2,818
 $(11,765)


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



4





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016 (Unaudited)2018
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)


 Shareholders' Equity
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-
controlling
interests
 Total
Balance,
September 30, 2017
$36,334
 $123,432
 $948,830
 $(154,115) $(164,774) $552
 $790,259
Net income (loss)
 
 35,180
 
 
 (22) 35,158
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 1,018
 
 
 1,018
Translation adjustment
 
 
 7,598
 
 13
 7,611
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 1,595
 
 
 1,595
Total comprehensive income 
  
  
  
  
  
 45,382
Stock-based compensation
 5,474
 
 
 
 
 5,474
Purchase of 75,765 shares of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (4,415) 
 (4,415)
Issuance of 223,971 shares of treasury stock
 (8,922) 
 
 8,922
 
 
Cancellations of 5,214 shares of treasury stock
 310
 
 
 (310) 
 
Dividends, $0.19 per share
 
 (6,071) 
 
 
 (6,071)
Balance,
December 31, 2017
$36,334
 $120,294
 $977,939
 $(143,904) $(160,577) $543
 $830,629
 Shareholders' Equity
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 Total
Balance,
September 30, 2019
$36,334
 $137,774
 $972,594
 $(228,361) $(200,235) $1,130
 $719,236
Net (loss) income
 
 (10,466) 
 
 160
 (10,306)
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 1,727
 
 
 1,727
Translation adjustment
 
 
 11,111
 
 (5) 11,106
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 291
 
 
 291
Total comprehensive income 
  
  
  
  
  
 2,818
Stock-based compensation
 2,031
 
 
 
 
 2,031
Purchase of 52,104 shares of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (1,845) 
 (1,845)
Issuance of 11,225 shares of treasury stock
 (450) 
 
 450
 
 
Cancellations of 17,509 shares of treasury stock
 1,171
 
 
 (1,171) 
 
Dividends, $0.21 per share
 
 (6,535) 
 
 
 (6,535)
Balance,
December 31, 2019
$36,334
 $140,526
 $955,593
 $(215,232) $(202,801) $1,285
 $715,705
Shareholders' EquityShareholders' Equity
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-
controlling
interests
 Total
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 Total
Balance,
September 30, 2016
$36,334
 $117,088
 $896,224
 $(181,868) $(159,113) $669
 $709,334
Balance,
September 30, 2018
$36,334
 $129,252
 $1,040,378
 $(164,298) $(173,315) $363
 $868,714
Net income (loss)
 
 10,322
 
 
 (114) 10,208

 
 3,097
 
 
 (113) 2,984
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 1,536
 
 
 1,536

 
 
 729
 
 
 729
Translation adjustment
 
 
 (31,342) 
 59
 (31,283)
 
 
 (12,564) 
 (13) (12,577)
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 5,593
 
 
 5,593

 
 
 (2,901) 
 
 (2,901)
Total comprehensive loss 
  
  
  
  
  
 (13,946) 
  
  
  
  
  
 (11,765)
Stock-based compensation
 6,097
 
 
 
 
 6,097

 3,647
 
 
 
 
 3,647
Purchase of 95,229 shares of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (6,499) 
 (6,499)
Issuance of 205,623 shares of treasury stock
 (7,893) 
 
 7,907
 
 14
Dividends, $0.17 per share

 
 (5,389) 
 
 
 (5,389)
Balance,
December 31, 2016
$36,334
 $115,292
 $901,157
 $(206,081) $(157,705) $614
 $689,611
Purchase of 186,417 shares of treasury stock
 
 
 
 (7,751) 
 (7,751)
Issuance of 2,822 shares of treasury stock
 (115) 
 
 115
 
 
Cancellations of 19,433 shares of treasury stock
 891
 
 
 (891) 
 
Dividends, $0.20 per share
 
 (6,414) 
 
 
 (6,414)
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 1,760
 1,760
Cumulative tax adjustment for intra-entity transfers
 
 (4,176) 
 
 
 (4,176)
Balance,
December 31, 2018
$36,334
 $133,675
 $1,032,885
 $(179,034) $(181,842) $1,997
 $844,015
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



5





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)


Three Months Ended
December 31,
2017 2016Three Months Ended
December 31,
   2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$35,158
 $10,208
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Net (loss) income$(10,306) $2,984
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization17,238
 15,159
28,933
 19,226
Stock-based compensation expense5,474
 6,097
2,031
 3,647
Deferred tax benefit(38,052) (1,861)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets(576) 55
Unrealized gain on investments(489) (809)
Deferred tax provision2,392
 1,050
Gain on sale of assets, net
 (58)
Loss on divestiture
 4,465
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments in mutual funds(1,048) 1,990
Loss from equity-method investments407
 
Changes in working capital items(9,999) (12,808)(13,182) (21,060)
Increase in other assets(5,336) (1,177)
(Increase) decrease in other assets(1,495) 1,426
Decrease in other liabilities(1,931) (928)(1,073) (159)
Increase in pension and postretirement benefits2,833
 3,318
Other operating activities, net3,317
 (1,208)(1,302) (5,125)
      
Net cash provided by operating activities7,637
 16,046
5,357
 8,386
      
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures(11,647) (5,069)(9,722) (8,458)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(85,964) (10,733)
 (8,404)
Proceeds from sale of assets1,163
 7
63
 361
Proceeds from divestiture
 8,254
Purchases of investments(11,730) 
(4,570) (7,371)
      
Net cash used in investing activities(108,178) (15,795)(14,229) (15,618)
      
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Proceeds from long-term debt509,622
 133,454
153,567
 149,366
Payments on long-term debt(396,321) (67,533)(131,931) (128,659)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 14
Purchases of treasury stock(4,415) (6,499)(1,845) (7,751)
Dividends(6,071) (5,389)(6,535) (6,414)
Acquisition holdback and contingent consideration payments(652) 
Other financing activities(688) (724)
      
Net cash provided by financing activities102,815
 54,047
11,916
 5,818
      
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash353
 (3,602)1,038
 (322)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents$2,627
 $50,696
$4,082
 $(1,736)
   
Non-cash investing and financing activities:   
Acquisition of long-term asset under financing arrangement$14,544
 $
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



6





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
December 31, 20172019
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)




Note 1.   Nature of Operations


Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company"), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies. Brand solutions include brand development, deployment and delivery (consistingconsists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, andengineered products, imaging services, for consumer packaged goods and retail customers,digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).services primarily for the consumer goods and retail industries. Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. Industrial technologies include marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

The Company has facilities in the United States,North America, Europe, Asia, Canada, Australia, and Central and South America.



Note 2.   Basis of Presentation


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information for commercial and industrial companies and the instructions to Form 10‑Q and Rule 10‑01 of Regulation S‑X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.2020. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended September 30, 2017.2019.  The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control.  Investments in certain companies over which the Company exerts significant influence, but does not control the financial and operating decisions, are accounted for as equity method investments. Investments in certain companies over which the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for as cost method investments. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.


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


New Accounting Pronouncements:


Issued


In August 2017,December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"(the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20), which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each report date. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


7



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 2. Basis of Presentation (continued)

Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits.  The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2019 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a materialin the first quarter ended December 31, 2019 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


7



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 2.   Basis of Presentation (continued)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019, and early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The implementation of this standard will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, once adopted. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020, and does allow for early adoption.  The Company is in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016,Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued sixseveral ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognitionlease guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, ASU 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income2019-01, Leases (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)842): Codification Improvements. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognitionlease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2014-092018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the related ASUs referenced above are effective for Matthews beginningopening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.The Company adopted the standard using the transition method as of October 1, 2018. The2019. Under this approach, the Company has completed its initial detailed assessment of all global revenue arrangementsrecognized and recorded right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of approximately $80 million with no impact of the new standard compared to historicalretained earnings. Reporting periods prior to October 1, 2019 continue to be presented in accordance with previous lease accounting policies on a representative sample of contracts and it does not expect the adoption of these ASUs will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is continuing to assess the ultimate impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosure. In addition, the Company is evaluating the changes that will be required in its internal controls as a resultguidance under GAAP. As part of the adoption, the Company elected the package of this new standard. practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which includes the ability to carry forward historical lease classification. Refer to Note 8, “Leases,” for a further discussion.


Note 3.   Revenue Recognition

The Company is planningdelivers a variety of products and services through its business segments. The SGK Brand Solutions segment delivers brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, engineered products, and imaging services for consumer goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily to adopt the provisions of these ASUs usingconsumer goods and retail industries. The Memorialization segment produces and delivers bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the modified retrospective methodcemetery and funeral home industries.  The Industrial Technologies segment delivers marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for existing transactions on October 1, 2018.identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products for the warehousing and industrial industries.


Adopted

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill and removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment process.  The Company has early adopted this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but modifies the methodology to assess and measure goodwill impairment prospectively.



