Alliance One's 10Q/A (September 30, 2007)




 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

 

_______________________________

FORM 10-Q/A

_______________________________

 

 

[X]  

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

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

 

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Alliance One International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Virginia

001-13684

54-1746567

 

________________

_____________________________

____________________

 

(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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


Title of Each Class

Name of Exchange On Which Registered

Common Stock (no par value)

New York Stock Exchange

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

As of November 1, 2007, the registrant had 96,848,000 shares outstanding of Common Stock (no par value), including 7,853,000 shares owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary.

 




Explanatory Note


          The purpose of this amendment on Form 10-Q/A to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Alliance One International, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 is to restate our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2007 and the related Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 to correct restructuring and asset impairment errors as described in Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


          No attempt has been made in this Form 10-Q/A to modify or update other disclosures presented in the original report on Form 10-Q, except as required to reflect the effects of the restatement. Information not affected by the restatement is unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the original filing of the Form 10-Q on November 8, 2007. Accordingly, this Form 10-Q/A should be read in conjunction with our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission subsequent to the filing of the original Form 10-Q, including any amendments to those filings. The following items have been amended as a result of the restatement:


·

Part I—Item 1—Financial Statements


·

Part I—Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


·

Part I—Item 4—Controls and Procedures


          As a result of the restatement described above, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of other members of management, have re-evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, and, based on this re-evaluation, have determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of September 30, 2007 with respect to account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges.  A material weakness related to accounting for income taxes was previously disclosed.  This revised assessment is included under Part 1, Item 4 in this document.





 

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Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I. 

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 (Restated) and 2006

4

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2007 (Restated) and 2006

 

 

and March 31, 2007

5

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 (Restated) and 2006

6

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7 - 27

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

28 - 36

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

37

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

37 - 39

 

 

Part II. 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

40

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. 

Exhibits

41

 

Signature

42

 

 

Index of Exhibits

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended   

 

Six Months Ended         

 

 

September 30,       

 

September 30,           

 

 

2007    

 

2006    

 

2007     

 

2006      

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

As Restated,
See Note 16

 

 

 

As Restated,
See Note 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and other operating revenues

$586,612 

 

$593,630 

 

$1,048,320 

 

$1,087,115 

 

Cost of goods and services sold

502,789 

 

489,793 

 

892,675 

 

905,774 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

83,823 

 

103,837 

 

155,645 

 

181,341 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

36,514 

 

40,985 

 

76,003 

 

80,232 

 

Other income

2,231 

 

2,878 

 

4,167 

 

3,521 

 

Restructuring and asset impairment costs

9,277 

 

20,856 

 

9,701 

 

22,554 

 

Operating income

40,263 

 

44,874 

 

74,108 

 

82,076 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt retirement expense

1,257 

 

 

3,187 

 

-  

 

Interest expense (includes debt amortization of $920
      and $1,414 for the three months and $1,924 and $2,909
      for the six months in 2007 and 2006, respectively)

25,155 

 

29,585 

 

50,048 

 

55,144 

 

Interest income

2,101 

 

2,832 

 

4,273 

 

2,847 

 

Derivative financial instruments income

-  

 

-  

 

 

290 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and other items

15,952 

 

18,121 

 

25,146 

 

30,069 

 

Income tax expense

5,097 

 

9,317 

 

8,401 

 

12,844 

 

Equity in net income of investee companies

294 

 

156 

 

294 

 

228 

 

Minority interests (income)

47 

 

(173)

 

 

(347)

 

Income from continuing operations

11,102 

 

9,133 

 

17,033 

 

17,800 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

356 

 

(833)

 

404 

 

(4,627)

 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of income taxes

-  

 

-  

 

 

(252)

 

Net income

$  11,458 

 

$    8,300 

 

$     17,437 

 

$     12,921 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income from continuing operations

$  .12 

 

$  .11 

 

$ .20 

 

$ .20 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

.01 

 

(.01)

 

 

(.05)

 

    Net income

$  .13 

 

$  .10 

 

$ .20 

 

$ .15 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income from continuing operations

$  .13 

 

$  .10 

 

$ .18 

 

$ .20 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

(.01)

 

.01 

 

(.05)

 

    Net income

$  .13 

 

$  .09 

 

$ .19 

 

$ .15 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Basic

88,103 

 

86,284 

 

87,988 

 

86,208 

 

    Diluted

89,654 

 

87,390 

 

89,744 

 

87,361 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

 

 


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

(Unaudited)

 






 

September 30, 
2007       

 

September 30, 
2006       

 

March 31, 
2007      

 

(in thousands)

As Restated,  
See Note 16   

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$   129,189 

 

$     14,152 

 

$     80,258 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

228,552 

 

187,244 

 

217,761 

 

   Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Tobacco

575,548 

 

695,979 

 

619,468 

 

      Other

33,068 

 

37,397 

 

31,623 

 

   Advances on purchases of tobacco

77,439 

 

99,521 

 

79,249 

 

   Current deferred and recoverable income taxes

36,277 

 

40,948 

 

33,254 

 

   Assets held for sale

13,885 

 

20,981 

 

2,793 

 

   Other current assets

69,684 

 

66,711 

 

54,393 

 

   Assets of discontinued operations

4,897 

 

36,081 

 

12,835 

 

         Total current assets

1,168,539 

 

1,199,014 

 

1,131,634 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

20,047 

 

20,705 

 

21,302 

 

   Goodwill and intangible assets

32,615 

 

36,436 

 

35,109 

 

   Deferred tax assets

73,520 

 

48,205 

 

69,002 

 

   Other deferred charges

13,572 

 

17,658 

 

18,136 

 

   Other noncurrent assets

100,928 

 

93,755 

 

116,621 

 

 

240,682 

 

216,759 

 

260,170 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Land

26,161 

 

25,804 

 

25,802 

 

   Buildings

180,994 

 

183,085 

 

182,389 

 

   Machinery and equipment

194,013 

 

200,945 

 

197,565 

 

   Allowances for depreciation

(149,141)

 

(142,834)

 

(143,688)

 

 

252,027 

 

267,000 

 

262,068 

 

 

$1,661,248 

 

$1,682,773 

 

$1,653,872 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Notes payable to banks

$   347,056 

 

$   257,971 

 

$   179,097 

 

   Accounts payable

147,416 

 

54,817 

 

188,003 

 

   Advances from customers

119,900 

 

177,439 

 

125,403 

 

   Accrued expenses

76,541 

 

69,590 

 

65,077 

 

   Income taxes

7,644 

 

26,467 

 

26,461 

 

   Long-term debt current

3,528 

 

76,924 

 

5,231 

 

   Liabilities of discontinued operations

102 

 

6,174 

 

10,379 

 

         Total current liabilities

702,187 

 

669,382 

 

599,651 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Long-term debt

576,195 

 

667,438 

 

726,625 

 

   Deferred income taxes

10,144 

 

1,606 

 

10,895 

 

   Liability for unrecognized tax benefits

60,749 

 

 

 

   Pension, postretirement and other long-term liabilities

95,849 

 

106,081 

 

87,730 

 

         Total noncurrent liabilities

742,937 

 

775,125 

 

825,250 

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

3,261 

 

2,418 

 

3,425 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

-  

 

-  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

Sept. 30,
2007   

 

Sept. 30,
2006   

 

March 31,
2007   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Common Stock—no par value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Authorized shares

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Issued shares

96,850 

 

95,339 

 

96,467 

 

461,634 

 

450,527 

 

459,563 

 

   Retained deficit

(257,733)

 

(207,015)

 

(241,534)

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

8,962 

 

(7,664)

 

7,517 

 

 

212,863 

 

235,848 

 

225,546 

 

 

$1,661,248 

 

$1,682,773 

 

$1,653,872 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements


 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
(Unaudited)






 

 

 

 

September 30,   
2007          

 

September 30,  
2006          

 

(in thousands)

 

As Restated,   
See Note 16   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Net income

 

$   17,437 

 

$   12,921 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

      Net (income) loss from discontinued operations

 

(404)

 

4,627 

 

      Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

 

(12,991)

 

128,595 

 

      Decrease in inventories and advances to suppliers

 

26,868 

 

47,805 

 

      Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

(22,573)

 

(112,871)

 

      Increase (decrease) in income taxes

 

(2,325)

 

14,853 

 

      Depreciation and amortization

 

18,522 

 

18,149 

 

      Debt amortization/interest

 

5,111 

 

2,909 

 

      Restructuring and asset impairment charges

 

8,318 

 

14,590 

 

      Deferred items

 

2,282 

 

(13,767)

 

      Loss on foreign currency transactions

 

804 

 

169 

 

      Stock option expense

 

1,213 

 

2,243 

 

      Gain on sale of fixed assets

 

(4,248)

 

(1,009)

 

      Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

 

(7,103)

 

(57,068)

 

   Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

30,911 

 

62,146 

 

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

 

(2,074)

 

2,997 

 

   Net cash provided by operating activities

 

28,837 

 

65,143 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Purchases of property and equipment

 

(9,131)

 

(5,009)

 

   Proceeds on sale of property and equipment

 

7,743 

 

5,673 

 

   Cash distributed in disposition of business

 

 

(5,204)

 

   Return of capital on investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

9,520 

 

10,000 

 

   Changes in other assets

 

2,048 

 

(534)

 

   Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations

 

10,180 

 

4,926 

 

   Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations

 

27 

 

 

   Net cash provided by investing activities

 

10,207 

 

4,926 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Net change in short-term borrowings

 

162,330 

 

(48,607)

 

   Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

732 

 

20,552 

 

   Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

(154,234)

 

(53,894)

 

   Debt issuance cost

 

(872)

 

(425)

 

   Proceeds from sale of stock

 

1,632 

 

161 

 

   Net cash provided (used) by financing activities of continuing operations

 

9,588 

 

(82,213)

 

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

 

 

 

   Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

9,588 

 

(82,213)

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

299 

 

311 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

48,931 

 

(11,833)

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

80,258 

 

25,985 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$ 129,189 

 

$ 14,152 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 


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



1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Description of Business



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


Basis of Presentation

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

          As of March 31, 2006, the Company deconsolidated its operations in Zimbabwe in accordance with the Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements (“ARB 51”).  ARB 51 provides that when a parent does not have control over a subsidiary due to severe foreign exchange restrictions or governmentally imposed uncertainties, the subsidiary should not be consolidated.  The Company is accounting for its investment in the Zimbabwe operations on the cost method and has been reporting it in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates in the condensed consolidated balance sheet since March 31, 2006.  During fiscal year 2007, the Company wrote its investment in the Zimbabwe operations down to zero.


