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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9875

 

LOGO

 

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

 

Incorporated under the laws of   I.R.S. Employer
North Carolina   Identification No. 13-1337610

 

2201 MILLER ROAD, WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA 27893

 

Telephone Number 252-291-5507

 

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) had been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

YES x NO ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

YES x NO ¨

 

On February 2, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 13,642,063 shares of common stock ($0.20 par value per share).

 



PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     December 31

   

March 31

2003*


 
     2003

    2002*

   
     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

                        

Cash

   $ 22,031     $ 31,918     $ 26,570  

Receivables

     194,369       168,753       169,550  

Inventories

     280,154       247,701       216,272  

Assets of discontinued operations

     104,629       137,937       142,981  

Prepaid expenses

     6,634       5,242       2,300  

Marketable securities

     1,179       1,191       1,234  
    


 


 


Current assets

     608,996       592,742       558,907  

Property, plant and equipment

     166,085       143,502       146,861  

Investment in affiliates

     8,094       6,641       7,421  

Goodwill

     9,003       9,003       9,003  

Other assets

     36,167       26,739       26,108  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 828,345     $ 778,627     $ 748,300  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES

                        

Short-term borrowings

   $ 271,575     $ 256,206     $ 182,103  

Current portion of long-term debt

     8,508       5,679       5,107  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     114,587       95,465       135,444  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     22,416       26,436       29,164  

Taxes accrued

     15,190       14,888       10,170  
    


 


 


Current liabilities

     432,276       398,674       361,988  

Long-term debt

     83,154       78,914       78,672  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     45,051       45,051       45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     15,536       16,640       13,871  

Deferred income taxes

     4,316       3,894       4,753  
    


 


 


Total liabilities

     580,333       543,173       504,335  
    


 


 


MINORITY INTERESTS

     2,008       1,890       1,840  
    


 


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                        

Preferred stock, $1.65 par value; authorized shares 1,000,000, Issued none

                        

Common stock, $0.20 par value; authorized shares 100,000,000, Issued 16,256,022 (Dec. 02 – 16,109,404; Mar. 03 – 16,110,750)

     3,251       3,222       3,222  

Additional paid-in capital

     111,001       108,391       108,453  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (3,628 )     (3,313 )     (2,991 )

Treasury shares, 2,617,707

     (4,250 )     (4,250 )     (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     160,194       160,961       167,495  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (20,564 )     (31,447 )     (29,804 )
    


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     246,004       233,564       242,125  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 828,345     $ 778,627     $ 748,300  
    


 


 


 

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

 

* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-2-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share data; unaudited)

 

    

Third quarter ended

December 31


   

Nine months ended

December 31


 
     2003

    2002*

    2003

    2002*

 

Sales - tobacco

   $ 191,016     $ 211,455     $ 575,185     $ 568,359  
    


 


 


 


Cost of sales - materials, services and supplies

     159,274       172,920       467,522       452,239  

             - interest

     3,343       3,372       8,586       9,564  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     28,399       35,163       99,077       106,556  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     19,610       16,588       56,918       50,697  

Other interest expense

     615       1,182       3,037       3,276  

Other income (expense) – net

     1,177       1,089       2,176       3,073  
    


 


 


 


Income before taxes

     9,351       18,482       41,298       55,656  

Income taxes

     (2,818 )     (6,508 )     (12,320 )     (20,617 )
    


 


 


 


Income after taxes

     6,533       11,974       28,978       35,039  

Minority interests

     (192 )     —         (53 )     —    

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     105       —         672       100  
    


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     6,446       11,974       29,597       35,139  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (2,815 )     (1,337 )     (33,663 )     (4,636 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     3,631       10,637       (4,066 )     30,503  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     157,755       151,167       167,495       132,812  

Common stock dividends

     (1,192 )     (843 )     (3,235 )     (2,354 )
    


 


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 160,194     $ 160,961     $ 160,194     $ 160,961  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per common share

                                

Basic:

                                

From continuing operations

   $ 0.47     $ 0.89     $ 2.18     $ 2.61  

From discontinued operations

     (0.20 )     (0.10 )     (2.47 )     (0.34 )
    


 


 


 


Net

   $ 0.27     $ 0.79     $ (0.29 )   $ 2.27  
    


 


 


 


Average shares outstanding

     13,631       13,489       13,595       13,447  

Diluted:

                                

From continuing operations

   $ 0.46     $ 0.83     $ 2.05     $ 2.44  

From discontinued operations

     (0.19 )     (0.09 )     (2.21 )     (0.31 )
    


 


 


 


Net

   $ 0.27     $ 0.74     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.13  
    


 


 


 


Average shares outstanding

     15,246       15,088       15,188       15,079  

Dividend declared per common share

   $ 0.0875     $ 0.0625     $ 0.2375     $ 0.175  

 

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

 

* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-3-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Nine months ended

December 31


 
     2003

    2002*

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net income (loss)

   $ (4,066 )   $ 30,503  

Loss from discontinued operations

     33,663       4,636  

Depreciation and amortization

     13,109       12,757  

Minority interest

     53       —    

Deferred income taxes

     (436 )     (24 )

Undistributed earnings of affiliates net of dividends received

     (672 )     (100 )

(Gain) loss on buyback of debt

     —         (17 )

(Gain) loss on disposition of fixed assets

     99       (117 )

Other

     3,474       37  
    


 


       45,224       47,675  

Net changes in working capital other than cash

                

Receivables

     (35,719 )     (32,906 )

Inventories

     (55,507 )     (57,667 )

Current payables

     (39,107 )     (9,426 )
    


 


Cash used for continuing operations

     (85,109 )     (52,324 )

Cash from (used for) discontinued operations

     12,894       (3,277 )
    


 


CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (72,215 )     (55,601 )
    


 


CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Property, plant and equipment - additions

     (27,310 )     (28,455 )