8





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 2.   Basis of Presentation3.   Revenue Recognition (continued)


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The Company early adopted this ASU indisaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by geography, as it believes geographic regions best depict how the fourth quarternature, amount, timing and uncertainty of fiscal 2017, which resulted in a reduction to income tax expense of $1,234,revenue and a corresponding favorable impact on diluted earnings per share of $0.04, both of which have been retroactively included incash flows are affected by economic factors. Disaggregated sales by segment and region for the first quarter results for fiscal 2017.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which provides new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarterthree months ended December 31, 2017 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.2019 and 2018 were as follows:


  SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated
  Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended December 31,
  20192018 20192018 20192018 20192018
North America $76,230
$79,582
 $144,045
$143,293
 $28,299
$27,714
 $248,574
$250,589
Central and South America 1,836
1,217
 

 

 1,836
1,217
Europe 82,413
90,518
 7,829
8,158
 6,926
6,337
 97,168
105,013
Australia 3,002
2,959
 2,531
2,435
 

 5,533
5,394
Asia 11,399
11,024
 

 434
940
 11,833
11,964
Total Sales $174,880
$185,300
 $154,405
$153,886
 $35,659
$34,991
 $364,944
$374,177




Note 3.4.   Fair Value Measurements


Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  A three level fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs used in valuations, as defined below:


Level 1:   Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
 
Level 3:   Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.


The fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:
 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:               
Derivatives (1)
$
 $669
 $
 $669
 $
 $845
 $
 $845
Equity and fixed income mutual funds
 24,014
 
 24,014
 
 22,986
 
 22,986
Life insurance policies
 4,089
 
 4,089
 
 4,030
 
 4,030
Total assets at fair value$
 $28,772
 $
 $28,772
 $
 $27,861
 $
 $27,861
                
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives (1)
$
 $818
 $
 $818
 $
 $1,379
 $
 $1,379
Total liabilities at fair value$
 $818
 $
 $818
 $
 $1,379
 $
 $1,379
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:               
Derivatives (1)$
 $6,573
 $
 $6,573
 $
 $3,990
 $
 $3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds
 22,029
 
 22,029
 
 21,649
 
 21,649
Other investments
 5,895
 
 5,895
 
 5,810
 
 5,810
Total assets at fair value$
 $34,497
 $
 $34,497
 $
 $31,449
 $
 $31,449
                
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Derivatives (1)$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
Total liabilities at fair value$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $31
 $
 $31
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.





9





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 4.5.   Inventories


Inventories consisted of the following:
 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Raw materials$38,220
 $35,616
Work in process79,108
 76,297
Finished goods68,280
 68,361
 $185,608
 $180,274

 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
    
Raw materials$30,622
 $29,396
Work in process64,645
 61,917
Finished goods84,069
 80,132
 $179,336
 $171,445




Note 5.6.     Investments

Non-current investments consisted of the following:
 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Equity and fixed income mutual funds$24,014
 $22,986
Life insurance policies4,089
 4,030
Equity-method investments44,273
 39,761
Cost-method investments18,910
 18,724
 $91,286
 $85,501


During fiscal 2020, the Company made additional investments in a non-consolidated subsidiary totaling $4,900 and continued to account for this non-controlling interest as an equity-method investment.

Note 7.   Debt


The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured amortizing term loan. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $150,000) can be drawn in foreign currencies. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  Pursuant to the terms of the domestic credit facility agreement, principal payments may be made on the term loan prior to the scheduled due dates. The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR (Euro LIBOR for balances drawn in Euros) plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.25%(1.50% at December 31, 2017)2019) based on the Company's secured leverage ratio.  The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization). as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.


The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 20172019 were $337,000$351,689 and $525,000,$325,638, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 were €125.0 million ($140,206) and €125.0 million ($136,470), respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 20172019 were $227,591 $47,287and $232,479,$53,497, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps)swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 was 2.93%2.60% and 2.65%3.06%, respectively.


In December 2017, theThe Company issuedhas $300,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on June 1, 2018.year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were used primarily to reduce indebtedness under the Company's domestic credit facility. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes of $4,068, which will be deferred and amortized over the term of the 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $3,150 and $3,284 at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively.


10



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7.   Debt (continued)

The Company has a $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions which matures on April 4, 2019.11, 2020 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 20172019 were $101,400$106,720 and $95,825,$93,950, respectively. At December 31, 2017,2019 and 2018, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was 2.31%.2.51%and 3.25%, respectively.



10



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 5.   Debt (continued)


The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges:
  December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $287,500
 $293,750
Net unrealized loss 
 $(149) $(534)
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 1.7
 1.9
Weighted-average received rate 1.76% 2.02%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.43% 1.41%

  December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $409,375
 $414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss) $6,573
 $3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 3.1
 3.3
Weighted-average received rate 1.56% 1.23%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.34% 1.34%


The Company enters into interest rate swaps in order to achieve a mix of fixed and variable rate debt that it deems appropriate. The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of future variable interest payments, which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company's assessment, all of the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.


The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gainloss, net of $6,573unrealized gains, of $149 ($4,010112 after tax) at December 31, 20172019 and an unrealized gain,loss, net of unrealized losses,gains, of $3,959$534 ($2,415403 after tax) at September 30, 2017. The net unrealized gain2019, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at December 31, 2017,2019, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $1,178$118 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.


At December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Derivatives December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017
Current assets:    
Other current assets $1,931
 $1,098
Long-term assets:  
  
Other assets 4,642
 2,892
Current liabilities:  
  
Other current liabilities 
 (7)
Long-term liabilities:  
  
Other liabilities 
 (24)
Total derivatives $6,573
 $3,959

The gains recognized on derivatives were as follows:
Derivatives December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Current assets:    
Other current assets $473
 $548
Long-term assets:  
  
Other assets 196
 297
Current liabilities:  
  
Other current liabilities (316) (484)
Long-term liabilities:  
  
Other liabilities (502) (895)
Total derivatives $(149) $(534)

 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
 
      Three Months Ended
December 31,
     2017 2016
        
 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $63
 $807

















11





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 5.7.   Debt (continued)


Thegainsrecognized on derivatives were as follows:
 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 
 
      Three Months Ended
December 31,
     2019 2018
 Interest rate swaps Interest expense $364
 $735


The Company recognized the following gains (losses) in AOCI:
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives
 Location of Gain Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) 
Amount of Gain 
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion*)
  December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018   December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Interest rate swaps $566
 $(2,346) Interest expense $275
 $555
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 
Amount of Gain
Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives
 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion*) 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion*)
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
           
Interest rate swaps $1,633
 $5,100
 Interest expense $38
 $(493)
           
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.


The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation.Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowing available under this facility is €35.0€35.0 million ($41,931)39,258)The creditIn the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company extended this facility matures into a current maturity of December 20182020 andthe Company intends to continue to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €26.2€18.4 million ($31,416)20,680) and €22.1€12.8 million ($26,126)14,024) at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 was 2.00% and 1.75%, respectively.1.25%.


The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH, & Co. KG, hashad €15.0 million ($17,971)16,533) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation and maturematured in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest2019 at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.which point they were paid.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at December 31, 2017 and 20162018 was 1.40%.


The Company, through its Italian subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loansFinance lease liabilities included as a component of debt totaled €2.1 million ($2,500)$3,495 and €2.6 million ($3,079)$3,631 at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively. The maturity datesSee Note 8, "Leases" for these loans range from January 2018 through November 2019.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has multiple on-demand lines of credit totaling €11.3 million ($13,574) withfurther discussion on the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were €4.1 million ($4,885) and €4.0 million ($4,735)Company's lease obligations. Other debt totaled $395 at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.2019. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowingsother debt was 5.54% at December 31, 20172018.

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations. Currency losses of $499 (net of income taxes of $162) and 2016 was 2.27% and 1.58%$3,320 (net of income taxes of $1,077), respectively.

Other debt totaled $926 and $1,032which represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 4.62% and 5.77% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


In September 2014, a claim was filed by a customer seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ($11,564 11,301at December 31, 2017)2019) with respect to a performance guarantee on aan environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court""U.K. Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the U.K. Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the U.K. Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the U.K. Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the U.K Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, the ongoing dispute involves litigation in multiple foreign jurisdictions because the contract between the parties includes a venue clause requiring the venue for any litigation to be in the United Kingdom, while the enforcement of any final judgment is required to be executed in Saudi Arabia. The Company continues to pursue a trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia which is now scheduled to conclude in calendar year 2020. It is necessary to obtain an equivalent favorable ruling in the courts of Saudi Arabia to effectively enforce the judgment and commence collection efforts. The Company remains confident regarding the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia and expects to be in a position to enforce the judgment and initiate collection efforts following completion of that trial. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the U.K. Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations.   The Company’s level of success in recovering

12



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7.   Debt (continued)

funds from the customer will depend upon a number of factors including a successful completion of the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia, the availability of recoverable funds, and the subsequent level of cooperation from the Saudi Arabian government to enforce a potential judgment against the customer. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017.2019. The Company will continue to assess the accounting and collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve.


As of December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of December 31, 2019.



12




Note 8.   Leases

The Company’s lease portfolio includes various contracts for real estate, vehicles, information technology and other equipment. At contract inception, a lease exists if the contract conveys the right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is considered to exist when the lessee has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset, as well as the right to direct the use of that asset. If a contract is considered to be a lease, the Company recognizes a lease liability based on the present value of the future lease payments, and a corresponding right-of-use asset. As a majority of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit interest rate within the lease, an incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the ROU asset and lease liability which is based on information available at the commencement date. Options to purchase, extend or terminate a lease are included in the ROU asset and lease liability when it is reasonably certain an option will be exercised. Renewal options are most prevalent in the Company’s real estate leases. In general, the Company has not included renewal options for leases in the ROU asset and lease liability because the likelihood of renewal was not determined to be reasonably certain. In addition, leases may include variable lease payments, for items such as maintenance and utilities, which are expensed as incurred as variable lease expense.