Accounting Pronouncements

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

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


Equity and Cost Method Investments

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


Taxes Collected from Customers

In June 2006, the FASB reached consensus on Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 06-3, “ How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement”. The scope of EITF No. 06-3 includes any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value added, and excise taxes. The EITF affirmed its conclusion that entities should present these taxes in the income statement on either a gross or a net basis, based on their accounting policy, which should be disclosed pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 22, “Disclosure of Accounting Policies.” Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to value added taxes on local sales.  These amounts have been included in sales and were $3,517 and $9,146 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $13,994 and $19,049 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


2.  INCOME TAXES


FIN 48 Adoption

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on April 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $33,723 increasing its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and



penalties and reducing the balance of retained earnings. As of April 1, 2007, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled $24,064, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.

         The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  As of April 1, 2007, accrued interest and penalties totaled $19,187 and $10,885, respectively.  During the six months ended September 30, 2007, the Company accrued an additional $5,232 of interest expense and exchange losses related to unrecognized tax benefits.

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

         Other than the accrual of approximately $4,000 of interest expense related to the unrecognized tax benefits identified above, the Company does not foresee any reasonably possible changes in the unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months, but must acknowledge circumstances can change due to unexpected developments in the law.

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


Florimex

As previously reported, the Company pursued an appeal of an unfavorable decision received on January 2, 2007 from the German tax authorities regarding the October 31, 2002 tax assessment related to the sale of its former flower operations, Florimex.  On October 2, 2007, the Company received notice that it was successful in its appeal with the highest German Fiscal Tax Court against the decision of the local Fiscal Tax Court of Baden-Wurttemberg. Therefore, the case is being remanded back to the local Fiscal Tax Court.  Per the highest German Fiscal Tax Court’s decision, the local Fiscal Tax Court failed to fulfill its duty to clarify and review all relevant facts pertaining to this case and as such, must prove after further analysis, that the value assigned to the real estate in question in the sale of Florimex was in fact, an abuse of law.  The Company now awaits lower court action on this matter.  As of September 30, 2007, the FIN 48 liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to this assessment was $11,313, which includes $3,132 of interest.


Provision for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2007

The effective tax rate used for the six months ended September 30, 2007 was an expense of 33.4% compared to an expense of 42.7% for the six months ended September 30, 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results including the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  The Company forecasts the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 32.2% after absorption of discrete items.

         For the six months ended September 30, 2007, the company recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $4,796 bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the six months of 14.3% to 33.4%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates primarily to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  During the six months ended September 30, 2006, adjustments of $(518) primarily related to tax rate reductions in Turkey were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to decrease the effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2006 from an expense of 44.4% to 42.7%.


3.  RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES


The Company continues to execute the merger integration plan which began in fiscal 2006 and is expected to continue throughout fiscal 2008.  The following table summarizes the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Company’s reporting segments during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended    

 

September 30,

 

September 30,        

 

2007    

 

2006    

 

2007    

 

2006    

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee separation and other cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Beginning balance

$    1,698 

 

$   12,307 

 

$   2,747 

 

$  13,644 

   Period charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Severance charges

1,959 

 

2,914 

 

2,028 

 

4,472 

      Other cash charges

100 

 

218 

 

163 

 

413 

   Total period charges

2,059 

 

3,132 

 

2,191 

 

4,885 

   Payments through September 30

(1,719)

 

(9,049)

 

(2,900)

 

(12,139)

   Ending balance September 30

$    2,038 

 

$     6,390 

 

$   2,038 

 

$    6,390 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Assets impairments and other non-cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   SFAS No. 144 assets impairment – tobacco operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Greece machinery and equipment impairment

$       974 

 

$     3,166 

 

$      974 

 

$    3,166 

      CdF operation sale

6,127 

 

 

6,127 

 

      Thailand assets impairment

 

1,333 

 

 

1,333 






   Other non-cash charges (recoveries):

117 

 

(21)

 

409 

 

(76)

      Deconsolidated Zimbabwe cost investment

 

13,246 

 

 

13,246 

   Total asset impairments and other non-cash charges

$    7,218 

 

$   17,724 

 

$    7,510 

 

$  17,669 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total restructuring and asset impairment charges for the period

$    9,277 

 

$   20,856 

 

$    9,701 

 

$  22,554 


         The following table summarizes the employee separation and other cash charges recorded in the Company’s South America and Other Regions segments during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Employee Separation and Other Cash Charges

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance:

$ 1,698 

 

$12,307 

 

$ 2,747 

 

$13,644 

   South America

30 

 

115 

 

30 

 

83 

   Other regions

1,668 

 

12,192 

 

2,717 

 

13,561 

Period charges:

$ 2,059 

 

$  3,132 

 

$ 2,191 

 

$  4,885 

   South America

1,090 

 

1,000 

 

1,178 

 

1,046 

   Other regions

969 

 

2,132 

 

1,013 

 

3,839 

Payments through September 30:

$(1,719)

 

$ (9,049)

 

$(2,900)

 

$(12,139)

   South America

(880)

 

(1,085)

 

(968)

 

(1,099)

   Other regions

(839)

 

(7,964)

 

(1,932)

 

(11,040)

Ending balance September 30:

$ 2,038 

 

$  6,390 

 

$ 2,038 

 

$  6,390 

   South America

240 

 

30 

 

240 

 

30 

   Other regions

1,798 

 

6,360 

 

1,798 

 

6,360 


         All assets impairment charges were related to the Other Regions segment during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

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


Zimbabwe – Investment Impairment   

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

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

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

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

          The economic and political conditions in Zimbabwe continued to decline during the six months ended September 30, 2007, which was evidenced by continued devaluation of Zimbabwe currency and certain large, multi-national companies withdrawing and terminating operations in Zimbabwe.

          During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company received a $7,000 dividend payment from one of its Zimbabwe subsidiaries after negotiations with the Zimbabwe authorities similar to those of the prior year. The $7,000 was permitted as a result of a negotiated prepayment of $14,000 of export funds due into Zimbabwe at a later date.  Due to the economic and political risk associated with the operations in Zimbabwe, the dividend was recorded as a return against current



Zimbabwe advances.  The Company continues to provide advances to Zimbabwe for the purchase of tobacco.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company has $12,656 of net tobacco purchase advances outstanding to its Zimbabwe subsidiary.


CdF – Sale of Dark Air-Cured Operations

As a consequence of the ongoing transition in overcapacity within certain markets of the industry, the Company decided to dispose of its dark air-cured operations. On January 23, 2006, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell its ownership interest in Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. ("CdF") the owner of the Company’s dark air-cured tobacco business.  As the Company completed the sale of CdF on October 2, 2007, a restructuring and asset impairment analysis was performed as of September 30, 2007. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded restructuring and asset impairment charges of $6,918 at September 30, 2007. These charges include a $6,127 impairment charge on the sale of CdF which considers the $3,878 currency translation account debit that was included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2007 and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining charges of $791 are for employee severance.  See Note 16 “Restatement” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion regarding the sale of CdF.


Thailand – Asset Impairment

In fiscal 2006, concurrent with the closure of the former DIMON Thailand processing facilities, assets of $5,743 were reclassified in the Company’s balance sheet to assets held for sale. These assets were primarily land and production facilities that had become redundant as a result of the merger.

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


Greece – Asset Impairment

As a result of the partial and pending full closing of Greek operations, the Company tested the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded assets impairment charges of $974 and $3,166 related to machinery and equipment during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company intends to sell this machinery and equipment in fiscal 2008.


Assets Held for Sale


As of September 30, 2007, the net assets of CdF of $13,408 are included in the $13,885 balance which were actively marketed and classified in the Company’s balance sheet as assets held for sale.  The Company evaluated the criteria of SFAS No. 144 and concluded that these assets qualify as assets held for sale.