                                                  - dispositions

     283       296  
    


 


Cash used for continuing operations

     (27,027 )     (28,159 )

Cash from (used for) discontinued operations

     1,034       (22 )
    


 


CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (25,993 )     (28,181 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Net change in short-term borrowings

     89,472       123,826  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     13,596       7,645  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (6,961 )     (15,307 )

Buyback of debt

     —         (23,743 )

Dividends paid

     (3,235 )     (2,354 )

Other

     147       32  
    


 


CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     93,019       90,099  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     650       917  
    


 


Increase (decrease) in cash for period

     (4,539 )     7,234  

Cash at beginning of period

     26,570       24,684  
    


 


CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 22,031     $ 31,918  
    


 


Cash payments for - interest

   $ 11,114     $ 10,486  

                               - income taxes

   $ 8,460     $ 16,731  

 

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

 

* Certain amounts reclassified to comply with the current period presentation as a result of discontinuing the wool operations.

 

-4-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The interim statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. The interim period consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company without audit and contain all of the adjustments which are, in the opinion of the management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition and results of operations. All such adjustments are of normal, recurring nature and there were no material changes in accounting policies during the period ended December 31, 2003. Because of the nature of the Company’s business, fluctuations in results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of business trends or results to be expected for other interim periods or a full year.

 

2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

During the last quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company decided to close and dispose of wool units in South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and the specialty fibers business in Holland. By December 31, 2003, the sales of the companies in South Africa and New Zealand, the trade assets of Argentina and the specialty fibers business in Holland had been completed.

 

Despite the decision in fiscal 2002 to shrink our wool division and focus on its core markets while also reducing divisional overheads, trading conditions remained difficult, resulting in continual losses. This is particularly true in the initial processing stages for the apparel industry. Given the continuing uncertainty of an adequate turnaround leading to acceptable returns for our shareholders, during the second quarter of the current fiscal we made the strategic decision to focus on our core tobacco operations. Accordingly, we decided to exit all of our remaining wool operations. These operations are in Australia, UK, Chile, France and Germany. We are currently in discussions with various prospective purchasers for these operations and have identified these assets as held for sale. The wool operating units are available for immediate sale and the expectation is that the exit plan will be completed without significant changes. We expect to complete the process of selling/liquidating these units by September 30, 2004.

 

These wool units are expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition. Once disposed, we will not retain a financial interest and we have not identified any significant contingent liabilities that would delay or significantly alter the plan of disposition. The Company will continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units until disposition, at which time we do not expect to provide any guarantees for the obligations or commitments of the wool units.

 

We have accounted for the sale of the wool units as discontinued operations, in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The results for all periods presented are included in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. As noted above, since the existing debt of the wool units is guaranteed by the Company, we have not included any such debt in liabilities of discontinued operations.

 

The wool trading loss for the quarter and nine months, excluding the loss to discontinue the operations, was $2.8 and $7.0 million, respectively, versus $1.3 and $4.6 million in the prior year periods. The estimated loss on disposition recorded in the nine months to discontinue the wool operation was $26.6 million. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the quarter and nine months was $0.20 and $2.47, respectively, versus a loss of $0.10 and $0.34 in the prior year periods.

 

The estimated loss to discontinue the wool operations of $26.6 million has been recorded in the nine months ended December 31, 2003, as the carrying amount of the net assets of the wool units exceeded the fair value less estimated disposal costs. The fair value was determined based on current negotiations with prospective purchasers and comparisons with other industry transactions.

 

-5-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Revenues and the assets and liabilities for these units were as follows:

 

    

Quarter ended

December 31


   Nine months ended
December 31


(In thousands)    2003

   2002

   2003

   2002

Revenues

   $ 55,196    $ 57,046    $ 136,497    $ 153,437
    

  

  

  

 

     December 31

   March 31
2003


(In thousands)    2003

   2002

  

Receivables

   $ 38,605    $ 44,077    $ 44,493

Inventory

     65,190      65,701      68,883

Other assets

     834      28,159      29,605
    

  

  

Assets

   $ 104,629    $ 137,937    $ 142,981

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     22,416      26,436      29,164
    

  

  

Net assets available for sale

   $ 82,213    $ 111,501    $ 113,817
    

  

  

 

Wool debt guaranteed by the Company not included in discontinued operations was as follows:

 

     December 31

   March 31
2003


(In thousands)    2003

   2002

  

Bank borrowings

   $ 57,718    $ 66,219    $ 74,894

Current portion of long-term debt

     313      845      698
    

  

  

Total current

     58,031      67,064      75,592

Long-term portion of long-term debt.

     195      1,049      248
    

  

  

Total debt guaranteed

   $ 58,226    $ 68,113    $ 75,840
    

  

  

 

3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

    

Quarter ended

December 31


  

Nine months ended

December 31


(In thousands)    2003

   2002

   2003

    2002

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,631    $ 10,637    $ (4,066 )   $ 30,503

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                            

Reclassification for translation adjustment recognized in net income (loss)

     —        —        2,772       —  

Translation adjustment

     4,543      5,110      7,014       12,854

Derivative financial instruments

     110      784      (546 )     882
    

  

  


 

Total comprehensive income

   $ 8,284    $ 16,531    $ 5,174     $ 44,239
    

  

  


 

 

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share has been presented in conformity with SFAS No. 128. The diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and for the nine months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 include the effect of the convertible subordinated debentures, which if converted would have increased the weighted number of shares and net income applicable to common stock. For the quarter ended December 31, 2003, the incremental shares from assumed conversion of convertible subordinated debentures are not included in computing the diluted per share amount because the calculation includes adjustments which are antidilutive. The weighted number of shares were further

 

-6-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

increased by shares subject to employee stock options. Employee stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of common shares were not included in computation of diluted earnings per share.