There are two types of leases, operating leases and finance leases. Lease classification is determined at lease commencement. Leases not meeting the finance lease criteria are classified as operating leases. Effective October 1, 2019, ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. ROU assets for operating leases are classified in other assets, and ROU assets for finance leases are classified in property, plant and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For operating leases, short-term lease liabilities are classified in other current liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities are classified in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For finance leases, short-term lease liabilities are classified in long-term debt, current maturities, and long-term lease liabilities are classified in long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Leases with an initial lease term of twelve months or less have not been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Reporting periods prior to October 1, 2019 continue to be presented in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance under GAAP.




13



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 8.   Leases (continued)

The following table presents the balance sheet and lease classification for the Company's lease portfolio:
Balance Sheet Classification Lease Classification December 31, 2019
Non-current assets:    
Property, plant and equipment, net Finance $1,330
Other assets Operating 76,682
Total lease assets   $78,012
     
Current liabilities:    
Long-term debt, current maturities Finance $532
Other current liabilities Operating 26,456
Non-current liabilities:    
Long-term debt Finance 2,963
Other liabilities Operating 51,007
Total lease liabilities   $80,958


Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, while the expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the interest method of recognition. On the cash flow statement, payments for operating leases are classified as operating activities. Payments for finance leases are classified as a financing activity, with the exception of the interest component of the payment which is classified as an operating activity.

The following table presents the components of lease cost:
  Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Operating lease cost$6,263
Variable lease cost1,424
Sublease income(187)
Total lease cost*$7,500

Supplemental information regarding the Company's leases follows:
 December 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases*$8,105
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities$2,071
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (years)7.64
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (years)3.54
Weighted-discount rate - finance leases3.41%
Weighted-discount rate - operating leases3.06%
* Lease cost and cash flows for finance leases were insignificant for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components for all asset classes. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to utilize a portfolio approach for certain equipment asset classes, primarily information technology, as the application of the lease model to the portfolio would not differ materially from the application of the lease model to the individual leases within the portfolio.






14



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 8.   Leases (continued)

Maturities of lease obligations were as follows as of December 31, 2019:
  Operating Leases Finance Leases
2020 $22,089
 $517
2021 22,814
 501
2022 14,930
 383
2023 9,023
 383
2024 5,870
 374
Thereafter 7,387
 2,095
Total future minimum lease payments 82,113
 4,253
Less: Interest 4,650
 758
Present value of lease liabilities: $77,463
 $3,495



Note 6.9.   Share-Based Payments


The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012"2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. Under the 20122017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 2,500,000.1,700,000. At December 31, 2017,2019, there were 121,038 1,700,000shares reserved for future issuance under the 20122017 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2012558,200 restricted share units have been granted under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and are outstanding as of December 31, 2019.  The 2017 Equity Incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.


With respect to outstandingthe restricted share grants, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted earnings per share, and the remaining one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  Additionally, restricted shares cannot vest until the first anniversary of the grant date.  Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of three or five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.


With respect to the restricted share unit grants, units generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of units that vest depend on certain time and performance thresholds. Approximately thirty-eight percent of the shares vest based on time, while the remaining vest based on pre-defined performance thresholds. The Company issues common stock from treasury shares once vested.

For the three-month periods ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, stock-based compensation cost totaled $5,474$2,031 and $6,097,$3,647, respectively.The three-month periods ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 included $2,850$313 and $3,337$1,849 of stock-based compensation cost, respectively, that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation was $1,341$179 and $2,378$535 for the three-month periods ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.

There were no stock options exercised during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017. For the three-month period ended December 31, 2016, the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $14. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company was $3 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. The intrinsic value of options (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options on the date of exercise) exercised during the three-month period ended December 31, 2016 and was $9.


The transactions for restricted stockshares and restricted share units for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 were as follows:
 Shares /Units 
Weighted-
average
Grant-date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2019615,635
 $49.61
Granted296,000
 35.29
Vested(125,190) 64.50
Expired or forfeited(20,690) 65.01
Non-vested at December 31, 2019765,755
 $41.22

 Shares 
Weighted-
average
Grant-date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2017501,184
 $53.65
Granted234,100
 57.05
Vested(168,280) 51.54
Expired or forfeited(5,214) 59.51
Non-vested at December 31, 2017561,790
 $55.64



As of December 31, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $13,338 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of restricted stock granted during the three-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
15
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2017 2016
Expected volatility20.5% 20.2%
Dividend yield1.0% 1.1%
Average risk-free interest rate2.0% 1.7%
Average expected term (years)2.1
 2.1



13




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 6.9.   Share-Based Payments (continued)


The risk-free interest rateAs of December 31, 2019, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $15,410 and is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock priceexpected to be recognized over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  The expected term for grants in the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 represents an estimate of thea weighted average period of time for restricted shares to vest.  The option characteristics for each grant are considered separately for valuation purposes.2.4 years.


The Company maintains the 19942019 Director Fee Plan, the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the Amended and Restated 20141994 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 20142019 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018,2020, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 20182020 paid to athe non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The total number of shares of stock that have been authorized to be issued under the 2019 Director Fee Plan or credited to a deferred stock compensation account for subsequent issuance is 150,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment upon certain events such as stock dividends or stock splits).  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 16,13925,767 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans as of December 31, 2017.2019.  Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares)shares or units) with a value of $125 for fiscal 2018.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At December 31, 2017, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 161,7242020.  196,266restricted shares ofand restricted stockshare units have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 58,57423,037 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 20142019 Director Fee Plan.  25,15734,542 restricted shares and restricted share of restricted stockunits are unvested at December 31, 2017.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.2019. 




Note 7.10.   Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Shareholders


The information used to compute (loss) earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows:

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2019 2018
Net (loss) income attributable to Matthews shareholders$(10,466) $3,097
    
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
  
Basic shares31,136
 31,604
Effect of dilutive securities
 130
Diluted shares31,136
 31,734

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2017 2016
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders$35,180
 $10,322
    
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
  
Basic shares31,738
 32,250
Effect of dilutive securities132
 198
Diluted shares31,870
 32,448
    


Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilution calculation were insignificant for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.





16
14




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 8.11.   Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
 
 Three months ended December 31,
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2019 2018 2019 2018
        
Service cost$2,170
 $2,000
 $64
 $61
Interest cost *1,933
 2,301
 140
 180
Expected return on plan assets *(2,232) (2,596) 
 
Amortization: 
  
  
  
Prior service cost(47) (46) (23) (49)
Net actuarial loss (gain) *2,387
 1,061
 
 (15)
Net benefit cost$4,211
 $2,720
 $181
 $177

 Three months ended December 31,
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2017 2016 2017 2016
        
Service cost$2,039
 $2,138
 $84
 $98
Interest cost2,049
 1,841
 158
 157
Expected return on plan assets(2,534) (2,312) 
 
Amortization: 
  
  
  
Prior service cost(35) (45) (49) (49)
Net actuarial loss1,752
 2,509
 
 
        
Net benefit cost$3,271
 $4,131
 $193
 $206
* Non-service components of pension and postretirement expense are included in other income (deductions), net.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating funds.  Under IRS regulations, the Company is not required to make any significant contributions of approximately $4,333 to its principal retirement plan in fiscal year 2018.2020.


Contributions made and anticipated for fiscal year 20182020 are as follows:
Contributions Pension Other Postretirement
Contributions during the three months ended December 31, 2019:    
Supplemental retirement plan $176
 $
Other postretirement plan 
 206
     
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2020:  
  
Principal retirement plan $4,333
 $
Supplemental retirement plan 706
 
Other postretirement plan 
 783

Contributions Pension Other Postretirement
     
Contributions during the three months ended December 31, 2017:    
Supplemental retirement plan $184
 $
Other postretirement plan 
 437
     
Additional contributions expected in fiscal 2018:  
  
Supplemental retirement plan $582
 $
Other postretirement plan 
 607





17
15




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 9.12.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
   Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2019 $(71,743) $(156,214) $(404) $(228,361)
OCI before reclassification 
 11,111
 566
 11,677
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,727
(a) 

 (275)
(b) 
1,452
Net current-period OCI 1,727
  
11,111
  
291
 13,129
Balance, December 31, 2019 $(70,016) $(145,103) $(113) $(215,232)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:  
  
  
  
Balance, September 30, 2019 $
 $375
 $
 $375
OCI before reclassification 
 (5) 
 (5)
Net current-period OCI 
 (5) 
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 2019 $
 $370
 $
 $370

   Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2018 $(37,876) $(134,960) $8,538
 $(164,298)
OCI before reclassification 
 (12,564) (2,346) (14,910)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 729
(a) 

 (555)
(b) 
174
Net current-period OCI 729
 (12,564) (2,901) (14,736)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(37,147) $(147,524) $5,637
 $(179,034)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:  
  
  
  
Balance, September 30, 2018 $
 $467
 $
 $467
OCI before reclassification 
 (13)
  

 (13)
Net current-period OCI 
 (13) 
 (13)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $
 $454
  
$
 $454


(a)
Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 11).
(b)
Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 7).
         