4.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES


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

          The Company has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.  It does have other intangible assets which are being amortized.  The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill and other intangibles for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

          Goodwill and Intangible Asset Rollforward:


 

 

Goodwill

 

Amortizable Intangibles

 

 

 

Other Regions Segment

 

Customer Relationship Intangible

 

Production and Supply Contract Intangibles

 

Total

Weighted average remaining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   useful life in years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   as of March 31, 2007

 

 

 

18 

 

1      

 

 

March 31, 2006 balance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross carrying amount

 

$ 4,186    

 

$33,700 

 

 $ 10,815      

 

 $48,701 

     Accumulated amortization

 

            -    

 

(1,474)

 

(9,285)     

 

(10,759)

Net March 31, 2006

 

4,186    

 

32,226 

 

1,530      

 

37,942 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(421)

 

(399)     

 

(820)

Net June 30, 2006

 

4,186    

 

31,805 

 

1,131      

 

37,122 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(422)

 

(264)     

 

(686)

Net September 30, 2006

 

4,186    

 

31,383 

 

867      

 

36,436 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(842)

 

(485)     

 

(1,327)






Net March 31, 2007

 

4,186    

 

30,541 

 

382      

 

35,109 

     Amortization expense and tax adjustments

 

(1,392)   

 

(421)

 

(217)     

 

(2,030)

Net June 30, 2007

 

$ 2,794    

 

 $30,120 

 

 $      165      

 

$33,079 

     Amortization expense

 

-    

 

(422)

 

(42)     

 

(464)

Net September 30, 2007

 

$ 2,794    

 

 $29,698 

 

 $      123      

 

$32,615 


          Estimated Intangible Asset Amortization Expense:


 

 

Customer Relationship Intangible

 

Production and Supply Contract Intangibles

 

Total

 

 

 

For year ended 2008

 

 $      1,685        

 

 $   382       

 

 $      2,067     

 

 

 

For year ended 2009

 

      1,685        

 

      -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2010

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2011

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

For year ended 2012

 

      1,685        

 

           -       

 

      1,685     

 

 

 

Later years

 

    22,116        

 

           -       

 

    22,116     

 

 

 

 

 

 $    30,541        

 

$   382       

 

 $    30,923     

 

 

 


5.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


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


Summary of Results of Operations


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment       

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

Italy    

Mozambique

Wool     

Non-Tobacco

Total     

Sales and other revenues

$  1,456 

$        - 

$       - 

$       - 

$ 1,456 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$     406 

$     55 

$       - 

$       - 

$    461 

Income tax expense

(94)

(11)

(105)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$     312 

$     44 

$       - 

$       - 

$    356 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

Sales and other revenues

$  1,435 

$ 2,408 

$       - 

$       - 

$ 3,843 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax

$    (854)

$ 1,100 

$ (729)

$       - 

$  (483)

  Income tax expense

(90)

(260)

(350)

 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$    (944)

$ 1,100 

$ (729)

$ (260)

$  (833)

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

Sales and other revenues

$   5,710 

$ 1,345 

$       - 

$       - 

$ 7,055 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$      328 

$    181 

$       - 

$       - 

$   509 

Income tax expense

(94)

(11)

(105)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$      234 

$    170 

$      -  

$       - 

$   404 

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

Sales and other revenues

$  2,977 

$ 2,535 

$       - 

$       5 

$ 5,517 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax

$(2,569)

$    871 

$ (737)

$      42 

$(2,393)






  Income tax expense

(90)

(2,144)

(2,234)

 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$(2,659)

$    871 

$ (737)

$(2,102)

$(4,627)


Summary of Assets and Liabilities


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment *   

September 30, 2007

Italy  

Mozambique

Wool    

Total     

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

$         -

$        528

$         -

$          528

   Inventory and advances

-

466

-

466

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

-

4

3,899

3,903

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$         -

$      998

$ 3,899

$         4,897

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$         -

$      70

$         -

$          70

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

-

32

-

32

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$         -

$      102

$         -

$         102

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Cash

$         -

$         -

$    909

$     909

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

8,677

107

262

9,046

   Inventory and advances

17,314

3,127

-

20,441

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

122

997

4,566

5,685

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$26,113

$ 4,231

$ 5,737

$ 36,081

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$  1,472

$    155

$        8

$  1,635

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

1,327

1,366

1,846

4,539

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$  2,799

$ 1,521

$ 1,854

$  6,174

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

  Trade receivables , net of allowances

$     917

$    820

$        -

$  1,737

   Inventory and advances

5,294

1,853

-

7,147

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

39

13

3,899

3,951

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$  6,250

$ 2,686

$ 3,899

$12,835

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$  7,316

$    532

$         -

$ 7,848

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

542

1,989

-

2,531

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$  7,858

$ 2,521

$         -

$10,379

 

 

 

 

 

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


Discontinued Italy Operations, Other Regions Segment

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


Discontinued Mozambique Operations, Other Regions Segment

On March 16, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company made a decision to discontinue operations in Mozambique after the procurement of the 2006 crop due to its determination that it was not in the Company’s economic interest to remain in Mozambique after losing a concession for the 2007 crop year. In connection with this decision, the Company evaluated the criteria of SFAS No. 144 and concluded that the Mozambique operations qualified to be presented as assets held for sale and accordingly, the assets were written down to their fair value less any selling costs.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company



has sold all assets except for inventory and accounts receivable.  The Company anticipates completing the disposition of inventory and collecting related accounts receivable in fiscal 2008.


Discontinued Wool Operations, Other Regions Segment

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


Discontinued Non-Tobacco Operations, Other Regions Segment

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


6.  SEGMENT INFORMATION


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

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

          The following table presents the summary segment information for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

Sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$   352,074 

 

$   355,159 

 

$    618,014 

 

$    594,056 

 

 

    Other regions

234,538 

 

238,471 

 

430,306 

 

493,059 

 

 

    Total revenue

$   586,612 

 

$   593,630 

 

$ 1,048,320 

 

$ 1,087,115 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$     42,129 

 

$     51,577 

 

$      70,194 

 

$      80,517 

 

 

    Other regions

(1,866)

 

(6,703)

 

3,914 

 

1,559 

 

 

Total operating income

40,263 

 

44,874 

 

74,108 

 

82,076 

 

 

    Debt retirement expense

1,257 

 

 

3,187 

 

 

 

    Interest expense

25,155 

 

29,585 

 

50,048 

 

55,144 

 

 

    Interest income

2,101 

 

2,832 

 

4,273 

 

2,847 

 

 

    Derivative financial instruments income

 

 

 

290 

 

 

Income before income taxes and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          other items

$     15,952 

 

$     18,121 

 

$     25,146 

 

$     30,069 

 


Analysis of Segment Assets

September 30, 2007

September 30, 2006

March 31, 2007

Segment assets:

 

 

 

 

South America

$   705,454 

$   620,818 

$   757,861 

 

Other regions

955,794 

1,061,955 

896,011 

 

Total assets

$1,661,248 

$1,682,773 

$1,653,872 


7.  EARNINGS PER SHARE


Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding is reported as the weighted average of the total shares of common stock outstanding net of shares of common stock held by a wholly-owned subsidiary.  Shares of common stock owned by the subsidiary were 7,853 at September 30, 2007 and 2006.  This subsidiary does not receive dividends on these shares and it does not have the right to vote.



          For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by a total of 1,551 shares and 1,106 shares respectively, of common stock equivalents for employee stock options and restricted shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by a total of 1,756 shares and 1,153 shares respectively, of common stock equivalents for employee stock options and restricted shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share. Certain potentially dilutive options were not included in the computation of earnings per dilutive share because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the shares of common stock during the period and their effect would be antidilutive.  These shares totaled 191 at a weighted average exercise price of $9.69 per share as of September 30, 2007.  These shares totaled 2,732 at a weighted average exercise price of $8.14 per share as of September 30, 2006.


8.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The components of comprehensive income were as follows:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2007 

 

2006   

 

2007   

 

2006   

 

 

Net income

$   11,458

 

$ 8,300

 

$17,437

 

$ 12,921

 

 

Equity currency conversion adjustment

766

 

1,503

 

1,445

 

6,466

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$   12,224

 

$ 9,803

 

$18,882

 

$ 19,387

 


9.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


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

          For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, compensation expense for stock-based compensation plans was $193 and $1,353.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, compensation expense for stock-based compensation plans was $1,213 and $2,243.  The corresponding income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation plans was $30 and $391 for the three months and $313 and $608 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

          The Company’s shareholders approved the 2007 Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 16, 2007.  As with the Company’s prior equity compensation plans, the 2007 Plan is an omnibus plan that provides the flexibility to grant a variety of equity awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance awards and incentive awards to officers, directors and employees of the Company.  A maximum of 5,000 shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2007 Plan.  All prior equity compensation plans have been superseded, and no new equity awards can be granted from them.  As of September 30, 2007, 1,428 equity awards have been granted under the 2007 Plan, leaving 3,572 shares available for future awards under the 2007 Plan.  Total equity awards outstanding are 4,111 inclusive of the 1,428 awards granted under the 2007 plan and 2,683 awards granted under prior plans.  Shares issued under both the 2007 plan and earlier plans are new shares which have been authorized and designated for award under the plans.  Individual types of awards are discussed in greater detail below.