 

5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company’s derivative usage is principally foreign currency forwards. These contracts typically have maturities of less than one year. As a matter of policy, the Company does not use derivative instruments unless there is an underlying exposure. The Company’s foreign currency forwards have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges under the criteria of SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 133 requires that the effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges be recognized in other comprehensive income, while the ineffective portion be recognized immediately in earnings. The fair value of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2003 was $3.1 million with a notional value of $3.2 million.

 

6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has adopted SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company accounts for stock options under the intrinsic value method of recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss) because all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. As required by SFAS No. 148, the following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, to stock-based employee compensation:

 

    

Quarter ended

December 31


   

Nine months ended

December 31


 
     2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

Net income (loss) (in thousands):

                                

As reported

   $ 3,631     $ 10,637     $ (4,066 )   $ 30,503  

Deduct –Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method of all awards, net of tax

     (69 )     (43 )     (195 )     (120 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma

   $ 3,562     $ 10,594     $ (4,261 )   $ 30,383  
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ 4,170     $ 11,176     $ (2,449 )   $ 32,145  

Deduct –Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method of all awards, net of tax

     (69 )     (43 )     (195 )     (120 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma

   $ 4,101     $ 11,133     $ (2,644 )   $ 32,025  
    


 


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.27     $ 0.79     $ (0.29 )   $ 2.27  

Pro forma

   $ 0.26     $ 0.79     $ (0.31 )   $ 2.26  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.27     $ 0.74     $ (0.16 )   $ 2.13  

Pro forma

   $ 0.26     $ 0.74     $ (0.17 )   $ 2.12  

 

-7-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No. 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and broadens the criteria for recording intangible assets separate from goodwill. SFAS No. 142 uses a non-amortization approach to account for purchased goodwill and certain intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and also requires at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. Intangible assets with finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill was tested for impairment as of the beginning of the year in which the statement was adopted in its entirety. SFAS No. 142 allowed six months from the date the statement was initially applied to complete the first step of the transitional goodwill impairment test. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company completed the process of performing the first step of the transitional goodwill impairment test as of April 1, 2002, and as a result of the test performed, management believes that goodwill was not impaired as of April 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 also requires that goodwill be tested for impairment annually at the same time each year and on an interim basis when events or circumstances change. The Company elected to perform its annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, and any subsequent impairment losses, if any, will be reflected in operating income in the statements of income. The Company completed its impairment test and there was no impairment identified at September 30, 2003 nor any events or changes in circumstances which would indicate an impairment as of December 31, 2003.

 

INTANGIBLES

(In thousands)

   Total

 

At April 1, 2003

   $ 2,330  

Additions

     396  

Less amortized

     (1,164 )
    


Balance as of December 31, 2003

   $ 1,562  
    


 

8. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an Interpretation of ARB No. 51. This interpretation provides guidance related to identifying variable interest entities (previously known as special purpose entities or SPEs) and determining whether such entities should be consolidated. Certain disclosures are required if it is reasonably possible that a company will consolidate or disclose information about a variable interest entity when it initially applies FIN 46. This interpretation will be effective for the Company’s quarter ending March 31, 2004. The Company currently has no investment in or contractual relationship or other business relationship with a variable interest entity and therefore the adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, if the Company enters into any such arrangement with a variable interest entity in the future (or an entity with which we currently have a relationship is reconsidered based on guidance in FIN 46 to be a variable interest entity), the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations will be impacted.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision of FIN 46 (“FIN 46R”) to clarify certain provisions of the standard. FIN 46R requires that FIN 46 be applied to those entities that are considered to be special-purpose entities, no later than the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. The application of FIN 46 to special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. FIN 46R is effective for all variable-interest entities no later than the end of the first interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 46R on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

-8-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

8. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Continued

 

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to provide clarification on the meaning of an underlying, the characteristics of a derivative that contains financing components and the meaning of an initial investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors. This statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except as stated below and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. In addition, except as stated below, all provisions of this statement should be applied prospectively. The provisions of this statement that relate to Statement 133 Implementation Issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003, should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. Some of the provisions of this Statement are consistent with the current definition of liabilities in FASB Concepts Statement No. 6, Elements of Financial Statements. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Accordingly the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 150 on July 1, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

9. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 26, 2001, we were served with a Third Amended Complaint, naming us and other leaf merchants as defendants in Deloach, et al. V. Philip Morris Inc., et al., a suit originally filed against U.S. cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and now pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Greensboro Division (Case No. 00-CV-1235). The Deloach suit is a class action claim brought on behalf of U.S. tobacco growers and quota holders alleging that defendants violated antitrust laws by bid-rigging at tobacco auctions and by conspiring to undermine the tobacco quota and price support program administered by the federal government. In May 2003, we along with several other domestic cigarette manufacturers and tobacco-leaf dealers, entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. Under the agreement, we agreed to pay $7 million for distribution of the class. The total amount paid by all the settling defendants, to the class is approximately $212.0 million, plus commitments by the three settling cigarette manufacturers (1) to purchase certain volumes of domestic flue-cured and burley tobacco for at least 10 years and (2) to pay the fees of plaintiffs’ counsel. The court approved the settlement agreement in October 2003, and we made our agreed payment on October 16, 2003.

 

In October 2001, the Director General - Competition of the European Commission, or DG Comp, began conducting an administrative investigation of certain selling and buying practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy and Greece. We, through our local subsidiaries, are cooperating fully with the investigation and have discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tends to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including our subsidiaries, have jointly agreed with respect to green tobacco prices and purchase quantities. In respect of the Spanish investigation, on December 15, 2003, the DG Comp served on twenty entities within the Spanish leaf tobacco industry, including Standard

 

-9-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

9. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Continued

 

Commercial Corporation (the “Company”) and three of its subsidiaries, a Statement of Objections (the “Statement”) alleging certain infringements of the antitrust laws of the European Union. We are in the process of responding to the Statement and will continue to cooperate in the investigation. Through the Statement, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably late in 2004, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC anticompetition laws. The Company expects that those penalties could be material to the Company’s earnings. DG Comp has, however, indicated that there may be mitigating circumstances resulting from the regulation of the Spanish tobacco market. The Company is currently unable to assess the amount of such penalties, but expects that the mitigating factors in the market, along with its cooperation with the DG Comp, could result in a reduction in any penalties imposed.