The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
   Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2017 $(43,623) $(112,907) $2,415
 $(154,115)
OCI before reclassification 
 7,598
 1,633
 9,231
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(a)1,018
 
(b)(38) 980
Net current-period OCI 1,018
 7,598
 1,595
 10,211
Balance, December 31, 2017 $(42,605) $(105,309) $4,010
 $(143,904)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:  
  
  
  
Balance, September 30, 2017 
 $396
 
 $396
OCI before reclassification 
 13
 
 13
Net current-period OCI 
 13
 
 13
Balance, December 31, 2017 
 $409
 
 $409

   Post-retirement benefit plans Currency translation adjustment Derivatives Total
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2016 $(56,050) $(122,259) $(3,559) $(181,868)
OCI before reclassification 
 (31,342) 5,100
 (26,242)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(a)1,536
 
(b)493
 2,029
Net current-period OCI 1,536
 (31,342) 5,593
 (24,213)
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(54,514) $(153,601) $2,034
 $(206,081)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:  
  
  
  
Balance, September 30, 2016 
 $277
 
 $277
OCI before reclassification 
 59
 
 59
Net current-period OCI 
 59
 
 59
Balance, December 31, 2016 
 $336
 
 $336

(a)Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 8).
(b)Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 5).



16



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 9.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)
       












18



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 12.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (continued)

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three-month periods ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 were as follows:
 Amount reclassified from AOCI Amount reclassified from AOCI
Details about AOCI Components
 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2017
 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016
 Affected line item in the Statement of income Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2018
 Affected line item in the Statement of income
          
Postretirement benefit plans                  
Prior service (cost) credit $84
(a)$94
  
Prior service credit $70
(a) 
$95
  
Actuarial losses (1,752)(a)(2,509)   (2,387)
(a) 
(1,046)  
 (1,668)(b)(2,415) Income before income tax (2,317)
(b) 
(951) Income before income tax
 (650) (879) Income taxes 590
  
222
 Income taxes
 $(1,018) $(1,536) Net income $(1,727)
  
$(729) Net income
Derivatives  
  
       
  
 
     
Interest rate swap contracts $63
 $(807) Interest expense $364
  
$735
 Interest expense
 63
(b)(807) Income before income tax 364
(b) 
735
 Income before income tax
 25
 (314) Income taxes (89)
  
(180) Income taxes
 $38
 $(493) Net income $275
 $555
 Net income


(a)
AmountsPrior service cost amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  Actuarial losses are reported in other income (deductions), net. For additional information, see Note 8.11.
(b)
For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.




Note 10.13.   Income Taxes


Income tax provisions for the Company's interim periods are based on the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Company's consolidated income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 were a benefit of $25,227,$5,397, compared to income taxan expense of $2,489$605 for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019. The differences between the Company'sCompany’s consolidated income taxes for the first three months of fiscal 2018 first quarter effective tax rate and2020 versus the same period for fiscal 2017 first quarter effective tax rate, as well as the Company’s fiscal 2018 blended U.S. Federal statutory rate of 24.5%2019 primarily resulted from the impactsfiscal 2020 consolidated loss before income taxes and higher fiscal 2020 discrete benefits resulting from the closure of several tax audits during the U.S. tax reform enactment discussed below.current quarter. The current quarter income tax benefit also reflected the impact of the realization of certain tax credits in connection with the Company's recent international structuring.

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporateCompany’s fiscal 2020 three month effective tax rate varied from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, which results in a blendedthe U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5% for the Company in fiscal 2018. The Act also requires companies21.0% primarily due to pay a one-time transitionstate taxes, foreign statutory rate differentials, tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred,credits, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not finalized its accounting for thediscrete tax effects of the Act; however, as described below, management has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and has recorded an estimated amount for its one-time transition tax. For the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional net tax benefit of $24,553 wasbenefits recognized which is included entirely as a component of income tax benefit (provision) for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The two main components of this provisional amount are discussed below.

Provisional amounts

Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which these deferred tax amounts are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21.0% or 24.5%. This remeasurement resulted in a tax benefit of $38,010 being recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2017. The Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act, estimating the timing of reversals, and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances, or potentially generate new deferred tax amounts.quarter.


17



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 10.   Income Taxes (continued)

Foreign tax effects: The Company recorded a provisional amount for its one-time transition tax for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $13,457 for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The one-time transition tax was calculated using an estimate of the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company has not yet finalized its calculation of the total post-1986 E&P and tax pools for its foreign subsidiaries and has not fully analyzed the state income tax effects. The calculation of the one-time transition tax is also impacted by the amount of foreign E&P held in cash and other specified assets. The tax amount may change when the Company finalizes its calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) of $7,994$12,579 and $7,968$15,526 on December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively, of which $9,365 and $11,417 would impact the annual effective rate. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $3,699$3,340 in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of an audit.audits and the expiration of the statute of limitations.


The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes. Total penalties and interest accrued were $1,786$2,730 and $1,779$2,880 at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively.  These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions.













19



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 13.   Income Taxes (continued)

The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitations expires for those tax jurisdictions.  As of December 31, 2017,2019, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:
United States – Federal20132016 and forward
United States – State20132015 and forward
Canada20132015 and forward
Germany20092015 and forward
United Kingdom20152018 and forward
Australia20132015 and forward
Singapore20132016 and forward





Note 11.14.   Segment Information


The Company manages its businesses under three3 segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment includes brand development, deployment and delivery (consistingconsists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, andengineered products, imaging services, for consumer packaged goods and retail customers,digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).services primarily for the consumer goods and retail industries.  The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

The Company's primary measure of segment profitability is adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA"). Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. This presentation is consistent with how the Company's chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) evaluates the results of operations and makes strategic decisions about the business. For these reasons, the Company believes that adjusted EBITDA represents the most relevant measure of segment profit and loss.

In addition, the CODM manages and evaluates the operating performance of the segments, as described above, on a pre-corporate cost allocation basis. Accordingly, for segment reporting purposes, the Company does not allocate corporate costs to its reportable segments. Corporate costs include management and administrative support to the Company, which consists of certain aspects of the Company’s executive management, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology (including operational support) and finance departments. These costs are included within "Corporate and Non-Operating" in the following table to reconcile to consolidated adjusted EBITDA and are not considered a separate reportable segment. Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest amongstto the segments.



20
18




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 11.14.   Segment Information (continued)


InformationThe following table sets forth information about the Company's segments, is as follows:including a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income.
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2019 2018
Sales: 
SGK Brand Solutions$174,880
 $185,300
Memorialization154,405
 153,886
Industrial Technologies35,659
 34,991
Consolidated Sales$364,944
 $374,177
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2017 2016
Sales: 
Adjusted EBITDA:   
SGK Brand Solutions$191,766
 $175,801
$18,738
 $27,351
Memorialization144,889
 145,622
30,093
 30,321
Industrial Technologies32,799
 27,575
4,314
 3,595
Corporate and Non-Operating(12,915) (14,786)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$40,230
 $46,481
$369,454
 $348,998
   
Acquisition costs (1)**
(1,948) (2,032)
ERP integration costs (2)**
(665) (2,177)
Strategic initiatives and other charges (3)**
(10,251) 
Loss on divestiture (4)

 (4,465)
Joint Venture depreciation, amortization, interest expense and other charges (5)
(797) 
Stock-based compensation(2,031) (3,647)
Non-service pension and postretirement expense (6)
(2,228) (931)
Depreciation and amortization *
(28,933) (19,226)
Interest expense(9,240) (10,301)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests160
 (113)
(Loss) income before income taxes(15,703) 3,589
Income tax benefit (provision)5,397
 (605)
Net (loss) income$(10,306) $2,984
(1) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with recent acquisition activities.
(2) Represents costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts.
(3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with productivity and cost-reduction initiatives intended to result in improved operating performance, profitability and working capital levels. 
(4) Represents a loss on the sale of a controlling interest in a subsidiary within the Memorialization segment.
(5) Represents the Company's portion of depreciation, intangible amortization, interest expense, and other non-recurring charges incurred by non-consolidated subsidiaries accounted for as equity-method investments within the Memorialization segment.
(6) Non-service pension and postretirement expense includes interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses. These benefit cost components are excluded from adjusted EBITDA since they are primarily influenced by external market conditions that impact investment returns and interest (discount) rates. The service cost and prior service cost components of pension and postretirement expense are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, since they are considered to be a better reflection of the ongoing service-related costs of providing these benefits. Please note that GAAP pension and postretirement expense or the adjustment above are not necessarily indicative of the current or future cash flow requirements related to these employee benefit plans.
Operating profit:   
SGK Brand Solutions$3,152
 $4,190
Memorialization14,454
 14,367
Industrial Technologies318
 506
 $17,924
 $19,063


Note 12.   Acquisitions

Fiscal 2018:

On November 28, 2017, the Company acquired Compass Engineering Group, Inc. ("Compass") for $49,793 (net of cash acquired, subject to a working capital true-up). Compass provides high-quality material handling control solutions* Depreciation and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Compass acquisition is not finalized as of December 31, 2017,amortization was $21,656 and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed several additional smaller acquisitions$11,442 for an aggregate purchase price of $36,171 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital true-ups). These additional acquisitions strengthen the Company's operations across the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $4,636 and Memorialization segments. The preliminary purchase price allocations$5,019 for the acquisitions are not finalized as ofMemorialization segment, $1,442 and $1,526 for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $1,199 and $1,239 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 and are subject to change as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets,2018, respectively.
** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other assetscharges were $3,446 and liabilities.