Stock Option Awards

Stock options allow for the purchase of common stock at a price determined at the time the option is granted.  This price has historically been the stock price on the date of grant.  Stock options generally vest at the end of three years or ratably over four years and generally expire after ten years.  The fair value of these options is determined at grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model and includes estimates of forfeiture based on historical experience.  The fair value is then recognized as compensation expense ratably over the vesting term of the options.  There were 1,166 stock options and 477 stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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

 

 

2007

2006

 

 

Grant Date Price

$7.48

$3.94

 

 

Exercise Price

$7.48

$3.94

 

 

Expected Life in Years

7.00

6.25

 

 

Annualized Volatility

47%

47%

 






 

Annual Dividend Rate

0%

0%

 

 

Discount Rate

4.39%

4.83%

 


          A summary of option activity for stock options follows:


 

Options

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

 

2,800

 

6.94

 

6.00

 

$   6,417     

 

 

    Granted

 

1,166

 

7.48

 

10.00

 

$         -      

 

 

    Exercised

 

(266)

 

5.91

 

5.64

 

$  (  915)    

 

 

    Forfeited

 

(198)

 

7.30

 

2.63

 

$      521     

 

 

    Expired

 

(185)

 

22.31

 

-

 

$ (2,664)    

 

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2007

 

3,317

 

6.33

 

7.38

 

$      688     

 

 

Vested and expected to vest

 

3,216

 

6.33

 

7.33

 

$      681     

 

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2007

 

1,332

 

6.27

 

4.81

 

$      365     

 


          The intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value which is the difference between the Company’s closing stock price and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options.  The closing price will be subject to the share price on the last trading day of the respective period ending dates, thus the amounts are not additive.  The expense related to stock option awards was $260 and $252 for the three months and $395 and $432 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Cash received from the exercise of options was $1,632 for the six months ended September 30, 2007.  

          The table below shows the movement in unvested shares from March 31, 2007 to September 30, 2007.


 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

Unvested March 31, 2007

 

1,175

 

$1.79          

 

$  2,103       

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

1,166

 

4.08          

 

4,757       

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(93)

 

2.00          

 

(186)      

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(263)

 

1.72          

 

(454)      

 

 

 

 

Unvested September 30, 2007

 

1,985

 

$3.13          

 

$  6,220       

 

 

 


          As of September 30, 2007 there is $5,251 of unearned compensation expense related to stock options which will vest over a weighted average remaining life of 2.97 years.


Stock Options with Stock Appreciation Rights

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


Options with Attached SARs

Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

SAR Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

Aggregate Fair
Value

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

328

$6.54

1.84

$   881         

$1,208          

Forfeited

(76)

$6.53

1.14

$   263         

$   314          

Exercised

(38)

$6.58

0.76

$   115         

$   130          

Expired

(48)

$6.25

-

$     73         

$        -          

Outstanding at September 30, 2007

166

$6.62

1.70

$   (13)        

$   285          

Exercisable at September 30, 2007

57

$6.95

0.90

$   (23)        

$     58          

Vested and Expected to Vest

157

$6.63

1.68

$   (14)        

$   266          




          As of September 30, 2007, there was $26 of remaining unearned compensation expense related to stock options with attached SARs which will be expensed over the remaining service period through October 2007.  However, since actual compensation expense will be determined by the change in fair value of the SARs from period to period, actual compensation expense related to these awards may be different from this amount.  The Company recognized income of $1,035 and $55 for the three months and $628 and $98 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to stock options with attached SARs.

          The table below shows the movement in unvested SARs from March 31, 2007 to September 30, 2007.


 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value

 

Aggregate Grant
Date Fair Value

 

 

 

 

Unvested March 31, 2007

 

132

 

$1.81          

 

$  239       

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(23)

 

1.81          

 

(42)      

 

 

 

 

Unvested September 30, 2007

 

109

 

$1.81          

 

$  197       

 

 

 


          Assumptions used to determine the fair value of SARs as of September 30 included the following:


 

 

2007

2006

 

 

Stock Price

$6.54

$4.10

 

 

Exercise Price

$6.62

$6.53

 

 

Expected Life in Years

1.7

2.1

 

 

Annualized Volatility

47%

47%

 

 

Annual Dividend Rate

0%

0%

 

 

Discount Rate

4.88%

4.76%

 


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


Restricted Stock

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


 

Restricted Stock

Shares

Weighted
Average Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

Restricted at March 31, 2007

854              

4.84

 

 

Granted

262              

7.48

 

 

Vested

(305)             

5.29

 

 

Forfeited

(17)             

4.91

 

 

Restricted at September 30, 2007

794              

5.54

 


          As of September 30, 2007, there was $2,049 of remaining unamortized deferred compensation associated with restricted stock awards that will be expensed over the remaining service period through July 2011.  Expense recognized due to the vesting of restricted stock awards was $967 and $1,102 for the three months and $1,445 and $1,811 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


10.  CONTINGENCIES


Non-Income Tax

In September 2006, the Company’s Serbian operations were assessed for VAT and government pension liability for payments to farmers.  In December 2006, one third of the assessment was reduced.  The remaining issues are still being discussed.  The Company is contesting these assessments and has established a reserve of $386 for the VAT component of the assessment.

          The government in the Brazilian State of Parana issued two tax assessments on October 26, 2007 with respect to local intrastate trade tax credits that result from goods transferred between states within Brazil.  One assessment relates to intrastate trade tax credits already taken and the second assessment relates to future credits not yet claimed. As of September 30, 2007, the Company has taken $7,162 in credits and has available future credits of $4,257.  The total assessments for credits already taken of $7,162 including penalty and interest is $11,919.  The Company believes it has properly complied with Brazilian law and will contest any assessment through the judicial process.  Should the Company lose in the judicial process, the loss of the intrastate trade tax credits would have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.




Other

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

           The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June, 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim seeks the recovery of €7,377 (US$10,521) plus interest and costs and allegedly arises from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.

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

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

           On October 16, 2007, the Supreme Court of Malawi issued a ruling that changed the definition of compensation to be considered in determining severance payments.  During the review of the effects of this change on the Company’s liability to exiting employees, the Company discovered that it could have to pay qualified departing employees both pension and severance payments. The accepted practice within Malawi and followed by the Company has been to pay the higher of the pension liability or the severance liability to qualified departing employees.  This liability arose from the passage of the Malawi Employment Act of 19th May 2000 that legislated severance pay. The government of Malawi has publicly stated in the past that the intent of the law was to pay only the higher of the pension liability or the severance liability.  The Company understands legislation has been drafted to correct this ambiguity for quite some time but the legislation has not been presented to Parliament to date.  The Company believes it is reasonably possible that it may be exposed to paying both the pension liability and the severance liability due on the date of retirement to qualified departing employees.  However, it is not possible to reasonably estimate this cost at present due to a number of factors including lack of clarity as to the factors defining compensation, lack of information to perform an actuarial calculation and changes to the existing plan to reduce exposure.

           The Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries guarantee bank loans to growers to finance their crop.  Under longer-term arrangements, the Company may also guarantee financing on growers’ construction of curing barns or other tobacco production assets.  The Company also guarantees bank loans to certain tobacco cooperatives to assist with the financing of their growers’ crops.  Guaranteed loans are generally repaid concurrent with the delivery of tobacco to the Company.  The Company is obligated to repay any guaranteed loan should the grower or tobacco cooperative default.  If default occurs, the Company has recourse against the grower or cooperative.  At September 30, 2007, the Company was guarantor of an amount not to exceed $350,336 with $326,526 outstanding under these guarantees.  Of these guarantees, $298,995 relates to Brazilian farmers.  The Company has reserved $16,511 for loans under these guarantees.  This reserve approximates the value of the guarantees.  Risks of significant loss under the remaining guarantees is considered to be remote.  See also Note 14 “Advances on Purchases of Tobacco” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.




11.  DEBT ARRANGMENTS


Senior Secured Credit Facility


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


·

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

·

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


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


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


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

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

·

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

·

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

·

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


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


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


·

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

·

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

·

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

·

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


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

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

          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2007.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315,000 of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150,000 of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2007.




Senior Subordinated Notes


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


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $347,056 drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $645,461. Additionally against these lines there was $10,024 available in unused letter of credit capacity with $22,910 issued but unfunded.

         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of September 30, 2007:


 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

 

March 31,

September 30,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4) (5)

 

2007    

2007       

Available

Rate

 

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Revolver

$            -

$             - 

$250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Term loan B

145,000

-

 

 

 

145,000

250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    11% senior notes due 2012

315,000

315,000 

-

11.0%

 

315,000 

    8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149,270

149,329 

-

8.5%

 

(60)

(131)

(142)

(155)

(169)

149,986 

    Other (1)

10,157

10,157 

-

 

 

3,437 

6,720 

 

474,427

474,486 

-

 

 

(60)

(131)

(142)

(155)

3,268 

471,706 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
      notes due 2012

91,608

92,108 

-

12.8%

 

(540)

(1,206)

(1,400)

(1,625)

(1,885)

98,764 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term debt

20,821

13,129 

31,504

10.6%

(2)

3,848 

6,170 

1,903 

889 

29 

290 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

179,097

347,056 

265,471

6.8%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total debt

$ 910,953

$   926,779 

546,975

 

 

$3,248 

$4,833 

$   361 

$  (891)

$1,412 

$570,760 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$ 179,097

$   347,056 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt current

$     5,231

$       3,528 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt

  726,625

576,195 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 731,856

$   579,723 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$   17,842

$     22,910 

10,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total credit available

 

 

$556,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the six months ended September 30, 2007

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  The repayment schedule provides a breakdown by fiscal year for the long term debt outstanding at September 30, 2007.  Short term
       notes payable to banks to be repaid in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 have not been included in the repayment schedule.

 

(5)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       repayments have been adjusted for payments made through September 30, 2007.