 

Except for the above, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are currently involved in any litigation that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity nor, to our knowledge, is any such litigation currently threatened against us or our subsidiaries.

 

10. SENIOR NOTES

 

The 8 7/8 % Senior Notes due 2005 were issued by Standard Commercial Tobacco Co., Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company and Standard Wool, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Guarantors”), jointly and severally, guarantee on a senior basis, the full and prompt performance of the Issuer’s obligations under the terms of the indenture. Management has determined that full financial statements of the Guarantors would not be material to investors and such financial statements are not provided. The following supplemental combining financial statements present Information regarding the Issuer and the Guarantors.

 

-10-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                               

Cash

   $ 883     $ 255     $  —      $ 20,893     $ —         22,031  

Receivables

     26,505       18       —        167,846       —         194,369  

Intercompany receivables

     106,325       21,414       —        59,651       (187,390 )     —    

Inventories

     69,265       —         —        210,889       —         280,154  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —        104,629       —         104,629  

Prepaid expenses

     3,883       (456 )     —        3,207       —         6,634  

Marketable securities

     —         1       —        1,178       —         1,179  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current assets

     206,861       21,232       —        568,293       (187,390 )     608,996  

Property, plant and equipment

     39,996       —         —        126,089       —         166,085  

Investment in subsidiaries

     189,577       254,458       —        160,660       (604,695 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —        8,094       —         8,094  

Other noncurrent assets

     (1,157 )     13,590       —        32,737       —         45,170  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total assets

   $ 435,277     $ 289,280     $  —      $ 895,873       ($792,085 )   $ 828,345  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Liabilities

                                               

Short-term borrowings

   $ 39,798     $ —       $  —      $ 231,777     $ —       $ 271,575  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —        8,508       —         8,508  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     17,752       1,540       —        95,295       —         114,587  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —         —                22,416       —         22,416  

Intercompany accounts payable

     31,609       3,436       —        152,345       (187,390 )     —    

Taxes accrued

     10,349       (10,343 )     —        15,184       —         15,190  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Current liabilities

     99,508       (5,367 )     —        525,525       (187,390 )     432,276  

Long-term debt

     65,177       —         —        17,977       —         83,154  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     —         45,051       —        —         —         45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     9,612       1,047       —        4,877       —         15,536  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,480 )     (428 )     —        6,224       —         4,316  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities

     172,817       40,303       —        554,603       (187,390 )     580,333  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —        2,008       —         2,008  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                               

Common stock

     993       3,251       —        148,765       (149,758 )     3,251  

Additional paid-in capital

     130,860       111,001       —        60,564       (191,424 )     111,001  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (882 )     (655 )     —        (2,091 )     —         (3,628 )

Treasury stock at cost

     —         (4,250 )     —        —         —         (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     135,577       160,194       —        152,342       (287,919 )     160,194  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4,088 )     (20,564 )     —        (20,318 )     24,406       (20,564 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     262,460       248,977       —        339,262       (604,695 )     246,004  
    


 


 

  


 


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 435,277     $ 289,280     $  —      $ 895,873       ($792,085 )   $ 828,345  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

-11-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Third Quarter ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ 69,510     $ —       $  —      $ 165,066     ($43,560 )   $ 191,016  

Cost of sales:

                                             

Materials services and supplies

     57,974       —         —        144,860     (43,560 )     159,274  

Interest

     583       —         —        2,760     —         3,343  
    


 


 

  


 

 


Gross profit

     10,953       —         —        17,446     —         28,399  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     11,632       (5,732 )     —        13,710     —         19,610  

Other interest expense

     1,110       544       —        (1,039 )   —         615  

Other income (expense) net

     1,083       (169 )     —        263     —         1,177  
    


 


 

  


 

 


Income (loss) before taxes

     (706 )     5,019       —        5,038     —         9,351  

Income taxes

     307       (1,907 )     —        (1,218 )   —         (2,818 )
    


 


 

  


 

 


Income (loss) after taxes

     (399 )     3,112       —        3,820     —         6,533  

Minority interests

     —         —         —        (192 )   —         (192 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —        105     —         105  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     3,733       3,334       —        —       (7,067 )     —    
    


 


 

  


 

 


Income from continuing operations

     3,334       6,446       —        3,733     (7,067 )     6,446  

Discontinued operations

     3,365       (2,815 )     —        3,365     (6,730 )     (2,815 )
    


 


 

  


 

 


Net income

     6,699       3,631       —        7,098     (13,797 )     3,631  

Retained earnings at beginning of period

     128,878       157,755       —        145,244     (274,122 )     157,755  

Common stock dividends

     —         (1,192 )     —        —       0       (1,192 )
    


 


 

  


 

 


Retained earnings at end of period

     135,577       160,194       —        152,342     (287,919 )     160,194  
    


 


 

  


 

 


 

-12-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Nine months ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc. (Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-

Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ 153,454     $ —       $ —       $ 598,659     $ (176,928 )   $ 575,185  

Cost of sales:

                                                

Materials services and supplies

     127,300       —         —         517,150       (176,928 )     467,522  

Interest

     969       —         —         7,617       —         8,586  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     25,185       —         —         73,892       —         99,077  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     18,350       (2,757 )     —         41,325       —         56,918  

Other interest expense

     3,708       2,431       —         (3,102 )     —         3,037  

Other income (expense), net

     3,544       (350 )     —         (1,018 )     —         2,176  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) before taxes