Fiscal 2017:

On March 1, 2017,$601 for the Company acquired GJ Creative Limited ("Equator") for £30.5 million ($37,596) (net of cash acquired). Equator provides design expertise capable of taking brands from creation to shelf under one roof, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related tosegment and $9,090 and $3,608 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the Equator acquisition is not finalized as ofthree months ended December 31, 2017,2019 and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to working capital items, fixed assets, intangible assets,2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other assets and liabilities.charges were $328 for the Memorialization segment for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

On February 28, 2017, the Company acquired certain net assets of RAF Technology, Inc. ("RAF") for $8,717 (net of cash acquired). RAF is a global leader in pattern and optical character recognition software, and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the RAF acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

On January 13, 2017, the Company acquired VCG (Holdings) Limited ("VCG") for £8.8 million ($10,695) (net of cash acquired). VCG is a leading graphics, plate-making, and creative design company and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the VCG acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.



21
19




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 12.15.   Acquisitions (continued)and Divestitures


Fiscal 2019:

On January 3, 2017,November 1, 2018 the Company acquired A. + E. Ungricht GmbH + Co KG ("Ungricht"80% ownership of Frost Converting Systems, Inc. (“Frost”) for €24.0 million ($25,185)a purchase price of approximately $7,162 (net of cash acquired)acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). UngrichtFrost is a leading European providerglobal supplier of pre-press serviceshigh-performance rotary dies for embossing, creasing and gravure printing forms, located in Germany,cutting of paperboard packaging and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The Company finalized the allocation of the purchase price related to the UngrichtFrost acquisition in the firstfourth quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.accounts.


On November 30, 2016,During fiscal 2019, the Company acquired Guidance Automation Limited ("Guidance")completed small acquisitions in the Memorialization segment for £8.0 million ($9,974)a combined purchase price of $3,094 (net of cash acquired)acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). Guidance provides technological solutions for autonomous warehouse vehicles and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price allocations related to the Guidance acquisitionthese acquisitions in the fourthfirst quarter of fiscal 2017,2020, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

During fiscal 2019, the Company completed the sale of a 51% ownership interest in a small Memorialization business. Net proceeds from this sale totaled approximately $8,254, and intangible asset accounts.the transaction resulted in the recognition of a $4,465 loss for the three months ended December 31, 2018, which is included as a component of administrative expenses. Immediately following the transaction, the Company retained a non-controlling interest in this business, which will be accounted for as an equity-method investment.




Note 13.16.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


A summary of the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each segment as well as the changes in such amounts are as follows:
 
SGK Brand
Solutions
 Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated
        
Net goodwill at September 30, 2019$395,704
 $359,737
 $91,366
 $846,807
Additions during period
 
 
 
Translation and other adjustments8,565
 935
 682
 10,182
Net goodwill at December 31, 2019$404,269
 $360,672
 $92,048
 $856,989

 
SGK Brand
Solutions
 Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated
        
Goodwill$491,895
 $347,507
 $69,144
 $908,546
Accumulated impairment losses(5,752) (5,000) 
 (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2017486,143
 342,507
 69,144
 897,794
        
Additions during period8,603
 17,152
 21,112
 46,867
Translation and other adjustments2,795
 1,055
 176
 4,026
Goodwill503,293
 365,714
 90,432
 959,439
Accumulated impairment losses(5,752) (5,000) 
 (10,752)
Balance at December 31, 2017$497,541
 $360,714
 $90,432
 $948,687
The net goodwill balances at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 include $88,324 of accumulated impairment losses. Accumulated impairment losses were $83,324 and $5,000 for the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments, respectively.
The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 20172019 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value. The Company performed an interim assessment of its Graphics Imaging reporting unit goodwill during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and recorded a $77,572 goodwill write-down. Subsequent to this write-down, the fair value therefore no adjustments toof the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, within the SGK Brand Solutions segment, approximated carrying value ofat September 30, 2019. If current projections are not achieved or specific valuation factors outside the Company’s control (such as discount rates) significantly change, additional goodwill were necessary.write-downs may be necessary in future periods.



22
20




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited), Continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



Note 13.16.   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)


The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively.
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
December 31, 2019     
Trade names$30,540
 $
*$30,540
Trade names148,730
 (33,085) 115,645
Customer relationships377,079
 (144,867) 232,212
Copyrights/patents/other20,561
 (13,802) 6,759
 $576,910
 $(191,754) $385,156
      
September 30, 2019:
 
  
  
Trade names$30,540
 $
*$30,540
Trade names148,628
 (22,653) 125,975
Customer relationships374,515
 (137,330) 237,185
Copyrights/patents/other20,463
 (13,513) 6,950
     *Not subject to amortization$574,146
 $(173,496) $400,650

 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
December 31, 2017:     
Trade names$168,467
 $
*$168,467
Trade names8,504
 (2,284) 6,220
Customer relationships364,554
 (90,611) 273,943
Copyrights/patents/other19,092
 (11,978) 7,114
 $560,617
 $(104,873) $455,744
      
September 30, 2017:
 
  
  
Trade names$168,467
 $
*$168,467
Trade names5,522
 (2,030) 3,492
Customer relationships333,632
 (84,560) 249,072
Copyrights/patents/other14,787
 (11,436) 3,351
     *Not subject to amortization$522,408
 $(98,026) $424,382

The net change in intangible assets during the three months ended December 31, 20172019 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period and additional amortization, and additions related to the fiscal 2018 acquisitions.amortization.


Amortization expense on intangible assets was $6,681$17,942 and $4,941$8,113 for the three-month periods ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.  Amortization expense is estimated to be $22,201$53,562 for the remainder of fiscal 2018, $27,747 in 2019, $25,925 in 2020, $24,350$60,109 in 2021, $46,729 in 2022, $27,797 in 2023 and $22,928$26,177 in 2022.2024.




23
21






Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES:


The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2019.  Any forward-looking statements contained herein are included pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct.  Factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, changes in mortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, ability to achieve cost-reduction objectives, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions, cybersecurity concerns, effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company's control, and other factors described in Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-Q and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2019.  In addition, although the Company does not have any customers that would be considered individually significant to consolidated sales, changes in the distribution of the Company's products or the potential loss of one or more of the Company's larger customers are also considered risk factors. Matthews cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not all inclusive. Readers are also cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date of this report, even if subsequently made available by Matthews on its website or otherwise. Matthews does not undertake to update any forward looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of Matthews to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.


Included in this report are measures of financial performance that are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures assist management in comparing the Company's performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision-making by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company's core operations. For additional information and reconciliations from the consolidated financial statements see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:


The following table sets forth the salesCompany manages its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and operating profit for the Company's three reporting segments for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2017 2016
Sales:(Dollar amounts in thousands)
SGK Brand Solutions$191,766
 $175,801
Memorialization144,889
 145,622
Industrial Technologies32,799
 27,575
 $369,454
 $348,998

Operating profit:   
SGK Brand Solutions$3,152
 $4,190
Memorialization14,454
 14,367
Industrial Technologies318
 506
 $17,924
 $19,063

Sales for the three months ended December 31, 2017 were $369.5 million, compared to $349.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.Industrial Technologies. The increase in fiscal 2018 sales principally reflected higher sales of marking products (Industrial Technologies) and cremation equipment (Memorialization), benefits from recently completed acquisitions (see "Acquisitions" below) and the favorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency rates were estimated to have a favorable impact of $7.4 million on fiscal 2018 first quarter consolidated sales compared to a year ago. These increases were partially offset by slower market conditions in North America and Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment consists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and lower unit salescylinders, engineered products, imaging services, digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily for the consumer goods and retail industries. The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and caskets.other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.


The Company's primary measure of segment profitability is adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA"). Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. This presentation is consistent with how the Company's chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) evaluates the results of operations and makes strategic decisions about the business. For these reasons, the Company believes that adjusted EBITDA represents the most relevant measure of segment profit and loss.


24
22






Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued





In addition, the CODM manages and evaluates the operating performance of the segments, as described above, on a pre-corporate cost allocation basis. Accordingly, for segment reporting purposes, the Company does not allocate corporate costs to its reportable segments. Corporate costs include management and administrative support to the Company, which consists of certain aspects of the Company’s executive management, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology (including operational support) and finance departments. These costs are included within "Corporate and Non-Operating" in the following table to reconcile to consolidated adjusted EBITDA and are not considered a separate reportable segment. Management does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest to the segments.

The following table sets forth the sales and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's three reporting segments for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Refer to Note 14, "Segment Information" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for the Company's financial information by segment.

 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2019 2018
Sales:(Dollar amounts in thousands)
SGK Brand Solutions$174,880
 $185,300
Memorialization154,405
 153,886
Industrial Technologies35,659
 34,991
Consolidated Sales$364,944
 $374,177
Adjusted EBITDA:   
SGK Brand Solutions$18,738
 $27,351
Memorialization30,093
 30,321
Industrial Technologies4,314
 3,595
Corporate and Non-Operating(12,915) (14,786)
Total Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$40,230
 $46,481
(1) Total Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below.

Sales for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were $364.9 million, compared to $374.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018, representing a decrease of $9.3 million.  Changes in foreign currency rates were estimated to have an unfavorable impact of $2.5 million on fiscal 2020 consolidated sales compared to a year ago. The decrease in fiscal 2020 sales also reflected lower brand sales in the U.S. and decreased sales of cylinders, surfaces and engineered products in Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment. These decreases were partially offset by higher brand sales in the Asia-Pacific region and increased sales of merchandising solutions for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, higher casket revenues and increased sales of cremation and incineration equipment for the Memorialization segment, and increased product identification sales for the Industrial Technologies segment.