12.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


Floating to Fixed Rate Interest Swaps

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


Forward Currency Contracts

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

          The Company has entered into forward currency contracts to hedge cash outflows in foreign currencies around the world for green tobacco purchases and processing costs as well as selling, administrative and general costs.  Some of these contracts do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, and as such, are reported in income. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, a loss of $206 and income of $2,824, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, income of $9,601 and $4,496, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For both the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, income of $18 and $0, respectively, has been recorded in selling, administrative and general expenses.


Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

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


13.  PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS


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

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


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

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


 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Six Months Ended
September 30,

 

2007  

 

2006  

 

2007 

 

2006 

     Service cost

$   700 

 

$   876 

 

$1,400 

 

$1,745 

     Interest expense

1,947 

 

2,620 

 

3,894 

 

3,968 

     Expected return on plan assets

(1,706)

 

(2,363)

 

(3,412)

 

(3,260)

     Amortization of prior service cost

(36)

 

491 

 

(72)

 

982 

     Actuarial loss

162 

 

149 

 

324 

 

297 

     Net periodic pension cost

$1,067 

 

$1,773 

 

$2,134 

 

$3,732 


Employer Contributions

The Company’s investment objectives are to generate consistent total investment return to pay anticipated plan benefits, while minimizing long-term costs.  Financial objectives underlying this policy include maintaining plan contributions at a reasonable level relative to benefits provided and assuring that unfunded obligations do not grow to a level to adversely affect the Company’s financial health.  As of September 30, 2007, contributions of $3,602 were made to pension plans for fiscal 2008.  Additional contributions to pension plans of approximately $2,176 are expected during the remainder of fiscal 2008.  



However, this amount is subject to change, due primarily to potential plan combinations, asset performance significantly above or below the assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets and significant changes in interest rates.


Postretirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company also provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired U.S. employees, and their eligible dependents, who meet specified age and service requirements. The Company has amended the plan effective September 1, 2005 to limit benefits paid to retirees under the age of 65 to a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars per year.  Employees joining after August 31, 2005 will not be eligible for any retiree medical benefits.  As of September 30, 2007, contributions of $427 were made to the plan for fiscal 2008.  Additional contributions of $514 to the plan are expected during the rest of fiscal 2008.  The Company retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate the medical benefits.


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

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


 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Six Months Ended
September 30,

 

2007 

 

2006  

 

2007  

 

2006   

     Service cost

$   18 

 

$   22 

 

$   36 

 

$   44 

     Interest expense

141 

 

132 

 

282 

 

264 

     Expected return on plan assets

 

 

 

     Amortization of prior service cost

(405)

 

(406)

 

(810)

 

(811)

     Actuarial loss

105 

 

87 

 

210 

 

174 

     Net periodic pension cost

$(141)

 

$(164)

 

$(282)

 

$(329)


14.  ADVANCES ON PURCHASES OF TOBACCO


The Company provides seasonal crop advances of, or for, seed, fertilizer, and other supplies. These advances are short term in nature, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in Advances on Purchases of Tobacco in the consolidated balance sheet. Primarily in Brazil and certain African countries, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In addition, due to low crop yields and other factors, in some years individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. Current advances of $77,439 at September 30, 2007, and $99,521 at September 30, 2006 are presented as Advances on Purchases of Tobacco, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  The long-term portion of advances of $29,946 at September 30, 2007, and $6,126 at September 30, 2006 are included in other noncurrent assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Both the current and the long-term portion of advances on purchases of tobacco are reported net of allowances.  Allowances are recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected. Total allowances were $57,765 at September 30, 2007, and $47,417 at September 30, 2006, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances for the six months ended September 30, were decreased by provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $1,838 in 2007 and increased $1,592 in 2006 exclusive of recoveries of $4,158 and $5,648 for the same respective periods.  Farmer bad debt provisions are capitalized into inventory and the expense is realized when the inventory is sold.  Write-downs of $6,420 were charged against the allowance in the six months ended September 30, 2007 and $17,170 was charged against the allowance during the comparable prior year period.

          In Brazil, farmers obtain government subsidized rural credit financing which is guaranteed by the Company. The farmers borrow these funds from local banks.  Repayment of both Company advances and rural credit financing is concurrent with delivery of tobacco to the Company.  Terms of rural credit financing are such that repayment is due only after tobacco deliveries are complete.  On the period ending dates of June 30 and March 31, the Company will generally have accumulated balances for repayment to the local banks for the rural credit financing.  The Company had balances of $63,188 due to local banks as of September 30, 2007 and $36,137 in net short term farmers’ advances as of September 30, 2006.  The 2007 amount is included in Accounts Payable and the 2006 amount is included under Advances on Purchases of Tobacco in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Reserves for uncollectible farmers’ advances in Brazil also include rural credit financing guaranteed by the Company.  As of September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company was guarantor for Brazilian loans of $298,995 and $291,539, respectively with outstanding amounts of $275,185 and $212,330, respectively.  In those respective periods, the fair values of guarantees for rural credit were $16,511 and $12,740.


15.  SALE OF RECEIVABLES


On September 27, 2006, Alliance One International, A.G., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a revolving trade accounts receivable securitization agreement to sell receivables to a limited liability company (“LLC”).  The LLC is funded through loans from a bank-sponsored commercial paper conduit which has committed up to a maximum of $55,000 in funding at any time.  The agreement, which matures September 25, 2009, provides for the periodic, non-recourse sale of receivables.  To the extent that the balance of the receivables sold into the pool is less than $55,000, the Company is subject to a 0.5% fee on the unused amount.  Pursuant to the agreement, the Company retains servicing responsibilities and subordinated interests in the receivables sold.  The Company receives annual servicing fees of 0.5% of the outstanding



balance, which approximates the fair value of services to be rendered under the agreement, and rights to future cash flows in excess of funds contractually obligated to investors.   The value of the subordinated interest is subject to credit and interest rate risks on the transferred financial assets.

          The Company has recorded the transaction as a sale of receivables and has removed such receivables from its financial statements and has recorded a receivable for the retained interest in such receivables.  In recording the sale of receivables, the Company has recognized pre-tax losses of $863 and $385 on sales of receivables for the three months and $1,580 and $385 for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Balances as of September 30, 2007 for receivables sold and retained interest were $31,969 and $2,198, respectively.  It is the Company’s intention to maximize the receivables sold under the revolving agreement meaning that amounts collected by the pool would be reinvested in the purchase of additional eligible receivables.  Since March 31, 2007, the minimum outstanding balance of receivables sold has been $31,758.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007, new receivables sold into the pool have been $81,806 of which the Company’s cash receipts have been $52,835 from the current purchase price and an additional $22,240 from the deferred purchase price of receivables and $139 of service fees.

          In valuing the retained interests as of September 30, 2007 the Company assumed a weighted average life of 89 days and a discount rate of 8.7% as well as an additional 0.5% on the unused balance for the same term.  Theoretical increases in the discount rate by 10% and 20% would have decreased the value of retained interests by $70 and $140, respectively.  Historically, credit loss and prepayments on the customer base included in these agreements have been negligible.


16.  RESTATEMENT


Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company identified errors in its restructuring and impairment analysis related to Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. ("CdF") and its worldwide operating subsidiaries which impact the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2007 and the related Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six months then ended.  As a result, the Company has restated these financial statements, correcting the restructuring and impairment errors as of and for the three and six months ended September 30, 2007.  

          The impact of the restatement on the applicable line items in the financial statements of the Company are presented below:


 

 

As Previously Reported

 

As Restated

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation
Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2007
:

Three Months Ended       September 30, 2007       

Six Months  Ended      September 30, 2007      

 

Three Months Ended         September 30, 2007         

Six Months Ended      September 30, 2007      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring and asset impairment costs

$  2,359

$  2,783

 

$  9,277

$  9,701

 

Operating income

$47,181

 $81,026

 

$40,263

 $74,108

 

Income before income taxes and other items

 $22,870

 $32,064

 

$15,952

 $25,146

 

Income tax expense

$  5,393

 $  8,697

 

$  5,097

 $  8,401

 

Income from continuing operations

$17,724

 $23,655

 

$11,102

 $17,033

 

Net income

$18,080

 $24,059

 

$11,458

 $17,437

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

 $.20

 $.27

 

 $.12

 $.20

 

 

Net income

 $.21

 $.27

 

 $.13

 $.20

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

$.20

 $.26

 

 $.13

 $.18

 

 

Net income

$.20

 $.27

 

 $.13

 $.19

 


 

As Previously    
Reported       

 

As Restated   

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
September 30, 2007
:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables, net of allowances

$   227,336 

 

$   228,552 

 

Assets held for sale

$     21,679 

 

$     13,885 

 

Total current assets

$1,175,117 

 

$1,168,539 

 

Total assets

$1,667,826 

 

$1,661,248 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$   147,076 

 

$   147,416 

 

Income taxes

$       7,941 

 

$       7,644 

 

Total current liabilities

$   702,144 

 

$   702,187 

 

 

 

 

 

 






Retained deficit

$ (251,112)

 

$ (257,733)

 

Stockholders’ equity

$   219,484 

 

$   212,863 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$1,667,826 

 

$1,661,248 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended September 30, 2007
:

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$    24,059 

 

$    17,437 

 

 

Decrease in income taxes

$    (2,029)

 

$    (2,325)

 

 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

$      1,400 

 

$      8,318 

 

 

Stock option expense

$              - 

 

$      1,213 

 

 

Gain on sale of fixed assets

$              - 

 

$     (4,248)

 

 

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

$   (10,138)

 

$     (7,103)

 


17.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Sale of Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A.