     6,671       (24 )     —         34,651       —         41,298  

Income taxes

     (2,496 )     9       —         (9,833 )     —         (12,320 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) after taxes

     4,175       (15 )     —         24,818       —         28,978  

Minority interests

     —         —         —         (53 )     —         (53 )

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —         672       —         672  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     25,437       29,612       —         —         (55,049 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     29,612       29,597       —         25,437       (55,049 )     29,597  

Discontinued operations

     (10,030 )     (33,663 )     16,551       (10,030 )     3,509       (33,663 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     19,582       (4,066 )     16,551       15,407       (51,540 )     (4,066 )

Retained earnings (deficit) at beginning of period

     123,495       167,495       (16,551 )     136,935       (243,879 )     167,495  

Common stock dividends

     (7,500 )     (3,235 )     —         —         7,500       (3,235 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Retained earnings at end of period

   $ 135,577     $ 160,194     $ —       $ 152,342       (287,919 )   $ 160,194  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-13-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine months ended December 31, 2003

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

     Standard
Commercial
Tobacco
Co. Inc.
(Issuer)


    Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Guarantor)


   Other
Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

   Total

 

Cash used for operating activities

   $ (2,597 )   $ (4,211 )   $  —        (65,407 )   $  —      $ (72,215 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                                              

Property, plant and equipment

                                              

- additions

     (7,504 )     —         —        (19,806 )     —        (27,310 )

- disposals

     —         —         —        283       —        283  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Net cash used for continuing operations

     (7,504 )     —         —        (19,523 )     —        (27,027 )

Net cash from discontinued operations

     —         —         —        1,034       —        1,034  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used for investing activities

     (7,504 )     —         —        (18,489 )            (25,993 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        13,596       —        13,596  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (6,961 )     —        (6,961 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     18,021       —         —        71,451       —        89,472  

Dividends received /( paid)

     (7,500 )     4,265       —        —         —        (3,235 )

Other

     —         147       —        —         —        147  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by financing activities

     10,521       4,412       —        78,086       —        93,019  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        650       —        650  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for year

     420       201       —        (5,160 )     —        (4,539 )

Cash at beginning of year

     463       54       —        26,053       —        26,570  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 883     $ 255     $  —      $ 20,893       —      $ 22,031  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ 3,318     $ 1,615     $  —      $ 6,181            $ 11,114  

Income taxes

     —         1,180       —        7,280              8,460  

 

-14-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2002

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


    Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Guarantor)


    Other
Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Assets

                                                

Cash

   $ 598     $ 137     $ —       $ 31,183     $ —         31,918  

Receivables

     16,770       3       —         151,980       —         168,753  

Intercompany receivables

     124,197       35,199       —         11,497       (170,893 )     —    

Inventories

     83,603       —         —         164,098       —         247,701  

Assets of discontinued operations

     —         —         —         137,937       —         137,937  

Prepaid expenses

     2,578       382       —         2,282       —         5,242  

Marketable securities

     —         1       —         1,190       —         1,191  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Current assets

     227,746       35,722       —         500,167       (170,893 )     592,742  

Property, plant and equipment

     34,890       —         —         108,612       —         143,502  

Investment in subsidiaries

     152,869       244,040       15,132       156,064       (568,105 )     —    

Investment in affiliates

     —         —         —         6,641       —         6,641  

Other noncurrent assets

     1,238       14,015       —         20,489       —         35,742  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 416,743     $ 293,777     $ 15,132     $ 791,973       ($738,998 )   $ 778,627  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities

                                                

Short-term borrowings

   $ 54,968     $ —       $ —       $ 201,238     $ —       $ 256,206  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —         —         5,679       —         5,679  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     13,395       1,925       —         80,145       —         95,465  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     —         —                 26,436       —         26,436  

Intercompany accounts payable

     40,898       14,276       906       114,813       (170,893 )     —    

Taxes accrued

     7,096       (4,410 )     —         12,202       —         14,888  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Current liabilities

     116,357       11,791       906       440,513       (170,893 )     398,674  

Long-term debt

     65,177       —         —         13,737       —         78,914  

Convertible subordinated debentures

     —         45,051       —         —         —         45,051  

Retirement and other benefits

     9,570       990       —         6,080       —         16,640  

Deferred income taxes

     (1,710 )     (376 )     —         5,980       —         3,894  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities

     189,394       57,456       906       466,310       (170,893 )     543,173  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Minority interests

     —         —         —         1,890       —         1,890  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Shareholders’ equity

                                                

Common stock

     993       3,222       32,404       166,365       (199,762 )     3,222  

Additional paid-in capital

     130,860       108,391       —         60,564       (191,424 )     108,391  

Unearned restricted stock plan compensation

     (779 )     (556 )     —         (1,978 )     —         (3,313 )

Treasury stock at cost

     —         (4,250 )     —         —         —         (4,250 )

Retained earnings

     110,959       160,961       (15,102 )     129,982       (225,839 )     160,961  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (14,684 )     (31,447 )     (3,076 )     (31,160 )     48,920       (31,447 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     227,349       236,321       14,226       323,773       (568,105 )     233,564  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and equity

   $ 416,743     $ 293,777     $ 15,132     $ 791,973       ($738,998 )   $ 778,627  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-15-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Third quarter ended December 31, 2002

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard
Commercial
Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


    Standard
Commercial
Corporation
(Guarantor)


    Standard
Wool Inc.
(Guarantor)


    Other
Subsidiaries
(Non-
Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ 58,612     $ —       $ —       $ 210,785     $ (57,942 )   $ 211,455  

Cost of sales:

                                                

Materials services and supplies

     47,881       —         —         182,981       (57,942 )     172,920  

Interest

     232       —         —         3,140       —         3,372  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     10,499       —         —         24,664       —         35,163  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     4,214       1,253       —         11,121       —         16,588  

Other interest expense

     1,963       826       —         (1,607 )     —         1,182  

Other income (expense), net

     30       2,699       —         (1,640 )     —         1,089  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before taxes