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for the first three months of fiscal 20182020 were $191.8$174.9 million, compared to $175.8$185.3 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019.  The increasedecrease primarily resulted from lower sales in the U.S., reflecting a significant brand client electing to transition their work internally, and lower sales reflectedof cylinders, surfaces and engineered products in Europe. These decreases were partially offset by sales growth in the U.K.Asia-Pacific region and Asia Pacific markets, and benefits from recently completed acquisitions.increased sales of merchandising solutions. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also had a favorablean unfavorable impact of $6.0$1.9 million on the segment's sales compared to the same quarter lastprior year. These increases were partially offset by slower brand market conditions in the U.S. and Europe. Memorialization segment sales for the first three months of fiscal 20182020 were $144.9$154.4 million, compared to $145.6$153.9 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019. The sales decrease reflectedincrease primarily resulted from improved price realization on caskets and memorial products, and higher sales of cremation and incineration equipment, partially offset by lower unit sales of memorialscaskets and caskets, partially offset by highermemorial products. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $322,000 on the segment's sales of cremation equipment, andcompared to the benefits of recently completed acquisitions.prior year. Industrial Technologies segment sales were $32.8$35.7 million for the first three months of fiscal 2018,2020, compared to $27.6$35.0 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019. The increase reflected higher product identification sales, partially offset by lower sales of marking products,warehouse automation systems and benefits from recently completed acquisitions.decreased applied technologies sales. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also had a favorablean unfavorable impact of $530,000$322,000 on the segment's sales compared to the same quarter lastprior year.


Gross profit for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 was $130.7$115.7 million, compared to $127.3$126.4 million for the same period a year ago.  Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 35.4%31.7% and 36.5%33.8% for the first three months of fiscal 20182020 and fiscal 2017,2019, respectively.  The increasedecrease in gross profit primarily reflected lower sales, and unfavorable changes in margins for

25




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued


merchandising solutions and for cylinders, surfaces and engineered products within the impact of higher sales from recent acquisitions, the benefits of productivity initiatives, and realization of acquisition synergies.SGK Brand Solutions segment. These increasesdeclines were partially offset by lower sales (excluding acquisitions)the realization of productivity improvements and acquisition synergies, primarily in North Americathe Memorialization segment. Gross profit also included acquisition integration costs and Europeother charges totaling $1.1 million and $402,000 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment.three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 were $112.8$102.7 million, compared to $108.2$102.1 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, were 30.5%28.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to 31.0%27.3% for the same period last year.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses reflected the impact of recently completed acquisitions, including $2.1 million of incremental intangible asset amortization recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, partially offset by the benefits from cost reduction initiatives, including acquisition-integration synergies. Selling and administrative expenses also included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges primarily in connection with cost reductioncost-reduction initiatives totaling $4.7$12.5 million in fiscal 2018,2020, compared to $8.6$3.8 million in fiscal 2017. 

Operating profit2019. These increases in selling and administrative expenses were partially offset by the impact of lower sales in fiscal 2020, and benefits from ongoing cost-reduction initiatives. Fiscal 2019 selling and administrative expenses also included a $4.5 million loss recognized on the sale of a controlling interest in a Memorialization business. Intangible amortization for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 was $17.9 million, compared to $19.1$8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.2018. The increase in intangible amortization primarily reflected $9.4 million of incremental amortization resulting from the fiscal 2019 reduction in useful lives for certain trade names that are being discontinued.

Adjusted EBITDA was $40.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and $46.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2018. Adjusted EBITDA for the SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profitwas $18.7 million for the first three months of fiscal 2018 was $3.2 million,2020 compared to $4.2$27.4 million for the same period a year ago. The decrease in segment operating profitadjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of lower sales, (excluding acquisitions)unfavorable changes in North Americaproduct mix, ongoing pricing pressures, and Europe,a decline in margins for merchandising solutions and an increase of $1.5 million in intangible asset amortization related to recently completed acquisitions,for cylinders, surfaces and engineered products. These decreases were partially offset by the favorable impact of changessales growth in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $560,000. Additionally, fiscal 2018 operating profit for the SGK Brand Solutions segment included acquisition integration costsAsia-Pacific region and other charges totaling $3.8 million, compared to $6.2 million in fiscal 2017.benefits from cost-reduction initiatives. Memorialization segment operating profit for the first three months of fiscal 2018adjusted EBITDA was $14.5 million, compared to $14.4$30.1 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2020 compared to $30.3 million for the first three months of fiscal 2019. The increasedecrease in segment operating profitadjusted EBITDA primarily reflected higherlower margins on sales of cremation equipment sales,and incineration products, partially offset by improved price realization on caskets and memorial products, and the benefitsfavorable impact of acquisition synergies and other productivity initiatives, partially offset by the impact of lower memorial and casket sales volume. Fiscal 2018 operating profit for the Memorialization segment also included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $807,000, compared to $2.1 million in fiscal 2017. Operating profitinitiatives. Adjusted EBITDA for the Industrial Technologies segment for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 was $318,000,$4.3 million, compared to $506,000$3.6 million for the same period a year ago. The benefitsIndustrial Technologies segment adjusted EBITDA reflected the impact of higher product identification sales, werepartially offset by higher investments in the segment's product development,impact of lower sales of warehouse automation systems and $450,000 of incremental intangible asset amortization related to recently completed acquisitions.decreased applied technologies sales.


Investment income was $467,000$1.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $337,000investment losses of $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, principally reflecting2018. The change primarily reflected increases in the return onvalue of investments (primarily marketable securities) held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for the first three months of fiscal 20182020 was $7.8$9.2 million, compared to $6.1$10.3 million for the same period last year.  The increasedecrease in interest expense reflected an increaselower average interest rates and a decrease in average borrowing levels primarily related to acquisitions, higher average interest rates in the current fiscal year, and incremental financing costs associated with the 5.25% senior notes (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below).year.  Other income and deductions,(deductions), net, for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 represented ana decrease in pre-tax income of $659,000,$2.8 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $555,000$924,000 for the same period last year.  Other income (deductions), net includes the non-service components of pension and deductions generally includepostretirement expense, which totaled $2.2 million and $931,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for further details. Other income (deductions), net also includes banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances. 


Income tax provisions for the Company's interim periods are based on the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Company's consolidated income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were a benefit of $5.4 million, compared to an expense of $605,000 for the first three months of fiscal 2019. The differences between the Company’s consolidated income taxes for the first three months of fiscal 2020 versus the same period for fiscal 2019 primarily resulted from the fiscal 2020 consolidated loss before income taxes and higher fiscal 2020 discrete benefits resulting from the closure of several tax audits during the current quarter. The Company’s fiscal 2020 three month effective tax rate varied from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to state taxes, foreign statutory rate differentials, the benefit of tax credits, and discrete tax benefits recognized in the quarter.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $160,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2019, compared to net losses of $113,000 for the same period a year ago.  The net income (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected income (losses) in less than wholly-owned businesses.



26
23






Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued






NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES:

Included in this report are measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures to assist in comparing its performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision-making by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company’s core operations including acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, strategic initiative and other charges (which includes non-recurring charges related to operational initiatives and exit activities), stock-based compensation and the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense. Management believes that presenting non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors because it (i) provides investors with meaningful supplemental information regarding financial performance by excluding certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company's core operations, (ii) permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, forecast, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate historical performance, and (iii) otherwise provides supplemental information that may be useful to investors in evaluating the Company’s results. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to those measures, provided herein, provides investors with an additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting the Company’s business that could not be obtained absent these disclosures.

The Company's consolidatedCompany believes that adjusted EBITDA provides relevant and useful information, which is used by the Company’s management in assessing the performance of its business. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. Adjusted EBITDA provides the Company with an understanding of earnings before the impact of investing and financing charges and income taxes, and the effects of certain acquisition and ERP integration costs, and items that do not reflect the ordinary earnings of the Company’s operations. This measure may be useful to an investor in evaluating operating performance. It is also useful as a financial measure for lenders and is used by the Company’s management to measure business performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of the Company's financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of the Company's liquidity. The Company's definition of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

27




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued


The reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA is as follows:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 2019 2018
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)
Net (loss) income$(10,306) $2,984
Income tax (benefit) provision(5,397) 605
(Loss) income before income taxes(15,703) 3,589
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(160) 113
Interest expense9,240
 10,301
Depreciation and amortization *
28,933
 19,226
Acquisition costs (1)**
1,948
 2,032
ERP integration costs (2)**
665
 2,177
Strategic initiatives and other charges (3)**
10,251
 
Loss on divestiture (4)

 4,465
Joint Venture depreciation, amortization, interest expense and other charges (5)
797
 