On October 2, 2007, the Company completed the sale of its interest in Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. ("CdF") and its worldwide operating subsidiaries to CdF International Coöperatief U.A. ("CdF Coöperatief"), an unrelated third party. The gross proceeds to the Company, including those from a prior share capital reduction and from the sale of the shares of CdF, were $21,414, of which $16,197 was paid in cash. The gross proceeds are subject to final adjustments which are not anticipated to be material. The remaining consideration of $5,217 is comprised of a promissory note that is payable in six semi-annual installments over the next three years, commencing from October 2, 2007.  In addition to the consideration above, $1,526 of accounts receivable were excluded from the sale.  Any collections on these receivables by CdF Coöperatief are to be remitted to the Company.  The Company has also entered into a two year tobacco supply agreement with CdF Coöperatief.  The terms of the supply agreement include a $2,600 advance made by the Company on October 2, 2007 for purchase of tobaccos to be delivered at current market prices.


Turkey – Flue Cured and Burley Tobacco Volumes


Subsequent to September 30, 2007, the Company determined from a review of customer indications that there will be significant reductions in future Turkish flue cured and burley tobacco volumes.



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


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations gives effect to the restatement discussed in Note 16 “Restatement” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.  The following executive overview is intended to provide significant highlights of the discussion and analysis that follows.  


Results of operations

We are experiencing a difficult operating year, due principally to currency pressures and farmer bad debts in Brazil, Malawi and other crop shortages and the resultant significant expansion in tobacco purchase prices.

          Current year comparative operating results were somewhat impacted by slightly lower volumes than a year ago due to a prior year opportunistic crop sale in the United States and the completion of our exit from certain European markets. Margins for the quarter in particular were impacted by significant Brazilian grower bad debt provisions as well as decreased margins on Brazilian tobacco due to higher green and processing costs and the short crop and resultant costs of the Malawi crop.  Selling, administrative and general expenses were generally level with the prior year due to the impact of the weak U.S. dollar on further cost reduction initiatives, however, we have considerably reduced incentive provisions and professional fees.

          We continue to successfully monetize non-core assets, as demonstrated by the post quarter-end sale of the CdF operations which provided immediate additional cash of $16.2 million in early October. Additionally, in the current quarter we received a $7.0 million dividend from Zimbabwe which is reflected as a return against current Zimbabwe advances.

          As a consequence of the continued market pressures and short crops in certain areas as well as intentional crop reductions in South America, we have now measurably reduced both our uncommitted inventory stocks and our total tobacco inventories. Our focus on working capital management combined with the benefits of our continued focus on debt reduction are readily evident when reviewing our financial statements.  We made a final $60.0 million optional paydown on the Term B Notes in advance of the quarter end, and total debt less cash and cash equivalents has been reduced from $988.2 million at September 2006 to $797.6 million, reflecting a $190.6 million reduction. Consequently, our net cash interest expense was reduced from $49.4 million in the prior year to $43.8 million this year, a $5.6 million benefit to pre-tax income. Overall, our



pretax income, factoring out the impact of the changes in Brazilian trade taxes and the differences in restructuring charges, reflects favorable operating results despite adverse market and currency conditions. We feel this evidences the continued successful execution of our strategy.


Liquidity and debt refinancing

Throughout the year we maintain seasonally adjusted liquidity levels through a combination of cash from operations, short term credit lines around the world, advances from customers, the sale of accounts receivable, active working capital management and our $250.0 million revolving credit facility, which continued to be undrawn as of September 30, 2007.  At September 30, 2007, there was $926.8 million of total debt outstanding and $22.9 million in issued but unfunded letters of credit. Available liquidity was comprised of $129.2 million of cash on hand and $557.0 million of available credit lines including the $250.0 million revolver and $10.0 million exclusive to letters of credit. These various sources of liquidity are continuously evaluated and modified as needed to match our business requirements in the most cost effective manner possible, while providing enterprise flexibility.


Outlook

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

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

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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions)

2007  

$     

%    

2006  

 

2007   

$     

%    

2006   

Sales and other operating revenues

$586.6   

$ (7.0)  

(1.2)

$593.6   

 

$1,048.3   

$  (38.8)  

(3.6)

$1,087.1   

Gross profit

83.8   

(20.0)  

(19.3)

103.8   

 

155.6   

(25.7)  

(14.2)

181.3   

Selling, administrative and general expenses

36.5   

(4.5)  

(11.0)

41.0   

 

76.0   

(4.2)  

(5.2)

80.2   

Other income

2.2   

(0.7)  

 

2.9   

 

4.2   

0.7   

 

3.5   

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

9.3   

(11.6)  

 

20.9   

 

9.7   

(12.9)  

 

22.6   

Debt retirement expense

1.3   

1.3   

 

-   

 

3.2   

3.2   

 

-   

Interest expense

25.2   

(4.4)  

 

29.6   

 

50.0   

(5.1)  

 

55.1   

Interest income

2.1   

(0.7)  

 

2.8   

 

4.3   

1.5   

 

2.8   

Derivative financial instruments income

-   

-   

 

-   

 

-   

(0.3)  

 

0.3   

Income tax expense

5.1   

(4.2)  

 

9.3   

 

8.4   

(4.4)  

 

12.8   

Equity in net income of investee companies

0.3   

0.1   

 

0.2   

 

0.3   

0.1   

 

0.2   

Minority interests (income)

-   

0.2   

 

(0.2)  

 

-   

0.3   

 

(0.3)  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

0.4   

1.2   

 

(0.8)  

 

0.4   

5.0   

 

(4.6)  

Cumulative effect of accounting changes,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      net of income tax

-   

-   

 

-   

 

-   

0.3   

 

(0.3)  

Net income

$  11.5* 

$  3.2* 

 

$   8.3   

 

$     17.4* 

$     4.5* 

 

$     12.9* 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*  Amounts do not equal column totals due to rounding.

 

Sales and Other Operating Revenue Supplemental Information

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions, except per kilo amounts)

2007 

$     

%    

2006

 

2007   

$     

%    

2006   

Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






     Sales and other operating revenues

$580.7   

$  (6.6) 

(1.1)

$587.3   

 

$1,037.3 

$(38.3)  

(3.6)

$1,075.6 

     Kilos

171.5   

(5.6) 

(3.2)

177.1   

 

306.6 

(16.5)  

(5.1)

323.1 

     Average price per kilo

$  3.39   

$  0.07  

2.1 

$  3.32   

 

$     3.38 

$  0.05   

1.5 

$     3.33 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Processing and other revenues

$    5.9   

$  (0.4) 

(6.3)

$    6.3   

 

$     11.0 

$  (0.5)  

(4.3)

$     11.5 

Total sales and other operating revenues

$586.6   

$  (7.0) 

(1.2)

$593.6   

 

$1,048.3 

$  (38.8)  

(3.6)

$1,087.1 


Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2006


Sales and other operating revenues.  The decrease of 1.2% from $593.6 million in 2006 to $586.6 million in 2007 is primarily the result of a 3.2% or 5.6 million kilo decrease in quantities sold partially offset by a 2.1% or $0.07 per kilo increase in average sales prices.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America operating segment decreased $3.3 million or 0.9% resulting from a decrease of $0.15 per kilo in average sales prices partially offset by an increase in volumes of 3.4 million kilos.  While volumes increased, average sales prices were lower compared to the prior year as a result of product mix.  The decreased average sales prices are the primary reason for the decrease in South America operating segment revenues.


Other Region.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment decreased $3.3 million or 1.4% primarily as a result of a decrease in volumes of 9.0 million kilos partially offset by an increase of $0.33 per kilo in average sales prices.  Average sales prices increased across all regions with the overall increase primarily attributable to Africa and Europe.  However, decreased volumes offset the impact of increased average sales prices.  The decrease in volumes, and the resulting decrease in revenues, is primarily a result of opportunistic sales and accelerated shipments in the prior year in the United States and the exit from the European markets in Greece and Spain.  Partially offsetting these decreases was a substantial increase in Malawi volumes and revenues due to the resolution of shipping delays that existed in the prior year.


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit decreased $20.0 million or 19.3% from $103.8 million in 2006 to $83.8 million in 2007 and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 17.5% in 2006 to 14.3% in 2007.  


South America Region.  Gross profit in the South America operating segment decreased $14.5 million primarily as a result of decreased sales prices coupled with higher costs.  The higher costs are related to the  increased 2007 and 2006 crop grower bad debt provisions, higher processing costs as a result of a smaller 2007 crop as well as the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real which substantially increased both the 2006 and 2007 crop green and tobacco processing costs.  The 2007 crop is of average quality.  However, as a result of the poor quality of the 2006 crop and the resulting surplus quantities on hand, 2007 crop purchases declined as forecasted.  The decline in market conditions have again increased the estimated grower bad debt provision for the 2007 crop.  These increases have negatively impacted the current quarter gross profit and will continue to impact gross profit in future quarters relative to 2007 and 2006 crop sales.  


Other Region.  The decrease in gross profit of $5.5 million is primarily attributable to the Malawi origin within the Other Region operating segment.  The 2007 Malawi crop size was reduced as a result of weather conditions.  The decreased crop size, coupled with an increase of competition within the Malawi market, has dramatically increased the purchase price of the 2007 burley crop. As a result of the above factors, the average auction prices for the 2007 crop tobacco in Malawi have almost doubled in comparison with the prior year. In addition, the reduced crop size and market share also increase the per kilo processing and overhead costs allocated to the 2007 crop.  Sales price increases negotiated are insufficient to cover these cost escalations.  These factors will have a material negative impact on Other Region gross profit as the 2007 Malawi burley crop is sold in future quarters.


Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased $4.5 million or 11.0% from $41.0 million in 2006 to $36.5 million in 2007.  The decrease is primarily due to decreased incentive compensation costs and professional fees partially offset by increased travel expenses.


Other income of $2.2 million in 2007 and $2.9 million in 2006 relates primarily to fixed asset sales.


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $9.3 million in 2007 compared to $20.9 million in 2006.  The costs of $9.3 million in 2007 primarily relate to $6.9 million of restructuring and asset impairment charges related to CdF which was sold subsequently on October 2, 2007.  Of these charges, $6.1 million are impairment charges relating to CdF which considers the currency translation account debit that was previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining $0.8 million of CdF related charges are for employee severance.  The remaining 2007 costs of $2.4 million primarily relate to employee severance charges as we continue the execution of our merger integration plan.  The 2006 costs relate to additional impairment charges of $13.2 million to write down our Zimbabwe operations to zero as a result of the continuing political and economic strife as well as the further decline in crop size.  Other asset impairment charges of $4.6 million relate to assets in Thailand and Greece, primarily machinery and equipment.  The remaining $3.1 million in 2006 relates primarily to employee severance and other integration related charges as a result of the merger.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.   




Debt retirement expense of $1.3 million in 2007 relates to accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs as a result of debt prepayment during the quarter.


Interest expense decreased $4.4 million from $29.6 million in 2006 to $25.2 million in 2007 primarily due to lower average borrowings during the quarter.


Interest income decreased from $2.8 million in 2006 to $2.1 million in 2007 primarily due to a lower weighted average return on cash.


Effective tax rates were an expense of 32.0% in 2007 and 51.4% in 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 32.2% after absorption of discrete items.  For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $2.9 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the quarter of 13.8% to 32.0%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates primarily to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2006, adjustments of $0.4 million were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from an expense of 49.3% to 51.4%.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in income of $0.4 million in 2007 compared to a loss of $0.8 million in 2006 as a result of our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

Sales and other operating revenues.  The decrease of 3.6% from $1,087.1 million in 2006 to $1,048.3 million in 2007 is primarily the result of a 5.1% or 16.5 million kilo decrease in quantities sold partially offset by a 1.5% or $0.05 per kilo increase in average sales prices.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America operating segment increased $24.1 million or 4.1% resulting from an increase in volumes of 8.3 million kilos partially offset by a decrease of $0.03 per kilo in average sales prices.  The return of certain customer sales in the current year is the primary reason for the South America operating segment increases in revenue.  


Other Region.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment decreased $62.4 million or 12.9% primarily as a result of opportunistic sales of U.S. inventories that occurred in the prior year.  The decrease in sales also reflected the exit from the European markets in Greece and Spain and decreased volumes available in Zimbabwe which were partially offset by a substantial increase in Malawi sales due to the resolution of shipping delays that existed in the prior year.  These factors were the primary reasons for the decreases in volumes in the Other Regions operating segment of 24.8 million kilos partially offset by an increase in average sales prices of $0.09 per kilo.


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit decreased $25.7 million or 14.2% from $181.3 million in 2006 to $155.6 million in 2007 and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 16.7% in 2006 to 14.8% in 2007.  


South America Region.  While increased volumes in the current year were able to substantially offset the prior year positive reversal of interstate trade taxes, gross profit in the South America operating segment declined $14.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  This decline is primarily attributable to the cumulative impact of increased 2007 and 2006 crop grower bad debt provisions as well as the continued impact of the strengthening Brazilian real which substantially increased both the 2006 and 2007 crop green and tobacco processing costs.  The 2007 crop is of average quality.  However, as a result of the poor quality of the 2006 crop and the resulting surplus quantities on hand, 2007 crop purchases declined as forecasted.  The decline in market conditions have again increased the estimated grower bad debt provision for the 2007 crop.  These increases have negatively impacted the current year gross profit and will continue to impact gross profit in future quarters relative to 2007 and 2006 crop sales.  


Other Region.  The decrease in gross profit is primarily attributable to two factors within the Other Region operating segment.  First are the prior year non-recurring opportunistic sales of U.S. inventories.  Second is the increased cost of the 2007 burley crop in Malawi that is being sold.  A smaller crop size due to weather, coupled with an increase of competition within the Malawi market, almost doubled the average auction prices for the 2007 crop in Malawi. In addition, the reduced crop size and market share also increased the per kilo processing and overhead costs allocated to the 2007 crop.  Sales price increases negotiated are insufficient to cover these cost escalations and resulted in decreased current year margins. These factors will have a material negative impact on Other Region gross profit as the 2007 Malawi burley crop is sold in future quarters.




Selling, administrative and general expenses decreased $4.2 million or 5.2% from $80.2 million in 2006 to $76.0 million in 2007.  The decrease is primarily due to decreased incentive compensation costs and professional fees partially offset by increased travel expenses.


Other income of $4.2 million in 2007 and $3.5 million in 2006 relates primarily to fixed asset sales.


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $9.7 million in 2007 compared to $22.6 million in 2006.  The costs of $9.7 million in 2007 primarily relate to $6.9 million of restructuring and asset impairment charges related to CdF which was sold subsequently on October 2, 2007.  Of these charges, $6.1 million are impairment charges relating to CdF which considers the currency translation account debit that was previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining $0.8 million of CdF related charges are for employee severance.  The remaining 2007 costs of $2.8 million primarily relate to employee severance charges as we continue the execution of our merger integration plan.  The 2006 costs relate to additional impairment charges of $13.2 million to write down our Zimbabwe operations to zero as a result of the continuing political and economic strife as well as the further decline in crop size.  Other asset impairment charges of $4.6 million relate to assets in Thailand and Greece, primarily machinery and equipment.  The remaining $4.8 million in 2006 relates primarily to employee severance and other integration related charges as a result of the merger.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Debt retirement expense of $3.2 million in 2007 relates to accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs as a result of debt prepayment.


Interest expense decreased $5.1 million from $55.1 million in 2006 to $50.0 million in 2007 due to lower average borrowings.


Interest income increased from $2.8 million in 2006 to $4.3 million in 2007 due to higher average cash balances.


Effective tax rates were an expense of 33.4% in 2007 and 42.7% in 2006.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2008 will be 32.2% after absorption of discrete items.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $4.8 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the quarter of 14.3% to 33.4%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  During the six months ended September 30, 2006, adjustments of $(0.5) million primarily related to tax rate reductions in Turkey were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to decrease the effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2006 from an expense of 44.4% to 42.7%.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in income of $0.4 million in 2007 compared to a loss of $4.6 million in 2006 as a result of our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:


Overview

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

         As of September 30, 2007, we have begun to see a decrease in our seasonal lines as the Brazilian crop comes to a close and repayments on those lines have begun as customer payments are occurring.  Fluctuations in the Brazilian real continue to have an impact on our working capital requirements.  In Asia the Thailand crop is now complete and customer payments are in process.  The market has opened for Indian Mysore crop and we are purchasing further green tobaccos. In Indonesia we continue to purchase, pack and ship the 2007 crops.  Africa has begun shipment of the current crop and invoicing and customer payments are occurring.  Europe continues delivery of the current crop and preparations for the next year crop has begun in the form of crop inputs and farmer advances.  North America is near completion on the Flue Cured market and in the mid point of their working capital needs.


Working Capital

Our working capital decreased from $531.9 million at March 31, 2007 to $466.3 million at September 30, 2007.  Our current ratio was 1.7 to 1 at September 30, 2007 compared to 1.9 to 1 at March 31, 2007.  The decrease in working capital is primarily related to decreases in inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco and increases in notes payable to banks partially offset by increases in cash and other current assets and decreases in accounts payable and income taxes.  These changes are attributable to the purchasing and processing of tobacco in Africa and North America as well as the financing of crops in South America and Europe.   



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


 

As of                             

 

 

 

 

September 30,            

 

March 31,

(in millions except for current ratio)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006 

 

2007   

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

$    129.2 

 

$    14.2 

 

$     80.3

Net trade receivables

 

 

 

228.6 

 

187.2 

 

217.8

Inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco

 

 

 

686.1 

 

832.9 

 

730.3

Total current assets

 

 

 

1,168.5 

 

1,199.0 

 

1,131.6

Notes payable to banks

 

 

 

347.1 

 

258.0 

 

179.1

Accounts payable

 

 

 

147.4 

 

54.8 

 

188.0

Advances from customer

 

 

 

119.9 

 

177.4 

 

125.4

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

702.2 

 

669.4 

 

599.7

Current ratio

 

 

 

1.7 to 1 

 

1.8 to 1 

 

1.9 to 1

Working capital

 

 

 

466.3 

 

529.6 

 

531.9

Total long term debt

 

 

 

576.2 

 

667.4 

 

726.6

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

212.9 

 

235.8 

 

225.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Operating activities

 

 

 

28.8 

 

65.1 

 

 

      Investing activities

 

 

 

10.2 

 

4.9 

 

 

      Financing activities

 

 

 

9.6 

 

(82.2)

 

 


Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $36.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  The decrease in cash provided was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable of $141.6 million, increased income from discontinued operations of $5.0 million, a decrease in net income taxes payable of $10.6 million, a decrease in changes from other operating assets and liabilities of $9.0 million and changes in restructuring of $6.3 million partially offset by lower decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $90.3 million and advances from customers of $44.6 million.