     4,352       620       —         13,510       —         18,482  

Income taxes

     (1,662 )     (236 )     —         (4,610 )     —         (6,508 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income after taxes

     2,690       384       —         8,900       —         11,974  

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     8,900       11,590       —         —         (20,490 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     11,590       11,974       —         8,900       (20,490 )     11,974  

Discontinued operations

     —         (1,337 )     (1,337 )     (42 )     1,379       (1,337 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     11,590       10,637       (1,337 )     8,858       (19,111 )     10,637  

Retained earnings (deficit) at beginning of period

     99,369       151,167       (13,765 )     121,124       (206,728 )     151,167  

Common stock dividends

     —         (843 )     —         —         —         (843 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Retained earnings (deficit) at end of period

   $ 110,959     $ 160,961     $ (15,102 )   $ 129,982     $ (225,839 )   $ 160,961  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-16-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

Nine months ended December 31, 2002

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


   

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-Guarantors)


    Eliminations

    Total

 

Sales

   $ 156,127     $ —       $ —       $ 603,779     $ (191,547 )   $ 568,359  

Cost of sales:

                                                

Materials services and supplies

     126,387       —         —         517,399       (191,547 )     452,239  

Interest

     582       —         —         8,982       —         9,564  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Gross profit

     29,158       —         —         77,398       —         106,556  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     11,121       4,490       —         35,086       —         50,697  

Other interest expense

     5,691       2,518       —         (4,933 )     —         3,276  

Other income (expense), net

     109       7,115       —         (4,151 )     —         3,073  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income before taxes

     12,455       107       —         43,094       —         55,656  

Income taxes

     (4,741 )     (32 )     —         (15,844 )     —         (20,617 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income after taxes

     7,714       75       —         27,250       —         35,039  

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     —         —         —         100       —         100  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     27,350       35,064       —         —         (62,414 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income from continuing operations

     35,064       35,139       —         27,350       (62,414 )     35,139  

Discontinued operations

     —         (4,636 )     (4,636 )     (3,340 )     7,976       (4,636 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

     35,064       30,503       (4,636 )     24,010       (54,438 )     30,503  

Retained earnings (deficit) at beginning of period

     75,895       132,812       (10,466 )     106,426       (171,855 )     132,812  

Common stock dividends

     —         (2,354 )     —         (454 )     454       (2,354 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Retained earnings (deficit) at end of period

   $ 110,959     $ 160,961     $ (15,102 )   $ 129,982       (225,839 )   $ 160,961  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

-17-


STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine months ended December 31, 2002

(In thousands; unaudited)

 

    

Standard

Commercial

Tobacco Co.

Inc.

(Issuer)


   

Standard

Commercial

Corporation

(Guarantor)


   

Standard

Wool Inc.

(Guarantor)


  

Other

Subsidiaries

(Non-Guarantors)


    Eliminations

   Total

 

Cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ (7,830 )   $ 8,548     $  —        (56,319 )   $  —      $ (55,601 )

Cash flows from investing activities Property, plant and equipment

                                              

- additions

     (18,207 )     —         —        (10,248 )     —        (28,455 )

- disposals

     3       —         —        293       —        296  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used for continuing operations

     (18,204 )     —         —        (9,955 )     —        (28,159 )

Cash used for discontinued operations

     —         —         —        (22 )            (22 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash used for investing activities

     (18,204 )     —         —        (9,977 )            (28,181 )
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash flows from financing activities:

                                              

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        7,645       —        7,645  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         —         —        (15,307 )     —        (15,307 )

Net change in short-term borrowings

     43,049       —         —        80,777       —        123,826  

Buyback of long-term debt

     (18,952 )     (4,791 )     —        —         —        (23,743 )

Dividends paid

     —         (2,354 )     —        —         —        (2,354 )

Other

     —         (1,345 )     —        1,377       —        32  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     24,097       (8,490 )     —        74,492       —        90,099  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         —        917       —        917  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Increase (decrease) in cash for year

     (1,937 )     58       —        9,113       —        7,234  

Cash at beginning of year

     2,535       79       —        22,070       —        24,684  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Cash at end of period

   $ 598     $ 137     $  —      $ 31,183       —      $ 31,918  
    


 


 

  


 

  


Interest

   $ 4,560     $ 1,633     $  —      $ 4,293            $ 10,486  

Income taxes

     1,281       7,760       —        7,330              16,371  

 

-18-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Consolidated Results of Operations (in thousands)

 

    

Third Quarter Ended

December 31


   

Nine Months Ended

December 31


 
     2003

    2002

   

Increase /

(Decrease)


    2003

    2002

   

Increase /

(Decrease)


 

Sales

   $ 191,016     $ 211,455     $ (20,439 )   $ 575,185     $ 568,359     $ 6,826  

Gross profit

     28,399       35,163       (6,764 )     99,077       106,556       (7,479 )

Selling general and administrative expenses

     19,610       16,588       3,022       56,918       50,697       6,221  

Income taxes

     2,818       6,508       (3,690 )     12,320       20,617       (8,297 )

Income from continuing operations

     6,446       11,974       (5,528 )     29,597       35,139       (5,542 )

Loss from discontinued operations

     (2,815 )     (1,337 )     1,478       (33,663 )     (4,636 )     29,027  

Net income (loss)

     3,631       10,637       (7,006 )     (4,066 )     30,503       (34,569 )

 

Executive Summary

 

In general, the supply/demand models for flue-cured and burley styles of tobacco indicate a relatively balanced position globally. There is still an oversupply condition for the oriental styles. Most of the oriental oversupply is held by the Turkish monopoly.

 

The Euro has continued to strengthen against the dollar during the course of this fiscal year. While most tobacco sales are denominated in dollars, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, may be incurred in local currency.