Stock-based compensation2,031
 3,647
Non-service pension and postretirement expense (6)
2,228
 931
Total Adjusted EBITDA$40,230
 $46,481
(1) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with recent acquisition activities.
(2) Represents costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts.
(3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with productivity and cost-reduction initiatives intended to result in improved operating performance, profitability and working capital levels. 
(4) Represents a loss on the sale of a controlling interest in a subsidiary within the Memorialization segment.
(5) Represents the Company's portion of depreciation, intangible amortization, interest expense, and other non-recurring charges incurred by non-consolidated subsidiaries accounted for as equity-method investments within the Memorialization segment.
(6) Non-service pension and postretirement expense includes interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and losses. These benefit cost components are excluded from adjusted EBITDA since they are primarily influenced by external market conditions that impact investment returns and interest (discount) rates. The service cost and prior service cost components of pension and postretirement expense are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, since they are considered to be a better reflection of the ongoing service-related costs of providing these benefits. Please note that GAAP pension and postretirement expense or the adjustment above are not necessarily indicative of the current or future cash flow requirements related to these employee benefit plans.
* Depreciation and amortization was $21.7 million and $11.4 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $4.6 million and $5.0 million for the Memorialization segment, $1.4 million and $1.5 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $1.2 million and $1.2 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 and 2018, respectively.
** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were a benefit of $25.2$3.4 million compared to income tax expense of $2.5and $601,000 for the SGK Brand Solutions segment and $9.1 million and $3.6 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $328,000 for the Memorialization segment for the three months ended December 31, 2019.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:
Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.4 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017. The differences between the Company's fiscal 2018 first quarter effective tax rate and the fiscal 2017 first quarter effective tax rate, as well as the Company’s fiscal 2018 blended U.S. Federal statutory rate of 24.5%, primarily resulted from the impacts of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) which was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, which results in a blended U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5% for the Company in fiscal 2018. The Act also requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. At December 31, 2017, the Company has not finalized its accounting for the tax effects of the Act; however, management has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and has recorded an estimated amount for its one-time transition tax. For the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional net tax benefit of $24.6 million was recognized, which is included entirely as a component of income tax benefit (provision) for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The current quarter income tax benefit also reflected the impact of the realization of certain tax credits in connection with the Company's recent international structuring. Refer to Note 10, “Income Taxes” in Item 1 - “Financial Statements” for further details regarding income taxes.

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $22,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017,2020, compared to $114,000 for the same period a year ago.  The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.6$8.4 million for the first three months of fiscal 2018, compared to $16.0 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017.2019.  Operating cash flow for both periods reflectedprincipally included net (loss) income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, andnet (gains) losses related to investments, non-cash pension expense.expense, other non-cash adjustments, and changes in working capital items. Net changes in working capital items which principally related to fiscal year-end compensation-related payments, resulted in a use of working capital of approximately $10.0 million and $12.8$13.2 million in the first three monthsfiscal 2020, reflecting decreases in accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued compensation, increases in inventory, and changes in other accounts. Net changes in working capital items resulted in a use of working capital of approximately $21.1 million in fiscal 20182019, reflecting fiscal year-end compensation-related payments and fiscal 2017, respectively.increased amounts recognized in excess of billings for certain customer projects.


28




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued


Cash used in investing activities was $108.2$14.2 millionfor the three months ended December 31, 2019, compared to $15.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $15.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.2018.  Investing activities for the first three months of fiscal 20182020 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $11.6$9.7 millionand cash investments made in non-consolidated subsidiaries of $4.6 million.Investing activities for the first three months of fiscal 2019 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $8.5 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) totaling $86.0$8.4 million, andproceeds of $8.3 million from the purchasedivestiture of a cost method investmentcontrolling interest in a small Memorialization business, and investments and advances of $11.7$7.4 million.  Investing activities for the first three months of fiscal 2017 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $5.1 million, and acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $10.7 million.


Capital expenditures reflected reinvestment in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new production machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements.  Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash.  Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $45.0$41.9 million for the last three fiscal years.  Capital spending for fiscal 20182020 is currently expectedestimated to be in the range of $45.0 million to $50.0 approximately $50million.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.


Cashprovided byfinancing activities for the three months ended December 31, 20172019 was $102.8$11.9 million,primarily reflecting proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $113.3$21.6 million,treasury stock purchases of $4.4$1.8 million, and dividends of $6.1$6.5 millionto the Company's shareholders. Cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 20162018 was $54.0$5.8 million, primarily reflecting proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $65.9$20.7 million, treasury stock purchases of $6.5$7.8 million, and dividends of $5.4$6.4 million to the Company's shareholders.


The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million senior secured amortizing term loan. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $150.0 million) can be drawn in foreign currencies. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  Pursuant to the terms of the domestic credit facility agreement, principal payments may be made on the term loan prior to the scheduled due dates. The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR (Euro LIBOR for balances drawn in Euros) plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.25%(1.5% at December 31, 2017)2019) based on the Company's secured leverage ratio.  The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization). as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement.  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.


24




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued




The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 20172019 were $337.0$351.7 million and $525.0$325.6 million, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 were €125.0 million ($140.2 million) and €125.0 million ($136.5 million), respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 20172019 were $227.6$47.3 million and $232.5$53.5 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps)swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 was 2.93%2.60% and 2.65%3.06%, respectively.


In December 2017, theThe Company issuedhas $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on June 1, 2018.year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were used primarily to reduce indebtedness under the Company's domestic credit facility. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes of $4.1 million, which will be deferred and amortized over the term of the 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $3.2 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively.


The Company has a $115.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions which matures on April 4, 2019.11, 2020 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at December 31, 2017 2019

29




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued


and September 30, 20172019 were $101.4$106.7 million and $95.8$94.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017,2019 and 2018, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was 2.31%.2.51% and 3.25%, respectively.


The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges (dollar amounts in thousands):
 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2019 September 30, 2019
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $409,375
 $414,063
 $287,500
 $293,750
Net unrealized gain (loss) $6,573
 $3,959
Net unrealized loss $(149) $(534)
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 3.1
 3.3
 1.7
 1.9
Weighted-average received rate 1.56% 1.23% 1.76% 2.02%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.34% 1.34% 1.43% 1.41%


The Company enters into interest rate swaps in order to achieve a mix of fixed and variable rate debt that it deems appropriate. The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of future variable interest payments, which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company's assessment, all of the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.


The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gainloss, net of $6.6 millionunrealized gains, of $149,000 ($4.0 million112,000 after tax) at December 31, 20172019 and an unrealized gain,loss, net of unrealized losses,gains, of $4.0 million$534,000 ($2.4 million403,000 after tax) at September 30, 2017.2019. The net unrealized gainloss is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at December 31, 2017,2019, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $1.2 million$118,000 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.


The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation.Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowing available under this facility is €35.0€35.0 million ($41.939.3 million).  The creditIn the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company extended this facility matures into a current maturity of December 20182020 andthe Company intends to continue to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €26.2€18.4 million ($31.420.7 million) and €22.1€12.8 million ($26.114.0 million) at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 was 2.00% and 1.75%, respectively.1.25%.


25




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued




The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH, & Co. KG, hashad €15.0 million ($18.016.5 million) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation and maturematured in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest2019 at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.which point they were paid.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at December 31, 2017 and 20162018 was 1.40%.


The Company, through its Italian subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loansFinance lease liabilities included as a component of debt totaled €2.1$3.5 million ($2.5 million) and €2.6$3.6 million ($3.1 million) at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017,2019, respectively. The maturity datesSee Note 8, "Leases" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for these loans range from January 2018 through November 2019. Matthews International S.p.A. also has multiple on-demand lines of credit totaling €11.3 million ($13.6 million) withfurther discussion on the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were €4.1 million ($4.9 million) and €4.0 million ($4.7 million)Company's lease obligations. Other debt totaled $395,000 at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.2019. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowingsother debt was 5.54% at December 31, 20172018. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of December 31, 2019.

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations. Currency losses of $499,000 (net of income taxes of $162,000) and 2016 was 2.27% and 1.58%$3.3 million (net of income taxes of $1.1 million), respectively.

Other debt totaled $926,300 and $1.0 millionwhich represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 4.62% and 5.77% at December 31, 2017 and 2016,2019, respectively.


In September 2014, a claim was filed by a customer seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8.6 million ($11.611.3 million at December 31, 2017)2019) with respect to a performance guarantee on aan environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court""U.K. Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the U.K. Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the U.K. Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the U.K. Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the U.K Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, the ongoing dispute involves litigation in multiple foreign jurisdictions because the contract between the parties includes a venue clause requiring the venue for any litigation to be in the United Kingdom, while the enforcement of any final judgment is required to be executed in Saudi Arabia. The Company continues to pursue a trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia which is now scheduled to conclude in calendar year 2020. It is necessary to obtain an equivalent favorable ruling in the courts of Saudi Arabia to effectively enforce the judgment and

30




Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued


commence collection efforts. The Company remains confident regarding the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia and expects to be in a position to enforce the judgment and initiate collection efforts following completion of that trial. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the U.K. Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations.  The Company’s level of success in recovering funds from the customer will depend upon a number of factors including a successful completion of the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia, the availability of recoverable funds, and the subsequent level of cooperation from the Saudi Arabian government to enforce a potential judgment against the customer. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017.2019. The Company will continue to assess the accounting and collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve.


The Company has a stock repurchase program.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,740,381660,208 shares remain available for repurchase as of December 31, 2017.2019. The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.


Consolidated working capital of the Company was $320.7$311.1 million at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $309.9$303.8 million at September 30, 2017.2019.  Cash and cash equivalents were $60.1$39.4 million at December 31, 2017,2019, compared to $57.5$35.3 million at September 30, 2017.2019.  The Company's current ratio was 2.1 at December 31, 20172019 and September 30, 2017.2019.




ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:


The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  These laws and regulations impose limitations on the discharge of materials into the environment and require the Company to obtain and operate in compliance with conditions of permits and other government authorizations.  As such, the Company has developed environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures that include the proper handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.


The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of non-operating former manufacturing sites acquired through corporate acquisitions and the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.non-owned waste management facilities.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.



ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES:

Refer to Note 15, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for further details on the Company's acquisitions and divestitures.



31
26






Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued





At December 31, 2017, an accrual of approximately $2.9 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $750,000 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of known remediation obligations for one of the Company's subsidiaries.  The accrual does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  Changes in the accrued environmental remediation obligation from the prior fiscal year reflect payments charged against the accrual. While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.


ACQUISITIONS:

Refer to Note 12, "Acquisitions" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for further details on the Company's acquisitions.



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:


The Company's current strategy to attain annual growth in earnings per share primarily consists of the following:  internal growth (which includes organic growth, cost structure and productivity improvements, new product development and the expansion into new markets with existing products), acquisitions and integration activities to achieve synergy benefits.benefits and share repurchases.

With respectThe significant factors (excluding acquisitions) influencing sales growth in the SGK Brand Solutions segment are global economic conditions, brand innovation, the level of marketing spending by the Company's clients, and government regulation. Due to the remainderglobal footprint of this segment, currency fluctuations can also be a significant factor. For the Memorialization segment, North America death rates, the cremation trend, and price realization impact sales growth for the Company's bronze and granite memorials, caskets and cremation and incineration-related products. For the Industrial Technologies segment, sales growth drivers include economic/industrial market conditions, new product development, and the e-commerce trend. At present, the Company is currently targeting revenue growth in fiscal 2018,2020 in its Industrial Technologies and Memorialization segments, with relatively stable year-over-year revenues for the SGK Brand Solutions segment.

During fiscal 2019, the Company initiated a strategic evaluation to improve profitability and reduce the Company's cost structure. These actions leveraged the benefit of the Company's new global ERP platform, primarily targeted at the SGK Brand Solutions segment, both operational and commercial structure, and the Company's shared financial services and other administrative functions. This evaluation identified opportunities for significant cost structure improvements, which the Company expects to continueachieve over the fiscal 2020 to devote a significant level of effortfiscal 2021 period.  The Company's recent strategic review has also resulted in improvements to the integrationscommercial structure within the SGK Brand Solutions segment, including the consolidation of recent acquisitions, including systems integration.  Due toseveral of the sizesegment's trade names. As a result, the amortization of these acquisitions and the projected synergy benefits from integration, these efforts are anticipated to continue for an extended period of time.  The costs associated with these integrationsintangible assets will impact the Company's operating results forsignificantly increase in fiscal 2018.  Consistent with its practice, the Company plans to identify these costs on a quarterly basis as incurred.2020 through fiscal 2022.




CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment based on various assumptions and other factors such as historical experience, economic conditions, and in some cases, actuarial techniques.  Actual results may differ from those estimates.   A discussion of market risks affecting the Company can be found in Item 7A - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2019.


A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in the critical accounting policies in Management's Discussion and Analysis included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017.2019.  Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide useful and reliable financial information about the company'sCompany's operating results and financial condition.

The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value. The Company performed an interim assessment of its Graphics Imaging reporting unit goodwill during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and recorded a $77.6 million goodwill write-down. Subsequent to this write-down, the fair value of the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, within the SGK Brand Solutions segment, approximated carrying value at September 30, 2019. If current projections are not achieved or specific valuation factors outside the Company’s control (such as discount rates) significantly change, additional goodwill write-downs may be necessary in future periods.





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27






Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued






LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:


The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at December 31, 2017,2019, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.
Payments due in fiscal year:Payments due in fiscal year:
Total 
2018
Remainder
 2019 to 2020 2021 to 2022 
After
2022
Total 
2020(1)
Remainder
 2021 to 2022 2023 to 2024 
After
2024
Contractual Cash Obligations:(Dollar amounts in thousands)(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Revolving credit facilities$368,416
 $
 $31,416
 $337,000
 $
$512,575
 $
 $512,575
 $
 $
Securitization Facility101,400
 
 101,400
 
 
106,720
 106,720
 
 
 
Senior secured term loan227,591
 15,625
 50,000
 161,966
 
47,287
 18,750
 28,537
 
 
2025 Senior Notes421,974
 13,125
 31,500
 31,500
 345,849
391,351
 7,875
 31,500
 31,500
 320,476
Notes payable to banks22,052
 3,304
 18,748
 
 
Short-term borrowings4,885
 4,885
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations6,706
 897
 1,746
 1,237
 2,826
Non-cancelable operating leases77,594
 17,308
 32,021
 15,576
 12,689
Finance lease obligations(2)
4,253
 517
 884
 757
 2,095
Non-cancelable operating leases(2)
82,113
 22,089
 37,744
 14,893
 7,387
Other14,976
 2,995
 5,990
 5,991
 
10,066
 2,235
 5,873
 966
 992
                  
Total contractual cash obligations$1,245,594
 $58,139
 $272,821
 $553,270
 $361,364
$1,154,365
 $158,186
 $617,113
 $48,116
 $330,950

(1)The Company maintains certain debt facilities with maturity dates of twelve months or less that it intends and has the ability to extend beyond twelve months totaling $127.4 million. These balances have been classified as non-current on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2)Lease obligations have not been discounted to their present value.

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates.  At December 31, 2017,2019, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.93%2.60% on the Company's domestic credit facility, 2.31%2.51% on the Company's Securitization Facility 2.00%and 1.25% on the credit facility through the Company's European subsidiaries, 1.40% on notes issued by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, 2.27% on bank loans to the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A, and 4.62% on other outstanding debt.subsidiaries.


Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are funded from the Company's operating cash. TheUnder IRS regulations, the Company is not required to make any significant contributions of approximately $4.3 million to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2018.2020. During the three months ended December 31, 20172019 contributions of $184,000$176,000 and $437,000$206,000 were made under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement plan, respectively. The Company currently anticipates contributing an additional $582,000$4.3 million, $706,000 and $607,000$783,000 under the principal retirement plan, supplemental retirement plan and postretirement plan, respectively, for the remainder of fiscal 2018.2020.


Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities.  If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.  As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest, of approximately $8.0$12.6 million.  The timing of potential future payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits is not presently determinable. The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.




RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:
 
Refer to Note 2, "Basis of Presentation" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements," for further details on recently issued accounting pronouncements.





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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk:


There have been no material changes in the Company’s market risk during the three months ended December 31, 2017.2019. For additional information see Item 7A - "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2019.




Item 4.  Controls and Procedures:


The Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under that Act (the "Exchange Act"), such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These disclosure controls and procedures also are designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in effect as of December 31, 2017.2019. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and that such information is recorded, summarized and properly reported within the appropriate time period, relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be included in the Exchange Act reports, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
The Company is in the process of implementing a global operating and financial reporting information technology system, SAP, as part of a multi-year plan to integrate and upgrade its systems and processes. As the phased implementation of this system occurs, certain changes will be made to the Company's processes and procedures which, in turn, result in changes to its internal control over financial reporting. While the Company expects to strengthen its internal financial controls by automating certain manual processes and standardizing business processes and reporting across its global organization, management will continue to evaluate and monitor its internal controls as processes and procedures in each of the affected areas evolve.
Other than changes with respect to the SAP implementation described above, thereThere have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 20172019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.



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PART II ‑ OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. Legal Proceedings


MatthewsThe Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Matthews' financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 1A. Risk Factors


There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item IA1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2019. The risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017,2019, in addition to the other information set forth in this report, could adversely affect the Company's operating performance and financial condition. Additional risks not currently known or deemed immaterial may also result in adverse effects on the Company.


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


Stock Repurchase Plan


The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,740,381 660,208shares remain available for repurchase as of December 31, 2017.2019.


The following table shows the monthly fiscal 20182020 stock repurchase activity:
Period Total number of shares purchased Weighted-average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
October 2017 
 $
 
 1,816,146
November 2017 75,078
 58.27
 75,078
 1,741,068
December 2017 687
 58.64
 687
 1,740,381
Total 75,765
 $58.27
��75,765
  
Period Total number of shares purchased Weighted-average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
October 2019 9,800
 $35.87
 9,800
 702,512
November 2019 38,425
 35.02
 38,425
 664,087
December 2019 3,879
 38.10
 3,879
 660,208
Total 52,104
 $35.41
 52,104
  


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities


Not Applicable.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures


Not Applicable.


Item 5. Other Information


Not Applicable.



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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8‑K


(a)Exhibits  
    
 Exhibit No.DescriptionMethod of Filing
    
 4.1Exhibit Number 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017
4.2Exhibit Number 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017
10.1Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017
10.2Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2017
31.1Filed herewith
 31.2Filed herewith
 32.1Furnished herewith
 32.2Furnished herewith
 101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentDocument- the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentFiled herewith
 101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension SchemaFiled herewith
 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation LinkbaseFiled herewith
 101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition LinkbaseFiled herewith
 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label LinkbaseFiled herewith
 101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
Filed herewith







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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
   MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
   
(Registrant)
 
    
Date:January 31, 20182020 By: /s/ Joseph C. Bartolacci
   Joseph C. Bartolacci, President
   and Chief Executive Officer
    
    
Date:January 31, 20182020 By: /s/ Steven F. Nicola
   Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer
   and Secretary
    





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