Investing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by investing activities increased $5.3 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  The increase in cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to the prior year’s $5.2 million cash distributed in disposition of our Spanish operations.  


Financing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $91.8 million in 2007 compared to 2006.  This increase is primarily due to a $210.9 million increase in short term borrowings partially offset by a $120.2 million change in long term borrowings.


Debt Financing

We have historically financed our operations through a combination of short-term lines of credit, revolving credit arrangements, long-term debt securities, customer advances and cash from operations.  At September 30, 2007, although we have no material capital expenditure commitments, we do plan to incur approximately $21.0 million in capital expenditures through the remainder of the fiscal year.  We believe that these sources of funds will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for fiscal year 2008.  No cash dividends were paid to stockholders during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  Additionally, from time to time in the future, we may elect to redeem, repay, make open market purchases, retire or cancel indebtedness prior to stated maturity under our senior secured credit agreement or indentures, as permitted therein.

         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of September 30, 2007:


 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

March 31,

September 30,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4) (5)

(in millions except for interest rates)

2007    

2007       

Available

Rate

 

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Revolver

$        -

$         -

$250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Term loan B

145.0

-

-

 

 

 

145.0

-

250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     11% senior notes due 2012

315.0

315.0

-

11.0%

 

315.0 

     8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149.3

149.3

-

8.5%

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

(.2)

150.0 






     Other (1)

10.2

10.2

-

 

 

3.5 

6.7 

 

474.5

474.5

-

 

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

3.3 

471.7 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
       notes due 2012

91.6

92.1

-

12.8%

 

(.6)

(1.2)

(1.4)

(1.6)

(1.9)

98.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long term debt

20.8

13.1

31.5

10.6%

(2)

3.8 

6.2 

1.9 

0.9 

0.3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

179.1

347.1

265.5

6.8%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total debt

$ 911.0

$  926.8

547.0

 

 

$3.1 

$4.9 

$0.4 

$(0.9)

$1.4 

$570.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$ 179.1

$  347.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt current

$     5.2

$      3.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt

  726.7

576.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 731.9

$  579.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$   17.8

$    22.9

10.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total credit available

 

 

$557.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the six months ended September 30, 2007

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  The repayment schedule provides a breakdown by fiscal year for the long term debt outstanding at September 30, 2007.  Short term
       notes payable to banks to be repaid in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 have not been included in the repayment schedule.

 

(5)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       repayments have been adjusted for payments made through September 30, 2007.


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


Senior Secured Credit Facility


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


·

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

·

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


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


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


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

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

·

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

·

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

·

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




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


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


·

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

·

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

·

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

·

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


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

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

          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2007.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315.0 million of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150.0 million of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2007.


Senior Subordinated Notes


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


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $347.1 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $645.5 million.  Additionally against these lines there was $10.0 million available in unused letter of credit capacity with $22.9 million issued but unfunded.


FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS:


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


Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.



 

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

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

 

Foreign exchange rates: Our business is generally conducted in U.S. dollars, as is the business of the tobacco industry as a whole.  However, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the U.S. dollar.  We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown.  Also, in some cases, our sales pricing arrangements with our customers allow adjustments for the effect of currency exchange fluctuations on local purchasing and processing costs.  Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.  We have recognized exchange losses in our cost of goods and services sold of $3.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we have recognized exchange losses of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively in our cost of goods and services sold.

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

 

Interest rates: We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate and variable rate debt in our total debt portfolio.  A 1% change in interest rates would increase or decrease our reported interest cost by approximately $2.6 million and $5.2 million for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.  A substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.


Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In conjunction with the filing of this amended Form 10-Q, as a result of the restatement described in Note 16 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of other members of management, have re-evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)), as of September 30, 2007, and based on this re-evaluation have determined that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting that existed at the end of the second quarter with respect to accounting for income taxes, account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges.  In light of these material weaknesses, the Company performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures to ensure the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements as restated are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly represent in all material respects the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.


Accounting for Income Taxes

The Company’s has concluded that there is a material weakness related to the accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, management identified certain misstatements which related to current and prior periods.  Management evaluated these errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements, individually or in the aggregate.

          Management has concluded that these control deficiencies in accounting for income taxes constitute a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  A material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting is defined as “a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.”


Account Reconciliation

Subsequent to the issuance of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 filed on November 8, 2007, the Company concluded that there was a material weakness related to account reconciliations and identified certain misstatements which related to current and prior periods.  Management evaluated these errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements, individually or in the aggregate.



          Management has concluded that these control deficiencies in account reconciliations constitute a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  A material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting is defined as “a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.”


Accounting for Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

Subsequent to the issuance of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 filed on November 8, 2007, the Company identified errors in its accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges which impact the financial statements in its September 30, 2007 Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q.  The details of the restatement are more fully described in Note 16 “Restatement” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  The Company believes this error resulted from insufficient preparation and review of restructuring and asset impairment analyses on an interim basis.

          Management has concluded that these control deficiencies in accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges constitute a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.  A material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting is defined as “a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.”


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

          As noted above management identified material weaknesses related to accounting for income taxes which was discovered during the second quarter, and account reconciliations and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges which were discovered during the third quarter.  Specifically, there were deficiencies in certain controls in the accounting for income taxes on a quarterly basis and insufficient preparation and review of restructuring and asset impairment analyses on an interim basis.  There were no changes that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report.


Accounting for Income Taxes

In connection with the material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting the Company will implement the following controls:

·

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

·

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

·

Enhancements will be made to the detailed instructions provided to the subsidiary employees to respond to the issues identified in the income tax process;

·

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

·

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


          The Company will initiate a thorough review of the design of the internal controls related to the preparation of income taxes on a quarterly basis.  This review will incorporate an analysis of the current staffing levels, job assignments and the design of all internal controls processes for the accounting for income taxes.


Account Reconciliation

In connection with the material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting the Company plans to take the following remedial measures subsequent to September 30, 2007:

·

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

·

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


Accounting for Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

In connection with the material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting the Company plans to take the following remedial measures subsequent to September 30, 2007:

·

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

·

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




Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

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

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

          The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June, 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim seeks the recovery of €7,377 (US$10,521) plus interest and costs and allegedly arises from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.


Item 1A.    Risk Factors.


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

In connection with our assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, management identified certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting related to accounting for quarterly income tax accounting entries, account reconciliations, and accounting for restructuring and asset impairment charges, which are described herein.  In response to the material weaknesses identified by the Company, the Company has taken certain remedial measures intended to correct the design and operational effectiveness of such internal controls; however, we cannot guarantee that such remedial measures will actually correct the design and operational effectiveness of such internal controls and that in the future we will not discover additional material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.


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

 

None.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.


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


( a )

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on August 16, 2007.

 

 

( b )

The following directors were elected at the meeting:  Robert E. Harrison, B. Clyde Preslar and Norman A. Scher as Class I directors for a three (3) year term expiring in 2010, and C. Richard Green, Jr., as a Class II director for a one (1) year term expiring in 2008.  Prior to the meeting, Mr. Albert Monk withdrew his name from the ballot, and resigned from the Company’s Board.  In addition to those directors elected at the meeting, the following directors remained in office after the meeting:  John M. Hines, Nigel G. Howard, Mark W. Kehaya, Gilbert L. Klemann, II, Joseph L. Lanier, Jr., William S. Sheridan and Martin R. Wade.   

 

 

( c )

The following matters were voted upon at the meeting:  

 

 

(1)

The election of three nominees for director (Messrs. Harrison, Preslar and Scher) to serve as Class I directors until the expiration of their terms in 2010, and one nominee for director (Mr. Green) to serve as a Class II




director until the expiration of his term in 2008; or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.  Each nominee received the following votes:

 

 

 

Nominee

Votes For

Votes Withheld

 

 

Robert E. Harrison (Class I)

73,158,769       

2,348,463       

 

 

B. Clyde Preslar (Class I)

68,175,602       

7,331,630       

 

 

Norman A. Scher (Class I)

73,188,904       

2,318,328       

 

 

C. Richard Green, Jr. (Class II)

73,428,569       

2,078,663       

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008:

 

 

 

Votes For

Votes Against

Abstain

Broker Non Vote

 

 

73,933,321      

1,520,746      

53,165         

0                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

Approval of the Alliance One International, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

Votes For

Votes Against

Abstain

Broker Non Vote

 

 

55,425,074      

9,100,264      

151,332       

1,830,562         

 


Item 5.    Other Information.


None.


Item 6.    Exhibits.

 

3.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alliance One International, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

10.01

 

Consulting Agreement, by and between Alliance One International, Inc. and Brian J. Harker, entered into on August 22, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

10.02

 

Agreement to Amend Employment Agreement, by and between Alliance One International, Inc. and Brian J. Harker, entered into on August 22, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Alliance One International, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 


 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Alliance One International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Thomas G. Reynolds                                           






Date: February 14, 2008

 

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

 

 

 


INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Alliance One International, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

10.01

 

Consulting Agreement, by and between Alliance One International, Inc. and Brian J. Harker, entered into on August 22, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

10.02

 

Agreement to Amend Employment Agreement, by and between Alliance One International, Inc. and Brian J. Harker, entered into on August 22, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

99.1

 

Alliance One International, Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007.