 

The company has completed the construction and start-up of a new joint-venture processing facility in Indonesia in the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

 

Discontinued operations

 

During the last quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company decided to close and dispose of wool units in South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and the specialty fibers business in Holland. By September 30, 2003, the sales of the Companies in South Africa and New Zealand, the trade assets of Argentina and the specialty fibers business in Holland had been substantially completed.

 

Despite the decision in fiscal 2002 to shrink our wool division and focus on its core markets while also reducing divisional overheads, trading conditions remained difficult, resulting in continual losses. This is particularly true in the initial processing stages for the apparel industry. Given the continuing uncertainty of an adequate turnaround leading to acceptable returns for our shareholders, we have made the strategic decision to focus on our core tobacco operations. Accordingly, during the second quarter of the current fiscal year we decided to exit all of our remaining wool operations. These operations are in Australia, UK, Chile, France and Germany. We are currently in discussions with various prospective purchasers for these operations and have identified these assets as held for sale. The wool operating units are available for immediate sale and the expectation is that the exit plan will be completed without significant changes. We expect to complete the process of selling/liquidating these units by September 30, 2004.

 

These wool units are expected to incur additional operating losses until final disposition. Once disposed, we will not retain a financial interest and we have not identified any significant contingent liabilities that would delay or significantly alter the plan of disposition. The Company will continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units until disposition, at which time we do not expect to provide any guarantees for the obligations or commitments of the wool units.

 

-19-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

We have accounted for the sale of the wool units as discontinued operations, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The results for all periods presented are included in the consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations. As noted above, since the existing debt of the wool units is guaranteed by the Company, we have not included any such debt in liabilities of discontinued operations.

 

The wool trading loss for the quarter and nine months, excluding the loss to discontinue the operations, was $2.8 and $7.0, million respectively, versus $1.3 and $4.6 million in the prior year periods. The estimated loss of disposition recorded for the nine months to discontinue the wool operation was $26.6 million. The basic loss per share for the discontinued operations for the quarter and nine months was $0.20 and $2.47, respectively, versus a loss of $0.10 and $0.34 in the prior year periods.

 

The estimated loss to discontinue the wool operations of $26.6 million has been recorded in the nine months ended December 31, 2003, as the carrying amount of the net assets of the wool units exceeded the fair value less estimated disposal costs. The fair value was determined based on current negotiations with prospective purchasers and comparisons with other industry transactions.

 

Continuing operations

 

Sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2003 were $191.0 million, a decrease of 9.7% from $211.5 million a year earlier. For the nine months sales were up 1.2% from $568.4 million to $575.2 million. Volume for the current quarter was down 8.3% and was level for the nine months when comparing with the prior year periods. The average sales value per kilo for the current quarter was down 3.6% and for the nine months was up 1.2% over the prior year periods. Shipments for the quarter from Brazil, China, Italy, Kenya and Zimbabwe were lower than prior year period due to increased shipments in earlier quarters and reduced quantities available from Brazil and Zimbabwe due to lower crops. For the nine months lower shipments from Greece, Spain, the US and Zimbabwe were offset by increased shipments from Argentina, Italy, Thailand and Turkey.

 

Gross profit for the quarter and nine months was $28.4 million and $99.1 million versus $35.2 million and $106.6 million, respectively, in the prior year periods. The variances were mainly due to sales mix and reduced margins in European tobaccos due to approximately 21% appreciation of Euro against the US Dollar. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter and nine months were higher than the prior year periods. For the quarter these were mainly due to inflationary increases of $0.8 million, the effect of the weak dollar against other currencies in which certain expenses were incurred of $0.7 million, legal and professional fees of $0.6 million, pension and medical expenses of $0.4 million and $0.5 million relating to new operations in Indonesia and Malawi. For the nine months, these were mainly due to inflationary increases of $2.5 million, the effect of the weak dollar against other currencies in which certain expenses were incurred of $2.0 million, legal and professional fees and expenses relating to new operations of $1.3 million and pension and medical expenses of $0.8 million. The reduction in other income (expense)—net was mainly due to reduced interest income during the current nine months and to the fact that the prior period nine months included insurance recoveries.

 

The effective tax rate decreased to 30.1% and 29.8% for the current quarter and nine months from 35.2% and 37.0% respectively, in the corresponding periods a year earlier. This was due to the payment of withholding taxes on dividends from subsidiary companies in the prior year periods and variances in tax rates in areas where profits were earned or losses were incurred.

 

Income from continuing operations for the quarter and nine months was $6.4 million and $29.6 million, respectively, versus $12.0 million and $35.1 million in the prior year periods. The basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the quarter was $0.47 versus $0.89 in the prior year period. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the nine months was $2.18 versus $2.61 in the prior year’s period.

 

-20-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

The net income for the quarter was $3.6 million and the net loss for the nine months was $4.1 million or $0.27 and $(0.29) per share basic versus net income for the quarter and nine months after the discontinued operations in the prior year periods of $10.6 million and $30.5 million or basic earnings per share of $0.79 and $2.27 respectively.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

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

 

(in millions, except for current ratio)    Nine months ended
December 31


  

Year ended

March 31

2003


     2003

   2002

  

Cash

   $ 22,031    $ 31,918    $ 26,570

Short-term borrowings

     271,575      256,206      182,103

Working capital

     176,720      194,068      196,919

Current ratio

     1.41 : 1      1.49 : 1      1.54 : 1

Long-term debt

     128,205      123,965      123,723

Capital expenditures

     27,310      28,455      36,223

Depreciation and amortization expense

     13,109      12,757      16,886

 

Working capital at December 31, 2003 was $176.7 million, a decrease of $17.4 million compared to $194.1 million a year earlier. Capital expenditures during the 2003 nine months of $27.3 million consisted of routine capital expenditures mainly in the U.S., Indonesia, Italy, Malawi, Brazil and Turkey. Cash used for operating activities during the period totaled $72.2 million mainly due to seasonal increases in inventories of $55.5 million, receivables of $35.7 million and reduction in payables of $39.1 million and partly offset by net cash flows from discontinued operations. We continue to closely monitor our inventory levels, which fluctuate, depending on seasonal factors and the timing of deliveries to customers.

 

On August 26, 2002, our major tobacco subsidiaries amended their global revolving bank credit facility. The facility was decreased from $230.0 million to $210.0 million. The maturity date was extended from July 31, 2003 to July 31, 2005. Financial covenants and other terms and conditions were essentially unchanged. Borrowings under the facility continue to be guaranteed by us and are secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrowers. Certain debt agreements to which we and our subsidiaries are parties contain financial covenants that could restrict the payment of cash dividends. Under the most restrictive covenant, we had approximately $44.8 million of retained earnings available for distribution as dividends at December 31, 2003.

 

We continue to guarantee the debt of the wool units up to their actual disposition and accordingly have not included the wool debt in the liabilities of discontinued operations. At December 31, 2003, this amounted to $58.2 million. We believe that the disposition of the wool operations will not have a material impact on our overall liquidity needs. Based on the outlook for the business for the next twelve months, we anticipate that we will be able to service the interest and principal on our indebtedness, maintain adequate working capital and provide for capital expenditures out of operating cash flow and available borrowings under our credit facilities.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have tobacco purchase obligations that result from contracts with growers to buy either specified quantities of tobacco or the grower’s total tobacco production. This is a normal and routine practice in our industry in some areas, notably South America. At December 31, 2003 we had contractual obligations with tobacco growers in Brazil to purchase tobacco for approximately $88.0 million.

 

-21-


Item 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION (Continued)

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements in this report that are not purely statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions, and actual results could be affected in a material way by many factors, including ones over which we have little or no control. These include changes in timing of shipments, weather, demand for and supply of leaf tobacco and wool, tobacco litigation or legislation, customer consolidations, changes in general economic conditions, political risks and changes in government regulations. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, copies of which are available upon request from us. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003, we are exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign exchange and interest rates. These exposures are actively monitored by management. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we enter into derivative financial instruments. The objective is to reduce, where we deem appropriate, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. It is our policy and practice to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures. Our market risk has not changed substantially since March 31, 2003.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

  (b) No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

-22-


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On February 26, 2001, we were served with a Third Amended Complaint, naming us and other leaf merchants as defendants in Deloach, et al. V. Philip Morris Inc., et al., a suit originally filed against U.S. cigarette manufacturers in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and now pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Greensboro Division (Case No. 00-CV-1235). The Deloach suit is a class action claim brought on behalf of U.S. tobacco growers and quota holders alleging that defendants violated antitrust laws by bid-rigging at tobacco auctions and by conspiring to undermine the tobacco quota and price support program administered by the federal government. In May 2003, we along with several other domestic cigarette manufacturers and tobacco-leaf dealers, entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. Under the agreement, we agreed to pay $7 million for distribution of the class. The total amount paid by all the settling defendants, to the class is approximately $212.0 million, plus commitments by the three settling cigarette manufacturers (1) to purchase certain volumes of domestic flue-cured and burley tobacco for at least 10 years and (2) to pay the fees of plaintiffs’ counsel. The court approved the settlement agreement in October 2003, and we made our agreed payment on October 16, 2003.

 

In October 2001, the Director General – Competition of the European Commission, or DG Comp, began conducting an administrative investigation of certain selling and buying practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy and Greece. We, through our local subsidiaries, are cooperating fully with the investigation and have discovered and voluntarily disclosed information which tends to establish that a number of leaf dealers, including our subsidiaries, have jointly agreed with respect to green tobacco prices and purchase quantities. In respect of the Spanish investigation, on December 15, 2003, the DG Comp served on twenty entities within the Spanish leaf tobacco industry, including Standard Commercial Corporation (the “Company”) and three of its subsidiaries, a Statement of Objections (the “Statement”) alleging certain infringements of the antitrust laws of the European Union. We are in the process of responding to the Statement and will continue to cooperate in the investigation. Through the Statement, DG Comp intends to impose, where appropriate and probably late in 2004, administrative penalties on the entities it determines have infringed the EC anticompetition laws. The Company expects that those penalties could be material to the Company’s earnings. DG Comp has, however, indicated that there may be mitigating circumstances resulting from the regulation of the Spanish tobacco market. The Company is currently unable to assess the amount of such penalties, but expects that the mitigating factors in the market, along with its cooperation with the DG Comp, could result in a reduction in any penalties imposed.

 

Except for the above, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are currently involved in any litigation that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, or liquidity nor, to our knowledge, is any such litigation currently threatened against us or our subsidiaries.

 

-23-


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION Continued.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit #

  

Description


11       Computation of earnings per common share
31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
32       Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

  November 6, 2003 under Item 12 to report the September 30, 2003 fiscal quarter operating and financial results.

 

  November 13, 2003 under Item 5 to report that the Board of Directors had approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0875 per share on our common shares and the appointment of H. Carl McCall to our Board of Directors.

 

  December 19, 2003 under Item 5 to report that in respect of the Spanish investigation, on December 15, 2003, the Director General – Competition of the European Commission served on twenty entities within the Spanish leaf tobacco industry, including us and three of our subsidiaries, a Statement of Objections (the “Statement”) alleging certain infringements of the antitrust laws of the European Union and we are in the process of responding to the Statement and will continue to cooperate in the investigation.

 

-24-


SIGNATURES

 

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

 

       

STANDARD COMMERCIAL CORPORTATION

(Registrant)

Date: February 9, 2004       By:  

/s/    Robert E. Harrison

             
               

Robert E. Harrison

Chief Executive Officer

            By:  

/s/    Robert A. Sheets

               
               

Robert A. Sheets

Chief Financial Officer

 

-25-